Fluffy at the end of the chapter. All these feelings are getting heavy!

Ziva and McGee talked a little while longer about work. Finally McGee worked up his courage to ask Ziva what had been nagging him for awhile. "Hey, um, Ziva? I know you and Abby don't get along that well, but... uh," he trailed off.

"Well, spit it up McGee," Ziva said with a bad idiom.

"You've been acting strange... both of you. Did something... happen when Gibbs stuck you two together?" McGee asked timidly. He did NOT want to upset Ziva... she could kill him with anything in the room.

"We... had a heart to heart. She told me what was really bothering her. It was Kate... you know. Well, anyway, we forgave each other, but we are still a bit edgy around each other. It is a working progress McGee, but don't worry about us, we are fine," Ziva said using Abby's lie.

McGee nodded; trying to process the information he had been given. It made sense. Abby and Kate were tight. "Well, I better get going," McGee said glancing at his watch, "I have somewhere I need to be. Feel better Ziva." McGee gave her hand a squeeze before he left.

Ziva was alone again. She laid back against the hospital pillows and sighed. She thought of Abby and their situation. What were they going to do?

Gibbs had just listened to Abby's explanation of her hostility towards Ziva. "I never meant to replace her Abs. Not like that," said Gibbs as he hugged her.

Abby knew this already, but she took the hug... she needed it. "I think I'll go see her now," Abby said quietly. Abby silently hoped Tim had left already. She propped open the door just slightly. She saw no sign of Tim. She then looked at the figure in the bed. Ziva appeared to be sleeping. Abby went into the room and sat in one of the chairs. Ziva turned to her with those chocolate brown eyes. "Faker," Abby joked.

"I was waiting for you," Ziva said, "I hoped feigning sleep would keep the others out." Abby chuckled. Ziva smiled at Abby's laugh. "Abby," Ziva started solemnly, "I know there is a connection between us. This is obvious. But, there are reasons we cannot be together," Ziva choked out. It pained her to say these words, but they had to be said.

"I know," Abby said looking away, "but it's hard to work so close to someone you have feelings for."

"I think McGee knows the feeling," Ziva said sadly, feeling his pain.

"What do you mean?" Abby asked, confused.

"Abby! How can you not see it? McGee obviously still has feelings for you! He never wanted to end your relationship," Ziva yelled. The two women stared at each other for awhile before Ziva spoke again, "why?"

"Why what?" Abby asked.

"Why do you like me? Abby! You've had relationships before. I have not because I knew I was different," Ziva told her.

"Because I didn't know what to think! I was scared okay? I was already different enough!" Abby yelled.

Ziva stared at her. Understanding completely. "I understand Abby," Ziva said hanging her head as she remembered times where her father had asked questions.

"Why don't you find a nice boy Ziva?" Eli asked his daughter.

"Because my job is too dangerous for a relationship," Ziva replied. 'That's why I picked it,' Ziva silently added.

"Humph. What about Michael? He is nice boy, yes? He has the same job you do. He would understand the consequences," Eli said, forcing the subject.

"Father, do not press the issue! Maybe I am just not cut out to be a wife! Maybe I want to give my job full attention," Ziva angrily spat back.

"I could terminate that job," Eli threatened.

"I will not lead anyone on. I am going to be honest, Michael is not the kind of person I am looking for," Ziva said honestly.

"Well, find someone soon. I want grandchildren," Eli huffed as he left the room.

Ziva returned to the present and realized she had tears streaming down her cheeks. Abby was sitting on the bed next to her and rubbing her back trying to calm her down.

"I am sorry," Ziva said.

"Never apologize... it's a sign of weakness," Abby recited the Gibbs Rule.

"As if tears weren't enough," Ziva muttered. Abby jerked Ziva around and stared her directly in the face.

"When tears are produced it lets out endorphins to make us feel better. Your body is just trying to help you become happy faster," Abby said with complete seriousness on her face. Suddenly they both burst out laughing.

"Is that really true Abby?" Ziva asked when they had calmed down.

"Completely."

See? Tears aren't weak! Tears make you happy! XD I'm almost 100% positive this is true. Reviews are fabulous!