Author's Note: Well, this is probably the longest hiatus a fanfiction has ever taken before being updated! Is anyone who read it 10 years ago still here?
I have thought of, and re-read this fic at least once every couple of months since then and toyed with the next chapter on and off. However, what's really changed is the fact that I found a streaming service that has NCIS available, and I'm re-watching from Season 1 all over again, so my muse has finally woken up too! I just got through Season 2 (still not over Twilight), but I've had Ziva back on my screen again, and honestly, the Tiva chemistry from the very beginning swoon. And like I said... it wasn't over, I had more ideas, but they're only just now coming to fruition. Life, kids, job, moving house, you name it, but I'm back.
So, without further ado. Let's get back to it.
Chapter Fourteen - Proving Ground
Although they were not on call and it was Sunday, Ziva still chose to head into NCIS the morning after the team dinner at the bar where Abby had taken it on herself to call out their odd behaviour, and Gibbs in turn had called her and McGee out. The night had finished easily, they'd laughed, chatted, had a couple more beers and plenty more dances. Gibbs had remained in the booth, sitting with their bags and jackets, grumbling in a good natured way about being a fifth wheel, but Abby caught the affection in his eyes, flashing an "I love you" hand sign as Tim led her to the floor. The last dance, another slow one, was intense. Tony, still surprised by Ziva's ability to put words into her gaze without letting anyone else in on their secrets, had read exactly what she intended to do with him later, and had barely waited till she'd shut her apartment door, before making sure she kept her unspoken promise on the rug in front of the sofa.
They'd slept in, and spent a languid hour cuddling and chatting quietly simply enjoying each other's company. However, she had paperwork to catch up on, and as Tony rightly accused, "the world's happiest goth" was waiting in the lab, checking on results and expecting a lunch date and gossip session. She had laughed affectionately at Tony's playful pout when she'd refused him a repeat of the night before, and kissed him goodbye, tossing the remote on the bed and mentioning she'd recently added a sports channel to her cable plan.
"So, tell me everything!" Abby began. Paperwork more or less up to date, Ziva had relocated to the lab, where she and Abby had set up an indoor picnic for lunch. Ziva had stopped at a couple of her favourite delis on the way in, purchasing cheese, dips, deli meat, and other antipasto type snacks, Abby had provided an array of cushions and a picnic blanket, and put some low jazz on in the background.
"There is not a lot to tell, really." Ziva spread cream cheese onto a slice of baguette. "We were not together, and then we were."
"But your whole friendship was built on flirting without following through, something must have happened to change it. Remember I'm a forensic scientist Ziv, I will find out!" Ziva laughed, Abby's persistence was endearing.
"He was good to me." She responded simply. "I had been injured and we got snowed in at his apartment. I needed cream on my injuries and I could not reach. He took care, without being..." She trailed off.
"Being Tony." Abby finished for her. "He's got a good heart under that frat boy exterior. When did you actually get together-together though?"
"The night of the ball, when you helped me get ready. That was what...? A month ago now." Ziva bit into a carrot stick.
"I knew it! You looked amazing in that dress, there's no way he couldn't have thought of you differently after that, and then getting to play knight in shining armour taking you home when your feet were sore. It's pretty romantic really." Despite the elegant lunch, Abby still had her trademark Caf-Pow and took a sip.
"Ha! No!" Ziva laughed. "I was furious with him that night. We'd been sleeping together for maybe 4 months then. He got jealous of Gibbs and I, and distracted us half the night acting like a toddler. I, how do you say it? Tore a new one into him? But we did make it up after that."
"Tony was jealous of Gibbs?" Abby laughed heartily. "He's got that whole silver fox thing going for him... but he's well, he's Gibbs!"
"It was very nice, he plays the doting husband well." Ziva admitted, "But as you say, he is Gibbs. I have never seen him in that way."
"Good to know David." The man in question commented dryly. Both women scrambled to their feet, surprised by his sudden arrival.
"I need to set up motion sensors!" Abby exclaimed. "Why are you here? It's Sunday!"
"Agent Gibbs! I did not mean to..." Ziva began.
"Stand down." Gibbs interrupted her with a laugh. "Glad I didn't sweep you off your feet, don't think DiNozzo would've coped."
"What can I do for you oh captain, my captain? Did you come for lunch?" Abby swept her hand towards their floor picnic invitingly.
"No, and last time I checked, we're in the same timezone Abs, it's your Sunday too." He pushed a fresh Caf-Pow! gently into her hand, and handed Ziva a takeout mug with a herbal tea tag hanging from the top.
"Thanks Gibbs. I'm waiting for the computer to render some new simulations of that car wreck Agent Balboa is investigating, something's hinky." She pointed to her desk. "Trying a few variables in velocity and reaction time."
"I'm sure you'll work it out Abs. Came here to talk to you girls, especially you Ziva. Finish eating, you're off duty, not gonna chew you out over your little picnic today." The women propped back down on the cushions, while Gibbs wheeled the desk chair over.
"Eat. You haven't had anything except coffee since last night." Abby said accusingly, quickly throwing a bit of everything onto a plate, which she handed up to him with a stern glare.
"Yeah, you got me Abs." He took it without argument, but made no pretence of eating anything, sipping his coffee instead. "Speaking of last night, there were some pretty big secrets spilled, and it's about damn time. But I need to know where you want to go from here."
"Isn't this a conversation you should be having with the guys?" Abby laughed, and lowered her voice, a gruff impression of Gibbs. "What exactly is your intention with my little girl?"
"Nah. Already had that." He deadpanned. "I mean here, at work. Now that you've let a few of us in, it's going to be harder to lay low, that's why Rule 4. You already know there's no official policy that says you can't be together, but it's not exactly welcome news. And Leon's gonna be pissed if he thinks we're keeping it from him. I got your sixes on this, don't want any of you getting transferred, but I need to know what you're planning to do. No more surprises."
"I did not want to make a public announcement if that's what you mean, Gibbs. I just did not want to worry about it being secret anymore." Ziva spoke first. "But, you already know I prefer to keep my home life private. You will not find me sitting on his lap in the office."
"What about you and McGee?"
"Well, you might find me sitting on Timmy's lap. But only if you insist on sneaking down here without warning all the time." Abby giggled.
"Abs..." Gibbs fixed his eyes on her, a nonverbal warning, and she sobered quickly.
"Sorry, I know it's not such a big thing, us being on separate teams and all. It'd just be nice to share a car when we're together, or to take lunch and not have to do the whole leaving separately, finding a quiet place, and be checking over our shoulders all the time... you know?"
"Exactly." Ziva supplied. "It is still early days, and while I don't know where this will go.. if it becomes permanent, I do not want Director Vance to feel as though we have been keeping things from him... for too long anyway." She added, remembering the first few months of "no strings attached" arrangements that had been strictly between her and Tony. "I do not have plans to specifically inform anyone else in the building however."
"Good call, Ziver. If you're serious about getting this out in the open, I'd like to give Vance a rundown tomorrow morning. I'll let him know you have my full support. Can't promise he won't want to talk to you, but I'll clear the air as well as I can. Still don't want you guys holding hands on the field, but I think you'll be right to ride in together if you want."
"Thank you Gibbs. I know this is not something you want to be doing, but I appreciate that you are."
"Wouldn't bother if it wasn't worthwhile." He brushed her gratitude off, although not unkindly. They lapsed into silence for a few minutes, finishing lunch, and Gibbs his coffee.
"You say "early days" Ziva, how do you count your relationship? From the ball, or from when you started..." Abby changed tack as Gibbs cleared his throat softly, reminding her of his presence. "Or uhh... from earlier?" She amended quickly.
"We do not really. It has been about five months since..." She gestured vaguely "But only one since the ball. It is not really important to us, it only matters that we are together now. You?"
"Nearly three, we'd been working on your dress cam for a while before the ball... got close again. You know we'd dated a few times, but it never really went anywhere... this is way before you came. But we wanted different things back then. You know Tim, he's always in it for the long game, I wasn't at the time." Abby spread a soft cheese onto a cracker while she talked.
"And are you now?"
"We're meeting in the middle. It's not a forever thing, yet, but it's not so casual anymore either. We're not making plans to get married, but when a plan affects the future, we make it together."
"It is a good way to be." Ziva smiled knowingly, Abby offered her a cheers with her Caf-Pow! and Ziva tilted her tea to meet the large cup. Gibbs placed his untouched plate back on the picnic rug, ignoring Abby's side eye.
"I'm outta here, got a date with the boat." He bent and pressed a kiss to Abby's cheek, and one to Ziva's forehead. "Enjoy your girl talk." He headed for the door.
"Hey, Gibbs?" Abby called, he paused in the doorway. "How'd you know we'd be down here?"
"Like I said, already had the 'intentions' talk." Gibbs called over his shoulder. Ziva and Abby turned to face each other.
"You do not think he really...?" Ziva began.
"He was serious? Poor Tim!" Abby gasped, eyes wide but giggling.
"Well, there is nothing we can do if he has." Ziva shrugged calmly. "Are you finished with lunch? There is cheesecake in the fridge as well."
"Sweet! I still have about a million more questions for you by the way. Let's get dessert!" Abby cheered.
If Gibbs had stopped by to have words with Tony, he gave no indication when Ziva got home. He appeared more than comfortable, making use of her new sports channel. She noted with pleasure that he'd also tidied the clothes they'd left scattered on the rug and started the dishwasher.
"Ciao bella." he greeted, muting the TV. "How was Abby's interrogation?"
"It was not an interrogation Tony." She dropped her keys in the pretty earthenware bowl she kept on the table by the door and hung her bag up. She bent to kiss him, and he pulled her to sit in his lap.
"I dunno, Abby can be intense sometimes." He laughed. "Kinda warm out, was thinking I'd skip a run, maybe do a few laps in the pool instead?"
"A swim sounds wonderful." Ziva agreed with another kiss. "But first, you should know Gibbs stopped by the lab while Abby and I were having lunch. He thinks we should be upfront with Director Vance about our relationship. He plans to talk to him tomorrow morning."
"Whoa, telling Vance is kind of big. Means we're really doing this." Tony breathed.
"Are you having second thoughts about dating me, Tony?" Ziva pulled back a little to fix him with a serious stare.
"No, not at all. I'm too scared to break up with you for one!" He laughed. "It's just real now... telling Probie and Abs, getting Gibbs' blessing. Telling Vance is one more thing that proves that the indomitable Ziva David really is my girlfriend. Don't quite believe that I got so lucky." He brought his hand up, tracing her widow's peak with his fingertips.
"Going to bed with me almost every night is not proof enough?"
"I've gone to bed with a lot of women, Ziva." He grinned, cockily.
"So have I." She deadpanned, kissing him lightly and hopping up, heading toward the bedroom in search of her swimming gear. Tony smirked for a second before processing what she'd said.
"Wait! What? When? You can't just say something like that and skip the details!" Tony hurried after her.
"Some things are best left to the imagination." She winked, selecting a simple black one-piece swimsuit from her drawer, and tossing Tony's shorts at him.
"You're killing me here David." He groaned.
"No Tony, you would know if I were. This is merely a little psychological torture." Ziva stripped off her work clothes quickly, changing into her bathers.
"Sadist." He muttered, pulling his shirt over his head.
"You love it." Ziva smirked.
"Hmmm" Tony growled, not entirely able to stop smiling. "Say, when am I going to get you in a bikini? That one piece covers entirely too much skin."
"When you take me on holiday Tony. Somewhere I can stretch out on the sand." She put a long turquoise kaftan over her bathers for the walk to the basement pool in her apartment complex.
"Anywhere you want my Ninja. Let's roll."
Pulling into her parking space at NCIS the next morning, Ziva couldn't help but grin. Beside her, Tony let out a cheer and leaned across to kiss her quickly. They'd spent so long always taking both cars, even when they had spent 3 or 4 consecutive nights together, and carefully staggering their arrival or departure times to avoid anyone knowing they'd come from the same place, that the ability to both get into Ziva's Mini the first day after their relationship was almost-but-not-quite-public news felt almost momentous. They had argued playfully about whose car to take, what station to set the radio to, and which route to take, smiling the whole time.
"I can't believe Gibbs okayed this. I mean, has he even spoken to Vance yet?" His phone shrilling in his pocket gave the answer quickly enough. "What is it McGee? We just parked." Ziva smiled at the slight inflection Tony added on "we."
"You better get up here fast, Gibbs just took a call and he doesn't look good." Tim's voice was low, obviously trying to avoid detection.
"We're in the next elevator up." Tony reassured, ending the call, and turning to Ziva "Something's up with Gibbs." They increased their pace to the elevator, Ziva punching the button for their floor. Before they'd even set foot in their office they could tell something was very, very wrong. The energy in the room was tense, and Tim looked harassed as they heard him promise Gibbs they were on their way.
"Nice to see you at last." Gibbs snapped when they made it to the bullpen.
"Whoa, boss it's 10 to, we're early." Tony went to his desk, ready to start his computer.
"Not interested in semantics DiNozzo, grab your gear! David, truck!"
"Yes, Gibbs." Ziva quickly tossed her bag, and grabbed her weapon, keys, and field kit. They shared a glance, wondering if this was Gibbs' way of ensuring their relationship didn't interfere with their work and compromised the team.
It wasn't, a call had led them to the body of a young female Navy Lieutenant who had been reported UA on Friday morning in an abandoned Virginia barn, with strong evidence that she had not been the first unfortunate woman to meet her end there. There was no time for the settling in or readjustment period they had wondered about with their relationship now known to the whole team, not to mention the one between McGee and Abby. Gibbs was like a man possessed, finding humour in nothing, and wanting nothing from his team but ultimate professionalism and hard work. Tony had tried one movie quote to lighten the mood and the resulting head slap had cracked like a pistol shot, his boss's blue eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Don't touch the body till Ducky gets here, but spread out and see what else we can find. Get bagging and tagging people." Gibbs growled.
"It is like something out of a horror movie." Ziva studied the rundown space. The windows were opaque with years of dirt, most of the sunlight filtering through the worn boards on the walls and roof, and various tools, rusted with age, some obviously stained with dry blood hung from the walls. It was going to be a long gruesome scene to process.
"There's something wrong about the inside space, it doesn't match the perimeter." Tony said, measuring the room in long paces. "Think the back of those horse stalls has an extra wall added, Boss."
"David, Dinozzo, get up on the hayloft, see if you can find a way in from the top. McGee, check out the back wall." Gibbs said, still crouched beside the body.
"Right away Boss." Tony agreed, casting a nervous look at the shaky ladder. "Ladies first, Ziva."
"Always the gentleman." She scoffed, beginning to climb. "Dried blood up here too." She reported at the top. They worked their way slowly along the floor of the loft, inspecting the floor for a trapdoor, or other opening.
"Plenty of evidence there's been a victim up here, but no way behind the wall of the stable." Tony called down a few minutes later.
"Keep looking." Gibbs replied. "Whatcha got McGee?"
"There's definitely a false wall, the wood is much newer than the rest of the structure. I'll find us a way in."
"Tony, can you reach that?" Ziva pointed up at one of the cross beams on the wall at the far end of the loft. A tiny glimpse of neon string was visible above head level.
"I'll boost you." Tony offered.
"The hell you will DiNozzo. That's a 14 foot drop if you overbalance and miss the rail." Gibbs called up. Tony looked down, the rail separating the edge of the loft to the void below only reached waist height. One misstep with Ziva on his shoulders could end very badly. "One of you climb - carefully"
"Right you are, Boss." Tony agreed. He tested his weight on the rail and hopped up, turning to place his foot on another wall beam. "Spot me Ziva."
"Perhaps I should climb." Ziva responded, moving to stand behind him and brace his back, as he found another foothold, reaching up to grab another higher spot and hoist himself up further.
"I got it, just a tiny bit further..." Tony strained above her, just snagging his fingers on the string. "Ugh! Got it, it's a digital camera!" The string proved to be the wrist strap fastened to the side of the camera, and he slid it over his hand.
"Tony, you'll want to be careful, I'm seeing some evidence of termite damage." McGee warned from below. "Some of the wood might not be..."
"Calm your farm, McNervous. It's all about precision and... step back Ziva... cat like tread!" The next bit happened so quickly no one quite knew what took place. There was a splintering crash and a yell as Tony jumped down, and the floor gave way. Ziva yelled too and lunged after him, ending up crouched on her knees, teetering on the edge, one hand holding his own, the other braced on the far side of the hole as he dangled below.
"Don't you even think of letting go, David." Tony gasped. He reached up to grab her arm above her wrist with his other hand, securing the hold.
"Need some help here Gibbs." Ziva panted. Strong as she was, she was precariously balanced and her centre of gravity was dangerously far forward. Combined with the full weight of Tony hanging on her shoulder, all she could do was hang on and hope he didn't pull her down too.
"Nice catch, David. DiNozzo, can you drop down safely?" Gibbs called, already making for the ladder.
"Can't see the floor, think it's been dug out into a cellar. Not worth the risk." Tony panted back.
"Dammit Tony." Gibbs growled, scrambling onto the loft.
"Boss, tread where you can see nails. Means there's a beam underneath, might be a bit more solid..." McGee shouted anxiously.
"Know a thing or two about woodworking myself, McGee! Get that damn door open." He snapped back tersely.
"Tony, stop swinging!" Ziva grunted, strain evident in her voice as she felt her elbow buckling. "Gibbs, I cannot hold him much longer."
"Gotcha Ziva." Gibbs grabbed her shoulders pressing down to act as ballast. With him acting as a guide, she was able to stretch out her legs behind her, so she lay flat and less at risk of toppling over entirely. The hand that had braced herself now free, she could reach down and grab Tony's wrist as well, the 4 hands making a giant locked fist. "Can you pull him up?" Gibbs asked once she was safe.
"No." She shook her head. "I have only just got a grip on him. I cannot bend my elbows like this."
"You better hang onto that camera DiNozzo, or I'll drop you myself." Gibbs growled, shuffling alongside Ziva and reaching down. He hooked his hand underneath Tony's arm and pulled, releasing some of the weight on Ziva's shoulder. "Go slow David." Ziva nodded her understanding as they gradually inched Tony upwards. Finally, Gibbs was able to get his hand around the back of Tony's belt and yank. Once his arms were out of the hole, Tony was able to help in the rescue efforts, and a moment later all three of them collapsed backwards onto the floor.
"Thanks Boss, good catch Zi." Tony panted, handing the camera over to Ziva and rubbing his shoulder ruefully.
"Cat-like tread my ass, DiNozzo." Gibbs grumbled. "Get the hell down before you do any more damage."
"Yes, Boss." He headed for the ladder. Getting to their feet slowly, Gibbs and Ziva followed suit, he climbed down first, waiting at the bottom of the ladder till she had descended safely too, delivering a swift, but very gentle slap to the back of her head when her boots hit the dirt.
"Hey!" She protested, spinning to face him, only to find he was smirking. "What was that for?"
"Nice reflexes up there, David, but what'd I say about holding his hand on the field?"
It was several long hours before they made it back to NCIS. McGee had found the door a few minutes after they'd rescued Tony, whose suggestion was right - a cellar had been dug. They'd found more bodies and evidence the killer spent at least part of their time sleeping there. By the time they'd finished processing the scene they were exhausted, hungry and filthy, but knew they still had work ahead of them. The moment the elevator doors slid open, they all realised that Vance was waiting for Gibbs on the catwalk overlooking the bullpen, he caught the agent's eye and nodded his head towards his office.
"Reckon someone saw your carpool this morning." Gibbs murmured softly in Ziva's ear. "Make sure none of you lovebirds are seen together any more than you can help. DiNozzo, get down to see Ducky. Make sure all of those scrapes you got are clean and dressed. McGee, find any connection you can between our victims that we have ID on. Ziva, get all the evidence down to the lab." The last instructions were added at a normal volume, before he strode toward the stairs, grabbing a coffee cup from his desk.
"Gibbs thinks that the cats may be on the loose. We are to keep our distance." Ziva replied in response to Tony's raised eyebrow as soon as their boss was out of hearing. "You and Abby too."
"Cats out of the bag, Zi." Tony smirked, dropping evidence bags on her desk.
"Phew..." McGee blew out a deep breath, sitting at his computer and plugging in the camera. "Good luck."
"We do not need luck. We have Gibbs." Ziva said lightly, gathering the bags Tony had deposited. "I will be in the lab."
"Sitrep?" Vance asked once the door was closed behind them. Gibbs paused to help himself from the coffee pot, before filling the Director in, including the near fall Tony had taken and Ziva's part in the rescue.
"Funny you should mention them... I've been hearing some interesting rumours today, Jethro. Apparently they arrived together this morning, in Agent David's car."
"You know what they say about rumours, Leon." He replied calmly.
"And you know as well as I do about the dangers of having teammates getting romantically involved... isn't one of your rules exactly about that?"
"Yeah, Rule 12. Never date a coworker. But they're not dating Leon."
"What the hell are they doing? Playing house?"
"No..." His blue eyes softened and thought for a moment. "They're setting themselves up for life, don't think they know it yet, but they are."
"I can't ignore this Gibbs, it's too risky."
"They're better agents than they've ever been, Leon. It hasn't affected their work so far."
"What do you mean so far?" Vance demanded.
"They've been at it for almost 6 months. Haven't you noticed Tony's gained about 5 years' maturity? Or that Ziva's less..." He paused, thinking.
"Prickly?" Vance supplied.
"Good a word as any." Gibbs shrugged. "Where do you think that's come from? They're good for each other, and it'll be a greater risk to separate them. They can read each other without words. A partnership like that comes along once in a lifetime, just so happens they sometimes got each other's six literally as well."
"Look, Jethro, you know as well as I do there's no official rule on this, but you also..."
"Dammit Leon. You want DiNozzo to head up a team when my knees give out? This is what it'll take. And we both know Ziva has the potential to take your job one day if she sticks with her plans to become a full time NCIS agent. Give them a couple of years together like this, it's the experience they need to go further. Split 'em up now, you'll be shooting the whole damn agency in the foot."
"I still don't like it." Vance said dubiously.
"They know what they're doing. I didn't even have a clue for the first few months, only been aware of it the last 4 weeks myself. It's not negatively affecting a damn thing on the team." With the notable exception of Tony's sulking the night of the charity ball, it hadn't. "I've already spoken to them both, they're not willing to let it interfere with their work. Give them till we close this case and they'll prove it."
"Fine." Reluctantly. "But I'll have my eye on them, and the second you think they're compromised you let me know."
"They won't be." Gibbs assured.
"Jethro..." The Director's voice held a note of warning.
"Trust me on this one Leon." Gibbs headed for the door. "If there's nothing else you need to know, I have to find out exactly why we found the bodies of eight young women in a rundown old barn in the middle of nowhere Virginia."
"Don't suppose you've got any more surprises for me?" Vance commented dryly.
"Yeah..." He paused on the threshold. "Same deal for McGee and Abs." His eyes crinkled at the bewildered expression on Leon's face.
The case wore on, and days began to blur, punctuated by naps snatched behind desks, or in Abby's lab, innumerable pizza boxes, and the uncovering of grisly details. It seemed the victims were held at the barn for a day or two, and subjected to unspeakable torture before being murdered. Although there were a number of civilians involved, Gibbs had argued hard for jurisdiction on the case, as the Lieutenant was the most recent victim, and had won, royally pissing off the local Sergeant.
"It seems the killer has been careful to mostly choose victims who wouldn't be missed." McGee said wearily, it was late, very late on Thursday night. "Bella and Hailey had several minor drug convictions, Sarah was supposed to report to her Parole officer, and both Louise and Elana had been charged with misdemeanours for prostitution. Gina was a foster kid who got tossed between homes until she aged out of the system and all but disappeared, and Rachel appeared to be fleeing a violent boyfriend. He picks women who are estranged from their families and financially, or socially disadvantaged. I'm pulling files on all their hearings now, to see if there's anyone in common."
"They were all reported missing, but trails went cold after a week or so. There wasn't a family waiting for them to get back safely. But there are no new missing person reports that fit his usual type." Ziva added from her desk, where her head was pillowed on her forearms. Tony was sitting behind his desk, head back, snoring lightly.
"Well he messed up when he picked on our Lieutenant." Gibbs growled, coffee in hand as always. "DiNozzo! Whatcha got?"
"Just resting my eyes, Boss. Lieutenant Hayes is a different demographic to his usual victims. I would have suggested a copycat killer, until Abby already found foreign DNA matches on all the bodies. But, Ducky told us that..."
"Get to the point DiNozzo, stop telling us things we already know."
"The killings have all been spaced out pretty evenly. Based on when Hayes was reported UA, and Ducky's TOD on the victim before her, he'll be due to visit that hellhole with a new victim tomorrow, maybe the day after. Seems like he doesn't go out there till he has someone, which is why the surveillance teams haven't caught anything yet."
"Like hell he will. DiNozzo, David, grab your gear, we're gonna be waiting for him. McGee, I wanna hear the second you've worked out if there's any common link between our victims. Let's bring this dirtbag in." Gibbs spun and headed for the elevator, leaving Tony and Ziva scrambling to catch up.
"This hunch of yours better be right DiNozzo." Gibbs flipped his phone shut. Tony was driving. "I just recalled all the surveillance and told them to clear the scene so he thinks it's safe to go back."
"He's got a pattern he likes to follow, he'll be back." Tony assured his boss, hands light on the steering wheel. "She out?" He jerked his head towards the back of the van where Gibbs had ordered Ziva to catch some sleep while they drove.
"Has been for a while, she crashed before we even left the yard." Tony made an approving hum in response and Gibbs chuckled. "You're in deep, DiNozzo." It was a statement, not a question.
"Bigtime." Tony couldn't hide the smile. "Say, been meaning to ask. Did Vance give you a hard time 'bout us the other day?"
"I said what I needed to to make sure he wasn't going to transfer anyone. You're still gonna have to prove you can still follow protocol without letting your feelings get in the way though. He'll have eyes on you for a while."
"Understood Boss." Tony nodded. "And hey... thanks. I know we've pushed our luck with you, breaking Rule 12 behind your back and then having you go into bat for us with Vance. But I really appreciate you making sure the team stays together."
"Ya don't waste good DiNozzo. You guys are good together. Yeah, Gibbs?" He answered the phone abruptly. "It's who, McGee? Get a BOLO out for his vehicle and track his phone, I want to know his every movement."
"Found our perp?" Tony queried.
"Michael Carter. He's a lawyer, does some pro bono defence and family law work."
"He's been counsel for all of the victims at some stage. What about Hayes? She didn't have a criminal record?" Tony put two and two together quickly.
"She and her husband were looking to adopt a kid."
"Damn." Tony cursed softly, fingers tightening in anger. "Starting to understand why you hate lawyers so much."
The three agents slept and watched in shifts through the next 24 hours, creeping through the barn at regular intervals and interspersed with frequent updates from McGee. Carter's phone and paper trail had gone quiet on Thursday evening, the same pattern visible in his history the previous week when Lieutenant Hayes had been reported missing, and the 7 earlier weeks, aligning with each of the victims. The suspect's car was at his house, parked neatly in the garage, and he'd left his mobile phone and laptop on the kitchen bench, effectively leaving him untraceable.
"Hell of a weekend hobby." Tony commented to Ziva after the latest update. Gibbs was stretched out in the back of the van, though they doubted he was actually sleeping, none of them had done more than nap briefly. It was now Friday evening, and Carter had been off grid for a whole day. "Most people mow their lawns, wash their cars, or play basketball. Even Gibbs has the boat. But this guy... Weekday lawyer, weekend sicko."
"I forgot how much you like to talk on stakeouts Tony." Ziva muttered, leaning closer to the window to peer through the dim light. They were parked in a small cluster of trees hidden from the road, but still providing a reasonable view of the barn door.
"I can think of a much better way to pass the time." Tony winked. An empty takeout coffee cup flew from the back of the van collecting him squarely in the back of the head. "Knew he wasn't really sleeping."
"Keep your head in the game, DiNozzo." Gibbs' voice suggested that even if he had been asleep, he'd already been awake for a while.
"He would have made the same proposition whether or not I was his girlfriend Gibbs." Ziva tossed over her shoulder. "Are we sure Carter will be coming tonight?"
"We're sure." Tony's phone beeped and he read the screen. "That was McGee. Lia Marsden was reported missing by her neighbour a few hours ago. He'll let us know if he can get a GPS signal from her phone seeing as the other victims' phones were in his dungeon. Lia has a history of drug use, and you'll never guess who her defence lawyer was."
"Oh, I think I can." Gibbs scowled, coming into the front of the van.
"I cannot wait to get somewhere with an actual bathroom." Ziva sighed. Being as far out as they were, the only option had been to use a discrete clump of bushes, however given that there was a killer on the loose, Gibbs had insisted they go in pairs when the light was low.
"You didn't like my soundtrack?" Tony faked offence. To offer some semblance of privacy, he'd taken to singing, including an old Australian folk song, Botany Bay. Ziva knew his improvised chorus "Singing toorali-oorali-aditee, so I don't have to hear Ziva pee." would be stuck in her head every time she used the facilities for weeks to come.
"Don't give up your day job DiNozzo." Gibbs added, Tony had gone patriotic on the last break, treating Gibbs to a hearty rendition of Star Spangled Banner, and while he had done the tricky melody justice, he had also added as many excessively sustained notes and as much vibrato as his heart desired, which apparently, was a lot.
"Yeah McGee?" Tony grabbed his phone again. "Where? How sure are you? We swept the place half an hour ago." He ended the call. Gibbs and Ziva had only needed half the conversation to know what was going on, and silently they began checking sidearms, wiring mics and earpieces and strapping on bulletproof vests.
"She can't be in the damn barn already?" Gibbs queried.
"He's not sure exactly, he lost the signal. But he was able to get a radius before it dropped out. She's within half a mile of here."
"There is no way he got past us." Ziva added. "To approach from the other side would be six miles cross country, including a river crossing. That would not be easy whether he was driving, or walking, especially with an unwilling hostage."
"Ok, spread out, but stay in contact, he'll be pulling in any minute now. Don't fire at the vehicle till we know where Lia is." They scattered themselves, taking cover in the darkness. Before long an engine could be heard, and the darkness was split by a single beam of light as a battered pickup, one light out of order, came into view.
"NCIS! Stop your vehicle." They surrounded the pickup as it slowed to a halt outside the barn, weapons drawn, Gibbs and Tony were on either side, heading for the doors, Ziva was in front. Realising he was surrounded, Carter rammed the truck back into gear and stomped on the accelerator, swerving towards Ziva. She jumped aside hastily, but the fender clipped her thigh, and they heard her grunt in pain as she hit the dirt.
Tony cast one anxious glance towards her, checking momentarily that she was pushing herself back up, before setting his mind on the job at hand and sprinting off in pursuit of the pickup. "Couldn't see the cabin clearly Boss, don't shoot the driver." Carter turned the wheel again, attempting to steer towards the open fields, away from the barn.
"I want this scumbag alive anyway." Gibbs muttered, lowering his Sig and aiming at the tyres instead. His aim was true, and between the uneven ground and sudden flat, the truck couldn't get much further. Gibbs reached the driver's door first, yanking it open and levelled his gun directly at Carter's head. "Out now! Tony, check the back!"
Gibbs reached into the cabin and dragged Carter down by his collar, throwing him onto the dirt face first as Tony ripped open the tarp covering the back of the truck. The woman flinched at the bright light, shrinking away instinctively.
"Steady on, we're the good guys." Tony holstered his gun and climbed up into the tailgate. "NCIS Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, you must be Lia."
"Uh-huh." She nodded, gasping for air as he tugged the gag free from her mouth. She burst into heaving sobs. Tony cut the zip ties binding her wrists and ankles, and put a soothing arm around her shoulders while she composed herself.
"On your feet Carter." Gibbs unceremoniously dragged him up by his collar, hands cuffed behind his back. "Does she need an ambulance?"
"Not that I can tell. Scared more than anything... How's Ziva?" Gibbs flicked his torch in the direction of where she had fallen. She was on her feet now, moving stiffly, but walking all the same.
"She's up. Good work DiNozzo. Going to call in a prison transport for this one, and get everyone back to base." He shoved Carter in the direction of the van, as Ziva made her way over to them. She paused in front of Carter, who stared sullenly at the ground.
"Try and run me over will you?" She grabbed his shoulders and jerked swiftly, and Carter yelped with pain, trying to double over as her knee rammed home.
"That'll do, David." Gibbs smirked, yanking him back upright. "Walk!"
"Hi Lia, my name is Ziva," She addressed the young woman, still sitting on the tray of the pickup. "You are safe now, and we will take you home." She held out her hand, helping her climb down. Tony hopped down after her, putting himself between the two women, and winding a steadying arm around each of them. Ziva glanced up at Tony, leaning slightly into his embrace.
"When I asked for a holiday where I could lie on the sand, Tony. This was not what I had in mind!"
It was late when they got back to NCIS, and later still by the time Carter had been booked and interrogated. Lia's brother had been called to collect her, she was shaken, and a little bruised from riding in the tray, but otherwise unhurt. As soon as he was free, Gibbs headed up to talk to Vance, finding him waiting on the stairs.
"How'd they do Jethro?" There was no preamble, and Gibbs knew exactly what he meant.
"You've got nothing to worry about Leon."
"Didn't ask if I should worry, I was asking how they coped."
"Even when David went down, DiNozzo wasn't shaken. He gave her a glance to make sure she was getting up and kept chasing our suspect. Can't fault either of them today. Only thing I want to write him up for is butchering the national anthem."
"Don't think that's against policy" Vance chuckled.
"Should be." Gibbs grumbled and headed back down the stairs, as Abby appeared with some pizza boxes. He flipped one open when she slid it onto McGee's desk, helping himself to a slice. McGee, who had been slumped on his keyboard stirred at the smell of hot food, there were some more digital dots for him to join, but with Carter now in custody that could wait till the morning.
"Food!" Tony sighed in relief, grabbing at a slice, nearly half of it disappearing in one bite. The elevator dinged, and Ziva and Ducky appeared, Ducky supporting Ziva gently by the arm, although it was obvious that she was throwing most of her weight to the other side to avoid leaning too heavily on the older man.
"What's the verdict, Duck?" Gibbs strode over to take Ducky's place, feeling her weight shift off her bad leg and onto his shoulder as he walked her slowly toward the bullpen.
"It will bruise spectacularly Jethro. I expect the colours to rival Monet's Water Lilies. I have prescribed ice, mild pain relief, and Desk Duty for a few days, but you will have her back and fighting fit within a week. The bruise will take longer to subside however."
"Oh Ziva!" Abby clucked sympathetically, heading over to provide a gentle hug. "Don't worry, I can totally prove he hit you, just need a fibre sample from your pants to match to the one I found on his fender."
"Thank you Abby." Ziva laughed. "I am fine, really. But you may have the fibre sample."
"Out the way Abs." Tony wheeled a chair over "Let's get you sitting down." Ziva sank into the office chair with obvious relief, and placed the ice pack back on her thigh. She tucked her feet up as he steered her back toward the pizza.
"Thanks, I am starving." She acknowledged, reaching for a serve. Tony bent down in front of her, taking her outstretched hand before she hit the pizza box.
"Hey, you had me scared for a second out there. Glad you're ok." He whispered, locking eyes with her.
"I am always ok Tony. You know that." She replied softly.
"Still gonna worry sometimes. I like being able to take you home at the end of the day."
"I like going home with you too, Tony." Her hand had found his cheek, their foreheads touching.
"I see what you mean about those two." Vance had come down the stairs in search of the pizza smell that was wafting up to the catwalk, and had come to stand beside Gibbs, offering this comment in a low tone that no one else heard. Gibbs merely smirked in response, an unspoken "I told you so."
"Good to know, my Ninja." Tony kissed her gently, and Vance coughed emphatically. "Uhh, sorry Director! Didn't see you there! Won't happen again!" Tony stood up quickly, heading for the pizza again.
"I'll let you off this time, DiNozzo, it's been a long week. But while we're here we may as well discuss the elephant in the room. You know by now, that I know what's going on, and I appreciate your honesty. However, Agent Gibbs has been very clear to me that he has not found your work to be compromised, or your actions to be unprofessional, even when your partner is in danger. With that in mind, I have no plan to restructure the teams so long as this remains the case."
"Thank you Director." Ziva offered sincerely.
"It's Gibbs you need to thank, he's the one who argued that I give you the chance, and you've all proven yourselves exceptionally well. I've seen some fantastic teamwork this week. I will, of course, still be watching you all, and won't hesitate to initiate a transfer if I feel it is no longer safe, or the reputation of NCIS is at stake. But for now, let me say congratulations and wish you every happiness together, Ms Sciuto, Agent McGee, you too." There was a murmur of thanks around the room. "However, I want your weddings to be the next - and only - time I see that sort of behaviour." He pointed at Tony and Ziva.
"You got it, Director." Tony promised cheerfully. Yawning, they finished up their pizza. Late as it was, they needed to refuel before driving home. Ducky and Vance were the first to depart, followed by Tim and Abby.
"Go home, get some rest." Gibbs declared, collecting his own belongings.
"You read my mind." Ziva rose, stiffly, wincing as she put weight on her sore leg again, dropping the melted icepack in the trash. Tony hurried to help her into her coat, sliding the strap of her backpack over his shoulder before she could argue.
"Night Gibbs." Tony said, grabbing his own coat and bag.
"Take care of her Tony. Ziva, no morning run." Gibbs ordered, watching as walked away, a perfectly acceptable strictly platonic colleague distance between them. "Hey, DiNozzo. You're off duty, hold her damn hand!" He called after them.
"On it Boss!" Tony called back, stepping closer to her and sliding his hand into her own, and together Tony and Ziva walked hand in hand to the elevator.
A/N: It's been a while since I watched the series end to end, I'm only just restarting now, so I can't remember for certain if it's NCIS policy that teammates can't be together, or just frowned upon but not strictly forbidden (outside of Rule 12), so for the purposes of this story I'm going with heavily discouraged, but not actually in writing.
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