Lie Again

Standing in the Way

Just a little spoiler alert, for if you somehow haven't seen the Sound of Music...

*****

Tony honestly couldn't stand The Sound of Music but he knew Ziva loved it, so he bought the DVD on his way home.

He considered ordering take-out but decided to stick with junk food. Ziva liked popcorn anyway.

It was a minute past four when he heard the familiar knock at the door.

"Come on in," he called from the kitchen.

Ziva joined him a few seconds later. "It is a little early for popcorn," she commented, noting the unopened package on the counter.

"We can wait a while, if you want. It's not the same without popcorn."

A small smile graced her lips. "What movie are we watching?"

"You'll see." He handed her a can of pop and let her follow him back to the living room. He had already put the DVD in, hoping to surprise her when the movie started.

"Is it a superhero movie?" she asked, settling next to him on the couch.

"Nope."

"Is it about aliens?"

"Try again."

"Is it about gangsters?"

He shook his head.

"The Wild West."

"How about you stop trying to guess and we just watch."

Ziva shrugged and popped the tab on her drink. "Works for me."

Tony stifled a sigh as the screen lit up and music poured from the speakers.

Ziva's head immediately whipped his way, her eyes wide. "I thought you hated this movie!"

"I do," he said, "but you seem to really like it."

"You did not have to do this, Tony," she said, clearly stricken. "It is a really nice gesture, but I do not want you to be miserable-"

"I haven't watched it in a long time," he interrupted. Well, actually, he'd never seen it, but he wasn't going to admit that. Ziva would hit him for hating on a movie he'd never even seen. "Maybe I'll change my mind. Now hush."

She smiled at him again, and scooted close enough to use his shoulder as a pillow. One whiff of her shampoo almost sent him over the moon.

No.

She's still upset about the whole Ray thing.

He took a deep breath and reminded himself that Ziva was off-limits. Ziva was hurting. It would be beyond immoral of him to take advantage of her.

What on earth was he thinking, inviting her over, then?

And watching her favorite movie?

Was he nuts?

Probably.

I can control myself, he thought. I can be just a friend. That's what Ziva needs right now.

He glanced over at her, and he sighed when he saw the contentment in her eyes. She seemed beyond relieved to just sit and watch a movie. He supposed it must be bliss to escape her life for a couple hours.

***

Ziva let her eyelids drift closed as Julie Andrews sang about the hills being alive with music. It was so sweet of Tony to pick this movie out for her.