Title: Sleepy Sunday Morning
Author: chiroho

Disclaimer: All the characters belong to their respective creators, including Donald P. Bellisario, CBS Broadcasting Inc and Paramount Pictures.
Setting: Missing scene for "Red Cell" (2x20)
Summary: What were Tony and Kate doing before they broke into McGee's apartment?

Pairing: Tony/Kate

A/N: My first NCIS fanfic. I'm planning on several more missing scenes through the end of the season, all focusing on the Tony/Kate relationship. Profuse thanks to Havocthecat for the beta.

The ringing of the telephone slowly penetrated Anthony DiNozzo's unconscious mind, which told him that he needed to wake up and answer the phone. His conscious mind rebelled, but acquiesced when the warm body beside him in the bed proceeded to elbow him in the stomach. Jolted awake by the sudden desperate need to breathe, he grabbed for the phone, finally getting it somewhere near his ear.

"Huwwo?" What he said sounded something like that, anyway.

"Get up, DiNozzo!" The gruff bark of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs' voice sounded exactly as though it wasn't 6:15 on a Sunday morning. It sounded much more like it's owner had already consumed a pot of coffee – which if Tony had been more awake, he'd probably have realized was not just a possibility.

"Boss? It's Sunday morning."

"Dead Marine Sergeant. Waverley University. 0900. Pick up McGee, and don't be late."

His mind grappled with the details, but before he could say anything, Gibbs spoke again.

"And tell Kate."

"Kate?"

"She's right there in the bed next to you."

The dial tone informed Tony that the phone conversation was over, but his brain was more occupied with trying to close his mouth, something that currently seemed impossible. He eventually managed to get the receiver down, but his mouth still gaped as he turned to look at the gorgeous brunette next to him. Her brown eyes stared into his green ones.

"What did Gibbs want?"

He just stared at her, unable to speak.

"Tony?"

"Case. Waverley University. 0900. Pick up McGee." He was having a great deal of difficulty focusing.

"What else?" She nudged him with her hand. "Did he say anything else?"

"Gibbs knows," he finally managed to respond. The look on her face confirmed that she immediately understood what he was talking about. Being Kate, she got her brain and mouth back in sync much faster than he did.

"Are you sure?"

"He knew you were in bed next to me."

He could see her mind working, as she too tried to comprehend what had just happened. She slumped back onto her pillow.

"But how?"

"I don't know." He thought for a second. "But I know something that will help."

She looked at him, recognizing the smirk in his voice. "What?"

"Let's pick up McGee early."

The sly grin she gave him indicated she knew exactly what he was talking about. Then the grin broadened, and she looked at him speculatively.

"I know something else that will help." She fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Why don't we play a little before we leave."

He groaned in mock indignity. "You're a naughty girl, Caitlin Todd."

The throaty chuckle she gave in response to his comment was more encouragement than he'd ever needed.

end