Across the pit Tony saw Ziva bury her head for the fifth time that morning beneath her desk. She seemed to be searching for something but the sharply muffled "kpfff!" alerted him to the reality. When she reemerged her nose was slightly pink and she sniffled discreetly. He stared at her, allowing only the faintest concern show through his large brown eyes.

"What are you staring at Tony?" she asked harshly, not looking up from her computer.

"I was just going to say that holding back a sneeze like that could make your head explode."

A faint blush spread through Ziva's cheeks but she managed to snap, "I don't know what you are talking about."

She stared at him coolly for a moment. Then, her smirk quickly vanished as she thrust a forefinger under her nose and sneezed again. Her shoulders bounced with the force but the noise was slight and, Tony thought, unusually ladylike for the no-nonsense Massad agent.

"Hey Ziva."

"What Tony," she snarled angrily.

"Bless you."

It was a slow day at NCIS and a perfect opportunity for everyone to finally catch up on paperwork. Gibbs had been summoned to the director's office where he spent the morning forced to explain and justify questionable expenses appearing on recent reports. It was a quarterly ritual and one sure to put Gibbs in the worst of moods. While he was detained, however, a light-hearted frivolity took over the pit.

McGee had been sent out for lunch and returned with a variety of dumplings from everyone's favorite take-out. Abby sat cross-legged on Tim's desk while she picked through her carton with chop-sticks.

"McGee you really should check out this club my friend's band is playing at. I think you'd get a total kick out of the goth scene."

"Abby," Tony called across the room. "Can you really picture McNerdy wearing chains and guyliner?"

Abby chuckled. "Not only can I imagine it but…"

She was cut off by McGee's frightened eyes and threatening gestures.

Tony looked between the two and sat up, excitement in his eyes. "Oh Abby, please tell me there are photos."

Before responding Abby turned towards the sound of Ziva sneezing again.

"Gesundheit," she said, eyeing her friend suspiciously. "You've been really quiet today Z, are you alright?"

"I am fine, Abby," replied Ziva in a slightly congested voice.

"Are you sure, 'cause you really don't look so good…"

"I am FINE, Abby," Ziva repeated in a raised voice.

At the hurt look on Abby's face, McGee rose and took a step towards his partner.

"Cool it Ziva." His forceful tone lightened quickly as Ziva looked up at him with pained eyes surrounded by dark circles. He dropped his voice and continued. "You know it's really slow around here today. It would be a perfect chance to take a sick day."

"I don't need a sick day, McGee," Ziva snarled. She looked into his eyes and then called to the moping Abby. "I'm sorry I snapped at you Abby."

"It's okay Ziva. I'll lay off."

The silence lingered a moment before Tim sat back down and turned his computer around to show Abby a new game he'd downloaded.

"I'm going down to Path to bring Ducky his order," Tony announced to no one in particular. As he headed past Ziva's desk, he reached into his bag of food and withdrew a small, plastic container. He placed it in front of the woman and whispered to her.

"Egg drop soup, nice and hot. It'll feel good on your throat." Without another word he headed towards the elevator.

Ziva quietly lifted the corner of the lid and inhaled the soothing steam before stealing a glance at Tony's retreating figure.