Lost Souls

Chapter 21

The International Market was a definite hit. Ziva thoroughly enjoyed the vendors claiming it reminded her of home. Plus Danny really was good at shopping having had a lot of practice with his ex wife and daughter. Steve, on the other hand, was bored. McGee, who'd elected to join them and not the surfers, was not quite as bored, but it was close.

"Didn't we see the same skirt two stalls back?" Tim whispered to Steve.

"And three stalls before that one!" McGarrett agreed with a slight sneer. Danny was helping Ziva by holding her shopping bag as she looked at the light and colorful clothing. He glanced over at the other two men and chuckled.

"You know, you don't have to stay with us," he said. "There are other things for you to do. We can agree to meet up in a couple hours."

"Naw, I said I'd stay with you," Steve started in.

"Look, Ziva has your phone number. If I have any problems she'll call you," Danny said reasonably. "She's a ninja, too. She'll contain me."

"I can, you know, contain people," David said as she considered which garment to buy. "Figured out cell phones ages ago."

"Well, if you're sure," he hedged.

"We're sure!" Ziva and Danny chorused.

"Ok, then, let's go Tim!" Steve grinned and immediately moved to more male-friendly areas of the village. Ziva looked amused as Danny at the other two hasten off.

"So, you really don't mind doing the 'girly' thing?" she asked her companion.

"No, I don't," he said with a smile. "I had younger sisters I had to watch at the mall. Then my ex loved to shop. Finally, Grace likes all the colors and sounds of this particular place. That and farmer's markets."

"You go to farmer's markets as well?" she grinned. "You truly are a prince among men!" He bowed to her.

"Now, which one do you like?" she said as she held up two nearly identical shirts.

The morning passed pleasantly. McGee and McGarrett discovered various vendors with military and historical items as well as touristy kitsch. David delighted in finding some new clothes. Williams just enjoyed being in his own skin surrounded by people.

On the surfing venue, Kono and Chin helped Tony improve his technique. Oh, Chin didn't do too much, but he did watch over his cousin. Not that he was worried, oh, no. Not with DiNozzo and his little black book...

Jethro availed himself of the rental and drove to the US Army Museum. He wanted to look at the the history of the military in Hawaii and had heard from Fornell this was definitely a place to visit.

From the first moments in the foyer he was intrigued. The exhibits were in basic chronological order and let the visitor see the developments of the military in Hawaii. He especially was interested in the area dedicated to Dec. 7, 1941 but stayed the longest in the gallery of heroes. So many good men and women of various ranks and branches were remembered there.

If he were to admit it, he misted up a bit as he read their stories. He was secretly glad he'd come alone. Of course, McGarrett had arranged for a tour of Pearl Harbor for them and he knew that would be overwhelming. But Steve, at least, would have his back.

^-.-^

The International Village foursome met a little after one for lunch. The 'natives' decided that the food court would be fine, especially as it had Danny's favorite cheat food: hot dogs. Wandering into the court they explained the offerings to the Easterners.

Ziva was interested in different, so she went over to Choi's Kitchen. The kimchee fried rice sounded interesting. Tim decided a hot dog would be good; he'd been eating healthy stuff all week! A big, drippy chile dog would definitely hit the spot. Danny went with him to score a bratwurst and kraut.

Steve, who didn't splurge often, stayed true to himself and hit the Yummy Korean BBQ, getting a spicy tofu soup (he did order two sides of the macaroni salad, tutting that he'd have to swim a little longer the next day.)

Danny punched him in the arm.

"Eh, you can take me for a run," Tim said. "I love to run in the park near my place."

"I know some great places!" Steve exclaimed. "How far do you want to go?"

"Steve thinks easy is a little 15 mile jaunt over the Diamond Head ridge," Danny said in sotto voce to Ziva. He received a punch in the arm.

"Do not!" the Seal whined.

"I usually do five-six miles for a longer run," Tim ignored the drama.

"Good, I have a couple ideas," Steve smiled and began outlining his choices. They finally settled on a circle route around Diamond Head. It was just 4.5 miles and not too difficult.

"Maybe we could pack a picnic for after," Ziva suggested. "Daniel and I can go to a farmer's market and find a place to eat."

"There're lots of places down on the beach," Danny pointed out. "After your run you can cool off in the ocean. We can make an afternoon of it!"

"We could go to the farmer's market now," Steve suggested, still concerned about his friend. Ziva was all smiles and even Tim thought it sounded like fun.

"There's lots of things there. The regular fresh fruit and veggies," Williams explained. "Then there are other fun things to see and buy. It's very low-key." Ziva's phone sounded off the Marine's Hymn.

"Gibbs!" Tim chortled.

"That Tony is such a harlequin," ('clown' three voices chorused) she complained as she picked up the phone. As she spoke with her boss Tim filled in how his team mate liked to capture their phones and change the ring tones. Danny shared his various ring tones for the ex, his daughter and Steve. Of course the Seal retaliated by sharing his ring tone for Danny and Grace.

"Hey, when is Grace back?" McGarrett asked. "Wasn't it soon?"

"Yep, my baby girl will be home this Friday," Danny smiled. "I get her Saturday and most of the day Sunday."

"So we get to meet your daughter," Tim said. "Mini-Danny." Which brought snickers from Steve. Ziva put her phone away.

"Gibbs would like to go with us," she said. "I told him we'd pick him up at the hotel and share a ride."

"Truck's big enough, that's for sure," Danny said.

"If we're going back to the hotel," McGee started, "I think I'll stay. I could use a little down time to work on my lap top."

"You just want to play," Ziva teased. The agent flushed slightly.

"Ok, play," he allowed. "We've been together 24/7 it seems and a little alone time sounds good." David patted his shoulder.

"I understand, Tim," she agreed. "We have been in each other's space constantly. That is why Gibbs went off alone this morning, I'm sure."

Before they finished eating Ziva ordered a bratwurst and large soda for Gibbs. A bag of chips was tossed in and soon they were on their way back to the Aston.

Once there they swapped out the two male NCIS agents. Gibbs happily settled on the back seat and inhaled his lunch. Steve refrained from complaining about the grease and crumbs in his truck. Mostly.

Jethro, of course, neatly bussed his trash and when they parked near a farmer's market made sure to brush out any minute specks of food and throw away the bag. Steve pulled some reusable handled bags from under the seat and immediately passed them to Danny.

"Since you're the designated shopper-companion," he teased.

"I'm left holding the bag," Williams deadpanned bringing a burst of a laugh from Gibbs and a roll of eyes from his partner. Ziva was simply confused.

English idioms were impossible!

They wandered around the market checking out all the fresh offerings. Fruit salads were discussed and contrasted against green salads. Then they looked over the fish monger's choices.

"Hey, I could make that papaya relish you actually like," Steve offered. "We could grill the fish at the beach."

"That sounds good," Danny agreed. He still wasn't too keen on slicing chunks of beef or lasagna.

"I can make a cold wild rice side-dish," Ziva offered. "Its ideal for a picnic."

"A green salad?" Danny suggested, "with a little fruit tossed in for fun."

"Fruit in a green salad?" Gibbs asked doubtfully. Ziva assured him that it would be just fine.

Now that a menu had been determined they resumed shopping selecting vegetation to prepare. A spirited discussion ensued over the best type of fish for grilling. Steve was all for fresh albacore while Jethro wanted something COOKED.

"I don't do raw," Gibbs grumbled, "Or rare."

"I used to think that way," Williams admitted. "But Kamekona's poke took care of that.

"That's fine, but I still want my fish cooked," the older agent said firmly. Steve finally relented and they selected some wahoo fillets

that had been caught fresh that morning and prepared. A citrus marinade was discussed and the basics bought.

After they shopped for lunch they headed back to Steve's to do some of the prep. Tony called to say he was back at the hotel and was going out. There were bars to go to! Kono had thoughtfully supplied a list and directions. (Chin had thoughtfully nixed Kono being his guide.) Tim would be his wingman for the venture.

Which left Gibbs and David. They discussed their dinner options while she fixed her rice dish. Neither of the 5-0 men offered either suggestions or invites. Thai was decided on and McGarrett happily suggested one of his favorite restaurants.

Danny was antsy, flitting about the kitchen as he prepped ingredients for his salad. Steve could feel the tension flowing from him and buffered him from too much questioning from Gibbs and David. He was very glad when the two finally headed out with promises to meet up in the morning.

^-.-^