Author's Notes: Thank you to those who reviewed. Especially jgibbs7. As for the Guest who reviewed, I read your review and laughed my arse off. Where in that chapter did it say that they went back to Tony's place? It was Tony thinking that he was going to suggest it, then changing his mind. Thanks for the laugh, though. I really needed it. Suggestion though, next time you are going to flame someone's work, be sure to log in so that they can reply to your comment. It's pretty cowardly to hide behind a guest name.


Chapter Three: The First Test


"Okay, let's hear it," said McGee, looking like he wanted to get something over with as soon as possible.

"What are you talking about, McCranky?" asked Tony, taken aback by McGee's behavior. He clenched the bag holding his breakfast sandwich tightly. Here it comes, Tony thought. The first test.

"Abby told me that you had a date last night," replied McGee. "And I know how much you love to spill the details, so let's just be done with it."

"What if I don't want to spill the beans, McGoo?" Tony responded, taking a seat at his desk.

An astonished look crossed McGee's face.

"But you love to brag about your dates," said McGee, hardly believing his ears. "You never miss an opportunity to gloat. Why should this be any different?"

"Because I am a gentleman," hissed Tony, taking a bite of his sandwich. "And a gentleman does not kiss and tell."

McGee was about to respond when Ziva arrived. She had her headphones in and was listening to some music. Her head bobbed in time with the beat, and she was singing loudly. She was in her own little world, and did not notice that Tony and McGee were both looking at her.

After taking a seat at her desk, Ziva did notice that Tony and Tim were staring at her. She stopped the Ipod. Taking the earbuds out, Ziva opened the desk compartment and stuck the Ipod inside. She closed the compartment and looked at the two men, questioningly.

"May I help you?"

"That was quite a show that you put on there," teased Tony. "I especially loved the singing."

"I was just in a really good mood, Tony," growled Ziva, eyes shooting daggers at him.

"Ah, so the date went well," commented Tony, waggling his eyebrows.

"Why is it that you are so interested in other people's dates, but you suddenly don't want to talk about your own?" asked McGee.

"As Senior Field Agent, it is my duty to make sure that I know the personal details of my fellow agents. That way, I can be prepared for any major mood swings, McQuestionnaire," replied Tony, tossing his empty sandwich wrapper at McGee. He smirked at McGee's outraged look. Then, he returned his focus to Ziva, smiling widely. "So, how was your date? McFangirl and I want to know."

"It was very nice," responded Ziva. She flashed him a smile. One that only Tony could interpret the truth of.

"So are you going to see him again," questioned DiNozzo, mirroring her smile.

"Perhaps," Ziva responded, relishing the way that his expression changed to surprised and hurt and back to normal again.

Gibbs marched into the bullpen at that moment. He looked around at his fellow agents.

"Grab your gear," he said. "We have a dead petty officer that was found near 5th avenue this morning by a jogger."


There was a shuffling of feet as Tony, Ziva, and McGee scrambled to grab their things. They piled into the elevator and made their way to the parking garage. Once there, they climbed into one vehicle. Gibbs was behind the wheel. One short and heart pounding ride later found the team at 5th avenue, a night club known for harboring sailors in D.C.

"Nicely played there Ziva," whispered Tony, following Ziva around the crime scene. "I thought that we were supposed to convince the others that nothing was going on between us."

"I think that they still do not suspect us, Tony," muttered Ziva. "No one knows that we are together."

"All I am saying is that you should have been more convincing," retorted DiNozzo, glaring at Ziva.

"How about you convince me that you found something and I won't fire you, DiNozzo?" suggested Gibbs, who popped up right behind him.

Ziva and Tony nearly jumped out of their skins. They had been having a very private conversation. One that they didn't want Gibbs to hear. Naturally, they were a little spooked by what he might have heard.

"Dead petty officer was named Carol Traverse. From the looks of her, it seems as though she was thoroughly beaten to death," DiNozzo declared.

"I found a copper pipe that was stained with blood behind the dumpster," added Ziva, holding up a bag that contained said pipe.

"Good work," responded Gibbs. "Let's get this bag back Abby. McGee should be done with the pictures by now. Ducky and Palmer can get the body back to autopsy."

As Gibbs walked away towards the car, Tony felt like sighing in relief. Gibbs hadn't heard their conversation at all. He looked over at Ziva. She seemed relieved as well. Their first test was over. Certainly, there were many more to follow. However, Tony wanted to focus on the little victories right now. He could deal with the rest later.


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