A/N: Alrighty! I am SO sorry for not updating lately. I have been really busy with school and working. I promise I will try harder. Next week is my spring break and I will try to update if I can (maybe not because I'm going to grandparents'). Also I think this will go to 20 chapters. So enjoy!

Chapter Sixteen

"So Zee, about everything that happened with Lev," Tony started slowly. He knew Ziva was still recovering and occasionally suffered from the flashbacks and the post traumatic stress it had caused. "How are you feeling about that?"

Ziva looked at her hands. She was curled up into Tony's side, something that had taken her weeks to get brave enough to try, sitting on the couch in his apartment. She was still scared to let herself to get close to him. She didn't want to be hurt again even though she knew Tony would protect her. "Um," she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She hoped it covered the shaking in her hands. "I don't know."

Tony frowned, her voice shook when she spoke. Her shaking hands hadn't missed his worried glance. "Zee. Talk to me. He can't hurt you and your safe now. I'll protect you." His whispered promise was sealed with a gentle kiss to her temple.

"Tony." Her voice was pleading and he could tell she was on the verge of tears. "Please don't."

"Zee I only want to know. I want to help you feel better. Please talk to me." Tony watched her body stiffen in his arms.

Ziva got up shoving Tony back on the couch when he tried getting up. She barely paused long enough to put her shoes on before bolting outside. She took the stairs two at a time hoping shoving Tony down gave her a chance to get to her car. Tears were blurring her vision as she fumbled blindly for the handle.

Tony quickly followed and reached her at the door as she tried finding the handle. He grabbed her in his arms and held her. "Zee. Shh its alright." He smoothed the curls down gently as she sank in his arms. Quietly Tony slid to the floor holding her closer. He gently pulled her on his lap like a small child and cuddled her close to his chest.

Ziva cried into Tony's chest. "It hurts. It still hurts." Was all he could hear between the sobs and the muffle that his chest provided.

"I know. I know it does my ninja. Your safe. I promise your safe." Tony whispered as he kissed the fluff of hair on the top of her head. He rested his cheek against her forehead and rubbed her back soothingly. He hated seeing her like this. He hated knowing his partner was hurting and there was nothing to do to help her.

Someone walked down the stairs and stopped seeing Tony and Ziva sitting on the floor. The woman was from the floor above Tony. She hated him and he never knew exactly why. Just that she hated him. A small smile covered her lips as she glanced at Tony then she silently left the building, leaving the two federal agents to hold each other.

Tony kissed Ziva's head again gently. "We'll be okay. Together. I promise."

Ziva's sobs had quieted and now she looked up at Tony her cheeks still slightly wet from the tears, and red from embarrassment. "Really?"

Tony placed his lips on her forehead nodding. "Yes." He kissed her cheek, tasting the salt from her tears. "Promise."

A/N:So kinda a filler but I had a major block. Over car rides I shall brainstorm so I can make the last chapters excellent for you! Until then see ya!