Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Chapter 2

The performance came to an end, and Ziva thought she danced pretty well. Not perfect, but at least she didn't make any mistakes. She landed every jump and every pirouette, and thought that her acting for both Odette and Odile were believable.

Elisheva appeared at Ziva's side, and linked her arms with Ziva's.

"Are you going out to the lobby"? Elisheva asked. "I bet every little girl wants an autograph from you".

Ziva blushed a little. "They only want an autograph because I was the lead, not because of me as a dancer".

Elisheva sighed. "You don't know that. Besides, Director David is probably expecting you to represent the company. And that means going out into the lobby after a performance".

"You're probably right".  Ziva groaned as Elisheva nodded her head.

"Come on, it won't be so bad. I'll even come with you".  Elisheva offederd.

The two of them made their way up the long hallway, and through the door into the lobby.

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Hazzel was searching frantically through the crowd in the lobby. She desperately wanted an autograph and a picture from the ballerina who was the Swan.

"Dada! She's ove' there! The swan!" Hazzel exclaimed as she grabbed her father by the hand, weaving through the crowds of people.

Hazzel practically ran over to Ziva, waving the program and a pen. Tony jogged behind her to catch up with his daughter.

"Can I pwease have your autogaph"? Hazzel asked the ballerina while she tugged on Ziva's tutu to gain her attention.

Ziva turned around, to look at the little girl. She smiled at her, and kneeled down so that she was eye-level with her.

"Of course you can have my autograph". Ziva responded warmly.

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At that moment, Tony felt all oxygen leaving his body. The ballerina - whoever she was- was beautiful. Gorgeous.

Her expressive brown eyes, her enchanting smile, her silky-smooth voice... he could go on.

Tony shook himself out of his dazed daydream, and paid attention to the scene in front of him. .

"Thank you". Hazzel thanked as she handed Ziva the program and pen for her to sign.

Ziva signed her name on the program, and handed it back to Hazzel. Hazzel squealed and hugged Ziva tight.

Ziva slightly fell off-balance by the surprise hug, but she gracefully recovered and hugged back.

Tony cleared his throat, and reached in his jacket pocket to fish out his phone.

"Do you mind if I take a picture, Hazzel would like a photo". He asked, giving the ballerina one of his 1,000 watt smiles.

Ziva looked up at the man, and nodded. "Of course".

Both Hazzel and Ziva smiled for the picture, and Tony took it.

"Great. Thanks". Tony said as he put his phone back into his jacket pocket.

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Ziva turned her attention back to the child still holding tight to her. "Is that your name, Hazzel"? She asked.

Hazzel nodded.

"It's a very beautiful name". Ziva smiled warmly at her. "My name is Ziva".

"Ziva. Her name is Ziva". Tony thought to himself.

Hazzel grinned. "Do you know what"? She asked Ziva.

"What"? Ziva asked.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a ballerina just like you". Hazzel replied, adding a few turns to try to impress Ziva.

Ziva laughed and clapped her hands. "Bravo! Bravo"!

Hazzel beamed with pride.

"I am sure you will make a beautiful ballerina. I can't wait to see you perform someday". Ziva said.

If it was even possible, Hazzel's smile grew even wider. "Thank you"!

Hazzel ran back to her father, as Ziva stood up. Tony stepped forward to shake her hand.

"Thank you for the autograph and the picture". Tony thanked her. "You just made my daughter's entire year". He laughed.

Ziva smiled. "My pleasure". She responded. "It is people like your daughter that give me the reason to dance". She winked at Hazzel.

"Is that why everyone dances"? Tony asked, intrigued.

Ziva shook her head. "No. I don't think so. Some dancers dance for personal satisfaction. To them, dancing makes them happy. But for me, it is making other people happy by dancing that makes me happy. I like to think that I am making a difference, but I could just be naive".

Tony took a deep breath. "Damn this woman is too much. Beautiful, talented, selfless..." He snapped himself out of his thoughts again, and nodded at Ziva.

"You are making a difference". He assured Ziva. "You just made a difference in my daughter's life right now. When she saw you dance tonight, I've never seen her happier. Thank you". 

Ziva placed a hand over her heart. "Thank you as well". She smiled at Tony as she gazed into his eyes.

Tony extended his right hand towards Ziva. "My name is Tony. Tony DiNozzo". He said as Ziva shook his hand.

"Ziva David". She responded. "Nice to meet you, and your daughter Hazzel".

"Nice to meet you too".

Ziva was about to say something, when she was interrupted by another girl asking for an autograph and a picture. She waved goodbye to Hazzel and Tony, and turned her attention to signing another autograph.

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Chapter 3 coming soon!!