The digital readout on the computer screen let Abby know that it was nearly one in the morning, and as her fingers crawled across the keyboard, she realized it was finally time for sleep. As she powered down all of her technical gear, she yawned several times, exhausted but content with having solved another case. It took the gothic lab technician several minutes to pack up her things, but she eventually was prepared to head home.
Just as she was heading for the door, belongings stuffed into a miniature backpack dangling from her hand, the lab telephone chirped to life. The noise jolted Abby to a state of lucidity she usually displayed under the effects of Caf-Pow. Assuming it was Gibbs (who worked this late on a consistent basis) caused the woman to shuffle quickly into her office, knee-high platform heels clicking with every step.
Abby's gravelly voice rasped over the receiver, "Yes, Gibbs?"
Ziva's face twisted into one of confusion, before shaking her head, "No Abby, it's me, Ziva."
"Oh, sorry Ziva, I'm really drained, and was about to head home. What's up?"
"I need to talk to you; it is very important, and will only take a second."
A heedless groan rang throughout the Israeli's head, followed by, "Ziiiiiiiivvaaaa..."
"Be right down."
~Click~
Ziva looked about the dark squadroom, the only light coming from the weak lamp atop her desk. The woman hastily ripped the sweater from her person, revealing a black body-conforming tank top underneath. She let her hair down while simultaneously extinguishing the lamp. The sound of her cargo pants swishing together led down the hallway.
Abby was dead to the world. Her face had met desk only moments after talking with Ziva, and there she would remain, slumped forward in her chair, lightly snoring. Ziva crept into the dimly lit office, eyes wide with curiosity. Coming within reach, she extended a hand, nudging Abby's left shoulder. The goth stirred, mumbling incoherently, before finally raising her head. Ziva offered her a sheepish grin and received a morose grimace in return.
"What is it Ziva?"
The Israeli woman seemed at a loss for words, though her peculiar gaze held Abby's attention. Abby sat up straight, frowning deeply, skeptical of the encounter.
"Did Tony put you up to this--make sure I lose as much sleep as possible?'