Spoilers: Nothing specific that I can think of.
Summary: Ziva's thoughts regarding a certain team member.
Author's Note: We're just going to skip over the explanation of my nearly year-long absence and go straight to my sincere apology. But the good news is that I've been working on the next few instalments so the wait won't be nearly as long this time. If anyone out there is still reading, that is. I'm making a promise to you, and myself, to finish this all the way even if it kills me. Now, onward.
Humble
To the outward observer, he looked like your typical frat boy who never grew up. All the bravado, bragging, shallow comments, and childish antics pointed to an immature college boy hiding in the body of grown Federal Agent. Even to her, Ziva reflected, that description seemed all too fitting for her partner more often than not, but only if you chose not to delve deeper.
Despite his efforts to convince everyone around him that what you saw was what you got, Ziva knew (and suspected the rest of the team came to the same conclusion) that wasn't entirely true. When it came right down to it, Tony was the shallow, cocky, child, along with so much more. She'd noticed over the years that the trivial things in a case, and in life, were brought to everyone's attention. The things that actually mattered, risking his life to save another, or some other selfless act, were left alone. If you missed the event, chances are Tony wouldn't tell you about it. If you happened to read his after-action report or heard by word of mouth, you may get a description of some kind (though half the time you could never be sure how much of it was real).
It took her a while to notice; his playboy persona so overwhelming at times, too much to handle quite often. Every once in a while she'd notice an action or comment that didn't quite fit, didn't add up to what her preconceived notions of Tony had been. This somewhat startling discovery led Ziva to pay a bit more attention when Tony was around, the need for better insight unnerving and uncontrollable.
Eventually, what looked like a 30 piece child's puzzle turned into at least a 300 piece puzzle, all the edges much more difficult to place than she'd originally thought. Nearly seven and a half years later, and she still hadn't finished the puzzle that was Anthony DiNozzo. She was in no hurry, though; she had the rest of her life for that.
Author's Note #2: Sorry that was so short and drabble-ish! I figured something short was better than nothing at all to kick this story back up. Once again, my apologies for such a long hiatus (I seriously will not bore you with the details)! For those of you still reading, I thank you and hope you find it in your heart to review!