Here's the introduction for my new story, the sequel to 'Past Tense'. This chapter sets the scene for what is to follow…
"DAZED AND CONFUSED," sequel to "Past Tense".
Chapter 1:
Life had returned to normal for Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. Two weeks had passed since he'd gone back to work after his second bout with the lethal Y-Pestis. Fortunately he had responded remarkably well to the treatment, and although he still lacked his full strength and was prone to being more tired than usual, he was back at work albeit on limited duties. He attributed much of his recovery to Ziva, who had been there for him throughout. They had now progressed past the friendship stage, and Ziva was spending more and more time with him. She seldom slept at her own place, and both of them had spent the past two weekends barely leaving his bedroom.
'No wonder I'm so tired!', Tony mused, unable to contain the smile on his face.
It was Monday morning and both were heading into work, using separate cars, in order to keep up the charade that they were nothing more than work colleagues. They had almost perfected keeping it platonic at the office, in fact it had become a game that ultimately turned them on. Several times Tony nearly slipped up, and the last time Ziva had to jump in and save him by quickly inventing a new boyfriend for herself. All of this was purely for anyone listening in, so they had fun putting their creativity to the test.
"So, Ziva, what does this new man of yours do?" Tony asked her from where he sat behind his desk, once they were both settled in.
"Do, Tony?"
"Yes, as in, where does he work? Is he a spy?" Tony was pushing it, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted to hear what she would come up with.
"Why do you assume he would be a spy? He is, however, how you say – very full of himself", she replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Full of himself?" Tony was suitably surprised. "Don't you mean, 'confident, handsome, larger than life?" he raised an eyebrow back at her.
"Yes, all of that too", she winked at him.
"DiNozzo, leave her alone. Don't you have some work to do?" Gibbs had been relatively easy on Tony since he'd returned to work after over a month of sick leave. He was also relieved to hear Ziva had been dating someone, for a time there he had his suspicions about those two. If he wanted to admit it, he still did – but he reserved that thought for an occasion where it was warranted.
"Yes boss", Tony replied, feeling somewhat guilty about deceiving Gibbs but too conscious about not wanting to ruin what he now had with Ziva. It was a double-edged sword.
Gibbs left the bullpen and promptly Ziva got up from her desk, quietly yet with purpose, and walked over to Tony. She seductively leant over his desk, placing her hands on its edge for support.
"Want to know what else my new man does?" she purred.
Tony looked from her chest to her eyes and back to her chest again. He swallowed. He knew exactly what she looked and felt like under those clothes, and it was almost harder for him now to not reach out and touch her than it ever was before.
"No, why don't you tell me?" he played along, his voice low.
"How about I just show you… later", her voice was barely above a whisper as she licked her lips.
This was not helping Tony's blood pressure any. If Ducky were to do a follow up test on him now he'd be through the roof and back on medication.
Ziva stood and walked back to her desk smiling. Fortunately for them she chose the right moment because Gibbs came storming back into the bullpen right at that instant. Saved yet again, thought Tony. Although it would be some time before he could comfortably stand…
"The directors office, NOW!" he barked, not missing a step as he headed up the stairs. Tony grabbed his jacket and quickly threw it on, zipping it closed as he jumped up from his seat. Ziva smirked, she knew the affect she had on him.
"Coming boss" he yelled after Gibbs.
He looked at Ziva who was trailing him up the stairs. "I know, poor choice of words", he muttered sarcastically over his shoulder as they entered Director Sheppard's office, closing the door behind them.
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Gibbs motioned for Tony and Ziva to sit down.
"We have a problem," he announced.
Tony wondered if Ziva was thinking the same thing he was: they'd been found out. He inwardly prepared himself for the verbal assault.
"We need you both to go undercover again, but this time as a couple essentially caught in the middle", Director Sheppard continued to explain, taking over from Gibbs. "You are both to pick up a package from one source and hand it off to another. We have the couple in custody, so you will be meeting with them shortly to learn as much about them as you can. Our goal is to capture the end source, who is high on the FBI's most wanted list. I might add that you are only involved in this at Fornell's request."
Tony smiled, relaxing as he winked at Ziva, "So, sweet cheeks, who's gonna be on top this time?"
Ziva rolled her eyes.
"Not so fast DiNozzo. This will be different." Gibbs was smirking. "You'll be staying at the Empire Motel just outside of town. Your contact isn't big on expenses". He'd love to see how this one played out. It was well known that the Empire Motel was virtually a pay-by-the-hour dive, frequented by itinerant travelers and the 'not so desirables' of society.
"You are kidding, right?" Tony's mouth was hanging open. "That place is disgusting. It's a flea pit, god knows what we'll catch!"
Ziva started to chuckle, "Oh, poor Tony, worried about a few little bed bugs".
"This is serious." Director Sheppard stepped up. "If neither of you are up for it then I suggest you leave this office now".
"No – no, its fine. Just tell us what you need us to do…" Tony snapped back into agent-mode immediately, as did Ziva.
"You're not going to like this at all", was Gibbs response. He began to explain the circumstances behind their cover, and as he did so, both Tony and Ziva kept their emotions in check. This was not going to be easy.
TBC…
