One More Day

Disclaimer: I do not own and am not affiliated with NCIS, CBS or any of its properties. Though I wish I did and then I'd bring back Ziva!

Author's note: This story is my version of Ziva's missing time over the summer and a possible explanation for her leaving. I do not reveal her mission but I do know what I would do for her mission. This story is simply a cathartic release. I hope everyone enjoys. And may we see Ziva's beautiful face on NCIS again as a regular.

He found her in a dirty little motel room in Brazil. She wasn't there for Mossad or NCIS, he'd already found that out, but she was there for someone; she just wouldn't say who. Her hair was wild and untamed and her fingers were covered in black grease. She wore dark cargo pants and an oversized grey top that bunched up over the gun at her hip.

If Tony had to sum up what she looked like he'd have to say - dangerous. But why? What was she doing here? Why had she vanished from DC so mysteriously months ago?

"Tony," Ziva said with a hint of fear in her voice. "You should not be here."

Fear? What was she afraid of? Why the hell was she in this rat hole and not back home...with him?

"It took a lot to find you," he told her as he took hold of her arm and caught her gaze. "Why won't you tell me what this is all about?"

"I cannot," she replied, "it is not my secret to tell."

"Fine," Tony didn't care what this was about really, all he cared about was her. "Leave this secret here and let's go home."

"Tony..." Ziva started.

"It's over, Ziva. Gibbs pulled a rabbit out of a hat like normal and we can go back to NCIS. No more Parsons, no more questions." Tony searched her face for relief, for excitement but did not find it. "We can go back to our lives."

It took Ziva long moments to answer, "I do not know if I can," she stated as she glanced down at her hands.

"Of course you can," he insisted. "Whatever this is," Tony took her hand and indicated the grease on it, "forget it."

"It is not that simple, Tony," Ziva pulled away from his grasp, "I still have work to do. And you have jeopardized this work by looking for me."

"Good," Tony's tone was harsh and unforgiving. He didn't care if he put her mission at risk because he could care less about whatever mission she was on. All he wanted was her. All he wanted was her safe and with him. "I hope I have burned you. In fact, I think I should go downstairs to the clerk and flash my badge. That should burn you well and good, right?"

"Stop it, Tony!" Ziva grabbed his arm before he could turn and walk out the door. "You do not know what this is!"

"Then tell me," Tony hissed. "No wait, I don't want to know. I don't care. Just leave it behind and let's go."

"I cannot leave this behind," Ziva told him as she grabbed a rag and tried to wipe off the grease from her hands. "I must do this, Tony."

Tony took a breath and tried to calm the alarm bells going off in his head. He watched her as she tried to force the grease off her hands. "I'm not leaving without you."

Ziva stared up at him, her large dark brown eyes pleading with him, "You must. This is not a place for you."

"I can survive here just as well as you can," Tony stepped into her and took her grease covered hand in his, "you need me to load your rifle? I will. You need me to be your spotter, I will. I am not leaving your side."

Ziva pulled her hand out of his and continued to try to wipe the grease away, "You will put my life in danger if you stay."

Tony clenched his jaw staring down at her.

"I can blend in here, Tony" Ziva said as she took a step back. "I speak the language...well. I can pass as Brazilian or Columbian or pretty much any nationality in this region. You? You are clearly an American gringo. It won't work with you by my side."

"What won't work, Ziva?" Tony asked her in exasperation. His heart sinking in his chest. "Why can't you walk away from this?"

"You once asked me if I ever lied to someone I love," Ziva threw the rag she held on a small dingy table, "I love you all. Gibbs, McGee, Abby...you. Please do not force me to lie. This is not my secret to tell."

"God, Ziva," Tony wanted to hit something, "You are the most frustrating-"

"I know. I am sorry. Just let me do this," Ziva's attention was momentarily taken by a ball bouncing off the window glass. Tony heard some kids yell and then run off. Ziva looked outside and seemed satisfied it was just kids. "It is for the best that I stay, Tony. I will go back when I can."

"That isn't good enough," Tony stared at her, an overwhelming feeling to grab her and carry her all the way to the airport barely under control. "I'm not losing you again."

Ziva swallowed and placed her hand on his arm, "I know how attached you are to your ...friends, Tony. But sometimes friends cannot be in your life when you want them to be-"

"I am not your friend, Ziva." Tony said the words harshly and deliberately. He saw the look on her face. Confused, hurt and she pulled back from him.

"Then why are you here?" Ziva asked with hurt in her voice.

"You've asked me that before," Tony replied.

"You should go," Ziva stated.

"Do you remember asking me that before?" Tony demanded.

"Yes," Ziva responded. "Somalia."

"I was under truth serum." Tony said. "You should have asked me a different question."

"I do not want to play games, Tony." Ziva narrowed her eyes momentarily, "this is serious."

"I am not your friend," Tony stepped closer to her. "I don't want to be your friend. I am not your big brother." Tony placed his hand on her cheek, thumbing the soft skin. "I want to be so much more."

Ziva's breath hitched. Tears welled in her eyes as he held her gaze, "We have hurt each other so many times in so many big and little ways. I thought...friends was all it would ever be."

"We were in the dark and we couldn't find each other," Tony whispered. "Sitting five feet away."

A tear rolled down Ziva's cheek, "Maybe we were not suppose to-"

"Yes we were," Tony told her, "there has really never been anyone else in my heart. No one else...not where it mattered. I love you, Ziva."

"Tony," Ziva croaked as she embraced Tony and cried. She cried with all the pain and fear that she felt and he held her, held her tight refusing to let go.

Ziva pulled back, tears staining her beautiful face, and she looked at Tony with all the emotion she felt reflected in her eyes. "I love you, Tony."