A/N – I apologize for the delay. I was having some troubles finding Shell Shock (2) online. Also, this is a little shorter than the others because I didn't have much to add to the episode.

Disclaimer – I don't own NCIS or the characters

Chapter 9 – Shell Shock

Stake Out

"So, Ziva, what is the deal about the opera?" Tony asked. "I know it doesn't have anything to do with a boy, because otherwise I think you would have asked me to go."

"It is… only Tali," Ziva said quietly, looking out the front window of the car.

"Your sister?" Tony asked, staring directly at her.

"Mhm," Ziva said nervously. "I think about her everyday but this week is… this week is the most difficult."

"It's when you lost her," Tony said, now also staring out the front window, not daring to move.

"It's her birthday," Ziva corrected. "Tomorrow actually. Tali used to sing Buccini and even my… my father's eyes would get… filled with tears…. You know her dream was to be on stage. So, every year on her birthday I go to the opera in honor of her, but this year… this year was…."

"It's sold out," Tony said, reaching across the center of the car and taking Ziva's hand, feeling her relax a little.

"Yes," she said, relieving her internal tension in that one word. "And, I know it sounds really silly… but I feel like I'm… like I'm letting her down and… the love of a sibling is… well, I'm lucky… lucky to have known it."

Tony moved his hand from hers to her shoulder and pulled her into a hug across the center of the car. Then, they spotted the girl they were looking for and the moment was broken.

Squad Room After Case is Closed

"Hey," Tony said, entering the squad room again.

"Hey, are you heading over?"

"Yup," Tony said.

"Abby was so excited Gibbs moved thanksgiving to tonight," Ziva said, grabbing her coat.

"Listen, I told the boss that you're going to be a little late," Tony said, walking over to Ziva's desk.

"Come on, Tony! You've seen me drive! I'm never late," Ziva said defensively, throwing her arms out defensively.

"Did you know that McGee installed a crazy surround sound system in here? I came in one night and he was playing video games," Tony said, seemingly off-topic. "He was wearing a cape."

Tony pushed a CD in and pressed a button and some music started. Ziva's face relaxed and she had a small smile.

"I know it's not the same but maybe if you closed your eyes it'd be like you were at the opera," Tony said quietly. "And maybe even like Tali's there with you."

He handed her the remote. "Thank you," she whispered. Tony started to leave and Ziva sat down. "Tony. Stay."

Tony turned around and looked at her as she turned it up. Tony went and sat on her desk. She joined him and put her head on his shoulder. Tony's arm went around her shoulders and held her there. They were totally silent, knowing that Gibbs didn't expect both of them to be late. They stayed there for about a half hour until the CD was done.

They stood up at the same time and held hands as they exited the NCIS building together. Neither had said a word since the soundtrack had begun and they had ignored the tears in each other's eyes the entire time. It was when they were both finally stowed in Tony's car that Ziva finally looked at Tony.

"The big three?" she asked quietly.

"That's what they say," Tony whispered before starting the car.

"I see why," Ziva whispered, leaning across the center of the car and kissing him on the lips. "Let's go to dinner."

A/N – Like I said, it's short, but I didn't have much to add, or modify in this case. I hope you liked it. Let me know!