A/N: Trying my hand at some italicized inner thoughts...the joys of formatting.

It didn't take Tony long to drive back to NCIS headquarters, or at least, it didn't feel very long. He'd left Ziva's apartment, left Ziva, and started driving, and then, next thing he knew he was already there.

God knows he didn't want to leave. Ziva was one of, no, probably the toughest person he knew, but she was only human, and after what he'd said... urgh, he felt like such an ass.

Maybe it was best he'd left, after all, Ziva didn't seem to want him there. But then...well, he couldn't be sure exactly what it was, but she was acting odd. Well, perhaps pretty normal considering the circumstances, but there was something in her voice when she lectured him about being soaking wet. He expected Ziva to be assertive and take charge. She was a capable leader and often knew the best course of action. But this was almost...pleading. Tony knew she was still hiding something, and maybe he could have worked out what it was if he'd stayed.

But that wasn't an option. He walked up the stairs towards MTAC just as the Director was exiting.

"Well that was quick DiNozzo. I trust Ziva got home safely." asked the Director.

"Yeah, she's..." he hesitated. Ziva and Jenny were good friends, and after all she was the Director of NCIS. Still, something made Tony think that maybe she didn't know about Ari. At least not the whole story.

"She's Ziva. And even Ziva gets a bit shaken up once in a while," said the Director, as reassuringly as she could. She had no doubts Ziva would be fine. Actually, it was Tony who looked like he'd had a rough evening.

Tony was still staring into space, "Yeah. So, what did you need to brief me on Director?"

"Jenny, is fine Tony. After all, you're doing this as a favor to me. And I'll brief you shortly, but first I need another urgent favor."

Tony looked up, curiosity getting the better of him. "No problem. Anything".

The Director smiled at Tony, "I need you to go and take a warm shower and change into some dry clothes DiNozzo. In case you hadn't noticed, you're absolutely drenched, and I can't send an agent on a covert op if he's sneezing all over the place."

"Uh, sure thing. Jenny", said Tony, unable to hide the sheepish grin.

Sunlight crept through the gap in the curtains.

Urgh. Light. Go away.

Ziva rolled over away from the window back into the comforting darkness. Unfortunately, that meant her head was now right next to her cell phone. Her suddenly ringing cell phone. She attempted to ignore it by burying her head under the pillow, but the noise just seemed to get louder and louder, causing the ache in her brain to become more and more obvious.

"Uh, David" she answered groggily.

"Ziva, uh, it's McGee"

"McGee! What are you doing, do you know what time it is?"

"Uh, yeah, it's 9:30am. Where are you?"

Suddenly Ziva was wide awake.

"Uh, I'm just, I was on my way to, uh, the uh..."

"I'll tell the Director you had some car trouble and you'll be here by ten."

Ziva sighed deeply. "Thank you McGee, you're a lifesaver."

Ziva rolled over once again, facing the intruding sunlight. Urgh. Morning really sucks today.

She got up from bed, a little to quickly, and found herself on the bed again.

Damn you Merlot, damn you.

She had a quick shower, changed and then drove to work. She managed to eat some breakfast on the way, and only jumped a few kerbs before pulling into the NCIS parking lot, brakes squealing as she hastily parked, and swiftly jogged into the bullpen. McGee and Agent Lee were at their desks. Tony was not.

"Good morning Ziva", said the Director, surprised she had been able to sneak up on Ziva so effortlessly. And at all.

"Morning Jen. Sorry I'm late, I had..."

"Some car troubles, yes, McGee told me." Jen walked right up to Ziva and spoke softly to her, out of the other agents earshots, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine Jen." The Director raised her eyebrows. "Really. I'm fine."

"I don't doubt you are Ziva. But if that changes, I want you to go visit Ducky straight away."

"I really don't think that will be nec..."

"No arguments Ziva. Anything wrong, visit Ducky."

"Sure thing Jen. Again, I'm sorry I'm late".

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you're paperwork didn't mind the wait." she said, smiling sympathetically.

Ziva looked around. Everything was as it usually was except...

"Uh, where's Tony?"

"Tony's running an errand for me. He'll be back just after lunch."

Suddenly Tony's phone rang. The director answered it.

"Shepard. DiNozzo is currently away from his desk, but If you'd prefer I leave a message Thomas...yes, I'm sure he wouldn't mind." She scribbled down some details on a piece of note paper, "Alright. Thank you Thomas..." The director was not smiling, and winked at Ziva, "It's fine Thomas, don't worry about it."

"Dead petty officer found at Quantico," said Jen, looking expectantly at the three NCIS agents, who were all still sitting at their desks, looking a little stunned.

"Well, as much as I'd like, I have Director duties to attend to, so I might leave this one to your team." Jen said, failing to conceal her amused smile. "If that's okay."

McGee was the first to react, stood up suddenly, "Uh, sure thing, Director, uh, but Tony..."

"Is not here. As the senior agent, I trust you'll be able to handle this McGee."

"Oh. Me? I mean, definitely Director Shepard." McGee looked both as excited as a 5 year old at Christmas and as terrified as an arachnophobe swimming in a bath of tarantulas. He cleared his throat nervously and addressed the team.

"Uh, grab your gear...uh, team."

It was unusually quiet, with the exception of chattering teeth of course. Tony rubbed his hands together in an attempt at creating warmth. He should have brought a scarf. Not that he had time to go home, but if he had, well, that's what he should have brought. All this waiting was pretty cold business. He noticed the lights of an approaching car, turning into the nearly empty parking lot. Well, at least he wouldn't have to wait much longer. As the car slowed down Tony approached and opened the passenger side door.

"Ah, you must be the lackey from the Navy people."

"Special agent Anthony DiNozzo. Welcome to Washington ambassador."

"Thank you agent DiNozzo. I expect your Director has briefed you appropriately."

"Certainly Ambassador. Your transport vehicle is parked just over there."

"Good. Smith, please give Agent DiNozzo a lift back to NCIS headquarters." the Ambassador turned to Tony, "I expect I shall see you again tonight Agent DiNozzo? At the gala?"

"You will Ambassador. NCIS doesn't skimp on security, especially concerning the importance of these matters."

"Wonderful."