Epilogue

Kate gasped as she entered her partner's hospital room. She stood still for a few minutes, stunned at her partner's state; knowing that all the hospital machinery made Tony look worse off than he really was. She hadn't meant to cry, she didn't even notice the tears falling, but they were. She choked back a few sobs, trying to be strong; knowing he'd tease her relentlessly for disturbing him she quietly stepped closer. As if he could feel her presence in the room, he opened his eyes and turned slightly to look at her.

"Hi," he said, his voice coming out low and raspy. That did it, she nearly fell apart right there.

"Hi," she said, smiling through her tears, "don't scare me like that…ever…ok?"

She could tell he tried to laugh, but it brought him pain; his grin stayed plastered on his face. It was then that she knew pushing him away was the stupidest thing she'd ever decided to do. Slowly she sat down on his bed, and took his hand in hers; she felt her entire body warm with the simple contact.

"I'm sorry…" she said, as her tears flowed freely down her cheeks, "if I'd never gotten involved…"

"Shhhh…it's not your fault…" Tony whispered, reaching up to touch her cheek, "you didn't know what kind of family he had."

She leaned into him, wanting to be close but immediately pulled back when she heard him groan with pain.

"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed quietly, adjusting her position so she wouldn't hurt him again.

He laughed quietly, "You keep saying that…what for?"

"For more reasons than I care to admit," she said quietly, speaking against the cloth of the hospital sheets. He then tilted her chin up to look at him; he remained silent inviting her to continue.

"I'm sorry for ever getting involved with Eric, I'm sorry for not realizing how you really saw me sooner, and most of all I'm sorry for pushing you away like I did," she whispered, still gazing into his green eyes. She then shifted her weight towards him, kissing him deeply to make sure he knew how much she cared for him.

"Does this mean we have to tell Gibbs?" he asked, smiling widely.

"You know, DiNozzo, I think he already knows," Kate said, returning his grin.