WARNING: SUICIDE
Pairings: TATE
Setting: Anytime
Summary: Kate's brother commits suicide
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
Disclaimer: Do not own NCIS or its characters
Dedication: Alan, loved partner and friend, 22/05/1960-16/08/2007
A/N: I had to get this out of my system. I couldn't write anything till I did. This story is quite close to me, as might be seen in the dedication. Some of the things Kate's going through are close to me too. I have incorporated my feelings into this story. I hope you like it. Please review.
Can't Cry
Ring ring…ring ring Kate picked up the phone, a smirk on her face from teasing Tony. A few seconds into the call and the smile had dropped. After a few minutes of silence only interrupted by questions of 'really, when, where, and how' she hung up and continued with her paper work, never looking up or talking.
"Kate…Kate!" Tony got her attention on the fourth try. She glanced at him for a second or two then went back to work.
"Kate," Tony said walking over to her and touching her shoulder, she jumped than she relaxed, "It's time to leave." Kate shook her head and buried herself back into her work. Tony knew this had something to do with the phone call earlier. She hadn't spoken or left her desk since she hung up.
"Kate, what happened? Who was on the phone earlier?" All Kate did was shake her head and keep working. Tony had had enough. She couldn't keep doing this. Working wasn't going to make whatever problem she had go away. He pulled her chair back, almost causing her to fall off. He knelt in front of her, resting his hands on her knees.
"Talk to me Kate," He said softly, his face full of compassion, "You can't keep it bottled up and working won't make it go away you now." She nodded and fell into Tony's welcoming embrace. She didn't cry though. She couldn't cry. Tony pushed her back just enough to see her face. He helped her up and to his car, driving them both to his apartment. All the while Kate was in a daze. After entering he guided her to his couch and sat her down. Kate still hadn't spoken and Tony was really worried about her.
"So what happened?" Tony broke the silence that had settled around them, he grabbed Kate's hand in his own, entwining their fingers and giving a gentle squeeze.
"My…my brother…my brother died." She whispered her voice cracking.
"Oh no, Kate, what happened?" Tony asked again wanting to know details.
"He committed suicide this morning. Hung himself in a forest near a fishing hole. A fisherman found him this morning. There was no note or anything." Kate still didn't cry as Tony hugged her once again.