Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any of these characters.

This story is set in an AU where Ari did shoot Kate, but the bullet only grazed her head and she is in a coma throughout season three. And, since this is my story and I can do whatever I want, I've made it Kibbs.

After 'Ravenous'

"Hello again, Agent Todd." Ziva entered the room stealthily, hoping no one she knew would see her. She wouldn't know how to explain her presence, or the fact that she had been here twice before. The first time had been after McGee had shot a cop undercover, and the second had been a few weeks later. She had only entered the room, stared at Kate for a moment, and then left. She didn't know why. Now, she was more willing to speak, but she still didn't know what had drawn her here.

"You missed Abby's birthday. You don't seem the type to give her roses, everyone else did. It would have been nice for her to get something else." Ziva paused, remembering something. "I don't know what Gibbs got her. Actually, I think he forgot. She's been very sullen towards him since the day after her birthday, even though we were very busy with a case."

Though Ziva had never had a conversation with Kate where she talked back, she had heard enough stories and seen enough old interrogation videos to imagine what Kate's reaction might be. She imagined Kate rolling her eyes and shaking her head, and she smiled, very slightly. "I know. I was very angry at him for upsetting her." Pretend Kate tilted her head questioningly. "What? Am I not allowed to feel defensive of my friend?" She scowled. "She wouldn't let me speak to him about it, though, so I suppose it doesn't matter." Ziva frowned down at Kate, suddenly curious. "Would she have let you intervene on her behalf? Someone ought to have." Suddenly she realized she was talking to a corpse, almost. She shook her head to clear it. "I have to go now-" Why was she still talking? Surely Kate could not hear her. "I-Abby needs-" She stopped, shut her eyes, and rubbed them vigorously. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. "Actually, Abby needs you. Just something to think about." Then she slipped out, leaving Kate alone in the now-dark room.

A/N: Please review!