A/N: oh jeez I am so sorry for this late update! I was super busy today so yes, I apologize. Anyways, here is your Chapter 12! I hope ya'll enjoy!

Chapter 12

Her normal routine since coming back to America has ultimately become boring. With every book scan and card check, her "new" life has obviously lacked satisfaction, or better yet gun action. Despite being in a calm surrounding almost 24/7, she could not help but think she is missing something exciting in her life. However, every so often he would surprise her by coming into her work station for lunch dates.

At first, it was only once every few weeks, but once every few weeks turned into a couple times a week, then almost everyday. Really whenever he could. Whenever he would come into the building, a sudden and surprised smile forms on her face - seeing him is always the highlight of her day.

Whether they are an item or not, the looks from Helen would tell each other otherwise. To her, she does not know where their relationship stands however being with him always felt right. As if they are two connecting puzzle pieces.

And yet, despite their differences he knows how to handle her. He just understands her too well. Quite frankly, sometimes it actually scared her.

"Since your break is almost up and we don't have a case, I was wondering if we could go to this new restaurant that opened up just a few blocks away from here," he states as he walks up to the front desk, breaking her from her trance.

"How about it?" he asks her, their eyes locking.

Ziva picks up a maroon hard cover book and scans it. She then places it into a larger stack of books on her right. "I would like that. Let me just finish and we can go, yes?"

Tony plops one of his elbows onto the surface, then supports his head with his hand. When he looks at her, a big smile from him fills her vision."Sure Ziva. Take your time."

The corners of her mouth tug upwards as she scans her last book.

After ordering and finishing their food, Tony shakily takes Ziva's hand in his. He slowly caresses her fingers before opening his mouth to speak. "Ziva, I need to ask you something," he trails off.

The way he says her name makes her legs melt and her heart swoon. "Yes, Tony?"

He inhales a shaky breath before continuing, this time as he places his other hand on top of hers. "I'm not entirely sure what is going on between us, but I know whatever is..it feels right. And I know it may be hard, but is it wrong to want more of"-he gestures between them-"this?" He looks deeply into her eyes for a reaction, but whatever it is, she is very good at not showing it.

He continues,"I..I want this to work, I mean. There's something strong between us and I know you can feel it too. I just don't want to mess things up." Tony pauses. "Ziva, I want you to be my girlfriend."

Ziva is left all but stunned. Sure, it was a little unexpected but she knew that they would be discussing this sometime.

To be honest, the look in his eyes gave away his feelings. He looked scared. The brave, macho and flirtatious Anthony Dinozzo Jr is scared. And out of all things, being involved in a committed relationship. Yet, him working up the nerve to say what he said could not have made her heart beat faster and her whole body feel like mush. She tightens her hand on his grip as she smiles,"Yes, Tony. I will be your girlfriend."

His shoulders visibly relax as his eyes widen. His smile is so big that the corners of his mouth begin to hurt. "Really?"

She touches his cheek gently. "Really," she assures him.

A repeating noise interrupts his sleep. Tony turns over to his side to blindly look for his cell-phone. When he does find it, the bright screen nearly blinds him. "Dinozzo," he says groggily.

"Hey, Tony. A Marine's daughter has been kidnapped. Gibbs wants us to meet him in the bullpen in twenty. You want me to pick you up?" McGee asks quietly, surely he sounds as tired and groggy as Tony.

"Jesus, McGee. It's four o'clock in the morning."

"I'm aware of the Tony," He could hear the younger man sigh on the other line.

"Fine. I'll be ready in five," Tony muttered.

Tony turns to the now awake Ziva when she just nods. "Sorry, Ziva."

She touches his face tenderly. "Do not apologize. It is okay." She scoots closer to him and leans into him. Their lips crash together as he deepens the kiss, taking a handful of her curls. When they no longer have air to inhale, they part with each other's lips. He kisses her forehead as he sits up.

After changing into his work clothes, Ziva is already in the kitchen preparing herself tea.

When McGee comes literally fifteen minutes later, he is surprised that it is not Tony who answers the door.

"Ziva?" he inquires.

"Hello McGee," she says softly.

"Is uh Tony ready?"

"Yes. I am sure he will be out soon."

Just as she says that, Tony appears behind her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading into the hallway of his apartment building.

When he looks at McGee, the younger man's confused expression cannot help but make Tony chuckle.

Entering McGee's vehicle, they two of them ride silently.

After nearly two minutes of silence, McGee is the one who starts their conversation. "So you and Ziva, huh?"

Tony turns to face McGee. "Yeah," he replies.

"Well I'm kind of glad. I mean I'm happy for you two."

"Thanks Tim."

"Are you guys like official? Are you dating?"

Surprisingly, Tony doesn't feel annoyed bug McGee's sudden questions. He does have the right to ask because he found her in his apartment today. And truth be told, if it weren't for McGee suggesting Tony should read a book, he wouldn't have found her. "Yeah. I actually asked her to be my girlfriend last week."

McGee stops at a red light then turns his head to face Tony. His eyes are wide. "Seriously?"

"Yes, Tim. Why is that so hard to believe?"

"I don't know. I mean what happened to all of your one night stands and all?"

Tony stirs in his seat. He really does regret all those one nighters. He especially regrets telling them to Ziva. "Those are the things of the past, Tim. That's not who I am anymore."

"I believe you. What do you think Gibbs is going to say? Or did you tell him already?"

"The all knowing Gibbs? I haven't told him yet, but I'm sure he knows something," Tony laughs, McGee then joins him.

When the two boys enter the bullpen, Gibbs is already impatiently waiting. He takes one of the coffee's from the tray McGee is holding then proceeds to the elevator. "What, you waiting for an invitation?" He calls out from the elevator.

"No Boss," they say as they hurriedly walk into the elevator again.

When they found a break in the case Gibbs dismisses them for lunch. McGee drops Tony off at his house. Picking up his own keys, he drives to the library, knowing that Ziva's break is almost up. When he enters, no one is at the front desk. He searches for her.

Finding her putting books into their original places, he walks to the other side of the shelf, surprising her when she places a book in front of his face.

"It is four already?" she asks playfully.

"It is, my ninja. You almost finished?"

"Almost."

"Okay, I'll wait in the car," he replies.

"Alright. See you in a couple minutes."

"Looking forward to it," he smiles.

After arriving at their favorite Italian restaurant, the two order their usual, pasta and pizza. The realization that this it is the same restaurant where he asked her overwhelms her with emotions.

Tony sees her face soften as he says, "You know, I am really glad you said yes all those weeks ago."

The topic catches her by surprise. "Well you make me a very happy person Tony. How could I say no? I am grateful for you."

"Ziva..."

"Yes Tony. You make me feel like I am wanted. I do not know what I would do without you in my life."

Tony brings her had up to his mouth and kisses it. No words are exchanged between them but then again, words aren't key in their relationship. They never were.

He has concluded that everything that happened so far, happened for a reason. All those places he visited..he assumes they were essential. But he could not help but wonder what would have happened if he went to New York instead. Would he be in this exact position? Would he have still worked up the nerve to ask her out? Would she even be here? With him?

If he were to think about it any further, Ziva would surely become suspicious. Quickly storing his current thoughts to the back of his brain, Tony gives Ziva a reassuring smile as the two of them eat their food.

For that one review, I am so sorry that I didn't clarify. Ziva still works at the library, only during weekdays I suppose. And you know libraries, they always close early too. Again, I apologize about the late update and everything. I love you all for still sticking with me! Seriously. You guys rock. So keep favoring, following, and reviewing!

~edancel x