"So," McGee started, setting his glass down. "What's up with you and Ziva?"

Tony snorted. "What makes you think there's something up?" He looked away, smirking.

"Everyone thinks there is, you know," McGee answered slyly. He felt pretty cocky now that he had something to hold against Tony.

"Ha. That's what I thought," Tony's smirk grew into a full blown grin, and he downed another shot. "You couldn't come to that conclusion yourself even if you asked God for help," He paused a minute while McGee stared at him indignantly.

"I guess I'm being kind of obvious, huh?" His speech was slurred a little.

McGee was a little shocked. Even alcohol couldn't get much out of a secret-burier like Tony.

"Well, I mean, your colleagues are trained investigators. I guess you couldn't hide it for that long," McGee said, trying not to set off an alarm in Tony's head, trying to play along.

"Yea… This reminds me of that one movie, what was it called…" Tony tapped his fingers on the table.

Tim was pleased. Tony seemed to be genuinely opening up to him. What a rare spectacle. Of course Tony was right, he would've been completely clueless if it hadn't been for Abby…

Flashback . Abby's lab is dark, her machines are peaceful. The team, including Tony, Abby, McGee, Ducky, Jimmy and Ziva are playing cards on the floor.

"This reminds me of a time aboard the Ronald Reagan, in which my team at the time and I had been looking for a sailor who appeared to be hiding aboard the ship. Turns out he'd been hiding in the air vents playing cards with his buddy for the past four weeks!" Ducky chuckled and scanned his cards. He slapped them down on the table.

"Two aces and two queens. Give me your lot, ladies and gentlemen," Ducky said cheerfully. Tony let his head fall on the floor in agony.

"You know, I think I'll have to go home soon. Poker is not my strong point,"

"What happened to 'I was the king of college poker'?" Ziva teased.

"Hey. That was a long time ago," Tony sniffed, and threw his cards into the pile Abby was expertly shuffling.

"Mm, and now you admit your age, Tony. Some investigator you are," She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

Abby, Ducky, and Jimmy grinned and looked away. McGee sat on his butt, not realizing what was going on.

Tony got to his feet and unrolled his black pinstripe sleeves. "Alright, I'm out of here. Nice playing with you all but Very Special Agent DiNozzo is going to need his beauty sleep,"

"Ha. You most definitely do," Ziva cackled, and jumped up as well. "You're my ride, Tony," She reminded him. "See you all tomorrow,"

Duck smiled at them as they left. "Ahh, young love," He sighed. He was sitting in a chair because of his old age. Now he got up. "It is time for me to be leaving as well. Good night, everyone,"

"Night Ducky,"

"See you tomorrow, Doctor,"

"Young love?"

Ducky was already gone. Abby chuckled.

"McGee, tell me you're not that clueless," Abby leaned towards him.

"About what?" McGee sputtered. "Are Ziva and Tony…"

"No McGee, they are not sleeping together," Abby scolded. "They're in LOVE,"

"What? Where is this coming from?" Tim sputtered.

"Isn't it obvious? They go home together at night and they watch movies together. It's pretty much a date," Jimmy said, amused.

"Yea, and they're always taking every chance to be together and tease each other," Abby said. "Have you ever seen Tony focus so much energy on a girl before?" she pointed out.

Tony in love, McGee thought.

Now he glanced at his friend, his partner. That cocky, frat boy idiot he'd become fond of over the years, and in addition learned to respect for his skills as an investigator. Which, of course, were buried almost as deep as his feelings for Ziva.

There was a pause in conversation as McGee tried to fish out what to say next.

"So… that's it then? You have a thing for Ziva?" he finally blurted awkwardly.

Tony, to McGee's relief, grinned that DiNozzo grin. "Well, McGoo, I guess I do," he said quietly. "Hey! I rhymed,"

McGee laughed and tok a sip of his beer. "I think it's time for you to get home," he said, and when he gave Tony a once-over, he added, "While you can still walk,"

"Yea well," Tony mumbled.

McGee was about to get up when Tony spoke again. "I think I love her, Tim," Again McGee pondered what to say.

"Do you think I should tell Gibbs?"

"Jesus, Tony, you really are drunk," McGee chuckled. "No, I don't think that'd be the best idea," He said more gently. "Now come on, I'll give you a lift.