Disclaimer: I have NO claim to NCIS or their characters.

Summary: Tony realizes that love is right under his nose (Tiva)

Title: Then, The Elevator Door Opened.

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CHAPTER ONE: One door closes ...

When The Elevator Doors Closed…

Tony's POV

I remember the exact moment when I lied to Jeanne Benoit … then, the elevator doors closed. That closed a chapter in my life … my love life. Since then, I haven't been able to seal the deal … you know what I mean. I mean, I really did love her, probably the first time in my life. I was in love. Now, Jenny's gone, Jeanne's gone and most nights, I'm either alone or at a bar, not wanting to be alone. I always leave alone … can't seal the deal, but then again, no one matches up to Dr. Jeanne Benoit.

Then … the elevator door opened.

They say that you can look everywhere … including under a rock, but usually what you are looking for is right under your nose. She was and always has been. Many times, she's actually looking under a rock. In fact, right under my nose. Problem is, she's my partner. Officer David … not David like the guys name, it's Dah - veed. Officer Dah-veed. She's beautiful, smart and can kill a man twelve different ways with a paperclip … cool, huh?

We've been through a lot together. Jeanne, believe it or not. She tried to talk to me. She saw my inner turmoil and she tried her hardest to not only be my friend, but butcher the English language along the way. Jenny. Her death hit me hard. We had grown close through the whole La Grenouille case … I let her down. During that case I fell in love with my mark. In LA, I should have listened to Ziva. We should have followed her. She may still be alive today if it weren't for me. I carry that with me. Ziva understands that, she doesn't blame me or share my guilt. I won't allow it … it's mine and mine alone. I know that sounds bad of Ziva, but we've talked … she knows where I stand. She wanted to tail the director … I wanted to have fun. I need and want to grow up.

Back to the elevator doors … it was like a revelation. I like her … yes. Was I in love with Ziva? Oh yeah. She's gonna kick my ass when I tell her.

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Next up: Ziva's POV. Thanks for reading ... hope you enjoyed it!