Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own NCIS.
A/N: In which Tony's apartment acts as a metaphor of sorts for his heart. Because, y'know, two other tags to this episode weren't enough for me. ;-)
Tony doesn't bring dates back to his place. It's easier on everyone that way. Going to a girl's place means that he can leave (escape) whenever he wants. It means that he isn't stuck with an unwanted visitor and an awkward morning-after scene. (It also means that he cuts down on the number of people out to get him who know his home address.) It means that his place remains just that: his.
Taking a girl back to his apartment smacks of commitment, and up until recently Tony hasn't had the time, energy, or inclination for that sort of thing.
So there's a reason why Ziva's the only NCIS team member who's never been to Tony's apartment. The rest of the team are like family. Ziva – Ziva's never been that, exactly. Or at least, not just that. Because while he cares about her, his feelings sure as hell aren't fraternal.
And although the two of them are currently taking baby steps towards something (towards each other), he isn't quite ready to let her into his apartment. Because once he lets her in? He won't be able to let her go.
So he has to be sure. Sure that this is what she wants. Sure that they're both ready for this.
When Tony DiNozzo finally invites Ziva David into his apartment, it will mean that she's there to stay. In his life; in his apartment; in his heart. Permanently.