Hello
Earlier this month I watched NCIS season 6-episode Silent Night and it's one the better ones.
Though did get me thinking what if Ziva's conversation with Timothy about family instead or at least included.
I did like seeing Tim and Ziva actually out interviewing a witness alongside their conversation over sharing the Battleship game, and McGee's repacking skills.
Hence this was born.
Inside MTAC, Washington DC
Standing by the computer console panel Timothy McGee typing in the final keys inserts a disc upon hearing the door quietly close. Looking over McGee watches as Ziva walks down nearing the final row. For a moment just enjoys observing his friend though Timothy frowns when Ziva rests her arm on a chair in contemplation. Knowing she doesn't desire to talk at the moment, yet might want to, decides for a distraction.
"I had Abby complain the boss was not pleased with the stunt she pulled by bringing Quinn's daughter in. Really must be Christmas as I can't ever recall him ever being harsh to her" Timothy says grimly.
Faint smile "Yeah must be," Ziva says.
Eyes narrowing "You didn't happen to have involvement, did you?" Timothy asks.
"I might have informed Gibbs who placed that call for Petty Officer Quinn," Ziva says.
"Why?" Timothy asks in confusion.
"I did warn her about not interfering in this case all in hopes of chasing a fairy tale," Ziva says.
"Ah," Timothy says returning to the workstation.
"But… I mostly did 'cause I didn't want her to throw you under the ship again" Ziva says.
"It's bus" Timothy replies out of habit.
"No at this point it's a ship. From Mikel Mauher to the mess involving the dog incident. I regret not giving more support" Ziva says grimly.
"Oh," Timothy replies after a moment "I… uh thank you, and you are forgiven."
"You are welcome, you've been a good friend. I wanted to return the appreciation" Ziva says, warmly smiling.
Looking over meeting her eyes Timothy smiles. Ziva merely returns his gaze as they lock eyes for a moment with neither really willing to look away. From a connection of friendship starting years ago. Eventually, both look elsewhere as they just stand in silence not really doing anything. Well, Timothy pretends to be busy on the computer just checking background program security.
"Are you going to see any of your family this Christmas?" Ziva asks.
"You know the answer to that" Timothy replies icily, but not at the dark-haired woman.
"Do you sometimes wish you had a family of your own during the holidays?" Ziva asks abruptly.
"I have you guys" Timothy replies.
"And us you," Ziva says.
Inwardly Timothy quietly has a warm, prideful feeling within because of how Ziva has admitted to caring, twice. No less.
"But you return home by yourself" Ziva points out.
Exhales "Well I return home alone all the time. Honestly, I use it to catch up on stuff needing to get done, read, and play some of my games. Maybe watch a film. Rebuild a computer or something with my hands. Assuming I'm not on rotation" Timothy replies.
Nodding "So this case was not interrupting much?" Ziva asks.
"It was not. How about you?" Timothy replies.
"Usually, I've always used the chance to explore during this time, observing people, families, enjoying good food, and well visit Ducky, or call you guys," Ziva says.
"Yeah, I do like those calls," Timothy says.
"Even Tony, despite running out of the car when I tried talking to him about this spends time with his latest girlfriend, or visits some extended family. Jimmy has Ducky over, and even offered for me to join. Gibbs is in the basement, or working. Frankly you" Ziva says only stopping.
"Me?" Timothy repeats in confusion. Inwardly knows Ziva has become quite the skilled investigator over the years, and always could put information together given not rising high in Mossad's ranks by not being smart.
"You request to work, don't you? Gibbs and you more or less have the same coping habits, not the first time I've noticed. But all these past Christmases when playing vague if Tony, me, or anyone inquiries you've requested rotation" Ziva says in unsettling realization.
"Yes," Timothy replies grimly.
"Why?" Ziva asks.
"I just told you," Timothy says in confusion.
"No, I mean why? You are one of the nicest people I've ever met, you help push me and others into actually living. But deny yourself such joys of being human? Even in Mossad, we don't remain as isolated as I tend to talk about" Ziva says in worry walking over.
"Deep down despite all my optimist nature, I mean when I've been called or viewed stupidly naive before, people think I'm not aware? Learned about how selfish humanity is a long time ago. I was always more mature than my peers, my interests were not something my so-called friends or even family really understood" Timothy says.
"Your sister wanted to be a writer like you," Ziva says.
"Eh, Sarah's changed job careers before. Must be a nice luxury" Timothy says.
"This is America correct, you had the same did you not?" Ziva asks in confusion.
"Not everybody does, and my choice was less of a choice, more of just who I am. Where I fit, the only place I really fit" Timothy says.
Tilting her head "Fit?" Ziva inquiries.
"I don't really belong anywhere. I never have. I keep to myself cause it's easier that way, or avoid being let down by others. Being used. Sure, it's lonely, but… relatable. Never had the biggest reason for actually celebrating much either. Working keeps me focused" Timothy says heavily.
Ziva ponders speaking, but not really quite sure what words merely reaches up gently cupping Timothy's left cheek. Leaning into her touch Timothy covers Ziva's hand with his own, enjoying the physical affection. Ziva briefly contemplates if her friend is actually touch starved.
"You wonder have I considered a family? You wonder why I don't date?" Timothy inquiries.
"Because they don't want one, just a roll around," Ziva says.
"Partially, well explains Abby, but in the end, they don't want me. If I found the right person, I could be happy with them alone. Honestly, just somebody who is willing to listen and love me yet not judge me. Not even about having sex or anything, just somebody I could spend time with" Timothy says, "I'm not very confident on even that part."
"Despite all of Tony's put-downs Tim, you are an attractive man, even before losing cute chubbiness. You are a gentleman, something that remains very rare in this world. And your interests are valid" Ziva replies "You are…"
"I know, Ziva, and thank you once more," Timothy says caringly.
"And I you" Ziva replies quietly.
Both NCIS agents merely remain standing in the other's close embrace, ignoring the tingling down their spines, and feeling inside their stomachs for being vulnerable. Yet enjoying being open to each other nonetheless. However, can't last forever as Timothy and Ziva hear a door open step apart from each other.
"So, I ended up having to help autopsy Gremlin who ended up spilling the popcorn. Didn't even get a chance on talking to a very attractive REACT agent who has recently joined. Like she literally walked right by us, didn't even spare a glance" Tony says in usual rambling.
"I imagine you'll survive not having a pretty woman look your way" Ziva snarks.
"Well, I could drop dead in the next five seconds from a mental breakdown. Though perfectly fine from if I died looking at one to, Xenia Onatopp for example… no wait. Might be even a little extreme nutso on my end" Tony quips.
Timothy and Ziva roll their eyes in the typical fashion reserved for DiNozzo alone.
"Ah you know you love me," Tony says grinning.
"Like ticks on honey" Ziva quips.
"Bees" Tony and Timothy reply at once while both shuttering at that example.
Ziva sighs in fondness alongside their antics.
Hope you all enjoyed this and let me know what you think.
I like how Gibbs calls out Abby out for her screw up, probably the only episode I can ever recall it happening, despite how usually letting her get away with everything.
Until next time.