Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any of these characters.
This story is set in an AU where Ari did shoot Kate, but the bullet only grazed her head and she is in a coma throughout season three. And, since this is my story and I can do whatever I want, I've made it Kibbs.
After 'Boxed In'
"Hello again, Kate." Tim wiped his sweaty hands on his pants, then reached out and tentatively took Kate's hand. "It's, uh, it's been a while, and I thought I'd just, you know, drop by." He could imagine Kate's incredulous gaze. "Ok, fine, I need to vent, and lately you've been a really good listener. Is that ok? I just need you to listen." Kate didn't answer, but he didn't expect her to. "Ok, here goes. Tony and Ziva got stuck in a metal box together for several hours, and Gibbs and I only barely arrived in time to save them from being shot. I mean," he laughed nervously,"how messed up is that, right? Only Tony and Ziva could get in a situation like that." He sighed wearily, and rubbed his eyes. "I thought Gibbs was going to kill me if I didn't find them fast enough." He glanced at Kate and grimaced. "You would have noticed that the box was gone. If you had been there we would have found them faster." He brightened. "But we did find them. Eventually." He pictured Kate's indulgent smile. "Yes, you did, Tim. Good work."
A/N: This one was a little different. He didn't need her to wake up, he needed her to listen. Please review!