As the night wore on and the lights of the NCIS squad room cast a warm glow, Tony leaned against Ziva's desk, a playful grin creeping across his face. She was deeply engrossed in her paperwork, her brow furrowed in concentration, so he decided to have a little fun.
Just as he was about to mess with her hair, Ziva's hand shot up, stopping him mid-motion. "What?" she asked, annoyance lacing her voice without looking up.
"Have you noticed that McGee and Tali seem to be talking a lot?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.
Ziva leaned back in her chair, arching an eyebrow. "Maybe? Why?"
Tony smirked, enjoying the playful banter. "Don't you think that Probie and Tali are talking a little too much to be professional?"
"What do you want to say, Tony?" she asked, finally giving him her full attention.
"Maybe Probie has a thing for your sister," he said, unable to hide his amusement. "Maybe he'll be McBrother-in-law," he added, chuckling at the thought.
Ziva rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Really? Is that okay with you?"
"Are you okay with it?" Tony asked, genuinely curious.
Ziva shrugged, a contemplative look crossing her face. "I mean, McGee is... well, he's a decent guy. But I'm not worried about them. They can figure it out themselves."
"Sounds like you're playing matchmaker," Tony teased.
"Maybe a little," Ziva admitted, her lips curling into a small grin. "I just hope he doesn't screw it up."
"Or worse," Tony replied, "have him fumble his way through it."
They shared a laugh, the tension of the day lifting as they found comfort in their camaraderie. For a moment, the worries of their case faded into the background, leaving only the warmth of friendship—and perhaps a little concern for their respective loved ones.
Tony glanced at Ziva again, his expression shifting to something more inquisitive. "And what about you, Ziva?"
"What about me, Tony?" she replied, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Have you recently found a special someone?" he asked, leaning in slightly.
She met his gaze with a playful smile. "Why? Are you looking to set me up with someone?"
"I just want to know if you have a 1 for my dad's wedding," Tony clarified, his tone teasing. "If I need to bring someone along too."
Ziva decided to play with him a bit. "Your father hasn't mentioned anything about a 1, so I haven't asked anyone up to now."
"So there is someone?" Tony raised an eyebrow, pretending to take her seriously.
"I never said that," Ziva replied with a grin.
"Zee, is there someone or not?" he pressed, his tone growing more serious.
She laughed, enjoying the banter. "You're not seriously being jealous again, are you?"
"I just care about my partner," he replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide his concern.
Ziva leaned back in her chair, still smiling. "No, you're being jealous again, Tony. But I don't want to be that mean, so I can assure you that there's no one."
"Alright," Tony said, relieved. "So even though you're invited, you want to go to my dad's wedding with me? I think I really need you by my side during that."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "But then you don't have that many chances to pick up a bridesmaid, Tony."
"Yeah, it's weird enough to go to his wedding. Either the woman will be his age, which means way too old for me, or she'll be way younger, and that would be weird too."
Ziva grinned, leaning forward. "So your stepmother could be younger than you? Like my age?"
"More like younger than you," Tony replied, smirking. "His last one—or the last last one... I don't remember—was like 21."
"Oh," Ziva said, feigning shock.
"Can we please talk about something else now? I don't want to think about that..." He paused as his stomach rumbled, cutting through the moment.
Ziva laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Seems like your belly is telling us to grab something to eat. Let's call it a day and get some food."
"Sounds like a brilliant idea, Ziva," Tony agreed, his mood lightening as they shifted their focus to a more enjoyable topic.
As they settled into the booth at the diner, Tony glanced at the menu, his appetite kicking in. "So, what's it gonna be? I'm thinking the classic cheeseburger with fries. Can't go wrong with that."
Ziva looked up from her menu, her lips quirking into a smile. "I'll have the same," she replied, handing her menu to the waitress as she approached.
Once their orders were placed, Tony leaned back in the booth, surveying the diner. "You know, I think this place has the best fries in town," he declared, as if sharing a life-changing revelation.
Ziva rolled her eyes playfully. "Only you would have such strong feelings about fries, Tony."
"Hey, it's important!" he insisted, a mock-serious tone in his voice. "Fries are like the supporting characters of a meal. You need them to be great for the whole experience to work."
Ziva chuckled. "And yet, they are just fried potatoes."
"Fried potatoes that can make or break a burger," he countered with a grin. "You're learning."
Their food arrived shortly after, and they dove in, savoring the deliciousness. Ziva took a bite of her burger, and her eyes lit up. "Okay, I'll admit it. This is good."
"See? I told you," Tony said with satisfaction, taking a hearty bite of his own burger. "So, how does it feel to be back in the field, even if it's just for cases?"
Ziva leaned back, contemplating for a moment. "It feels… right. But I still want to be careful. I don't want to put anyone in danger."
"Don't worry, Gibbs has your back," Tony reassured her. "And so do I."
"Good to know," she replied, her gaze steady on him. "Just don't get too comfortable in your role as the 'worried partner,' Tony. I can handle myself."
"I know you can," he replied, sincerity in his voice. "But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna worry. It's part of the job description."
"Always the hero," Ziva teased, taking another bite of her fries.
"Damn right," he laughed. "But seriously, it's nice to see you back at your desk and not in a hospital gown. Even though I enjoyed seeing you in one"
Ziva raised an eyebrow. "You enjoyed the hospital gown?"
"Let's just say it had its perks," he grinned, leaning in slightly. "I mean, I could see your ass every time you moved."
Ziva smirked, shaking her head in amusement. "You really can't help yourself, can you?"
"Not when it comes to you," he said, unabashedly. "But seriously, it's good to see you back to normal."
"Agreed," she said, feeling warmth spread through her. "And it's nice to have a moment of normalcy."
They continued to eat, their conversation flowing easily, the tension of the past few days slowly dissipating as they enjoyed each other's company.
As the investigation progressed, Tony and Ziva found themselves closing in on the person behind the threats against Eli Davids and his family. They had identified Marcus Levitt as the man orchestrating the attacks, but finding his whereabouts was proving to be a challenge.
The atmosphere in the squad room was charged with a mix of urgency and determination. Gibbs entered, his expression as steely as ever, and approached Tony and Ziva, who were hunched over their files.
"What do we have?" Gibbs asked, crossing his arms as he surveyed the scene.
"We've identified Marcus Levitt as the man behind the threats against the Davids family," Tony replied, glancing at Ziva. "But we still can't track him down. He seems to have gone underground."
McGee, who had been reviewing the digital footprint of Levitt, chimed in. "I've been going through his online activity. It looks like he's wiped a lot of his traces, but I did find a few leads. He frequented a diner on the outskirts of town, and I'm checking security footage from there."
"Good work, McGee," Gibbs said, nodding approvingly. "Let's focus on that lead. We need to find out where he is before he makes his next move."
Ziva leaned in, her tone serious. "We need to act quickly. If he's aware we're onto him, he may try to disappear completely."
Tony stood up straight, a grin forming on his face despite the seriousness of the situation. "Well, what's the plan? Should we split up and cover more ground?"
"No," Gibbs replied firmly, his gaze locking onto Tony's. "We stick together. We can't afford to let him slip through our fingers."
Just then, Abby entered the room, her energy brightening the mood. "I've got some updates!" she declared, waving a folder in the air. "I traced a recent cash withdrawal from Levitt's accounts. He's been funneling money through a series of shell companies."
"Which means he's probably planning something big," McGee added, his expression serious. "If we can track down where the money is going, we might be able to find him."
"Good work, Abby," Gibbs acknowledged. "Let's get to it. We need to put a plan together to locate him before he can make a move against the Davids."
As they huddled around the table, Ziva felt the adrenaline surge through her. They were so close, but the stakes were high, and they had to be cautious. "What's our next step?" she asked, her determination clear.
"We start with that diner McGee found," Tony suggested, leaning closer to the map. "It's a good spot to watch for him. We can set up surveillance and see if he shows."
Gibbs nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Let's get moving. We can't let him outsmart us."
The team sprang into action, each member focused on their roles. As they worked, Ziva couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. They had to stop Levitt before he could act again. With each moment that passed, the potential for danger increased, and she knew they had to be ready for anything.
With the case coming to a head, the team was more united than ever, determined to protect the Davids family and bring justice to those who threatened them.
The team quickly organized their plan, gathering supplies and strategizing their next steps. Ziva felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as they prepared to head out. She had been through enough dangerous situations to know that every detail mattered. As they split up to get into position, she could feel the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.
Once they arrived at the diner, the atmosphere shifted. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the parking lot, and Ziva surveyed the area. The diner was a nondescript establishment, a place that blended into the surroundings—perfect for someone wanting to remain unnoticed.
Tony set up the surveillance equipment in the van, while McGee checked the cameras he had set up earlier. Gibbs stood nearby, scanning the diner through his binoculars. Ziva took a deep breath, steadying herself as she readied for the task ahead.
"Just keep your eyes peeled," Gibbs said, his voice low but firm. "If Levitt shows up, we need to be ready."
"Got it," Ziva replied, her focus narrowing. She felt the tension in the air, each second stretching out as they waited.
After a few minutes of silence, Tony broke the tension. "So, Ziva, think you'll have time to grab a slice of pie if this doesn't take too long?" His tone was teasing, but the underlying seriousness of the situation was evident.
Ziva shot him a sidelong glance. "Focus, Tony. We're here to catch a criminal, not to indulge in dessert."
"Can't blame a guy for trying," he grinned, his charm disarming even in this high-stakes moment.
Suddenly, McGee's voice came through the radio. "Guys, I think I've got something. A man just walked in who matches Levitt's description. I'm pulling up the facial recognition data now."
"Keep us updated," Gibbs replied, his tone shifting to one of urgency.
As they watched, Ziva felt her heart rate quicken. The man at the counter was tall with dark hair and a distinct scar running down the side of his cheek. "That's him," she whispered, her eyes locked on the monitor. "We need to move."
"Hold on," Gibbs cautioned. "We need to wait for the right moment. We can't risk him running."
They watched as Levitt ordered a coffee and sat down at a booth in the corner. The diner was relatively empty, and Ziva could see how he was trying to remain inconspicuous. But she knew better. The tension in the air was palpable, and she could feel everyone's eyes on the screens.
"Can we call for backup?" McGee asked, his fingers dancing over his keyboard as he prepared to relay their position.
"Not yet," Gibbs instructed, his eyes never leaving Levitt. "We need to see if he makes any contact."
Minutes passed like hours, and Ziva felt a mix of impatience and determination. "If he's here to meet someone, we can't let him get away. We need to act."
Just then, Levitt's phone buzzed on the table, and he picked it up, glancing at the screen. Ziva could see his expression shift as he frowned. "He's getting nervous," she murmured, her instincts kicking in. "We have to move."
"Okay, on my mark," Gibbs said, finally breaking the silence. "Tony, Ziva, you'll head in first. McGee, you stay back and cover us. If anything goes wrong, we'll need you to call for backup."
Tony and Ziva exchanged determined looks, ready to take action. "Let's do this," he said, cracking a small grin, his confidence infectious even in the seriousness of the moment.
As they stepped out of the van, Ziva felt the familiar rush of adrenaline. They moved quickly but quietly toward the entrance of the diner. Inside, the clatter of dishes and chatter of customers filled the air, creating a false sense of normalcy that only heightened her senses.
Ziva's eyes locked onto Levitt as they approached. He hadn't noticed them yet, but they had to be quick. "I'll take the left; you take the right," she whispered to Tony.
"Got it," he replied, his voice steady.
They flanked him, moving in unison until they were just a few feet away. With a deep breath, Ziva stepped forward, her voice firm. "Marcus Levitt, NCIS. You're under arrest."
Levitt's eyes widened in surprise, and he jumped to his feet, ready to bolt. But Tony was quicker, lunging forward to grab his arm, and in that moment, chaos erupted.
Levitt struggled, trying to break free. "Get off me!" he shouted, panic evident in his voice.
"Not happening," Tony grunted, tightening his grip.
Ziva moved in to assist, her training kicking in as she helped restrain him. "You're not going anywhere," she said, her voice steady as she locked eyes with him. "You're wanted for multiple counts of attempted murder."
"Yeah, well, you'll never take me alive!" he spat, his eyes darting around for an escape.
"Backup!" McGee shouted through the earpiece as he rushed inside, ready to lend a hand.
Just as Levitt twisted and tried to throw Tony off, Ziva stepped in with a swift move, her knee connecting with his gut. He doubled over, gasping for air.
"Nice move," Tony said, grinning as he regained his grip on Levitt. "Now let's finish this."
They wrestled Levitt down to the ground, Tony sitting on him while Ziva cuffed his hands behind his back. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her as they successfully apprehended him.
"Got him!" McGee exclaimed as he stepped closer, his expression a mix of excitement and relief.
With Levitt securely in cuffs, Ziva stood up, brushing her hands off. "Let's get him out of here."
As they walked Levitt toward the exit, Ziva felt a sense of satisfaction. They had caught him before he could strike again, protecting Eli's family and ensuring justice would be served.
Once outside, they waited for the backup unit to arrive, ready to transport Levitt to the station. Ziva exchanged a glance with Tony, a sense of triumph shared between them. "Another case closed," she said, her tone light.
"Yeah, but this one was a bit more intense than usual," Tony replied, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You were incredible in there."
"Thanks, Tony," she replied with a smile. "But it was a team effort."
As they awaited the arrival of the transport, Ziva felt a warmth settle in her chest. They had faced danger together, and once again, their bond as partners had proven strong.
As Tony pulled the car into Rivka's driveway, the weight of the recent events began to lift, replaced by a sense of normalcy that had been missing for too long. Tali and Rivka climbed out of the back seat, their faces brightening with relief as they reached the familiar warmth of home.
Rivka leaned into the passenger window, her expression sincere. "Ziva, you're always welcome in our house. I hope we can stay in contact," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and hope.
Ziva smiled warmly back at her, the affection between them palpable. "We will, Ima. I promise," she replied, feeling a deep connection to Rivka and Tali.
As Tony and Ziva drove back to the Navy Yard, the mood in the car shifted to one of camaraderie and reflection. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the city.
"Did you see the look on Rivka's face?" Tony asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "She was genuinely relieved."
"Yeah," Ziva replied, her mind still on the family they had just dropped off. "They've been through so much. I'm glad they can finally start to feel safe again."
"Kind of makes you appreciate the little things, doesn't it?" Tony said, glancing sideways at her. "Like just being home, having dinner, and being able to relax without looking over your shoulder."
"Exactly," Ziva agreed, feeling the warmth of the moment. "Normalcy is something we often take for granted."
Tony chuckled softly. "I guess even we need a little normal sometimes." He paused for a moment, his tone turning more serious. "You okay, though? I know things have been rough, but you seem... different now. More grounded."
Ziva considered his words. "I feel different. Like I've come through something significant and survived. I'm just glad to be back to normal—well, as normal as our lives can be."
"Right? Normal for us means working late and chasing down criminals," Tony said with a smirk, but his eyes reflected genuine concern. "But you're handling it well."
Ziva looked out the window, watching the city pass by, and then turned her gaze back to him. "It helps to know I have people I can rely on. You've always been there for me, Tony."
He smiled, his trademark charm shining through. "Of course. Partners, right?"
"Partners," Ziva echoed, the word resonating deeply within her. It was more than just a title; it was a bond forged through challenges and triumphs, a connection that could withstand anything.
As they approached the Navy Yard, Ziva felt a sense of purpose fill her. "Let's get back to work," she said, her determination evident.
"Right behind you," Tony replied, shifting gears as they entered the familiar parking lot.
Once parked, Ziva turned to him. "Thanks for today, Tony. For everything."
"Anytime, Ziva. You know I've got your back," he said, sincerity in his voice.
Together, they stepped out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the Navy Yard, ready to tackle whatever came next. The bond between them was stronger than ever, and no matter the challenges ahead, they knew they would face them together.