X&Y - Coldplay

I know something is broken
And I'm trying to fix it
Trying to repair it
Any way I can


She was unsteady when she stood but they made it to the elevator. The whole way up, she was getting paler, swallowing frequently - a fixed stare on her face.

As the doors opened "I'll meet you at the bathroom," was all he said and she bolted – hand over her mouth. Vomiting is something best done alone; unless it's absolutely necessary to have someone with you. Tony went to his desk to put her gun and clip away – pausing as he tried to remember how many more she had and where. Then he collected a toothbrush and toothpaste from her drawer. He waited outside until he could hear the sound of taps running. Ziva was splashing water on her face – he silently handed her paper towels and then the toothbrush & paste. Once she'd finished, she leaned on the counter. Tony reached out to touch her. She caught a glimpse of the movement in the mirror and twisted round - not entirely balanced but swift enough to block his arm. She was ready to strike.

Right; we're at that stage. He stepped back, "sorry" holding his hands up.

She shivered as they walked toward the entrance of the smart 24 hr. diner. Tony peeled off his OSU sweatshirt, handing it to her.

"Thank you. I left my jacket in…. somewhere." Ziva was no longer blind drunk; assisted by the cool air and emptying of her system. Tony had made her drink a bottle of water on the drive over. She wasn't sober, either and definitely a little embarrassed. They slid into a booth.

"Did you eat at all tonight?" Ziva shook her head. Well that explains part of it. He offered her a menu. "So what's it gonna be; pancakes, waffles?" thoroughly enjoying the teasing as she grimaced.

"No. Not hungry;" pushing the menu away.

Tony grinned, "eggs-over-easy?" Seeing her shake her head and regret the motion again, he continued "self-inflicted. My sympathy is limited. And you will eat something." He was curious to see if she'd defy the command. Their waitress arrived. Ziva didn't look up but muttered "Hot tea and toast, please."

DiNozzo 2, David 0. The girl started to launch into the wide variety of breads and Ziva did look up – irritation brewing. Tony intervened. "Just tea, whole wheat toast, she's not feeling so good…" he added conspiratorially. "If we could keep her order coming until I say stop..." He noted her name badge. "….Kimberley, that would be great. And I'll take Caffè macchiato. Thanks." Turning on the charm and that dazzling smile; Kimberley didn't stand a chance.

She was half way through her second round of toast and tea before saying anything. Tony studied her; she resembled a waif, swamped by his sweatshirt, pale – her eyes edgily flitting around; "my gun?" He shot her a patient look.

Yeah, she would think that's the priority right now. "In my desk; you'll just have to kill any attackers the old-fashioned way 'til tomorrow."

It wasn't meant mockingly but Ziva was nettled anyway. "Worried I might shoot you, Tony?" a hint of scorn.

A touchy waif with attitude; he shrugged, "No, not me….Necessarily." She absorbed his implication.

"Me?" Now creating the impression his conclusion was ridiculous.

"Feeling better?"

She nodded, obviously self-conscious. "It was not how it appeared."

He leaned back in his seat. "Seriously?" deliberate skepticism, delivered with an easy grin to underline his disbelief.

She sighed, toying with her toast. "You are thinking…."

She'll avoid this all night. He interrupted her with the same relaxed, needling tone. "You don't know what I'm thinking. 'Cause, you know, based on what I saw back there, fuck logic." There was an expectant determination beneath his next statement "You do owe me an explanation, though." Tony cocked his head. "Well?" He challenged her; aware she was calculating a route out of the conversation.

Ziva's temper started to rise. She made another attempt at focusing her sluggish mind – seeking to end any discussion before it began. "I told you. I was thinking." Her voice was flat but her expression was mutinous.

"That's it?" He rolled his eyes. "For Christ's sake, Zee-vah, I found you totally wasted - with a gun." stressing the last three words. No grin to soften the sting this time. Frustration making his voice harsher and angrier than he'd intended. "Exactly what the fuck were you thinking about?" You just kick started the countdown to DEFCON 1. Kimberley popped up beside Tony, overheard and retreated.