AN: Looks like I was about right on the update time. Could have had this up on Monday but I spent the day out with my mom (Movie and shopping) then wrote JenJen her Songfic. For those of you that didn't read that, we now have a Facebook page. If you like us on there you will get notifications on new stories and chapters without having to check FFN or your email as well as have access to Fan polls to help make decisions about stories. FB fans also get priority on story requests, so follow the link on our profile to check it out!

MN: Due to personal reasons (and related to our expansion to FB) we find it necessary to change our last name. The current one has served us well for many years but we need to cut our ties with it and we want you to help us pick a new one. You will find more information on our Facebook page!


When Tony arrived to pick her up, Ziva was pacing her living room. She'd made it through her time with him Saturday rather calm. But her anxiety had gradually increased Sunday as she spent the day with a babbling Abby. Her friend was trying to be encouraging about the interview, but in reality had just served to stress her further.

Her exchanged texts with her partner didn't help, especially since they had decided to forego movie night so they could both 'get a good night's rest'. Without him there to distract her she'd begun focusing on how convinced she was that this job was her last chance to stay in DC.

She had spent the night nervously tossing and turning in bed. She had been almost relieved when 0400 had rolled around and she got up for her run. The physical exertion had temporarily quieted her mind and she was able to focus on her morning routine. Now it was nearing 0800 and her restlessness was back in full force.

At Tony's knock, she paused her repetitious path to unlock the door. He wasn't yet fully inside when she resumed her pacing.

"Nervous, Zi?" His tone was meant to be lighthearted but the joke simply grated on her already frayed nerves.

She spun at him and moved toward him. "Yes, Tony. I am nervous. I don't know if you have noticed or not, but we are about out of options for jobs. If I do not get this job I am going to have to start applying for positions that will take me out of state."

The look on his face told her he understood even before his words did. "I know. And neither of us wants that. But we need to go in there confident today. No one wants to hire a security consultant who is a bundle of nerves."

She took a deep breath and nodded. "You are right. Thank you."

His hands raised and came to rest on her shoulders. "That's my ninja. Now, are you ready to go tell this guy how many ways you can kill him with a paperclip?"

She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. Somehow he always knew how to make her feel better, and this was no exception. "No, Tony. The paperclip is special. That is reserved just for you."

Ziva wretched the phone away from her ear as Abby issued a high pitch squeal through the line. In an effort to keep from going deaf, she hit the button to place the call on speaker as their friend babbled at them excitedly.

"I told you you guys would get it! Of course they loved you. Everyone loves you guys. I'm so excited for you. We're going to have to go out and celebrate this weekend. When do you start? What's the job going to be like?"

"Abby!" The tone of Tony's voice made the woman pause and Ziva sighed in relief as he spoke. "We start tomorrow and, as odd as this is to say to you, Abbs, we can't give any details about the job. Part of our work may involve undercover work so we can't share anything."

She could tell Abby was getting ready to go 'motor mouth' (as Tony would put it) again so she interjected to stop. "Abby, I forgot to charge my phone last night. The battery is going to die. Tony will call you tonight, yes?"

She waited for Abby's agreement then hastily disconnected the call.

"Well, I was going to take you to lunch to celebrate the good news, but since you threw me under the bus to her, I think it should be your treat."

"If that is all it takes to make you agree to be the one to call her back, it is a deal."


"Earth to Ziva."

The mention of her name wretched her from her thoughts and she looked at her partner quizzically. "Yes?"

Tony rolled his eyes at her and pointed at the entertainment center. "Movie finished while you were in lala land. Are we watching another?"

She checked her watch and reluctantly shook her head. "No, I should go. We have to be at the office at 0800 tomorrow and I still have to pack. I wish he had told us where we are going so I would know what to bring."

He shrugged as he stood and stretched. "Bring a little of everything. Pants, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, a swimsuit, and a sweatshirt. That should pretty much cover you for anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. It's pretty much what I did."

She nodded as she retrieved her keys and cell phone from his coffee table. "That is actually a good idea. Here's another: bring your bag tonight and we can put it in my car when you drop me off. That way you do not have to worry about it when I pick you up in the morning."

He shot her a glare at the joking insult but hoisted the duffle bag by the door to his shoulder regardless. "I still don't know why you have to drive."

She pulled the door open with a sigh. "Because, your building has a garage and mine does not. I do not wish to leave my car on street for however long we end up being gone. I am much more comfortable with leaving it in the secure garage of a security company where it will be under video surveillance."

He had gotten the door closed and locked while she spoke and was now following her down the hall. "Okay, I get the point. But let's just make sure we make it there in one piece, shall we? I'd hate to have to call in dead on my first day. Wouldn't be good for my image."

Ziva pushed the button with the elevator with more force than was entirely necessary. "My driving is not that dangerous. I have been more careful since we quit, too. I do not have a badge to help me get out of tickets any more. And without that my weapons tend to make LEOs nervous too. I much prefer not to be frisked by a stranger so I am being more cautious."

She stepped into the elevator as the doors opened and he was right on her heels. "Point taken, but I still reserve the right to squeal like a girl in the morning if the need arises."


AN: Sorry guys. Sebastian got writer's block and I haven't been feeling too well the past few days. And since JenJen isn't reading this story, I don't have anyone harping on me to update. Feel free to bug me via PM or Facebook to motivate us. Again, I'm sorry for the long delay. I promise to get the next one up within a few days. Probably Sunday.