Chapter Thirty-Three

Ziva set Conner into his crib when they got home. He was already fast asleep, exhausted from the fun he had with Abby and McGee. She could hear Tony moving around in the room next to hers, probably getting ready for bed and maybe regretting telling her.

She was already regretting denying how she felt. She did love him. But she was scared. She didn't want to be hurt and doing this was one of the ways she knew how to protect herself.

"Ziva," Tony's voice came from the doorway.

Ziva turned and looked at him. He looked sad. She did it to him to. "Yes?" Her voice was no more then a whisper. She couldn't make herself talk louder.

"Uh, about what I told you, forget it. I shouldn't have said it. And uh goodnight." He gave a half smile and turned dragging his heavy feet, and a heavy heart to his room.

Ziva closed her eyes. She looked at Conner who slept peacefully. "You like him huh tateleh?" She knew the answer in her heart. Just tell him. Its simple. He loves you, there is no doubt he does. Just go over there and tell him. He'll protect you. He's going to be there through everything. You have to trust him. You've trusted him this far, you can trust him with that. Ziva's conscious argued softly.

She nodded agreeing with it then quickly went to Tony's room. He was about to lay down when she came in. "Tony."

"Yeah?" Tony stopped and looked at her curiosity in his eyes.

"I love you to." Ziva said and walked over. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

Tony was surprised as he wrapped his arms around her, "what?" He couldn't believe his ears. Was she serious?

"I love you." She looked up at him. "I-I didn't tell you because that was the safest way I knew to keep myself safe. From getting hurt."

"Zee, I'd never want to hurt you. You mean too much to me. You're my little ninja." Tony explained.

Ziva's eyes flickered softly as she looked at the features of his face. Slowly she stood on her tip toes and gently pressed her surprisingly soft lips against his own. She rested a hand on the back of his neck letting herself surrender into the kiss.

Tony held her close, his hands softly resting on her back, swirling softly in gentle soft circles. They were soothing to the Israeli as they kissed.

Slowly they both pulled away to look at each other, and get some air into their lungs.

Tony looked in Ziva's chocolate brown orbs, a smile satisfying itself onto his lips. Ziva's lips curved upward as she smiled at the man she loved.

Tony kissed her forehead, "I love you Zee. I love you and Conner. I promise I'll never hurt either of you."

Ziva smiled resting her head on his chest, her ear finding the soft, gentle, steady rhythm of his heart. "I believe you Tony." She looked up into his green eyes. "Thank you."

Tony kissed her lips softly. "You're welcome." He looked at the oven's clock, "want to go get some sleep? You should go to your room since Conner. Otherwise I'd suggest my room."

Ziva nodded agreeing to his logic. "I agree." She pressed her lips against his once more before going into her room where young Conner was still fast asleep. She smiled and checked on him before turning the light off and laying down. Staring at the celing she realized how happy she was. It was the first time in months.

Tony laid in his bed the room just next door. A smile across his face. All he could think was his co-worker who he loved, loved him back. She loved him! He loved her! Everything was falling into place.

A/N:Tah-dah! Decided it'd be a good Christmas gift to get this out quickly. :) Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. Review, if not, I'm okay with it. :D. Hope you get what you want!