Chapter Sixteen

Ziva sat on the couch holding Conner in her lap, Tony sat next to her and they were all watching Tarzan. So far Conner had enjoyed all of it, giggling at some parts, and hiding in Ziva's arms at some.

Tony was watching the two's facial expressions with a smile. Both of them seemed entertained by the movie and were enjoying themselves.

But there was one thing that kept distracting Tony. How sad Ziva looked. Yeah, she looked like she was enjoying herself but that didn't count the amount of sadness Tony witnessed inside her brown eyes. Sadness and guilt. She was still blaming herself for the whole incident. Tony reached over and gently put a hand on her arm. "Ziva, can we talk?"

Ziva looked at him then Conner, "but Conner."

"We can put him in the playpen so he can still watch the movie." Tony suggested.

Ziva nodded and carried Conner to the playpen. She gently laid him down in the playpen then followed Tony into the small kitchen.

"Are you still blaming yourself?" Tony asked simply as he looked at her.

"Wh-What? Of course not Tony." Ziva denied looking away.

"Ziva, tell me the truth." Tony watched her, almost willing her to look over. He wasn't going to grab her wrists or hurt her anymore. He promised himself that.

"Tony, I am not…" Ziva stopped and looked at him, "I am so sorry Tony. You got shot because of me."

"Yeah I did get shot. But put yourself in my place. If you were the one watching everyone, and I was the one who wasn't paying attention and was getting snuck up on what would you do?" Tony asked.

"Kill him." Ziva answered simply.

Tony smiled, "if you weren't a ninja what would you do?"

"I do not know Tony," Ziva wouldn't admit it. Not yet at least.

"Yes you do Ziva. Tell me." Tony raised an eyebrow. "If my life was at stake and you wouldn't see me again if you didn't do something, what would you do?"

"I would have done the same." Ziva slowly admitted, "only because Gibbs would head slap me forever." She quickly added. Now I do not sound so soft.

"Really?" Tony crossed his arms and watched her.

Ziva nodded. "Yes. Thank you." She reached up and gave his cheek a small kiss before going back into the living room to Conner.

Tony's cheeks began to turn pink and he smiled. He noticed and tried to get rid of the blushing. Whoa! Whoa! No way! I am not going to be blushing over it. I mean, it's Ziva, my co-worker! I-I can't fall in love with her! There's so many reasons not to! Gibbs' rules, the fact she can kill me with a single finger, her son! No! I am NOT falling in love with Ziva David.

Oh but you are Tony. A part of Tony's conscious reminded, and there's many reasons why you should fall in love. You love Ziva already. You're smart enough to annoy Ziva yet stay alive. You made it this far. Gibbs, well he'd head slap ya a few times, but its not something you've already had. Also, her son loves you. Pretty soon he's going to be talking and it wouldn't be surprising if he called you 'dada' or something.

But I can't be a dad! Tony argued back, hello! I'm afraid of commitment here!

Exactly! But are you in love with Ziva?

No. Yes! No! Wait yes! Just! Yes. Tony sighed. He had officially lost it. He was arguing with himself and had just lost against himself. It wouldn't be long until someone checked him into the Funny Farm.

Tony walked into the doorway of the living room and watched Ziva who was laying on the couch on her side, Conner tucked into her. It was all for a good reason though.