Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Sadly, they belong to some other people.
"What do you mean 'we're snowed in'?" Kate looked out the window, just to humor Tony, but the sight that revealed itself soon had her up on her feet and moving. She had expected to see an inch of snow – at most, given her partner's exaggeration prowess – but instead, her jaw dropped open, fuckity fuck. It was as if an artist had bid adieu to his painting before he'd had the time to add some color to his grey creation. It was as if a witch had taken over the entire land, freezing every sign of life in the process – Wait, that's actually a thing in –
Kate almost jumped in her place when Tony's shoulder bumped hers.
"You see, Katie, there is a lot of snow outside. And we are stuck inside." Tony grinned, gesturing with his hands for emphasis.
She sighed, dragging a fingertip down the misted glass. "I can see that, DiNozzo," Kate said, but her scorn was half-hearted, "Still, that doesn't mean we have to stay here all night."
"—that's exactly what it means, Kate. Director's orders."
Damn it. He has done it once again. She couldn't help but think, a) Finally! Apparition has made its way into our modern world and b) How come it's not public knowledge?! Sadly, their boss was the only one privy to this type of here I am - now I'm not sorcery. What wouldn't Kate do to have his clearance...
She crossed her arms over her chest, snapping out of it. "But what if I already have something planned?"
"Cancel it." Gibbs took a generous swig of coffee, raising his eyebrows over the rim of his cup.
Kate's objection froze on her lips and one corner of his mouth lifted into a smile, good, it's settled. That irritated Kate to no end.
"You got a date, Kate?"
"Sure, Tony." She didn't flinch this time when he placed a hand on her shoulder. Didn't question his sudden act of kindness.
"It's for the best. You don't want to be out in this weather." He smiled, then walked back to his desk, picking up his favorite magazine off the floor.
Kate shivered when a group of men in navy blue overalls ventured out into the cold, shovels in hands. They looked like LEGO figures from way up here – tiny, fragile – with an impossible mission ahead of them. The more they struggled with cleaning the snow, the more Kate was willing to accept that she, well, they, were spending yet another night at the office. Especially when the workers, shovels buried in snow, shook their heads and were thereafter all headed inside.
She knew it was pointless, but she had to give it one final try. Bargain. "Gibbs?" Kate walked up to his desk, hands on her hips. "What if – what if I leave right now? It's still not that bad and it's already past five." The cutting shrieks of the wind made her cringe, but she kept her face stoic.
"Can't do, Kate. It is highly recommended we don't leave the building before the storm ends." Gibbs was typing something and didn't even spare a glance her way.
"But if I could just –"
"I can't let you do that." Gibbs shook his head, leaving no room for discussion.
There was a moment of silence. "But what if I do it at my own risk?" Kate asked, her voice hushed. She planted her palms on Gibbs' desk and looked him in the eye. His nostrils flared and she thought, maybe I crossed a line here.
After a few excruciating minutes – seconds – Gibbs leaned back in his seat, distancing himself from her. His voice, she noted with surprise, was soft, softer, when he spoke. "Not tonight, Kate. We are staying here."