Author's Note: Okay, this scene is from episode 7.18, "Jurisdiction," and its about Tony and Ziva (obviously) and the fact that they're watching a movie together at work on a Friday night. However, this scene is narrated from Gibbs POV as he and Vance watch them from upstairs. It's also pretty short, more of a drabble than anything. Still, I hope you like it!
"Working with Agent Borin and CGIS couldn't have been that bad, Gibbs," Vance subtly prods for information as we step out of his office.
"Okay, Leon," I agree, attempting to dismiss him. I walk over to the banister, the dull light of a TV in the darkness catching my attention. I shift my eyes to see Tony and Ziva sitting next to each other in front of one of the Squad Room television screens.
Vance joins me at the railing and silently we watch the two of them pass a bowl of popcorn back and forth. And although the screen is flashing before them, no doubt Tony was subjecting Ziva to one of his favorite movies, they seemed to be paying more attention to each other than to whatever was going on in front of them. I can't help the wry smile that forms on my lips when Tony tosses a piece of popcorn in Ziva's face. Or when Ziva responds by shoving her hand in his face and pushing him backwards in his rolling chair.
"Should we be concerned about those two?" Vance whispers now.
I don't say anything as Tony rolls his chair back up next to Ziva. He says something, attempting to look hurt, but Ziva simply laughs out right before focusing back on the movie. Tony watches her for a moment before doing the same.
"No," I say then, blatantly but firmly.
"They look awfully close, Gibbs," Vance states the obvious.
"Really?" I attempt to keep my voice down. "I couldn't tell."
"What's that rule you have about not dating a co-worker? Twelve? Or is it thirteen?" Vance pushes the issue forward. "This looks an awful lot like a date."
Vance's use of the work awful was starting to get on my nerve. "They're watching a movie," I state. "At work."
This time Vance says nothing, but he is clearly not convinced. Down below, Ziva turns to Tony. She looks confused as she says something to him. Whatever it is, he then proceeds to explain it, animatedly waving his hands through the air. Ziva nods, smiling, but she still looks confused.
"Look, Leon. Those two barely get along with each other as it is. But whatever that is," I point to Tony and Ziva, "It enables them to work well together on my team. Their partnership is a valuable asset to NCIS."
"I agree," Vance says. Then he takes a breath and I can sense a 'but' coming, so I interrupt him as I turn toward the elevator.
"Good night, Leon," I hit the elevator door button.
For all their antics, I was far from surprised to find Tony and Ziva with each other on a Friday night. And I doubted there was anything else between them, and if there was, I was certain neither one of them had acted upon it.
Still, there was a reason I took the elevator rather than the stairs.
Author's Note: Ah, Gibbs. The silent TIva shipper at heart. ;) Although I'm not quite sure I have Gibbs voice down, this scene was supposed to be more about Tony and Ziva watching a movie and Gibbs reflection on their relationship and how they work together.
