Rays of Innocence

Summary: She'd learn that in this world, innocence was almost forgotten.

Pairing: Kate and Tony

Rating: Angst/romance

Disclaimer: I hate to say this but I don't own NCIS. I only own the plot

A/N: This is a post Heart Break story. They're airing reruns now and I watched Heart Break yesterday. One of my favourite episodes.

Chapter 1 - Aching

Kate wiped her tears and turned off the lights down in Autopsy. These days had been a complete nightmare. And it had reached its culmination when she'd shot Evan Hayes. Tapping her foot against the concrete floor, she pressed the button to the elevator. Soon the doors slid open and she stepped in. She knew she should go home and get some sleep but she couldn't. She wasn't tired. She tried to fight back the tears while she pressed the button that would take her back to the bullpen.

To her surprise she found it almost empty. Gibbs had left, McGee was nowhere to be seen and neither Ducky nor Abby was there. The only one who was still there was Tony. He seemed to be very focused on his report. Kate prayed to God that he wouldn't decide to make another snide remark tonight. But well, he was DiNozzo.

"Is Harrison picking you up?" He said teasingly as she walked into the bullpen. She didn't care to reply. Tony now looked up. She hadn't said anything back. For a moment he almost regretted his comment. Kate'd had a tough couple of days. He shouldn't be teasing her.

"What about Paula?" Kate said in a low voice.

"She won't answer my calls" Tony replied simply. "So…Harrison is not coming to pick you up?" Damn it DiNozzo. You should just leave her alone!´ Kate sighed and once again fought the tears. She hated to cry, she didn't cry often but today…

"No, DiNozzo, he's not!" she fired coldly at him. Tony looked up at met her gaze. To his horror her eyes was glazed with tears.

"I should go" Kate said and quickly gathered her stuff. Without throwing a glance at Tony, she left the bullpen. Tony just looked after her and jumped when he heard the elevator doors slam shut behind her. He sighed. Damn you, DiNozzo. Why can't you never leave her alone?´ To that, Tony had an answer but no one, not even himself would accept it. He felt like a jerk for teasing her when she was in such a bad mood. Making a quick decision he grabbed his coat and ran for the elevator.

He didn't catch up with her until he reached the parking lot. She walked a few feet before him.

"Hey, Kate. Wait!" he shouted after her and ran across the parking lot. She didn't stop, but she slowed down her pace.

"What do you want, DiNozzo?" she said and prepared herself for another joke. She turned around and didn't bother to wipe her tears that were now falling down her face. Tony stopped only a few inches away from her.

"Kate, wait. I'm…I'm sorry. For being such a jerk…" he apologized. But Kate didn't seem to buy it. She just eyed him skeptically. "I'm not in the mood, Tony" she mumbled and turned around and began to walk away again. Once again Tony caught up with her and grabbed her arm.

"Tony, don't! Let go of me. Now" His eyes met hers and he was taken aback what he saw. Anybody could have seen the hurt, exhaustion and pain in her eyes. Slowly he loosened his grip.

"I'm sorry, Kate"

"I know, so am I" she said firmly and then walked off. This time Tony didn't run after her. He watched her reach her car, get in and race out of the parking lot. With a sight he walked for his own car. As he took seat he couldn't help but feel a little bit hurt. She hadn't taken him serious. She'd just walked off and given him that sceptical look she always wore when he did something what everybody else called "inappropriate". But he guessed he couldn't blame him. He wasn't exactly the most reliable person. He sighed, the image of the pain in Kate's eyes still lingering on his mind.