A/N: First Zabby fic I've ever written? And I'm quite proud of it? Even though its rather short. It's set after 7x01, after Ziva is rescued from Salim.
Disclaimer: I definitely don't own NCIS, or any of its characters. I wish I did though, I'd like to take credit for Abby freakin Sciuto.
Ziva David was a friend. Ziva David was a lover. Ziva David cared, especially for those people around her. Ziva David maybe cared too much. Ziva David was bold, and always spoke her mind. Ziva David was fierce, unafraid of anything, willing to beat anyone down with her bare hands. Ziva David laughed with her friends, and sometimes even went out for drinks. Ziva David was happy. Ziva David loved her friends fearlessly, even if she didn't always show it. Ziva David had a zest for life.
Ziva David is dead.
Ziva David is dead, has died, and in her place is the woman she became. The woman who is no longer Ziva David, because she is none of the things Ziva was. The things Ziva once was have died, leaving what's left of what used to be Ziva wishing for death.
This new woman is afraid, cautious, paranoid even. This new woman does not speak much, only when spoken to, and keeps her thoughts to herself. She does not go out much, and prefers to stay at home, curtains drawn. She does not laugh. She does not touch other people, nor does she let anyone touch her. This new woman does not love. She does not feel much of anything, but fear and loathing. This new woman is empty.
No, Ziva David is no longer.
But there is Abby Sciuto.
Abby Sciuto, with her bright smile to contradict her dark sense of style, and rasping voice that is usually occupied with saying something science-y. Abby Sciuto, who gives hugs, even when they are unwelcome. Abby Sciuto, who is perceptive enough to understand that Ziva David is dead. Abby Sciuto, who sees through the empty woman who inhabits the body Ziva David used to. Abby Sciuto, who refuses to give up, and let go of Ziva David.
Abby Sciuto, who is slowly bringing Ziva David back from the dead, dragging her unceremoniously from her grave. Abby Sciuto, who is taking the empty woman who used to be Ziva David and giving her things to fill herself with, like memories, and smiles, and feelings (feelings that give the empty woman confusion to add to the mix).
Abby Sciuto, who loved Ziva David. Who loves the empty woman. Who will love what becomes of the empty woman when she finds Ziva David again.
No, there is no longer any Ziva David.
But there is an Abby Sciuto, Ziva David's other half.