Ch8

Kate looked in the mirror as she straightened her necklace. It was the day of the wake and she could not have been more nervous, sad, upset, angry…you name it. How was she doing to do this? How was she going to see her big sister lying so still? She turned as somebody knocked on her door. She opened it to find Tony standing on the other side dressed in a black suit. She smiled a little as she remembered the night before where she fell asleep on his chest as they sat on the swing. He was talking to her.

"How are you doing Katie? Are you ready?"

" Not really Tony…I don't know how I can do this. How can I see my sister laying there? I cant do this."

Tony took her in his arms and ran his fingers through her hair as he held her close.

"Its ok Katie. I know that today is going to be the hardest day of your life, but you aren't going through it alone. Remember I am here with you every step of the way. I'm not going anywhere. You have my support."

Kate looked up at him and he couldn't help but touch her cheek and she shivered at his touch. They were interrupted by her parents. Her mother spoke.

"Tony. Caitlin. Come on. It is time." Jack put his arm around his wife as she dabbed her eyes. They had to leave to get to the funeral home before everyone else. Her father pulled the car out of the garage and her Mom got in the passenger seat as Tony and Kate got in the back. Her father drove off and Tony immediately took Kates hand and gave it a squeeze. She looked at him with sad eyes.

They got to the funeral home and after they got out of the car Tony right away took her hand again. They walked in and Kate couldn't walk in right away so her parents walked in first. Kate started to cry as she heard her mother wail and Tony took her in his arms. Crying and holding onto him for dear life they walked into the room. Ellen and Jack were sitting in the front crying, and as they walked closer to the casket Kate let out a big wail and her knees gave out as she fell to the floor. Ellen and Jack ran over to her as Tony kneeled down and had to hold her up or she would have been on the floor. Her parents looked on as Tony took her in his arms and rocked her back and forth.

"Ssssh….Kate…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry. I'm here Katie. I got you and I'm not going anywhere. I promise I wont let you go. "

He gently picked her up and still holding on to her they all walked over to the front row. Kate sobbed harder she looked at her poor sister laying there. Tony just held her in his arms soothing her. Her father did the same for her Mother who was almost as bad as Kate. They both sobbed uncontrollably as more people walked in. There were the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Rachels co-workers and friends showed up too. Kat sat up and wiped her eyes and Tony looked at her with concern.

"Katie are you ok? If you aren't its ok. You don't have to be strong. Let it all out. I'm right here."

"Just…hold me Tony…please just hold me…I need you by my side."

He hugged her and wouldn't let go.

"You don't even have to ask baby."

They looked at each other shocked over the little slip up, but now was not the time nor the place to question it. He had one arm around her as her relatives came over to pay their respects and she cried with each and every one of them. Tony mentally kicked himself. How could he let that slip up happen? Now of all the times….

By the time 4:00 rolled around Kate was exhausted and they had to do it all over again at 7. She and her parents said good bye to their relatives as they headed out to a quick dinner as they had to be back by 6:30. They decided to go the diner down the block. They walked in and were shown a table. Ellen and Jack sat on one side and Tony and Kate sat down on the other side. The server brought them menus but nobody(including Tony) were hungry. They just got coffee. Tony and Kate looked at each other as they remembered Tonys slip up but neither one would bring it up. Kate finally spoke.

"Mom…Daddy…you two would understand if I don't go back tonight right? I know that sounds bad and disrespectful towards Rachel..but I just cant face it again. I cant. I cant. I cant go back in there. I am really exhausted as well."

Ellen reached over and took her daughters hand.

"Of course we understand sweetheart. Rachel would understand as well. I'm sure Tony will take great care of you tonight. Right Tony?"

"Of course Ellen. I wont leave her side."

The bill came and Jack paid even though Tony insisted. They walked out and Ellen and Jack drove the two of them home and then headed back towards the funeral home. Tony locked the door behind them as Kate kicked off her shoes and headed straight upstairs to her room without saying a word. Tony stared after her for a minute.

"Good going Dinozzo. How are you going to get yourself out of this one?"

He walked up the stairs and stopped at Kate room. She was laying in bed staring straight ahead; but turned when he showed up in the door way.

"Tony please stay with me tonight. I cant be by myself."

"Of course I'll stay with you Katie. Just give me a few minutes to get ready ok ba….Kate?"

She nodded and he silently sighed with relief as she didn't notice THAT slip up. Wake up Dinozzo!

He went into his room and stripped to his boxers. He walked back into Kates room and walked over to the bed. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him shirtless. Damn it was he sexy. He layed down next to her and right away she moved over and put her head on his chest. He kissed her head as he ran his fingers through her hair. She was too tired to even cry. She looked up at him and he looked down at her. He kissed her forehead and then without hesitation he leaned down and kissed her on the lips. It was soft and gentle.

"I love you baby."

Tony shook himself out his day dream. Damn it Dinozzo! Now was not the time! Just give it up already. He walked up the stairs and into Kates room where she was sitting on the bed in her pajamas. She looked at him as he entered the room.

"Tony…will you please stay with me tonight? I cant be by myself."

He sat down on the bed and took her in his arms.

"You don't even have to ask me twice Katie-girl. Let me get ready I'll be right back." He touched her face and got up and walked into his room. He stripped down to his boxers and after a second thought he put a tshirt on. He walked into Kates rom where she was now laying down. He lay down next to her where he took her in his arms and she silently cried herself to sleep. Or so he thought. He looked down at her.

"I love you Kate. So much." He kissed her forehead.

Kates heart beat faster. She heard every word.