A/N: So, yes, I'm back to the CIA series. I can't help it. I love it. In this one, there is actually some romance. For those who like it, congratulations. :) For those who don't, it doesn't take over the story. At least, I don't think it does. I keep thinking this series is over, but there's always more to tell. This particular story was inspired by "Desert Rose" by Sting. I suppose I could keep going forever, but this one does have an end to it. I don't think it'll be disappointing.

One note to make in this story is the number of languages present. Because I have characters whose primary language is Arabic, and I realize that very few, if any, of my readers know Arabic, in general, I have chosen to indicate which language is being spoken in the narrative while still writing the dialogue in English. There will be a few places where I will have Arabic and Spanish sentences, but when a full conversation occurs, I will be writing it in English, simply for convenience. Hopefully, you'll still accept that conversations are happening in other languages. :)

Disclaimer: As always, I don't own NCIS. I'm not even watching it anymore. I don't own the characters or the franchise. I do lay claim to CIA Director Levi Carew (or rather former director since he retired in the last story). Regardless, I'm not making money from this. I'm just having fun. :)

A Dream of Rain
by Enthusiastic Fish

Prologue

He was shaking, now. Zahara pressed her hand harder over the wound, trying desperately to stop the bleeding, to keep his blood in his body instead of staining the sand. The flow was slowing, but it couldn't replace what he'd lost, and he'd lost too much already.

They had left, knowing that there was no way he'd make it out of the desert alive. She might, but he never would, and the chances of surviving decreased with her being alone. Zahara was afraid of that, too, but she wasn't going to give up hope. Still, there was no denying that things were bad and not looking to get better.

The sun descended to the horizon, flattening and reddening, promising a long, cold night.

Could they survive out here through the night? Zahara figured that she had a chance, but him? She didn't know.

His eyes opened slightly and he looked at her. She smiled.

"It is almost night."

He nodded, accepting all that could mean.

"Is there anything more I can do?" she asked.

He shook his head.

"No."

There was silence for a while. Then, he smiled a little.

"It rained the last time I was in the desert," he whispered. "I still remember it. The rain fell in...in torrents, like it would never stop. Rain in the desert. It saved me."

"It happens sometimes, but not often, not at this time of the year."

"I know. I wish it would rain, now."

"For you, I wish it would rain," she said and a tear escaped from her eyes. "To save you."

"You could leave, you know," he said. "On your own, you'd be able to get back. I don't blame you. There's no reason for you to stay here. We've got to be...only a few miles away from the nearest...road...town...people. You could find it...on your own. You could...get to a road and..."

"I will not leave you, farangī," Zahara said, firmly.

He laughed a little at the word.

"You don't have to insult me, too," he said.

Zahara smiled and held back more tears.

"I will stay with you. We will stay together, here. If you do not leave, I do not leave."

He reached up with a shaking hand and touched her cheek, feeling that single tear that had escaped her control.

"Sing to me," he whispered. "Please. Let me hear something beautiful, tonight."

As many times as she had performed in clubs, now, she couldn't think of a single song. There was only silence. She searched for a song as his hand dropped back to his chest, but his eyes remained on her.

I want him to live through this night, she thought.

Unconsciously, she started to hum a tune. After a few seconds, she recognized it as a song her mother had sung to her when she had been frightened as a child. It was not a song she ever performed. The sun dropped below the horizon and the dark of night was spreading.

Softly, she started to sing.

Hush, lay down your troubled mind
The day has vanished and left us behind
And the wind, whispering soft lullabies
Will soothe, so close your weary eyes

He smiled at the sound of her voice. Zahara returned the smile and then looked up at the sky, searching for the first star. Instead of singing to him, she began singing to heaven.

Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
Till we see the light

Another spasm of pain caused him to gasp and his eyes closed tightly as he breathed through it. She pulled him closer and began to rock him gently. A breeze began to blow. She continued to sing.

Sleep, angels will watch over you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold

As the night went on, she continued to sing to him, trying to keep him warm as the sky sucked all the heat of the day out into space, trying to keep him alive even though he only got weaker.

The wind picked up and she noticed clouds in the sky, covering the stars overhead.

"Ghuyūm," she whispered.

Could it be? She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Tim, there are clouds," she said. "Maybe it will rain."

There was no reply.

"Tim? Tim?"

He was so still and quiet. Zahara began to fear that he would die.

"Please, Tim. Do not leave me." She leaned in close to his ear and said what she had not dared to say before. "Ahabbak."

He did not speak again.

Note: The song Zahara sings is entitled "Prayer" by Secret Garden. I highly recommend giving it a listen. It's beautiful.