A/N: It's been a while that I've written something. And first time ever I did a crossover. But after pretty much binging Magnum PI this last few weeks, and with 13 years of watching Tony DiNozzo, I figured they pretty much could be brothers. For now it's a one shot. Just two people meeting, talking and splitting ways again. No beta-reader, all mistakes are mine.
Knowing a Stranger
"Thank you," Tony DiNozzo accepted the ice cone from the big Hawaiian man at the ice cream stand with a smile and turned back towards the beach. He put on his sun glasses and started at his shave ice. Hidden behind his dark glasses, he easily checked out his surroundings. It was a warm, sunny day, people were relaxing and chilling down at the beach, some where playing volleyball in the grass and some were … arguing in front of a very beautiful red Ferrari. A gorgeous Ferrari 488 GTB Spider, if he was not mistaken. He watched the car and the couple in front of it with growing interest. Slowly he walked towards the beach, keeping the Ferrari and the couple in his eye sight.
She was standing with her hands in her sides – just like he had seen Ziva standing in front of him numerous times, exasperated or annoyed with his antics. Tony grinned at the memories. He had look on his face that balanced between annoyance and smiling, as if he was riling on the other on purpose. Well, Tony didn't know for sure of course, but he also remembered vividly how much fun it was to rile up Ziva, to make her eyes sparkle and her face blush. Yeah. Good times, he smiled fondly again while he walked on the warm, soft sand. He turned to his right and slowly sauntered over the beach. It was almost a morbid kind of curiosity he had for the couple.
Apparently, the duo was done fighting – or done with each other for the moment. The blonde threw up her hands in the air, turned on her heel and got in the – gorgeous, Tony thought again – Ferrari and sped off. The man stared after her until it was gone in the distance, shook his head and let out a visible sigh. Tony couldn't resist and walked over. "Earlier shit was easier, probably? No cars to drive away in," He offered friendly. Magnum looked up and squinted his eyes with a small frown. "If she had a horse, she would be on it in seconds and gallop away on it," he grinned wryly. "Ah yes. The feisty type? I've experience with someone like that," Tony answered. "Not blond. Long hair. Former Mossad," Magnum's interest peaked. He thought quickly and turned towards the stranger who pulled off his sunglasses with one hand and offered the other to shake. "DiNozzo," Magnum shook it. "Magnum," he answered. "I know it's not my shit, but if you want to talk about it?" Tony asked. "About what?" a frown crinkled between Magnum's eyebrows. "About how your girl just left you in what could be the middle of nowhere. Might be Hawaii, but it's still a crappy move," Tony shrugged. Magnum laughed. "Nah she's just a bit pissed. Isn't the first time, won't be the last," "What did you do?" "What's it to you?" Magnum asked suspicious. Tony laughed and looked over the ocean. "Nothing, really. Just a guy passing through. And you looked like you could use a talk, so I'm offering an ear. No judgements whatsoever," Their eyes locked, Magnum weighing his options, Tony waiting patiently. Magnum wasn't sure why, but he felt at ease with this DiNozzo-guy. As if they knew each other already.
"I got us a goat. As payment for a case we solved," he shrugged while he rubbed through his hair. "I just don't know how to explain to her that is not about the money for me. Even though I'm broke as fuck, I just … can't," he sighed. Tony kept silent, simply waiting for him to continue. He knew more would follow. "I've seen enough disaster, misery and hell for a life time. If I can make the life of one person better, by helping them without asking much in return, I can live on bread and water for an eternity. That's fine. It's not about me," another shrug, another rub in his hair. He turned his head to the left, looking Tony straight in the eyes, unwavering. "Jules doesn't get that part. Not yet," Tony saw it the second the mask went back up. "She does kicks ass though, Higgy," a wide grin, a sparkle in the brown eyes.
Oh yes, this guy was as good as Tony. All smiles, a lot of flair and jokes, but there were many layers beneath the surface. Tony was sure he only had seen a small part of it. But that was fine, he got it. It was a way of living he knew all too well – one that he had left behind him mostly, thanks a lot to Ziva and Tali. "So, a goat?" he asked grinning just as wide. "Tell me, how did you manage that?"