Ziva: Are you alright…McGee?

McGee: I'm just glad you're alive

--

Timothy McGee was more proud of himself at their return, than at any graduation ceremony or recognition he'd ever received. If someone had told him while at John Hopkins that he'd stare down the barrel of a gun while helping to rescue a friend half way across the world he may have laughed outright. But now, laughing was the furthest thing from his mind. All he felt right now was relief…and even a twinge of happiness.

She was home…safe. Not dead. Not lost at sea…

Nothing else mattered.

After watching the long embrace in front of him, his heart leapt in his chest. The applause lifting his what was once, a down cast spirit. It wasn't long after the day was over that he found himself waiting for her…

"Walk you to your car?"

Ziva didn't hesitate. "I'd like that."

He stepped aside to allow her entrance into the elevator. The both of them still ragged in appearance form their ordeal. "Bet you cant wait to get home and take a shower huh?"

Home. A word that suddenly had new meaning. "I am staying at the Best Western yes? I have heard the accommodations are nice.."

Tim almost head slapped himself. How could he forget the explosion at her apartment only months before? "Yeah, I guess…but you're welcome at my place till you find a new apartment…in fact, I can help you look over the next few days if you're up for it…my friends a realtor, I can give him a call."

"That is very sweet of you Tim…but the hotel will be fine."

"You deserve better…" he blurted it out before thinking. That was something Tony did; not him. "What I mean to say…is you should be taken care of for a few days…you've been through a lot."

"I am capable of taking care of myself McGee…" She took in his expression. "But thank you…"

He watched her step off the elevator and walk in the opposite direction. It wasn't long before he hollered back at her. "You're not alone you know…"

Her eyes almost instantly welled with tears as she turned back.

Tim approached her. "Look…I know it's all a bit crazy right now…with what happened with Tony…and being captured…heck, we thought you were dead…but the last thing you need….the last thing any of us need is to be alone…so let us help…"

"You have helped enough."

He watched her turn to walk away a second time. "I would let you help me…" He took in a breath. "Why do you get to be the martyr?"

She turned back but only for a moment. "Because you have not done the things I have done McGee…"

Tim knew the statement was true and was left with nothing else to say. His heart was heavy as he watched her drive away…but he was determined to try again tomorrow …and the next, and the next day.

Because after today, there was no giving up.