chiroho: You're right, poor Tony… lol, Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Karieflybabe: You got it! I know, I know, kind of a bizarre direction, but I'm very distraught over the events that made this story necessary. I can't be held accountable for my own actions. :o)

Salem Navy: I think I made it in my deadline, but I've forgotten how many days "this many" was. :oP

jtbwriter: Thanks! It's not really going to be funny anymore, now I'm being more Tate-ish, but I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I had been a little worried about the characterization, but your review made me feel much better!

Bunzai: You made me feel better about the characterization as well, and I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I'm in a really good mood today. One of my most favorite shows ever is The X-Files, and there was a very short-lived spin-off called The Lone Gunmen, which I loved. It was cancelled after one season, but I found out today… (giggles in anticipation)… that it's out on DVD! (does happy dance) I'm hoping I'll get it for my birthday. (FYI – July 13th – I'm turning 16!)

This chapter is very short, but that's only because I'm evil. I decided it was a good spot to end a chapter, even if there wasn't much before the good ending spot,and the fourth chapter will be up later tonight (if I get the computer back from my sister) or tomorrow morning/afternoon. Please enjoy and please review!

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The last part was yelled out the door of the cab as he hurried up the steps to his apartment building.

Tony ran into the building, and walked instinctively towards the elevator, but it was visions of not being able to elude Kate in such an enclosed space that made him choose to forgo it at the last second. He wheeled around to head towards the stairs. He climbed four flights, entered his apartment, and slammed the door, locking it behind him.

It was only with the solid wood and metal of the door between him and Kate that he allowed himself to pause. He leaned his back against the rather useless barricade, and realized with a start that his hands were shaking. He held them up, trembling like leaves, in front of his face, and stared. Tears formed in his eyes, and as the events of the day were once again relived, he began to cry.

"I'm sorry Tony." Her soft voice called out to him from the direction of the couch.

His head turned in that direction, and he was suddenly enraged by this hallucination that wouldn't leave him alone. "What is it exactly that you want?" He hurriedly wiped the tears off his face. His voice was tense and his eyes were wide and bloodshot.

"Just to tell you I'm sorry. For anything I've done to you in the past."

"What about what you're doing to me now, huh? Does that mean anything to you? Are you getting some sort of enjoyment out of harassing me?" He didn't wait for a response and stomped into the kitchen.

"I'm harassing you? Turnabout is fair play, Tony. You weren't exactly a prince to me when I was alive."

"Would you stop saying that!"

"What?"

"That you're dead!"

"It's a natural part of life! You accept death all the time. How is this different?"

"Because it's never been…" He broke off in mid-yell, and his voice softened, "It's never been someone I was in love with."

Her soulful eyes widened in shock, and then softened.

"Oh Tony, I didn't realize…"

Tony interrupted, "Just go, Kate."

"But…"

"Just go!"

She looked at him sadly and disappeared.

The tears began flowing anew, and he sank, sobbing, into a kitchen chair.

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Told you it was short… Anyway, like I said, chapter four will be up tonight or tomorrow. Please review! Thanks!