Tony (To McGee): I'm sorry did I interrupt? Let see who the boss likes better…
Gibbs: …Ziva
--
"Do not get jealous Tony…"
He couldn't help it. It was almost automatic. "He just said that cuz you're pretty…"
"Did you just call me pretty?"
"No…well…yeah, but only to make a point." He caught a glare. "Not that you're not pretty otherwise, because you are…just ah…I'm digging myself a hole aren't I?"
"Oh yes."
"Look, I'm just saying…Gibbs would've picked Abby if she'd been there."
Ziva agreed. "Yes, but she was not. I was."
"Good point. I mean it really wasn't a fair question to ask the boss…it's like asking your dad who he loves more…you or your sister…and he replies with 'I love you both the same.'"
She managed to laugh a bit. "Only Gibbs did not say that."
"He didn't have to. I know he loves me."
She scoffed. "But he likes me better."
He knew she was just trying to instigate but gave in anyhow. "I've known him longer…"
"Just a number."
"I saved his life…" He countered.
She held back her reply and sighed. "You are right Tony, Gibbs loves you more."
"Whoa there…two seconds ago you were antagonizing me…then you just give up? That's not normal…"
She shrugged. "You saved his life Tony…and I, well, I have not. He obviously owes you a much bigger debt…"
Tony agreed. "Don't feel bad Ziva…you do this job long enough you might just get the chance…"
He was humorous in his tone and although she didn't want to, she forced a smile on her face. "You win Tony." She watched him continue working and couldn't help but sigh inside. After all, some secrets are harder to keep than others.