A/N: Hello! I just want to say THANK YOU! All of your reviews made my day! Your reviews give me so much more motivation to write! If anyone is interested in betaing this story, just drop me a review or PM me. Also, ideas are always welcome. Without further a due, here is chapter two! (:

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own NCIS.

Chapter Two

Who knew clearing customs could take over an hour and a half? Well, I suppose when you are carrying a few knives and a gun in your luggage, you are not airport security's favorite person. So, after a slight altercation, in which (thankfully) no punches, knives, nor tasers were thrown, she was finally free to go pass baggage claim, and later exit the airport.

45 minutes later...

She relaxed lazily in the car seat, her back melting into the cushy leather. Every few moments she would remove her gaze from the window, and peak at the man maneuvering the automobile almost as badly as she would. To a normal person, the Leroy Jethro Gibbs' salt and pepper hair, and cobalt blue eyes would make a man freeze dead in his tracks. Though, a young woman who was raised to be the 'sharp end of the spear' found his facade rather amusing. The way in which his lips formed a tight straight line, occasionally creating a knowing smirk, and his eyes that were guarded, and yet ever so vocal. As the silence seemed to grow thicker by the moment, and the drive feeling like an eternity she attempted to break the silence. Though, just as she was about to speak, they pulled into a wooded and area.
"We're here. Grab your gear and let's go."
Quickly she exited the car, her fraying duffle in hand. Ziva kept pace with Gunnery sergeant maneuvering the trails almost as skillfully as he. This small ability did not go unnoticed by Gibbs, who had seen numerous marines in training trip while attempting to keep pace with him. As the snapping of twigs became more silent, a rather large cabin came into view. She stopped dead in her tracks and asked,
"I presume I am not staying in the male...what are they called...barracks?"
"Nope, you are staying in my extra room."
With those few spoken words they continued into the house. As she entered, her nostrils were assaulted with the mixed aroma of wood and mud. The sparse furniture and obsolete television reminded her of her half-brother's apartment. With a ghost of a smile, her mind drifted back to memories that it held. It had been her safe haven. The ancient apartment with the creaky steps had acted as her escape from the world. As Gibbs' gruff voice rang through the air, her mind entered the present again.
"Follow me."
She obeyed and clung to her luggage as he escorted her to where she would be sleeping. Shuffling her feet behind him, Ziva was lead to a cozy room. Every piece of furniture was tucked into a corner, leaving a small sitting area in the middle. Soon, she began unpacking her few belongings. As she unzipped her luggage, the smell of home invaded the air releasing a wave of nostalgia on her. Though, she continued to unpack, not letting her focus waver. She folded each article of clothing before placing it in the wooden dresser in the top drawer. Her cargo pants laced to reside in the next drawer down, and her extra pair of combat boots lying lazily by her bed. Then, ever so delicately, she placed the picture of her family on the bedside table. Afterwards she rearmed herself, securing her sig, and knife at her waist. In addition she strapped her back up to her ankle, along with her other knife. After one last scope of the room, she exited navigating her way to the living room. There she was met with Gibbs, and a gentleman who had a kind smile. The man then said in a charming Scottish accent,
"Hello dear, my name is Dr. Mallard, Ducky as I am commonly referred to as,"
Gibbs then spoke,
"It's procedure that all Recruits must undergo a physical. Afterwards, Duck will drive you to where training will be taking place."
Without a word Gibbs left, leaving Ducky and her to get acquainted. She extended a hand and spoke,
"Ziva David."
"Israeli?"
"Very good."
She responded with a smile as he lead her over to the kitchen. He patted the counter and said,
"Hop up here so we can begin."
Effortlessly she lifted her body up onto the countertop as he began asking questions. Soon after he took her blood pressure and checked her heart.
"Can you lie down now please?"
Obeying she laid down. He began pressing on various parts of her stomach and abdomen checking for abnormalities. As he did so, he could notice the slightest contorting of her face each time he did so. He stopped and asked,
"Does something hurt there?"
She responded firmly,
"No."
Still not satisfied he asked,
"Can you pull your shirt upwards a bit? I just want to make sure there is nothing."
Begrudgingly, she inched her shirt up her stomach revealing the array of bruises in a multitude of different colors along her stomach.
"Oh dear."
He whispered under his breath before he proceeded,
"How did this happen?"
"I was lifting a weight lost my grip, and it ended up landing partially on my stomach."
She lied hoping that he could believe her. Though, at the observation of her chin, stomach, and what looked to be lingering finger marks on her neck, he knew it was much more than that. Though, he did not push, leaving the question for one of his other frequent visits to Jethro's. He gently continued the rest of the physical, and within an hour the examination was complete.
"Alright, time for you to join the others in the field."
She followed the doctor and smiled at his choice of car.
"An old Morgan? My brother drove one also."
"He has good taste in cars then."
They both then entered the vehicle, as Ducky told her about a tale of his youth. Just before he was done explaining who each person in the story was, they arrived.
"I guess I will just have to save the rest for another time. Have a good day Ziva."
"Same to you...Ducky."
She said testing out the name. After offering him a smile, something that seemed to be something she hadn't done in far too long, she turned her back and jogged over to wear the mass of recruits were being trained. As Gibbs saw her he barked,
"David stand by DiNozzo."

Please Review! If the story receives 19 reviews by next week I'd be one of the happiest people alive! Also, I'll throw in more Tiva than originally planned next chapter! (: