Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS…never will. If I did, Kate would have NOT died. Nowhere near that kind of storyline ever. So basically, my story is in denial for Kate is very much alive in my story. No, I'm not making any money off of this, however, if CBS is interested in paying me, then I'll gladly accept.

Ship: Tate

Spoilers: None really. Post-Twilight…except for Kate dying. And in ways, somewhat AU.

Summary: The playful side of Tony and Kate show during the sleepover at NCIS…and more.

Chapter 2:

(Let's just say that things with Ari Haswari will be going a lot easier in my story simply because I'm in denial that Kate is dead…sad look But anyway, again, this is an AU story!)

The next morning Kate awoke with a big yawn and severe bed-head. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and glanced around the bullpen. Gibbs was already awake and typing away at his computer as he pulled a sweater on over his clean white T-shirt. She moved on to McGee's desk and found empty, finally landing on Tony's desk.

What she saw made her snicker. Tony had curled up into a fetal position and has his thumb partly in his mouth. She continued to stare at him until he woke up and looked directly at her.

"Good morning, Kate," Tony said with a yawn. He sat up and picked his jacket up off the floor, tossing it on his chair. Using his desk to pull himself up, he stretched and glanced around.

"Morning Tony," she said, walking around her desk and heading towards the women's restroom. "I'll be back."

Tony watched her leave, thinking how adorable she looked with bed-head. He was rudely awakened when Gibbs smacked him upside the head on his way out. "Boss, what was that for?" he whined.

"I'm going to get coffee. Don't worry, I won't get myself killed," he remarked making his way to the elevators.

Kate saw him just as he stepped into the elevators. "Gibbs!" she yelled. "Why are you leaving the building?" she stuck her hand in the doors to stop them from closing.

"I just want a coffee," he sighed. "And no, I'm not going to get myself killed."

Kate looked at him skeptically. "I'm going with you," she told him, stepping inside, leaving no room for protest.

Gibbs watched her curiously but didn't say anything as he closed the elevator doors. He stuck his hands in his pockets and looked down at the floor before back at the doors.

"Gibbs, are we really not supposed to be involved with the Ari case anymore?" Kate wondered as the elevator dinged.

The doors opened and they headed outside into the warm morning air. "No, we're not but do you think that's really going to stop me?" he smirked.

"We don't need you killed," she reminded him firmly. She hated when he was so stubborn. Probably one of the many reasons they were not in a relationship.

"I know," he glanced at her sideways. "I won't get killed."

He opened the door of the coffee shop and held it for her. When she walked inside, he followed after her. At the counter, they placed their orders then moved to the side to wait for their names to be called.

They chatted for a while before Kate thought of doing something nice for Tony and McGee. Stepping back up to the counter, she placed two more orders for the guys and then moved back to stand in front of Gibbs.

Gibbs was staring outside when he noticed something unusual. "Kate," he said calmly. "We have a situation."

She followed his eyes and saw that he was staring in the direction of a man standing outside the window with a motorcycle helmet on. She glanced back at Gibbs. "Is that Ari?"

"I think so," he answered. "He was dressed like that the other night."

They pretended to be engrossed in conversation as they retrieved the drinks they ordered. They moved to sit amongst the crowd of people outside and Gibbs pulled his cell out and dialed Director Morrow's number. Discreetly, he informed Director Morrow of what was happening and demanded backup immediately.

Kate sat with her back to Ari but could feel his disgusting eyes watching her. "Gibbs, I can feel him staring." She shivered slightly. "It's way more flattering when Tony does it."

Gibbs hid a smirk and nodded slightly. "When I say, duck and cover your head," he ordered as he pulled out his gun ever so slowly.

Kate watched as he checked for bullets and snapped the cartridge into place. She acted as if she was scooting her chair back in a relaxing manner so as to not arouse suspicion in Ari.

"Now," Gibbs said quietly and raised his gun. "Freeze!" he yelled at Ari.

Kate flew to the ground just as Ari started firing. Gibbs ducked behind a plantar, glancing at Kate, then peeked over the edge and fired. The civilians around them started screaming and ducking under tables.

Kate pulled out her cell and dialed Tony's number, not even bothering to see if he answered. She just held her phone open and watched as it connected. She knew that Tony could hear what was going on and prayed that he'd bring backup.