"Gear up. Call Ducky. We got a case out at Norfolk Shipyard." Gibbs threw the keys to McGee as Ziva and Tony exchanged a look, vivid images of the last time they were there on a case filling their minds.

"Friction burns?"
" Yeah, what difference does it make?"
" Ah, it doesn't. I'm just wondering how you got them."
" Well, if you live long enough, maybe I'll tell you some day."
" You know, I can only take it two ways. Were you and McGee and Palmer were playing Twister last night?"
" What's a twister?"
" Exactly. That means you were having--"

Tony bent down to pick up his bag hiding the smirk covering his face.

" Oh, poor baby. Who's going to drive you home?"
"I am. I'm making him dinner tonight." She was suddenly engulfed by a trademark Abby hug.
"What was that for?"
" I'm glad you're not dead."
" Oh, me, too."
" So what are you making?"
" Italian."
" You cook Italian?"
" Her cooking rocks, Tony! What was the name of that dish you made last night at your party?"
" Chunks. Slow cooked beef with potatoes and beans. It wasn't bad."

Ziva drained the remains of her Berry Mango Madness smoothie, throwing the empty cup in the trash can as she reached down to pick up her backpack, a smile gracing her lips, her eyes twinkling at the memory.

"DiNozzo. David." The harsh voice of Gibbs broke them out of their reveries and they both rushed toward the elevator, slipping in just before the doors closed.

*

"So Ton-ay" Ziva began as they passed through the Navy Yard gates "this dream..."

Tony threw a sideways glance at her and saw the teasing in her eyes.

He drew in a deep breath, "I had a dream. The Boss was in it. End of story."

She chucked lightly "I don't think so Tony"

"Ziva" his voice implored, his eyes remaining focused on the road in front of him.

She flashed him the briefest looks of concern before her face was masked again, "ok I will drop it. For now."

The rest of the journey passed in a tense silence. Tony's temper seemed to have flared suddenly and for no apparent reason moments after leaving the Navy Yard. He had angrily taken out his frustration on the pedals and steering wheel. He eyes never moving from their fixed position looking straight ahead. Ziva noticed the little vein in his temple begin to throb softly and she couldn't work out what had gotten her partner so riled. She sat with her arms folded across her chest watching him the entire length of the journey surprised at his restraint in not turning around to look at her or to snap at her as he so often had recently.

She frowned as he drew the van to a shuddering halt at the entrance to the shipyard. Tony was her best friend. He was her partner. If he was not as his best then she had to know why.

"Tony..." she began but was cut off as he threw himself out the van and started to head towards Gibbs who had pulled up alongside of them. She sighed, he'd been angry a lot lately. Often venting his frustration out around her. As she herself stepped out of the van she thought that perhaps that was the result of the deception and heartache that had occurred in the past year, everyone had a breaking point, even it seemed Tony DiNozzo.

*

"McGee, bag and Tag. Ziva, shoot and sketch" Gibbs commanded the scene and indicated that Tony move in closer.

"DiNozzo. If you're not at you're best..." his voice sounded rough and angry but it was inlaid with the subltest tones of concern.

Tony heaved a sigh, "I'm sorry Boss. I'm good. I've got your six" he smiled half-heartedly and Gibbs knew it.

"The dream?" Gibbs hazarded a guess at what had gotten his agent acting so out of character and worked up.

He knew he was right at the way Tony's face scrunched up, and he shook his head.

"It's nothing Boss, I'm fine" He could feel Gibbs's eyes drill into his own before Gibbs conceded and turned to walk away.

"Hey Boss? I was just wondering... do I make you proud?" Gibbs turned to look at the younger man that stood wearily in front of him and chuckled.

"Back to work DiNozzo." Was all he said before walking towards Ducky who was stumbling out of the truck chastising a very ruffled looking Palmer.

*

By the time they'd finished assessing the scene Tony's anger had receded being replaced with an overwhelming sense of guilt. The dream had gotten to him in ways he couldn't describe. The sound of his Boss's last shaky breath still clear in his ears. The feel of his blood seeping through his fingers still there no matter how many times he washed his hands. The image of his Boss, final words said, lips curved into a slight smile, eyes closing one last time burned into his eyes. He couldn't escape the emotions that it had evoked.

He walked slowly up to him partner. Rubbing his face in his hands. Wondering how he could apologise for being such a jerk. And not just about today either... he thought, his mind trailing over the past few months, the war game and his reaction looming at the forefront of his thoughts making him cringe.

"Hey Ziva."

"Tony" her voice was brisk her reply not inviting a conversation. She turned to face him and her expression immediately softened.

"About before, I'm sorry."

"Do not apologize Tony" she smiled "It is a sign of weakness"

"Not between friends. I had no right to treat you that way and I'm sorry." He smiled at her, a smile that just reached his eyes but widened as she smiled back at him.