Kate was sitting on the couch looking around her apartment. She liked having her own space, had required it growing up. Anyone with siblings understood that. Her independence was important to her as an adult, though, too. With all her past relationships she'd still felt the need to maintain some space, to be apart and alone at times. And now here she sat, broken ribs, shot in the leg and her coworker living out of a suitcase in her bedroom. It was the closest and most dependent she'd ever allowed herself to become to a man. It was also the happiest and most loved she'd ever felt because of one, too.

Tony carried two glasses of water and set them down on the coffee table. Seeing Kate was lost in thought, he teased her gently. I'll give you a penny for them. A nickel, if they're about me. He grinned at her as she looked up at him and smiled.

Okay, Tony. Follow me. As she stood, he was at her side helping her. She led the way to the bedroom and he whispered in her ear.

I realize you can't keep your hands off me, but I don't think we have the time... he grinned as she swatted at him.

You are so full of yourself, maybe I should just send you packing! She smiled and kissed him. But, I have a different task in mind at the moment. That needs to go. She pointed at his suitcase, sitting half open on the chair.

Tony looked at her, puzzled. What exactly was she trying to say?

There are extra hangers in the closet and there are two empty drawers at the bottom of the dresser. Don't you think it's time to put your clothes away, Tony? Her voice was soft and shy, as if she was uncertain of his answer.

Stunned and elated, he swept her gently into his arms, showering her with kisses. Oh, yeah, he breathed. Smiling at her sigh of relief and contentment, they turned toward completing the assignment.

Kate's cell phone rang just as she sat back down on the couch. Tony looked at it in surprise.

I thought you turned that off.

We can't buzz anyone in with the power out, remember? Figured I'd better turn it back on, so they could call when they arrived. Would you mind... Tony already had his keys in hand and was on his way. She flipped open her phone and answered. Kate Todd.

How the hell do you get into this building anyway?

Hello, Gibbs. Most people start off a conversation with Hello'. Tony's already on his way down to let you in, he should be there in just a second. See you shortly. She heard the security door open on the other end of the line and Tony's voice before the line went dead. Good bye. We end conversations with... oh forget it.

Tony let Gibbs in, and then waited as he saw Ducky pull up behind Gibbs' car. Can I carry something? he asked as the doctor approached, lugging a good-sized cooler.

No, thank you, answered the coroner. How is your head today?

Better. I had plenty of rest so the headache I had last night is almost all gone.

Well, be careful about bumping your head. You still need to take it easy on your brain for a little while. Ducky said seriously.

Oh, don't worry, Duck. DiNozzo always takes it easy on his brain. Gibbs' tone was irreverent however, and Tony smirked at the familiar razzing from his boss.

Alone, Kate shifted on the sofa. Her side was throbbing viciously and she desperately needed some relief. She'd been fine overnight and this morning had started out well, but she'd felt so guilty just lying around while Tony fixed yet another meal for them. Needing to do something to help, she'd tackled some basic chores; even though she'd been very careful, the twinges from her ribs grew more severe as the day wore on.

Rather than admit to the pain aloud, she popped a couple of ibuprofen. No point in worrying Tony -- or worse, getting hauled into the ER -- she'd be fine once the painkillers kicked in. Unfortunately, the medicine didn't seem to be cooperating with the plan, and she prayed that she could keep up the charade through lunch. As she finally eased into a position of relative comfort, she closed her eyes with relief.



Her eyes snapped open to find three sets of questioning eyes looking down on her. Struggling to sit up, she sucked in a breath as the pain shot through her. Determined to cover, she forced a smile and said, Sorry, I must have just zoned out for a minute.

Her reaction did not escape the good doctor's notice. Oh, Caitlyn... He sat down beside her and patted her hand, eyeing his runaway patient critically. I assume you've deduced that your condition has worsened. Mind you, you're still luckier that you have a right to be. Two of your hairline fractures are now full fractures, but you don't seem to have torn any muscle. If you hadn't bolted last night, my dear, I could have taped those ribs for you. It would have eased the pain considerably.

I'm sorry, Ducky. All I wanted to do last night was come home and sleep in my own bed. As far as the pain, I'm sure I'll be fine. It's no big deal...

Actually, honey, it is. Tony interjected the far side of the couch, shaking his head. Broken ribs take quite a while to heal; I broke one playing football in college. The doc had me taped up every day for a month. I really should have thought of that last night.

Ah, excellent, Anthony. Then you'll be able to assist me, since you're familiar with the procedure. With your permission, of course, Caitlyn. At her nod, he continued. And I assume I can trust you to see that she's properly taped each day? He turned back to the injured woman. You'll need to be taped up each day for six weeks, even if you don't feel like you're in pain. You don't want to risk reinjuring the bones as they knit.

Kate wasn't thrilled with the length of time, but anything that could help the pain would be welcome. She rose from the sofa with the doctor's aid and turned to lead the way to her bedroom, but Ducky, unsure of which direction to turn, stepped directly into Kate's path. The collision wasn't hard enough to do damage, but the resultant pain was more than she could bear at that moment. As much as she tried, she could not bite back the cry that escaped her lips.

Gibbs was next to her and he reached out to steady her even as he lashed out at all of them. This is ridiculous, Ducky! She should be in a hospital getting proper medical care! DiNozzo, you are no substitute for a registered nurse! Damn you, Kate! Why do you have to be so stubborn!

Now, Jethro...



Kate was furious, but chose to remain calm, seeing that more anger would not solve the problem. Using a patient voice that cut through both men's protestations, she said, Sit down, Gibbs. She placed a hand on his arm before adding, She gingerly lowered herself to the sofa, and Gibbs followed suit. I am capable of making my own decisions--

Well then try making a smart one for a change and take care of yourself!

Kate's eyebrows rose and she pressed her lips together, and indication that he may have taken his concern for her too far. Let me ask you something, Gibbs. If you'd been in a position to prevent me from doing anything on this case that has or could have injured me, would you have done it? Answer honestly.

he snapped, without thinking.

Even if it meant we might have lost a critical piece of evidence?

Of course. Kate, you don't sacrifice people for no reason. And this, he said, pointing a finger at her side, was for no reason.

Tony's laughter echoed from across the room, and all eyes turned in his direction. Wrong answer, Boss. Getting in Kate's way only pisses her off. The smarter move is to grab your gun and ask where she wants the back up. Ducky nodded in response to his words; Gibbs looked thoughtful. Tony grinned at Kate before continuing. That way at least I'm already there if you get your ribs broken or your leg shot. But then again, I find the tough girls intriguing.

Kate returned her lover's smile and then spoke to Ducky. Let's go get me taped. Anything that cuts down on the pain is a good thing. She headed for her bedroom, letting the doctor and Tony follow.

Gibbs stared after the three as they departed, wondering exactly when he had lost control of his team. He was spared further silence by the buzzing of his cell phone.



Hey, Gibbs. Got something.

What, Abby? He was in no mood right now to play games with the girl.

You need more coffee, Gibbs. You're grouchy. Those papers were as well-handled as a cocktail waitress' butt. I plucked five sets of prints off of most of them, all the same. None of them your deceased or Pederson, except for the transfer letter. Everybody handled that.

Who's everybody, Abbs? Gibbs' curiosity was piqued now.

Jeremy Duvall for one, and Larry Martin. Both Emily's and Lynn's prints were on the transfer letter. I'm still waiting on AFIS for the other three. Heath said he'd bring me print cards from the hospital for the three prisoners taken there last night. None of the chemists' prints match. I'd guess Duvall's brother is one, but since he's too crispy to print...

Yeah, yeah. All right, keep on it, Abbs. Thanks. Oh, and I assume you have a list of who touched what?

Of course, the goth girl intoned. Would I be less than thorough for you?

Never, Abbs. Never. He chuckled and snapped the phone shut.