Chapter 62 – A Memoranda on the Wall
Los Angeles, California – Jason and Ziva's Home
The morning was quiet in Los Angeles, and for the first time in weeks, Jason Gibbs and Ziva David could simply relax.
LAPD SWAT training had come to an end, and now they were back to the peaceful routine they were building in their new life.
In the living room of the house, Jason held a hammer and a nail, while Ziva observed the white wall, holding a framed picture with both hands.
Inside the frame, the official LAPD SWAT certificate was proudly displayed.
It was a memento of the work they had done there, the experience they had shared, and the impact they had left behind.
"Does this seem like a good spot?" Jason asked, examining the wall.
Ziva tilted her head slightly, assessing the space.
"Maybe a little more to the left."
Jason moved a few inches to the side.
"Here?"
Ziva narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
"Hmm… a little higher."
Jason snorted slightly, but smiled.
"You're only doing this to make me hold this picture for as long as possible."
Ziva smiled mischievously.
"You're in shape. This shouldn't be a problem."
Jason shook his head, laughing, before finally positioning the nail and giving a few precise taps with the hammer.
He took the picture from Ziva's hand and carefully hung it on the wall.
They took a step back, observing the result.
The certificate read:
"In recognition of exceptional service to LAPD SWAT, raising training and tactical readiness to the highest level. Signed: Commander Robert Hicks and Captain Jessica Cortez."
Jason crossed his arms, satisfied.
"Not so bad, huh?"
Ziva smiled.
— No. It turned out perfect.
Jason sat on the sofa, picking up a cup of coffee, while Ziva did the same.
A comfortable silence hung between the two as they looked at the certificate and reflected on the past few weeks.
Ziva was the first to speak.
— It was a good job, don't you think?
Jason nodded slowly.
— Yes. They were at a great level before… now they're at a completely different level.
Ziva took a sip of her coffee before smiling.
— I liked Chris. She has a lot of potential as a sniper.
Jason smiled slightly, nodding.
— She learned quickly. That's rare.
Ziva looked at him, her gaze curious.
— And you? Did you miss the field?
Jason was silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.
— It was good to be back in training. But… — he looked around the house, his eyes softening — it's good to be back too. Ziva smiled, leaning a little closer to him.
"Yes. It is."
Jason looked again at the picture on the wall, and for a moment, he was lost in thought.
"You know… I never imagined that this kind of recognition would mean anything to me."
Ziva watched him intently.
"But does it?"
Jason nodded slowly.
"Yes. Not because it's an award, but because it represents something real. We trained those people to save lives. That has weight."
Ziva smiled softly, taking his hand.
"Then I think it's worth having this picture on the wall."
Jason squeezed her fingers lightly, agreeing.
"Absolutely."
The wall now held more than just a simple certificate.
It held a reminder of a job well done, of a real impact… and of a new chapter in their lives.
And that was something to be proud of.
Chapter 63 – Simply Living
Los Angeles, California – A Different Routine
The golden California sun bathed the wide streets of Los Angeles, bringing with it a warm breeze and the scent of the ocean that traveled along the avenues. Jason Gibbs and Ziva David walked side by side, enjoying the city as never before.
It was strange, even for them, to have free time without thinking about operations, tactical planning, or invisible threats.
But, for the first time in a long time, there was no rush, no danger.
Just the city, the moment, and each other.
It was still early when Jason and Ziva left home for a leisurely walk along Santa Monica beach. The sky was tinged with orange hues, and the waves broke gently on the sand.
Ziva took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment.
"The smell of the sea here is different from Tel Aviv."
Jason looked at her, curious.
"Different how?"
She smiled slightly. "—Less salty. Less aggressive."
Jason chuckled softly.
"—So, more relaxed?"
Ziva nodded, looking at him.
"—Exactly. Like us now."
Jason took her hand for a moment, intertwining their fingers.
"—And don't you miss the adrenaline?"
Ziva watched him for a moment, then looked at the waves.
"—Maybe a little. But for the first time… I feel complete without it."
Jason nodded slowly, understanding what she meant.
After the walk, they decided to run along the beach boardwalk, maintaining a comfortable pace.
Jason kept a steady cadence, while Ziva, as always, challenged him, increasing her pace from time to time.
"—Are you going to give up, Gibbs?" she teased, glancing sideways.
Jason smiled, speeding up.
"—You know I never give up."
They ran side by side, savoring the feeling of freedom.
No heavy vests.
No tactical backpacks.
No weapons.
Just them and the road ahead of them.
Later, after a peaceful day, Jason and Ziva decided to have dinner at a sophisticated restaurant in Beverly Hills.
The place had a welcoming atmosphere, low lighting, and a delicious aroma of Mediterranean food.
Jason looked around, habitually surveying the surroundings, before pulling out a chair for Ziva to sit.
"It almost feels like a secret infiltration mission," he joked.
Ziva smiled, picking up the menu.
"The only difference is that this time, no one will try to kill us."
Jason gave a half-smile.
"As far as we know."
They ordered red wine and well-prepared dishes, savoring every moment.
"You know what's strange?" Ziva said, taking a sip of wine.
"What?"
She swirled the glass in her hand thoughtfully.
"Having time. Being able to simply have dinner without having to plan the next mission."
Jason nodded slowly.
"We're finally living, Ziva. This is strange for us. But I think we can get used to it."
She smiled softly.
"I think so."
After dinner, they decided to walk through the illuminated streets of Los Angeles, feeling the vibrant city around them.
Jason looked at the tall buildings and the passing cars.
"I never thought I'd live here."
Ziva laughed.
"Did you think you'd be in the desert for the rest of your life?"
Jason shrugged.
"Something like that."
She took his hand again, holding it firmly.
"I like it here. But what really matters isn't the place."
Jason looked at her, squeezing her fingers lightly.
"What matters, then?"
Ziva smiled softly.
"Who we're with."
Jason smiled slightly.
"Good point, David."
And so they continued walking, savoring each simple moment that had previously seemed impossible in their lives.
Because now, they had time.
And that was something precious.
pat/SHADOWGHOST07
Discounts on plans