Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any of these characters.
This story is set in an AU where Ari did shoot Kate, but the bullet only grazed her head and she is in a coma throughout season three. And, since this is my story and I can do whatever I want, I've made it Kibbs.
After 'Bait'
Gibbs stared at Kate's motionless body, his eyes devoid of emotion.
"We needed you, Kate," he said quietly, his voice also without any feeling. "Seven kids almost died, and we needed you. And you weren't there." His fists clenched. "Why, Kate? Why won't you just wake up?" He was almost yelling, and he saw a passing nurse stop and cast a concerned glance in the door. He swallowed, trying to control himself. He imagined Kate's eyes growing wide, and the hurt look she would be giving him. He deflated, sinking forward, leaning his upper body on his elbows. "A kid was coerced into strapping a bomb to his chest and threatened to blow up his homeroom. You would have been able to calm him down quicker, Kate, get him to tell you about the orders he was receiving." He sighed. Now the Kate in his head was smiling at him, and shaking her head.
"You did fine, Jethro. And you got everyone out, right?" Gibbs pursed his lips.
"Yeah, I did." He rubbed his hands over his face, and his imaginary Kate tilted her head.
"You should go home, Gibbs. I'll be here tomorrow." Gibbs' head snapped up.
"You're sure of that, are you?" he said gruffly. "You should know never to make assumptions, Agent Todd." The imaginary Kate just smiled and faded to the back of his mind, leaving him staring icily at the real one.
A/N: Please review!