Post Closing Scene

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Tony waited outside the restroom for Ziva and contemplated what he was going to say. He had contemplated storming into the rest room all together but figured that would be pushing it. And so he waited.

She seemed to jump a bit at his presence and started past him. "You give a new meaning to the words peeping Tom, Tony."

"My parents were gonna name me Tom you know?" He caught up with her and couldn't but notice her lack of expression. It was then he reached for her arm to stop them. "Hey, I was waiting outside because…"

"I do not want to talk about it Tony. There is nothing to talk about."

"I was gonna say to give you a hug. But if you don't want it, I can go down stairs and hug Abby…"

She looked at him sideways. "You wanted to give me a hug?"

"Why is that so crazy? I mean we have slept in the same bed together…risked our lives together…drank together…what's a hug?"

"Nothing. Except that it is a sign of affection we have not yet shared Tony. And I for one am not entirely sure I would know how to handle it."

"You've hugged the boss…hugged Abby hundreds of times…even the Probie…"

"I get the point Tony."

He then threw his arms out wide. "Then what's a little hug? I won't bite I promise."

She examined him and almost managed a smile. "I do not need a hug. I am fine." She turned to continue walking and left him there sulking before he appeared beside her once more.

"You know, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Crying. I've even cried once or twice before. Okay, once, but it was a really steep hill and collar bones hurt like hell…"

She stifled a laugh. "Spare me your tall tales Tony."

"Okay, fine. But it's a really cool story…"

She then turned to stand toe to toe with him. "You are telling me that you have only cried once?"

"Maybe twice. Depends on what you consider crying. If we're talking Niagra Falls, then once. If we're talking leaky faucet, then twice."

She wasn't sure whether to believe him or not, then suddenly realized she'd never seen him shed a tear. Not even when Kate had been killed. "Do you feel that is something to brag about?"

"Brag? No."

"Then why share it?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Just thought it would be pertinent. You know with you playing the part of the sad officer who has come to her whits end and me as the strong, yet understanding partner."

"This is not a movie Tony."

"Really? Cuz I could've sworn it was. I mean after all the close calls I've had, I'd say you only get that many lives if you're in a movie."

She turned to walk away for the third time. "I do not have time for this."

He caught up with her. "Time for what? Me?"

"Your insensitivities. Gibbs was wounded, forced to kill a fellow Agent, albeit a traitor…we have just survived an explosion, and a little girl has just lost all the family she knows. And you are cracking jokes." She took in a breath. "It's any wonder you've only cried twice…"

Tony cleared his throat and looked solemn. "You saying I hide behind my sense of humor?"

"I am saying…yes, that is what I'm saying."

Tony lifted his chin up. "If this is what I get for offering a hug? Then remind me to restrain myself next time."

This time she was the one catching up with him. "I did not mean to hurt your feelings."

"Yeah? Well you did. Leave it to you to turn a kind gesture into an attack on my character."

She sighed outwardly. "I am sorry."

"Yeah sure, you're just saying that."

"I am not," she shook her head and put his arms out slowly. "If I was, would I be wanting to hug you right now?"

He couldn't help but smile at the image. "You don't have to hug me. I accept your apology."

She remained with her arms outstretched. "You came for a hug. Now take it."

The threatening tone in her voice caused Tony to oblige. They embraced and both couldn't help but feel the comfort that was present.

"Gibbs, 2 O'Clock." Ziva managed to whisper but soon realized that Tony wouldn't let her go.

"There, there. It's okay. Tony's got you now." He cooed, just as Gibbs approached; finally letting her go.

"You two alright?" Gibbs didn't seem all that surprised at their proximity.

"Good boss, just having a moment between partners. You know all about that." He quickly winked but soon regretted it when he was met with a head slap. "Deserved that."

Ziva watched Gibbs walk away before speaking up. "That is not all you deserve."

"Aw, come on. You can't hurt me. We just had a moment…" But after meeting the glare in her eyes he couldn't help but pace backwards until it turned into an all out sprint. The two passed through the bull pen and Tony was soon face to face with Gibbs and his coffee.

Both were sentenced to a coffee shop run to retrieve Gibbs a fresh cup, but neither of them were complaining, after all, they'd broken a rule.

No running in the halls.