A/N: I don't even own a house much less any of these characters.

"I wish I'd never met you."

Those words echoed in Tony's ears long after Jeanne's elevator door shut. He had lied to her but it was for her own good, he tried to justify. To help her get over him.

"What did you do?" Ziva asked as she walked up to him, her dark eyes seeing all.

He couldn't lie to her- she'd see right through it. "I told her none of it meant a thing."

Her expression darkened. "Why?"

"She was just a case, Ziva."

"No, Tony, she wasn't and you know better. How does lying make it better?"

"She thought I killed her dad. Her feelings didn't run too deep."

"She was grief stricken from heartbreak and the death of her father. Her immediate thoughts were of you so she thought you were there."

"Hm. Maybe. But it doesn't matter anymore. She's gone and is better off."

"And you?" Ziva asked.

"I'm going to be ok. I always am. It's the DiNozzo luck, ya see."

"Ah. Well, would DiNozzo like to try his luck on some darts mixed with alcohol?"

He flashed her a DiNozzo grin. "Why not."