Thank you very much for reviewing, the more the better. Thanks to all those who put the story on alert and/or favorite. Love to hear your input. Anyway moving on, I am in the midst of chapter 4 and I don't know how many chapters are in the making. I never do, so bare with me.

Opening up

Chapter 2

The ride to the crime scene was a quiet one. None of them talked during the processing of the crime scene. Ziva was avoiding Tony. Tony still didn't know how to react to Ziva's illness so he just remained quiet and Gibbs well he was just being Gibbs.

The ride back to NCIS was done in silence as well, all three team members caught up in the own thoughts.

That afternoon was used to find whatever information they could on Petty Officer Newt, they quickly found out he was quit the ladies man he had chased just about anyone with a skirt on. At around five Gibbs stood up walked over to Ziva's desk, this time he did notice she looked tired, why hadn't he paid more attention to his probationary agent before today.

'Go home Ziver'

'I am not done yet'

'Go home, don't make me force you' Ziva looked up and nodded. She knew that arguingwith him right now was useless.

'DiNozzo, take her home'

Ziva's head jerked up. ' I am perfectly capable of driving home myself, Gibbs'

' I am sure, but that doesn't mean I am letting you'

Tony escorted her all the way to her front door. He hadn't said much during the drive to her house.

'I am alright Tony, you can go back now'

Ziva sighed, she wasn't ready to deal with Tony right now. She knew he wanted to know more but she just couldn't be bothered.

'Can I come over tonight, we could watch a movie'

Ziva looked at Tony.

'Sure, why don't you come at seven I'll have diner ready ok'

He smiled. She melted.

Tony was at Ziva's door just before seven. The house looked dark when he parked his car near the main entrance and he wondered if she was even at home. He knocked but no answer, so he let himself in by picking the lock.

He found her coat hanging in the exact same spot as she left it when he had brought her home. He saw her shoes lying in the middle of the room and he found a shirt in the hallway and then he heard it. My god..he thought…what the hell…someone was taking down the house. He quietly opened her bedroom door and he found her lying on bed fast asleep, he saw sweat glistering on her forehead so he knew she had a fever. She was snoring

He decided not to wake her and carefully tiptoed back to the living room where he switched the TV on. He mused on the fact if he should order in or not and if he did should he order for her as well but before he knew it he was engrossed into the movie that was currently showing on HBO. It was around 21.00 when he heard a faint noise coming from the bedroom and before he knew it Ziva was standing next to him.

'you could have woken me up, you know'

'Nahhh" Tony shrugged. 'didn't want to, looked like you needed it. You want to order in some chinese'

'no, I will cook something for us, yes'

Ziva kept herself busy, not wanting to talk to Tony about everything just yet but Tony had other ideas.

'sorry'

'about what'

'this afternoon, I shouldn't have reacted the way that I did, but in my own defense I've got to say I was and I am worried about you and angry that you didn't share this with me'

Ziva sighed and turned around. She decided to be straight forward with him, she needed him to know. She needed to open up to him.

'Maybe I should have but for a long time I did not want to admit to myself that something was wrong. I wanted it to be over and done with, I didn't wanted to be reminded of the things he did while I was there. I kept finding excuses to tell myself it was nothing, the flu or a cold or maybe I pushed myself to much during my daily run and that's why I was so tired but after the last check up I can no longer fool myself.'

Tony walked over to her and gathered her in his arms. She completely caved in and for once relayed on his strength to keep her up. Tony didn't know how long they stood there but he cherished every single second, she didn't let him know that she needed him that often. He would take whatever she gave him.

'Zee'

'Yes'

' Please let me take you to the hospital on Thursday'

After a long silence a soft muffled OK was heard.

TBC..