Chapter 68 – A Day Out and an Unexpected Encounter
The sun shone brightly over Los Angeles, reflecting off the hot asphalt of the busy streets. The air was thick with the smell of street food, freshly brewed coffee, and the distant scent of the ocean wafting from Santa Monica. Jason and Ziva, finally with some free time after intense weeks of training, decided to spend the day exploring the city.
They were dressed casually: Jason in dark jeans, a gray t-shirt, and sunglasses perched on his collar. Ziva wore a light white blouse, black jeans, and comfortable boots, her hair loose, swaying slightly as they strolled along the sidewalks crowded with tourists and locals.
Their first destination of the day was the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"This is quite touristy for our style, don't you think?" Jason commented, observing the groups of people excitedly taking photos with the stars on the ground.
"Yes, but even we need a little leisure now and then," Ziva smiled, leaning over to read some names. — Look, there's Harrison Ford!
Jason raised an eyebrow.
— Indiana Jones? Now that's a name that deserves to be here.
They walked a little further, Ziva laughing at the superhero impersonators posing for photos and the costumed people trying to extort tips from distracted tourists.
— If any of them try to tip me just for walking by, I'll knock them to the ground. — Ziva joked, making Jason laugh.
They continued walking until they stopped in front of a cozy café with outdoor tables.
Sitting in the shade of an umbrella, Jason ordered a strong black coffee, while Ziva opted for a cappuccino.
— So, what else do you want to see today? — Jason asked, stirring his coffee.
Ziva shrugged, blowing on the cappuccino foam before taking a sip.
— Maybe we can go to the beach before nightfall. And you?
"As long as we don't end up running from some shootout or ambush, anything goes."
Ziva let out a low laugh.
"We don't attract that much trouble."
Jason raised an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing.
"Oh, really? Want me to make a list?"
Before she could answer, a slight murmur began to form near them. Some people were grouping in a corner, whispering and taking out their cell phones.
"What is it now?" Jason grumbled, turning to look.
That's when Ziva froze momentarily.
A tall woman with wavy dark hair, huge sunglasses, and a friendly smile on her face was casually chatting with some people.
"This can't be real," Ziva murmured.
Jason frowned.
"What? Who is it?"
Ziva looked at him, as if the answer were obvious.
"It's Gal Gadot!" Jason blinked a few times, then looked back at the woman.
"Wonder Woman?"
"Yes! And she's Israeli, like me." Ziva seemed almost excited, a rare sight.
Jason chuckled softly.
"Well, then I think you should go talk to her."
Ziva hesitated for a moment, but then stood up, straightened her blouse, and walked toward Gal Gadot. Jason followed closely, curious to see how this would unfold.
The actress was finishing taking photos with some fans when she noticed Ziva approaching. Her eyes instantly lit up.
"Sababa! Are you Israeli?" Gal asked, recognizing Ziva's accent before she even said anything.
Ziva smiled broadly.
"Yes! My name is Ziva David. It's an honor to meet you."
Gal shook her hand warmly.
"Ziva David… that name sounds familiar." — Gal tilted her head, trying to remember.
Jason, who was next to Ziva, laughed.
— She has an impressive track record. Let's just say she could be a real-life Wonder Woman.
Gal looked at Ziva curiously.
— Oh, so you're someone from the action world too?
Ziva gave a discreet smile.
— I served in the Israeli special forces before… exploring other paths.
Gal's eyes widened slightly.
— Really? I served in the IDF too, but nothing at this level!
Jason watched the interaction, noticing how genuinely happy Ziva seemed. She rarely let herself be carried away by moments like this.
Gal looked at Jason and extended her hand.
— And you? You seem like someone who's been through some good battles too.
Jason shook her hand and smiled.
— Jason Gibbs. I spent some time in the Army. And lately, I'm getting used to a less intense life.
Gal laughed.
"Well, at least you two seem to be having fun together."
A nearby fan interrupted shyly.
"Can we take a picture?"
Gal nodded and looked at Ziva and Jason.
"Want to be in the picture?"
Ziva looked at Jason, who shrugged.
"Why not?"
They positioned themselves next to Gal Gadot, and the fan took the picture with an excited smile.
After the click, Gal turned to Ziva and held her hands.
"It was a pleasure to meet you. It's always good to meet another Israeli."
"Likewise. You're an inspiration to many people."
Gal smiled sincerely.
"If you ever need anything, let me know."
She exchanged a few final words before saying goodbye and continuing on her way, still waving to fans.
Jason and Ziva stood for a moment, absorbing the unexpected encounter.
Jason laughed first.
"Well, that was a moment to remember."
Ziva looked at him, still smiling.
"Yes. And you know what? I think it was the first time in a long time that I felt… just a normal person, without all the baggage of the past."
Jason nodded.
"I think that's the point of these little adventures."
They returned to the café, still talking about the encounter, while the sun shone over Los Angeles, a city full of surprises.
Chapter 69 – The Conversation with His Father
Washington, D.C. – Leroy Jethro Gibbs's House
Leroy Jethro Gibbs's house was as always: quiet, cozy, and full of memories. The smell of wood and sawdust permeated the air, emanating from the basement where Gibbs spent most of his time working on his newest piece of carpentry.
Jason Gibbs paused for a moment in the doorway, taking a deep breath. He had been in combat situations, clandestine missions, dangerous interrogations… but this conversation seemed more difficult than any other mission.
He knocked on the door a few times before pushing it open.
"Dad?"
Gibbs was in the basement, sanding a piece of oak, his posture relaxed but always alert. He looked up when he saw Jason coming down the stairs.
"Jason."
His son smiled slightly.
"I hope you're not too busy."
Gibbs shrugged and slapped the wood on the work table, dusting it off his hands.
"I always have time for my son."
Jason nodded and sat on one of the wooden stools next to the table. Gibbs grabbed two beers from a nearby cooler, opened both, and handed one to his son.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable after all, Gibbs had never been a man of many words.
Jason took a sip of his beer and rested his elbows on his knees.
"I need to talk to you about something important."
Gibbs simply raised an eyebrow, waiting for Jason to continue.
Jason took a deep breath, thinking about how to phrase his words.
"I'm thinking of proposing to Ziva."
Gibbs paused for a moment, studying his son.
There was a brief silence, followed by a slight nod.
"That's a good choice."
Jason chuckled softly.
"That's all? No comment, no questions?"
Gibbs gave a small, wry smile, the closest thing to a "proud" smile he could muster.
"You're not a kid. If you're making this decision, it's because you know it's right."
Jason ran a hand through his short hair and sighed.
"I know it is. But I wanted to hear your opinion."
Gibbs leaned slightly across the table, his voice serious.
"Ziva isn't an ordinary woman. She's been through a lot. And so have you. This could be difficult for both of you."
Jason nodded.
"We know that. But, Dad… I think that's exactly why we want this. After everything we've been through, I think we've finally found something worth keeping forever."
Gibbs was silent for a moment before leaning back in his chair.
"Do you have a ring?"
Jason smiled.
"Not yet. But I already have an idea of what I want."
Gibbs took a sip of his beer and looked directly at his son.
"If she says 'yes,' make sure she's happy. If she says 'no'... well, you're strong enough to accept it."
Jason laughed.
"Do you think she'd say 'no'?"
Gibbs raised an eyebrow.
"Ziva David? You never know."
They both laughed together, and Jason felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
He knew his father approved, even without saying it directly.
And that was all he needed.
Now, he just needed to plan the perfect proposal.
pat/SHADOWGHOST07
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