The atmosphere in the bar was lively, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses as the NCIS team gathered to celebrate Ari's recovery. The dim lighting and music created the perfect backdrop for a night of fun, and Ziva felt a sense of relief wash over her. After everything that had happened, it was good to be out with friends, enjoying life again.
Ziva leaned over the billiards table, her eyes focused intently on the eight ball. "You're going down, DiNozzo," she declared confidently, her voice teasing.
Tony smirked, chalking his cue stick with exaggerated seriousness. "You really think you can beat me? I've been practicing a lot during college."
"Practicing?" Ziva raised an eyebrow, a playful smile creeping onto her lips. "Or just making excuses for when I win?"
"Only if you win," Tony countered, his competitive spirit flaring.
Ari, leaning against the bar with a drink in hand, chuckled. "This is going to be good. I can't wait to see the look on Ziva's face when she loses."
"Hey, it's not over yet," Ziva said, lining up her shot. She struck the cue ball with precision, sending the eight ball into the corner pocket. "Ha! One point for me."
"Beginner's luck," Tony replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "I'll show you what real skill looks like."
As the game progressed, the friendly banter continued, each player cheering on their favorite teammate. Abby and Tim were busy strategizing over a separate pool table, their laughter ringing out as they tried to outsmart each other.
Finally, the game came down to the last shot. Tony leaned over the table, his face set in determination. He took a deep breath and shot, sinking the eight ball with perfect precision. "Yes! I win!" he exclaimed, raising his arms in triumph.
Ziva crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "I cannot believe I lost to you, DiNozzo. This is unacceptable."
Tony grinned, clearly enjoying his victory. "And that means you have to honor our bet. Movie festival this Saturday, with me as your date."
"Date? This is not a date," Ziva protested, her cheeks flushing slightly. "This is punishment for losing."
Tony shrugged, his grin widening. "Call it what you want, but you'll be stuck with me for the whole day. Can't wait to see you dressed up for the red carpet."
Ziva rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "Fine. But if I have to go, you will be wearing something embarrassing as well. It's only fair."
"Deal," Tony said, extending his hand to shake on it. "But I get to choose your movie outfit. And you have to promise to try popcorn with extra butter."
Ziva raised an eyebrow, contemplating the terms. "Popcorn with extra butter? That is not part of the deal."
Tony laughed, shaking his head. "You'll thank me later. Trust me."
As the evening continued, Ziva found herself enjoying the banter and camaraderie. Ari sat with Kate at the bar, sharing stories and laughter while Tim and Abby played another round of billiards, the competitive spirit igniting the atmosphere.
Ziva and Tony exchanged playful jabs, the tension between them simmering beneath the surface. The night was a welcome reprieve from the chaos of their work, and Ziva couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like this moments that reminded her of the family they had all become.
As they wrapped up the night, Ziva glanced at Tony, who was still riding high from his victory. "I will make sure to practice before pur next match. This will not happen again."
"Bring it on, Ziva," Tony replied, a challenge gleaming in his eyes. "I'm ready for anything."
The night ended with laughter and lighthearted teasing, each member of the team feeling a little more connected and a little more at ease. And as Ziva prepared for the upcoming weekend, she realized that perhaps spending time with Tony wouldn't be so bad after all.
The sun shone brightly over Washington, D.C., casting a warm glow on the city as Ziva stood in front of her bedroom mirror, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was the day of the movie festival, and she was both looking forward to it and dreading the attention that came with it. The festival was being held in a local park, complete with a red carpet, and Tony was already buzzing about the event.
As Ziva brushed her hair, she caught a glimpse of Ari in her living room, pacing back and forth. He had arrived early to help her get ready, but it seemed he had other motives in mind.
"Ziva, are you almost ready?" Ari called out, glancing at her with an eager expression. "You look great, but I can't wait to see the final look."
"Just a few more minutes," Ziva replied, focusing on her makeup. "I want to look presentable."
"Of course," Ari said, leaning against the wall. "But you know, I'm really curious about this whole movie festival thing. Especially the part where you're going with Tony."
Ziva paused, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of Tony's name. "What about it?"
"Well," Ari began, taking a step closer. "It seems like there's a bit of chemistry between you two. I just want to know how you feel about him. Are you sure it's just a friendly bet?"
Ziva turned back to the mirror, avoiding Ari's gaze. "We are friends, Ari. That is all there is to it."
Ari studied her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Really? Just friends? Because it looks like you might have a little more than friendship brewing there."
Ziva felt a flutter in her chest but kept her expression neutral. "Tony is a good friend and my partner at work. We have fun together. That is it."
"Ziva," Ari pressed gently, "it's okay to have feelings for him. You've been through a lot, and you deserve to be happy. I just want to make sure you're being honest with yourself."
Ziva took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. She wanted to tell him the truth, that her feelings for Tony were more complicated than she was letting on, but the words caught in her throat. "I appreciate your concern, but I promise you, we're just friends. I'm focused on my work and healing right now."
"Just be careful," Ari said, his tone serious but understanding. "I don't want to see you get hurt. Tony can be… well, Tony."
Ziva smiled at the dig, appreciating Ari's protectiveness. "I can handle myself, you know that. I've dealt with much worse."
"True. I still remember how Schmiel Runenstein ran home crying and how his upset father stood in front of our door when you broke his nose" Ari said, a small smile forming on his lips. "Just promise me you'll keep an open mind. You might be surprised by what you discover."
With a final touch to her makeup, Ziva stepped back from the mirror and turned to Ari, her confidence returning. "I'll keep that in mind. But right now, let's focus on getting me ready for this festival."
As Ziva finished getting dressed, Ari helped her pick out accessories, as she was holding up various pieces of jewelry and asking his opinion. When she finally emerged from her room wearing a beautiful dress that flowed elegantly around her, Ari's expression softened.
"You look stunning, Ziva. Seriously," he said, his admiration genuine.
"Thank you," Ziva replied, her cheeks warming slightly at the compliment. "I just hope I am presentable"
"Trust me, you are ," Ari said.
Tony parked his car a few blocks away from Ziva's apartment, excitement coursing through him. He had spent the last few days picking out the perfect outfit, wanting to strike the right balance between looking sharp and staying true to his relaxed style. Tonight was different; he wanted to impress Ziva.
As he stepped out of the car, he ran a hand through his hair, mentally preparing himself for the evening ahead. Just as he was about to head to her door, Ari appeared, standing protectively at the entrance to Ziva's apartment.
"Hey, DiNozzo," Ari called out, his expression serious. "You're here early."
"Just getting excited for the movie festival," Tony replied, flashing a grin. "I hope Ziva's ready for a fun night."
"Fun, huh?" Ari said, raising an eyebrow. "Just remember, she's still getting used to everything. Don't push her too hard."
"Me? Push? Never," Tony said, feigning innocence. "I'm just here to enjoy the night."
Ari stepped closer, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "Look, I know you two have been getting along, but she's still my sister. I want you to treat her right. If you do anything to upset her"
"I'll be on my best behavior, I promise," Tony interrupted, sincerity in his voice. "I'm not looking to cause any trouble. I just want her to have a good time."
"Good. Just remember that," Ari said, stepping aside as Ziva appeared in the doorway.
Tony's breath caught in his throat as he took in Ziva's stunning appearance. She looked radiant, her hair cascading in loose waves, and her dress fitting her perfectly.
"Wow, Ziva," Tony managed to say, genuinely impressed. "You look amazing."
"Thank you, Tony," Ziva replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I'm ready for the festival."
"Great! Let's hit the road," Tony said, quickly moving to open the car door for her. He was still slightly dazed by how beautiful she looked.
Once Ziva was settled in, Tony slid into the driver's seat and started the engine. "So, are you excited?" he asked, glancing over at her.
"I am," Ziva said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "But I'm also a bit nervous. It's been a while since I've attended an event like this."
"You'll be great. Just focus on having fun," Tony encouraged, his enthusiasm infectious. "No pressure."
As they navigated the bustling streets, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city. The park soon came into view, alive with lights and laughter, the air buzzing with excitement.
"Look at that," Tony said, pointing toward the entrance where guests were arriving in elegant attire. "It's going to be an amazing night."
Ziva's heart raced as they approached the park. The moment they stepped out of the car, she felt the energy of the festival envelop her. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with distant music.
"Ready?" Tony asked, looking at her with a warm smile.
"More than ready," Ziva replied, feeling the anticipation swell within her.
As they walked toward the entrance, Ziva couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. She knew tonight could be a turning point, and with Tony by her side, she felt a surge of confidence. Together, they walked toward the red carpet, the excitement of the evening promising unforgettable moments ahead.
The movie festival was in full swing when Ziva and Tony arrived. Colorful lights twinkled above them, illuminating the park and casting a magical glow over the entire scene. Vendors lined the pathways, their booths filled with mouth-watering foods: freshly popped popcorn, caramel-covered apples, and an array of international cuisines that made Ziva's stomach rumble.
"Look at all this food!" Tony exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We have to try everything. Well, maybe not everything, but a lot!"
Ziva laughed softly, though she felt a strange sense of apprehension wash over her. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quiet life she had grown accustomed to in the aftermath of her experiences. The chatter of couples, families, and friends surrounded her, each person appearing to be filled with joy and anticipation.
She tried to immerse herself in the festive spirit, but there was an underlying feeling of being out of place, as if she were watching life unfold from a distance. Every laugh and cheer reminded her of the time she had spent away from normalcy. The vibrant laughter echoed in her ears, and she felt like a ghost hovering at the edges of the festivities.
"Hey! Let's get some food!" Tony said, his enthusiasm breaking through her thoughts. He grabbed her hand gently, leading her to a booth that offered gourmet sliders. "You have to try these; they're amazing!"
As they approached the booth, Ziva couldn't help but notice how animated Tony was. He chatted with the vendor, asking questions and laughing heartily. The sheer joy in his voice was infectious, and she found herself smiling despite her earlier discomfort.
After they grabbed their sliders and some fries, they wandered toward a large screen where they were showing clips from classic films. Ziva observed as Tony recited lines from various movies, his voice mimicking the actors and bringing a smile to her face. It amazed her how effortlessly he shifted between comedic impressions and dramatic reenactments.
"Did you know this line?" Tony asked, gesturing animatedly at the screen. "It's from Casablanca! 'Here's looking at you, kid.' Iconic, right?"
Ziva chuckled softly, her heart warming at his passion. "You seem to know a lot about movies, Tony."
"I've seen my fair share," he replied with a wink. "And I may have binge-watched some classics during downtime. It's like my own personal film school." He grinned, clearly enjoying the moment.
As they strolled further into the festival, Ziva's initial discomfort began to ebb. Watching Tony's excitement was like witnessing a child's wonder. His laughter and enthusiasm were infectious, and she found herself loosening up, allowing a smile to form on her lips as she enjoyed the vibrant surroundings.
"Want to try some cotton candy?" Tony asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he gestured toward a vendor spinning the fluffy treat.
"I have never had cotton candy before," Ziva admitted, her curiosity piqued.
"Then we must rectify that immediately!" He grabbed a stick of cotton candy, presenting it to her like a prize. "This is the festival experience!"
Ziva took a tentative bite, the sugary fluff melting in her mouth, and she couldn't help but laugh. "This is… sweet."
Tony laughed alongside her, clearly delighted that she was finally starting to enjoy herself. "That's because it is only sugar. Let's find a spot to sit and enjoy the show."
They settled on a blanket near the main screen, the warmth of the evening wrapping around them as the festival continued to buzz with energy. Ziva leaned back, taking in the sight of families laughing together, couples stealing kisses, and friends enjoying each other's company.
As the movie clips played, she began to let herself relax, allowing the atmosphere to envelop her. With Tony beside her, recounting trivia and sharing stories behind each clip, she found herself caught up in his excitement.
For the first time in a while, Ziva felt a flicker of normalcy in her heart. Surrounded by laughter and joy, she realized that maybe she didn't have to feel so out of place after all. Tony's laughter rang in her ears, and as she watched the clips dance across the screen, she understood that she was finally ready to embrace this new chapter of her life.
What do you think of the story so far? I would be happy if you guys would leave some comments for me to read :). Right now I have already pre-written 4 more chapters. I am not quite sure how many more there will be but it might be up to 10 more chapters if I can make it possible.
I have also started a few other stories and one is like halfway done. Would you guys want me to start posting that story too? Or should I wait until this one is finished? My muse is quite active right now as I am currently also working on other new stories every now and then. I am also thinking about continuing the fate of my future. I do not have the old documents anymore so I will have to work with what is already there.
Oh before I forget it I let chat gbt write a NCIS fanfiction and let it do it's own thing only at the end I told it to add TIVA. I haven't red it myself but I can upload it if you want to read it.