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The wheelchair bumps over another tile and her frown deepens. "This is not what I had in mind when I said I would compromise."

"Shut it, David," Gibbs said from behind her as he pushed the chair through the hallways.

"I do not appreciate being treated like an invalid," she hisses.

"I told you to shut up. The hospital wouldn't like it if they knew you were out of bed. Half of them wanted you handcuffed to the railing after your little rampage."

She presses her mouth into a thin line and does not say anything more. Before long, they reach the surgical wing.

"Visitor for Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo," Gibbs tells the nurse on duty.

"He's not awake yet," she tells him.

Gibbs gives a significant look toward Ziva, who is playing the part of injured, upset partner perfectly. The nurse looks over Ziva and her face softens.

"I'll take you to him," she says and walks around from behind the desk. "But you'll have to be very quiet."

Ziva just nods and Gibbs mutters a quiet, "Okay."

When they reach his room Gibbs stops at the door and turns to the nurse. "When will he wake?"

She gives a small shrug. "The anaesthesia should be wearing off so it should be fairly soon."

Gibbs nods, and pushes Ziva into the room. They don't speak as he pushes her to a spot right beside Tony's bed. He doesn't look injured, he could just be sleeping, she thinks. She is not scared by this, seeing him there. It does come as a shock to the system, however, to see him so vulnerable. She swallows her emotions and turns to Gibbs who, she is shocked to note, has not been watching Tony. He has been watching her.

"I would prefer if you did not stare at me, Gibbs," she says, turning her gaze back to Tony. "I know it is one of your favourite pastimes to stare at people, but I do not need it now."

She looks at him again and is not surprised to see that he is still watching her carefully. "Do you have something you want to say?"

He doesn't answer.

She huffs and leans back in her wheelchair, crossing her arms. In a movie this would be where she grabs her partner's hand and whispers things to him. But this is real life. And she is an assassin. She does not do grieving partner. It is not her style.

It is a few moments before she speaks. "What did it achieve?"

Gibbs seems surprised. "What?"

"Shooting him. Why did they do it? It did not help their cause."

Gibbs shrugged. "They did it because they could, I guess."

"That seems stupid. One shot. They could have left undetected, and yet, they chose to ruin it." Ziva seems agitated.

"They were obviously not highly trained. I also believe they had personal connections to the Wilsons. It was probably just heat of the moment revenge."

Ziva seems to accept this. "I have another question."

They do not notice Tony waking in the background. They are too engrossed in their conversation.

"Hmm?" Gibbs probes.

"Who were they going for- me or him?"

Gibbs looks down at her. "I doubt they had a specific target in mind."

"So it could have just as easily been me then?"

Gibbs is wary. "I suppose..."

"It should have been me," Ziva continues. "I would have preferred that."

"I wouldn't," a croaky voice cuts in from the bed.

"Tony!" Ziva says, and then lowers her voice. "Tony."

"That's my name," he says and looks around. "Water?"

Gibbs raises a hand. "I'll get it." He leaves the room and Tony and Ziva are left alone.

Ziva turns to Tony hesitantly. "How do you feel?" The question seems lame, but valid.

"Like I got shot." He cranes his neck up to look at down at his shoulder and is rewarded with a hiss of pain for his efforts.

Ziva stands and leans over him, pulling his gown down so he can get a look. There is nothing really to see though, just a large white pad.

"Any lasting damage?" he asks, looking up at her.

She pulls away. "I am not sure..."

It is then that he notices her attire. "Ziva, are you okay?"

She furrows her brow. "You were the one that was shot."

"You're in a hospital gown. And a wheelchair!" he adds, somewhat alarmed.

"Oh, it is nothing," Ziva says, once again cursing the hospital staff. "They just overreacted, that is all."

"Who overreacted? Are you injured?"

"Not at all," she says, purposely dodging his original question. "I am fine."

"Then why were you admitted?"

"Admitted?" She is stalling, pretending she doesn't know this word in the current context.

"To the hospital, Ziva."

She waves her hand dismissively. "It was just a precaution; you know how these people are. They just wanted to check me out, make sure I was okay."

He is sceptical, but lets the questioning die. She obviously has something she doesn't want to share. Yet.

Gibbs returns then with the glass of water. If he notices the tension in the room he doesn't comment on it. Tony takes a long sip and turns to Gibbs.

"So what's the news?" he asks. "Am I all good?"

Gibbs nods. "You're fine, DiNozzo. Wound was through and through. Easily repairable."

Tony is clearly relieved. "Excellent. No harm done then."

Ziva rolls her eyes. "Only you would get shot and say that."

Gibbs suppresses a smirk and turns to Ziva. "We should get you back to your room before they send out security."

Ziva sighs. "Yes, okay." Putting a hand over Tony's, she says, "Glad you are okay. See you tomorrow."

It is not intimate or sweet or touching, but it as close as they get.

She wheels herself out of the room and Gibbs makes to follow, but not before Tony calls his name. Gibbs stops in the doorway.

"Yeah?"

"She's okay, right?" Tony says.

Gibbs nods and smiles slightly. "Oh, she'll be fine."

"Good," Tony says, and closes his eyes. "That's good." He is almost asleep again when Gibbs says a soft goodbye and leaves the room to chase after Ziva.

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