Bully

by Agent Gibbs

Set in my 'What If' Storyline. Tony and Ziva's first true test as parents of high-school students. Tali is the target of a bully, and she doesn't want anyone to help. At first. WARNING: The following fic contains language and dark themes such as Self-Harm, Bullying, and Attempted Suicide. For these themes, this story is Rated 'M.' Reviews are still welcome.

4. Ari's Warning

This Chapter is called "Ari's Warning" for a reason.

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After a 77-3 thrashing of Don Bosco (fueled by Ari's perfect completion percentage and 9 straight touchdown passes in the second half), the team was gathered in the locker room for the presentation of the game ball and (Though only Ari and Coach knew it) someone was about to be called out.

"Settle down!" Coach yelled over the raucous noise of the players. "HEY! SHUT UP!"

The team quieted down, and, with the exception of Kennedy (Who was playing on his phone), the entire team turned to Coach, and more specifically, the game ball.

"The recipient of tonight's ball broke records that have stood for the last 25 years. DiNozzo, think fast!"

"Thanks, Gunny," Ari said, standing and facing the team. "This means a lot, but I have other business to attend to right now. Someone in this room is messing with my sister. The exact word used was 'bullying.' Each and every one of you know how I feel about bullies, so-"

"What else did she say?" Kennedy suddenly asked.

"That's all I know right now," Ari snapped. "But when I find out who's responsible, I intend to make him wish he never messed with my sister." Ari scanned the crowd, looking for signs of guilt. He stopped on Kennedy, who was looking nervous and down & to the left. "You got something to add, Kennedy?"

"No," Kennedy said, a little too quickly. "Why?"

Ari's face changed, and he looked mad enough to kill. "Grab your shit and step outside. "You and I are going to have a little chat."

Every eye in the room turned to Kennedy.

"Fuck you," he snapped.

"Have it your way then," Ari said. He charged at Kennedy and pinned the bully against his locker. "You fucking coward. You've been torturing my blood for the past two months. If you even THINK about messing with Tali again, I will beat you to within an inch of your life. Nod if you understand what I am saying right now."

Kennedy slowly nodded before being thrown onto the floor. Ari took care to tread on the bastard's groin when collecting his stuff and when leaving the locker room.

"Laila tov," Ari said to his teammates at the door.