*This chapter is basically a continuation of Chapter 6 (although you don't have to have read that to understand this) so it is also rated T and contains content that is unsuitable for younger readers. Also this series takes place very early after Ziva's arrival at NCIS and she's such a difficult character to write which is why she sometimes comes across as a bit more clueless than I think she really is.*
Mid-morning.
The agents are seated at their desks in the sqaud room; McGee and Ziva working hard on their paperwork and Tony flicking bits of paper at them. Suddenly Tim lets out a low groan causing his colleagues to turn and stare at him. He is sitting with his head in his hands.
"Are you O.K. McGroaner?" Even when concerned about him Tony couldn't resist using a Mcnickname.
"Yes."
"Are you sure McGee? That did not sound O.K." enquires Ziva.
"Yes. I'm fine." He looks across at them.
"Gee McGee you look like death warmed up."
"Thanks Tony."
"Did you have a big night last night? Was the probie probing alone or was someone else probing the probie? Details McGee. We need details." As Tony continues teasing McGee Ziva returns her attention to her computer.
Tim glares at him. "No, Tony. I was on my own and I'm not sure if it's the crazy hours we've been keeping lately or if I'm coming down with something but I had a lot of trouble getting up this morning."
The last part of the sentence breaks into Ziva's concentration. Aha! she thinks. Getting up was what the guys had been talking about the other day and from what McGee was saying must have something to do with sleep. With getting up in the morning. That made perfect sense. If Gibbs had dealt with the guy in the elevator who had harassed Abby there was a good chance he would have hurt him in some way and then the guy would definitely have difficulty getting out of bed. She smiles to herself. Another expression learnt. The only thing she was not sure about was that the other day she thought they'd said getting it up but just now she'd only heard getting up. Maybe she just hadn't heard McGee right since she'd been focused on the file she was reading. Getting back to work she makes a mental note to try out the expression soon.
NCIS Squad Room. Late Morning. Several Days Later.
Gibbs walks in holding two cups of coffee.
"You got me coffee Boss?" Gibbs just keeps walking to his desk. "Of course not but why two?"
"Why not?"
"Do you need a pick me up? Actually you are looking a bit peaky Boss. Maybe you're coming down with whatever McGee had." Gibbs just stares back at him. "Ah. Forgot you don't get sick."
"You do not get sick?" Ziva enquires.
"Never." He shrugs and starts tapping on his computer keyboard.
"Tony is right though you do look a little peaky. Perhaps you should get Ducky to take a look at you."
"No."
Ignoring Tony's frantic hand signals to drop the matter she continues as it really was worrying to see Gibbs looking like this.
"But Gibbs...."
"Ziva!! I am fine. It's just the hours we've been working."
"Ah" she smiles with sudden understanding. "Did you have trouble getting it up this morning?"
Gibbs just stares at her as her colleagues exchange horrified glances. Tony grabs his gear.
"Come on probies. I've found a witness in that cold case we need to interview."
"All of us?"
"Yes, Ziva. Now!"
As Tony, Tim and Ziva enter the elevator Gibbs hears Ziva's next question ringing out "What did I say?" He chuckles and thinks I'd love to hear Tony try and explain this one.
