Author Disclaimer: What we write is not necessarily what we think of a character or want to happen. It is so much fun to play!
"Thanks for helping me with this McMover." Tony shuts the door behind them, puts his gun away and then feeds Kate.
"Sure. Do you know that by doing some of your own packing you can save..."
"Want a beer?"
"Maybe later."
"Let's start with the dvds. Should be the easiest thing."
"Okay."
They work in companionable silence for awhile until DiNozzo notices McGee examining his gun box. "Got a question McCurious?"
"No." Tim quickly replaces the box on the shelf.
"Yes."
Tim turns from the shelves with a puzzled frown. "Yes, what?"
"Yes, Gibbs did make that box for me. Found it on my desk on our tenth " He makes air quotes with his fingers "anniversary."
"Nice. Think I'll grab those beers." Tim steps into the kitchen and returns with the beers. He hands one to Tony and they both slump on the couch.
"Have you heard from Ziva lately?"
Not fooled by the attempted casualness of the tone Tim thinks a second or two before replying.
"Have you?"
"Not recently. You?"
"Email few weeks back. Her and Monique are still building schools, wells whatever around the world with that non government organization. She sounds much happier than she was. Leaving has worked out well for her."
"True."
There is a comfortable silence for a few moments then both take a swig of their beer.
"We really need to get more done before the others arrive with the pizza."
"Right."
They return to the packing.
"Anything else you need to know before I leave you?"
"I'll be fine Tony."
"I know. When you finish your agent afloat stint you'll be all set to take on a team of your own."
"If there's one available. Might have to take on a joint duty with the FBI or another alphabet agency for a bit. Pass the tape."
"Here." Tony hands over the dispenser.
"There is something I've been meaning to ask for a long time."
"What's that?"
"Well..."
"Spit it out McHesitant."
"What did happen with you and Ziva?"
DiNozzo frowns.
"The fish. You still have Kate but where's Ziva gone?"
"She's been gone a year and now you notice. Call yourself a special agent? Perhaps you're not ready to be left on your own."
"Of course I noticed."
"Then why didn't you say anything?"
"Because you didn't. I knew you'd tell me when you were ready."
"Hmm. You know me too well. She died Tim." Tony's expression is serious.
"Died? And you didn't tell me?"
"Didn't think it important. She never really meant that much to me."
"Tony!"
DiNozzo grins. "Too easy. Going to miss you McGullible. I gave her to the little girl down the hall who minds the goldfish when I go out of town. She's always liked Ziva and when I heard this team leader position would be opening up I knew that if I got it I'd have to move...so it just seemed right to move Ziva fish on. Besides around then I started thinking..."
"Yes."
"There comes a time when you have to let people go. You can't keep chasing them indefinitely especially when they make it quite clear that they don't care as much about you as you might have...at one time...cared about them. Ziva's number one priority was and probably always will be Ziva."
"Are we still talking about the fish?"
"Ya think McGee?" Tony replies with his best Gibbs impression. The two friends share a smile and continue packing.