A/N: Hello everyone! Yes, yes I know it has been a very long time without a new chapter, but somehow something struck inspiration inside of me to write this. It was quite hard to get back into the swing of writing this story, mostly because I have not been watching NCIS since Cote left (I plan on binge watching season 11 the first week of summer), so there may be a bit of OOCness. So, here is chapter 16!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter Sixteen

October 10th, 2012

Her feet pounded against the scattered debris, her breath sounding uncharacteristically ragged as she trudged on straggling in the back of the pack. Emotionally, the teen was exhausted, with the weight of the week's events feeling as if they were crushing her. With each depleting step, she felt as if it would be her last, as the world seemed to be slowly fading away. The Israeli felt as if she was suffocating, the amount of air entering her lungs, not sufficient. Surprisingly, she paused. Her legs turned to jelly, as she slowly fell to the ground, with a flashback controlling her mind.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! The treadmill sounded as her father continued to increase the speed at which she was running. Her bones ached, her heart felt as if was about to smash through her chest, and the already blistering hot room, only continued to grow hotter. Her fifteen year old frame could no longer take the physical exertion, and so she stopped. Her feet stopped moving, and the treadmill's conveyor belt like track slid her off it at lighting speed. Her mostly exposed back rammed into the filling cabinet, and a shriek of pain escaped her lips. However, it was not matched to the pain that was to come. As her eyes fluttered shut for a moment, she felt a newly polished Italian loafer connect mercilessly with her stomach. Blows continued to rain down upon her, as harsh words were spat and her father's brutality continued.

She was snapped out of the past with the unrelenting screams of one of the drill instructors,

"David! Get your ass up and get jogging!"

The Israeli's head swiftly turned in the direction of the voice, and her eyes locked with the those of the instructor. In his eyes, she saw a familiar fire to them, one that chilled her to the bone. One that she vowed years ago never come to meet again. A look that made her vow at the age of fifteen to never pause again. Her forehead creased and chocolate eyes narrowed as she shot a glare at the individual who pointed out her current inability to walk on her own two feet. She saw Tony approach her, and felt his hand on the small of her back.

"It's time to get up now Zi, alright. On the count of three. Okay?"

She nodded her head acknowledging the plan,

"One...two...three..."

She felt herself being lifted up, and her feet ever so unstably touching the ground. However, a strong hand kept her from collapsing once again on the ground.

"Can you walk Ziva?"

"I am fine Tony, just a bit tired."

Shakily, she continued to walk forward, the struggle of keeping one foot in front of the other easily displayed due to her constant stumbling. Tony caught up to her (Not that it was very hard, since she was only a few steps in front of him), and said

"Fine my ass."

Unexpectedly, he picked her up, and carried her in his arms. In an attempt to lighten the mood he asked,

"God Zi, what have you been eating?"

Due to her exhaustion, the most she could muster was a rather terrifying glare, as formulating words would have taken far too much effort. However, it did nothing. The jog continued, except this time she was in someone arms. The warmth that radiated from the man was circumbient. For once she felt safe, and dare she even think, content. The way he clutched her against his chest gave her a deep feeling of protection, something she had not felt in many years. Her brown eyes studied his sweat drenched face and could not help but allow them to linger on his lips. He, in almost every possible way, was Michael's opposite. From their eye color to their grasp they were different. Perhaps though, she thought to herself, different is not necessarily bad. However, the American in question broke her train of thought as he inquired,

"How you holding up, ninja?"

"I am fine Tony,"

"You need to work on your lying David,"

"You need to learn to keep your inquires to yourself,"

"Tried that, it's not nearly as much fun,"

Ziva could not help but chuckle at his words. For the rest of the, the duo remained silent. or well until one very angry drill sergeant made a beeline towards them.

"DiNozzo, David will you two stop playing house and explain to me what the hell that was?"

Gently, he placed her onto the ground, placing a hand upon her shoulder to keep her steady.

"It is my fault sir; I do not know why I could not finish the run. Tony was just trying to help."

"If you can't finish a simple run David, you shouldn't be here,"

The drill pivoted away on his heel, but not before Ziva muttered,

"I do not even want to be here,"

"What was the David? Do you think we want you here? Frankly, I don't even know why you are here,"

Before she could be respond, he left muttering,

"Foreign scum,"

Please review! My goal is to have this story complete by the first of June, but it not happen. I'll try my best to post regularly (or well with less than nine months in between updates). Also I want to clear a one thing up, I know this is nothing like how boot camp is, and I am changing it for the purpose of the story. It is not truly meant to be that realistic portrayal of boot camp.

Once again please do drop me a review telling me your opinion of the chapter, and I'll try my best to have another out by next Monday!