Ziva: Our boss, he has a list of rules. Rule number 12, says you should never date a co worker

Tony: My understanding. Can't be done.

Ziva: Should not be done.

---

"Maybe we should not discuss it here."

Tony shrugged. "It? Does it have a name? Or are you referring to the Adams family cousin?"

Ziva looked legitimately confused. "I was referring to us…it would not be wise given Gibbs' sixth sense about these things…"

"Good point. As far as inside these orange walls, Paris never happened."

Ziva was surprised. "You are not upset that we must keep it a secret?"

"No, I like living…so if keeping it from the boss is what it takes to stay alive, then I'm all for it."

She stifled a laugh. "He would not kill you Tony."

"Don't be so sure…"

"Well I am not afraid."

"Oh really? So maybe we should just up and tell him…cuz let's be honest, keeping a secret from Gibbs is like…" He thought for a moment. "I can't even think of a metaphor that fits…"

"Perhaps it is best if we tell him then?"

Tony shook his head. "Guess we could've thought of that before we…"

Ziva put a finger to her lips. "Not inside these orange walls yes?"

"Okay…tell Gibbs, don't tell Gibbs, tell Gibbs, don't tell Gibbs…"

"Don't tell me what DiNozzo?" Gibbs strode in and placed himself in front of his Agents desk.

"That I'm about to give a pathetic attempt at a lie which you'll see right through and probably slap the back of my head, so if you want to skip right to the end, I'm okay with that." He closed his eyes and waited patiently for the reprimand, only it never came.

"How many years have you worked for me Tony?"

Tony lifted finger by finger on his hand and counted to himself. "Seven boss."

"Wanna make it to eight?"

Tony glanced across at Ziva who was attempting to look busy. "I'd really rather not say boss…"

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, its personal." He met Gibbs eyes and resisted looking away. "You know how that is."

Gibbs stood in silence for a few more seconds before simply turning away and settling in behind his desk. He set his coffee down and got on with his work for the day…that was until it was time to go home.

Ziva had chosen to leave with McGee to divert attention away from Tony; but she had a feeling her attempt would be futile. She was right.

"Just how personal are we talking DiNozzo?"

Somehow Tony wasn't surprised by the question; despite how long it had taken him to ask it. "Personal enough boss."

Gibbs remained silent, his expression doing most of the work.

Tony stood with his back pack resting on his shoulder. "Don't worry boss…I'm handling it."

"Does it have a name?"

He hid a smile but even he couldn't hide how he reacted at the thought of her. "Yeah, it does."

"Anyone I know?"

Tony squinted at him. "No."

Gibbs stood at his response. "Wanna try again?"

"No, I'd really like to go…Lost season premiere is tonight, and you know I hate to miss my man Locke in action."

Gibbs closed the distance between them. "Last time you lied to me we thought your car blew up with you inside." He pointed to emphasize the statement. "The truth DiNozzo."

"Should've known better than to think I could fool you."

"Damn right."

"I cant boss…and I know I'm breaking another one of your rules here, but I'm sorry."

"Another?" Gibbs swallowed before glancing at the empty desk beside them. "Paris?"

Tony shook his head before turning towards the elevator. "I really have to go."

"DiNozzo," his tone instantly stopped him. "Romance between agents…it never works."

"She's not Jenny boss…and I'm not you."

Gibbs expression changed. "Good night DiNozzo."

Tony watched him turn to leave and this time was the one to stop him. "Boss, I'm…"

"Broken enough rules this week Tony…go home."

And so he did….the drive to his destination taking longer than it normally did.

"How did it go?" Ziva was quick to ask the moment he opened the door.

"I'm pretty sure he hates me."

"So you told him?"

"He's Gibbs…" He said simply, before taking a seat across from her. "Look, maybe…"

Ziva interrupted him. "Gibbs is not always right Tony…"

"Seven years…he hasn't been wrong yet."

She tried to smile. "There is a first time for everything yes?"