Hi guys, to fill the void while I wait for season 7 to begin, I decided to write another story. It's slightly different, and slightly AU but because it's me, it's filled with angst. ;) Please feel free to post some feedback to let me know whether or not I should continue.

As Time Went By…

The Concept

Tony gets offered a promotion, leading his own team in Rota, Spain; the same job he turned down a few years ago. He takes the job, leaving Washington and a broken hearted Ziva behind. 5 years later, when a dead Mossad officer washes up with a dead navy Seal he comes face to face with Ziva, who is now the Director of Mossad's European Affairs, and finds everything has changed…except one thing, his feelings for Ziva. However, Tony already has a fiancée ready to walk down the aisle and Ziva has her own secrets, involving Tony's senior field agent. Why did Tony leave Washington 5 years ago? And why did he not stay in touch with the team? All will hopefully be revealed…

Main Characters

Tony Dinozzo, 44: Tony has been the team leader of his own team in Rota, Spain for the last five years and has settled in quickly to Spanish life, including becoming engaged to local girl Carmela. When he bumps into Ziva, he suddenly realises what he's been missing but is it too late to find happiness?

Ziva David, 33: When Tony left Washington; Ziva remained for two years before being lured back to Mossad. Now Ziva's in charge of Mossad's European operatives and has changed as a result. Unlike Tony, she is still in touch with the NCIS gang back in Washington. When she meets Tony, she's determined not to give into her old feelings; she has moved on…or at least that's what she thinks.

Arielle 'Elle' Cohen, 27: Arielle, or 'Elle' is Ziva's official assistant although Ziva treats her like a partner. Elle is a human chameleon and has many sides to her; she's an assassin, investigator, computer whiz, forensic scientist and most of all, a loyal friend to Ziva. She knows all about Ziva's past with Tony.

Garrett Finley, 32: Garrett is American, a serial womaniser and the senior field agent of Tony's team. He constantly clashes with fellow team member and 'probie' Kendall Hickey but has great investigative skills and is the weapons expert on the team. He has a past with Ziva.

Kendall Hickey, 25: Hardnosed but slightly innocent Kendall, originally from England, only joined Tony's team a year ago. She is the profiler of the team, as well as the I.T. whiz and sketch artist, with amazing attention to detail, thanks to her photographic memory.

Milo Sanchez, 29: Spanish Milo is the Medical Examiner and forensic analyst of Tony's team. He's extremely easy going.

Carmela Lopez, 26: Local girl Carmela met Tony on the night of her 25th birthday and hasn't been without him since. They got engaged within 6 months of meeting and they are set to get married within the next few months. Has she finally cured commitment phobic Tony?

Hari Bishon, 34: Mossad Control Agent Hari is one of Ziva's closest allies, having shared her childhood but Tony can't help but feel intimidated by their close relationship, unaware that Hari is gay.

Guest Characters

Timothy McGee, 36: Once the 'Probie', McGee is now the senior field agent of Gibbs' team and is happily married to Abby for the last three years, with a 2 year old daughter called Tabitha Ziva McGee and another child on the way.

Abby Sciuto-McGee, 34: Abby is still the forensic scientist at the NCIS headquarters in D.C. but not for long as she'll soon be heading on maternity leave for her second child with husband Timothy McGee. She already has one daughter – Tabitha Ziva McGee – whose honorary Godparents are Gibbs and Ziva.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, 57: The leader of his own team in Washington, Gibbs relaxed his 'Rule number 12' after the fall out from Tony's promotion to let two team members (McGee and Abby) finally give into their love.

Prologue

5 years ago…Tony's apartment

Tony sat on his sofa, cradling an opened, but full bottle of beer in his hands; his head, resting against the cushion, staring at the ceiling. He had been sitting there the last 30 minutes, processing earlier conversations with both Gibbs and the Director.

Tony and Gibbs stood before Director Vance's desk in his office, where Vance sat. "My own team?" Tony muttered. "In Spain?"

"You're more than ready Tony." Director Vance stated. "This is the second time this opportunity has come up for you but it will be the last if you don't accept it."

Tony looked over at his boss. "It's a good opportunity Dinozzo." Gibbs simply stated. "And the Director is right, it'll not happen again. You're getting a second chance, most agents don't get that."

"But Spain?" Tony questioned.

"Tony, is there a reason you're reluctant to leave Washington?" Director Vance asked.

"Well I…" Tony stuttered. Yes, he did have a reason to stay; and she was down in the bullpen waiting for him; his partner and more recently, his secret lover Ziva. He couldn't tell Gibbs or Vance this; they were, after all, breaking the rules. "I guess…no."

"Good." Director Vance said. "Your flight leaves Thursday."

"Thursday?" Tony spat in shock.

"Tony, things move fast in Europe, we need you there now." Director Vance stated.

"Right." Tony muttered.

"You can go now." Director Vance ordered.

Tony just simply nodded his head and followed Gibbs out of the office. He glanced at his boss; he was remarkably quiet for just hearing he was losing his senior field agent. "Gibbs, doesn't this seem a little fast?" Tony finally said. "I mean, I barely have time to pack, never mind say my goodbyes."

"They're your orders Tony, you have to follow them." Gibbs simply answered.

"But…" Tony began to protest.

"No buts Dinozzo!" Gibbs snapped, spinning around to face Tony; taking him by surprise. "What did you think would happen when you broke the rules?"

"I didn't break any rules!" Tony argued.

"Oh really?" Gibbs scoffed. Tony followed his gaze, towards McGee's desk below, where Ziva was standing, laughing at something McGee was saying.

"That I can explain…" Tony began.

"Tony, save it!" Gibbs spat. "I was trying to save you two a lot of hurt but no, you couldn't stick to one simple rule!"

"And who is going to save her from the hurt of me leaving?" Tony asked, his gaze drifting between Ziva and Gibbs.

"She's better getting a little hurt now rather than 6 months down the line when you decide you're bored playing house!" Gibbs barked.

"I wouldn't…get bored." Tony stated, his voice faltering slightly at the end.

"Please Dinozzo, this is you we're talking about." Gibbs scoffed.

"Hey!" Tony argued but he gave up the fight when he saw the look in Gibbs eyes. He knew Gibbs was right; he'd probably hurt Ziva sooner or later. "So um, do I just walk away and say nothing?"

"That's your choice." Gibbs retorted and headed down the steps towards the bullpen.

"Some choice." Tony muttered, finally lowering his head to stare at the now warm beer in his hands.

His apartment door opened, revealing Ziva, carrying a large pepperoni pizza and interrupted his thoughts. "Tony, I know Little Joe's is your favourite pizzeria but those queues…I was waiting for 50 minutes." She simply stated.

Tony looked over at her and couldn't help but smile. She was wearing jeans and a simple white tee. Her long dark hair was straight and tied back, exposing her red, flustered face.

"But it's worth the wait, I promise." He stated, finally getting up off the sofa to take the pizza from her. He took the pizza from her, ignoring the offer of her cheek for a quick kiss and carried the pizza into the kitchen.

"So things looked very intense between you and Gibbs after your meeting with the director." Ziva said, trying to brush off the fact that Tony avoided giving her a peck on her cheek. "Is there anything I should know?"

"What do you mean?" Tony asked as pulled off a slice of pizza and sat down at the breakfast bar.

"I thought, maybe Gibbs had discovered our little secret." Ziva replied, resting her hands on the breakfast bar.

Tony scoffed nervously. "Of course not." He managed to reply.

"So what did the director want?" Ziva asked, her eyes watching Tony.

He put down the pizza and began to clean his hands on a napkin. "I um…I've been offered a promotion." Tony finally answered.

"Oh, Tony!" Ziva squealed as she embraced him for a hug, the pride she felt radiating through her smile.

"Yep…I've been given my own team…in Spain." Tony managed to spit out.

"Wait! Spain?" Ziva asked, pulling back, her eyes filled with questions.

"Yep, I leave in a few days." Tony answered breezily, trying to ignore his rapid heartbeat.

"A few days?" Ziva spat.

"Yeah I know…it's pretty quick but things move fast there." Tony said, getting up off the stool at the breakfast bar and heading towards the sink. He was doing everything he could to avoid Ziva's eyes.

"Tony, when were you going to talk to me about this?" Ziva asked, following him.

"Well since you brought it up…I guess now." Tony answered, getting himself a drink of water. "Although, there really isn't anything to talk about…the decision's made…I'm heading to Spain."

"Just like that?" Ziva asked. "Without even thinking what this means for us?"

"What us Ziva? The team?" Tony asked, still refusing to look at her. He knew what he meant but he was desperately trying to deflect the question.

"No Tony…I meant us…and the fact we have been sleeping together for the two months!" Ziva snapped, grabbing his shoulder, forcing him to turn around and face her. "I thought you would consider us before you would make such a decision."

"C'mon Zee, you know me and you was just a little fun." Tony retorted, trying to do the best lying of his life. "I mean…this is my career we're talking about." He cringed as he saw tears forming in Ziva's eyes; a rarity for Ziva. It was breaking his heart to see her like this but it had to be done.

"Fun…we were just fun." Ziva quietly muttered, her head down.

"C'mon Ziva…I thought you understood how things were with us." Tony said. "I mean…it's me."

"Oh, I understand completely!" Ziva hissed as she finally looked up. The tears had now disappeared from her eyes; replaced by a steely glare. "A cheetah never changes his spots."

"It's leopard actually." Tony couldn't help but correct.

"Same difference!" Ziva barked. She began walking towards the door. Tony felt the need to follow.

"Look Zee, you really were my best partner." He stated, trying to do some damage control as Ziva opened the door. "I really hope we can stay friends."

Ziva scoffed and spun around to face him. "Friends?" She laughed. She shook her head and looked him straight in the eye. "I would not treat my worst enemies the way you treated me. I hate you Tony Dinozzo."

At that, Ziva stepped out of the apartment and slammed the door behind her. Tony fell against the closed door, his actions now hitting him as a few tears built up in his eyes. "Yeah, well I love you Ziva David." He quietly muttered.

To be continued…if you want!

First chapter preview…It's five years into the future

Please let me know what you think. I know the prologue was a bit slow moving (and slightly out of character) but it was needed to create the history I need when the story finally jumps into the future. So, shall I keep going?