NCIS ~ I Will Love You Thru Everything

chapter 38 - dinner

Tony pulled up outside Ziva's apartment. He quickly got out, hiding something behind his back. As he walked up the walk, Ziva peeked thru the curtain. Her face lit up when she spotted Tony. As he opened the door and came in, she threw her arms around him. "I love you, Tony," she breathed, with her arms around him. Tony held her back. While his free hand gently set his surprise down on the stand, his other entwined around her waist and pulled her in. The kiss was passionate and lasted several minutes. Tony chuckled as it ended. "I can't even walk through the door without being all over you," he laughed. Ziva smiled, her lips still on his. "Ask me if I mind.."she murmered. From the look on her face, Tony gathered that she didnt mind.

When they finally separated, Tony reached for what was on the stand. Ziva was speechless when he pressed roses into her hand and then slipped a separate wrist corsage on her. She looked at them..they were beautiful. Deep red with perfect petals. "Thank you, Tony..these are beautiful. I am thank that--" she realized she was mixing her words and stopped for a moment. "Thank you for making me feel like a princess." She looked at Tony's face, and he looked right back. "You are my princess, and I love you, Ziva." he whispered while looking into her deep brown eyes.

After a few moments, Tony grabbed Ziva's hand. "Are you ready to celebrate? I have one last surprise!" he led her out to the car. He then helped her in and got in the drivers side. Ziva giggled. "Where are we going, Tony?" she asked curiously. He didn't answer. "Tony! You are being very secretive..Just tell me!" she begged playfully. He gave her a mischievous look and held up a finger to her lips. "Shhh.." he warned. He drove a few minutes more, then pulled over. He let her out, then took her hand. "Close your eyes," he instructed. Ziva obediently closed them amd then felt herself being pulled along a path. She knew they were somewhere in the middle of the city..where could Tony be taking her?!

"Tony, what are we doing!" she laughed as he hurried her along. Finally, Tony stopped. He put his hands over Ziva's eyes and walked her a few steps more. "Alright..open!" he removed his hands. It was almost dusk.

Ziva opened her eyes and gasped.  They were in a clearing in the woods. Tony had paper lanterns strung in the bushes, and tiny candles burning in mason jars. In the middle of the clearing was a table and two chairs. The table had two tall candles burning side by side. Red ribbons were strung here and there, and the ground around the table sparkled. Tony had tossed glitter on the ground to make it shimmer.

On the table were two plates with food on it. Fancy silverware was set up.

Ziva stood stock still and stared at everything. It was all so incredibly beautiful. And Tony had done this for her, for them.

She turned to look at Tony and found him directly in front of her all of a sudden. "Don't say anything," he murmured. Ziva started to speak, but he gently stopped her. "I love you with all my heart, Ziva David. When you were in the hospital, it shook me. Shook me to my very center. I realized if you died...I had no center. No real purpose in life, other than to drift again. You complete me and give me a reason to wake up in the morning; you inspire me put one foot forward over and over.." He drifted off. Tony gently kissed her forehead. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and make every moment count."

All of a sudden, soft music started playing. "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes drifted out of unseen speakers. Tony smiled to himself and slipped the remote control back in his pocket, then slowly started dancing with Ziva. Her head was on his shoulder.

They slowly moved to the music..the lyrics spill out..'Your beauty's deeper than the makeup, and I wanna show you what I see tonight..when I wrap you up, when I kiss your lips..'

Ziva's arms tightened around Tony. I am so in love with this man. I do not want to leave his arms..she thought to herself.

Eventually the song ended, and they finally made their way to the table. The food had got slightly cold, but niether Tony or Ziva minded.

After a few more slow dances, the candles started to flicker and die. Ziva sighed as they broke apart. It had been an absolutely beautiful, breathtaking, night. She would never forget this.

As she began to pick up the things, Tony stopped her. "I'll come back and get the things tomorrow," he told her. Ziva looked surprised. "Aren"t you afraid someone will mind? This is state property, after all.."

Tony smiled and linked their fingers together. "Actually..Last week I went and bought this acre. I've been clearing little spots for us to have memories in. And my area is completely fenced in and private." he told her. Ziva's face lit up. "Tony, I am in love with you.."she admitted. "I cannot wait to be married to you, either." she added.

Tony chuckled as they got into the car. Me neither, Ziva. Me neither," he thought to himself.

He took her home and dropped her off at her door. She kissed him goodnight, and told him she loved him. "Thank you for an amazing night..I love you, Tony."

Ziva meant this with all of her heart. Tony was the love of her life, and now she could be with him freely.

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