55 partes Concluida Ray Cruz returns from yet another business trip. Tony is forced to watch from the background as Ray attempts to woo Ziva. Amidst forcing down jealousy, concern, and his own feelings for his partner, Tony must learn to support Ziva's choice, even if it crushes him.
(Goes with the season 9 A Desperate Man story arc except more up close and personal with Tony and Ziva.)
Lots of feels, so read at your own risk.
It's sort of a Tiva story masquerading as a Ziva/Ray fanfic. I'm 100% a Tiva fan (or was- thank you, CBS), but I also can't help but get the feels for Ziva and Ray's behind-the-scenes relationship in late season 8 and early season 9. Something about their chemistry and Tony's whole dynamic with them makes me wonder what could have happened if Ray hadn't been part of that murder. Would he and Ziva have worked out? How would Tony cope with it? Would he be able to let Ziva go? This fanfic is me exploring an alternate plotline that probably not many NCIS fans think about.
Also, if you stick it out, there's an alternate (Tiva) ending hiding in the last couple of chapters...
