"Are you sure you're ready to take the responsibility on of having me as a boyfriend? I can be pretty needy sometimes," Tony laughed as the partners sat in his car once again outside the bar, ready to start their second op as a couple. Ziva was in the same attire as last night and Tony was dressed in dark jeans and a warm, blue plaid flannel shirt, having refused the pink polo shirt.
"Tony, I have already handled having you as a husband so having you as a boyfriend should be easy," Ziva said simply.
Smiling, remembering their last, very steamy op, Tony bit his lip gently, eyeing his partner softly but then became serious as he realized they only had a few more minutes. "If and when we have to..." He paused, not knowing how to word what he was trying to say and ask.
Ziva read his mind as she had been thinking the same thing, knowing with the nature of this op, they'd almost definitely have to actually act like a typical couple, kissing and possible more, depending on the situation they were forced into.
What worried Tony was that this wasn't going to be like their last op under the covers where they were away from the people watching. In fact, they'd be right around the people interested in them and the last thing he'd ever want to do is hurt Ziva and all he could think was he might not have the choice.
After thinking for a few moments then searching his clear green eyes, Ziva let out a deep breath and smiled honestly. "I trust you. I have always trusted you. We just need to do what we need to do, just like we always have. This is no different," she stated even though they both knew it was.
"Ziva, this is your body we're talking about. I mean...trust isn't what I'm worried about," he said honestly, wanting this whole situation to disappear at this point.
Ziva shut her eyes for a moment, trying to compose herself then moved over and nearly sat on Tony's lap. A look of surprise on Tony's part soon dissipated into a humbled expression when she simply just gave him a hug, physically thanking him for his genuine worry. Pulling back, she spoke softly to him as she looked carefully into his eyes, keeping her arms around his neck as she leaned up against the steering wheel. "Tony, I expect you to do anything you have to, to make our relationship real. Whether it be kissing me…or sleeping with me," she finally said, saying what was deeply on both of their minds. "I have a feeling at some point to make the Colonel become especially interested in me we're going to have to have some kind of connection and you are the only one I can think of. You're going to have to become abusive at some point," she paused, holding tightly onto his neck, showing her partner she was scared too, but they were in this together. "I do not want you holding back on anything tonight or any other nights we are going to do this. As of right now, you are Michael James and you are Blossom's boyfriend. Do not think of me as Ziva, your partner—you can't, it will be too hard on us both. Think of me as Blossom, your girlfriend. As hard as it is, we have to be completely different people with completely different personalities."
Nodding, Tony hugged her tightly, never wanting to let go, then rubbed her back in support. "It's time for you—I mean Blossom to get to work. What's the code word for me to get in there and make the Colonel jealous?" He smiled, winking at her to relieve some of the pressure. Lightening the mood as had always been his specialty.
"I will just say I'm going to the ladies room to freshen up. I cannot imagine it will be too long until Michael makes his appearance. An hour at the most, so you can't fall asleep," she added, knowing her partner all too well. "Plus I need you awake if anything happens. With all of those men I am not sure..."
Taking her hand, Tony returned her worried glance then smiled. "I've got your back and I always will. Got it?"
Smiling, Ziva took a deep breath, "I know," then stepped out of the car, walking the short distance to the club and began her second night of what would soon turn into something they both had expected, but never wanted.
As Ziva walked into the now familiar club, she grabbed the champagne tray already waiting for her with a note instructing her to take it to the VIP lounge. Rolling her eyes at the fact that whoever poured the drinks couldn't take it themselves, she heaved the tray up then grunted to Tony, "I really hope this does not take long. I could use some company."
After smiling from her remark, he just spoke truthfully. "It's not going to be me, remember. The only company you'll be getting is from Michael."
"At least I know you, Tony," she said honestly. "The girls in here, including me," she added heartlessly, "don't know these men at all and are expected to do awful things with them. It is a terrible fact of life. I am just thankful that if I have to do anything," she paused hesitantly, then continued, knowing her partner deserved to know she trusted him, "it will be with you and if the Colonel tries anything, you will be right there," Ziva said, not being as afraid to express her true feelings anymore, realizing life was far too short for that."
"I promise I'll always be right there, Ziva," he said, never wanting her to forget that. "At least this particular job isn't going to someone who didn't sign up for it," Tony said, reminding them both of the night Mike died.
"You are right," Ziva sighed as she walked into the main club, smiling like nothing was wrong or would go wrong, at that. Thankful she was going straight to the spot the Colonel was last night, she fluffed her hair a bit, wanting the get the best reaction possible in the shortest amount of time she could.
"Here are your drinks," Ziva said with a huge smile, aiming to please, as she set the tray carefully on the table, leaning over a second more than needed for all the men in the booth to glance down her shirt.
She was about to turn to leave when she quickly caught the Colonel's eye and he immediately smiled to her. "What is your name, my dear?"
Turning back to face the man, she sat down next to him. "Blossom, and yours?" she asked with a fake curiosity gracing her enthusiastic eyes, seemingly interested in the man.
"I'm James. It's nice to meet you." He smiled widely, clearly interested in the exotic beauty before him. After only pausing a few moments, the Colonel gently took her hand which nearly made Ziva squirm, remembering what this eerily kind man had done to those innocent girls, but she remained calm and seemed pleasantly surprised at the gesture. "If you don't mind me saying so, you are a beautiful young woman. Very kind as well."
Blushing, she moved a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you," she said sweetly then suddenly looked intently into the man's brown eyes. "You know, no one has told me that in a long time. All of the other men here," she spoke, gaining a trust with him, "only want me for my body, never really noticing anything else...sometimes it gets a bit disheartening."
Taking a new interest in Ziva, James closed more of the small gap that was already present between the two and put his arm around her shoulder, effectively making a shiver run down Ziva's spine.
"That's a shame," he spoke softly into her hair, kissing her cheek softly. As Tony began to hear the Colonel's voice more clearly he realized he wasn't getting better reception on his end but the man opposite the intercom was, in turn, just getting closer to the mike that had been placed somewhere that would make even him blush.
He wanted terribly to ask Ziva how she was—if she was okay, but he knew he couldn't risk the Colonel hearing him and besides, Ziva hadn't used the distress word which they'd decided was "pink" based on Abby's near choice of Tony's apparel for the night.
Ever since he'd worked with Ziva, Tony had realized that even though they both had crazy work ethics, they meshed effortlessly and that was what made them one of the top partnerships at NCIS. It also created the problem of jealousy since they had been so close for so long, but with so many girlfriends and boyfriends that had come and gone over the years, the thought had both crossed their minds that they may just be looking too hard—maybe what they had been searching for all along was right in front of them.
Breaking him abruptly from his thoughts, he all of sudden heard the words he had been waiting for; Ziva had excused herself to the bathroom and that meant something had happened between her and the Colonel to make her think she had gained his trust and interest enough for him to become jealous.
Taking a deep breath, Tony quickly made sure that his gun was effectively concealed then jumped out of the car and quickly made his way inside the club, blending himself in with the other men so no one would notice his entrance.
Sitting down at the bar, Tony ordered a martini, not caring what Gibbs would think of him drinking right now. He needed to make a cover for himself and if anyone was looking at a man in a gentleman's club and noticed he wasn't drinking, something had to be up.
After taking a few sips, he spotted Ziva coming out of the bathroom and knew it was time for the show to start.
"Hey, Jasmine!" he called, knowing she would kill him later for her "real" name, as he made his way towards her. He quickly scooped her into his strong arms, kissing her neck as he lifted her—which made them both shiver.
"Michael," she said, looking very surprised and genuinely happy. "It is so good to see you," she smiled. "Where have you been?"
"Around," he said cryptically, shrugging his shoulders, clearly only wanting one thing as he pulled her for another hug, trying to heighten the Colonel's curiosity as he felt the man's eyes on them. "I'm here now though," he smiled, running a loving hand over her cheek.
As they pulled apart, they heard the manager's voice and realized he was standing just a few feet away from them, obviously having watched their whole exchange. "Cut it out, lovebirds. Blossom is on duty and I'm not paying her to have a cute little welcome home party right in the middle of my club and her shift, got it?"
As the little man began to walk away, Tony called back to him. "Can she combine her breaks and take them now?" he asked, keeping a hand on Ziva's waist.
Rolling his eyes, the manager nodded, knowing she wouldn't be getting any work done anyway with him on her mind.
"She's got thirty minutes and no more. Just try to keep it quiet," he added, making the two of them blush. Before he turned around, the man looked at both of them curiously but stayed quiet, obviously trying to see something—anything he could be missing.
With them both breaking out into a smile, she grabbed Tony's hand and began leading him into the room under the stairs. As they walked, both of their hearts began beating faster, not having anticipated they would be doing this tonight...not having prepared for it yet, emotionally or physically. Knowing that fact had to be on her mind as well, Tony squeezed her hand in support, knowing this wouldn't be easy for either of them. They wouldn't have been doing this if it wasn't for the manager's statement about keeping it quiet, but at this point they couldn't turn back; not realistically, at least.
Once they made it inside and shut the door, Tony flung his arms around Ziva's neck and began kissing her collarbone. As he ran his fingers through her hair, he began whispering softly enough that neither a bug nor microphone could pick it up, "Ziva, I'm sorry I didn't think he would..." Cutting himself off, he moved his lips to hers after briefly asking her if it was okay through their eyes. Seeing the consent shine through her deep, brown eyes, he pulled her in even closer, kissing her with so much passion Ziva had to wonder what part of this was fake, but not minding. Sometimes it felt good to be wanted and right now, that's the only way she could be thinking.
Pulling apart just enough to speak, she took his face in her hands to answer his previous statement. "Just do what you have to. Make it real," she whispered, realizing nothing was up to them anymore. They had to do what they had to do.
"Ziva," he said again, starting to get nervous—something he almost never felt. "I can't hurt you. I just..." He said again, going back on everything they had discussed in the car, all of this becoming intensely real, intensely fast.
Shaking her head slightly, she gently took one of his strong hands and placed it on her hip, telling him in her own way that it was okay. Taking a deep breath with faint tears forming in his eyes and head pounding indescribably hard, he captured her lips once again, pushing them onto the bed, taking the lead and embracing Michael's character, knowing that to keep both of them sane, they had to be different people at this point—pushing aside boundaries they, as partners, would never dream of crossing and not letting the thoughts of their real selves come into play. They both knew that tonight would inevitably change their lives, and feelings as partners forever.
A/N: Well, what'd you guys think? I had a blast writing this chapter and I do believe it's my favorite so far! The next chapter will pick up right where it is left off here, unless, of course, my muse takes me somewhere else, but for now that's what I'm planning on. I hope you all enjoyed it and if you did, drop a comment in the box below to make me smile :) ~Lynn D.