She still couldn't believe he'd done it. The opera hall was bustling with women in glittering dresses and men in fancy suits. It was a Friday evening. The opera had run out of tickets ages ago, and even though it couldn't have been cheap, Tony had still managed to get two seats for them.

He must have felt her staring at him, because he turned and grinned widely. She couldn't help but smile a little bit as well. Tony looked as handsome as ever in a classy tux. His hair was combed and he smelled subtly like cologne. He'd obviously put some effort into getting cleaned up.

Not that she hadn't either. It had taken her almost an hour to get ready. Her bedroom was strewn with numerous gowns which had been tried on and rejected one by one. Shoes were thrown across the floor and her small makeup collection was haphazardly spread out on her sink. Eventually she had settled on a simple black dress and heels. It was the most time she'd ever spent getting dressed up, even undercover. And to think it was only for a night out as "friends".

He led her through the crowded lobby towards the elevator, where they rode up to the balcony level. The usher took their tickets and led them to their seats. It was a private little corner on the right side, high above the stage. They watched the audience file into the main floor and mezzanine.

Tony turned to her and smiled. "So?"

She glanced at him, astonished. "How did you get tickets to this?"

He grinned even wider. It was the third time she'd asked that night. "I told you, I have my ways."

She chuckled and leaned back, smoothing down her dress with her hands. The orchestra was directly below them, getting ready for the show. Although the view was beautiful, it was slightly obstructed by a hanging speaker.

Tony craned to look at the stage. "Sorry, we don't have the best seats. You can't really see much."

"That is alright. It is more important what you hear, than what you see."

The lights dimmed and the audience hushed. The orchestra started to play, and a woman walked onto the stage in a glittery black gown. She started to sing a French opera.

Ziva closed her eyes and listened to the soft strains of music and the strong voice of the opera singer. It was a piece Tali had once worked on, but never performed. In an attempt to not let any tears escape her closed eyes, she squeezed the arms of her seat. She could feel her knuckles aching, and the tears were still forming behind her tightly shut eyes. Finally, a droplet escaped her closed eyelids and slowly fell down her left cheek.

She felt a hand brush hers on the armrests. It softly pried her fingers away from the chair and clasped hers into his. She knew that warm hand. It was Tony's.

She cracked open one eye and glanced sideways at him, hoping to catch his eye. But just like hers had been a few seconds ago, his eyes were shut as he listened to the sound of music.

Smiling ever so sligtly, she released her grip on the other armrest and squeezed Tony's hand. Then, slowly, Ziva closed her eyes back again and listened to the beautiful song.

And even though her eyes were closed, she could see it plain as day. This was so much more than a night out as "friends".

Hope you liked it! It actually popped into my head while I watched the symphony play on Friday night. I love reviews, so leave one if you want. Thanks so much for reading!

xoxo, J