Hey!
Here is a new chapter finally, sorry for the delay. I have re-readed all the previous chapters and still found lots of grammatical/spelling mistakes, my fault sorry! Enjoy and thank you all for reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or the characters!

Previously:

Tony let his instinct take over and put his arms around her body, enveloping her in a hug. Some of his own tears escaped his eyes. The two of them stood there, both silently shedding some tears, because it hurts. They cared about each other deeply but that was not enough to make it work in the long run, they needed to find a way to talk honestly about all of their feelings.

Chapter 10:

After a while Tony and Ziva parted, both secretly missing each other warmth. It was Tony who spoke first:

"We will find a way Ziva, we always do." He said with a harsh voice.

"I hope so… I should go home it is getting late." Ziva answered her voice still lanced with tears.

"You can stay if you like?" Tony asked with some hesitation.

"No thank you I want to go home."

"You're still mad at me... I understand it wasn't fair of me to ignore you like that. I'm sorry Ziva, take your time." Tony stated.

"I am but you can try and make it up to me with lunch tomorrow, maybe?" Ziva suggested.

"That I can do!" Tony exclaimed, relieved that Ziva was not shutting him out.

"Okay good, see you tomorrow." Ziva said, while walking toward his front door.

"Bye Ziva, be safe and good night."

Tony was alleviated that Ziva had listen to him, he knew things would not be good right away but they could work through it, they always did. He had been a completely idiot toward her without any reason, his behaviour was not Ziva's fault, not at all. Tony needed to make up his mind, if he wanted to start a serious relationship with Ziva. It was only logical then that he should share his feelings with her. He knew for sure that Ziva would not be a casual woman with whom he would have sex a couple of times and never see again afterward. No she was the one for him, his soulmate, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. But he needed to make sure they were on the same page.

Ziva was so confused, one minute she was angry and disappointed with Tony and the next she wanted nothing more than be in his company and share the same space. That's what being in love feels like I guess, Ziva thought. She felt worn out by all these feelings and raw emotions but she also was relieved, at least Tony had been honest. They could work together to overcome their problems, that she knew for sure. Ziva was looking forward to seeing Tony tomorrow.

The following day at exactly 12pm Tony knocked on Ziva's door.

"Hey Zeevaaah I'm here bearing gifts, some delicious sandwiches and a movie or two." Tony announced with a playful grin.

"Then I guess you can come in." Ziva smiled.

"Thank you."

They ate in a comfortable silence while watching one of Tony's movies, 'Bad Boys II', to keep things light between them. After lunch it was Tony who broke the silence:

"Ziva, can I ask you something?"

"Yes of course."

"I don't really know how to say it without too much pressure but when you said a while ago that maybe we should be in a relationship... Eum I mean we are talking about the same thing here right?" Tony voiced, not sure about Ziva's reaction.

Ziva hadn't seen that question coming but it would be good to know what the other expected. So after some consideration she answered:

"If you mean by the same thing a serious relationship than yes." Ziva felt very self-conscious, she wasn't used to talking so openly about her feelings.

A huge grin appeared on Tony's face.

"Good very good, so we agree on that super! Okay here is what we could do, if you want to of course. It's very obvious that it's difficult for the both of us to talk about our feelings, about personal and painful stuff in general. But I think that if we want to become more than friends we have to talk about all of it at some point. I don't want to pressure you, don't get me wrong. We already shared things you know, the whole post-elevator-us. But what do you think if we shared something personal that the other don't know yet every week. What do you think Ziva?" Tony suggested, not sure how she would react.

Ziva was listening very carefully and could do nothing more than agree with him. Tony was right. If they wanted to work toward a relationship, then they had to share things, stuff that was important.

"I think it is a good idea Tony, but…" Ziva answered, but avoid making eye contact with him.

"But what Zi?" Tony asked.

"Just one step at the time yes?"

"Yes, I know it won't be easy but I'm willing to try. Are you?"

"I am Tony, but you have to promise me something."

"Anything!" Tony responded quickly.

"I know we both need some space from time to time but promise me you will not run away or ignore me afterward." Ziva stated very determined, she could forget the previous days but she was not going to let Tony play with her feelings.

"I promise Ziva, I was an idiot. I'm sorry." Tony answered honestly.

"Stop apologizing, rule number six DiNozzo." Ziva said while smiling.

"Yea I know! Okay that's enough heavy stuff for one day, don't you think?"

"I agree." Ziva returned.

"Oh Ziva one more question." Tony added suddenly very unsure.

"I am listening Tony."

"I know we are not there yet and it may take us weeks, months hell even years before we have confided each other with everything. But would you like to go out on a date with me?"

Ziva was utterly overwhelmed with Tony's invitation, he wanted to go on a date with her? Whoow! Ziva knows it makes sense to ask someone on a date when you're interested in him or her, but it felt kind of surreal that Tony would ask her. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world right now, Tony had asked her on a date and not someone else! It took Ziva some time to gather her thoughts.
Meanwhile Tony was considering if he had made a huge mistake, maybe it was too early. He had to make things right before they were out of control and he lost her as a friend.

"Ziva it's okay if it's to soon, you don't have to. You can say no if you don't want to." Tony stuttered.

"No Tony I want to, I would like to go on a date with you! Thank you." Ziva answered, not wanting to give Tony the wrong impression. She would absolutely love to go on a date with him.

"You're sure?"

"Yes I am!" Ziva expressed.

"Okay Miss David, then I would like to invite you on a date with me next Wednesday." Tony asked very serious, but with a huge smile on his face.

Ziva didn't have to think twice. "I would love to go on a date with you Tony!" Ziva answered, very happy and with sparkling eyes.

All Tony could do was continue to smile, he felt like he had won the lottery, probably even better! His day couldn't get any better.

"Thank you Ziva, I'm honored." He replied after some time.

Ziva was affected by Tony's offer, her cheeks were starting to blush. This was so not her, she never blushed but Tony has his ways to take her by surprise. She felt safe in Tony's company and was grateful to have him in her life. She moved closer to him on his couch and placed her head on his shoulder while taking his hand in hers.

"Thank you Tony." Ziva whispered after a while.

They continued to watch movie after movie, just content to be in each other presence…

Thanks for reading, like usual reviews are more than welcome!

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