"It Starts With a Look"

Chapter 11

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Tony noticed a definite change in Kate as they neared NCIS. She became less talkative and more distant, much like she had been the night before. Tony found himself once again wishing she would open up and talk to him about what she was really feeling.

"You okay?" He asked as he pulled up next to Kate's car, still parked where she'd left it the night before.

"Yeah," she replied softly, remembering why they had left her car there in the first place.

"You sure?" He asked as he shut off the engine.

"Yeah," Kate repeated.

That's it then, don't push it Dinozzo. She'll talk to you when she's ready.

"Okay," Tony said. He grabbed his gear and got out of the car.

Kate sat quietly for a moment, knowing she couldn't just leave it at that.

Dammit Kate, he's knows you're lying, just talk to him. He's been so great about everything, he deserves to hear the truth.

"Tony wait," Kate called behind him.

His heart quickened as he turned around to face her. He hoped she would finally talk to him, but he also half expected an outburst like the night before.

Kate took a few steps and closed the space between them. She looked at his face, then down at her own hands. You can do this Kate, just tell him.

Kate took a deep breath and finally looked up at him. "Tony, I know all of this hasn't been easy for you. I know you've been worried about me and that you feel like you have to protect me or something, but-"

Tony took a step forward and spoke before she had a chance to finish her thought. "This hasn't been easy for either of us Kate." He paused, hoping the right words would come to him.

Kate stared up at him, waiting for him to finish what he started.

"I know you don't want a protector, and you probably don't need one either, so I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable or anything last night, but you're my partner and my friend Kate, and I won't apologize for looking out for you." Tony shifted his gaze to his feet, unsure of how she would respond.

To his surprise, Kate stepped forward and took his hand in hers. She looked up at him and took another deep breath. "Thank you Tony."

She looked down at their hands and let her fingers slip through his. "Thank you for last night. . . for everything." She looked up and met his eyes once again. "Thank you for this."

They weren't sure how much time passed as they stood there, but neither of them dared to move. It had taken many long months and one very long night, but each of them had finally allowed the other to cross the unspoken line that stood between them. They could've stayed this way for hours had not another car pulled into the garage.

Tony broke their stare and looked at the approaching car. Kate let her hand slip out of Tony's as they both turned toward the car. A familiar face stepped out.

"What the hell are you two doing standing around down here? We've got work to do." Gibbs barked as he walked past them toward the elevator, coffee in hand.

"Boss, I know I'm extremely unobservant sometimes," Tony began, "But didn't you get shot yesterday?"

"It was a through and through Dinozzo." Gibbs replied matter of factly as he stepped into the elevator.

Tony looked at Kate and raised his eyebrows. "I'm so glad he's back so soon. He's always so pleasant after he's been in the hospital."

"Ya think?" Kate whispered.

"Dinozzo, Todd!" Gibbs barked. "Get your butts in the elevator."

Both agents did as they were ordered, silently hoping this day would not bring as much excitement as the last.