A/N: This one was written for a friend of mine, after I kindly persuaded her to listen to the Lady Antebellum single, Just a Kiss. From that, the idea for this one-shot/drabble was born. It also got a little inspiration from the little Blizzard we had over the weekend here on the East Coast. I hope everyone enjoys it.

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or the song.


Just a Kiss

He's never been a big fan of northeastern winters. If he had to make his best guess he'd say the temperature had dipped well below freezing and he is sure his hands are quickly going numb. However, the loss of sensation in his extremities couldn't stop him from braving the icy wind to take her ice skating for the first time; which was an adventure in itself. Nor can it overpower the warmth that's flooding his heart

Her fingers, smaller than his own, are intertwined with his; the only barrier that stands between skin and skin is the delicate knit of her gloves. She is bundled tightly in at least two shirts, a sweatshirt, and a decent sized winter jacket. Even after six years, she still hasn't quite adjusted to the harsh winter climate.

Despite her layered attire, shivers still wrack her body intermittently and he pulls her into him. It's not thought out yet it's not impulsive; instead, the action is merely a natural instinct just as it is for her to cuddle deeper into the depths of his jacket.

It's not a long walk from the park to her townhouse. When they finally reach their destination, he stops just shy of the steps. As any gentleman would, he grasps her hand tightly and carefully escorts her up the slippery concrete steps, all the while trying his best to mask the jolt of electricity that shoots down his spine.

"Well this is it," Tony sputters and he knows that the nerves he is battling on the inside are shining their way through his tough exterior. This is a new feeling, one that he hasn't experienced since his teenage years. He's ascending on forty real soon; this isn't the way a grown man should act at the end of a first date, yet he can't fend off the childish worry and boyish grin that threatens to break loose.

Ziva smiles shyly, and inadvertently begins to play with his hands that are still wrapped in hers. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Tony. I hope I did not cause too much damage."

Tony cannot help but laugh at the reference to the many times she had fallen into him, taking them both down onto the ice. Both of them could use some lessons in the true art of ice skating. "I think I'll be fine; a little aspirin will do the trick."

"I suppose," she relents, giving into his ever-so-handy quick fix. "Well I suppose this is goodnight, unless you like to come-"

She's cut off by the pressure of his lips on hers. It's nothing primal or aggressive, only a mere softness of a gentle goodnight kiss that makes her weak at the knees.

He pulls back, satisfied yet wanting more, and finds his forehead pressed against hers. It's intimate and comfortable; it's something he could find himself getting used to and that scares him and excites him all at once.

This time, he is the one taken a back when her lips find his. She's a little more forceful in her search, and he knows exactly what she wants; he'd be lying if denied that fact that he wants it, needs it, too. But he knows now is not the time. That is something they can build up to, because he'll be damned if they don't get this right.

She whimpers at the loss when he pulls away, "Are you sure you don't want to come in?"

"I think I'm alright with just a kiss goodnight," Tony murmurs and offers up that dazzling smile he knows makes her melt; it's the one he reserved only for her. "Goodnight, my ninja," he whispers, soaking in the image of her dazed smile.

He takes one more breath of her in before discretely descending down the stairs leaving a flustered, giddy Ziva in his wake.