Disclaimers can be found in the first chapter of this series.
Synopsis: An introspection into Ziva's evolving partnership with Tony. Slight reference to 5.02 Family
Another Kind of Family
Words: 300
As a Mossad Officer, missions often defined the itinerary of Ziva David's life. Rarely was she stagnant, never staying in one place long enough for attachments and connections to form. Though she had her immediate family, being the daughter of the Director meant that their relationship would often straddle the line between professional and personal. As a consequence, days liked birthdays and holidays were merely days that would often than not, pass without significance or acknowledgment of the fact.
But when she came to NCIS, her nomadic lifestyle shifted as people and dates became more and more relevant.
"Don't you know what today is, Ziva?"
"Thursday."
Her deadpan expression would be met by a myriad of fairly predictable responses - a history lesson from Ducky, an indignant "Oh no, Ziva!" from Abby which would be quickly followed by McGee's "Oh no is right, Ziva," and perhaps even an infinitesimal smile from Gibbs. But it was Tony's face that she would be drawn to. His polished green eyes would undoubtedly capture her rich browns, setting the stage for him to tease her about pop culture and for her to jokingly threaten his life.
But deep down, they were in fact two complicated people who were used to being alone. Her reasons were more obvious, while for him, it was a facade to keep everyone close while leaving emotions out. Tony DiNozzo learned hard lessons about attached relationships at an earlier age.
However, it was the nature of things that two lone souls would inevitably find each other. At which point, he would say that she had impeccable timing while she would counter by saying that he had crossed the line. Though they would never say this aloud, but beyond the veil of their partnership, they had evolved to something more - a family.
AN: I'm not happy with this one. I'm not sure how to fix it, so this is the end result.