Thanks again for all the wonderful remarks everyone has given me. I am sorry if I did not answer everyone but I promise I will do better. I got a little behind.

Some great advise has been given to me and I am looking for a beta reader. If you would like to help me please PM me and I will get back to you.

All mistakes are mine, and again I find I don't own a thing. And since we didn't win the lottery on Wednesday, I am still looking for work.

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

Tony left the office at 5pm on the dot. He was supposed to meet Alex at the little Italian restaurant not to far from his home. He had told her the food was really good, and it was, but it was the home atmosphere that he really loved about the place. It was the type of cooking his grandmother had taught him. Both he and Alex like to eat good food and he could remember them talking about it.

(After the second Saturday class)

"So, do you want to go have some lunch," asked Tony, "I am ready to eat my book bag I am so hungry." Tony's stomach growled at the same time causing Alex to laugh.

"Sure, what do you want?"

"Don't care, as long as it is good food," said Tony.

"Well, there is a great hamburger place not far from the school campus, we can go there."

Tony nodded and off they went. The hamburgers where great and they talked while they ate. Tony asked Alex, "Do you like to cook?"

"Actually I do, I love to cook. I didn't get much of a chance earlier in my career, I wasn't home much, but I try as much as possible now. What about you, do you cook?"

"I do. I love to cook. But like you I don't get that much time now. I tend to live off of take-out due to my work schedule," Tony paused and looked inside himself. "My grandmother taught me to cook Italian and Consuelo taught me how to cook just about everything else. Those were the only times I can remember that were happy. My mom was gone by then and dad really never paid any attention to me."

Alex just looked at Tony as he talked. She was getting the impression that he did not have a great childhood even though he came from money. Alex knew that money did not make the family. "Tony, will you cook for me one day?"

Tony pulled himself back to the present and looked at Alex. She was smiling that little smile that she had and her eyes were twinkling at him. He smiled at her and said, "Maybe," he drawled out. "We shall see how nice you are to me." They both laughed.

Tony was waiting outside the restaurant when Alex walked up the sidewalk. "How did you get here?" He had not seen her car.

"I took a cab, it was easier than trying to find parking." Tony opened the door for Alex and stepped into the restaurant. The smells immediately hit them and they both groaned.

"Anthony," Marco yelled across the restaurant. "What brings you here on a Friday night?"

Tony smiled, placed his hand on Alex's back, "Marco, this is my friend Alex and I brought her here to eat some of the best Italian in the city."

Marco smiled. "Excellent, bring her over to the back table, it is not so loud and I will see what we have to bring out to you. Alex, make sure Tony treats you right. You are the are the first girl he bring to me. Wait till the family meets you. They will be so excited."

Alex looked at Tony while they sat down. Tony helped her into her chair and Alex said, "first girl?"

Tony blushed. "Well, this is a special place, you are a special person, so only the best for you."

Alex continued to stare at Tony. She was so pleased that he had never brought another girl/woman to this restaurant; it meant that it was special, they were special and a warm feeling began spreading in her.

Marco's wife Elise came out to greet Tony. In rapid Italian Elise asked about Alex. "Who is the beautiful girl you bring me tonight Anthony, who? She is beautiful, are you going to marry her?"

Both Tony and Alex choked on their water. Alex answered Elise in Italian as well. "We haven't gotten that far in our relationship yet. This is just our first real date." Alex smiled to Elise while she said it.

Elise was thrilled, "Your Italian is excellent, you make good wife for our Anthony. Nice job Anthony." While Elise patted Tony's arm, a young man came out to refill the glasses and to bring Tony a bottle of wine. "Dad sent this out Tony. Mom, Dad said to go back to the kitchen and not embarrass Tony. Leave him alone with Alex."

Elise waved her hands at her son and started to shout at the kitchen as she walked away. Marco Jr looked at Tony and smiled. "Sorry Tony, mom's just happy."

Tony and Alex both laughed. "It's ok Marco. Marco, I would like you to meet Alexandra Flores. Alex this is Marco Jr. We call him MJ. He is studying law at Georgetown, so you both have something to talk about."

Alex smiled at MJ. "I am a JAG attorney and work at NCIS. What year are you in?"

"Second," MJ smiled. "I really enjoy it. I hope to work for the US Attorney's office when I am done. I worked last summer with them and hope to intern with them again this coming summer."

"Well, are you a good student? Both NCIS and the JAG have intern programs as well."

Tony answered first. "MJ is a great student. He is top of his class. He would make a great intern this summer."

"Well," said Alex, "keep us in mind when you are applying. We can always use good candidates." MJ saw his father bringing out food. "Thanks Alex I will keep that in mind."

Alex and Tony continued to talk as food was served. They didn't even order. The only question that was asked was if Alex was allergic to anything and she said no. For the next hour the pair quietly talked to each other. Once the main meal was finished Elise brought them dessert.

"Only chocolate will work for Anthony, Alex. What about you." Elise asked in Italian.

Alex laughed and answered, "Chocolate always works for me too."

The two finished dinner and went to pay the bill. Marco came out "no, no, don't worry about tonight, first dates are always more important. Come back and we shall see." Alex and Tony thanked Marco and his family and left.

As Alex and Tony walked to Tony's car, Alex asked the question, "So do you go there a lot?"

"Yes, I do. I can go in any night, they sit me right away and sometimes in the kitchen if they are really busy. I have even been known to wait on tables if they are really busy." Tony looked at Alex and smiled. "They treat me like family."

Alex smiled again at Tony. "You are very lucky to have a place like that." Alex took a deep breath of the night air. "So what's next. I really don't want to end it now."

"No not ending, we are going somewhere else and it is a surprise." They had arrived at Tony's car. The new old mustang had replaced the one that had been blown up. "Get in and hang on, it won't take long to get where we are going and I hope you will enjoy it."

Tony got into the car and started to drive. He hoped he had learned enough about Alex in the past few weeks that she would enjoy where he was taking them. As they pulled into the parking lot Alex turned to Tony and smiled and then started to laugh. The had arrived at the Virginia County Youth Fair. "Oh Tony, I haven't been to one of these in years. What made you think of this?"

"One of the guys was selling tickets to raise money for his daughter's school. They sell them every year and I always buy them, but I never can get anyone to go, but I thought maybe you would like to."

"I used to go every year when we were in school. One of us always had a project in one of the competitions and we came for concerts and the deep fried twinkies; I haven't had one of those in years." Alex grabbed Tony's hand. "Come on, we have to get inside. I want to know who is singing in this year in concert and I want a deep fried Twinkie. "

Tony was thrilled. He couldn't believe she was so excited. Alex was like a little kid. They walked through the fair and tried to decide what to do first. They found out who was in concert and decided to pass. Alex nudge Tony toward the games. "Are you going to win me stuffed animal? You know that is what dates are supposed to do to impress the girl."

Tony laughed, grabbed Alex's hand and started at the first booth. It was a water gun shooting booth that blew up the balloons. Tony was competing against several kids at the same time. The buzzer sounded and the water began shooting out of the gun. Tony could hear Alex shouting and clapping as he was hitting the bullseye. All of the sudden Tony's balloon popped. Alex cheered loudly. The man running the booth handed Tony a small stuffed elephant. "Congratulations Mr. come back soon!"

Tony handed Alex the small elephant with a bow. "Thank you Sir. It is perfect." Alex reached up on tiptoes to kiss Tony on the cheek. Tony looked down at Alex, smiled, took her hand and walked to another booth down the row of carnival games. They also stopped at the stand for Twinkies, the gentleman in the stand said, "Get you deep fried Twinkie." Tony looked at Alex and held up one finger. Alex said, "Yes, just one, we can share. I can't eat more than that."

It had become late and the fair was shutting down. Tony and Alex walked back to the car. As Tony was holding the door open for Alex, she stopped, looked up at him and smiled. "Tony, that was a fantastic, I don't know what you are going to do to top this. It is going to have to be pretty spectacular."

Tony laughed. "Maybe you should plan the next one then."

Alex also laughed. "Maybe I should. Tony," Alex became serious, "I really have enjoyed getting to know you over the last month or so. I don't want to stop, but we going to need to talk about what we are doing at work and if you want anyone to know. You don't seem to, because you also never told me about Tim and Ziva. I want to see what happens next."

Tony moved around the car door and took Alex's hands in his. He brought Alex's right hand up for a kiss. "Alexandra, I want to see where we are going to go. I want to see more of you and for you to become part of my life." Tony paused and then continued, "I want to keep us private at work. We don't need everyone to know about us. I don't share my life with my team and in fact only a few people know about what I do in my life. I'll understand if you can't do this, but please understand I just want us to be private."

Alex looked at Tony for a time. She didn't say anything at first wanting to make sure she said her next statement with care. "Tony, you will need to explain that thinking in more detail at some point, but I understand the sentiment. We don't have to talk to people at work about our lives, I don't as a rule, but if my mother asks me who, what, where and so on I will tell her, I won't lie." Alex finally smiled again.

Tony let out a small chuckle, "Thanks Alex. You can tell you family all you want and I'll even put myself out there and say you can introduce me to mom if that will help. I am taking you to Ducky's on Sunday so you are meeting my family, I should meet yours."

Alex took her hand out of Tony's and patted his cheek. "Be careful what you wish for in meeting my family. We're nuts and no apologies." Tony laughed out loud.

"Get in the car." Tony ordered. "Time to get you home. We have class tomorrow and we both have to get some sleep." Tony walked around the car and got in, started the car and drove away. Alex grabbed the elephant Tony had put on the dash and thought. "GREAT FIRST DATE!"

Alex gave Tony her address and Tony pulled in front of the apartment building near Falls Church. Tony got out of the car and helped Alex out of the car. He walked her up to the door and Alex opened the outside door. They walked up to the second floor and paused at Alex's front door. Alex tilted her head up, Tony leaned down and they shared their first real kiss. It was slow, soft and very warm. Tony brought his hand up and caressed her cheek. "Have a great night Alex, I will see you in the morning."

"Good night Tony, safe drive home. Let me know when you get home, ok?"

"Will do." Alex opened her door all the way, waved goodnight to Tony and shut the door. Alex leaned against the door and let out a breath. "Oh WOW! When do we do that next." Alex walked back to her bedroom and put the elephant on the bed. Tony the elephant. Wouldn't he get a kick out of the fact that he slept in her bed. About 30 minutes later Alex received a text. Made it home, thanks for a great date. See you tomm.

Before they both knew it Saturday morning came bright and early. Tony was really happy. He managed to make it through his Saturday class until 11am. He received a call and walked out of the classroom. "DiNozzo what's happening?"

Ok I am on my way. I should be there in about 20 minutes, I am not far from there.

Tony walked back into the classroom, whispered to Alex. "I will call you later. I enjoyed last night." Tony smiled as he look Alex in the eyes. "I don't know if I will see you this evening, but I will call about tomorrow and Ducky for sure." Alex nodded squeezed Tony's hand and also whispered, "Be careful." Tony smiled again to Alex and walked out.

The team met at the park. Ducky and Palmer arrived shortly after Tony arrived. There were two bodies so Tony figured he would not be seeing Alex tonight. He said hello to Ducky and Palmer and went to work on photographing the area as directed by Gibbs. Ziva's only comment to Tony was, "nice you could make it." Tony ignored her.

Ducky made his way over to Tony to ask him about class. Ducky quietly asked, "what about class today?"

Tony answered, "I had talked to the professor during last week's class. He was fine. I actually was surprised I was able to stay as long as I did today. Alex will take notes for me so it is no big deal. I mean I hate to miss, the prof understands."

"Alex?" asked Ducky, wondering if it was Alexandra. That would explain why he picked up a certain something between the two the other day when he met her.

"Yeah, it is Alexandra from work. Listen, Ducky, I haven't told the team I am going to class, Gibbs sort of knows, but I have not told him everything and no one knows that Alex is attending with me. That is how we initially met." Tony looked at Ducky, "Please don't say anything to anyone. I'm not ready yet."

Ducky quickly looked up at Tony. My, my he thought. This could be interesting. "No problem Anthony. I told you I would not say anything and I won't start now."

Tony smiled his thanks and added, "Ducky, would you mind if I brought Alex with me tomorrow when I come over to see you mother. I think she and Alex would get along great and I know that Alex would really enjoy your mother."

Ducky was thrilled. Tony wanted to share something of his life with someone. He looked at Tony and saw a wounded, brave man and thought what a wonderful thing it would be if he found someone he could be himself with, what a difference it would make in his life. "By all means, bring her with you." Ducky smiled at Tony, turned to walk away, paused, and turned back and asked, "She knows about Mother's way of asking about her underwear?"

"Yeah, Ducky," Anthony laughed, "I told her. We will see you tomorrow unless." Ducky nodded and walked away.

Gibbs looked at Tony and Ducky talking. He wondered what they were talking about. Tony looked happy when he was talking to Ducky. Gibbs then watched Tony turn back to his team and the mask fell back into place, the mask that showed nothing. Gibbs kept thinking that he was missing something when Tony looked at him with that blank expression, but he couldn't figure out what it was. Gibbs thought he remembered when he and Tony could communicate by just looking at one another, but when he looked now, there was nothing.

The team worked very late into the night before calling it a day. Gibbs looked at everyone and told them "Come in Monday morning 0700, we will get started again then. We won't get anymore information on Sunday when all the offices are closed." The team packed up and Tony looked at the clock, it was nearly 4am in the morning. He was happy that he would be getting a little sleep before he had to pick Alex up to go to the Mallards. Tony had texted Alex earlier with the time frame so she knew he would be picking her up at 12:30pm. Tony loaded his gear into the car and drove home. He entered his apartment, stripped, fell into bed and was out cold in less than five minutes.

Tony's alarm went off at 11:30am. He groaned and turned over in bed. He didn't think he had moved all night. As he looked at the ceiling he smiled to himself. He had a date with Alex. He had a date with Alex and he was sharing her with the Mallards. Tony smiled to himself got up and started his day.

Right on time he buzzed Alex in her apartment. Alex answered and heard Tony say it was him. She buzzed him in and the front door was open when he reached her door. "You know that your door shouldn't be left open like this. Anyone could come up."

Alex looked at him and just said, "Stop being such a cop." Alex and Tony looked at each other and laughed. "I am a marine you know. I can take care of myself. I am very good at hand-to-hand."

Tony looked at Alex, "Ok, we shall have to see, you, me at the gym and if you can take me down, I won't bother you anymore about your door. If you can't, you don't open this door until I come to it. Deal?"

Alex answered, "Deal. Are we ready to go?"

"Yes Ma'am! lets go. Mrs. Mallard will be waiting."

Tony and Alex arrived at the Mallards about 30 minutes later. As Tony knocked on the door the dogs inside went nuts. "I don't know if they know that it is me, or if they just bark like that when anyone answers the door." Alex laughed.

"Welcome Anthony and Alexandra, welcome to our home. I am so glad you both could join us for tea this afternoon." said Ducky.

Alex answered first. "Oh no Ducky, I am so happy I could be here. I can't wait to meet your mother and her dogs." she smiled at Tony and then looked at Ducky, "I also can't wait until he takes care of the dogs."

Ducky also laughed, especially when Tony rolled his eyes at Alex. "He is a good boy, Alexandra, as you will see. You can not do better. Come, come. Come meet Mother."

Ducky showed Alex and Tony in the the parlor. The tea service had been set up. The corgis were bouncing about Mrs. Mallard's feet. She looked up at Tony and said, "Oh it is my Italian gigolo. It is about time you got here. The toilet needs to be moved again and Chester needs to be groomed. Your late young man." She then looked at Alex. "Who are you, what are you doing here? You are that harlot aren't you? What type of underwear are you wearing, show me."

"Mother," said Ducky, "this is Anthony's friend. "She is here to have tea with us today." Ducky turned to Alex, "And watch Anthony move the furniture." Alex smiled at Ducky, took his hand, squeezed gently and started to speak to Mrs. Mallard.

"Mrs. Mallard, my mother has always sent me out with clean underwear, that is all you need to know. We are going to have tea while Anthony moves what ever you need moved; and once he has completed that chore he can groom the dogs for you. So the afternoon is planed." Alex turned to Tony pointed to the door and said, "Get to work you Italian Gigalo, you will receive a proper reward when you are finished."

Tony just stared at Alex. He couldn't believe what she said. She was siding with Mrs. Mallard. Tony shared a look with Ducky and the two men walked out of the room. Ducky looked at Tony once they were on the other side of the door. "Anthony, if you don't want that young lady I do. You take care of her, she is something special I think."

Tony looked at Ducky, "Ducky, I think you are absolutely right. She is something special. I can't believe she threw me out of the room." Tony laughed. "Come on Ducky, lets find us something stronger than tea. We can talk while Alex and Mrs. Mallard get acquainted. I think we are going to be here for a while this afternoon."

Tony and Alex stayed for most of the afternoon. After about an hour Ducky and Tony came back into the parlor to see how the ladies were doing. Mrs. Mallard and Alex were still happily chatting over a pot of tea. "Good you are back young man, did you move the toilet?"

"Yes ma'am, I did. Is there anything else you would liked moved today?"

"No, it is time to groom the dogs. Please start with Chester and then you can take care of the other three. Remember they all like to be brushed. Chester likes it rough when you brush him, don't forget that."

"No ma'am, I won't forget." Tony bent down to get Chester to get started on the dogs. He saw Ducky roll his eyes at his mother. Tony smiled at Ducky, a real smile to show how much he loved doing this. Tony looked to Alex while he picked up Chester and mouthed "having fun?"

Alex smiled a huge smile while she was talking to Mrs. Mallard and shook her head yes at Tony. She sat there having tea with a slightly batty old woman, spending time with Tony and Ducky and enjoying herself immensely. She wouldn't have traded this afternoon for anything in the world.

Tony finished up the dogs and went back into the parlor. Ducky had come to the kitchen to check on him on occasion. Tony also cooked while at the Mallards for Ducky on Sunday. It was enough food to freeze for a couple of meals during the week. It gave Ducky an evening off especially when Ducky's help could not stay.

"Are you staying for dinner tonight Tony?" Ducky asked quietly.

"I don't think so Ducky. We had a long day yesterday and I need to get something done this evening at home. If we can, the next time we come, we will try. I can ask Alex if she wants to stay, it is just too short notice this afternoon."

"I understand Anthony. I can't thank you enough for all you do on these Sundays. I know that I can even leave if I have to and Mother will be well taken care of."

"Dr. Mallard, " Tony said formally, "I hope you know how much I enjoy coming over here and being with you and your family. It means so much to me that you would trust me enough with your mother."

Ducky looked at Tony and reached out a hand. "My boy, you are the only one I would. By the way, I must tell you again, how delightful I am finding Alexandra. I hope she will remain a part of your life."

"Me too, Duck. I knew that she was special, but she keeps surprising me on how she treats people. Not everyone would sit with Mrs. Mallard. I not sure what is going to happen between us, but I can't wait to find out."

Back in the parlor Tony watched Alex tell the Mallards goodbye. "I can't tell you what a delightful afternoon I had. I hope you will allow me to come back one Sunday?"

Ducky answered, "My dear, you are welcome at any time. Please come again when you get a chance. I know that Mother will love to see you again."

"Yes, come again young lady, you are well behaved and have the appropriate underwear on," said Mrs. Mallard.

Ducky looked at Alex and rolled his eyes. Alex took Ducky's hands. "I had a wonderful time. She has great stories. I would be honored to come back."

Ducky walked Tony and Alex to the door. "Thank you both for this. I can't tell you how much it means to us, to me."

Tony grabbed Alex's hand and looked at Ducky. "Duck, any time you know that. We will see you tomorrow." Alex and Tony made their way to Tony's car. Alex turned one more time to look at the house, waved to Ducky who remained by the front door and sat in the car. Tony closed her door turned to Ducky waved goodbye and left.

Ducky walked back into the house looked up to the heavens and said, "Please, please, whoever put that delightful young lady in Anthony's life, please protect them both. He deserves to be happy."

On the drive home Tony looked at Alex and couldn't tell what she was thinking so he knew he was going to ask. "Ok, I can't wait, what did you think, did you really enjoy yourself or were you just kidding, and please tell me the truth."

Alex looked at Tony while he drove. His strong hands on the wheel. "I thought Mrs. Mallard was absolutely batty." Tony winced. "But," Alex continued, "I thought she was absolutely delightful. I wouldn't have missed this afternoon for anything. I really enjoyed how you were with her and Ducky. You, my friend, are one of the most caring men I have ever met. So Tony, you are not allowed to go back to that house without me. I will be very upset if you don't ask me the next time you go. I wouldn't miss my Italian Gigolo for anything in the world."

Tony took a quick glance at Alex, "Your Italian gigalo huh? Well we shall see about that. Ok, just a quick question, did you want to get some dinner or just head home?" Tony hoped for dinner, but the long day Saturday was starting to catch up with him, he didn't know if he would be the best company.

"Tony, I think you are about to drop. How about lunch tomorrow if possible. I will be in the office all day tomorrow as I don't have court. That way you can go home and sleep."

Tony laughed. "Thanks Alex. I appreciate it. I promise I will make it up to you. Maybe next weekend I can cook for you." Tony pulled in front of Alex's building and opened his door. He came around and opened her door and helped her out of the car and walked her to the front door. "Have a great night Alex and sleep well. I will see you tomorrow." Tony leaned in and kissed Alex goodnight. This kiss was a little longer than last nights and even better. Both felt their toes curl as they kissed. Tony placed his forehead on Alex's.

"Have a good night Alex."

Alex took a deep breath. "I will Tony, after all I have Tony the elephant sharing my bed. How could I go wrong." Alex quickly turned, laughing as Tony stood there stunned. Tony shook his head, made his way back to the car and started home.

Tony the elephant, damn lucky elephant.

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

A/N: Thanks for reading. Let me know if you enjoy or didn't. As I said at the beginning I am looking for a beta reader. I know I miss stuff all the time so any help would be appreciate. From when I started and now that I have finished this chapter, I was offered a new job on Thursday afternoon. I may not be updating as I have been but be patient. These two have more adventures planned. Like I said, I am borrowing stories from different episodes, but not necessarily in the order they are in, please forgive me. Have a great weekend.