A/N: I know it's been awhile since I've updated, but I had a really busy week in school! I was on a field trip in the woods for three days, but plenty happened to give me some writing inspiration. Since I failed to put up a new chapter last weekend, this chapter should be a little longer. I think it's time we get into the heads of Tony and Ziva.

Disclaimer: Okay, I'm getting tired of repeating myself. This disclaimer goes for every other chapter I post. I still don't own any part of NCIS.


Leaning back in his seat, Tony stretched out his arms and yawned in content. As he looked around at his teammates, a genuine smile graced his features.

It was a refreshing change, to be eating out with his friends, to feel like he actually belonged there. Sure, Tony wasn't going to deny that he was generally popular with most everyone, but he always enjoyed having that special spot on Team Gibbs. During the Grenouille mission, he had needed to separate himself, to keep secrets from his team. It had pained Tony to watch the pang of worry in their eyes as the lies rolled off his tongue.

Now, sitting at a small table in the back of a dimly lit, French cafe, he realized just how important the people surrounding him were. They were more than best friends, they were DiNozzo's real family, though dysfunctional at times. Tony let his gaze wonder over each of them.

McGee, the younger brother, who Tony constantly picked on and corrected. Despite their constant bickering, Tony had always been there for the younger man when it got rough.

Abby, the energetic little sister. Little sisters were typically annoying, yet who wouldn't fall for her lovable attitude and tight hugs?

Finally, his green eyes searched his partner's features, trying to place her in the family. She had always perplexed him, and Tony knew that there was no way he loved her like a sibling.

He stopped.

Had he just...thought that...about Ziva?

Tony sighed and ruffled his hair slightly. Gibbs would have head slapped him just for thinking that. Looking up, Tony realized that Ziva had caught on to his change in demeanor almost immediately, and was now staring at him intently.

He brightened instantly, pasting his signature grin on his features. The look in Ziva's dark, brown eyes told him that she didn't buy the act, but he kept it up anyway.

McGee and Abby had finished their talk about computers and various video games, so Abby's attention span was slowly waning. She looked around the table, and noticed the silent conversation going on between Tony and Ziva. McGee had caught on too, and raised his eyebrows at Abby.

Clasping her hands together, Abby suggested, "Hey, it's a fine night out, why don't we go for a stroll? I saw a nice, little park on the way here!"

"Abby, it looks like rain," Tim commented, but she brushed it off.

None of the other agents could resist her puppy dog eyes, so they sighed and followed her out, shrugging on their jackets.

Stepping out into the cool night, Tony inhaled deeply as he closed his eyes and tilted his head back, up into the night sky. He took in the faint traces of French cuisine, the smell of a foreshadowing storm, and...his partner's own scent?

His eyes opened slowly, and he noticed that Ziva had come to stand beside him, and was watching him as McGee and Abby linked arms and headed for the park. Tony didn't bother to set up his usual defense, but instead gestured towards the park. Ziva nodded slightly and they set off a few feet behind their friends in silence.

-----

"You guys go ahead, I think I'm going to take a break right here," she called. Abby, Tim, and DiNozzo all nodded, and kept running around, Tim trying to tag the other two.

Ziva plopped down on a wooden bench and watched her friends with a sigh. With her extensive Mossad training, she really wasn't tired, but needed time to gather her thoughts.

The change in Tony's mood had been easy to detect, in fact, she was surprised at how in tune they were. As she had watched that fake little grin play over his face, Ziva knew that Tony understood she didn't believe him.

Ziva sighed, she knew Tony could be serious when necessary, and he was always able to cheer everyone up, but he couldn't bring himself to admit his own feelings or problems. She had tried to get him to speak during the months when he was with Jeanne, but he stayed closed off to his team.

Thinking of his ex-girlfriend, she winced internally. It was easy to see that the playboy had finally fallen in love. Even just watching him talk with Jeanne on the phone had been difficult, and when his Mustang exploded Ziva nearly died, but what hit her hardest was the aftermath. She hadn't been prepared for the change in her partner after the mission. For the first time, Ziva saw how much Tony had cared for the other woman, and how it pained him when she left. Once again, she tried to be there for her partner, but the walls stayed up between them. Ziva wanted to pound the bench with her fists, he frustrated her to no end, never letting her in, no matter how hard she tried. And for some unknown reason, she kept coming back every time she walked away. She sighed again; she was being somewhat of a hypocrite. After all, she had walls of her own, walls that he was slowly wearing down.

A tentative cough brought Ziva out of her reverie, but she didn't have to look to know who was standing a few feet before her.

"You do not need my permission to sit, Tony."

He let out a small breath in relief, and moved to sit across from her on the bench.

Finally looking up, Ziva took in the sight of her partner, letting her eyes wander over his defeated features. His hair was messed up, flopping slightly in the breeze; evidence that most of the gel had ceased helping. As he ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it out of his face, Ziva figured that his hair was no longer pristine due to that exact action. His eyes were empty, and he seemed lost, as if he wasn't sure what to do next.

She was so lost in his face that she failed to notice his soft green eyes drift over her own physique. He let his gaze travel over her dark brown curls, until he locked eyes with his partner.

They stared at each other for a long few seconds, oblivious to Abby and McGee still playing around.

Tony broke away first. Ziva smirked a little in response.

They both sat, neither talking, watching their Tim chase the Goth across the field. Ziva shifted in place, uncomfortable, and Tony had his head in his hands. They weren't used to such an unfriendly silence, usually it was perfectly companionable.

After minutes ticked by, Ziva finally spoke.

"Is there a point to us sitting here? Are we going to talk, or is it going to be the same as it has been...lately?"

She couldn't bring herself to say what was the catalyst for the change in their relationship.

Tony turned to face her, saying nothing. Ziva raised her eyebrows at him.

Tony opened his mouth to speak, then shut it again promptly. Ziva stood, moving to leave.

He reached out, "Ziva, wait."

Stopping, she stared back at the pain in his darkened, green eyes. He started once again, but McGee and Abby came over, interrupting.

Tony groaned. Damn, every time!

Tim was out of breath.

"We have a problem."


A/N: Sounds like trouble! Come on, now click that nice little review button! I know you want to.