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.
Sooo sorry about all these chapter mix-ups!
Chapter 4:
Laughing, Kate picked up her glass and took a sip of wine. "You're such an idiot, Tony." She set her glass down and took another bite of food.
"Do you like the food here?" Tony asked, drinking some of his wine.
"It's fantastic," she responded. "I'm surprised Tony. You're really shocked me and proven me wrong."
"How so?" he asked, sitting back. He dropped his napkin on the table.
"Well, for one, you've been the perfect gentleman since leaving work," she started. "And you've managed to keep me laughing all night, despite what's happened." She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. "Why Tony? Why me?"
Tony also leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Kate," he glanced down then back at her, "there's something about you that intrigues me. You don't take my crap and you tell things to me straight. You don't beat around the bush."
"Thank you Tony," she said sincerely. She fiddled with her fingers. "I have to admit that I'm starting to like you more than a friend…more than a brother."
Tony reached across the table and rested his hand on hers. "Don't be nervous. I'm liking you more than a sister, every day." He squeezed her hand and smiled at her. "And if you're worried that you're a one-time thing, you're not."
Kate stared at him in amazement. "You're actually serious?" she asked in disbelief.
Tony nodded and ran his thumb over the back of her hand. "Want to get some ice cream or something?"
She smiled and nodded. "That'd be nice."
He pulled out his wallet and tossed several bills on the table. "Let's go then," he smiled. He stood and reached for her hand.
Accepting his hand, Kate gracefully stood. They surprised each other by not letting go as they left the restaurant and wandered down the block to the Cold Stone around the corner.
After getting ice cream, the two wandered around the city for another hour before Kate decided they needed to call it a night. After all, it had been a stressful few days.
"I don't want to leave you just yet," Tony whined as they pulled up in front of her apartment complex.
Kate laughed. "Why Tony, I think you're getting attached," she teased.
Tony shrugged. "I guess I am." He sat there fiddling with the keys hanging from the ignition.
Inside, Kate felt the same way but she knew that if she invited him up, he might not end up leaving. She grinned to herself, knowing she probably couldn't be held accountable for her actions. Battling with her mind for a few more minutes she turned to Tony.
"Want to come inside? Coffee or something?" she offered, hoping he'd say yes. From the way his face lit up, she knew his answer.
"I'd love to," he beamed, shutting the car off. He quickly got out and jogged to open her door.
"Thank you, but you know I can open my own door, right?" she joked, accepting his hand.
"But it's the gentleman thing to do apparently," he teased. "I think I've seen it in a few movies."
They laughed as they walked down the walkway, ending up in front of her door. Kate unlocked her door and stepped inside, flicking on some lights. She was relieved to find out she had cleaned up recently.
"Make yourself comfortable," she gestured to the couch. "I'm just going to change so I'll be right back," she told him, heading down the hall.
He watched her leave and enter the last bedroom. He shoved his hands inside his pockets and walked around the living room, observing the pictures she had of various family members.
Tony grinned when he saw a baby picture of Kate being held by her older brother. "Cute," he chuckled to himself. Moving on, he saw her brother's wedding picture followed by one of him, his wife, and their little boys.
Making his way to the couch, he sat while unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt and shrugging off his jacket. He carelessly tossed it on a nearby chair and then reclined against the couch.
"Okay," Kate said as she entered the room, "coffee or tea?"
"Tea sounds fine," he answered, looking up at her. "Want me to help?" he asked, already getting up.
"If you want," she flirted.
He followed her into the small but modest kitchen. "I noticed you have a lot of pictures of you and your brother in the living room," he commented.
Kate smiled. "Yeah, we're close. Did you see their family picture?" She filled the teapot and set it on the gas stove, igniting a flame.
"I did. They make a great looking family," he complimented. He pointed to a cupboard by the sink and when she nodded, he opened it and selected two mugs.
"I love their boys. They're so polite but yet so fun to play with," she told him.
They sat down at the table and swapped childhood stories while they waited for the water to boil. When it started screaming its signal, they both jumped. Laughing, Kate got up and brought the teapot over and filled their mugs.
"What's your poison?" she asked, holding several boxes of teas.
"What's your favorite?" he wondered.
"Peppermint," she said, selecting a bag and dropping it in her mug.
"I'll have the same," Tony said with a smile.
Kate smiled as she dropped a bag into his mug. She tossed the boxes onto the counter behind them and returned to her seat where they continued their stories, which soon led to childhood dreams.
Several hours had passed and the next thing they knew, the clock on the microwave glowed midnight. "I think it's time to get some sleep after all the excitement of this week," Tony mentioned.
Kate gave a nervous smile. "Hey Tony?" she started in a quiet voice.
Tony turned back to her as he slipped his jacket back on. "What's wrong?" he asked her.
"Well, I'm just a little nervous to be alone. And I was wondering if you would just stay?" she told him, looking down at the floor. "I mean, you could sleep on the couch," she added hurriedly.
Tony smiled. "I'd be happy to stay and keep you company."
Kate sighed with relief. "Thanks Tony," she smiled. She walked down the hall, stopping at a closet. "Here are some blankets. Hold on, I'll grab you a pillow." She quickly ducked into her room and grabbed her extra pillow.
Tony was fixing up the couch when she returned. "Here you go," she said, holding the pillow out.
He looked up and took it from her. "Thank you," he grinned. They stood there staring at each other for a few minutes before Kate suddenly blinked.
"Well, goodnight," she offered.
"Night," he returned. Tony flopped on the couch and made himself comfortable.
Kate headed to her room and shut the door, leaning against it. Tony lay there thinking of Kate and how much he wanted to kiss her. Making up his mind, he got up and padded down the hall to her room, just as she opened her door.
Seizing his moment, he swept her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers. She returned with equal fervor, wrapping her arms around his neck and playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he admitted, taking deep breaths, as they pulled apart.
"Me too," she confessed with a smile. "I'm glad we finally did." She stepped back slightly. "Night Tony."
Tony grinned and practically skipped back to the couch. Jumping over the back of it, he landed perfectly and made himself comfortable again.
Kate shut her door again and took a running leap onto her bed. Snuggling down under the covers, she fell into a peaceful slumber knowing Tony was just down the hall.