CH 11 RISE: THE FRAMES

BY: WOLFA MOON

SET ME FREE

The day had moved on. No one had died. So they were going over old cases. Silence rained over the squad room. Glances floated through the air though. Tony had turned on his iPhone to listen to music while he went over his reports. A bounce back in his step after his hugs with Abby and lunch with Ducky and Jimmy. Catching up.

No one saying anything.

Breathing in the night
There's nothing else I'm needing now
The wind is at my side
And so are you
And together we will rise

Day done, time to go home.

Approaching his transportation he is struck by the sight of Ziva admiring his ride.

"Something I can help you with Agent David?" he asks as he slings his bag onto his back. She starts at being caught unaware.

Turning she observes Tony. Having studied him all day at work. The differences. His way with the computer. The way he held himself. So much different yet confident. This Tony had secrets yet a more relaxed view on life. People had made jibs, jabs, at him all day. He never arose to bite back with an equally school yard retort. He noted who they were and kept himself busy.

Gibbs had made no move to talk to him. Even when he had come in and departed for a while. Coming back with Ducky under one arm and Jimmy under the other. Laughing about the best place to get fish and chips. Whose batter is better. Then wishing them well he returned to his desk.

Ziva exchanged glances with McGee. Waiting for their leader to make a move. None was made.

Above all these word and promises we couldn't keep,
Together we will fly above it all
But sometimes we will fall...
From the light
But it shines on us tonight...
And together we will rise

Now here she is no longer able to hold back her intrigue at what Tony has been up to and why this change?

"Good Evening Tony." She states with confidence.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"Um," she had so much planned to ask him but all went out like a light. Confused she smiles unsettled. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." He gets to his bike. Moving around her to get on.

"This is a very impressive bike." She had to start somewhere since everything went out. Why not the obvious?

"You should see my others." Tony contemplating if he should ride one of his others in. Really confuse the security people. Bringing his helmet up he rested it on the gas tank. Realizing she was unsettled he gave her a moment to collect herself. He has some time to kill. Wouldn't take him long to race home and call Jackson. Tell him how his day was. Telling him nothing happened. Nothing note worthy. Knowing Jackson would tell him it would be coming soon. And to be careful. Also ensure that he is there for him.

And surely it's a sign now,
That everything's in tune to some kind of higher plan
Surely it's a sign
That you were right...
And there's the secret line
That we've been denied...
But we're crossing it tonight
And together we will rise

"You are looking good. " while Tony had been out to lunch. She had gone over to McGee to ask what is going on. What had Tony said and given him. Showing her the money and that is was simple payback. Then they pondered together what to do. Gibbs remained silent. They both knew he was listening trying to solve and figure Tony out. None of them making a move in the squad until Gibbs made his. He is the leader. Thing is they are no longer in the squad. Works over. "We missed you." Tony nodded. He knew he would be missed but how. A grateful kind or a sad kind. "We, I tried to get into your computer." She states clearing the air.

"I know." He simply says. Having the video to prove it. Amazed that she came right out and told him. That is Ziva. Blunt and to the point. She nods.

"We tried finding you." He nods knowing that too. But did they look for the right reasons. He let the silence build like in the squad. Waiting on them. He isn't hiding. He is just being silent and waiting, patient. He has made moves before. Attack and react. No he is the one stalking his prey. Letting them make the first move before he attacks. "I was worried for you." And there it is. A sentence spoken. Now, not when he needed the action a while ago.

Sometimes we will fall,
from the light
But it shines on us tonight
And together we will rise

"Really," they had a funny way of showing it. Tony made a move to place the helmet on his head. She reaches out to stop him.

"I am sorry for whatever it is I did."

"It's what you didn't do." Pulling out of her grasp. She looks at him. The old Tony would not be so blunt with his anger and rage. His emotions masked with the laughing jock. This change. A knife to the gut. Smart and cleaver. Will to use it. He puts on the helmet. Key in the ignition.

"I will do better." She announces with all the conviction she can muster.

"We'll see." Tony starts the bike. Revving it up. She steps away. He will see. She watches as he races away from her. She would make Tony see that she truly cares. See her mistakes and correct them. After all he had come back. Having faith. She prays.

Pass this line
That we're crossing here tonight
And together we will rise

Gibbs had watched from the shadow. Silent as he's been all day. Not sure how to approach. Better to observe your target before you strike. Maybe tomorrow would be his day to make his move. Till tomorrow.

TBC

AN: Thank you for reading. Hop you are enjoying this as much as I am.