a different kind of studying.

thomas jefferson

(JW)

"A change or heart, have we?" The forensic specialist taunted as she seductively twirled the tip of her pigtail between her fingertips. Yet unsurprisingly, the pigtail wasn't where Ziva's eyes had fallen to.

She cursed herself for falling into a trap that could only end badly for her. Either way, she fathomed, that brief, taunting glimpse was all she would ever get of the scientist. She had never viewed the other woman in a light like this before. No, before now, everything between them was strictly professional. Yet, after this, nothing would ever be strictly professional again.

Ziva reconsidered her options: after the brief show, she craved nothing but more from the scientist. The view of more of her pale, unobstructed skin... more time with her... more conversation. Yet, studying for an examination as important as this one was hardly a place to fantasize. And even then, maybe that incidental flash... a brief moment of innocent inattention... was all she would ever get. There was never a guarantee of anything more. She would only be continuing to string herself along if she continued.

"Possibly. I am willing to try and see if you can assist me in my studies. As you know, this examination is important, and I would like to pass with the utmost certainty." Even though Ziva's tone was hardened with ice-cold self control, it did little to subdue the lust igniting within her.

She slid the well-used textbook across the desk towards where the other woman was sitting. They both knew, with almost an uncanny precision of certainty, that this was not an appropriate activity for the workplace. Yet, the contemptuous nature of their study session only motivated the duo further. 

Taking the book in her hand, Abby skimmed the pages until she found a question. Clearing her throat in a very gameshow-esque manner, she began reading from the well-used book.

"Question number Uno," The darker haired one laughed, "Name one state that borders Mexico." She set the book down on the desk and fiddled with the top button of her shirt, seductively awaiting an answer.

"What are you doing?" The Israeli asked nervously.

"Well, didn't you like what you saw? Consider this a little bit of motivation for answering correctly," Abby continued to tease with the button, "After all, I said I am a great study buddy."

Before tonight, Ziva would never have considered Abby more than a co-worker, maybe even a friend at best, but now, between the gruelling day of hopelessly studying and the intimate view she had gotten of the woman in front of her, it was hard to consider the scientist 'just a friend' any longer.

"I, um..." She stuttered, not wanting to spoil the incredible opportunity she had been given. Getting her thoughts together, she answered, "Arizona?" She let the name roll effortlessly roll off her tongue.

"Ding ding! We have a winner!" Abby exaggerated before slowly- almost painfully slowly- sliding the very top button of her dark blue blouse through its buttonhole. The single button made almost no impact in the shirt itself, remaining more of a reminder of what could come. Abby herself looked down at the blouse and smiled even wider yet. "One down, five to go..." She teased the hopeless woman staring at her.

XxXx

"Question two... how many amendments does the constitution have?" The Goth winked as her nimble fingers moved down to the next button.

"Twenty-seven." Ziva remained confident with her answer.

Abby looked at her, down at the button, and back up at the agent before releasing yet another button. Now, the blouse parted just enough in the front to reveal just the tiniest hint of cleavage, yet it was enough to drive the agent crazy. Abby looked at her again and rolled her eyes.