Kate woke suddenly, uncertain. She blinked and looked around but could find nothing that would have disturbed her sleep. Remembering that she needed to wake Tony, she kissed him and whispered in his ear. The response she received made her grin, but it wasn't the one she was looking for.
Come on, DiNozzo! Wake up! She spoke louder this time, running tickling fingers down his side.
Hnng, tired... lemme sleep... came the mumbled response.
Kate chuckled. No, sweetheart. You have to wake up and talk to me. Doctor's orders.
Kate? I'm awake, see? G'night. He stretched his arms above his head and tried to roll over. She still had her legs around him though, and kept him pinned.
Nope, gotta wake up all the way. She walked teasing fingers down his stomach. So far she'd been gentle, but she was starting to get worried. Come on, Tony.
He sighed deeply and rubbed a hand over his eyes. Okay, okay, I'm awake. Let's see, concussion, right? I'm Tony DiNozzo, it's 2004, my head hurts like hell and my sexy lover won't let me sleep. Anything else? He leaned over and gave her a very thorough kiss.
Ohhhh... no, I think you answered all the important questions. Are you allowed anything for pain? Kate laid back, running her hand negligently over his chest and belly.
I think I can have Tylenol, if you have any, he answered, sighing with pleasure.
Yeah, there's some in the medicine cabinet. Want me to get it for you?
No, honey. You and your ribs stay put. I'll drag my pounding head out of bed. How about you? Do you need something for the pain? He stood up slowly, groaning.
Probably not a bad idea. Kate closed her eyes. She heard him fumbling around in the bathroom and then his gentle voice whispered in her ear.
Here you go, hon. He handed her the pain relievers and a cup of water. While she downed them, he crawled back into bed. I checked my watch while I was in there; it's only 1:20. Waiting until she'd settled, he closed the distance between them. Dropping his voice to a whisper, he said, I know it's hot, but I love holding you, Kate, as he wrapped his arms around her.
She purred in contentment, leaning her body against his, easing her ribs, and casually draped a leg across his. She was already drifting back to sleep, sighing out a soft, Love you, Tony, as she settled.
The next time either of them woke, sun was streaming through the window. Kate narrowed her eyes to mere slits, shading her face with her hand. She took a moment to drink in the feel of being gently cupped against the enticingly masculine body behind her. From the softness of his breath on her ear, his wonderfully broad chest, his strong, yet gentle arms, finally to his long, lean legs -- she loved how protective he was as they slept. She liked how feminine she felt with him when they were alone. Grinning at her silly, romantic notions, she rolled over carefully and tried to wake her .
Tony, sweetheart. Time to wake up. She slid her hand down his side to his hip and back.
Mmm... do wrly. The muffled noise wasn't quite up to human speech.
Nope, that did not translate. Wake up. She gently poked at him, resisting the urge to use more interesting measures to wake him up. At least, for now.
Mm tired! Early! He tried to burrow back into the pillow, pressing himself closer to Kate in the process.
She shifted slightly and nibbled at his ear. If you can talk to me in complete sentences, I promise to let you go back to sleep.
She felt him sigh. Keep that up, you'll be lucky to get complete thoughts. He rolled his head taking his ear out of range and opening one eye. Okay, Honey, what's it gonna take to get some extra sleep?
Oh, name, date; you know, the usual stuff to prove you're lucid.
I'm screwed. He was pleased to note that her peals of laughter didn't hurt his head. He was concerned when she gasped, but smiled when she teased him back.
Naughty boy. You know it hurts when I laugh. Now start talking, or I'm calling Gibbs and Ducky. Then see if you get to spend the day in bed with me. She grinned at him.
My name is Anthony DiNozzo, it's a miserably hot summer Sunday, 2004, and I'm really looking forward to spending the rest of the day in bed with Kate Todd. His green eyes sparkled as he gently pulled her in for a kiss that soon had them both hungry for something far different than a simple breakfast. The distant sound of Tony's cell phone pierced their awareness and they each groaned.
they breathed in unison. Tony laughed as he went to get the phone. The real question is whether he's on his way, or if he's already outside pacing.
Kate closed her eyes and listened as he fished the pesky instrument from the jeans he'd left on the bathroom floor. She let his end of the conversation drift by her.
How's your head?
Good morning, Gibbs. My head's feeling better, although I was hoping to get a little more rest today. How's your head?
Fine, mostly, Gibbs muttered. How's Kate?
Tony had reentered the bedroom and was visually devouring the object of inquiry. Grinning, he said, She seems to be fine so far. Would you like to ask her yourself? I believe she's awake.
Kate lifted one eyelid and caught sight of the mischievous expression on Tony's face. Motioning for the phone she spoke. I'm awake, hand it over.
Tony's grin grew suggestive and Kate's shock as she spoke into the phone gave her voice an odd quality. Good morning, Gibbs.
Kate? Are you sure you're okay?
Yeah, I'm fine. Are you and Ducky waiting to break my door down to check that fact? She closed her eyes, expecting this to be her last tranquil moment of the morning.
No. Ducky said if you were both doing well enough this morning, he'd like to come by around lunchtime to check on you. And he'd even bring lunch, if that's good by you.
Kate's eyes popped open in surprise. What time is it now? She glanced at the watch Tony held in front of her as Gibbs replied.
9:40. If it's all right, I'd like to tag along for lunch. I want to see for myself that you're both okay. Besides, Abby's at the lab running prints from all our suspects; if we get lucky, maybe we can plan a little strategy for tomorrow's interrogations.
Um, sure, okay. So, what time do you think you'll be here? Kate's still surprised eyes were locked with Tony's confused ones.
Ducky said one would be a civilized hour for a decent meal. Does that sound good to you?
Fine. See you both then. Kate flipped the phone closed and dropped it into Tony's waiting hand. Ducky and Gibbs are coming for lunch at one. Does that sound as strange to you as it does to me?
Tony tossed the phone over his shoulder. Yes, actually it does. But it also gives us three uninterrupted hours alone. Betcha I can think of a couple of things to do before we have to get ready for company.
Kate's gentle laughter floated through the room as they spent Sunday morning satisfying a variety of appetites.
