Hi Guys! Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. Wow! I am amazed by the response and I hope this chapter does not disapoint. I'd really love your reviews, feedback and opinions.

Chapter 3

MTAC, NCIS Headquarters…Rota, Spain…1150

Both Ziva and Arielle stood in MTAC, in front of the huge screen, waiting for the video conference to begin. They were both silent, although, occasionally, Arielle would glance at Ziva, amazed by her cool composure.

Suddenly, the door to MTAC opened, causing both Ziva and Arielle to look around, to see Tony entering. He still looked a little shell-shocked but was desperately trying to regain his composure.

"Arielle, can you wait outside?" Ziva requested. Arielle looked at Ziva, about to question her request but she knew by the look in Ziva's eyes, it would be a losing battle.

"Of course director." Arielle stated and began to leave MTAC, giving Tony a disapproving look as she passed.

"Director?" Tony asked as he strode towards Ziva, although his eyes were fixed on Arielle's exit. "I guess a lot has changed." He was finally looking at Ziva, who was still studying the screen.

"It has been five years." She finally said, looking at him.

"Well, you look good." He stated, displaying his trademark 'Dinozzo' smile.

"And you look old." Ziva retorted, returning the smile.

"I didn't even know you left NCIS…and now you're the director of Mossad." Tony said, hoping to change the subject matter.

"I am the director of European Affairs Tony, my father is still in charge." Ziva replied. "And you would have known I left NCIS three years ago if you had even bothered to stay in touch. Abby wrote you so many letters and emails…and you ignored them all."

"I had my reasons." Tony muttered, staring at the floor, a flash of guilt clouding his eyes.

Ziva nodded solemnly before speaking. "It still did not stop her missing you." She stated.

"Did you miss me?" Tony asked, looking Ziva in the eye. There was silence for a few seconds, although it felt like minutes as Tony waited for Ziva's answer.

Before she could answer, Leon Vance's face flashed up on screen. Ziva was grateful for the interruption, Tony however, groaned with frustration.

"Tony and Ziva…just like the old days." Director Vance observed.

"Hello director." Tony coolly stated.

"Shalom Leon." Ziva said, her voice and smile filled with warmth. Her lack of formality with the director distracted Tony.

"Ziva, I was a little surprised to receive the call from Arielle." Director Vance said. "I was under the impression you were on vacation."

Tony glanced at both Vance and Ziva. The way Vance said "vacation" and the look in Ziva's eyes opened so many questions.

"Well the vacation is over Leon." Ziva replied, quickly recovering from her momentary lapse.

Vance nodded, his eyes full of comfort and understanding, sparking even more questions in Tony's mind. "So what can I do for you Ziva?" He finally asked.

"I need you to tell Agent Dinozzo and his agents to hand jurisdiction of the Davidson and Schimel case over to Mossad." Ziva stated.

"And why would I hand the death of two navy Seals over to Mossad?" Tony asked but Vance and Ziva completely ignored him.

"Ziva, you can't seriously expect me to do that." Vance laughed.

"Leon, this was Mossad's op from the get go." Ziva argued.

"Yes and NCIS helped you immensely." Vance retorted. "Eschel would never have established a cover without our assistance."

"Eschel? What the hell is going on?" Tony asked, completely confused. "How the hell are Mossad involved with our Navy Seals?" Again, Vance and Ziva ignored him.

"Are you seriously suggesting that this investigation becomes a joint investigation with Mossad and NCIS?" Ziva snapped.

"Yes Ziva I am." Vance spat back. There was silence as Ziva stared at her feet. Finally, she looked up.

"Okay, it can be a joint investigation." She reluctantly agreed. "But, on one condition."

"And what is that?" Vance asked.

"I want Gibbs and his team involved." Ziva replied.

"Wait! Why Gibbs?" Tony asked. "My team and I are more than capable of running this investigation. We're the best in Europe God damn it!"

"I want Gibbs, Vance." Ziva repeated, ignoring Tony's plea.

"As you wish Ziva." Vance reluctantly agreed, a sense of defeat suddenly washing over Tony as the words left his mouth. "Although, Dinozzo and his team should also be involved."

Ziva quickly glanced at Tony. "Fine." She muttered, reluctantly.

"I hope you can get this resolved as quickly as possible Ziva." Vance said before signing off.

Ziva breathed deeply before exhaling. She glanced at Tony. He was watching her, his arms folded and his eyes filled with intent, anger and disappointment. She knew he was hurt.


Kendall Hickey sat her desk, her eyes drifting between her partner, who was staring at his keyboard, lost in his thoughts, and the Israeli girl, patiently waiting outside MTAC. She saw his reaction to the two Mossad officers. She saw the shock register in his eyes. She knew he knew them…and not through Mossad. She could tell his knowledge of them was strictly carnal.

"That was a nasty surprise for the boss." She simply said.

"Huh?" Garrett Finley muttered, slowly snapping out of his thoughts.

"His old partner from NCIS turning up, under her old guise of Mossad." Kendall retorted. "It looked like he had no idea."

"He's not the only one." Garrett muttered.

"I guess he didn't stay in touch with his old team in Washington." Kendall stated. "Although it is completely understandable. I mean, I heard talk that he left Washington because he fell for his partner and it was against the rules but still…"

"Yeah." Garrett muttered. He had also heard the rumours and he had also pieced together some of the story after a night of drinking with his boss a month after he started. The wounds of Tony's broken heart were still fresh.

Still, he had no idea Tony's 'Ziva' was his 'booty call Ziva'. She was meant to be a waitress from Italy, not a Mossad Officer.

Kendall exhaled before beginning to speak. "Damnit Gar! I was trying to be all blasé about this but you're going to make me ask, aren't you?"

"Ask what?" He retorted, desperately hoping for that for once, Kendall's skills of observation had failed her.

"Have you slept with Ziva?" She asked.

Garrett scoffed. "Of course not!" He laughed.

"Oh my God! You have!" Kendall exclaimed.

"How the hell do you do that?" Garrett hissed. Sometimes he hated Kendall and her skills. She was like a human lie detector.

"You really screwed up this time Finley!" Kendall retorted. "I mean…the boss' ex, a Mossad officer to boot…who wants to take over the most exciting case we've had since I arrived!"

"In my defence, she told me she was a waitress from Italy on vacation." Garrett snapped back.

"And you couldn't spot that she was lying?" Kendall hissed.

"No Kendall, unlike you, I'm not a human lie detector." Garrett spat back. "Plus, she's Mossad, she's probably an expert liar to withstand any interrogation."

"So are you going to tell the boss?" Kendall asked, her voice beginning to restore calm.

Garrett scoffed again. "Are you kidding me? I don't have a death wish."

Kendall nodded, before adding. "Well just be careful."

"Aw Ken…" Garrett began, his trademark grin trying to make a reappearance, "…anyone would think you were actually concerned."

"I am." Kendall replied, taking Garrett by surprise. "About the boss, not you." Garrett nodded, knowing normality was restored.


Ziva looked directly at Tony. "Tony, do not give me that look." She sighed, folding her arms.

"Why bring in Gibbs?" Tony snapped, turning to face her.

"Because I need to solve this case." Ziva replied.

"My team and I are more than capable of solving this case." Tony stated.

"I am sure you believe that." Ziva agreed, before trying to side step Tony. Tony reached out and took her arm, before spinning her around.

"Ziva, we don't need Gibbs." Tony said, looking Ziva in the eye.

"Well I do." Ziva replied, her eyes never leaving Tony as she freed her arm from his grasp. "Tony, I know you have your issues with Gibbs…"

Tony scoffed. "You know nothing about my issues with Gibbs!"

"I know Tony." Ziva quietly stated. She watched the anger in his eyes be replaced with shock, then confusion, before returning to anger.

"And you can still work with him?" Tony asked.

"Yes Tony…he realised he made a mistake." Ziva answered honestly. "And you are not completely blameless either."

"Excuse me?" Tony scoffed.

"You did not stay and fight for us." Ziva said, a tear in her eye appearing but quickly disappearing again.

"I…I couldn't." Tony softly stated.

"I know…you are Tony Dinozzo after all." Ziva said. There was silence. "The point is, this case is bigger than you and Gibbs. I have lost one of my best officers and the US Navy has lost one of its' best Seals."

"And you need Gibbs because?" Tony asked.

"Because he helped put this op in motion." Ziva answered. "And because our targets are probably the most dangerous I have ever had to deal with."

"And you don't have any faith in me." Tony added.

"Tony!" Ziva laughed. "I was your partner for four years. I put my life in your hands every day; of course I have faith in you. Your team however, are a little green."

Tony opened his mouth to defend them but he knew she was speaking the truth. This was their first murder case of the year.

"I know you do not want to see Gibbs again." Ziva softly added. "But you have to stop being selfish and think about your team…they will need him."

She walked out of MTAC, knowing Tony's eyes were on her but she also knew he would come around to her point of view. She found Arielle waiting.

"How are you?" Arielle asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Honestly, it was easier than I expected." Ziva replied.

"Really?" Arielle exclaimed in surprise.

"No…but I am hoping if I keep telling myself that I will start to believe it." Ziva stated.

"Aw Zee." Arielle said, gently squeezing Ziva's shoulder. "Well you do have something other than Dinozzo to occupy your thoughts."

"Yes and this case certainly will." Ziva agreed.

"I was actually talking about your lawyer 'booty call' who's actually Tony's senior field agent." Arielle stated, nodding her head towards the bullpen, where Garrett was sitting, having a discussion with his partner. "Talk about awkward."

"Yes, it certainly was not my smartest hook down." Ziva agreed, looking down at the bullpen.

"Hook UP." Arielle quickly corrected. "So what are you going to do?"

"That…I do not know." Ziva stated. "All I do know is Tony does not need to know." Arielle nodded in agreement, both their eyes fixed on Garrett in the bullpen, who at that moment, looked up and locked eyes with Ziva.

To be continued…if you want!

Next Chapter Preview…Tony and Ziva both try and play catch up with the case, and the last 5 years.

As I said before, all reviews and feedback are extremely welcomed.