So another chapter, a quite short one, but I can promise that the next chapter will be longer. I have been having writer's block and need some ideas on how to tie this together, not yet of course but sometime in the future.

Tony is way out of character in this story, but I think that is more because of the fact that he is realising that he is falling in love with Kate and the fact that she just arrived from the dead.

Seriously, he did that again," Kate laughed until she was out of breath, Tony justwatched the nowadays red head crack when he told her about McGee's second run in with the poison ivy.

"I shouldn't be laughing that is horrible," she said when she had regained her breath. They had went to a small chinese resturant and were now halfways through their meal.

"Well he should have learned the first time, "Tony said smiling. Kate was sitting across from him in a small booth in a corner of the restaurant.

"So just how deep in love with her are you?" Kate asked suddenly deadly serious looking straight into Tony's eyes. He looked down to avoid her stare and tried to come up with an answer.

"I don't know," he answered, lying. In his mind he knew that Jeanne wasn't the one he was in love with.

"I have seen the pictures, Tony," Kate said queitly. He looked up at her.

"Pictures can lie and so can I, like I've said I am a good actor." He could see in her eyes that she didn't belive him.

"I just don't want you to get hurt," Kate said tilting her head to the side.

"I dont really think you should worry about that I have been through worse," he said. She looked at him confused.

"Worse than having to brake someones heart?" she asked. Tony looked at her, feeling hurt.

"Well you should now about that, seeing you left us all with broken hearts," he said. The friendly mood they had been in was gone.

"I am sorry it was that or the risk of me actually dying," Kate said, her eyes were getting moist. Tony suddenly felt guilty for accusing her, so he went over and sat next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Kate, it's just been a really long day and it's not even halfway finished." She smiled at him wiping her eyes. He kissed her on her forehead and went back to his seat.

"You are diffrent, Tony," she said looking intrigued. He shrugged.

"Well losing first you and then Gibbs even for a little while tends to change people, I just don't know if it has been for the better," he said feeling very serious.

"I think it has, but I kind of miss the care-free joking Tony DiNozzo," Kate said. He smiled at her.

"Well I think we can change that," Tony said grinning. Kate looked slightly frightened.

"I just gave you permission to tease me, right," she said.

"I should probably head-slap you for being so stupid," Tony laughed menacingly.

"I'll shoot you DiNozzo," she threathened and they both started laughing. Tony promised himself quietly that once this was over he was going to tell her exactly what he felt, but for now he was going to finish this operation.

"You know we should probably get back or the team will start wondering if I kidnapped you," Kate said waving at one of the waiters.

"Or if we are doing something else," Tony said hoping it would throw her off.

"Mature Tony, very mature," she said while paying the bill. They rose and went out of the resturant, he held out his arm and she took it.

"You are one hard person to figure out," Kate laughed. "One second you act like the play-boy I used to know and the next like a gentleman."

"Well it's all part of my charm," Tony said flashing her a smile. "Plus this is how I am supposed to act like around you now, we were engaged once you know."

"So when we are done with the op you'll go back to being a pig," Kate asked. Tony looked at her smiling face.

"Probably," he said causing her to laugh again, he liked her laugh he decided. He looked at his clock.

"We have to hurry up I am meeting Jeanne in the park in less than an hour," he said.

"Then we have to go and find out if Abby is coming along or not." Tony nodded. They arrived at his car and both jumped in to drive back to the navyyard.

Review please, or I won't upload. Mohahah..cough...ha :D