NCIS Season 11 Episode 2, "Past, Present and Future" bids goodbye to Cote de Pablo and Ziva David. Tiva fans are treated to a Ziva-Tony kiss, but Ziva insists she must go. The good news is, she is alive and well - and can return for special appearances in the future.

Spoiler Alert: This feature contains spoilers for those who have yet to see NCIS Season 11 Episode 2, "Past, Present and Future."

Cote de Pablo's Exit is Told Through Ziva David's Need for Some Soul-Searching and Healing

Michael Weatherly, who plays Tiva's Tony DiNozzo, has earlier teased fans that Ziva's farewell episode will feel like Christmas. Fans could only relate the holiday to the much-awaited Tiva kiss.

Ziva: Tony. You are so...
Tony: Handsome? Funny? What?
Ziva: Loved.

NCIS Season 11 Episode 2, "Past, Present and Future" takes a closer look into the story of Ziva David. As if unravelling a gift before letting it go, viewers got deeper into Ziva's core just when she is about to leave.

"I have to do this alone. I have to let go of everything, or I will be pulled back to where I started," Ziva tells Tony, convincing him that leaving is the best way she could heal.

Why is Cote de Pablo Leaving NCIS?

Fans are quick to speculate that Ziva has to heal the wounds she's buried for so long. She's lost her family, her brother died in her hands, and she's not been home a long time. Tiva fans hope that Ziva would return one day - when Tony's life hangs in the balance. Cliché, but it makes for a romantic reunion.

Cote de Pablo has remained secretive about the real reason she's leaving NCIS. The actress says she's doing it for personal reasons. Her co-actors, the NCIS showrunners, and the network's bosses were surprised by her decision. But they are nonetheless keeping Ziva David alive.

""I feel like I am leaving my family. What I want to say most of all is thank you to the fans," Cote de Pablo had said in a statement.

NCIS Season 11: Who Will Replace Ziva David?

NCIS exec producer Gary Glasberg had earlier said the first two episodes of NCIS Season 11 is all about Ziva's departure. She will not be immediately replaced to allow the Tiva fans to breathe.

"In the third episode we introduce, for instance, a woman in her 50s who is a few days away from retirement and just needs to fill the desk time," Glasberg earlier told TV Line.

Ziva's replacement is "fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward. She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She's traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home," reports Michael Ausiello of TV Line.

Emily Wickersham, "The Sopranos" alum, is reportedly stepping into NCIS Season 11 as Bishop, ZIva's replacement.

Check out the slideshow for Tiva and NCIS Season 11 fandom posts on Twitter and Tumblr. "Past, Present and Future" marks the end of Cote de Pablo's 8-year tenure in NCIS, but Tiva fans are hopeful that Cote would one day reprise her Ziva David role.

More 'NCIS Season 11' and TV Guide Features:

NCIS Season 11 Episode 1 Recap, 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot' Spoilers; Cote De Pablo Hints Ziva David Might Return [PHOTOS, VIDEO]
Breaking Bad Funny Memes Trending: 'Don't Cry Because It's Over, Smile Because It Didn't End Like Dexter' [MORE]
How I Met Your Mother Season 9, Episode 3 Review: Top 5 Highlights Recap; Barney Stinson Reveals a 'New York Shocker' to Ted Mosby [PHOTOS]

Twitter New York