A Ride Home
Chapter 2
Fortunately for everyone reading this, I do not own NCIS or any of its characters. If I did the show would probably have been cancelled before the first season was over as I don't think I could ever possess the patience nor the talent to write out one script, much less a whole season's worth. I am only borrowing the characters for a little bit, but promise to return them to DPB as soon as I have had my fun.
Warning: Spoilers for "Head Case" and "Ravenous"
A/N: OK, I've decided to go ahead and post chapter 2 since chapter 1 is a little boring. Trust me, it gets better, especially in chapter 3. Here's a little something more for now.
Tony was startled out of his reverie by the sound of the elevator doors opening and light footsteps entering the bullpen. He stood up at his desk craning his neck to see who, besides himself, could possibly still be here at this late hour. He had thought he was alone. As he squinted in the dim light, he could not see anyone. "Hello," he called out while quietly opening his desk drawer to retrieve his weapon, even though his logical mind told him no one besides NCIS personnel could get into the building, much less make it to the bullpen. However, Tony had not become a homicide detective in Baltimore and a member of Gibbs' elite team by relying on his logic alone. Instincts and a gut feeling had kept him alive many times when the odds were against him, so he had learned not to ignore them.
Before Tony could begin making his way towards the elevator, he heard a voice behind him. "What are you still doing here, Tony? "came the soft voice of none other than the woman who had been occupying his thoughts, Ziva David.
"God, Ziva! How many times have I told you to stop doing that!" Tony exclaimed with a startled jump.
"Pardon me, Tony, I hadn't realized you were such a fraidy kitten," she said nodding to the weapon he still gripped in his hand.
"Fraidy Cat, Zee-vah, not kitten," Tony replied.
"Same difference," Ziva said, rolling her eyes. "Besides, I didn't know anyone was still here. I thought everyone had left for the night. I just came back because I realized I had forgotten my scarf."
"Well, I was just finishing up some reports before heading home," Tony said. "I work better when I'm alone, when it's quiet, I mean."
Ziva just gave Tony a look. "You appeared to be in deep concentration when I arrived. Does your head hurt?" Ziva asked with a smirk.
"Very funny, Ziva," Tony replied with a grim smile.
"I have my moments," Ziva returned with a saucy grin.
"Come on, it's late, I'll walk you out," Tony said while gathering his belongings.
"I assure you, Tony, I am quite capable of walking myself out," said Ziva.
"I am well aware of that, Ziva, but just humor me, ok?" replied Tony. Ziva hesitated for a moment before giving a curt nod to indicate her agreement.
They stepped onto the elevator in silence. It was after the doors had closed that a thought occurred to Tony. "You aren't planning on walking to the bus stop at this time of night, are you?" he asked Ziva.
"Why no, Tony. I thought I would just click my heels together on the sidewalk and say, 'There's no place like home,' and I would be at my apartment," Ziva shot back sarcastically.
"Come on, Ziva, I'm being serious here. It's not safe to be walking around by yourself at this time of night. I'll give you a ride home," was Tony's reply.
"Thank you for your concern, Tony, but I will be fine. I have been in far more dangerous situations before," Ziva said to Tony with a look in her eyes that he couldn't quite discern.
"I understand, Ziva, but think how it would hurt my reputation with the ladies if it got around that I let you walk to the bus stop by yourself late at night in D.C. It would totally kill my reputation as a gentleman," said Tony while holding a hand to his heart with a pained expression on his face.
. Ziva snorted in amusement and replied, "O.K., Mr. Gentleman, but only because I would have to listen to you whine for days about why you couldn't get a date if I didn't."
Ziva would never admit it, but she was secretly relieved. Although she had been in much more dangerous situations and knew she could handle herself just fine, it didn't stop the uncomfortable feeling she got when walking the dark streets of D.C. alone at night. Tony smiled and tried to appear nonchalant, glad that his fear of wounding his 'reputation' had gotten Ziva to agree. He knew she was much too proud to accept a ride simply because walking by herself late at night was dangerous, which was why he had turned it around to seem as if he was more worried about himself. It had worked like a charm.
As they exited the building and walked into the parking lot Tony's stomach rumbled in hunger. It was then that Tony realized he had not eaten since the burritos he and McGee had bought for breakfast that morning, and it was now nine in the evening. As far as Tony knew, Ziva had not had anything else to eat either.
"Hey Ziva, I'm starving. What do you say we stop and grab something to eat first?" Tony asked.
"Are you asking me on a date, Special Agent DiNozzo?" Ziva answered jokingly.
"I don't know, Officer David. Do you want it to be a date?" was Tony's bold reply.
Ziva was surprised at this and gave Tony a searching look. She saw no hint of amusement or sign that he was joking when she looked into his green eyes. "I suppose we could get some food and see what happens," Ziva replied with a grin. Tony returned her grin as they got into the car. Perhaps this night wouldn't be so dull after all.
TBC...
A/N: Again, reviews are encouraged and welcome and entice me to update quicker.