A/N: Another random Tate NCIS fic. Because I love them and live in denial that she ever died! This is only short, and the idea is kinda cliche and has probably been done a lot of times before. But anyways I wrote it to pass the time (and avoid homework). Hope you enjoy. Please review.

Disclaimer: After reading you'll understand why I don't own NCIS.

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"Damn it!" Kate slammed her car door and sighed. Why was it always the days when she wanted to get home quickly that her car decided not to start? She rested her elbows on top of the car and put her head in her hands, trying to somehow magic her car into working. She was so tired she could cry, all she wanted, was to crawl into bed and sleep for days. But she knew she'd only get a few hours until another case came in that she was needed on. And that was if she ever got home.

"Kate?" She heard a familiar voice behind her, raised her head and turned around slowly. "You okay?" Tony asked.

Kate shrugged. "Fine," and looked down at the floor.

He took a few steps towards her before she looked back up at him. "Car not starting again?" He tilted his head to the side slightly. It wasn't the first time that she'd had trouble with that car, but no matter how many times she was told, she would not sell it. She insisted that it wasn't as bad as she made out, and by now everyone knew better than to disagree.

She nodded. "It's okay. I'll just stay here."

He rolled his eyes and held out his hand to her. "Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

Kate looked at his hand and then up to his eyes. She paused before replying. "It's okay, really."

Tony shook his head. "No, it's not, I'm giving you a ride. You don't even have a choice."

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Fifteen minutes later they arrived at Kate's apartment block. She didn't ask how he knew where she lived, although the thought did cross her mind. They sat in the car for a few moments before she turned to face him.

"You want to come in? For a drink or something?" She bit her lip.

"Sure," he nodded and opened his door. She smiled to herself, before opening her door and they walked up the path, together. She rooted through her bag for her keys before finding them and opening the door so they could get inside out of the cold night air. He followed her to the elevator where she pressed the button for the fifth floor. Neither of them could quite think of anything to say, deciding instead to watch the lights changing as they moved floor, an awkward silence hanging in the air. Finally the door opened and they walked down the hall and into her room.

Kate walked in first, dropping her jacket over the back of a chair before swapping her heels for a pair of slippers. She disappeared into her bedroom, emerging a few seconds later with an old college sweater. She put it on over her t-shirt and walked into the kitchen. Tony watched her closely, smiling at her routine. He followed her into the kitchen, and leant against the door frame casually.

"You want a coffee, Tony?" She asked, flicking the kettle on.

"Please," he said, making eye contact with her.

"What?" She asked curiously.

"Nothing," he shrugged.

She watched him for a few moments longer before shaking her head and turning to the cupboard and getting out two mugs. "You can go sit down, I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay," he replied and made his way through to the living room. He studied the pictures on the wall closely, wondering if he was in any of them. There were some of Kate and her family, many dating back to when she was in school. There was a couple from some of her previous jobs, and then one taken a few weeks ago in their work office. He was stood on the end next to Kate. Abby was on the other side of her, then Tim, then Gibbs, and Ducky was standing at the other end. He smiled when he saw this picture was in the middle, making it seem important to her. He hoped.

He looked at the picture for a few moments before sitting down on the couch. Kate walked in and put the two mugs of coffee down on the table before flicking the light on and sitting down next to him. She grabbed the TV remote and switched it on, flicking through a few channels before settling on an old Friends rerun.

After what seemed like no time at all, Tony glanced at his watch and raised his eyebrows. Two hours had passed since they'd arrived home and it was now just gone 11pm. He looked over at Kate who had fallen asleep. He smiled. She looks so beautiful asleep. Forget that, she always looks beautiful, he thought to himself. Carefully he took the remote from her hand, switched the TV off and stood up. He picked her up gently, careful not to wake her up, and carried her to her bedroom. He layed her down and pulled the covers up over her, before sitting on the edge of the bed.

He reached his hand across to brush the hair out of her eyes, and leant down to kiss her forehead gently. He pulled back slightly, keeping his eyes shut. "I love you, Kate," he whispered. It had only been a couple of weeks ago that he'd realized how strongly he really felt about her, but he knew he could never tell her the truth, at least not to her face. He was too scared that she wouldn't feel the same, or that she'd just laugh at him. He pulled back further and stood up, getting all the way to the door before turning around to look at her again. She looked so small laying there asleep. She was beautiful, he knew it. And perfect to his eyes even with her flaws.

Shaking his head, he flicked the living room light off and walked back to her bed. Carefully sitting down, he took off his shoes before laying down behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. She'd probably kill him when she woke up, but for now it was perfect.

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A/N2: Thanks for reading. Make the button's day and click it:)

And I may be persuaded to write another chapter of the next morning if anyone wants me to. If my crappy writing didn't put you off!!

-Beth