Tony never did understand the proclaimed attraction between the British accent and women in general as he made it clear a few weeks ago in reference to that British Marine man. He was slightly annoyed during that week in general. Between Ziva's unusual kindness towards the guy and her secretive emails to the new guy down South Beach, Tony was being tugged into something more than just protectiveness. This was annoyance and aggravation bordering being just plain pissed. It was jealously. Of course, he would never admit that. Since Somalia Tony had been adamant about knowing who she was with and where at all times. Yes, he was concerned and cautious but at the same time he just wanted her to stick around him for inside nights all the time. He was sure that if Ziva didn't kick down the door then kill him painfully he would love to lock her into his apartment with him. After considering that thought he wasn't sure it was good idea to be completely honest given her violent tendencies. Tony thought back to his earlier conversation with her.

'If and I mean if…..you meet my friend,' Ziva began curiously. 'What would you say?'

'I'd say…' Tony grinned sincerely. 'Be careful. Handle with care. Contents priceless.'

When he said it he meant it too. Tony did not indulge in serious conversations with anyone very often especially those that were things that exposed some of his feelings. This was one thing that Ziva knew and her smile that caused her to grasp her lip between her teeth was absolutely genuine. Usually Tony just proved to irritate her to the core on a constant basis until she just gave up on him completely. At that moment in time, however, her heart pathetically leapt at that thought that he might actually have some feelings in that hard head of his. Suddenly the Grinch grew a heart and if Ziva owned a diary she would have been sure to keep record of it. It was random moments of kindness like that which had a tendency to melt her little by little and make her feel these insanely fuzzy feelings. So much that the devil on her shoulder made her want him more.

'Ghagh!' An inner expulsion of frustration would voice itself inside her head, not quite letting Tony in on the aggravation.

Leave it to Tony Dinozzo to say something so very sickeningly and wonderfully sweet just to get her all riled up emotionally and then back pedal as though he threw nothing more than just a casual observation at her. If she were being honest, Tony's occasional moments of kindness always chinked away a piece of her well fortified armour. Quite frankly it felt like a very cruel joke that she wasn't sure how much further she could carry it on her shoulders. Most days she would be strong enough to let it bounce off her but some days it weaseled its way into her carefully guarded heart like that of a ruthless disease. She hated that he had this effect on her. Ziva would never ever in her right mind choose the likes of Tony Dinozzo for he was not safe for her heart. She knew that if he ever decided to walk out on any kind of relationship they ever had her heart would shatter. Physical pain she could take like a man but not this. That whole fiasco with La Grenouille and Jeanne was enough for her. Tony may not have known it but that was when she started to pull herself as far away from him as she could. Damn him for causing her so much Hell and confliction. At this point she knew not what to do about it.