The day droned on as the members of NCIS wrapped up its case on a Friday night. Typically, the whole team would go to a bar a share a round or two of drinks before heading home to enjoy the weekend off.

But, for some reason unknown to her, Ziva David didn't fell like going out to drink.

Gibbs said his goodbyes, leaving Tony to lean back on his chair and sweep his eyes over the bullpen. He noticed earlier in the day how Ziva seemed a little quieter than normal, so he decided to direct his idea to her.

"Since I'm the one paying for this round tonight, it would only make sense if I were to pick the location for tonight's drinking fest. However, since I am of course a genuine human being, I will take requests on where we should go. Ziva, you have any special place in mind?"

Tony DiNozzo casually looked across the bullpen at his partner, waiting for any kind of response. Normally, they would end up sitting next to each other and having their own conversations while the rest of the team collectively talked. These moments they shared were intimate, but never pushing past any boundaries. Boundaries like touching…. Or kissing.

Perhaps tonight would be different. Maybe they would end up going a little further than they have normally gone. Who knows?

Ziva eventually looked up at him and tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. "I think I am going to take a rain check for tonight" She shifted her weight from one side to the other and began grabbing her gear, "You guys have a good time, I will see you all on Monday" And with a tight smile, she grabbed the last of her things and headed for the elevator.

He watched her walk through the doors and didn't look away until they finally shut. Something seemed a little off with her, maybe it was nothing, or maybe it was something.

No matter, she wouldn't be the only one blowing off on going to the bar tonight.

Xxxxxx

She threw her coat off and immediately headed to the bedroom to get into some comfy sweats and a tee when she arrived home. She passed her coffee table with 'Moulin Rouge' sitting open. Although she wasn't too turned off by its premise, Tony insisted she watch it, and she was glad he did. Turns out she really enjoyed it, or maybe it was just because there was a lot of singing in it.

After changing into something more relaxing she decided she would snuggle up in a blanket and reread 'The Little Prince', not that she would tell Tony this.

Ever since that time Tony showed the photo of his mother to her, things had been different between them. As she remembers clearly it was "the post-elevator us"; a new relationship that no longer scraped against the border between friends and coworkers. Sure, they have been friends for many years, but it seemed completely different now. They were, closer, and willing to discuss subjects that even friends would do their best to avoid.

Then it struck her; the last time she had ever been this close to someone was when she was in a committed relationship… with Ray. Not only had he been a total waste of emotion, but she had fallen in love with him to the point where she almost was engaged to him. And to make it worse, Tony was supporting her decision to do that.

Tony. The man who, at first glance, seemed like nothing but a player with an uncanny amount of knowledge on any film you could imagine, but ended up to be something completely different. He was the first person to ever stand by her side when she came to a decision, and more so the first person to know when something was upsetting her. No matter how many times she would push him away and keep her guard up, he always seemed to find a way back into her mind.

She thought of all the women he had dated in the past; all of them typically blond, big boobs, and extremely hot. Granted, there was Wendy who completely broke all of the requirements that Mr. DiNozzo typically went by, but maybe there was a reason for that. She was the only woman Tony had gotten close to, and they were engaged to one another. Had Wendy not broken off their wedding the night before, Ziva would have never met Tony at NCIS.

As usual, her thoughts spiraled out of control. There were many similarities between herself and Wendy that she couldn't ignore. Besides both being brunette, they were the type of woman to almost scare Tony with their control. Both would toy with him for their personal satisfaction rather than trying to get with him in bed. They cared more about his happiness then their own at one point or another, whether they were willing to admit it or not.

As she lost herself in her own thoughts, a quiet knock came from the door that forced her to pull away from all of this. Without thinking much about it, she got up from the couch and made her way to the door.

"Tony" Her face was calm, although inside her emotions were spreading through her uncontrollably like wildfire.

"For a woman who blew me off with no apparent reason, I think a little more than my name should be said."

Tony casually leaned forward toward her body, not reaching for anything, but positioned in a way where his body ever so slightly brushed against hers. She didn't bother moving; all he was trying to do was get under her skin.

"Fine," her eyes tightened while she pursed her lips, "I am sorry I blew you off earlier tonight. Would it make you feel better to come in and share a glass of wine? Or are you just here to make me feel bad?"

"It's like you read my mind, Ms. Dah-veed."

Without another word Tony pulled a bottle of red wine from behind his back. "I've been saving this puppy for a rainy day, and I suppose given the circumstances, this counts as one of those days"

Ziva did her best to stifle her gasp. She managed to make it seem like a bitter laugh, but even she knew he didn't buy it. His smug little smirk he flashed confirmed her failed attempt, not that it mattered much to her. He was already here; trying to act cold wasn't going to get her through the night.

Tony started to step into her home, only to realize she hadn't really invited him in. He hesitated taking another step before she said anything else. Luckily, she slowly moved away from the door and gestured him to come in with a weak nod.

The first thing he saw when he walked in was the book (and not to mention the opened DVD case of 'Moulin Rouge') sitting on the coffee table. His mind flashed back to when he showed her the picture of his mother, and how Ziva had melted into his story about this very book.

"That which is essential is invisible to the eye"

"Ziva David, did you just quote a movie?"

"No. I quoted a book that was made into a movie"

She caught him gazing at the table. She knew. He knew.

It was a struggle for her to find any words. What could she even say? The sole reason she was reading that book was because of him. What if she told him that? What if she said she thought of him as something more?

No. If anything were to be said, he would have to start the conversation first, which is exactly what he did.

"You know, the last time I ever talked about this book was with you. Of course I was referencing the movie and you the book, but it still held the same meaning."

Her gazed drifted slowly from the book to his face. "Yes, I remember. Your mother… she seemed like such an amazing woman; I can see where you get your charm and wits. I can tell that you really… love her and-"

She didn't know what to say next. After everything they had been through together, this was the touchiest subject ever addressed.

Tony sensed her hesitation and walked over to her. His face was soft, his eyes locked on hers.

"And it taught me how easily the heart could be broken by someone. I learned a lot of things when I was young, most not with the help of my father, but it happened. You, of all people, Ziva, can understand that"

She took in a sharp intake of breath. Inside all she felt was empty. She had no family left; all had passed away or been killed.

A single tear rolled down her cheek. A single sign of weakness that she shed in front of Tony. A single moment where she needed someone to hold her and say it's okay.

And that person was standing right in front of her.