It was rather surprising how the time had flown by. Seems like only yesterday that it had been his birthday and he was partying over at Abby's place. In reality that had been weeks ago. He watched as Ziva ate some more of her salad. He had spent a great deal of time with her, Tony and even Palmer since he had quit Gibbs' team. He had even made sure to visit Ducky now and then. It's was always nice to see them although sometimes there was those awkward talks about Gibbs. He knew he really couldn't avoid those. He was grateful that Hannah never brought up his name now. God knows he heard it enough as it was and he knew he was going to hear it again. He was about to bring it up himself since he wanted to ask about the newest addition to the team. He took a piece of bread from the basket. "I hear the new agent is pretty good."
Ziva gave him a quick nod. She liked their newest team member. He was no Tim but he was a good guy. "He's ok. It's not like when you were there but that's not his fault."
Tim chewed on his bread. He hoped their new coworker didn't have too much trouble fitting in. It wouldn't be fair to him. "You and Tony aren't being too hard on him are you?"
Ziva shook her head. "No but Gibbs is. You would think he would be nicer since this whole thing is his doing." She took a deep breath to calm down as her voice seemed to become angrier. "I do think Shepard deliberate made us wait for a new agent to annoy Gibbs." This time a small smile appeared on her face. "Still the new guy is taking it all in stride."
"I'm sure it will work out." He really missed working with her and Tony but he had to admit that the coworkers he had now weren't that bad.
"Why are you still in Cyber Crimes Tim? I thought you'd be out of there by now. It's been a while and I know you've had some offers, no?" She laid down her fork and knife on her plate. She could not eat another bite. When he gave her a look she went on. "Abby told me."
"I decided to keep my options open. I do not want to make a permanent decision just yet" He took and drank the last of his water.
She nodded as she leaned back into her chair. "That is a good idea. To take your time so you are sure you will end up at some place that truly deserves you."
It was nice hearing her praise him like that. He found it to be a sweet gesture. "Ziva. Thank you for everything."
Ziva looked back at him. What was he talking about?
"Ever since, you know, you've been a great friend. I mean, .. the others have been great too but you have been especially so. You've really helped me a lot and I just wanted you to know that." He wasn't sure if he had said the right words but it was how he felt.
Ziva was touched by his words. Not that he had needed to say them in the first place but they were nice to hear. "I'm glad I could be of help to you." She smiled at him and he smiled back. She liked his smile. It was rather charming. "So, what are the plans for Hannah's birthday?" She regretted the question when his face turned serious once again.
He folded the napkin and put it on his plate. He was both looking forward to Hannah's birthday and at the same time he was not. "Abby want's to hold a party and you know what that means?"
"Gibbs."
"Yeah."
Ziva sighed. "I would think that Abby would be more sympathetic towards you then him."
He wished that was so but he knew Abby well enough to not expect that. "Well, it is Hannah's birthday so Abby feels Gibbs belongs there. Besides Abby has known Gibbs longer then she has known me."
"That should not matter." Ziva's voice rose a bit and she bit her tongue from saying more.
Neither one of them noticed Gibbs nearing their table. He stopped when he spotted them. Why was he doing this? He needed Ziva back to work and damn Dinozzo just had to run in to an old friend, female at that, outside the restaurant. He took a deep breath and continued on.
Ziva was the first one that saw him. "Gibbs is here." She whispered loud enough for Tim to hear. What was he doing here?
He sat up and braced himself. Great, just what he needed. As he felt someone approach Tim turned and looked at him. "Gibbs."
He really hated how Tim always seemed to have to keep himself in check around him. "McGee." Gibbs looked over at Ziva. This was a bit of déjà vu for him but with different people. Instead of Tony and Hannah it was now Ziva and Tim. "You forgot to charge your phone David?"
Ziva furrowed her brows. She started digging in her purse and brought it out. "No, it's full."
"I tried calling you. We have a case." He kept his eyes at Ziva as she seemed to figure out why her phone had not worked.
"That is weird. No missed calls. Perhaps I need a new one." She put it back in her purse. "Thanks for lunch Tim. We'll do it again soon, yes?"
"Would love to, Ziva." He smiled at her as she made her way around the table. He liked spending time with her.
Gibbs didn't move as his eyes traveled back to rest on Tim. His posture was stiff.
Ziva stopped and turned. She waited just to make sure things did not get out of hand.
"Is there something on your mind?" Tim didn't bother to look back at him but he knew Gibbs had not moved.
Would Tim ever talk to him without sounding like it was the last thing in the word he wanted to do? "Hannah's birthday is coming up. Abby invited me to the party."
Tim closed his eyes. He had really hoped that Abby would have understood this by now. She was still trying to get them to 'fix' things.
Ziva was not happy. What would it take for Abby to understand that she did more damage than good?
"What do you want me to say?" Tim took another piece of bread but instead of eating it he just played it in in his hand.
"I just wanted you to know. I also wanted you to know that Hannah asked me not to come." Gibbs had to admit that he had been a bit disappointed when she had asked him not to show up. Even though he understood it would most likely cause some awkward moments he was still disappointed. It hurt that Hannah had chosen Tim over him but he could understand her. Besides, he knew it must have been hard for Hannah too when she had asked him not to show. It did, he was willing to admit, scare him a bit. He hoped it would never have to come down to Hannah having to choose between them.
Oh yeah, a surprise party for Hannah this year had been out of the question. Tim couldn't help but to smirk though. At least Hannah understood how he felt. "I bet you are not happy with that?"
"Nope." Gibbs answered truthfully. "Should I be?"
Did Gibbs actually think he was behind that? Hannah had a mind of her own and she at least understood the situation. Why couldn't Gibbs? Oh he did understand but he was just so darn stubborn. "Well, I didn't ask her to."
Gibbs was starting to get annoyed. That was not why he brought it up. "That's not what I meant."
Ziva knew Gibbs was getting angry so she took a step closer to him. "Should we not go?"
Gibbs wasn't a fool. He knew what Ziva was doing. "Yeah." He took one last look at Tim. "Take care, Tim." With that he turned and walked away.
Ziva watched as Tim's whole posture slumped a bit. She took another step and placed a hand on his shoulder. She squeezed gently. "Call me if you need anything." She quickly turned to hurry after Gibbs.
Tim tossed the piece of bread away from him. Gibbs didn't like the situation. So what? He didn't like it either but it was the way it was. Tim wasn't stupid. He knew the possibility of Gibbs showing up at Hannah's party anyway was a good one. Still, he would go. He could stay only for a bit and then leave. Why should he start missing her birthday because of him? No, that was not going to happen.