A/N For you civilians, "Quarters" are orders issued to a military member by a medical professional to excuse them from reporting to duty for a specified time frame.

Chapter 15

15 minutes earlier

Close Quarters

(Ziva's POV)

I get in and shut the car door and the anxiety builds as Tony starts the motor. He pats my leg and smiles. We ride in silence but Tony keeps a furtive eye on me. When he parks the car he turns towards me, places a calming hand on my leg, clears his throat then says, "I know you're nervous, so tell me how I can help once we get in there. Do you want me to talk to people before you come in, or do you just want me to stay out of the way so you can talk to everyone as you come across them?"

I prop my elbow on the window and lean my head in my hand. "I am dreading walking in and facing everyone after I acted so dramatically. I know that people will want an excuse, but I just want everything to get back to normal. If you can keep things light I would appreciate it."

"An excuse? Seriously?' He shifts in his seat, either in discomfort or frustration. He is picking his words carefully yet again. I wish he would just speak and not treat me as though I were fragile. I sigh, okay, given the events of the past few days perhaps he is being wise and I need to cut him some slacks. "They are worried about you, Ziva, and honestly, if you pretend like nothing has happened, or if I pretend like you're fine, they won't buy it. You need to be able to talk to them or they won't trust you. Showing vulnerability to friends is a sign of courage, not weakness. You won't find that in your American citizenship study guide, but I promise you that honesty among friends is part of the deal. You don't need to tell them everything," he smiles despite himself, "although if you need help removing your shirt again I'm always here for you."

He raises an eyebrow, we both smile and I smack his arm. "You are ever the gentleman, Anthony DiNozzo. But seriously, Tony, I do not have any sort of plan of action, although I am wishing I did. I do not know what to expect, or how people will react, or how to react to them. All I know is that I need to walk into those doors and I will feel better once I walk out after work. Perhaps it is better if I do not think it through. Let's just get this over with."

I open my car door to show that the conversation is over, but my hands start to shake as I get out of the car. I wipe them on my slacks but they will not still. We ride in the elevator alone. As soon as the doors close Tony smiles at me and gently holds my hand, not mentioning the tremors. I feel as though the THUMP THUMP of my heart is audible again, and I hope it will eventually subside. Before we arrive at our floor Tony reaches over and flips the emergency switch. He turns toward me, takes both my hands in his and says, "Ziva, if it gets too much for you, I will find an excuse to take you home."

"Thank you, Tony." I pull him into an embrace and consider how many times I have uttered those words to him in the past 24 hours. He holds me, his chin resting on my hair. He kisses the top of my head, then as I pull away he smiles again, "Ready?"

I answer by flipping the switch. Tony rubs my back then drops his hand as the doors open.

*Ding

With one last stolen glance we walk out of the elevator. Gibb's back is to us but McGee sees and has that confused puppy look on his face. He turns quickly and shuts off the monitor, but not before I see the unmistakable crime scene photos. I smile at Tim's consideration.

He addresses Gibbs but his eyes stay on me. "Uh, Boss, didn't you tell them NOT to come in today."

Gibbs turns around with a stern look on his face, "Yes, McGee, I did. Tell Ducky we're on our way down." He walks intently towards us, and double head slaps Tony.

"Hey, Don't look at me!" Tony says with his hands in the air showing his innocence, "As soon as twenty-four hours were up she used some sort of ninja mind trick on me."

"So I guess that makes you a weak-minded fool, DiNozzo?"

Head slap number three

He looks at me, "My office."

I follow dutifully. "You too, Han Solo."

He pulls the emergency stop, looks at both of us. "Do I have to put you on Quarters, Agent David?"

"Of course not, Gibbs. I am fine."

"Ziva, you've been saying that you're fine for months, so forgive me if I don't take your word for it this time." I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up his hand to cut me off. "Before we even discuss what you think you're doing here, you will be checked out by Ducky. If he doesn't knock some sense into you, I will. First stop is autopsy."

He flips the switch and faces forward for the rest of the ride leaving Tony and me standing in the back. Tony dares to reach over and touch my fingers lightly and I hook my little finger with his until the carriage stops. Despite his silent assurance, I brace myself for what is to come.