Tiva: A Love Story

Chapter title: Finally

Author: tivamcabby5

Rating: T

Disclaimer: NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. I do not own NCIS or any of its characters, but the story is mine.

Some spoilers for Season 7

Note: this is the revised edition of this chapter

Tony stormed into the men's room, only to find the main cause of his problems leaning against the wall, tapping their foot.

"This is the men's room, Zee-vah. For men," he explained. "Not for crazy ninja chicks."

"Something is worming you, Tony," she said, ignoring his comment.

"Bugging. Something is bugging me," he replied, leaning on the sink.

"And what is wrong?" she asked, concerned.

"You, Ziva. Ever since you got back from Somalia, you haven't been the same."

"People change, Tony."

"I know that," he said, looking away. "I just miss the old Ziva."

"It is still me, Tony," she said, gently placing her hand on his cheek and turning his head towards her, forcing him to make eye contact.

"I just wish it could be the same, Zi."

"So do I, Tony. So do I," she said, looking deep into his bright green eyes.

"So why can't it be the same?"

"Tony, you know what I went through with Saleem this past summer. I had a lot of time to think then and-" she began but was interrupted.

"Ziva…when I said I couldn't live without you…I meant that…" he said, staring at her. "Ziva…Ziva, I love you. I really truly do."

"Tony, I have loved you ever since I first met you, and I always will," she said, stepping closer to him.

They stared into each other's eyes and leaned in. They closed their eyes and crushed their lips together. All of the feelings they had kept locked up for years suddenly broke free. Tony lifted Ziva up onto the counter and continued to kiss her. Otherwise occupied and with their eyes closed, neither Tony nor Ziva noticed the bathroom door open.

Gibbs, stunned at first, quickly recovered and quietly made his way over to the urinal. Tony and Ziva, still passionately kissing, did not notice him. Gibbs washed his hands and grabbed a paper towel. He tossed it into the garbage and walked towards the door.

Pausing for a moment, he turned and looked at the kissing couple. He shook his head and let out a little laugh. "Finally," he said, closing the door behind him.