Fluff warning!
Okay, I know there will be about three million tags to this episode, and I really hate being super cliché and doing what everyone else is doing, but I like to take inspiration and run with it rather than stifle it, so here it comes!
It goes without saying (as it was noted in the summary when one clicks this story) but there are spoilers for Shell Shock, Part 2. Actually, nothing that actually happened in the episode is explicitly mentioned, but it's quite implicit and you should watch that if you want to make sense of this.
As usual, disclaimed.
Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Piece
Tears were still running down Ziva's cheeks as she ran out of the NCIS building and to the parking lot, where Tony was just about to reach his car. She broke into an almost run to catch up to him, breaking the silence with a pensive, "Tony."
He stopped and turned around. Before he was able to respond, Ziva had caught up to him. She wrapped her arms around him, planting her lips on his with a firm resolve.
He had no choice but to react. He could tell she was emotional - the way she spoke his name was evidence of that - but of all the reasons she'd have followed him out here, this was not one of the ones he'd imagined. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss.
Ziva couldn't explain what it was she was feeling at that exact moment. She just knew that someone who could do something for her, something so special, should be treasured. An overwhelming swelling feeling rose up inside her, and she felt herself clinging tightly to him, kissing him with all she had. Never before had she wanted to just share a moment with someone.
Tony reached his arms to Ziva's face and cupped her cheeks, tenderly wiping the tears that were still streaming down her face. He pulled back slightly, breathlessly, their foreheads touching and their eyes locked, searching. He saw a myriad of emotions when he looked at her: gratitude yet sorrow, serenity yet uncertainty, strength yet vulnerability.
"Thank you," she whispered, the tears beginning to well up anew, even amidst her gracious smile.
Unable to think of how to respond that wouldn't sound trite, he merely murmured, "You're welcome," as a response. She smiled knowingly. So much that could be said that didn't need to be. Not now. "Did you enjoy it?" he asked.
"It was lovely," she responded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You were right, it was not the same as the live version, but this one …" she paused, lost in thought, "this one … was very special."
Tony pulled her back into his arms, wrapping her in a strong hug. She tucked her head beneath his chin and let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. She let him hold her there for what seemed like several minutes, but was probably merely seconds.
"Come on, Ziva," he said, pulling away, "I'll drive you to Thanksgiving dinner." He squeezed her hand before finally breaking the connection between them, unlocking his car so they could enjoy good food with good friends. As Ziva slid into the car beside her partner, she knew without a doubt what she was most thankful for.
I think this is my shortest piece ever. But this is truly all that needed to be said.
I'll admit to having watched a lot of Friends lately, and I was inspired by the episode when they all watch the prom video as Ross prepares to take Rachel out because she thought her date had stood her up, and after she sees it, rushes across the room to just plant one on him.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! (And in case I don't write again beforehand, Merry Christmas, too!)
