Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies. We all know the deal don't we? I don't need to say anything further do I?

Authors Note: I consider this chapter to be the start of the relationship between Ziva and Seamus. The original is staying in "Observing". So, I hope everyone enjoys my new project. I know I'm gonna.

Spoilers: A small one for "Kill Ari I & II", and naturally AMWIAB.

NCIS HQ, the Bullpen, 1900hrs.

NCIS Probationary Special Agent Ziva David was putting the finishing touches on her case notes. The bullpen was dark, the only illumination coming from her desk lamp and the lamp of her boss, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. From the corner of her eye, she could see Gibbs shutting down his computer.

This was good; it means he'll be leaving soon.

Gibbs stood and stretched, his back popping loudly. He groaned in pleasure and Ziva gave a little smirk.

You're getting old Gibbs.

She heard his drawer open and he slipped his holstered pistol onto his belt. Gibbs walked from behind his desk and stopped at Ziva's.

"You plan on going home David?"

Ziva looked up into the piercing blue eyes of her team leader.

"Just finishing up some case notes Gibbs. Then I'll be going."

"Okay. You all right? You've been kinda quiet the last couple of days."

"I am fine Gibbs."

Jethro smirked.

"You sound more like DiNozzo there."

Ziva chuckled.

"God forbid."

Gibbs smiled.

"Well, wrap it up Ziver; you've been hitting it pretty hard lately. Go home and get some rest."

Gibbs turned on his heel and headed for the elevator. Ziva sighed and sat back as she heard the elevator ding and the doors slide open and then closed. She closed out her paper work and shut down her computer. Ziva slowly looked around the silent bullpen. Since talking to Dr. Cranston she'd had vague feelings of dread. Ziva stood abruptly and started to gather up her things.

Maybe it has something to do with talking to the sister of the woman your brother killed.

As soon as Dr. Cranston introduced herself, Ziva knew who she was. Not surprising since when still working for Mossad as her brother Ari's handler, she'd profiled every member of Team Gibbs. It was one of the reasons Ziva had opened up to the doctor a little. They had the loss of siblings in common. Ziva'd been tempted to seek Rachel out and really talk to her about Kate and Ari and the whole situation. However, her own reticence buttressed by years of being an intelligence officer assured that the idea was stillborn. Ziva moved to the elevator taking it to the ground floor. Waving to the night security officer, she went to her car. After placing her backpack in the trunk, Ziva stood and looked around.

Now what?

Ziva did not feel like going home. But, her options were limited. Tony and McGee were at a Georgetown basketball game. Abby was bowling with the nuns. The Goth tried to recruit Ziva but she'd politely declined. Now she sorry she did. Without thinking, Ziva found her feet taking her toward the North Gate of the Navy Yard.

Charlie's Bar, 1920hrs.

It was a slow night at Charlie's. Both the Hoyas and the Wizards were playing at home. Seamus Dolan was methodically working his way around the bar, cleaning it for the second time. There were only three people sitting at the bar, none of them regulars. Most of the action tonight was in the rear seating area where the 55 inch flat screen was showing the Georgetown game. Every five minutes or so a waitress would come to the service bar with a drink order. Seamus heard the double doors open, announcing the entrance of a new customer. Dolan looked over his shoulder.

Well now, here's something that you don't see often.

Ziva David entered Charlie's noting the scarcity of patrons at the bar and the fact that Seamus Dolan was the evening bartender. Dolan was her favorite; he made a mean mojito. Ziva rounded the bar, taking a seat facing the door. Seamus walked over placing a coaster in front of her.

"And what can I get for you this evenin' Ms. David?"

"A mojito please."

"Comin' right up."

Dolan walked away to make the drink. Ziva played with her coaster. Of all of Team Gibbs, Dolan was formal only with Ziva.

It's probably because he only sees me with the team. This is only the second time I've been in here by myself.

Seamus returned, placing the drink on the bar with his left hand. Ziva noticed a faded tattoo in the middle of his forearm, SAT CONG. It was not the same quality as the tattoo on his right forearm, looking like it was done by an amateur. Deciding it would be a good icebreaker, Ziva spoke.

"That is an interesting tattoo. Vietnamese, isn't it?"

Looking surprised, Dolan shrugged.

"It is indeed."

"What does it mean?"

Seamus smiled.

"Kill Communists."

Ziva knew from talking to Gibbs that Dolan served in the Navy in Vietnam. He'd been a gunner on a patrol boat in the Mekong Delta.

"It does not look professionally done."

Seamus laughed.

"Anything but."

Like any Irishman, Dolan loved to tell a story, so her propped a foot on the underside of the bar and leaned towards Ziva smiling.

"Care to hear about it?"

Ziva smiled back.

"Sure."

"Well, in the Mekong Delta, my boat unit worked with the SEALS, 9th Infantry Division and the Vietnamese Navy Junk Force. One day a Viet junk got into trouble and my boat bailed 'em out. That night my crew and theirs got drunk on home brewed rice wine. During the festivities, it was decided as a gesture of solidarity our crew would get 'SAT CONG' tats. Luckily our unit's corpsman was along, so he made sure that everything was sterile. This Viet Chief who looked old enough to have served with Noah on the Ark did the honors using a big ass straight pin and the ink from a dozen broken open ballpoint pens."

Ziva's eyes widened.

"How badly did it hurt?"

Dolan laughed.

"Dunno. Right after I told 'em I wanted it on me forearm, I passed out from the rice wine. Never felt a thing. When I woke up, I had me a tattoo. The other was done in Saigon by a pro on Tu Do Street. Now I have a question for you. What brings you here all by your lonesome?"

"I don't really know. I just didn't feel like going home."

"Fair enough then. When you're ready for another mojito, just gimmie a wave."

Dolan moved away down the bar and Ziva sipped her drink. She knew she wanted to talk to somebody, but was reluctant to. She hated leaning on people. Lost in thought she finished her drink and pushed the empty glass away. Catching the movement, Dolan built Ziva another drink and brought it down.

"Here ya go lass."

"Thank you Dolan. May I ask you a question?"

Seamus made a 'go ahead' gesture.

"Why don't you call me by my first name like you do the others?"

Dolan shrugged.

"That's easy. You don't exactly encourage familiarity. I don't become familiar with a customer unless I'm invited. This is only the second time you've been in here by yourself and really the first we've had a conversation."

Ziva nodded. It was true.

"So if I said 'call me Ziva'…"

"I'd be glad to…Ziva."

Ziva David grinned widely.

I just may have found someone I can talk to

"Dolan, I think this could be the start of a beautiful friendship."

Seamus guffawed.

"You've been spending too much time with DiNozzo!"

A/N: At the start of Season Nine, I noticed that Ziva's come up with some movie quotes. Maybe Friday movie nights have returned. For all you TIVA fans out there, I certainly hope so. Have a good weekend.