Valentine's Day... which of course means valentine fanfiction!!! Heh, now I promise that while the fic may seem a bit non-tate, just go with it and don't think too much about it, and by the end it should be better :) Seriously, like I'd write something non-tate. Pretty please leave some feedback, I'll love you forever :)

Ooh and the finishing point leaves some still unresolved, but I really liked ending it at that spot, so if you want a sequel then you're going to have to beg!! (ha, like it would take much convincing.)

Disclaimer: If I owned NCIS or was even affiliated to it in any way whatsoever, the episode Twilight would have ended with the death of Ari, and then Tony would have confronted Kate about her pretending to be sick in SWAK (because she wouldn't have been dead) and then there'd be some action wink wink

Ok not really. But you get my drift.

It was the night before Valentine's Day, and Caitlin Todd was still at work, finishing off her paperwork. Besides Tony, she was the only one there. She wondered why Tony was still at work when he probably had some practically-underage miniskirt-wearing girl he could be dining with. Kate reasoned that he was probably trying to get as much as he could done tonight so that he could leave early tomorrow. After all, tomorrow was Valentine's Day, and she would bet her PDA that Tony had someone in his sights, and that tomorrow would be dedicated to winning her over.

Kate sighed, she knew it was going to be a hard day tomorrow. The problem with being Tony's co-worker was that she was the one who had to hear about his schemes, his dates and of course his Valentine. Of course, it didn't help that she herself was desperately lonely and any stories of his over-active love life were bound to tip her over the edge.

The worst part was that somewhere in the back of her mind, Kate could help thinking that maybe Tony wasn't happy with all his skirt chasing, and that there really was a heart in him, She couldn't help but wonder if the look he'd sometimes give her, the look he gave his friend, not just some new conquest, was a glimpse into something deeper about him. Kate shook her head. No, it was easier to believe that Tony was simply a womanizer. That way, it didn't hurt so much.

It was Valentine's Day, and Kate was at work early. She figured that made her life pretty sad. Watching as Tony entered the bullpen with a definite spring in his step, Kate smiled. Somehow, she'd woken up this morning with a more positive attitude. While still not completely happy about her own lonely situation, she wasn't dreading hearing about Tony's Valentine's conquest. They were friends and he actually was quite amusing most of the time.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Kate." Tony grinned as he passed her desk and made his way to his own.

"So who's the lucky girl this year?" Kate replied, smiling at the predictability of Anthony DiNozzo.

Tony sighed. "I don't know... it's complicated," he admitted, leaving Kate quite surprised.

"What, no artificially enhanced lady to shower with gifts on the day of superficial commercialism that is Valentine's Day?" Kate asked incredulously. It wasn't possible that there wasn't somebody in Tony's life at the moment. After all, even Kate had to admit that he was pretty charming, as well as charismatic and handsome.

Tony looked away for a moment, as if in deep thought. Kate saw it again, the soulfulness of his eyes, perhaps evidence of another side to the infamous DiNozzo.

Looking back at Kate, Tony leaned over his desk, as if he were to tell a secret he didn't want anyone else to hear. "For a start, she's not artificially enhanced, I can assure you of that. She's amazing... she's beautiful, smart and she doesn't put up with my crap. She's not scared to laugh in my face and I love that. To tell you the truth, I'm completely in love with her."

Kate raised an eyebrow quizzically. "How long have you known this woman?"

Tony smiled, seeing Kate's skepticism and knowing that with his record she had every reason to doubt him. "A while, actually... more than a year, in fact."

"And you haven't slept with her yet?" Kate's question was blunt, and in the back of her mind she wondered when Gibbs and the rest of the team were going to arrive.

"No, she's not like that. She's better than that." Tony sighed before continuing. "Kate, I wouldn't usually do this, but I have to ask for your help. It's Valentine's Day and I have to do something for her, I just don't don't know what. You're a classy woman, so tell me, what do you think?"

Kate thought for a bit. Perhaps this was a karma thing, if she helped Tony with his dilemma, then maybe her relationship status would improve soon. Besides, Tony was her friend and she'd never seen him like this before. It was her duty to help him if he asked.

"Honestly, Tony, I'm not sure. Maybe something small to start with... What about roses? I've always thought a single rose was particularly romantic. And you could attach a note? Do you think she'd like something like that?"

Tony nodded. "Actually, I think that's perfect. Simple but beautiful, not enough to scare her off. But Kate... I have to confess something, and you can't tell anybody."

Confess? What was she, a priest? But Kate smiled. "Okay, tell me."

"I'm scared." Tony whispered. "What if she doesn't like it? What if she doesn't like me?"

"Tony... just tell her how you feel, if you honestly feel that way and have for a long time. Even rejection could be better than having the lingering doubt in your mind forever."

Tony nodded slowly, then smiled. Kate was probably right, and he wanted to let his Valentine know just how much she meant to him. Today was the day.

Before he could even voice his thoughts, Gibbs appeared from the elevator, coffee in one hand, case file in the other. "Dead marine. Get your stuff."

And so began the day. Another case, another handful of suspects.

By the early evening it had died down, and there was nothing more they could do until the morning. Kate rubbed her forehead, she was exhausted already. Approaching her desk, she contemplated her lonely dinner plans, until she saw it.

A single red rose upon her desk, along with a small card, which read:

Kate, a wise person told me that even rejection is better than lingering doubt, so let me tell you something, and then you can reject me if you choose. You're the most incredible woman I've ever met, and I've loved you for longer than you could ever guess. I love you when you smile, even when you cry, and when you do cry, I want to be the one who wipes away your tears. You're my favourite person in the whole world.

Be my Valentine

Tony xo

Aww... hope you like it, pretty please review, tell me your thoughts (good or bad-please not too ugly) and let me know if you want a follow-up :)

Happy Valentine's Day!