Groundhogs
Author's Note: Fun, little Tiva drabble about Groundhog Day (February 2nd) although this is not in the NCIS holiday series! Set around season 4, when Ziva is still new to the American holidays.
Disclaimer: Don't own NCIS or the characters, just the plot idea!
"Tony?" asked Ziva across the bullpen, where Tony and Tim were wrestling over Tim's computer. "What is this groundhag thing you are talking about?"
Tony looked at her in horror, and his eyes flickered to Tim's.
"Do you not know what Groundhog Day is?!" he asked. "The Groundhog day?"
"No." replied Ziva, "Do you... eat them? Um, celebrate them?"
"Why would we?" questioned Tim.
"Because you are American." replied Ziva, "McGee you put ranch and bacon on your fries."
"Well, some people do that. Most people prefer mustard, or ketchup. Or cheese fries." said Tony, sniffing. "We should get In-And-Out for lunch."
"But what is it? What is Groundhog day?" asked Ziva, rolling her eyes.
"We sacrifice a live groundhog." said Tony, "And then it tells us-"
"Don't listen to him." grumbled McGee, "The holiday is actually a bit bogus. It was started by the Pennsylvania Dutch, and they believe that on February 2nd, a groundhog will emerge from it's burrow. If it sees it's shadow, it will retreat back his den and winter continues for another 6 weeks. If not, Spring has arrived."
Ziva curled her lips in surprise. "Americans do... this?"
"Oh yeah." said Tony, "Its a tradition, Zi-va."
Ziva snorted. "More like another reason for you and your immature friends to go out and chug a few beers?"
"Nah, that was college." said Tony, waving it off.
"Well, I never really celebrated this holiday," said Tim, "I'm Irish you-"
"Blah blah, McBoring. And we never 'chugged beers', we played beer pong." said Tony, grinning widely. "I miss that."
Ziva raised an eyebrow. "Even better, she drawled. "Beer pong. Such an American game. You play with red cups, yes?"
"You got that part right. Red solo cups." mumbled Tim. "I don't even think I played it at MIT."
"Who would play beer pong there, Tim boy? Was the library full everyday? Did you all look like-" said Tony excitedly.
"Tony!" exclaimed Ziva, "Don't be rude."
"Not possible." grumbled Gibbs, strolling into the bullpen, "He's always rude."
"Hey boss, dead body?" asked Tony.
"Just you." replied Ziva. "In a few minutes."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Very funny, David."
"I'm just saying. You Americans have a holiday for quite possibly everything!" said Ziva, shrugging.
Tony jumped up. "NO!" he screamed.
"What?" asked Tim, "What."
"I missed National Kazoo Day." said Tony, sighing. "I always loved that holiday."
"There is a National... Kazoo Day? What is a kazoo?" said Ziva, frowning.
"It's a really annoying thing ya blow into." grumbled Gibbs, sipping on his coffee.
"So it's... Oh okay." said Ziva. "I cannot believe there is a day for that."
"Welcome to America." said Tony, grinning. "Home of the whacky holidays and weird people."