Author's Note: Thanks to all of you who reviewed, favorited, and followed my story! Sophie, I swear this is my first story. Posting it was nerve wrecking! AliyahNCIS, I read your stories! Thanks for reviewing. To everyone else, thanks to your comments of encouragement. I will definitely be continuing the story!
Author's Note 2: Thanks to my dear sister, Melanie, for giving me a title and making my story BETA. (; Your little sister loves you!
Chapter 2 Almost Doesn't Count
Finishing off her beer, Ziva belched loudly and turned to look at Tony.
"What movie will we watch next?" asked Ziva.
"That's not very lady-like, Zee," said Tony, words slightly slurred from a mixture of intoxication and exhaustion.
After wolfing down their Thai takeout, drinking a few beers (or several in Tony's case), and watching The Notebook and Scarface, Tony DiNozzo was truly exhausted. But the fact that he had his beautiful partner beside him kept him awake.
"Well, Scarface wasn't bad but no more chick flicks," groaned Tony, referencing Ziva's first choice. "Why do you women like those angsty, drama, romance movies anyways?"
Tony slumped his body over onto Ziva's, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. Ziva playfully pushed Tony away, pretending to wipe her cheek in disgust.
"Do not rub your spot on me, Tony," said Ziva, voice full of flirtation.
"It's snot, Ziva, not spot," said Tony, grinning.
Ziva shrugged nonchalantly, rolling her eyes. Tony proceeded to slump back onto to Ziva, wrapping his arms around her in a mock bear hug.
"You're an American citizen now, you can't get stuff like that wrong," said Tony, teasingly. "Speaking of which, earlier you said.."
Just then, Ziva's phone rang from across the room in her coat pocket. She attempted to push Tony off of her with no success. He enveloped her in his arms, preventing her from moving.
"Please let go, Tony. It may be Gibbs," said Ziva, giving her partner a gentle shove.
Tony jumped away from Ziva as if she had the plague, shuddering at the thought of Gibbs calling at this late hour. Ziva got up quickly and answered the call.
"Agent David," answered Ziva, professional persona back in place. "Yes, Gibbs. Okay. When? Yes. That is fine. I will let Tony know. See you at 0500."
Tony groaned, knowing that whenever Gibbs called it was never good. Glancing at the clock, he saw the time. 2:19am. Just as Ziva moved back the couch, Tony had finished his calculations.
"That's in two and a half hours," whined Tony, inwardly praying that Gibbs would call back with a false alarm. However, reality broke through his buzz and sleepiness. With that, Tony stood up from the couch and moved towards the kitchen.
"Coffee." he groaned as Ziva followed him into the small kitchen. "I almost saw my bed today," said Tony as he turned on the coffee maker.
"What is that saying you tell me?" asked Ziva as she sat on a bar stool, scratching her eyebrow. "Almost does not count, no?"
Tony rolled his eyes and turned to grab the creamer out of the refrigerator.
"That's right, Ms. David. Almost doesn't count." said Tony, running a hand over his face. "What are we gonna do for two hours?"
"I think we should watch Bad Boys. That is a comedy, correct?" Ziva asked, smiling at Tony.
"Sure." Tony replied, grabbing two mugs out of the cabinet.
As Ziva walked back to the living room, Tony thought back to what they talking about before Gibbs called. Interrupted again. Hmm, we'll talk later Tony thought to himself, grinning as he joined his partner in the living room.
Tony could hardly stay awake while watching Bad Boys with Ziva. She spent the better half of the movie nudging and poking him before she gave up and watched the movie, letting her partner take a well-deserved nap.
It was now 0450 and the duo was the first to arrive in the bullpen.
"I'd like to think of myself as Will Smith's character, Mike, and McGee is Martin Lawrence's character, Marcus." said Tony, freshly showered and perked up from three cups of coffee. "He's not half as cool as Martin but hey, we can all have dreams!"
"And you're not half the ladies' man that Will Smith's character is, Tony," interjected McGee as he sat down at his desk, turning on his computer.
Ziva snorted, "Good morning, Tim. Did you get any sleep?"
"Not a wink, you?" replied McGee.
"We were up watching movies at my place when Gibbs called," answered Tony for his partner.
McGee raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Just as he was opening his mouth to make a comment, Gibbs descended the steps followed closely by Director Vance. Neither man looked happy, faces wearing matching frowns.
Gibbs spoke first, "Lt. Kembleza's body turned red."
His three agents, clearly confused, remained silent while their leader continued.
"Abby retested his blood and nothing came up in his system. But Duck's sure the lieutenant was poisoned. We need answers!" Gibbs told his team.
The trio hurried to their desks, still not knowing exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Vance, who had been standing, silently observing, turned and walked towards the stairs to his office.
"We'll finish this conversation later, Jethro," he called over his shoulder as he ascended the steps.
The agents sat motionless at their desks. As Gibbs sat down, he sensed their hesitation.
"Do I need to draw a picture? McGee, phone records. DiNozzo, find out if Kembleza has any enemies. Ziva, re-interview the wife. Wake up, people!" barked Gibbs, turning on his own monitor.
The agents got to work quickly, following their commander's directions.
They need more sleep thought Gibbs to himself.