So so sorry for the delay but I went out of town for the Labor Day weekend…
Disclaimer: NCIS is not mine.
When Monday morning came around I made sure to get to work early enough to intercept Ziva before the others arrived. It is only 6:45 when the elevator dings and she struts into the office.
"Ziva. We need to talk," I fall into step beside her.
"I agree, Tony" she nods.
"Oh well good… I want to let you know that everything I said on Saturday night was completely true. I would never make something like that up, well I might of at one point but not anymore and never with you" I start the talk exactly as I planned it in my head. I know this is the only part I would get to control so I wanted it to be honest and good.
"I believe you… But I still do not like being anyone's part on the side," she bites back.
"It's piece but that's not what you were! Or are…" I correct her.
"No? What else would you call trying to have sex with a woman while in a relationship? Besides the obvious, cheating!" She actually has a point now. I was a cheater… All those years of girl after girl, I had never cheated even once but now when I have one I really care for I screw it up.
"You're right. I did. But you have to understand that is not who I am! I would only ever do that if it were like that night. If it was someone I really cared for, maybe even loved… I should have acted sooner so I'd have never been in the situation but it took Jeanne to realize that I was ready," I let my heart spill out standing in the middle of the bullpen looking into my partner's dazzling brown eyes and hoping that she might understand.
"Oh Tony… my ahuvi [AN- darling]" her eyes soften and I think she just might see it. Her hand comes up and wipes at my eyes, making me realize I had actually started to cry, and she caresses my cheek before saying another word.
"I care a lot about you Tony. So much so that I want you to try and fix things with your girl before we do anything else. I know that if she is the one it will work out and if she is not… Who knows?" she smiles sweetly then walks off in the direction of the bathroom. It takes a moment for my mind to comprehend what she said and by then McGee has arrived.
"Hey Tony! Why are you here so early? Why are your eyes red?" He waltzes in looking all cheery.
"Allergies," I quickly lie and try to put on a smile then sit down to start my work. Tim shrugs and begins too. Several minutes pass before Zi walks back in and though she avoids eye contact I know she had been crying. McGentle notices too and carefully asks what was wrong.
"Hm? Nothing McGee… I have uh allergies," she goes for the same ploy, which makes McGee's eyes narrow for a split second then move on,
"Oh. Same with Tony. Must be something pretty strong in the air,"
"Must be," I familiar grunt comes out of nowhere as Gibbs walks into the room.
"Since you are all here so early why don't we start on the actual case huh?" he offers in a not optional way.
"Of course boss! Petty Officer 2nd class Simon Grout was stationed at Norfolk under the command of Lieutenant Robert Henry. He received overall good marks and was suggested for a promotion next month by the lieutenant," I start then am interrupted by Ziva who continues the background but I don't hear what she or the rest are saying. All I can think about is her lips as they move. I remember how soft they were and then it hits me. Literally.
"DiNozzo! Pay attention," Gibbs orders then I notice that McGee was grabbing his stuff and I figure I'm with him.
The day is surprisingly fast and soon I'm sitting in my car outside of Jeanne's apartment waiting for her to get home. I have this sneaking suspicion that I wasn't just waiting for her, but also my future. That the rest of my life could rely on tonight…
Hope that was worth the wait!
MOMO