A/N - I'm calling this a follow up and not a sequel as it follows on from something that happened during The Thin Blue Line instead of continuing the story of that fic. For those who haven't read it all you need to know is that in it Ziva expressed serious doubts about Tony to McGee and because of her actions Tony is wondering why she acted as she did.
IN PARTNERS WE TRUST.
The bowling party had been a great success and most of the team are laughing and joking as they leave the alley and head for their cars. Even Gibbs is nearly smiling as he argues something with Fornell. Arm in arm Tony and Abby head one way while Tim and Ziva head in the opposite direction.
"I am so glad you arranged this Abs."
She squeezes his hand. "No probs. After the week we've just had I think we all needed some fun."
"True. It was great to see Sister Rosita too."
"I think she wanted to make sure you are really okay."
"I am."
She stops walking and turns to face him then places her hands on his shoulders. "Really?" The look she gives him is as probing as one of Ducky's autopsies.
"Sure. You will not find a better example of physical perfection than the DiNozzo anywhere."
She chuckles then turns serious. "And the other stuff?"
He takes her hands from his shoulders and gives her a hug as he whispers in her ear.
"I am fine Abby."
"Good". They stand holding each other a moment longer then start walking again.
"So what movie should we watch first?"
As they reach his car Tim looks around but can't see Ziva's Mini nearby.
"Where are you parked?"
"Back that way." She waves a hand in the direction from which they've just come.
McGee frowns. "Were you making sure I got to my car safely? I am a federal agent Ziva. Despite what Tony might think I can take care of myself."
"I know you can."
Slightly mollified but not quite convinced by her reply he snaps. "So what is it then?"
"You know what we talked about yesterday."
"How could I forget. You cornered me in the men's room." He blushes at the memory of it.
"Sorry. I just had to get you alone."
"Well you did."
"I just want to make sure you understand. I am not doing this for myself. Tony can not know. It would hurt him badly. It would end our partnership, our friendship. I do not want that and I hope you do not want that either."
He nods. "I understand but Tony is not stupid. Once things settle down he will start to wonder. He will want answers. Maybe you should talk to him."
"No. I can not. I will not." She grabs his arm. "And you promised you would not."
He shakes her off. "I promised and I won't but you really need to think about this Ziva. Good night."
"Good night."
He steps into his car and slams the door shut. She sighs as she watches him drive away before heading back to her car. I can not tell him. Can I?
NCIS Squad Room. Several Days Later.
"Night Tim. Night Tony." Ziva gathers her handbag and coat then walks from the squad room as her colleagues respond from their desks.
"Night."
"Goodnight."
"You really need to talk with her."
"Who?" Tony continues to type as he asks the question in an inquisitive tone as if it is not as obvious as a Gibbs' slap who McGee is talking about.
"Ziva." Tim almost shouts in exasperation as he stands and walks around to the front of Tony's desk.
"Look at me DiNozzo."
Tony looks up at his colleague who is shocked to see the pain in his friends eyes and as a consequence continues a little more gently than he had intended.
"Ziva. You really need to talk to Ziva."
"Why?"
"Because the tension around here is becoming unbearable. Ever since the end of the case. You've been snapping at her. She's been unnaturally polite to you. Neither of you have been joking at all. She's watching you work when she thinks you won't notice. You're doing the same thing. The tension is so plain even Jimmy has noticed."
"So I should talk to Ziva because Jimmy is uncomfortable?"
"No, of course not. You should talk to Ziva so you can work things out between you."
"Work things out between us? What specifically are you talking about?"
"Nothing. That is I don't know...things...Ziva...tension..." he stutters to a stop.
"Do you know something?"
"I know lots of things."
"You know what I'm asking. Do you know what's causing this tension between me and Ziva?"
"Uh. Oh. Um." Tim looks around the room and shuffles his feet.
"It's okay McSecretive. You can tell me. What's going on?" He holds his friend's eyes making it clear he is prepared to wait all night for a reply if necessary. Seeing his friend struggling to respond he continues. "Probie? What is it?"
Tim just stares back at him caught between two friends and knowing whatever answer he gives could end at least one partnership forever; Tony and Ziva's, his and Tony's or his and Ziva's. Oh, God he thinks. How? How can I possibly choose? With whom should my loyalty be?