Chapter 14: Waiting, Awards, and Flower Girls
Ziva bit her nails nervously as she watched the clock tick on and on. She hated the feeling of being out of control. Times like this reminded her of how truly weak she was.
The thudding in her head was her own heartbeat resounding louder and louder with each passing minute. She knew the surgery would be a long one. She still wasn't prepared for the waiting game again. Tony's life was at stake again. That wasn't something Ziva wanted to think about. It was his decision. No one else influenced him. That didn't make anything better. She loved him. Tony was Tony. With his wheelchair or with his legs.
"Here." Gibbs thrust a cup of coffee towards Ziva. "He'll pull through."
Ziva only nodded. She stared at the coffee then blew on it to cool it down. "What did Vance say?"
Gibbs motioned with a nod to go sit. He placed his coffee on the end table by the waiting area seats. "He said that we could try Tony with paper work duty. He won't be allowed on the field. But it is a temporary basis until we can see if he is able to walk. If not, there are desk jobs for him."
"Tony won't settle for that." Ziva narrowed her eyes. "He's capable of more."
"Ziva, he can't go in the field." Gibbs patted Ziva's hand.
"He can." She insisted. "Not when we are chasing down a suspect in action. However, he can go just as Ducky and Palmer does. He can case the scene. He can interview and interrogate. Believe me even in a wheelchair, Tony can be convincing."
Gibbs chortled. "I'll take your word for that."
Ziva's face turned a bright red. "I mean…" She rolled her eyes. "Are you channeling Tony?"
"Maybe." Gibbs laughed. "We'll see. But Vance needed convinced of even letting Tony come back. I reminded him of discrimination as well as Tony being able to sue NCIS."
"Well, he never liked Tony. He always thought he was better than him. However, my father told me that Vance got his job only through circumstance. He may be director. But he is no Dinozzo." Ziva folded her arms over her chest defensively. "He'd be lucky to even be half the man Tony is. Tony hasn't even received any awards for all of his valor. He was shot in the line of duty. Yet, nothing. That doesn't count the many times he's saved lives. Mine and yours."
"You don't have to convince me." Gibbs acknowledged. "He's been slighted. I put in for him a few medals. Never heard any thing else about it. Mentioned it. Ignored."
"He received nothing for Somalia." Ziva ranted on. "Nothing for saving you and Kelly's friend. Nothing for…" Ziva kept on ranting. Gibbs listened knowing it was helping her with her nervousness.
McGee was eavesdropping as he slumped in his chair. Abby turned to him. "Do you hear what she's saying?"
"Yep. And she's right." McGee noted. "Ducky has received recognition as well. We all know the countless awards the boss has."
"I've even gotten awards for my work. How about you?" Ziva questioned. "Wait. I know you did. You got one for cracking some codes while you were in the basement with the geek squad."
"Yeah. Vance likes me." McGee smiled and winked.
"Timmy, I like you too. But Tony never gets his due." Abby pouted.
McGee looked over at Ziva, who was still going on about the greatness of one Very Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo. "I think he has every thing he wants now."
Abby glanced in the same direction as McGee. "I think you're right, Timmy. She is very dedicated to him now. Don't you think it will be odd them not bickering in the office."
"I never thought about it." McGee laughed. "I'm still thinking how awkward it's going to be with them being all lovey dovey."
"I think it will be cute to the max." Abby squeaked out happily. "I hope I get to be flower girl."
"Abby, they just started dating officially. You're jumping the gun." McGee stared at Ziva. Then turned back to Abby. "Besides, you're too old to be flower girl. Maybe maid of honor."
"Hmm. But Ziva won't be the traditional bride. I'll be flower girl. You can be the maid of honor." Abby argued.
"Seriously. I refuse to be the maid of honor." McGee grimaced. "Maybe I can be Tony's best man."
"Not happening. Tony will pick Gibbs." Abby pointed out. "As long as I'm flower girl."
Both felt a slap to the back of their heads.
McGee straightened up. "Sorry, Boss. Stopping talking now."
Abby grabbed her head in shock. "Gibbs, you head slapped me."
"You weren't standing up so I couldn't slap you any where else." Gibbs winked "Let's let Tony heal from this before we scare him and Ziva to death with marriage talk."
"Yes, Boss." McGee agreed quickly. "You don't think Ziva heard us. Do you, Boss?" Suddenly, McGee was the nervous one in the room.
Ziva approached. "Don't worry, Tim. I will pick a beautiful dress for my maid of honor. I'm sure the color will match your eyes. "
Ziva walked off with a chuckle. Her worries dissipated for a small moment. She headed towards Ducky and Palmer, who had just arrived.
Abby sat there with a large grin on her face. She began to hum.
"Why are you so happy, Abs?" Gibbs noticed her overzealous look.
Abby continued to grin. "That means I'm flower girl."
Author's Note:I know updates are short. But I'm getting more out there. I hope to wrap this up in a few more chapters. Feedback is always a pleasure to read. Thank you.