I've been avoiding Kate for hours. Abby has been non-stop chatting with her, McGee close by Abby as always. Ducky has been telling stories all afternoon and Gibbs is asleep, because the hospital refuses to give him coffee. Now, Abby and McGee went for a walk in the courtyard, while Ducky and Gibbs left to grab some "outside world" stuff for each of us so it's just Kate and I, and she's asleep.

I walk over to her, and look down at her in her bed.

I study her face, how peaceful and happy she looks when she's asleep.

Pulling up a chair next to her, I very gently begin to stroke her silky dark brown hair.

As I do, I start to talk to her, as it's so much easier to talk to her when she's asleep.

"Hey Kit-Kat." I whisper, as I run my hand gently along her cheek. "I'm so sorry. I should have told you long ago how much you mean to me. First and foremost, you're my partner for work. No matter if I'm having a bad day, or I'm in an obnoxious mood, you've always had my back. You always know how and when to put me in my place and a little bit at a time; you've made me a better person. You always strive to be as good and perfect as you can, which gives me a great role model, though I'd never admit it to your face, sometimes I marvel at how composed and perfect you are. After we got over our major differences, we became friends and I found a whole new side of you. A jocular, loyal and relaxed side, which made me feel welcome and happy. As of August 28th, you and I became friends with benefits." I give a slight chuckle "Which, I'll just add, makes me right. Women and men can't be 'just friends'. What's interesting is I didn't ask you to have a drink with me for sex. I just wanted to be a good friend. When you showed up, dressed the way you were, I suddenly understood how much I truly cared for you. Not just because you're beautiful. I've met plenty of lovely women. But, they'd always been the "fun while it lasted" type of girls, not like you. I actually wanted to take it slow with you, to care for you and to, as you would put it, sweep you off your feet. I wanted to make you fall in love with me, little by little. I have never felt like this before. You're not just my friend Kit-Kat, you're more then that." I finish, still running my fingers through her hair.

Then, very cautiously, I lean forward and kiss her forehead.

"Love you, Kit-Kat." I say, softly

With a slight sigh, she opens her hazel eyes, tears shining in them.

"Me too, Tony." She whispers, leaning forward and very slowly, and gently pressing her lips against mine.

It is nothing like our first kiss, which was full of lust and fire. This kiss is soft, slow and sweet.

When she pulls back, a tear drips down her face, as she smiles. She wipes the tear away, muttering, "Damn hormones."

"You were awake?" I whisper, holding back a chuckle.

She nods, "I was only dozing when you came over here."

I just shake my head with a smile.