As they sat there in silence, Abby slipped an arm around Alex's shoulder pulling her against her. They sat there for a few minutes before there was a knock on the door. Giving Abby a strange look, she looked to the door before back at Abby. She gave Abby a look of mortification before standing up and walking to the door. Once she opened the door her face went pale. Standing there at two thirty in the morning was Ziva, Tony, and McGee all in sweatpants and t-shirts but with bags in their hands. On bag was for the scene while the other bags had changes of clothing and pillows or blankets to stay the night.
Chapter Nine
When Alex woke up at six in the morning, she looked around her living room to see Ziva asleep on the couch and Tony asleep on the floor. Abby had shared the bed with Alex, but she was still sleeping in her nightgown and cap with Bert in her arms. It amazed Alex how Abby was such a powerful force yet she still slept with a stuffed animal. Chuckling to herself she figured it was better than sleeping alone.
Turning on the coffee maker she rarely used, she peeked into the living room to see Ziva snoring loudly and Tony holding a pillow over his head trying to block the snoring out. He was snoring lightly himself until he started to sniff the air. Moving the pillow from off of his head, he sat up and looked around. Alex smiled and waved her fingers at him, before noticing his hair was sticking straight up. McGee stretched himself out on the floor trying to ignore the fact that he had to wake up. While Tony stretched and stood up she fished two cups out of her cabinet and a Caf! Pow out of the fridge. As the coffee finishing brewing, she poured a cup for Tony who stumbled into the kitchen rubbing his head.
"I need to invest in breathe right strips for her." Tony sighed as he accepted the cup of coffee from Alex. "This is so much better than the conference room coffee."
"Glad you like it, it's from the Dominican." Alex looked down at her hand to see she needed to replace the bandage.
"That's why it's so strong. Gibbs would love it. Don't you drink it?" He asked.
"No, just like the smell of it. I keep it in case of company." She poured herself a glass of water.
"Are you okay?" He asked sincerely, even though he could have guessed how she was feeling and he could see that she didn't sleep.
"Yeah," Smiling at him, she lifted her hand up and smoothed down his hair. "I am good."
"Oh good, you have coffee." Ziva appeared behind Tony.
"One cup coming right up." Pouring coffee into the second cup she handed it to Ziva.
"Tony you need to go see a Doctor. Your snoring is obnoxious." Ziva sipped the coffee carefully.
"Hi pot this is kettle…" He rolled his eyes. "You're black."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ziva watched Tony walk out into the living room to grab his bag of clothing to change into.
"I don't know." Alex shrugged as she headed to the bedroom with the Caf Pow drink in hand.
By the time they were all ready Abby had collected all of the evidence and placed it in a gym bag. Ziva and Tony were the first to leave while McGee waited for Abby and Alex. Once they got to work, Abby headed directly down to the lab to run tests on the evidence. McGee went back upstairs where Tony and Ziva were while Alex popped in to see Ducky.
"Hello dearest."
"Ducky," She hugged him.
"Oh my dear, now what have you done?" He noticed the bandage on her hand and the bruise on her wrist.
"I had a friend visit me last night. Can you patch me up?"
"Of course I can," He had her sit down at his desk while she unwrapped her hand. "This wouldn't happen to be the same friend from the club would it?"
"It would. It seems he has taken a fancy to me."
"You need to tell Agent Gibbs."
"No, I want to keep it quiet." She winced as he cleaned off the cut.
"This almost needed stitches." He shook his head. "Trouble seems to follow you wherever you go."
"Only since I started working here." She chuckled as she stood up after he finished the bandaging process. Giving him a kiss on the cheek she walked out of autopsy and headed back upstairs. Before she could sit down behind her desk, she looked over at McGee who was refused to make eye contact with her.
"McGee, what did you do?" Alex whispered as she looked to Tony and Ziva who were typing the evidence into a report.
"Castanzo, grab your gun you're with me." Gibbs walked in with coffee in hand, just as she sat down.
She wore a pair of dark wash jeans and a black button up shirt. Her hair was up in a ponytail since she was in a hurry this morning and too tired to do anything more with it. Giving McGee a glare, she could now assume that Gibbs knew everything that transpired the night before. Standing back up, she opened her drawer and pulled out her gun before holstering.
"I thought the case was closed?" She asked as she walked around the desk, taking her bag along with her as she followed him to the elevator.
"It is." He replied as Tony and Ziva watched them walk away.
"Boss?"
"Did I stutter Castanzo?" Gibbs was already inside the elevator as she stood by Ziva's desk.
"No Boss," Sighing to herself, she kept her hand covered with the bag as she stepped into the elevator.
"I want you three at the gym tomorrow morning with me. I want to make sure you're all still in shape." He called out to Tony, Ziva, and McGee. "McGee, go down to Abby, see what information she has on our mystery man. DiNozzo, Ziva go back to Castanzo's apartment and see if there is anything you three missed."
"But boss, we went-" Tony started to speak but the doors shut. "I got a week on her if he doesn't kill her." Tony bet.
"Why did you squeak McGee?" Ziva asked.
"The word is squeal, Ziva." Tony informed her.
"He needed to know."
"I am having a small gathering at my place tonight." Ziva stated. "You are all invited."
"Wait, I am finally invited over for dinner and I have to come with McGeek?"
"Do you not want to come over at all Tony?"
"No,"
"Well then, it's better to remain silent."
"But you know I'm a screamer Ziva,"
"Tony," Both Abby and McGee sighed as Abby walked in on the later part of the conversation. "I thought one of you were supposed to come see me. I found something."
"Yeah, I was just one my way down." McGee looked up at Abby.
"Where are Gibbs and Alex?" She looked around the corner and over her shoulder.
"He found out about last night." Tony emphasized.
"How?" Abby rolled her eyes as she leaned on McGee's desk staring at him. "McGee."
"Why is it always me?"
"Because you're the golden boy." Tony smiled as he grabbed his bag, preparing to head back to Alex's apartment. "My guess is he took her to the firing range."
"Where are we going?" Alexandra asked as they stepped off the elevator.
"To the firing range," He answered as he threw away his empty coffee cup.
"I know how to handle a gun." Rolling her eyes, she watched as he pulled her back into the elevator and hit the stop button on the elevator.
"Is this going to be an everyday occurrence?" Smartly remarking, she watched as he stepped in front of her.
"When I say jump you jump."
"I don't believe in assisted suicide." Refusing to make eye contact with him, she looked down at his jacket lapel.
"Look at me," He waited until her eyes met his. "We all work as a team, which means we have your back and you have ours. What I have you do is for your safety and the safety of the team. Now, unless you want to be at the desk all day you better learn to accept authority. Do you understand me Agent?"
"Yes," She reminded him of himself when he was a beginning field agent.
"Good," He couldn't help but notice her eyes. "When were you going to tell me about last night?"
"I didn't find it important unless he shows up again." Alex answered as she started at him.
"He threatened your life and my team. I think I needed to know. Since you are a part of my team you are my responsibility. No one is going to hurt you."
"Don't make promises you can't keep Agent Gibbs." He couldn't protect everyone at all times.
"I don't make promises I can't keep. Let me see your hand." Holding out his hand, he took hers and looked over the bandage before his thumb slid over the bruise on her wrist, sending a chill down her spine.
"It's fine." She whispered as he held her hand for an extra second before dropping it.
"What?" He made eye contact with her, snapping himself back into reality.
"I am no child. I can protect myself." She murmured before starting the elevator again.
Her eyes scanned over him, she could see why Abby felt so comfortable around him. He was like a blanket of security, but there was a mysterious nature about him. Something compelled her to reach out and touch him, but she rejected the notion.
"Show me your stance," Gibbs commanded as they walked up to an open booth.
"What?"
"Your stance? How you stand?"
"I know what a stance is." She rolled her eyes.
"Well assume it,"
"Am I under arrest?"
"Castanzo!"
"Yes boss,"
Taking her stance, she pointed her gun towards the target. There was something about being observed by him that made her feel slightly inadequate. She stood there as he circled around her making sure her posture was right. Reaching down, he pushed her left foot out and forward. He not only widened the space between her feet, but adjusted her balance.
"Don't, lock out your elbows," He stood behind her and reached around her. His hands covered hers as he shifted the angle of her gun. She closed her eyes for a second, taking in the comfort she felt. It had been two years since she'd been in a man's arms. "You gonna shoot Alex?"
"Sorry," Opening her eyes, she fired off a round as she felt the phone in her pocket vibrate.
"Why is your phone vibrating?"
"Good question." She glanced down at her pocket as he released her. While she was at the firing range, the rest of the group was up in the bull pit talking. "We are going to be late," Alex noted as both she and Gibbs reloaded their weapons. In between loads she had been able to check her phone to see the text message from Abby. The last thing she wanted
"Better late than never,"
"Of course,"
"One more time," He ordered before they fired again"We are going to be late," Alex noted as both she and Gibbs reloaded their weapons. In between loads she had been able to check her phone to see the text message from Abby. The last thing she wanted was to go to a dinner and be under surveillance of Gibbs.
"Better late than never," He fired off another round while Alex tried to imagine excuses for getting out of dinner tonight.
"So should I invite Ducky?" Abby asked as she sat down on Ziva's desk.
"Yes, that would work. I hadn't gotten a chance to visit him today to tell him."
"And I could bring the music." She smiled.
"Do you need any help with anything Ziva?" McGee asked.
"No, I can handle the kitchen."
"At least this weekend we don't have to worry about a case." Tony leaned back in his chair. "I can call Danielle back. Do you think we should take turns at Alex's apartment in case our slippery snake friend comes back?"
"Who is Danielle?" Ziva asked. "And maybe its better she stays at one of our places. I take that back, she should stay at my or Abby's…or even McGee's."
"That's a need to know basis. What? You don't trust me Ziva?" Tony furrowed his brow.
"It's Tony's imaginary girlfriend." McGee chuckled. "I think Gibbs would agree that its better she is with us."
"Oh yeah, and what's internet girl's name?" He retorted. "And last time I checked McGee you let Abby's stalker boyfriend almost get her."
"That was a one time mistake. You pretended to be a woman online Tony," He glared. "Abby told me."
"Abby!" Tony watched as she put her hands up in surrender.
"What? He gave me that face and I couldn't say no." She sighed.
"But, that's what you say about my face."
"I can have more than one man in my life Tony," She patted him on the head. "And one is still not back with my best friend."
"I would kill to be there to see what he has to say." Tony smiled.
"Give her a break Tony, she had a rough night." Abby growled at him.
"Hey, I got nothing against her I know what it's like to be framed or attacked rather."
"Chip didn't attack you he only tried to frame you." She reminded him.
"I invited Gibbs and Alex," Abby managed to slip into the conversation.
"I'm going home; I've got dinner to make. I highly doubt Gibbs or Alex will show but they thank you for inviting them." Ziva grabbed her jacket and slipped it on.
"Sure you wouldn't like any help?" Abby smiled.
"No, but I expect you all there at 8 tonight."
"Yes ma'am."
"I love a woman who knows how to cook." Tony smiled as he looked at the clock. Gibbs and Alex were still not back from the firing range. They had been their almost the whole day and were now headed into the night.
.
"So McGee," Tony sat on his desk. "What do you think about probie?"
"What about her?"
"She's hot,"
"She's not your type."
"I don't know… long legs, blonde,"
"Tony,"
"What about for you, McGoogle?"
"I don't think so Tony, she is not interested in me." McGee was being to feel uncomfortable as both Abby and Tony waited for an answer.
"Did you ask her out?"
"No,"
"Lie," Tony slammed his hand on McGee's desk as he walked over to the desk. "You were never a good liar,"
"We are grabbing dinner that's it." He sighed.
"Going to make a move?"
"No,"
"She's out of your league anyway," Tony smirked as he walked away and back to his desk. "Time to go." It was only five minutes before the dinner was supposed to start and the three of them were about to be late. Rounding up McGee and Abby, they headed to the elevator and out to the parking lot before heading straight over to Ziva's apartment. If there is one thing Tony learned from Gibbs it was how to avoid traffic and decrease the driving time by at least ten minutes.
"Next time, I am driving," Alex held onto the door handle for her life as Gibbs hit the highway.
"So are you going to tell me what happened?" He glanced over at her, smirking at the fact that she was gripping the door handle.
"What happened to following the speed limit?"
"Stop acting like a child,"
"What?"
"You know what,"
"No, I do not. I am not telepathic like Abby, and plus it's not acting like a child it's called deflecting."
"What happened last night?"
"He came, we fought, he left." She thought she summarized it rather nicely.
"Don't make me have to refer to McGee's notes for what happened."
"He wrote it all up?" She shook her head. "I am going to kill him."
"What happened? Where was your weapon?"
"It was nothing really."
"I want the truth,"
"That is the truth." Staring at him, they made eye contact before Alex got out of the car.
"How are things with you and Ziva?" McGee asked as he and Tony were just entering the building as Abby ran ahead. They heard the sound of tires screeching at the end of the road and they knew it was most likely Gibbs skidding around the corner.
"What?"
"You and Ziva,"
"Yeah, I heard you the first time probie."
"I mean, with what happened at the club,"
"You were listening to our conversation?"
"Boss told me to,"
"You should have switched to another ear piece."
"Eventually you two are going to have to talk about it."
"Thank you McLovin, but I think I know a thing or two about women."
"I'm just saying, Ziva isn't your typical woman."
"You think I don't know that? She made me do push ups while we were in bed."
"Too much information Tony,"
"Not like that,"
"You know Tony, you can tell her how you feel." He looked over to see Tony's expression change. "She isn't going to be like her. There's nothing from stopping you two from being together."
"I know," Tony felt his heart sink. "Well except for rule number 11." As they walked up to the door, they could hear Ducky talking inside. Abby opened the door for Tony and McGee inviting them in as Ducky continued to shake his head.
"Mr. Palmer, your driving is atrocious." Ducky sighed.
"I thought we were late." Palmer tried to rationalize.
"Even if we were late it doesn't mean you can ignore stop signs."
"I didn't,"
"Or red lights!"
"Can I take your jackets?" Abby popped up in front of them with her hands open.
"Thank you." Tony handed her his jacket.
"Gibbs!" Abby tossed the coats in the closet before running and pulling him into a hug. "You left Alex in one piece."
"For now," He patted her on the back before she let go. "I know what that means,"
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Alex sign to Abby. Abby shook her head quickly, forgetting to tell Alex that Gibbs knew sign language.
"You know sign?" She sighed, she should have guessed Gibbs knew it.
"Dinner is almost ready, drinks are in the cabinet. Make yourselves at home." Ziva popped out to inform everyone before going back into the kitchen. Alex followed Ziva into the kitchen wanting a moment alone with her. Offering to help but Ziva, Ziva brushed her off by saying that everything was already taken care of. Leaning against the counter, Alex tapped her nails on the vinyl refusing to leave without an answer.
"Did I do something to offend you?" Alex was not one to beat around the bush.
"No," Ziva replied.
"Then why do you not like me?"
"You are new. I do not like people I do not know."
"Well then you should get to know me,"
"Advice taken," Ziva relaxed a bit. "Listen Alex, I find it hard to trust people who are new so quickly, but you have proven to be very efficient."
They both walked out of the kitchen and into the dining room, Alex with a bowl of salad in her hand and Ziva with one of the appetizers. Tony and McGee walked back into the dining room as Abby turned the music on just loud enough for them to hear. Alex helped Ziva to set the table and bring out the food as the others got drinks and took their seats at the dining room table. This was the first time in awhile that Alex had sat down at a table with a group of coworkers or friends. For once she felt accepted and a part of a team rather than the loner of the group.
