Chapter 74 – Honeymoon in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary – The Beginning of the Adventure
The plane landed smoothly at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, and as soon as the wheels touched the ground, Jason Gibbs looked at Ziva David beside him and smiled.
"Welcome to our honeymoon."
Ziva smiled back, holding his hand on the armrest.
"I never thought you'd choose Budapest."
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you like it?"
Ziva shook her head quickly.
"No, on the contrary. I love the choice. The city has history, culture, architecture… and, most importantly, it's a place where we don't have to worry about work or danger."
Jason chuckled softly, gently running his thumb over her hand.
"Exactly the idea. Just the two of us, no distractions."
They disembarked, quickly passed through immigration, and took a taxi to their hotel.
The journey through the city already made Budapest's charm clear. The wide streets, the historical buildings mixed with the modern, and the shimmering Danube River reflecting the city lights made everything seem almost magical.
Ziva gazed out the window, fascinated.
"This city has a different kind of beauty."
Jason observed her for a moment before replying.
"Just like you."
Ziva smiled softly, squeezing his hand.
The chosen hotel was one of the most charming in Budapest, located near the Chain Bridge, overlooking the river.
Upon entering the suite, Ziva walked to the balcony and opened the doors, feeling the city's cool breeze.
The view was spectacular: the river flowed silently, and the illuminated Hungarian Parliament stood out against the night sky.
Jason approached from behind her, putting his arms around Ziva's waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I think I chose well."
Ziva leaned against him, closing her eyes for a moment.
"You chose perfectly."
Jason gently turned her and kissed her, a long, calm, unhurried kiss. There were no missions to complete, no imminent danger.
Just the two of them, at the right time, in the right place.
The first night was filled with love and connection—the honeymoon couldn't have started better.
The next morning, the couple woke up without haste.
Ziva was still in bed, her hair tousled, while Jason got up to get breakfast from room service.
"Do you want coffee or tea?" he asked, looking at the menu.
Ziva stretched lazily and smiled.
"Tea. Today I'm in the mood for something more European."
Shortly after, they were sitting on the small balcony, drinking coffee and enjoying the view.
"What's the plan for today?" Jason asked, taking a piece of croissant.
Ziva took a sip of her tea before answering.
"Let's explore. Wander aimlessly, get lost in the historic streets, maybe visit the Parliament."
Jason nodded.
"Sounds like a good plan. No rigid itineraries, just enjoying ourselves."
And that's exactly what they did.
Their first stop was the Hungarian Parliament, one of the most impressive buildings in Europe.
Jason and Ziva walked through the building's corridors, admiring the stained glass windows, the detailed ceilings, and the grandeur of the architecture.
"It's incredible how everything here seems to have been made to last for centuries," Jason commented, looking at one of the frescoes on the ceiling.
Ziva nodded, observing the historic flags and coats of arms.
"Budapest has survived many wars and different regimes. The city is a symbol of resilience."
After the visit, they decided to simply wander aimlessly through the cobblestone streets, stopping at street markets and small cafes. "This reminds me of Tel Aviv in a way," Ziva commented, as they grabbed coffee at a small café tucked away in a charming alley.
Jason held his cup and looked around.
"How so?"
"The rhythm. The fact that, despite being a big city, it still feels authentic. It still has a soul."
Jason smiled.
"That makes sense. And now you have two cities to call home."
Ziva took his hand on the table.
"Actually, my home is wherever you are."
Jason felt a pang in his chest, a comforting warmth that only she could bring.
"Then we're in the right place."
On the second day, they decided to visit the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest and most beautiful thermal springs in Europe.
The place had enormous outdoor pools of naturally heated water, surrounded by impressive neo-Baroque architecture.
Ziva entered the water first, sighing as she felt the relaxing warmth. Jason quickly joined her, letting himself sink into the pool up to his shoulders.
"This should definitely be part of military training," he murmured, closing his eyes.
Ziva chuckled softly, sliding closer to him.
"And why not? Relaxation is essential for a good soldier."
Jason gently embraced her in the water, resting his forehead against hers.
"So I guess I'm learning from the best."
They spent hours just relaxing, talking about trivial things, with no rush for anything.
It was exactly the kind of peace they never knew they needed.
At the end of the week, Jason arranged a surprise for Ziva: a romantic dinner cruise on the Danube River at night.
When they arrived at the pier and she saw the elegant illuminated boat waiting for them, Ziva was speechless.
"Gibbs… what is this?"
Jason smiled slightly and offered her his hand to come aboard.
"Just a little surprise."
The cruise began to sail smoothly along the river, passing the illuminated monuments of the city.
Seated at the table, with red wine and an exquisite dinner, they simply enjoyed the view and each other.
Ziva smiled, watching the city slowly pass by.
"I think that was the most peaceful moment of my life."
Jason held her hand on the table. — Then we'll have to keep having moments like this.
She looked at him tenderly and squeezed his hand.
— Yes. Always.
The night ended with a soft kiss under the stars, as the boat glided silently down the Danube.
Chapter 75 – Eyes on Budapest
Budapest, Hungary – FBI Fly Team Headquarters
In the heart of the bustling Hungarian capital, hidden in an unassuming government building, lay the headquarters of the FBI's Fly Team, a unit specializing in international operations.
Special Agent Scott Forrester, the team leader, sat at his desk, reviewing recent reports, when a discreet alert appeared on his assistant Agent Cameron Vo's monitor.
Vo frowned, clicking on the alert.
"Scott… I think we have something interesting here."
Forrester looked up, noticing the seriousness in the agent's tone.
"What is it?"
Vo turned the monitor so he could see.
"Two highly qualified American citizens have just landed in Budapest. Jason Gibbs and Ziva David."
Forrester frowned.
"Those names sound familiar."
Vo nodded.
"They should. There was an incident in New York last year." The FBI office there identified them after they interfered in an operation.
Forrester narrowed his eyes, intrigued.
"Interfered how?"
Before Vo could answer, Europol Liaison Agent Katrin Jaeger entered the room with a tablet in hand.
"I was already keeping an eye on this. Jason Gibbs is a former Delta Force agent, one of the deadliest snipers in U.S. military history. He's the son of NCIS Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs."
Forrester leaned forward, absorbing the information.
"And Ziva David?"
Jaeger sighed, flipping through the files.
"Former Mossad and NCIS agent. Infiltration and counterterrorism specialist. She has a history of classified missions in several countries. Both are extremely dangerous when they want to be."
Forrester ran a hand over his chin, thoughtful.
"And now they're on vacation in Budapest. Coincidence?"
Special Agent Kellett, second-in-command of Fly Team, entered the room at that moment, having overheard part of the conversation.
"Do you think they might be involved in something here?"
Vo shrugged.
"It could just be a honeymoon."
Forrester didn't seem convinced.
"Or it could be something more. I want us to observe them. No contact yet, just discreet surveillance. If it really is just a trip, we'll leave them alone. But if there's something more… we need to know."
Everyone nodded.
Jason Gibbs and Ziva David were on Fly Team's radar.
The agents began to gather more information about the two.
André Haines, a technology and tracking specialist, accessed their entry records from Hungary.
"They landed last night, left the airport without renting a car, and took a taxi to a hotel across from the Danube River."
Vo analyzed the images captured by security cameras.
"No suspicious behavior." Just a couple enjoying their trip.
Jaeger raised an eyebrow.
"But we're talking about two of the most experienced operatives in the world. If they were doing something suspicious, they'd know exactly how not to look suspicious."
Forrester nodded.
"We're keeping an eye on them. I want to know where they go, who they talk to, and if there's any connection to something bigger."
The next day, Jason and Ziva began exploring Budapest.
Forrester and Vo discreetly followed them in a car, while Kellett and Haines monitored the city's cameras.
First stop: Hungarian Parliament.
Jason and Ziva walked calmly, observing the monumental architecture.
Haines kept his eyes on the computer screen.
"They're just sightseeing. No secret meetings, no strange routes."
Forrester didn't take his eyes off the couple.
"Still, something doesn't seem right to me."
The following morning, while Jason and Ziva relaxed at the Széchenyi Baths, an alert appeared on Haines' screen.
"We have a problem."
Forrester approached quickly.
"What happened?"
Haines pointed to the screen.
"Hungarian Intelligence is also watching Gibbs and David. They are being watched by another agency besides ours."
Jaeger frowned.
"If the Hungarians are watching them, it means they know something we don't."
Forrester clenched his fists.
"It's time we made contact."
Later that afternoon, Jason and Ziva were sitting in a café by the Danube River when a shadow fell over them.
Jason looked up and saw a tall man with short hair and watchful eyes.
Ziva straightened instantly, recognizing the presence of someone trained.
"Jason Gibbs." Ziva David," the man said.
Jason showed no surprise.
"And you are?"
The man showed an FBI badge.
"Scott Forrester, Fly Team. Can we talk?"
Jason took a deep breath and looked at Ziva before answering.
"Why do we have the impression that you already knew we were here?"
Forrester sat down at the table uninvited, maintaining a firm expression.
"Let's just say you two attract attention wherever you go."
Ziva stretched his eyes
"We're on our honeymoon. If this is a problem for the FBI, maybe we should have warned them before booking the tickets."
Forrester maintained his composure.
"The problem isn't the fact that you're here. The problem is what happened in New York."
Jason snorted, leaning back in his chair.
"Ah. So it's about that."
Forrester crossed his arms.
"Back then, you interfered in an FBI operation. Now, you arrive in Hungary and are detected by local intelligence. I need to know if this is a coincidence or if there's something more to it."
Ziva stared directly at him.
"And what exactly do you think we came here to do? An international coup? Steal state secrets?"
Forrester didn't back down.
"I think two of the most highly trained people in the world don't travel without a reason."
Jason took a deep breath, trying to maintain his patience.
"Listen, Agent Forrester. We're here to relax. That's all. If you think we're involved in something, you're wasting your time."
Forrester observed them for a few more seconds before nodding slowly.
"For now, I'll believe you. But know that we'll be watching."
He stood up and left, leaving Jason and Ziva exchanging glances.
Ziva sighed.
"And I thought we were going to have a peaceful trip."
Jason chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Apparently, we never manage to stay off the radar for very long."
And with that, they went back to drinking their coffees, trying to ignore the fact that they were being watched.
pat/SHADOWGHOST07