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Chapter 4:

*Bethesda Naval Hospital*

Hospitals. Sucked. That was the only way he could explain how he felt about them without ranting for hours. The worst part of them was the waiting areas. Sitting there for hours on end, without any word on the condition of your love one. This was where Anthony D. DiNozzo sat. His clothes were covered in blood, Ziva's blood. He had tried to stay by her side when they took her into surgery, but he wasn't permitted. The only thing he had been able to do was tell them get call Dr. Pitt to be Ziva's doctor. His thoughts were interrupted by a hand on his shoulder.

"Agent DiNozzo?" inquired an elderly nurse. She had short grey hair and her name tag said "Kathy" on it.

"Yes," he replied, lifting his head, "is there any news on my partner?"

"I'm sorry dear, but not yet. I do have a pair of scrubs that you can change into though. I thought you might want to dry off and freshen up while you wait," she explained, holding out a set of dark blue scrubs.

"Oh, thank you."

"I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything on her," she promised. He nodded and started to walk out only to be called back.

"They gave me these when she went into surgery. Her weapons will need to be signed out by your boss when she's discharged." Ziva's badge felt heavy in his hand, but his heart ached at the sight of her necklace.

'Oh Ziva, what have I done?'

*A few minutes later*

Dry and in the scrubs, Tony sat back down. Ziva's Star of David hung from his neck for comfort and safe keeping. He held her badge in his hands, staring at the blood that was on it. The past few hours played through his mind like a song on repeat. The more he reviewed it, the guiltier he felt.

"DiNozzo?" a familiar voice spoke.

"Boss?" The silver haired marine took the seat beside him.

"How's Maddie?"

"A little shaken up and a little bruised, but otherwise fine. And Ziva?" Tony could only shake his head.

"No word yet," he answered, not able to meet his boss' in the eye. The guilt that was welling up formed a lump in his throat.

"Tony?"

"This is all my fault Gibbs. I was supposed to have her back and I didn't. I broke rule number one, I screwed over my partner and now look where we are. I went over to her place last night to see if she was alright, ya know. She was crying and had been drinking, but the worst part is, I found out something. Ari was her brother Gibbs. He killed Kate. I was so angry at her Gibbs for not telling me." By now he was almost in tears as finally met Gibbs' steel blue gaze. The older man gave a tired sigh.

"I know DiNozzo. I've known for a long time."

"How did you…"

"She told me the night he died."

"After you killed him," Tony murmured.

"No Tony, after Ziva killed him."

"What?"

"She shot him in the head to save me. That's why she requested to come work as liaison for NCIS. She had to get away from Mossad for a while." Tony hung his head and sighed. Gibbs decided to take some pity on him. "Hey, just because I don't accept apologizes, doesn't mean she doesn't as well."

Before he could say anything more, the sound of heels clicking as a frantic Abby rushed into the room followed by Ducky. Gibbs stood up to meet them, bracing himself for the embrace that Abby was about to grab him in.

"Oh my God Gibbs!" she cried into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her tightly to comfort her. She released him minutes later and looked at Tony who hadn't moved from his seat. Quietly she walked over to stand in front of him. Once he looked up the goth wrapped her arms tightly around his body. Tony clutched her like a life line while Ducky and Gibbs spoke. Their conversation was interrupted by McGee sliding into the waiting area.

"Ziva?" he asked as he gasped for breath. Gibbs walked towards him.

"Nothing yet, but hopefully soon." They all sat down in the chairs to wait for their beloved girl.