Standard disclaimers apply. I do not own anything, except the storyline and the character Emmy Grace Gerard and all her biological family, stepfamily, and pets. Everything else belongs to Donald Bellisario, genius that he is. I just play around with it all. I also do not own the rights to the original name Stargrounds Coffee Shop (or anything affiliated with it), but I've received permission from my AMAZING beta, Tiffany331, to use it, so I am. :)

Rating: T, because anything less would be boring and not NCIS standard. One chapter in particular could be considered M, but I'll decide that when we get there.

Just a little note before you guys begin reading, this is my first NCIS story ever posted, so because I have been a big fan of the show for a couple years now— alas, not as long as the show has been airing— I have wanted to write in the category for a while now. I just haven't gotten the guts to post what I've written until now. So please, in your reviews, be gentle. No flames, please, as they will not be appreciated, nor responded to. I will update as frequently as I can, probably once a week, since I've got most of the story written by now, but often, college and life gets in the way. I'll do my best.

A HUGE thank you to Tiffany311, my beta reader, for allowing me to bounce ideas off her. Without you, there's a good possibility this story would not exist. Thanks, Tiff, you rock!

Enjoy.

Chapter 1— Mystery Girl

"OK, make sure you remind Tony that you're all invited to my place Friday night." Abby waved as Ziva and McGee headed out of the forensic lab.

"Sure, Abby," replied McGee.

"Of course," said Ziva.

The two stepped into the elevator and pushed the button to head back up to their floor.

"Friday should be fun, right?" asked Ziva.

"Yeah," McGee said. "Dinner parties at Abby's are always good."

As they walked into the bullpen, they couldn't see Tony anywhere.

"That's strange," Ziva remarked. "Did he leave already?"

"I don't think so." McGee shook his head. "His car is in the shop this week, right?"

"Oh, that's right." Ziva suddenly heard something. "Do you hear that, McGee?"

A hushed conversation was coming from the stairwell. They looked at each other for a minute, puzzled, before their curiosity got the better of them and they made their way over.

Tony was on his cell phone, his back to them. "Right, right... Well, naturally... You didn't... You did? No." He laughed. "No, that's fine, I just didn't expect... Ha, ha, yeah, that's great... OK, see you in a bit."

He stared at his now closed phone with a small smile on his face, still oblivious to his coworkers' presence.

Until Ziva stepped right behind him and spoke directly into his ear. "Tony."

Tony jumped about a foot as he whirled around with a startled yelp. "Ziva!" He glared at her, embarrassed he had been caught off-guard. "Warn a guy before you sneak up on him like that, will ya?"

Ziva scoffed. "That would defeat the purpose, I think," she said coolly. "So who were you talking to?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Tony teased.

"Hmmm." Ziva frowned, narrowing her eyes.

"Abby wanted us to come remind you about her party on Friday night." McGee put in.

"Shoot, is that this Friday?" Tony asked. "Um... I don't think I can come, actually."

"Why not?" asked Ziva.

"Well, I just, I have a... a thing to go to."

"What kind of thing?" McGee asked suspiciously.

"Um, it's sort of a family reunion weekend type of thing. You know." Tony deflected with an easy grin.

"OK, sure," McGee said.

"Do you need a ride home?" Ziva asked.

"From you?" Tony countered. "I don't think so." Ziva glared at him. "Uh, no, that's OK, thanks. It's covered."

"From who?" McGee asked.

"Well, I do have friends besides you guys, you know," Tony said defensively.

"No need to get so defensive. We were just wondering," McGee said.

"Well, don't." Tony exhaled, exasperated, then looked at his watch. "I've gotta go." He grabbed his backpack and headed to the elevator without another word.

Ziva and McGee exchanged another puzzled glance.

"Well that was..."

"Hinky?" Ziva filled in, just as curiously.

"Yeah, kind of," McGee said, nodding.

Ziva raised an eyebrow. "Should we...?" She inclined her head toward the elevator.

McGee grinned. "You read my mind."

They got into the now empty car and rode down to the lobby. Ziva peered cautiously out of the door and spotted Tony just ahead of them leaving through the front of the building.

"Come on, McGee!" she hissed.

They hurried after him, staying to the side of the large glass doors so that Tony wouldn't see them. Very shortly a green Toyota Camry LE pulled up in front and Tony headed over to it. A petite brunette got out and she and Tony exchanged an embrace before he got into the driver's side and she headed to the passenger side.

As the car drove off, Ziva and McGee exchanged yet another puzzled glance, wondering if Tony had a secret girlfriend.

Happy Easter, all.