Chapter 54 – Mornings Like This
Virginia Beach – Dawn
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, painting the room with soft shades of gold. The breeze from the sea gently moved the curtains, carrying with it the scent of salt and the distant sound of waves breaking on the sand.
Jason Gibbs opened his eyes slowly, feeling the comfortable warmth of the woman beside him. Ziva David was still asleep, her breathing tranquil, her hair spread across the pillow.
For a moment, he simply stood there, watching her.
There was something different about seeing her like this so relaxed, so far from the warrior she used to be.
He smiled slightly and gently ran his fingertips along her arm.
Ziva stirred a little, murmuring something inaudible before slowly opening her eyes.
She looked at him, blinking a few times before smiling softly.
"Good morning."
Jason smiled back, his voice hoarse in the morning.
"Good morning." She stretched slowly, her muscles awakening under his touch.
"What is it?" she asked, noticing the way he was watching her.
Jason moved his fingers along her arm again, moving up to her shoulder.
"Nothing. Just… I like seeing you like this."
Ziva raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Like what?"
Jason smiled slightly, leaning in gently.
"Happy."
Ziva moved closer, the warmth of their bodies meeting naturally.
She ran her fingers through his short hair, smiling softly.
"That's because I'm happy."
Jason felt something deep and true in those words.
And he wanted to show her how much it meant to him.
Later…
The sun was already high in the sky, and the cool morning breeze drifted in through the window.
Jason lay on his back, Ziva resting on his chest, tracing invisible patterns with her fingers on his skin.
Neither of them felt the need to speak.
The silence was comfortable, intimate.
Jason smiled, gently running his hand down her back.
"I think this might be my new favorite way to start the day."
Ziva chuckled softly, tilting her head to look at him.
"Want to repeat this tomorrow, then?"
Jason raised an eyebrow, feigning consideration.
"Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow…" He pulled her a little closer. "For the rest of your life, maybe."
Ziva smiled, her eyes shining with something soft and sincere.
"I like this plan."
She lightly kissed his chest before snuggling closer again.
And so they stayed there, with no hurry to get up, no hurry for anything.
Because for the first time, they weren't racing against time.
They were simply living.
Together.
Chapter 55 – A New Beginning in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California – January 2018
The sound of engines and the warmth of the California sun filled the air as Jason Gibbs and Ziva David drove down one of Los Angeles' wide avenues. The city's typical traffic was chaotic as always, but for them, it was just another landscape on their new journey.
After an incredible year in Virginia Beach, feeling more relaxed than ever, they decided it was time for a change of scenery again.
Ziva drove the rental car, her eyes scanning the modern buildings and palm trees that dominated the streets.
"Definitely different from what we're used to."
Jason, in the passenger seat, smiled slightly, observing the city around them.
"I guess we like to test our adaptability."
Ziva chuckled softly, skillfully changing lanes.
"If that's the case, why don't we choose something more extreme? Like Alaska? Or maybe Tokyo?" Jason arched an eyebrow playfully.
"Hey, don't tempt me. I'd love to try real sushi straight from the source."
She shook her head, laughing.
"I guess Los Angeles will do for now."
Jason looked at Ziva for a moment, admiring how relaxed she was behind the wheel, as if she were finally enjoying this new phase of her life.
And honestly, he was too.
After a long drive, they finally arrived at the rented house.
It was in a more secluded area, in a quiet residential neighborhood with a beautiful view of the hills.
Jason got out of the car first, stretching his arms and taking a deep breath.
"Definitely a good place."
Ziva got out right behind him, crossing her arms as she surveyed the house's layout.
"As long as it has a decent kitchen and a spacious bathroom, I'll take it."
Jason smiled and took the keys, opening the door and letting her go in first.
The interior was modern, spacious, and well-lit, with large windows that let in the Californian sunlight.
Ziva walked around the room, lightly touching the furniture, while Jason explored the kitchen.
"We have a problem, Gibbs," she announced.
Jason lifted his head from the stove he was inspecting.
"What?"
She smiled mischievously.
"I like this place."
Jason laughed, walking over to her and putting his arms around her waist.
"That doesn't seem like a problem."
Ziva leaned against him, looking directly into his eyes.
"As long as you don't decide to move again anytime soon."
Jason pretended to ponder.
"Hmmm… I promise to try."
She rolled her eyes, but smiled.
For the first few days, Jason and Ziva explored the city like true tourists.
They went to Santa Monica, walked along the pier, and sampled classic California burgers.
They visited Venice Beach, where Jason enjoyed watching the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach while Ziva observed the skaters and street performers.
One random night, they decided to drive to Hollywood, where they took ironic photos of the sign and avoided tourist traps.
While eating tacos at a famous food truck, Ziva looked at Jason and smiled.
"I never imagined you in Los Angeles."
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
She teased, biting into a piece of her taco.
"You always seemed more like a guy from rustic places. Military bases, deserts, mountains..."
Jason laughed.
"Well, after so long in these conditions, I thought it was fair to experience a little of the other side."
Ziva nodded thoughtfully.
"Maybe we should consider staying here a little longer."
Jason looked at her, realizing she was serious.
"So you really liked the city?"
She smiled slightly.
"It has its charm. And I like the idea of us staying put for a while."
Jason took her hand from the table, intertwining his fingers with hers.
"Then that's it. Let's call Los Angeles home."
Ziva gently squeezed his hand, needing no further words.
Los Angeles was unlike anything they had ever experienced.
But, for the first time, they weren't looking for anything specific.
Just enjoying the journey.
And that was all that mattered.
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