Disclaimers can be found in the first chapter of this series.
Synopsis: "On the anniversary of Caitlin Todd's funeral, there was always a subtle change in their dynamic."
Words: 221
Subtle Shift
She never really addressed with Tony, the circumstances in which she wind up at NCIS. It was a tumultuous time then. But on the anniversary of Caitlin Todd's funeral, there was always a subtle change in their dynamic. Some unbridled energy would linger in the air until equilibrium shifted and they adapted. This was less palpable when the team was busied with ongoing cases, but Ziva would nonetheless notice that festering sense of unease.
Apparently, she wasn't as good as hiding that feeling as she thought, or perhaps, Tony was just getting better at reading her moods, when he asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing."
"Then it must be something."
"How can nothing be something?"
"When that something is actually not nothing."
Resigned to the fact that she was going to have to answer her partner's queries, she asked, "What was she like?"
"Who?"
"Special Agent Todd."
That brought him up short, but considering he was the instigator of the conversation, he was going to follow through with it. "She wasn't you," he answered simply.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It is what it is. You aren't her and she's not you. Isn't that enough of an answer?"
"Is it enough of an answer for you?"
"Don't worry sweet cheeks. Despite what your assumptions may be, I'll always have your back."
AN: Don't forget to r/r and let me know what you think. - EoP
