Tony did not return to work the following day, nor the day after that. In fact, as Ziva had noted, he had been noticeably absent entirely. Her phone calls and texts to him had gone unanswered, Bishop had no response to emails, and McGee had no response when knocking his apartment door. When quizzed, Gibbs was his usual stoic self; he just needs time, Ziver.. That meant that he had spoken to him, she mused, but told her nothing more about how he was. Gibbs had moved her into the spare desk behind McGee, and it was here she sat, pondering. Tim peeked over the divider, Ziva offering him a smile.
" I am okay, McGee."
" Just making sure you are still alive. Wouldn't want to explain to Gibbs." She laughed lightly, swinging back in the chair, glancing over to the empty desk in the corner. Tim caught her looked, and sighed, grinning at her. " Too quiet without him, isn't it? I never thought the day would come when I said I missed his smug face but I do."
" Do not let him hear you say that. We do not want his head to be more inflated than it already is."
" This is like when he was on that special assignment for Jarvis all over again. Not knowing, not seeing him. I know he's probably doing fine but still."
Ziva was quiet, nodding in agreement. The whole Watcher debacle, chasing EJ, Tony ending up in hospital, it seemed like a whole lifetime ago…and yet, she could still remember seeing him walk back through the doors for the first time.
" It is not the same. We know he is well."
" Then where is he? Ducky hasn't seen him, Vance can't be hiding him in his office-"
" No, I'm not, Agent McGee." Tim jumped, Vance descending from the last steps, as Ziva stood up. " But I do have some news for you, both of you."
" Director?" Tim frowned, standing up to join Ziva, Vance smiling gently.
" Miss David. I know you have been enjoying your time back in DC. I've had great feedback from several agents about the help you have provided." Ziva blushed gently, nodding as Vance spoke.
" It has been a pleasure being back in Washington, Director."
" I know you were a sore loss to Team Gibbs." Vance paused, watching both agents, before continuing. " I'd like to keep you on a little longer, Agent David. I feel we haven't quite wrapped up all the loose ends from this last case, and I think it might come back to bite us." Ziva stared at him, blinking, before stammering an answer.
" Director, that is a very kind offer, but I have commitments at home, I have a job at home-"
" I've already spoken to our Israeli friends, and agreed that I can offer you a one year position with us. I know the terms that you left on several years ago, and I don't want to push you into anything permanent. This way you can get a taste for NCIS life again, and if it's not for you, you are free to return home." Vance paused once again, before straightening up with a gentle smile. " You're a good agent, Miss David, and I would be pleased to have you back on our team."
Once again, Ziva fell silent, staring at Vance, before looking to McGee. Tim beamed at her enthusiastically, something she couldn't help but chuckle at. His grin however, slowly started to fall, brow furrowing.
" Director? Team Gibbs already has 4 agents assigned…"
" 3, Agent McGee."
" Oh. Is Agent Bishop returning to the NSA?"
Vance stiffened slightly, squaring his shoulders.
" No, she isn't. A position has come up for a Senior Field Agent, which I was reliably informed you would be excellent for, Tim. That leaves me an agent down."
Both agents stared at him, before looking to each other. Ziva spoke first, looking back at Vance with wide eyes.
" Tony…"
" Agent DiNozzo has been reassigned at his own request. He is currently preparing for his new role, and we will be needing a Senior Field Agent while he is gone."
" Gone?! Just where is he going?" Ziva blurted out the words louder than she had intended, Vance raising an eyebrow.
" I thought Agent DiNozzo might have informed you, Agent David. He has taken a position with our training and liaison team in Europe."
Europe. The word bounced around her head, almost burning her ears. Tony, leaving for Europe? Her mind ran on overdrive; she was being asked to stay, just as he was leaving. She was vaguely aware of McGee continuing to speak, as her mind reeled.
" Tony's been pretty quiet of late. I thought it was just after what happened, but I guess with this coming up, it makes sense. Wow."
" I think you'll agree it is a great opportunity for him, Tim. He's a talented agent, and I'm pleased he will be showcasing some of the finest the Washington NCIS team has to offer. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment in MTAC. Let Gibbs know I was looking for him, if you see him."
The director excused himself with a smile, McGee turning to the still silent Ziva, putting a hand on her shoulder. " Ziva? You still with us?"
She looked at him, almost shell shocked. "He is going to Europe. Not just on assignment. He is going there to work, to live, he is leaving Washington."
Tim nodded at her words, allowing her to speak, before shrugging. " I guess that's what he felt he had to do. He was pretty cut up about Zoe."
" Tim, NCIS is his life. Washington, the Navy Yard, this is where he belongs. This is his home."
"Well…" McGee stumbled, pulling a face. " Maybe he needs a change? You know Tony, he's never been one to stay still, and he's not been the same since…well, in a long time."
" Since Israel. Since me." Tim was silenced, staring at her, Ziva turning to him with burning eyes. " This is me, Tim. Again! This is hurt that I cause, hurt that I have created with my own hands. He cannot do this, it is absurdity." She grabbed a set of keys from her desk, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and making a beeline for the elevator.
" H-Hey, Ziva! Where are you going?!"
" To stop him from doing something he will later regret, with his pigheaded, stubborn ways! I swear, he and Gibbs are cut from the same quilt!"
" It's…." McGee started, but trailed off as she stormed into the elevator, thumping the buttons as the doors closed, and he sighed, shaking his head.