This chapter turned out to be rather long, but well, I promised you a longer chapter & here it is! I shouldn't mention that it's almost 3 am by now though *sigh*
I really hope you like this chapter, I know it's kind of serious stuff but I felt the need to write this, so yeah.
Enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review!

"I always wonder about raindrops.
I wonder about how they're always falling down, tripping over their own feet, breaking their legs and forgetting their parachutes as they tumble right out of the sky toward an uncertain end.
It's like someone is emptying their pockets over the earth and doesn't seem to care where the contents fall, doesn't seem to care that the raindrops burst when they hit the ground, that they shatter when they fall to the floor, that people curse the days the drops dare to tap on their doors.
I am a raindrop."

— Tahereh Mafi

They were already settling down for the night when a thunderstorm started roaring outside their bedroom window.
It started out with the soft but persistent pitter patter of the rain against the window and the cars but when Ziva had finally been able to fall asleep turned into heavy thunder and lightning which went unnoticed by Tony.

It was only until Ziva was awoken from the storm raging outside that he stirred as well and suddenly jolted awake at what was going on.
Ziva was still lying in his embrace but was shivering and trembling while her breathing was labored.

With every lightning that was crashing down outside she was flinching, making him worry even more.
"Hey, hey Zi, what is wrong?" He tenderly stroked her hair as he whispered into her ear.
"I just…" She started, her breath hitching when yet another thunder was heard "I do not like thunderstorms."

It was only now that he noticed how cold her entire body was and instinctively pulled her closer and let her rest on his chest.
Once she was settled again he carefully tucked her in and softly started running his fingers up and down her arm.

"What can I do to make it better?" Ziva let out a sigh at his question and reluctantly replied.
"Tell me something. Anything." She whispered as she snuggled further into his embrace.
And with that he started telling her about stories about his time in Baltimore until her breath finally evened out again.

The next morning Ziva was up early and decided to go out for a run. The weather had calmed down over night and there were only a few wet patches left on the asphalt.
She quietly stepped into her running clothing and when the cold air hit her face she took a deep breath and started running down the street.

The burning sensation she felt with every step she took in her lungs made her mind stop racing for a moment, something she definitely enjoyed.
Around half an hour later she had made her way home again and it was still early when she entered the apartment, gasping for air after her last sprint.

Her head started spinning slightly and she made her way into the kitchen to have a glass of water in the hope the nasty feeling would go away.
But as soon she had poured herself a glass of water the dizzy feeling overcame her anew and she failed gripping the counter as she dropped onto the kitchen floor, the glass slipping from her hand and shattering next to her as she hit the ground.

For the second time in less than 12 hours Tony jolted awake from the sudden noise in the apartment.
Recognizing that Ziva wasn't lying next to him anymore she pulled back the covers and started looking where the shattering sound had come from.

He entered the kitchen a few moments later and was greeted by a picture of horror.
Ziva was unconsciously lying on the cold floor, broken pieces of glass cluttered around her.
Without hesitation he closed the gap between them and bent down on her level to gently shake her.

"Ziva? Ziva, can you hear me?" The tone in his voice was desperate.
"You need to wake up Ziva." He pleaded while checking her pulse. It was steady but faint and he noticed how cold her skin was.

Doing what seemed right he carefully lifted her up into his arms and carried her onto the couch where he covered her with a blanket.
Not knowing what to do he grabbed his phone and called Ducky, knowing that his friend would be able to help him.

"Ducky? It's Tony. I need your help, it's Ziva. I woke up when I heard something shattering and found her unconsciously lying in the kitchen." He frantically told him and only calmed down after some instructions and the promise that he would be at the apartment in less than 15 minutes.
For the first time he noticed that Ziva was wearing her running clothes and wondered if this was the reason for her breakdown.

Staying true to his words Ducky arrived around 15 minutes later and went straight to the couch to check on Ziva.
Her pulse started to grow stronger again and when she began to stir Ducky ordered Tony to get a glass of water for when she woke up again.

Once he had set down the glass on the table he knelt down next to the couch and gently stroked her hair in an attempt to finally wake her up again.
Soon enough she started mumbling incoherently and squinting her eyes before looking into the direction where the voice came from.

When she saw Tony next to her she saw the worried expression on his face and took a shuddering breath before speaking up.
"What…what happened?" She weakly asked.
"I found you unconsciously lying in the kitchen with glass all around you. God, I was so worried." He now took her still cold hands in his and started warming them.

"Have you eaten enough throughout the past days my dear?" Ducky now asked her, trying to get to the bottom of things.
At this Ziva slightly looked down and started nervously squeezing Tony's hand.
"Not quite." She whispered, her voice hoarse.

"Well that would explain a lot. Your body is deprived of nutrients and probably fluids as well and your body simply wasn't strong enough for a workout." He explained in a serious but caring voice.
"I recommend you to take it slow and eat and drink enough so that your body can recover from this shock." Tony nodded at his words and squeezed Ziva's hand as well.

"You gave us quite a shock my dear, but I hope you will feel better soon." Ducky now smiled at her and softly padded her shoulder.
"Thank you Ducky." Ziva quietly said and returned his smile, even though hers was much smaller.
"Nothing to thank for, but I think I will leave now to let you rest a little. I got the feeling that Tony will have this under control." With one last smile he said his goodbyes and left again.

"Oh Zi, never do this to me anymore. I was scared to death." Tony voiced his fears.
"I'm sorry Tony. I just needed to clear my head." Ziva quietly replied, guilt washing over her.

"I'm just glad you're ok now. How about we lie down in bed again and try to sleep a little more?" A glance at the clock told him it was only around 8:30 am and to be honest he was still a little tired, especially after this shock.

When she nodded he nimbly lifted her off the couch and instead of struggling against his touch she leaned into his chest and let him carry her into the bedroom.
Her body was weak after all and she welcomed the warmth that was radiating off his chest.

Once they were both settled under the covers anew she immediately curled up next to him, her head resting right above his heart.
The sound of his steady heartbeat slowly calmed her down and lulled her in as he pulled her just a little closer to warm her still cold body and with that she drifted off to sleep once more.

Now how do you feel about this? You can as usual send me your thoughts, ideas & wishes!
Have I mentioned that your reviews always make my day? Like literally, I put so much work and thoughts into my stories and it's nice to receive a feedback!
Also: I just had to write this small "thunderstorm" scene. I personally didn't like them when I was younger but grew to love them through the years. There's something comforting about them I think!