Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS.

Hey everybody. So this is not the NCIS fic that I had in mind when I finished Eventually but I've had this idea brewing for awhile and tonight it decided to work its way down my arms and into my fingers. Stories where Gibbs get sick are rare so I hope you enjoy!

"All I'm saying is that playing Twister is a perfectly acceptable activity for two grown adults on a Friday night."

Ziva raised an eyebrow.

"Twister in more ways than one, I suspect."

"Honestly, Ziva. Do you really think that I have only one thing on my mind?"

"You'd better make room for one more thing." Gibbs' strong voice carried through the work area.

"Morning, Boss." Tony said quickly. Gibbs, who continued to stride through the bullpen, took a sip of coffee and called out,

"Grab your gear."

The three young agents jumped into action, standing up and tossing backpacks over their shoulders. They hurried to catch up with Gibbs, who was waiting impatiently in the elevator.

The bright morning sun shone through the trees into the forested area. A young Navy Captain in dress whites was lying face up on the ground, her face in a faint smile. Ziva was snapping pictures as Tony and McGee walked around the area. Ducky and Jimmy were leaning over the body, Gibbs leaning over their shoulders. He nonchalantly scratched his neck.

"Time of death, Duck?"

Ducky pulled the device from the body and studied it.

"Approximately 18 to 21 hours ago … Jethro, are you alright?"

Gibbs ignored his question and knelt beside the doctor. Ducky's eyes slid sideways momentarily, taking in his coworkers' paler-than-normal complexion before continuing. He raised one of the hands. A diamond sparkled on the Captain's left ring finger.

"Nice rock."

"It is newly acquired." Ducky said. "The young woman's finger has no markings that are consistent with a ring that has been worn constantly."

"Cause of death?"

Ducky turned the body over slightly, revealing a small hole in the uniform.

"It appears that she was injected with something. I won't be able to tell you for sure until I open her up and Miss Sciuto runs her blood tests."

Ducky's eyebrows knit together as he watched Gibbs scratch his neck again as he stood. Ducky stood with him.

"Jethro, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Duck."

"You seem to be scratching your neck an awful lot this morning."

Gibbs had begun the climb up the embankment leading to the road and Ducky followed.

"Yeah, there are a lot of bugs out here."

"Since when do insects bother Leroy Jethro Gibbs?"

"I don't know, Duck. Ask them."

Gibbs began going through a box in the back of the NCIS truck. Ducky moved forward.

"In all seriousness, Jethro. How do you feel?"

Gibbs sighed and stepped back.

"Why the interest?"

"Because you don't look well. I noticed it yesterday, too, but I refrained from saying anything. And now with the scratching, I'm inclined to believe you might be coming down with something."

"And what are you thinking is wrong with me?"

"That depends on your symptoms, if you'd care to share."

Ducky's words seemed to break something inside Gibbs and he sighed again before sitting on the edge of the truck and removing his baseball cap.

"In all honesty, Duck, I cannot remember a time when I felt this tired."

"How's your appetite?"

Gibbs raised his coffee cup.

"This is all I can keep down."

"When did this start?"

"About two days ago."

"Mr. Palmer!"

Jimmy came scurrying up the bank.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"Can you please retrieve my other bag from the van?"

Jimmy left and returned with a black leather bag. Ducky opened it and pulled out a thermometer.

"Duck, why do you have that with you? Do you ever expect to find a live body at a crime scene?"

Ducky gave the glass device a good shake before inserting it into Gibb's mouth.

"A good medical examiner is always prepared."

Gibbs just grunted as Tony, Ziva, and McGee came up the ridge.

"Hey Boss," McGee started but stopped when he saw the thermometer.

"Are you okay, Gibbs?" Ziva asked, a look of concern written on her face.

"Fine." Gibbs spoke around the device.

"That remains to be seen." Ducky corrected, checking his watch before retrieving the device. He held it up to the sun and studied it.

"And?" Gibbs asked as his whole team waited anxiously to hear about their fearless leader.

"Tell me, Jethro, have you ever contracted chicken pox?"

"What?"

"Chicken pox. It's a virus commonly found in children, although adult cases are not that rare."

"I don't know, Duck. I think Kelly might've had them when she was a toddler. Why?"

Ducky sighed.

"I'm afraid, Jethro, that I don't think what is making you itch are mosquito bites."

So what do you think? I'm not really sure how far I'll take this … reviews will help me decide though!