LA SCENA DATAZIONE / The Dating Scene
Disclaimer: These characters are the creative property by the writers of NCIS and CBS. No copyright infringement is intended. Only the plot belongs to me.
Author: TLC
Rating: PG/ High-Teen
Word count: 3, 183
Prompt: Upside-down Kiss (AU)
Summary: Tony is the beer, steak and broad type. And Ziva, she's the classic type. And way out of his league. They're so different, a type of thing own, and together perfect.
He's the type to leave his dishes in the sink for days and rather throw them out then wash them. He's the type that if it doesn't have meat, it's not a meal and rather find out something has gone expired by giving it a go then reading the expiration date. Laundry seems beyond him and there is usually a beer and a remote in his hand 15 hours a day.
She's the type who colour codes and arranges her closet into season wear and her eye twitches if there is just one single dish dirty in the sink. She's the type that will be jogging 5 miles a day when she's 80, and frowns at the thought of dirty laundry. She's organized, almost OCD and it pays off cause her apartment is clean, bright & homey and she rarely watches TV.
He loves sports, the bloodied the better, it's the American way. And he's the American dream.
She likes reading, anything & everything then practices Ballet in her spare time almost as much as a professional.
He's the type to date girls on looks but finds most of them boring and shallow while thinks intelligent women look down on him and find HIM, shallow.
She's the type of woman that'd judge him and tends to pick her dates for their brains and substance. Abs are nice, nice hair is better but she doesn't care if they make silly jokes or read comics instead of Shakespeare but if they'll hold open a door, its appreciated.
He can't say a joke without making it dirty or rarely ever has a serious moment.
She hates not being taken seriously but despite what her friends think she doesn't have a sense of humour.
He's the type whose closet consists of jeans and tight T-shirts, the only suit he ever wore was for his Aunt Mildred's funeral. He practically danced on her grave.
She's the type who irons literally all her clothes even her t-shirts but never walks out in anything shorter than her knee. Her shoes are ridiculously sensible and only ever wears matching PJ's to bed.
# # #
# #
#
They (almost) ran into each the outside of the office toilets, both reacting with fast reflexes.
He's smiling and already thinking of a smooth pick up line to dazzle her with at the sight of long brown curls up in a pony tail, introducing himself without hesitation, "Hi. Anthony Dinozzo. Call me Tony. I work here. On occasion." Tony grins, "What's your name, beautiful?"
She takes his extended hand and smiles, suspicious already, "Ziva David. I'm just visiting."
His mind goes blank because he's a sucker for accents pus she's obvious beautiful – no, gorgeous, smart and looking at him as if he's trouble. He is but she doesn't know that. Well, yet.
But he powers through even though he's sure she's out of his league, "You like pizza?"
"Of course." She agrees (she likes his eyes and the way they crinkle when he's grinning) "Are you inviting me to join you?"
She doesn't like wasteful chit-chat but she finds him charming enough plus they are still holding hands.
Unfortunately her phone starts to ring.
"Are you free tonight?" He blurts out before she walks off to take the call and she nods, 'yes'. "Would you like to have dinner with me? Trust me when I say I know where toe at the best Pizza – or we could have Chinese, if you – "
"Pizza." She interrupts, chuckling. "Is fine. Great, even."
"Great." He breathes a sigh a relief. "I'm usually a lot more charming."
She raises an eyebrow, skeptical. 'I'm sure." She teases and they forget (again) they're holding each other's hands until she has to answer her phone. It's already hung up and ringing again so it must be important, Tony figures.
He drops her hand with a laugh and gives her his number on the back of a receipt in his pocket while she hands him one of her business cards. He winks when she waves good-bye, and kept smiling like an idiot all day at work until Gibbs tells him to cut it out.
# # #
# #
#
They meet at Donatello at 7. She's early and he's 5 minutes late but looking genuinely contrite.
At first they can't find much to talk about.
She shoots down his topic of sports (confused with the rules of most American sports) while he shoots down her topic of books (it's not like he doesn't read but finds he gets bored too easily). She shoots down his movies, and he shoots down her ballet. They talk about where they're from; Tony (Baltimore), Ziva (Tel Aviv), their views on politics, their work (he's a writer and she's in business) then the verdict of Donatello's pizza.
Ziva's had better but only in Italy itself so she's officially a fan, and Tony's a little proud.
At that they stare at each other awkwardly, nothing much left to say.
It's not ending well. They both know it and a suffocating silence follows when they can't find a topic to talk about. They finish eating.
Tony pays for dinner without fuss and hold open the door for her before walking her out. He feels a little disappointed.
"I'd like to see you again." She admits suddenly.
He stares at her blankly. "You do?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes." (A little annoyance laced in her tone.)
"… Why?"
"You said…" She hesitates but continues in a moment confidently,"That I would enjoy the movie Bodyheat, if I gave it a shot. There's a showing next Friday, no?"
"Yep." He quickly carries on with a toothy grin, glad for the olive branch, "And you mentioned some guy named Lovecraft?"
Her smile is bright and shining, "H.P. Lovecraft. You said you like horror."
"I do." He agrees, and finds that he can't stop smiling. "The movie starts at nine at Center Civic Theatre. I'll get the tickets and meet you at the snack station?"
She smiles (again, he loves it when she does that) "Okay."
He kisses her cheek and sniffs at the cinnamon scent coming off her hair, closes the door for her and goes home whistling.
He's practically giddy.
# # #
# #
#
The movie goes fantastic, amazingly fantastic and Tony even got her talking about it as they're walking out when it ends.
She admits that she got a little hot for Kathleen Turner and he gives her a look as if she's the queen of England, cured cancer and impotence all in one.
On the walk around complex they get frozen yogurt (her treat) and talk about the book he read, a collection of Lovecraft's best.
He seems genuinely surprised he liked it even if he got a little confused during some of the wordier passages. And she grins, smugly. He decided he likes that smile. Very much.
Her face falls when her phone interrupts them again, she rolls her eyes when a string of Hebrew? Comes from the speaker. Not that he's ears-dropping.
"Yes," she says, voice cold, while Tony watches curiously. "I understand. It won't happen again. Yes, I'm serious. Fine. See you then. No, I'll drive. Thanks. See you soon."
Her face is calm, but the grip she has on her phone is white knuckled and shaking.
"I apologize," she starts softly, looking truly regretful.
"Hey, no worries – seriously." He replies automatically. "Your boss?"
"And my brother," she correct, frowning unhappily. "Well half-brother but my father's prodigy."
She releases a deep breath, "I am really sorry but I must leave now."
He's wracking his brain to try to salvage the situation because for some reason he already really, really, likes her (other than for the obvious reasons) and he has no idea why.
"I could drive you home," he offers.
"No need, I drove here myself."
"Oh, uh yeah," now he feels like an idiot and finally gets out with; "then may I walk you to your car?"
"Yes!... That be- um, thank you Tony."
She had obviously shut down after the phone call and keeps glancing at him with suspicion as if he's a secret spy and is about reveal everything about him is a cover. Tony smiles and grabs her hand with all the bravery he has. All the knots in his stomach loosen when she gives it a grateful squeeze and a timid smile towards him.
"I had a really good time tonight," he blurts out, face feeling a little hot. "I'm glad you brought it up."
"I had a lot of fun too," she replies, almost shyly and even after two dates he knows thats not like her. He rubs a thumb over her knuckles in comfort even though that's not like him at all either.
He opens her car door and (tries) to lean casually against it.
"So, what are you doing for breakfast tomorrow?"
# # #
# #
#
Breakfast was … interesting.
He got a first hand view of her unique driving style, and for the first time in years he prayed to a higher power.
Ziva laughed.
That did not help at all. At all.
Most of the time they spent together he was asking about her, her family and friends – almost interrogating – but has no regrets when her eyes light up talking about home. The other 25% of the time he's recommending what movies he'd think she would like. Then there is the staring, smiling and even some blushing as they play footsie beneath the table.
Afterwards, they go to her place (where Tony is surprised at just how clean everything is) and watch movies.
He kisses her at the door, softly & it probably the gentlest kiss he's ever had.
"What have you got going next week?" he asks, pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth, cheek, forehead.
"How does dinner on Monday sound?"
"Perfect. Where, when and can I please pick you up?"
She chortles in a laugh, "Yes, you can – wait no, because I'll be at the studio until 7."
"Studio? Like music?"
"Dance. Ballet, actually. It's a childhood hobby so I'm not at all a professional."
He dares a glance down at her legs, and decides dancing does make a lot of sense. Ziva pinches his arm when he stares a little too long to be appropriate while he grins sheepishly.
"Give me the address, and I'll pick you up at 7," he offers and Ziva looks at him like she knows what he's up to.
Tony shows up at the studio incredibly early, and probably looks like the cat that ate the canary when she scowls as he winks at her from the entrance.
At first, she's so rigid he wonders is she's got stage fright but then her movements transits to something gentler and her body becomes sinuous enough his mouth goes dry.
"You are really good," he praises, guzzling almost as much water as she is.
Her smile is brilliant in reply and goes off to shower. His brain almost short circuits at the image.
This time, dinner ends with a kiss not half as gentle and kind.
# # #
# #
#
It's been three months and this is their first really big fight – that didn't involve the dishes. He didn't even realise how scary she could be.
And, yes, he knows it's over something ridiculously stupid and something he probably should be thanking her for, but he just had a bad day of work, he didn't sleep well last night, his best friend is having issues and everything just boiled over when he came home to a clean apartment.
"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIND ANYTHING?"
"WELL MAYBE IF YOU CLEANED MORE OFTEN IT WOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM!"
She had a bad day at work too and more than annoyed and little hurt that he's being such a bastard after she tried to do something nice for him.
"I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT DIRTY!"
"IT'S DISGUSTING!"
"WELL IT'S NOT YOUR APARTMENT!"
"I WAS JUST TRYING TO BE NICE!"
"WELL THIS ISN'T NICE!"
"FINE!" Ziva finishes with a screech and throws Tony's lamp at the wall behind his head. "Obviously we are too different. This is not working out."
"FINE!" Tony shouts back and over the thud of the door closing adds; "And you're paying for my lamp!"
He's the type to explode and bounce back quickly. Mutter and slam shit around for a few hours, then feel guilty and forgive and forget. By the end of the night he's already over it and planning to see Ziva again tomorrow.
She's the type to hold back and hold back and hold back and when she explodes – she EXPLODES – and can't forget for weeks. She sulks into her pillow that night, cursing Tony in her head, swearing never to see him again.
Naturally, he's off put when he knocks on the door the next day and she slams it in his face. He tries again, hoping it's a mistake (knowing it's not) and she doesn't answer.
He, being the persistent (annoying) type, keeps knocking and calling her name for the next 20 minutes.
She, being the stubborn (like a bull) type, goes into her bedroom, pops on her loudest music AND the TV as she's reads a book.
Tony realizes he's going to have to do something drastic. And probably something illegal.
# # #
# #
#
He's never worked this hard for a girl in his life. Well, there was Wendy.
But this is Ziva and they work. Well.
So he goes all out – flowers (her favorite lilies), candies (white chocolate) and other assortment of apology gifts (at this point he's practically bribing) – she throws them all in the trash without a glance.
She's gone through this before; she knows how to make her heart harden up.
With a key he conveniently forgot to give back, Tony 'breaks in' set the table for dinner (for two), dims the lights, scatters rose petals and put on Ziva's favorite opera records.
Then, he waits.
When she comes home and looks (absolutely) pissed off at seeing him there.
She has spent the last two weeks making sure this wouldn't happen because she knew she would forgive him. Even though they're practically polar opposites and how were they going to make it work if they don't have anything in common, and Ziva tells him this …
Until he shuts her up very effectively and swears it will work if she'll believe it, in him and give them a chance. Because he's willing to make it work if she will.
Ziva (reluctantly) agrees.
It hasn't help that she has hated every second of the last two weeks without him. And his movies.
# # #
# #
#
"Well," he says with a grin, plopping down next to her on his couch (she looks good there) and adjusting into optimal cuddling positions, "What are we watching next?"
"You can pick between 'The Sound of Music' or 'Sleepless in Seattle."
"I pick the third option."
Ziva sighs (she smiling though), "There was no third option, Tony."
"Of course there was, you said Pirates of the Caribbean."
"Huh?"
"Exactly, it's actually pathetic in this day and age not to know the names Johnny Depp and Captain Jack Sparrow."
"You want to watch a movie about… pirates?"
He raises a brow, "You don't?"
Ziva rolls her eyes but nonetheless puts the movie up anyway, smiling as Tony starts kissing her neck.
They eventually settle in, reaching the point where Sparrow and Turner start fighting with swords in the barn. Tony has managed to lay them both down on the couch with her tucked against him, pretending that he isn't practically purring at the feel of her body against his.
When the movie finishes, Ziva wastes no time looking for something else to watch and Tony wastes no time stealing the remote from her.
"Tony?" She prompts, curling an arm around his waist.
"That's just the first one."
Ziva groans, it's pitiful and Tony smiles, "There are more?"
"3 movies, actually."
"Tony."
"Yes, pumpkin."
"Do not call me that."
"Sweetums?"
"Stop that."
"I will, if you give me a kiss. Honey bunch." Tony whines, actually pouting.
Ziva laughs, throwing her head back before she presses her lips up on to Tony's. He moans appreciatively not just because of the movement of her mouth but the feeling of her body rubbing faintly against his own.
Until she abruptly moves away and off the couch in one smooth movement.
"Wait, where r'you going?"
"Well, if I must sit through another one of these movies I am going to put a load of washing on."
"Kiss first."
"You're particularly needy tonight."
"Well it's been two weeks, really, you should be flattered."
"Fine." Ziva relents, not unkindly but rather fond and pleased.
Tony is already lying down with his head on the arm rest of the couch so all she needs to do is bend down to kiss him.
It's a little awkward, Tony too busy laughing and Ziva huffing through her hair but they get there. She licks in between the seam of his lips. It's sloppy, messy and their teeth clash more than they both mutually prefer but it leaves Tony breathless and Ziva flushing embarrassingly.
# # #
# #
#
They're the type to find a balance quickly. He learns to put his rubbish in the bin and actually wash the rare dirty dish that Ziva learns to leave in the sink now and then. And she learns to enjoy the questionable films Tony's obsessed with and he is constantly on the look for new books to talk with her about.
He still can't stand ballet unless Ziva is performing and she still gets bored by watching sports except when Tony plays in the community basketball league.
He buys her the most insensible pair of heels he can find and she buys him another suit – a lovely shade of blue that brings out his eyes.
They find a balance together; but it takes a lot of work.
Especially when they move in together and they fight over closet space, whether having the TV on during sex is appropriate and peeing with the door open.
It gets better when they finally get married – Tony no longer feels like he has keep up with the class clown persona anymore and Ziva finally learns that even though family is everything she is allowed to say no to them.
And when Ziva is pregnant with their first child, Tony leaves the city for the suburbs without complaining.
That much.
As they look back on their time together they think the work they put into their relationship – their partnership – was worth it (definitely) but both still have their little quirks they aren't willing to budge on.
Cause Ziva still jogs 5 miles day and Tony still forgets to throw the expired milk out until he drinks it, regrettably.
But like they say, opposites attract?
# # #
# #
#