AN: Just to get our spirits up, I'm going to fast forward to a couple of Season 7 eps, so this may or may not be cannon. You might also want to read the first chapter of my other story, which is entitled "Hugging Impulses", because you'll be encountering a reference to it in this.
Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah.
Warning: Spoilers for Season 7.
Summary: Tony wishes Ziva good luck while McGee's in the room with them.
McGee's POV
It was just innocent.
It was just an impulse.
But whatever it was, it was very un-Tony.
I mean, he does like women. But he's over that now; he's past the stage of liking women simply for their looks. It has been 5 years, after all.
But a particular Israeli Ninja simply isn't like any other women.
That's why I'm surprised that he's not dead yet.
It was this morning, when I came in early (nothing unusual with that), when I stepped into the bullpen, and no one's there. Well, aside from Tony. For Tony to come to arrive before any of us? That's weird.
We went to the nearest coffee shop and after we ordered our drinks, I addressed the elephant in the room.
"You seem antsy," I asked and took a sip of my drink.
Tony took a deep breath. "It's nothing. Just kind of nervous." Tony wrung his hands.
"Because…?" I inquired further.
"Today's Ziva's citizenship test."
Oh shit.
Who wouldn't be nervous?
But I put that aside. My nervousness aside. For the sake of my addled friend.
"She's gonna make it, Tony. She studied hard enough."
"I know that. Just couldn't help being…nervous."
When we got back to the office, Ziva was already sitting at her desk, and as expected, studying.
"Good morning, Zee-vaaah." Tony greeted his—whatever she was to him— and handed her a cup of tea. It was obvious that he was trying to hide the nervousness in his voice by prolonging the pronunciation of Ziva's name. I just had to smirk at it….not because it was like Tony's form of endearment for Ziva (it's not safe to say that, really.) It was just because Tony's uneasiness is a spectacle I'd like to see more often.
"Toda, Tony." She replied, and Gibbs strolled into the room, also with a cup of coffee.
"Gear up, dead marine in Rock Creek Park." Another day, another dead marine. At least it's Friday. Couldn't complain any more.
So, we gathered our stuff and hurried to the elevator. That is, until Gibbs stopped me and Ziva from getting in.
"McGee, you're staying with Ziva." He said sternly.
"But Gibbs—" Ziva argued.
Gibbs cast her a pointed look and added, "You are going to study for that exam, Ziva. Can't afford for ya to fail."
"But—"
"That's an order." The elevator doors closed.
We stalked back to our tables but then, the elevator dinged open to reveal Tony. He was running and, thankfully, he stopped before he collided with Ziva.
It was indeed a close call; he would have knocked themselves onto the floor if he had not stopped on time.
Tony took a staggering breath. "Just wanna wish you good luck."
I looked at them with amusement on my face.
Pure amusement that got replaced by sheer horror when he looked at her like that, cupped her face, and kissed her on the forehead.
I might have overreacted. And I know I shouldn't have been surprised, because I know Something is going on between them.
But I was. I couldn't help it.
Tony just kissed a woman—of all women, Ziva—in the squad room. And even if it was only on the forehead, damn. This is Tony we're talking about. This is Ziva who is involved.
And Tony had said before that if there's one thing Ziva didn't like, it would be physical contact with him.
I don't know. And I'm not going to overanalyze. Ziva let it slip.... for now.
Maybe she didn't let it bother her for now. Inspiration, maybe?
Tony's kiss as inspiration? Encouragement? Oh well—
"Hey Probie," Tony called out, effectively snapping myself out of my headspace. "Take care of her for me while I'm not here, will ya?"
I was about to refuse, but with his glare that could rival Gibbs', I shut my mouth.
"Thanks. I owe you big time. Remind me to buy you lunch for a week." He added before he went back downstairs.
If that's what I'd get in return, then I'd gladly look after His Ninja.
Review?
