"McGee," Tony ambushed him immediately the next morning with a smile on his face, "I have a technical favor to ask."
"Okay," McGee eyed Tony suspiciously across the aisle from their desks. "I'm not coming over to fix your entertainment center for free again, if that's what you're about to ask, Tony."
"No," Tony immediately scowled brushing the thought aside, "I was going to ask your help with my date tonight."
"Going on date, DiNozzo?" Gibbs rounded the corner with fresh cup of coffee in hand. The only three in the office this early in the morning, he was surprised to find Tony so awake and eagerly sitting at his desk. "And just where will you be going?" He wouldn't put it past Tony to try and sneak Ziva out of the building for a night out at this point, the man was so delirously happy it seemed.
"Ah, yeah, Boss. We're not going anywhere. We can't, obviously. So I'm taking her out, here. If that makes any sense?" Tony scratched his head, realizing it didn't when he spoke it out loud. "Under normal conditions, I'd take her to dinner and movie. I was going to ask McGee here if he wouldn't mind wiring up the projector to play in her room so we can watch a movie in there."
"She already has a TV?" McGee asked confused.
"Yeah but its not the cinematic experience I'm going for, McGee! I'm going to play 'The Sound of Music,' it's her favorite. And when Maria pelts out 'the hills are alive' on the side of that mountain, I want Ziva to feel like she's there with her. That tiny little television in her room just won't cut it for first date material."
"Why don't you just take her to the MTAC room?" Gibbs looked up, catching the immediate stares of both younger men that he was contributing with dating advice. "Huge picture. Full surround sound. Already hooked up."
"My God, that's genius! Why didn't I think of that?" Tony smacked the back of his own head with a smile. "But, how am I going to pull that off without anyone seeing her?" His brows suddenly knit in defeat.
"I can set it up right before I go." McGee offered willing to help if it were for Ziva.
"And I'll stay back, lingering a while to make sure the coast is clear for you to bring her up. I'll still be working out here late on this case. Should be able to keep an eye out for anyone who may see you and give a heads up." Gibbs offered quietly without looking up from his file.
Tony's eyes bugged from his head as he looked from Gibbs to McGee who shrugged with a big smile, both amazed how willing Gibbs was to help in this endeavor.
"What are you going to feed her, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked clicking his pen, taking on the protective father stance and wanting his girl treated right. "Something more then stale burrito from one of the vending machines in the break room, I hope."
"Ah, hadn't thought about that one yet, Boss." Tony sat slack jawed at his Boss's participation in this date planning. "She likes the Italian place around the corner. Maybe I could get them to deliver?"
Gibbs nodded his approval and Tony began flipping through his smart phone looking for the App to make an online order for later in the evening. His concentration for the rest of the day was going to be shot, Gibbs knew. He couldn't help but smile and chuckle softly at the excitement rolling off Tony in waves at the prospect of finally taking Ziva on their first real date.
It was in the middle of his second verse of humming, 'How Do you Solve a Problem Like Maria' when Gibbs had to clear his throat loudly and get his attention.
"DiNozzo," Gibbs called out without looking at him.
"Yeah, Boss?" Tony asked beaming.
"People are beginning to arrive for the day. Figure out how to solve your Maria problem later."
"Right, Boss." Tony immediately tried to stifle his smile, but when his eyes landed on Ziva's photos, and the one of her in Paris, the smile started leaking out once more as he typed.
The day seemed to crawl by for Tony but finally, the big night was here. He'd waited until most everyone left the building and dodged into the restroom to change into different clothes. He emerged 20 minutes later wearing new jeans that looked old with their distress pattern, dress shoes, a button down dress shirt that Ziva had told him twice now she liked when he wore it and his sport jacket. A few sprays of cologne and he was out the door. Nearly bouncing in his step on his way to get Ziva.
"Did it arrive yet?" He asked McGee, rubbing his hands together trying to stop them from sweating.
"It has. I put it on the table with everything you asked for in the MTAC room. Abs helped me set it up. Said it would be 'more romantic' if she helped then using the simple paper plates and napkins that came with the food." McGee shrugged with a smile at how precise Abby was in making sure everything was 'perfect,' including getting on him about not properly lining up the silverware. "It does look really nice, if I do say so myself."
"Thanks," Tony smiled widely, slapping McGee on the back and grasping his shoulder. "Okay, here it goes." He blew out two exaggerated breaths as if he were preparing to go into battle with his nerves growing wildly out of control.
"DiNozzo, wait." Gibbs called out to him, standing up from behind his desk and coming to stand before him, straight and tall that made Tony straighten up as well. "I want my girl back and in bed by 22:00 hours, is that clear? She needs her rest and is still healing." He reached forward straightening Tony's collar while the younger man looked on wide-eyed.
"Yes, sir." Tony gulped catching Gibb's eye when he finished, in disbelief this was really happening. How paternal Gibbs was being over Ziva and how involved he was in helping Tony make this night perfect. Even adjusting Tony's collar that had flipped up in the back. "Behave yourself and be the gentleman, I know you are." Gibbs softened, clapping Tony on the shoulder in support.
"I will, sir." Tony smiled softly with a head nod. "Here goes nothing." Tony blew into his hands, and then shook them out, bouncing on his heels and shaking his whole body as if trying to get his nerves out. "Okay, I can do this."
"DiNozzo," Gibbs called out again watching him walk away. "Did you happen to remember to get her flowers? Ladies like flowers."
"Oh shit!" Tony slapped his head again, completely forgetting that one little detail, "I totally forgot to pick them up! I ordered a half-dozen long stem red roses from the place Ziva likes and forgot them! I can't believe I forgot!"
"I didn't." Gibbs smiled reaching down behind his desk producing the gorgeous bouquet Tony had ordered but forgotton in his haste.
McGee and Tony both stare at him with mouths agape. "Can't have you messing this up on the first try." Gibbs handed over the flowers with a shrug and a smile. "Someone has to make sure this thing goes down smoothly."
"Thank you." Tony smiled feeling touched that Gibbs cared so much for them he was hoping their night went perfectly as well.
"Tony," Gibbs called out again as Tony began to walk away, addressing him by name this time and tone much softer.
"Yeah, Boss? Did I forget something else?" Tony asked with a smile, smelling the flowers he held in his hand.
"Have fun. You deserve it." Gibbs nodded with a smile and sat back down, "And remember the Rules of Engagement." He called out as Tony stepped into the elevator preparing to get Ziva.
"Rules #5 and #8. Don't waste good and take nothing for granted." Tony smiled and heard Gibbs say the Marine Corp, "Ooh-rah" before the doors closed.
"I've never seen Tony that nervous for a date in my life." McGee smiled shaking his head and sitting down at his own desk in wonder.
"That's because he's never gone on a date with Ziva before." Gibbs chuckled shaking his head. "This changes everything. Heaven help us."
"Good evening, My Fair Ladies." Tony smiled seeing Abby was helping Ziva get ready for the evening. He was stunned when he saw what she was wearing. Abby tried her best to do what she could to help Ziva prepare for such a big night and she hit a 'homerun' in Tony's eyes.
Somehow, Abby managed to help Ziva slip into a black formitting dress that she must have stepped into. The skirt fell just around and slightly below Ziva's knees with a knockout slit that rose to mid-thigh on her right leg. The top portion was sleeveless with a dangerously low slit down the font of her chest, completely exposing her zippered scar, still healing but taking nothing away from her beauty. Abby had helped her do her hair, straightened and falling around her shoulders. She wore the slightest touches of make-up that brought out her features and returned some warmth to her skin after being so ill the past nearly two weeks. A delicate bracelet hung around her wrist and barefeet with freshly painted bright red toenail polish completed the picture.
Tony laughed when he saw them and shook his head.
"I'm forbidden from wearing heels right now until I'm steady on my feet and no other shoes would do with this dress so-" Ziva tried to explain feeling self conscious standing before him.
"Ziva David, you look... amazing." Tony smiled interjecting his thoughts. "Shiny red toes and all." He kissed the side of her cheek as a Gentlemen's greeting. "For you, My Lady." He produced the red roses from behind his back and heard Abby's squeal of delight watching the first interactions.
"Thank you. They're beautiful." Ziva smiled blushing under Tony's gaze. She'd never had this many butterflies before on a first date. His fingers reached up to lightly graze the delicate and bruised skin next to her staples and sending a bolt of electricity through them both. "Sorry about that but I have to let it breathe. Doctor's orders. Not nice to look at, I know." She felt herself explaining away.
"I think it's a beautiful view." Tony smiled looking up at her and winked. "Are you ready?" He held the crook of his arm out to her, waiting for her to take it and knowing she needed additional support.
She nodded and accepted his arm.
"Wait!" Abby cried after them, reaching for the camera on the side table. "We have to have a photo of this. Your first date! It's so exciting!" Abby started snapping photos until Tony put his hand up that it was enough. "Have fun!" She called after them, waving excitedly until the elevator doors closed.
"I feel like we're going to Junior Prom." Tony chuckled feeling his palms sweat looking down at her beautiful face and the dress she was wearing. The slit down the front making him dizzing inspite of the scar that was there.
"I've never been to a Prom. Only seen them on TV or in the movies." Ziva smiled nervously, holding tightly to Tony's arm feeling the elevator shift as it stopped. "We're not going to one now, are we? You haven't recreated some scene from your favorite 80s film that requires we drink tainted punch and dance wildly."
"No," Tony laughed shaking his head and stepping off the elevator, "Though that does give me an idea for our second date."
"And what makes you so sure there will be a second date, Tony? Putting your donkey before the carriage aren't you?" Ziva teased with a disarmingly coy smile.
"I believe you mean, putting the cart before the horse, but yes, I'm sure there will be a second date. At least I hope there is." He swallowed hard with a nervous smile. "There are so many things I want to do with you, that cannot be shared in just one night."
"Then we best get started." She smiled widely and followed his lead. "Where are we going to anyway? I'm forbidden to leave the building at present."
"You'll see." He stopped and looked at Gibbs and McGee before turning the corner, making sure it was safe for him to bring Ziva around. He winked at them with an enormous smile for the beautiful woman on his arm. Giving a little wave as did Ziva and then disappeared into the MTAC room.
"Wow…she looked amazing." McGee smiled happy for his friends, "Except, where were her shoes?" His brows suddenly knit.
"Tony, its beautiful." She smiled taking a seat on the chair he'd pulled out for her. A tiny table for two had been set up before the big screen, with candles lit and elegant dishes spead out. Their favorite dishes set before them and two small glasses of wine. At Ziva's curious eyebrow Tony explained.
"I spoke with Ducky and your nurse and they both assured me that you could have a little wine. Ducky of course went into a long story about how wine is actually good for your heart and why the ancients used it for medicinal purposes." Tony smiled and Ziva chuckled softly, her fingers immediately going to her exposed chest pressing lightly to remind herself to take it easy with a twinge of pain.
"Don't make me laugh, Tony." She smiled widely flashing her beautiful eyes. "Are we watching something too?" She asked curiously when Tony found the remote on the table and pressed play. His only reply was to smile and take her hand across the table, playing with her fingers for the first time in this kind of setting.
"The Sound of Music." Her eyes lit with sparkle as soon as the first scene and chords rang through the theatre.
They ate and talked, laughed softly and smiled as the movie played on behind them and when they were finished eating, Tony escorted her to one of the more comfy chairs in the room, knowing that presently she couldn't stand to sit upright unsupported for very long without her ribs and sternum for support. Lacing their hands together with each delicately playing with each others fingers had both on edge with the fiery sensual contact.
When the Captain and Maria began their duet 'Something Good' towards the end of the film, realizing their love for each other, Tony stood and held out his hand to Ziva.
"Ziva David, will you dance with me?" He asked smiling brightly. "I promise not to hurt you."
Ziva swallowed the lump in her throat with a smile, not trusting her voice she nodded once and let him help her to stand. They walked a few feet to the clearing before the screen and beside their table with candles still burning and stopped, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes.
"I can't lift my arms." Ziva realized with a sad smile, knowing that under normal circumstances she would have wrapped her arms around his shoulder or held onto his raised hand.
"It's okay, you don't have to." Tony smiled, placing her arm around his waist gently, holding her very closely. Her other hand, he guided to hold his, tucked tightly against his chest so that her arm was never raised and simply bent at the elbow. His other arm, he wrapped around her back, pressing his plam gently aware of her gunshot wound in the area and began to sway softly, barely shuffling their feet; her head tucking nicely in under his chin and resting against his chest.
He was humming along with the tune and she pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes and then rested their foreheads together with eyes closed, enjoying the contact for a moment before she nestled her head back down against his throat and chest. Both content in letting the moment wash over them and listening to the words of the song on the screen.
'Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somwhere in my wicked, miserable past
There must have been a moment of truth
For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good'
The lyrics couldn't have been more appropriate for their first song and dance. Something he would have never thought before this moment, before this night. Perhaps Ziva knew something about this film that he never saw before now, and that is why it was her favorite. From now on, it just may be his favorite too. For he'd never be able to see it or hear the songs without thinking of this very moment for the rest of his life. Everything was falling into place.
Gibbs and McGee had taken a stroll down the hall, checking their perimeters to make sure no one interrupted or stumbled upon Tony and Ziva's date. When they stopped at the door for MTAC, they saw the silhouetted form of the couple dancing, lit magnificently from behind by the large screen and both smiled, nodding that all was right with the world and stepped back, not wanting to spy.
"Impromptu dancing." McGee smiled, shoving his hands into his pockets as they walked away. "One of the Big Three, Boss…and on their first date. Things are moving pretty quickly now."
Gibbs smile grew and chuckled, slapping McGee on the back and giving it a squeeze, "I'd hope so. Seven years of nearly daily foreplay, Tim." At McGee's wide astonished eyes he laughed, "Oh come on! You guys really thought I was that blind all these years?"
When it was time to tuck Ziva into bed for the night, Abby remained to help her get undressed and back into more comfortable clothing while Tony waited outside the room.
"She's ready." Abby smiled greeting him outside the door and pulled him into a big hug, planting a sloppy kiss to his cheek. "Remember what I said, Tony. Don't let her go this time." She whispered against his cheek, delighted to see how happy both her friends seemed with the turn in their relationship.
"I don't plan to, Abs." He returned the hug and kiss and let her go.
Tony didn't say anything as he walked up to her bed, seeing her all cozy and nestled in for the evening he took hold of her outstretched hand.
"I had a wonderful time this evening, Tony. Thank you for asking me." Ziva smiled unable to stop most of the evening.
"Thank you for joining me. Would you be willing to go on a second date with me?" He kissed her knuckles with a smile.
"I'd love to. Just please no Prom." She smiled remembering his comment and making Tony laugh.
"No pink frills I promise." He fingered a hair away from her face letting his finger tips linger, "Now traditionally when I'd say goodnight to a woman after a lovely time, I'd give her a kiss goodnight. May I kiss you, Ziva David?"
Ziva didn't reply, only wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him to her, kissing him soundly feeling her heart pound. "Goodnight…Tony." She breathed heavily letting him go and licking her lips, biting her lower lip softly when he pulled away.
"Goodnight, Ziva." He smiled, dropping another kiss to her forhead and laying down on the cot beside her bed. Both wearing tremendous smiles in the darkness after turning out the lights.
"So do you normally still sleep in the nude?" Tony asked after several minutes of silence and chuckled when he heard Ziva mumble.
"Oh Tony...I'd hit you with a pillow right now if I could." She smiled rolling her eyes, "I guess some thing's never change." And that thought made her smile wider. That even though they were together and exploring a new relationship, they were still what made them, them.
"Goodnight, Z."
"Goodnight, Tony."