I Know You Can Feel This Too
A/N: Thanks so much for the comments on the elevator scene... gotta love protective Fornell!
Chapter 9 – Taking Care
Fornell left the elevator without a backward glance.
As he made his way to his car, he saw Ziva standing with Abby by her hearse. To be out here first, they must have used the other elevator or stairs while he was having his Mexican stand-off with Gibbs.
Fornell changed direction and joined them, relieved when Abby smiled at him and Ziva didn't immediately take him down. She didn't look armed but with Ziva, she didn't need to be.
"You okay, Abby?" Fornell asked, concerned about how drawn she looked.
"I'm fine, Toby. Just a bit tired," Abby tried to smile at him reassuringly but it was an effort.
"Are you still in one piece, Fornell?" asked Ziva, curiously.
"Surprisingly unscathed, considering," he replied, smiling wryly, acknowledging how unusual it was to come out of any confrontation with an annoyed Gibbs without some kind of visible wound.
"I'm going home while I can," Abby told him, weariness colouring her voice. "The results I'm waiting for won't be ready till the morning so I'll come in early."
"Ducky was able to persuade Abby that sleeping on her futon overnight was not a good idea," Ziva pointed out, smiling fondly at her friend. She'd offered to go home with Abby and keep her company but Abby had refused. She wanted some time to herself.
"Tell the guys I'll talk to them tomorrow, Ziva. I know how they worry," Abby requested as she threw her bag onto the passenger seat.
"I will," Ziva assured her. "Go home, Abby, and get some rest."
"Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow, ready for the dinner?" interjected Fornell.
They were all 'required' to attend the inter-agency dinner each year but previously, the MTAC team had managed to get out of it through being in the middle of a case. This year, Vance had made it plain that attendance really was mandatory this time and no last minute excuses would be acceptable from any of this agents.
Nothing short of a major case would get them out of it.
"Oh yes, please, Toby. Maybe Ziva can ride with us too?" Abby was actually looking forward to the dinner dance for once; it might take her mind off how miserable she was right now.
Ziva was coming over to her apartment in the afternoon so they could both get ready together.
She was looking forward to some time relaxing with her friend... some 'girlie' time which was all too rare for either of them. And although Ziva would have her car, it would be easier to arrive in Fornell's larger FBI sedan than try and squeeze both of them in fancy dresses into Ziva's small Mini… probably safer too, given Ziva's even more alarming driving technique in high heels.
"Sure thing. I'm not gonna say no to turning up at the hotel with two beautiful women on my arm," grinned Fornell.
Ziva snorted and Abby rolled her eyes at his obvious flattery. "Ziva's coming over coz I need some help with my hair and then I can help fix hers too."
It would be a change for both of them to dress up formally, and especially for Ziva, on something that wasn't undercover related.
"I have the same problem with mine," Fornell said, solemnly, running his hand over his bare pate.
Both women burst out laughing at the attempt to lighten the mood, and Fornell saw a genuine smile light Abby's face, albeit briefly, pleased that he'd been the one to put it there.
After arranging what time to pick them both up, Fornell bid farewell to Ziva and turned to go, only to be enveloped in a warm Abby hug, which he gladly returned as she whispered in his ear. "Thank you, Toby."
They were all unaware of a pair of blue eyes watching them closely from the third floor window.
TBC