Title: I Just Really Miss You
Author: rekkidbraka
Rating: T
Pairings: Tony D. and Ziva D.
Category: Romance
Disclaimer: No infringement intended.
Spoilers: None
Summary: Ziva's in Spain and Tony's bitter. Plus lonely.

-------------------- I Just Really Miss You ---------------------

In the first few weeks after Ziva had left, Tony tried convincing himself that she wasn't really all the way over in Spain. She was just temporarily "on assignment," he'd tell himself; none of this was permanent. Soon she'd return to the D.C. NCIS office, he'd find a way to make everything right with her and they'd go back to their lives together. The engagement was still on, right? Ziva hadn't given him back his ring.

But now, three months later, things were markedly different.

Tony hadn't heard from Ziva. Not one word.

No calls. No emails. No texts. Nothing.

Initially, the lack of contact had disturbed Tony, worried him. It wasn't like Ziva not to talk with him at all. Yes, she'd been upset with him before leaving but they'd still talked. Mostly about work. There had been, however, that one night Tony showed up at Abby's practically begging to see Ziva. It was the night before she left for Rota. He had to speak with her, he told a defensive Abby. Ziva had agreed.

"Why?" Tony had asked Ziva. "Why are you doing this? Are you that mad at me? That you have to go all the way to Spain to let me know what a huge mistake I made? Dammit, Ziva, I know. I KNOW!"

The thought of her leaving was eating away at him. He missed her terribly and she'd only been across town at Abby's. Now she'd be an ocean away and Tony didn't know if he could handle it.

"This has nothing to do with what has happened between US, Tony." Ziva had told him. "Director Vance needs me for... a mission. That mission is in Rota. Tony, I have to do this. And I am sorry you do not understand. But I am doing what is best. For everyone."

"Leaving me, huh? That's what's best? For everyone? The HELL with that!" Tony had snapped, unable to control his temper. He was losing his soulmate, the woman he wanted to spend his life with — and all over a stupid mistake on his part. He felt as if he'd never get Ziva back, figure out how to convince her that his love for her was true and he was ready for a commitment, ready to be her husband.

"I love you, Tony," Ziva said, fighting back tears. "That has not changed. It never will." With that, she kissed him tenderly. The contact took Tony's breath away.

"Ziva..." Tony replied, his voice husky, "Don't go. Please... Please don't go."

"I must," Ziva answered softly, stroking Tony's cheek. "I gave my word."

With that, she gently closed the door behind her. Tony pressed his forehead against the wood, running his palm along its grain. The shock of the unexpected kiss left Tony's body feeling tense. He needed more time with Ziva. But he wouldn't get it, he knew.

Aching for Ziva, Tony softly pressed his fist against the door before he forced himself to walk away.

"Still nothing from Ziva?" Tim, who was by now used to seeing Tony check his cellphone every half-hour, still worried about his friend. And he was concerned that Ziva hadn't contacted anyone at NCIS. Not like Ziva, Tim thought.

"Nope," Tony replied nonchalantly, flipping his phone shut as if he'd been doing anything but seeing if Ziva had called. "Nada. Nein. Nyet. Not that I care, McMOM." He frowned, studying the phone. "Been three months," Tony sniffed arrogantly. "Time for this DiNozzo to move on to greener pastures, Probie." He raised an eyebrow Tim's way. "How's about we flash some badge over at the Capital Club tonight? D.C. Dish dot-com says that's where all the hottest law intern chicks get their party on and, once the evening's over, their... briefs off. Heh heh heh..."

Tim shot Tony a withering look.

"Aren't you still engaged? Ziva didn't send the ring back, did she?" He studied Tony closely. "Did she?"

Tony snarled. Tim was starting to make him angry with all the Ziva talk. He'd been trying to forget her — unsuccessfully.

"Forget it, McNosy!" Tony snapped, "I'll just go WITHOUT a wingman!"

"C'mon, Tony..." Tim began. But Tony ignored him, hastily rising from his desk and gathering his gear so he could leave quickly. "TONY!" Tim called after his friend. Tony didn't respond.

This is NOT going to be good, Tim thought to himself, sighing as he watched the silver elevator doors close behind Tony. Ziva, why don't you CALL?

At the Capital Club, Tony's green eyes fixed on a pair of young, attractive law interns just down the bar from him. They smiled at him, giving him come-hither looks. But he just looked away, suddenly ashamed of himself.

What the hell am I doing here? Tony thought. His mind was filled with thoughts of Ziva, how much he missed her, how desperately he wanted to hear from her, why she wasn't returning his messages.

The sensation of his cellphone vibrating in his pocket jolted him back to the reality around him. He quickly placed the phone to his ear, not even bothering to look at the display to see who was calling.

"Ziva?" Tony said, his voice trembling, heart pounding.

"Tony," the voice on the other end replied. "We need to talk."