"Today we will be focusing on hand to hand combat." Ziva said as she scanned the group of trainees. As Malachi went down the line, pairing people together Ziva twisted her hair into a bun. "Krav Maga is an ancient form of self defense. It is best compared to street fighting. We use it because when on assignment, you need to be able to defend yourself in any way possible. The more you know, the better the outcome." She glanced towards the end of the line. "DiNozzo,"
Tony blinked. "Officer David?"
"You will be with me." She said as she motioned him over.
Tony would be a liar if he said he wasn't scared. First off, he had never fought a woman before. He had wrestled in both high school and college, but that was a total different scenario. And it had never been against a girl. Also, he still couldn't get a read on Ziva David. Some days it seemed like everything he did infuriated her. But on others, she seemed interested in getting to know him.
"Am I supposed to let you win?" Tony quipped as Ziva placed her feet.
Malachi chuckled as Ziva narrowed her eyes. "Would you let an enemy win DiNozzo?"
Gulping, Tony shook his head. "No Officer David."
"Good." Ziva then threw her hand out, aiming for Tony's neck. He caught her by the wrist and pulled her arm behind her back, pulling her body towards his. She then kicked her leg out, knocking his legs out from under him. She made a motion with her hands and told him to stand. When he did she backed a few steps away from him. He scanned her body before throwing out his own hand, hitting her shoulder. The force knocked her back and he took the opportunity to wrap a leg around hers and pull her to the ground. He placed a knee on her legs as she raised her hands in surrender.
Led by Malachi, the group clapped. Tony then offered Ziva his hand and helped her stand to her feet.
"Toda. That was good DiNozzo. You can improve, but good."
"Toda Officer David." He replied.
-.-.-.-
The training session now over, Ziva made her way to her Father's office. She stopped in front of his desk and waited as he waved his assistant away. Once the door was closed, he motioned for her to sit down. Removing his glasses, he spoke.
"How are things goings?"
"They are going well."
"And with the American?" Ziva's mouth drew into a line. Eli saw this as he leaned back in his chair. "If you have something to say, please, say it."
"I do not understand why we are allowing him into Mossad." Ziva said, her voice icy. "He is not from here, we know nothing about him."
"We know plenty about him." Eli replied, pulling a file out of his desk. He handed it to her and waited as she scanned the document. "He is no threat to us Ziva. He is simply a man looking for something. And if we can help him find whatever it is he is looking for, we shall."
She shut the folder and leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. "This is not like you Abba. Why do you care about this man?"
Eli sat there in silence for several minutes. "Because I saw something in his eyes the day he came here."
"What?"
"Desperation. I know you do not trust him. Give him time. I believe the two of you have more in common than you think." She nodded and made her way out of his office.