It was karaoke night down at the bar. It was packed to the gills with music and out of tune voices blaring loudly from it each time the doors opened. It was a fun, relaxed sort of night; drinks flowing and laughter getting louder and louder at each bad rendition. Everyone was in good spirits. Definition of a good night really. You couldn't exactly have a bad night when Disney was involved.

Tony and Ziva weren't there. Weren't anywhere near the place. Neither of them particularly wanted to be and they were okay with that.

Instead, they were holed up in Ziva's apartment, enjoying one of their traditional movie nights. They were overdue for one and tonight was the perfect night for it, considering recent events. Tony thought that Ziva would appreciate either taking her mind off things or having a willing ear. Either way, he got to spend time with her to make sure she was okay. He'd spent the last few days kicking himself for ever bringing up singing.

Tony avoided bringing any musicals (not that that was a hardship for him) and films that involved a debonair main character ending up in an opera house. No music or singalongs or catchy beats. Not tonight. Comedy was on the menu instead, both of them really needing a laugh. Cheering up was definitely in order. Especially since he'd spotted Ziva looking sadly into the distance over the past few days. He knew that everything that had been discussed had brought up some memories. Whether they were good or bad, he didn't know. Ziva wasn't exactly the type of person to share things like that, even with him. He did hope that there was more fondness in her remembering than pain. Either he thought that it might be a good idea to take her mind of things, keep her in the present.

Ziva had provided her usual array of healthy snacks alongside the popcorn and the Chinese he had brought with him. He still hadn't managed to persuade her that hummus and assorted vegetables were not appropriate movie night snacks. She didn't seem to understand the concept of 'the unhealthier, the better'. If anything, it made her even more stubborn to provide healthy snacks claiming that they could be just as good and she was looking out for his health. Tony didn't care, he would never let himself be persuaded that celery sticks were better than gummy bears. No way. Though, the bell pepper strips weren't half bad, not that he'd ever say anything to Ziva. She was not going to win this battle.

They were curled up on her couch, tangled together like they always ended up even if they started at opposite ends. They couldn't help it, they seemed to seek out each other's warmth. Not that either of them really complained, it was comfy. Especially with the soft throw Ziva had draped over them. Ok, mainly her considering she was mostly draped over him. The movie was good, Ziva was laughing, Tony finished off all the witty remarks (earning himself pokes and eyerolls). A really good movie night. No tears, no zoning out, just good company and lots of laughs.

Tony's hand scrabbled at the bottom of the bowl, feeling more plastic than delicious, buttery popcorn.

"We're out of popcorn," he stated dolefully, raising his hand to lick at the salty kernel crumbs.

Ziva swatted his hand away and pulled a disgusted face.

"Don't do that," she scolded, unfolding herself so she could stand up. "I will go refill it. We have plenty."

She grabbed the bowl off him and went to her kitchen to do just that. Tony reached for the remote and paused 'The Hangover' at a strange, contorted face. How did he always manage that when he paused something? It was always amusing how strangely people's face looked halfway through a word. He didn't even know mouths made half the shapes he paused on.

"Make a new batch!" he called over as he absent-mindedly tidied up the rubbish they had accumulated. Lots of candy packets. "Fresh popcorn is far superior to cold."

"I know, Tony," Ziva replied in a long-suffering tone but she made a noise that he assumed was agreement.

It wasn't like they had any leftover popcorn anyway. That would be a crime in Tony's eyes. An amendment to Rule five, never waste good popcorn. It should just never be done. He wondered if Gibbs would make a sub rule for it...

He heard her pour the kernels into a bowl and soon her microwave was humming. The smell of warm butter soon filled the air. He sniffed appreciatively, was there any better smell?

They really did eat an unhealthy number of gummy sweets this evening he noted, scrunching up the three empty bags. He couldn't remember eating that much but he knew that Ziva liked them but he loved them. He always ate most of them. He liked biting of their heads first, much to Ziva's amusement. Although, she did get confused when he explained that it was a merciful way of eating them. Killed them quickly and all that. Hopefully none had got lost anywhere. You really did not want to find a half melted gummy bear weeks in the future, take his word for it. It was worse than chewing gum.

The sound of plates hitting off each other came from her direction. Tony looked up sharply.

"You, okay?"

"Yes, I am just making a start on the dishes while the popcorn is popping."

The sound of gushing water added to the mix.

"Need any help?"

He didn't want to just sit here with a paused movie like an unhelpful idiot.

"I am good in here, maybe you can you throw out the rubbish?"

The microwave dinged and there was a sloshing noise as she dropped a dish back into the sink so she could open the door and let the popcorn cool.

"Let me finish these off and then we'll get back to the movie," she suggested, resuming the scrubbing of a sauce-stained plate.

"Popcorn needs to cool anyway," Tony said by way of response.

He didn't want to burn the top of his mouth on scalding popcorn. It always took a long time to heal and was always sensitive for ages afterwards.

"There's a cloth in here if you want to wipe down the coffee table," she told him.

Tony was about to say something cheeky about an 'almost domesticated ninja' but decided not to, for his own safety. Death didn't exactly work with the whole comedy theme they had going tonight.

Humming to himself as he gathered their leftovers (not that there was much) and he empty wrappers (of which there was far too much off), Tony made quick work of it. Ziva would probably need to run the vacuum over the place to get rid of all the crumbs that inevitably ended up on the floor in front of the sofa. At least nothing had spilled this time. Shoving all the wrappers into the takeout cartons, he brought them into the kitchen to bin.

Before he even reached the end of her sofa, Tony stopped.

What was that?

It was a noise, he thought. A very faint one. Had he left the movie running? Looking back at the TV confirmed that he hadn't, it was still paused. Was it one of their phones? It better not be Gibbs with a case. That would be too cruel.

He turned his head towards the noise he thought he heard and concentrated, trying not to breath too loudly. Did he just imagine it? The place was silent except for Ziva washing dishes. No strange noises. He must have imagined it.

No, wait. There it was again!

Was that-? He tilted his head for good measure before a smile stretched across his face. It was! He darted quickly across the apartment and stood at the threshold to the kitchen. It was coming from Ziva

He could hear Ziva humming. A Disney song no less! He listened some more and snorted slightly when he recognised it. Trust Ziva not to pick a Disney Princess song, though he bet that she would rock 'I'll Make a Man Out of You'. Had she even seen 'Mulan'? It was good for a kid's movie; he'd have to bring it over sometime. For the full American culture experience, of course.

He leaned against the wall, rubbish still in hand, and smiled. Her humming was actually in tune, not that he should be so surprised. He wondered if she knew the words to that song or even seen the movie, it was very apt. Another one to watch. Maybe they should have a Disney Movie Night. That would be fun.

He listened some more, just enjoying her humming. Even the noise of the water didn't wreck it. The humming actually gave why to muttered parts of lyrics. She did know the song. Maybe karaoke was in her future after all.

She'll be there someday.