Chapter 3

"Yes, I am angry with you," Ziva stated, crossing her arms over her chest. "You put yourself in danger again and I could not watch your back."

"Ziva, I'm sorry," Tony apologized before going into a coughing fit. He gasped, barely drawing in oxygen as his lungs tried to expel the soot and fluid from the smoke inhalation. "Didn't mean… to scare you…"

Ziva quickly approached the bed, helping him sit up as he tried to remove the stuff from his lungs. Tony coughed and motioned for her to get something he could spit into. Ziva handed him a tissue and he quickly placed it on his mouth as he coughed. She said nothing as he spit out the gunk choking his lungs and covered it in the tissue, trying to hide it from her. Tony leaned back against the pillow, breathing in slow and deep as a slight layer of sweat glistened on his forehead from the effort of coughing. Ziva sat down on the edge of his bed and observed him as he tried to breathe evenly and hide his exhaustion from her.

"I'm sorry Ziva," he whispered.

"I forgive you Tony. But do not do it again."

"Can't promise that."

Ziva reached over and gently shoved his shoulder, causing him to smile.

"So… what do you think happened to Sergeant Harris? Think he started… the fire? I don't know what kind of father would leave his child inside to burn to death."

Ziva paused as a memory of her father appeared in her mind and she quickly pushed it away. Tony noticed her hesitation to answer his question. She quickly regained her composure.

"I do not know," she lied. "He had lost everything and knew he would be caught. It was a terrible choice to kill his daughter because of his sins."

"Her death would not atone for what he did!" Tony exclaimed, getting angry. "She's innocent of anything and didn't deserve what he did to her."

"Tony, please calm down."

He nodded, coughing into his hand and fighting to stay calm.

"The nurse will be in here and ask me to leave if you do not stay calm."

Tony's eyes were heavy and exhaustion was fighting to take over. What little strength he had was being directed towards his lungs as they fought for oxygen, even with the help of the mask. Inwardly, he cursed that stupid plague that almost cost him his life. He had hoped to forget what happened, but coughing in a hospital room reminded him of the pain that he felt. His lips were blue as blood dripped down his chin and Nurse Emma wiped it away. Kate… was standing and watching him as he faded. She stayed with him until it was almost too late. He never got a chance to thank her before she died. Tony sighed, letting his eyes fall shut. He felt Ziva take his hand, rubbing comforting circles on his thumb as he fell asleep.

Tony waited as Brad checked his stats and listened to his breathing as Ducky kept a close eye on him. His breathing had improved and Brad was making his final decision if Tony could be discharged and sent him. He coughed once and Brad grimaced at the sound as he listened to his chest. Gibbs and Ziva were waiting on the other side of the room. He was standing, glancing over in Tony's direction, almost worried while Ziva was leaning against the wall.

"How am I doing Brad?" Tony inquired.

"I don't like some of the sounds coming from your chest and that cough, but your oxygen level is up. I'm gonna discharge you, but you'll need to stay on bed rest. Doctor Mallard, I suggest you keep an eye on that cough and let me know if it gets worse. I'm not kidding, Tony. Your lungs are quite weak, no running or anything until the doctor gives you a clean bill of health."

"I'll make sure that he listens," Gibbs spoke up. "He'll be staying with me."

"Slumber party with Gibbs," Tony commented, getting a grin from Ziva.

"You won't be doing any partying, Anthony," Ducky added. "I will make sure of that."

"Alright, Tony. Take care of yourself and hopefully I won't see you for a while," Brad finished, standing up and patting him on the shoulder.

Tony tried to jump up from the bed as soon as he left, but almost collapsed. Gibbs ran forward and caught him, giving him a head smack as he helped him sit on the edge of the bed.

"Sorry Boss."

"Just have a little patience, DiNozzo. Let me help you. As soon as you get dressed, we'll get you out of here."

Ziva and Ducky stepped out into the hallway to give Tony some privacy as he put on the sweat pants and t-shirt that Gibbs had brought him. It was good to see Tony without the breathing mask and the IV, but Ziva was still worried about him and it was evident that Gibbs and Ducky felt the same. Tony emerged a few minutes later, sitting in a wheelchair with Gibbs behind him. Nurse Emma came from around the corner and gave Tony a smile, taking the wheelchair handles from Gibbs and pushing him towards the elevator. Ziva stood in the background, following a few feet behind. Gibbs fell back and put an arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"He's gonna be okay," Gibbs whispered.

Ziva nodded and they got into the elevator.

"Talking about me?" Tony questioned.

"Always, DiNozzo."

"I personally prefer to keep the conversation on McGee, not you," Ziva added, getting a groan from Tony.

Tony hopped up from the wheelchair when they got out of the elevator, but Gibbs pushed him back down. Nurse Emma laughed as she pushed Tony to the door and Gibbs went to fetch his car. Ziva waited with Tony. Ducky excused himself to get back to work. Tony was drumming his hands on the sides of the chair, anxious to be free of his prison and away from the prodding nurses, needles, and breathing tubes. He could use a nice shower and some good food, maybe a steak and a beer. Gibbs pulled up in his car and Tony stood up, letting Gibbs help him into the vehicle. Ziva excused herself to go assist McGee at headquarters and let them go.

The drive to Gibbs's house was short, and Tony found himself dozing lightly in the backseat. Gibbs helped Tony into the house and guided him to the couch. The younger man smiled at the sight of his DVD played hooked up to the old television on the living room with a stack of movies beside it. Gibbs hung up his coat, going into the kitchen to get something to eat. Tony prepared to head in the direction of the bathroom to take a shower.

"No shower, Tony. You can't get those burns wet until they heal more. You can take a bath if you'd like, but your wounds will need wrapped in plastic to prevent water getting on them," Gibbs stated, coming into the living room and handed Tony a cup of water and a small white pill. "Antibiotic from the Doc, you have to take it."

Tony grumbled as he plopped down on the couch and coughed into his hand, trying to claim that it was the sawdust in the air and he quickly took the medication. Gibbs tossed him a blanket as he put in one of Tony's movies. Tony only made it half way through the movie before falling asleep, snoring lightly. Gibbs smiled, adjusting the blanket covering his agent and removing his shoes. He listened to the sound of Tony's breathing and didn't like the sound. Gibbs's phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out.

"Gibbs."

"It's Ducky. I received a call from Doctor Pitt. He wanted to inform me of some news that's quite troubling. It's about the little girl that Anthony risked his life to save."

"What about her?" he asked, trying to keep his voice low.

"Jethro… she didn't make it. She died about an hour ago."

Just to clarify, you don't have to see the relationship between Ziva and Tony as romantic. She would be concerned about Tony no matter what since he is her partner and they are friends. You can see it however you like. :)

Thanks for reading! Please review because today is my birthday (Dec 31st) and it would be a nice gift to me! :)

Emma