So I apologize for the long wait for this short chapter...I promise though that updates will be coming sooner. I had writer's block for a really really long time as you can tell. I've also decided that this will be a co-authored story. That's the reason for the updates coming sooner! :) Enjoy and Happy Reading!

"Dinozzo!" Gibb's roared into Ziva's ear, making her jump. "On your feet!"

"Boss?" Tony asked, looking up from his paperwork. "Meet Ziva David, our Mossad liasion agent. She'll be on trial with us for--Dinozzo?" Gibbs interrupted himself as the agent shook his head clearly struggling for composure. "What the hell is wrong with you?!?"

"He must be surprised to see me," came Ziva's smooth reply, feeling much more in control as Tony searched for the right words. Gibbs squinted at her. "You've met before?" It wasn't a question. Ziva gave him her most meaningless smile. "We've met." Gibbs' eyes narrowed even more. Before he could slip completely into interrogation mode, Ziva excused herself. Gracefully ascending the stairs to MTAC and fully aware of Tony staring at her, she greeted her friend and employer, Director Jenny Shepard. From the knowing look on the older woman's face, Ziva guessed that the Director had seen everything - certainly more than Gibbs had anyhow.

Unlike Gibbs, Jenny could see through Ziva's smile. It spoke of years of hurt and pain that still hadn't quite healed. And unlike Ziva and Gibbs, Tony's lack of composure was a result of unexpected emotions. At least after 13 years it was. Tony still obviously loved Ziva. Jenny could read the look that she had once had for Gibbs even if Tony tried to hide it. But she sighed to herself. It would never work. Not with Gibbs anyways. Everyone knew his famous rule number 12. Never date a co-worker. Yet Jenny could not help the small laugh that bubbled up. She pictured the sexual tension and bickering that she was sure Tony and Ziva would go through. It was exactly what she and Gibbs were like. An amused smile had broke over her face. Ziva, thinking the smile was meant for her, nodded in reply.

"Shalom Jenny."

"Ziva."

There was a pause, while Ziva fought internally with her impulses, before she gave in.

"Why did it have to be him?"

Jenny laughed softly. "Who? Gibbs?" As Ziva gave the tiniest of frowns, her friend sighed.

"Because it shouldn't matter." A warning was in her eyes and obvious sympathy was in her eyes as she added, "It can't matter."