Okay, so I know it's been awhile since I've updated so don't kill me or there won't be any more . . . okay guys, calm down. Anyways, I've been really busy and I just wrote this; it just came to me like those random chapters do. So here you go . . . hope you enjoy it! Please review . . . it makes my day! And I know a lot of you out there read my story but don't review . . . I can just go look at the stats to see that . . . very obvious. Reviews make young authors' day so please, I beg you, review and you can have a virtual probie snack and a Caf-Pow! Okay enough of my rambling for now. On with the show!


Chapter 7- I Hear What You Say . . . And What You Don't

I hear what you say and what you don't. You may not want anyone to know how much you are hurting on the inside, but I still hear you; I hear your pain and your fear. It's like rain on the roof; the beating of a heart; it's indefinite, but I still hear it. You try to hide behind your mask of power and pride, but I still see the truth. You are hurt and you think that if you show pain or suffering, that it makes you weak. No, that's not true. All it shows is that you are human; a true American.

"Tony?" "Yes. Good afternoon." "Wait, what time is it?" "12:30. You were really tired." "I guess so." She yawned and walked over to Tony, who was sitting on the couch, channel flipping. As he looked over at her, all he could do was stare. "What?" "Oh, nothing, it's just . . . well—," "Well, what? Do I not have clothes on or something, Tony?" "No, it's not that, it's just you look so . . . so beautiful." "Thank you, Tony." She sat down next to Tony on the couch and Tony put his arm around her, as gently as he possibly could. "How you feeling?" "I am alright. My medications keep most of the pain away." "I can't believe I let this happen." Ziva shrugged him off and turned to him, sporting a very puzzled and surprised look. "Tony, this was not your fault. It was no one's fault." Tony sighed and was about to come up with another way why this was all his fault when Ziva took his hand. "Look at me, Tony. I'm right here; I'm alive and well, I love you. Nothing will ever change that. You have always had my back; you have always . . . you have always had my back," she whispered. "I didn't want anything to happen to you, Zee. Now, nothing ever will. I promise." She kissed him lightly on the cheek. "So, are you hungry?" "Yes; very." "Well, I can make something or we can go out to eat or we can order something; whatever you want." "Chinese." "Your wish is my command, madam." He said as he stood up and bowed down to Ziva. Tony took her hand and helped her up off the couch. "I'm going to go take a shower; I may need some help with this though." She motioned to her bandages around her abdomen. "I'm here to help." Tony shot her the genuine DiNozzo 100-watt grin. "Thank you, Tony.

About an hour and a half later, they had finished their food and Ziva's hair was still wet from her shower. Tony could tell that there was something wrong. Her mask was, as it always had been, on her face, masking the true emotions hidden within. "Ziva." "Yes?" "Is everything okay?" "Other than the fact that I literally dodged a bullet and it still hit me, then no there isn't. Why do you ask?" "Well, you say that, but ever since you came back from Somalia, you haven't been yourself." "Really, Tony, everything is fine." She got up from the table and started for her bedroom. Tony caught up with her and blocked her way. "Tony, can you move please." "Tell me what is bothering you, Ziva." "There is nothing wrong. Now move." "No." "Why do you insist that there is something wrong, Tony?" "Because I know you." "Please, Tony. Move." "Ok, but you asked for it." He picked her up bridal style and took her over to the couch. "You may hide your fear and pain from everyone else, but when I look at you, your eyes won't shut up." "I'm not hiding anything." "If you don't want to talk about it, Ziva, then fine. But, I'm here when you are ready." He kissed her on the forehead. "I hear what you say, Ziva. I also hear what you don't. I love you, and you know that. I'm always here for you and I always was and I always will be. No matter what." "I know, Tony. And I thank you for that."