Later that day…

Later that day…

"So, Tony, how's that paperwork going?"

"Its fine," he replied through gritted teeth, glaring a hole through the computer monitor. Kate approached his desk with a soft smile on her face.

"Do you want some help?" she asked him sincerely. She had finished her assigned work half an hour ago, and had been watching him squirm and groan about missing his dinner date.

"Why would you want to help me? You look like crap; you should go home and sleep."

"Thanks, Tony. I really loved that compliment," she replied with sarcasm and turned around. Honestly, he hadn't noticed his slip up, and was quick to correct it.

"I'm sorry, Kate. You know I didn't mean it like that. I would really appreciate it," he smiled when she turned to face him again. "Please?" He had already missed his 'date'. Truth was, he had only told the group a time – he had never really had anyone to go with.

"Okay." Kate answered, 'It's not like I have anything better to do tonight. And spending time with Tony isn't that bad… wow, what's wrong with me?' she sighed. This didn't go by unnoticed by Tony, who looked up at her worriedly.

"Kate? You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. After all, some of that is my paperwork anyway."

"Yeah…I guess so." He watched her drag her chair over to sit beside him, and found himself distracted by their close proximity. Not that it was that close, it was just closer than he was completely comfortable with. She looked up at him and their eyes met, and he immediately snapped out of his gaze.

"Are you okay, Tony?" she looked into his eyes again, and he swallowed.

"Y-yeah. Yes. I think I'm just hungry. And tired, you know?" She nodded, and Gibbs entered the room.

"Go. You can finish that tomorrow." They both looked at Gibbs with questioning looks. "Now. I don't need my agents living off caffeine. You need sleep. Go!" he barked, causing the two Special Agents to jump.

"Okay Boss"

"Thanks Gibbs" Kate grinned at Tony's astonished face before packing up her desk and grabbing her car keys. She spun around too quickly and stumbled, falling back into her seat. Gibbs walked up and took her keys, shoving them in his pocket.

"Tony, take her home. We can't trust her behind the wheel right now"

"Uh, Boss, nobody can trust you at any time" he grinned. He realised the fault in his words when he received another slap to the head. "Ow!"

"Take her. Go."

Tony nodded and helped Kate out of her seat. She had almost fallen asleep even in that small amount of time. He half guided, half dragged her to his car to go to his place.

Arriving at his apartment, Tony tapped Kate on the shoulder, shaking her.

"Katie? Kate, wake up. Come on, you can't stay in here." He nudged, trying to bring her out of slumber.

"Tonnnnyyyyyyyy…" she groaned, her eyes fluttering open. Realising where she was, she sat up. "Why are we outside your place? Gibbs said to take me home."

"I'm sorry," he blushed, "I thought you would want to sleep. I'll take you to your house…"

"No, its okay," she smiled, 'what am I saying? I can't stay at Tony's! Even if he is looking like that, all cute…wow, I must be really tired' she scolded herself. "You have a couch right?"

"You can take the bed; I'll sleep on the couch. Unless you want me to join you?" he winked. 'Smart one, dumb one. You have to ruin it every time, don't you?' Tony looked away and mentally slapped his head, ashamed.

"I can take the couch, its fine."

"Please, just take the bed. I'm trying to be nice here!" he countered, exasperated. He saw the shocked look on her face from his outburst, and smiled to soften his words.

"Okay. Thankyou, Tony." Smiling back, she watched him jog to her side of the car and open her door. He offered his hand to help her out, and she looked at it, confused, 'What is he doing? Oh, what the hell…' "Thanks…" she whispered. He smiled in return, and guided her through his house and into the bedroom.