Gibbs burst into the house, gun drawn, ready to shoot in case the killer had escaped McGee and Ziva's clutches.

McGee held up his hands as Gibbs entered the living room. "It's okay, Boss. Ziva used her wicked spy skills to take the guy down."

Ziva stood from where she was crouched next to the killer's body. "He's just being modest, Gibbs. I could not have done it without his help."

He turned and smiled at her, then looked back to Gibbs, who was studying the body. "How long's he gonna be out?"

Ziva shrugged. "Who knows. But we should be good for a few hours."

Gibbs looked at her in disbelief. "A few hours?"

She shrugged again. "What can I say? I'm a trained assassin. It's not often that I don't kill someone when I apprehend them."

Gibbs smirked despite himself, shaking his head. "Ducky and Abby are on their way. I'm going to cordon off the scene. You two . . . find something to occupy yourselves until Ducky gets here."

"No problem, Boss," McGee responded, perhaps a little too eagerly, for Gibbs turned back and raised an eyebrow at him. "Uh, I mean, we'll stay out of the way."

Gibbs nodded and headed back to the car for police tape, leaving McGee and Ziva alone in the living room.

"You know, Ziva," McGee started as they took a seat on the couch, "I-I was kinda scared back there. I thought for sure he was going to kill you. I couldn't imagine what I would have done had that happened."

Ziva looked at him, touched. "Thank you, Tim." He looked up at the use of his first name. "I was not as fearless as you believe, either. I couldn't let him hurt you, not after that amazing performance we gave."

McGee let out a nervous chuckle, then fell silent, the tension eating away at the room. Finally, he spoke. "Ziva, I . . ."

At the same time, Ziva said, "I'm sorry."

They laughed and Ziva motioned for McGee to speak. "I wanted to let you know that there was a good reason for me to act the way I did back in the foy- entryway." He fidgeted nervously. "You see . . ."

Ziva shook her head, silencing him. "I know. I'm sorry. I realized what was going on and when you didn't react the way I expected you to, I-I freaked out." She paused. "That is the correct expression, yes?" McGee nodded quickly. "So I am sorry, Tim. I admit I wanted you to kiss me back there, and hopefully you weren't scared off by my behavior."

McGee looked at her with wide eyes. She was blushing ever so slightly, and he couldn't help but smile. "No, Ziva. If anything, I was worried you would think less of me." She gave him a confused look, and he continued. "This is pretty silly, but I've liked you for awhile, Ziva. I didn't want to give in to my feelings and have you see me as weak."

Ziva surprised him by picking up his hand. "I would never see you as weak, Tim. You're one of the strongest people I know."

He smiled, looking down at their entangled hands, then cleared his throat, asking the question he had been dying to ask: "Does the offer for that kiss still stand?"

She smiled slightly, looking him in the eye. "I don't see why not. You've already proven to be quite the charmer."

They both started laughing, and leaned in towards each other, ready for their first real kiss.

Suddenly, the door popped open again and Gibbs reentered, this time followed by Ducky and Abby. McGee and Ziva quickly separated, standing to greet the trio.

"McGee!" Abby cried, launching herself at him. "Are you okay?"

McGee reeled backwards from the force of her hug. "Yeah, I'm fine, Abbs." He looked over her shoulder to where Ducky was examining Ziva for any trauma.

Abby turned to where he was looking, a frown settling on her lips. He was more interested in Ziva than her. She had lost him.

"All looks well, my dear," Ducky stated, patting Ziva on the shoulder. She smiled at him, then turned to catch McGee's eye, finding him smiling, as well.

McGee suddenly remembered Abby and looked at her, seeing the hurt look on her face. His face fell. "What's wrong, Abbs?"

She looked at him pointedly. "What's going on with you and Ziva, Tim?"

His eyes widened. "I-uh, Abby, I don' t know . . ."

Ziva wandered over to the two of them, seeing the panicked look upon McGee's face. "Something wrong?"

"I think I can answer that," Gibbs said, walking over to the three of them. They all turned shocked faces to him. "This . . . killer is actually Special Agent Tom Rockwell."

Ziva narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't understand."

Gibbs smirked. "You successfully passed the test. I now trust that your trust in each other is unwavering, and that you'll have each other's backs whenever the situation calls for it."

"You mean, you set this all up?" McGee asked, still confused. Gibbs nodded. "But what about the dead bodies?"

"Duck." Gibbs turned to the mortician.

"You see, Jethro came to me with this brilliant plan to conduct a trust exercise, and required a plan that would force you two into a dire situation, much like . . ."

As Ducky continued his ramble, Gibbs left the house, quickly followed by Abby. "You're saying you set this whole thing up just to prove McGee and Ziva trust each other?" she asked, baffled. "But why the marriage scheme?"

He simply turned and looked at her, and her mouth fell open in realization. "You wanted them to get it on."

He rolled his eyes. "Well, I wouldn't put it that way."

"Gibbs, I think I can live with that," Abby said, linking her arm through his as they headed to his car.

"Don't let it get out," he responded. "I don't need my reputation ruined."

Abby stopped and mock saluted him. "Yes, sir. You can count on my secrecy."

He shook his head and got into the car, leaving Ziva and McGee to listen to Ducky's exaggerated ramble.

Only one more chapter left! Reviews are love, guys. :)