I wrote this too fast, so it's super short. Sorry! Tomorrow should be longer and more fulfilling.

avodah (ah-voh-dah) : work

"What?, I'll be gone for three weeks. Not forever."

"I know. I just-"

"You're worried."

"No."

"Yes. Yes, you are!" She gave him one of those smiles that comforted him in his very core. He loved it when she smiled.

"How can you tell?" He leaned back into his chair in the bullpen, hoping she wouldn't read his mind.

"Your eyes." She answered slowly, making sure to look at them while she said it. With working so long with him, she could tell what he was thinking just by glancing at him. He hides his emotions like she does. However, he acts more than she does, more likely to go all out with a show. They balance each other quite well.

"Well, Miss David. You are correct to assume I am worried. Now, let's see if you can guess why?"

She put down her coat and looked towards the elevator then back to him. She took her sweet time walking to land behind his desk, so she could get very near to his neck. "You are worried that I will kill someone?" She knew the answer was no.

"Nope." He said proudly but soft enough so they could keep their conversation private.

"Then, how about, you're worried I will meet someone?" She saw his jaw clench, then continued. "Perhaps, someone more handsome and funnier than you?"

To keep his demeanor free from intimidation, he laughed, "I don't think that man exists."

She smiled, "Oh, who said it would be a man?"

"Oh, now you're just teasing me!"

"I am?" A few seconds passed then they turned to face each other, Ziva bending over from her standing position and him looking at her necklace to her lips then to her eyes.

"Just be safe," he pleaded.

"I always am," she soothed.

"Yeah, but it's different now."

"How so?" He looked away, not wanting the discussion to go any further, then he felt her warm hand grace his cheek. "I know, Tony."

With a melancholy smile, he looked back up at her again. "Just don't forget to write. People here care about you."

"People?"

"Ziva, I care about you."

"Then, tonight we shall go out?"

"Are you asking me out, Ziva David?"

She rolled her eyes. "Well, I guess I am. Where do you want to go? My treat."

"Heh, your place?"

Her eyes squinted, "then we wouldn't be going out, just staying in."

"Yeah. Problem?"

"No problem." She signed. "Bring wine." Then she walked back to her desk to pack up her paperwork.

"Yes, ma'am." His smile ten times brighter.