"Tony?" It had been around two hours since Tony was allowed in Kate's room. Since that time, there had been a flurry of motion around the pair, but Tony didn't pay any attention to any of it. McGee had driven Tony's car to the hospital using the set of extra keys in Gibbs' drawer, and left again with Ducky in the ME van. They left instructions to call, and offered words of encouragement, but they fell on deaf ears. He never said a word to either of them, his eyes stayed focused on Kate, while his mind wondered over the events of the morning. The only sound that could break his reverie was the soft, gentle voice of Kate.

"Kate!" Tony's gaze shifted from her hand that he held in his own to her beautiful, open eyes. She was smiling lightly, and looked worn out, but to Tony, she was prettier than ever. "How do you feel?"

She looked confused, pondering such a simple question. Then finally she looked back at him. "Fine, actually. Tired, but fine." Tony couldn't help but smile. She was going to be fine, she said it herself.

"I see you're awake, Ms. Todd." They turned around to see a tall balding doctor walking towards them. "My name is Dr. Harold. I was the chief surgeon during your operation. As you probably already know from your friend here, your appendix was removed successfully, and after a quick post-op examination, you're free to go home." Seeing the surprised look on Kate's face, he added, "With a few stipulations of course!" The Doctor then turned his attention to Tony. "Will you excuse us for a minute?" Apparently, Tony hadn't taken the hint to leave earlier, so the Doctor politely asked him then. Still reluctant to leave Kate, Tony slowly stood, and planted a soft kiss on her forehead before exiting her room.

Fine, she's going to be fine. She said it herself. Tony breathed a sigh of relief, and leaned against the wall for support. Kate's words played like a chorus inside his head. "Fine, actually. Tired, but fine."

"Mr. Todd?" Tony turned at the sound if Dr. Harold's voice, but didn't bother to correct the man. In fact, the thought made him smile. "I have given Kate strict instructions to stay off her feet for a full forty-eight hours. After that time, she can go from bed to the bathroom, and back again. After a week, if she feels up to it, she can move around your house, but I would not suggest an outing for at least two. As far as the incision, keep it clean and dry, and change the bandage once a day. Other than that Mr. Todd, as soon as the nurse comes in, you're free to go." With a smile and a handshake, the Doctor was gone.