Gibbs hung up the phone. He suspected the news he'd just received would not go over very well with the other members of his team. Sighing, he picked up the receiver to call Kate's residence then put the instrument back in the cradle. He didn't know what was going on with Kate -- and by extension, Tony -- but he sensed he needed to have this conversation face to face. It would be all too easy for one of them to hang up without giving him a satisfactory answer.

Kate relaxed back into the wonderful feel of Tony's chest as his arms lightly encircled her. She leafed through a file, absorbing impressions rather than reading all the words it contained. She knew she was too tired from her roller coaster of a day to thoroughly evaluate the evidence, but she trusted her intuition to help her get a feel for the players in the drama of the cold case.

Tony nuzzled her neck, content just to provide comfort to his restless lover. He concentrated on the feel of her in his arms, providing soothing support for the body he cradled protectively. The sound of the security buzzer was an unexpected interruption, causing both of them to start violently.

I'll take care of it, he whispered in her ear, as he carefully extricated himself from their entangled position.

Who is it? Tony spoke into the intercom.

DiNozzo, it's Gibbs. I need to talk to the two of you, can I come up?

Tony raised an eyebrow in Kate's direction, who shrugged in return. So much for a quiet night, was the unspoken comment. Tony pressed the release buzzer for the outside door, then opened the apartment door and waited as the familiar silver hair came into view. Stepping aside, he let their superior step inside and closed the door.

Gibbs glanced around the room and felt relieved that he hadn't interrupted anything. He sat in the armchair near Kate's feet as Tony took his previous seat and allowed Kate to lean back against him. What's up, Boss?

Larry Martin's court date has been moved up. They need us in court tomorrow.

Kate gave a mirthless chuckle. Can't, Gibbs. You and Tony can, but they'll have to schedule me for either Wednesday or Thursday.

Kate! I'm going with you tomorrow, and the doctor said... Tony began, but Kate cut him off.

Tony, what are you going to do? Sit in the waiting room, right? Go to court, come pick me up after, it's fine. She stressed the last word, looking in his eyes so he could see the truth in her words.

Okay, but you're supposed to rest, you can't be in court the day after... he trailed off as his eyes snapped to the other man in the room.

Let me talk to the doctor. I'm sure we'll work it out. She turned back to Gibbs. I'm sorry, but I'm physically unable to be in court tomorrow. You're going to have to work it out with the lawyers. Either that or find me a comfy cell for contempt.

Kate, what is going on? Impatience threaded through the man's speech as concern laced his thoughts.

I don't want to... she began.

That is not going to cut it, and you know it! He spoke more sharply than he'd intended to, but frustration with the pair was gnawing at him. Why wouldn't they just talk to him?

His angry tone sparked all the emotion Kate had been forcing down. Before she knew what she was saying, words were erupting. I'm pregnant, dammit! Suddenly horrified, she clapped a hand over her mouth and turned to Tony. She'd never put the words I'm' and pregnant' out loud together until just now; she wasn't pregnant, she was defective. Tears spilled from her; shameful, self-loathing tears, as the feelings from earlier came flooding back. Oh, Tony, I'm pregnant, and I fucked it up. I don't even know if either of us wanted a baby, but I couldn't even give it a chance. She turned and ran from the room, clutching her side, sobbing.

Nice. Next time, make sure you find a dog to kick while you're at it. Excuse me. Tony's voice was thick with contempt. He headed toward the bedroom to console the distraught woman, without a backward glance at his boss.

Gibbs sat in the chair, openmouthed. Pregnant? But what did the rest of her words mean? He sat and thought for a while. Clearly something was wrong with the pregnancy; you didn't go through three wives without learning a little something. He wondered if he should ask Ducky, but that suddenly struck him as the wrong thing to do. Kate obviously didn't want this in the office, bringing Ducky into it might only make it worse in her eyes. He rested his face in his hands. Knowing he should probably just leave didn't help; he really wasn't the cold bastard they thought he was all the time. He wanted the chance to apologize for upsetting Kate and to assure her he'd square it with the lawyers. He wanted to tell her he was sorry about... about her misfortune. Deciding to make amends the best way he knew how, he went to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee.

Tony climbed onto the bed where Kate lay crying. Gathering her into his arms, he said nothing for a few minutes, allowing her tears to flow. As her breathing began to even out, he spoke.

Listen, I don't know if I was ready for a baby now or not. But you didn't screw anything up. Sometimes things just happen. That much I do know. This isn't anything that either one of us did, Love. Please, please let go of the blame.

I can't help it, I feel like I've failed somehow. Failed you. She sniffled indelicately and cringed at the noise.

Tony chuckled as he handed her his handkerchief. You haven't failed. It takes a strong woman to go through this and come out the other side. You are strong, Kate. Strong and beautiful and smart and loving. All the things that will make you a good mother someday, when you're sure you're ready to be one. Maybe when we're sure, if we're still together. But please, promise me you'll stop berating yourself for something you had absolutely no control over. How do you know it isn't my fault?

Your fault? His last question had the desired effect; she perked up at the puzzle.

Well, yeah... two halves do make a whole, and my half had to do the swimming. He grinned teasingly.

Well, yeah, but... Kate didn't want to get drawn into this debate, but she found her lips curving despite her misery.

See, it could be my fault. Or maybe it's yours, still, for being so hot that... He began kissing her very erotically on her neck.

Kate moaned at the sensation and a giggle slipped out right behind as her amusement at his tactics hit her.

Giggles, Todd? Since when do my kisses inspire giggles? There was a wicked grin on his face which caused her to erupt in a peal of laughter.

Only you, DiNozzo, could make me feel better about something like an ectopic pregnancy by teasing me with sex! She grinned and kissed him back. Hey... do you smell coffee?

Coffee? No. Wait... yeah, I do. Gibbs, he groaned. I'd better go apologize. I was sort of mean to him when you ran out.

You were mean to Gibbs? Do we have any Kevlar in here? She suppressed the laughter but the twinkle in her eye gave it away.

Nah, I'll just use you for a shield. He rolled her gently on top of him, wrapping his arms around her and claiming her lips with a possessive kiss.

I have a better idea. Why don't we just tell him to take the coffee pot and go. I'll take a couple dozen more of those kisses, Kate murmured.

Couple dozen more and that's not all you'll get, he whispered suggestively. And I doubt that's what your doctor had in mind tonight. Sleep for you, my Love. Awesome sex next week.

Awfully sure of yourself, aren't you? Kate grinned, playfully swatting at him.

Awfully sure of my partner, he replied huskily, as he slid off the bed and extended a hand to her.

Gibbs was sitting on the sofa watching a ball game when Kate and Tony reappeared. He noticed that Kate was favoring her left side and Tony was alternating his concerned looks between her and him. Gibbs stood up and moved toward the chair he'd occupied earlier, so the couple could sit together. Glancing into his nearly empty coffee cup he started to move to the kitchen.

Would either of you like some coffee? He paused and waited for their answer.

I'll have some, Tony replied and headed into the kitchen to help.

What about Kate? the older man asked, as he poured the steaming beverage.

She can't have anything. Tony picked up his cup and leaned against the counter, looking his boss in the eye. She has surgery at eight in the morning.

Gibbs nodded. Okay; he'd pretty much ruled out an abortion anyway, from the previous conversation. How serious is this, Tony?

Let's go back in the other room. I don't want to talk about this behind Kate's back. The younger man turned and left the room, leaving Gibbs to follow.

Kate smiled up at him as Tony sat next to her. That smells so good. I'd love a sip.

Tony move the coffee cup away from her. Doctor's orders. Besides, can't have you becoming a coffee junkie like Gibbs, there, he teased. Sobering slightly, he said, I told Gibbs you have surgery in the morning. He'd like to know more; I think that's your place to tell him, not mine.

Kate nodded. She turned to her boss and explained about her condition and Tony helped explain about the medical procedure she'd be undergoing in the morning. Gibbs didn't ask many questions, for which she was grateful. When she was finished she looked at him, not knowing what to expect.

Kate, I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do for you, besides taking care of the court business, let me know. Gibbs voice was gentle, very unlike what his colleagues were used to hearing.

Uh, thanks, Gibbs. I know I'm going to need a couple of days rest afterward, but I can work on the cold case for Owens, since I brought the files home. Other than that, I think I'm fine. Kate kept the shock out of her voice.

She saw the silvered head bob in an accepting nod. I should go. You need your sleep. Tony, I'll talk to the lawyers tomorrow and make sure you're not scheduled to go first. That way you'll have time to get Kate to the hospital. I'd get you off the schedule entirely, but I think it's better if we both go tomorrow.

Thanks, Boss. I'll call you when I'm on my way. Tony ushered Gibbs to the door and good-nights were exchanged. After the door closed behind him the sighs of relief were loud and heartfelt.

Well, that wasn't how I planned to spend my night! Kate shook her head in disbelief, memories of the evening already seeming like a bizarre dream.

Tell me about it. And the way Gibbs reacted? It was like, Who was that man, and what did he do with our boss?' Tony sat down next to Kate.

Yeah, really. Who knew Gibbs could be nice? I expected a lecture on unprotected sex!

I expected one on despoiling fellow agents! They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Oh, God, Tony! What a day. You know, I've had it. Take me to bed, Sweetheart. I want nothing more than to wrap myself around you and forget the rest of the world tonight.

He smiled, that sweet, sexy smile with just a hint of naughty boy in it, as he leaned down and picked her up. Done, Love. And he lowered his lips to hers as they made their way to the cushioned surface that would allow them escape from the day's troubles.