A/N: Sorry for the little wait guys! I had been meaning to add this chapter sooner but my teachers gave out a lot of homework for the weekend. Reviews are welcome! Sorry if it's a little short.
Disclaimer: Don't own NCIS, I just take the characters out for a bus ride now and then.
Tony trudged through a light rain back to the yellow school bus awaiting the team. He was left to his own thoughts as the boys ran back to the bus and cheered; they had won the game. DiNozzo knew he had screwed up by running off after Ziva hinted that she cared for him more than just as a partner.
The whole game, Tony shot baskets on a separate hoop, stealing glances at his partner from time to time. She had only met his eyes once, briefly, before they both looked away uncomfortably. The rest of the time Tony could feel her occasional glances on him.
Even now, as he walked alone to the bus, he knew she was doing her best to look everywhere but him. He climbed up the steps on the bus and nodded at the driver. His eyes swept the aisle, looking for a seat when he realized that Ziva was no longer behind him. Spinning on his heel, Tony located her seat and promptly plopped down next to his partner.
She looked over at him, annoyed. "Damn, I thought I lost you back there."
DiNozzo just gave her one of his charming grins in return. Ziva rolled her eyes at him and focused on the window. This was a talk that she was not looking forward to. She had slipped up, and now she would have to pay for it. They were both silent as the bus started the ride back to school, but Ziva could feel his eyes on her.
"Is there something you want to say, Tony?" she questioned without taking her eyes away from the window.
"You don't give me enough credit, Zee-Vah," Tony stated cryptically.
Ziva finally turned to face him and gave him an inquiring look.
He took a deep breath and spoke, "You think I don't care. I do though...I care about you. Things work more than one way, you know."
His comment took Ziva by surprise, Tony hadn't made a joke about what she had said earlier. He was being honest and serious. She looked into his crystal green eyes. He was being patient, allowing her to process what he had told her.
"I should not have said anything earlier, Tony," was her response.
"That doesn't mean you didn't mean it, Ziva."
Tony didn't know if she'd be okay with it, but he took a risk and draped his arm around her shoulders. Surprising both of them, Ziva leaned into his touch and rested her head on his shoulder.
"You'll never lose me, Ziva," Tony stated softly, his forehead resting on the top of Ziva's head.
"I know," she replied with a small smile.