Thinking

Spoilers: Twilight

Pairing: a little bit of TATE

Summary: Kate didn't die at the end of Twilight. She's back at the office and lost in thought.

Kate was standing behind her desk looking at the NCIS offices. She knew she was lucky to be standing there at that moment. Just a couple of hours ago she was jumping in front of Gibbs to take a bullet meant for him. She knew it was dangerous but when you've worked for the Secret Service, protecting people is a natural instinct.

She looked over to Gibbs' desk. She wasn't sorry she put her life in danger for him today. That scene could replay over a thousand times and she'd still do the same thing. No-one could replace Gibbs. He wasn't just their boss, he was their mentor. Their friend and no matter what happened, they wouldn't let anything happen to him.

McGee. Kate had seen the look on his face when she told him what had happened. He looked completely shocked and terrified. She felt so sorry for him. He wasn't used to these life and death situations. Tony Kate and Gibbs were. It was hard being a federal agent and McGee would get used to it over time.

For a moment she pictured Abby's lab. It was always filled with outrageous music and it always seemed to feel happy. Kate knew that if she died, Abby wouldn't take it well. They did everything together. They understood each other. They were almost like sisters. Who knew two women that were so different could share such a strong bond?

Her eyes settled on Tony's desk. Tony. Kate didn't really know what to think of him. Sure he was annoying as hell but there was something about him that intrigued her. It was strange. She couldn't put her finger on it. They had a very love/hate kind of relationship. But as much as Kate hated to admit it, she knew it was more love than hate. He was her best friend. She loved him. Although she would rather die than admit that.

"Kate!" Tony was waving his hand vigorously in front of her face.

"Sorry Tony. I was just…having a moment."

"Yeah, I can see that. You okay?" He now had a very concerned look on his face.

"Sure, I'm fine. I was just thinking."

"Care to share?" Now the look of concern was gone and replaced by a mega-watt grin.

"Not really." She wasn't up to talking. Not now.

"Hey Kate, today on the rooftop-"

"Tony can we please not talk about this?"

"Let me finish. You did a good job Kate. Just next time, you might want to try and do a good job without nearly getting yourself killed." Kate laughed.

"Thanks Tony. You weren't too bad yourself." She smiled. God Tony loved that smile.

"Aw. Thanks Katie." He couldn't resist. Kate hardly ever gave him compliments.

"Do you want me to take that comment back?" She gave him a death glare. One of her best if he did say so himself.

"Geez Kate! Calm down. I was only kidding around."

"Yeah, well you of all people should know how much I hate being called Katie."

"Why?"

"I don't know! I just…I don't know. It doesn't really suit me. Does it?"

"How should I know? I just like seeing you get all hot and bothered." Another grin.

"Gee thanks Tony. You really know how to make a woman feel great." Whoops big mistake there.

"You have no idea Kate. Not yet anyway. Maybe tonight we could-"

"I was being sarcastic!"

"Sure you were Kate,"

"Believe what you want to believe Tony. I'm going home." Kate was starting to feel tired and all she wanted was sleep.

"Hang on a second!"

Kate turned around to face Tony who was now inches away from her.

"What do you need Tony?"

"Nothing…I just um I'm glad you're not hurt. Or dead. Whatever. I'm just glad that you're here and…I'm not making any sense am I?

"Not really but I'm having fun watching you impersonate McGee." Kate was trying not to laugh.

"Ok, well I'm going to shut up now." He looked a bit upset as he walked away.

"Hey Tony!"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks." That was all that needed to be said.

Fin