Chapter 40 – Unexpected Visit
Greenwich Village – Jason and Ziva's Apartment
The morning in New York was cool, with a light breeze blowing through the busy streets of Greenwich Village. Jason Gibbs and Ziva David were enjoying a quiet breakfast something that had previously seemed impossible in their adrenaline-filled lives.
Ziva sat at the kitchen counter, taking a sip of coffee, while Jason leafed through the newspaper, savoring the calm they had achieved.
But the tranquility wouldn't last long.
The sound of firm knocks on the door broke the silence.
Jason and Ziva exchanged a glance.
Neither of them was expecting visitors.
Jason stood up, walked to the door, and opened it slowly.
On the other side, two FBI agents stood.
"Special Agent Maggie Bell, FBI," said the blonde woman, showing her badge.
"And OA Zidan, FBI. Can we talk for a moment?"
Jason showed no surprise.
He merely raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.
"About what?"
Maggie smiled slightly.
"About a certain alley and some unconscious criminals."
Jason glanced over his shoulder at Ziva, who had already put down her coffee cup and crossed her arms, observing the two agents with an analytical look.
Jason looked back at Maggie and OA.
"Want some coffee?"
OA smiled.
"If it's not a problem."
Jason shrugged and opened the door, letting them in.
The agents sat on the living room sofa while Ziva grabbed two extra cups from the kitchen.
"So…" Maggie began, crossing her legs. "I imagine you know why we're here."
Jason leaned back in his chair and nodded.
"I suppose it has something to do with the six criminals we gave as a gift to the NYPD."
OA smiled slightly.
— Exactly.
Ziva brought the cups and sat down next to Jason, carefully observing the agents' every move.
— You were following those men? — Jason asked.
Maggie nodded.
— They were under FBI surveillance. We were about to capture them when, suddenly, someone did it for us.
Jason maintained a neutral expression.
— Well… they were running through the city. I thought someone should stop them.
Ziva took a sip of her coffee.
— And we called the police immediately.
OA leaned slightly forward.
— You just decided to intervene?
Jason shrugged.
— It didn't seem right to let them get away.
Maggie picked up a tablet and swiped the screen, showing their profiles in the FBI system.
— You know they're not exactly ordinary citizens, right?
Ziva smiled slightly.
"I don't think anyone has ever called us ordinary."
OA looked at Jason.
"We know who you are. Your record in the Army and Delta Force is legendary."
Jason didn't react.
"And yours, Ziva," Maggie continued. "Mossad. NCIS. Your name is still very well known in intelligence agencies."
Jason looked at Ziva before answering.
"And that's a problem?"
OA crossed her arms.
"No. But we need to make sure you're not planning… to go back to work, so to speak."
Jason chuckled softly.
"I'm retired."
Ziva nodded.
"And I'm happy away from government agencies."
Maggie and OA exchanged glances.
They weren't entirely convinced.
Ziva sighed and placed her cup on the table.
"What do you really want to know?"
Maggie kept her gaze fixed on her.
"Why were they in the right place at the right time?"
Ziva smiled slightly.
"Coincidence."
OA raised an eyebrow.
"You don't believe in coincidences. Just like us."
Jason laughed, shaking his head.
"Listen, agents. We were going to dinner. We saw the guys fleeing, assessed the situation, and decided to act. If this is a crime now, let us know."
Maggie maintained a firm posture, but saw that there was no hostility in his words. Just the truth.
She let out a long sigh and relaxed her shoulders.
"Right. Let's consider this an isolated incident. But if it happens again, we'll need to have a more serious conversation".
Ziva smiled.
"Believe me, Agent Bell. We'd prefer this didn't happen again."
Maggie and OA stood up, ready to leave.
"Thanks for the coffee" OA said, smiling at Ziva.
Jason walked to the door and opened it for them.
Before leaving, Maggie stopped and looked directly at Jason.
"If you ever want to work for the FBI… let me know."
Jason smiled slightly.
"I appreciate the offer. But I've had my fill of government agencies."
Maggie nodded.
"I bet you have."
She and OA left, leaving Jason and Ziva alone again.
Ziva sighed, crossing her arms.
"That was interesting."
Jason smiled, taking another cup of coffee.
"Yes. But I think New York is starting to realize we're not ordinary people."
Ziva chuckled softly and leaned against the counter.
"And when were we?"
Jason took a sip of his coffee, watching her.
"Never. But now… I'm enjoying trying."
For the first time in a long time, he truly believed it.
Chapter 41 – A New Home Under the Sun
New York – December 2015
The cold December wind swept through the streets of Manhattan, carrying with it the smell of hot coffee, melting snow on the asphalt, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Jason Gibbs and Ziva David sat side by side in a Brooklyn café, observing the city that had become their home in recent months.
Jason held a cup of black coffee, while Ziva, with gloved hands, distractedly twirled the thin silver ring she wore on her index finger.
"I never thought I'd stay in the same place this long after my retirement," Jason commented, looking out at the busy street.
Ziva smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of the café.
"Neither did I. But New York has treated us well."
Jason nodded, taking a sip of his hot coffee.
"Yes, it has. But I think it's time to move on."
Ziva raised an eyebrow.
"Do you have something in mind yet?"
Jason slowly placed the cup on the saucer, as if weighing his words.
Then, he took a folded pamphlet from his jacket pocket and placed it on the table.
Ziva picked up the paper and unfolded it, revealing a picture of Hawaii paradise beaches, lush mountains, a crystal-clear blue sea.
She looked at Jason with a curious expression.
"Hawaii?"
Jason smiled.
"After years in the desert and snow, I think we deserve some sun."
Ziva laughed, folding the paper back.
"So that's it? We've become nomads now?"
Jason shrugged.
"I like to call them 'modern explorers.'"
Ziva crossed her arms, pretending to think.
"Sun, beaches, warm sea… Sounds terrible."
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"Are you saying you'd rather keep dealing with harsh winters and traffic jams?"
Ziva laughed and tossed the pamphlet back to him.
"Hawaii, then."
Jason smiled.
"Hawaii."
Arrival in Paradise – January 2016
The humid Pacific heat enveloped them as soon as they stepped off the plane in Honolulu, a stark contrast to the freezing winter they had left behind in New York.
Ziva took a deep breath, smelling the sea air and tropical flowers.
"Definitely different."
Jason, carrying only a backpack, looked around and smiled.
"Yeah. But I think we can get used to it."
They picked up a rental car and drove along the coast, watching the bright blue ocean stretch to the horizon. Palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and surfers caught perfect waves in the distance.
"You know what I noticed?" Ziva said, leaning against the window.
"What?" Jason asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
Ziva looked at him, a small smile on her lips.
"This might be the first time in our lives that we're truly just… living. No missions. No secrets. No hidden weapons."
Jason thought for a moment.
Then, he smiled slightly.
"Maybe it is."
And for the first time in a long time, he felt that this was exactly what he wanted.
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