Title: Christmas Love is in the air
Author: Chocolatery
Rating: M (for future chapters)
Pairings: Tony D. and Ziva D.
Characters: No other characters involved
Category: Friendship, Love, Romance
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Characters are all their's, storyline is all mine. If NCIS belonged to me I knew where Tony and Ziva would be! And I wouldn't have to look for a job.....
Spoilers: Story plays from Faith (Episode 7.10, so be warned!)
Summary: Christmas brings joy and laughter to all. But what will it bring for Tony & Ziva?
Author's note: Just a little Tiva Fluff/Smut. I'll have to admit that I really don't think Tony nor Ziva are ready for this yet, although it seems as though the writers want to let us think Ziva isn't still being haunted by the torture she's been through. Let's play pretend for now and pretend that she's all over it.
Author's note 2: Everything in Italic is a thought.
Christmas love is in the air
Chapter 1 Being different
"That was a really nice gift you gave Dolores, Tony." Ziva said, the fake fire light sparkling in her eyes.
"Thanks." he murmured, studying his shoes. "You inspired me, you know." he said hesitantly with a quick glance at her face before averting his eyes again.
"I inspired you, huh? Well, I have had to push you for it, but the result is wonderful. Dolores was truly happy with her gift."
"Yeah, you were right. I should have known, you know?" he said.
"Known what?" she asked.
"That you were the one who could make me do this." he stated.
"Because I know several ways to kill you with a paperclip?" she asked innocently.
"Well, there's that. And because you're the only who could." he said.
"Hmm, the killing, yes?" she asked
"That, and you're the only one who could make me search for such a gift." he said.
"Why?" she asked.
"Cause you're different." he stated, a serious look on his face.
"I'm different?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
"Yes, you are." he stated.
"I don't believe you." she said.
"I'm not kidding!" He said defensively. "You really are different."
"Well, I guess you'll have to find a way to convince me, then." she said teasingly.
"I have to convince you? Okay, I'll take you up on that challenge!" he said. 'That should be easy.' he thought, a smirk playing around his lips.
"A challenge it is, then. Are you sure you are fit to that?" Ziva asked.
"It's "up to that", Sweet Cheeks. And you bet I'm up to that." He was thinking about the plans he'd already made for that night. "You know what? Why don't you come over at my place tonight? And I'll show you that I can convince you of this inspiration." he said. He didn't expect that she'd take him up on the offer, but he could always try, right?
"Tonight? At your place? Don't you have somewhere to go, Tony? It IS Christmas Eve after all." Ziva replied.
"Are you backing out now? Now that's a not a good sport." he said.
"What's not good sport? Backing out? I've never heard about that sport." She asked confused.
"That's because it's not a sport. It's phrase saying that you're giving up on the challenge. Are you?" He asked.
"Am I what?"
"Already giving up on the challenge?"
"Oh, no. You are on it mister. And don't you dare... back out, yes?" she said.
"I wouldn't dare, Sweet cheeks." he chuckled. 'This Christmas Eve is going to be ….. really different then previous ones.' he thought while packing his things.
'Different, yeah, right. As if I should believe that.' she thought. 'But I'll let him try to convince me. We will have a nice night. And it beats spending this night alone.' She packed her things and started walking to the elevator.
"So, seven at my place?" Tony asked quickly.
"Sure." she replied before pressing the button.
He took his gun and badge out of the drawer and dashed to the elevator, just in time to catch it. They stepped in and while Ziva pressed the button for the parking lot, Tony admired his view while he stood behind her. 'Still looking great.' he thought. "Oh, Ziva?"
"Yes, Tony?"
"Wear something.... Classy." he said, a smirk on his face.
She merely raised her eyebrows.
"Please?" he added. "It's a special night. It's Christmas Eve after all." He flashed her his devilish grin.
"A special night, huh?" she asked grinning. "Classy, I think I can manage that." she said, thinking of a certain dress in her closet.
"Good." he said.
The elevator doors opened and they walked to their cars.
He looked at her driving away in her mini. 'Good that we managed to save that car for her.' he thought, when the sight of it reminded him about the last summer when the local police had asked what they had to do with the car. McGee and he had decided they'd keep it safe for Ziva's return. While slowly driving away from the parking lot he took out his cell phone and called the restaurant where he'd made dinner reservations.
"Luigi's Place, how can I help you?" a pleasant voice on the other side said.
"Bella Donna, it's Tony."
"Tony, buona sera. Are you still coming tonight?" Donna asked.
"Yes, I'm coming and I'm bringing a friend. Do you have a table for two?" he asked.
"For you? Always, Tony." Donna checked the reservations and decided right there and then that a couple who had made reservations for two would have to be content with the table she'd give them. "Do you want me to put an extra name down, Tony?" she asked curious. They'd always make reservations on multiple names in case the party wouldn't arrive all together at once.
"No, she's coming with me." he said.
"Okay, still the same time?" she asked.
"We might be a bit later. A few things got late here at work, so I think eight o'clock will be fine.
"Sure, no problem. We'll see you at eight."
"Thanks, Donna. You're wonderful!"
"Anything for you Tony." she said smiling.
"Oh, and Donna, could you ask Mamma Lucia if she can make something kosher?"
"Is she Jewish, Tony?" Donna asked amazed.
"That she is, Donna." Tony confirmed.
"Okay, Mamma Lucia has several kosher dishes, so that should be easy." Donna reassured him.
"Thanks, Donna. I'll see you tonight!" Tony ended the call and drove home.
Donna walked into the kitchen. "Mamma Lucia!" she called.
"Yes, hun. What's up?" Lucia answered. She had several kids with Luigi at home and she loved them. And to top it, here in the restaurant several of their employees felt like their kids. And thus Mamma Lucia it was.
"Tony's coming tonight."
"Yeah," she said, "and like every year on Christmas Eve he's alone. That darn father of his."
"Ah," Donna started, "this is year is different, Mamma Lucia."
"Different?" Lucia asked.
"Yes," Donna said smiling, "he's bringing a friend. A lady friend."
"He is? Oh, wow. That's different. He hasn't brought a date since....?" she thought for a moment but couldn't come up with a date.
"I don't think he has ever brought a date here." Donna said thoughtful.
"Or in Baltimore." Lucia added softly with glittering eyes.
"You're right! Oh, wow. That IS different." Donna said. "Oh, and one more thing. She's Jewish." she added.
"Then let's make sure we've got a proper meal for the both of them, shall we?" Lucia asked.
Donna smiled and walked back into the restaurant.