Fever

One hundred percentTate fluff! Kate wakes up feverish and Tony plays nurse for the day. One shot AU fic. POV is omniscient. Please review!

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS. I wish I did, though, don't you?

Fever

Kate woke up feeling the sun's warm, spidery rays creeping over her body. She felt the leg draped heavily over her lower body and Tony's warm breath on her neck as he snored softly. She sighed contently and was glad she had shut off the reasoning part of her mind those few weeks before when Tony had asked her out. Kate glanced at the digital clock on her bedside table and realized that if she didn't get out of bed quickly she would be late for her brunch date with Abby.

'At least it's better than being late for work' she reasoned.

Sitting up too quickly Kate realized she had a headache. Her movement roused Tony. She glanced over at the waking form and smiled at how cute he was when his hair was sleep-tousled and his eyes barely open in the morning sun. Tony reached up and gripped Kate's upper arm, pulling her back down towards him.

"Hey beautiful," he said sleepily.

"Hey to you, too," she replied.

He brushed his lips over the nape of her neck and left a trail of butterfly kisses up to her forehead. Kate closed her eyes and smiled. Tony ran his hands over her arms and caressed her face gently. Kate sighed and tried to sit up again.

"I have to go take a shower. I'm meeting Abby at the Sawmill at eleven for brunch," Kate said lightly.

"Don't do this to me, Kate. Just a few more minutes… Please?" Tony begged.

Kate smiled at the puppy dog impression. He was too adorable to resist. She rolled her eyes and fell back against the pillows again. Tony ran his hands over every curve of her body, making her writhe and giggle.

"That tickles! No, Tony, stop!" Kate laughed.

"What's the magic word?" Tony asked, still tickling her relentlessly.

"Ah, I don't know! No! Tony! Ah! Don't make me call Gibbs," Kate threatened jokingly.

"Okay, fine, you win," Tony said softly.

He stopped tickling her and instead kissed her with exquisite gentleness. Kate reveled in the feel of his soft lips brushing against her tender, willing ones. Even after they separated for air, Kate could feel her kiss-swollen lips tingling with the heated passion of the kiss. Tony cupped her face in his hands and smiled. He stared at her hungrily before allowing a look of concern to crease his brow.

"Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale," Tony said pointedly.

"Actually, I feel a little weird. I think it might be the beginnings of a head cold or something," Kate said.

Tony gently laid the back of his hand against Kate's forehead and then brought it down to her cheek.

"You're burning up. I don't think you should be going out with Abby today," Tony reasoned.

"I'll have to call her and cancel," Kate said lightly.

"I can do it. Oh and where do you keep your thermometer?" Tony asked gently.

"Medicine cabinet in the downstairs bathroom," Kate explained.

Tony nodded and headed downstairs. He picked up the phone and punched in Abby's home phone number. She picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?" Abby asked.

"Hey Abbs, it's Tony. Listen, Kate's not feeling well so she can't make it to brunch," Tony explained.

"That's okay. Tell her I hope she feels better and we'll reschedule for another time," Abby said sympathetically.

"Sure thing Abbs. See you at work," Tony said.

"Bye," Abby replied.

With that they both hung up and Tony headed off to find the thermometer. After a few minutes of searching the mirrored cabinets he found it and headed back upstairs to the bedroom. He found Kate asleep, snoring softly. He smiled at how cute she looked like that. Perfectly angelic. Tony walked over and sat on the edge of the bed beside Kate. Putting the thermometer case down on the bedside table he gently shook her awake. Kate awoke with a start and slowly sat up, pulling the covers tighter around her to ward of the chills that were setting in. Tony wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

"I called Abby. She said she hopes you feel better and that you can reschedule for another day," Tony relayed.

"Thanks, Tony," Kate said quietly.

"Sure thing. Now, let me check your temperature. Put this under your tongue," Tony instructed.

Kate obeyed and patiently waited for the mercury to rise. Tony looked at her and was proud to be such a profound part of her life. After a quick few minutes he took the thermometer and looked at the reading, frowning concernedly.

"102.7. Holy cow, Kate, that's quite a fever," Tony said worriedly.

Kate blinked up at him with innocent eyes. He was worried about her. After all, fevers of 102.7 didn't come with a simple cold or flu. Tony kissed her forehead again and pulled back. He laid a gentle hand on Kate's shoulder and eased her back into bed, tucking the comforter tighter around her. He grabbed the cordless phone off of the bedside table and looked down at Kate.

"I don't like this. I'm calling Ducky," Tony said lightly.

"I'm fine, really," Kate said weakly, unconvincingly.

"I'm inclined to believe you, but I'm not going to let my love for you cloud my judgment. I'm calling Ducky," Tony said, more firmly this time.

Kate rolled her eyes before nodding slightly and curling up more comfortably and trying to sleep again. Tony stood up and went out into the hallway. He punched in Ducky's home phone number and waited. Ducky picked up almost immediately.

"Hello?" Ducky asked.

"Hey Duck, it's Tony," Tony replied.

"Good morning Anthony. To what do I owe the pleasure of this early Sunday phone call? Not another case, I trust," Ducky inquired.

"No Ducky, don't worry, it's not a case. Kate's not feeling well and she's got a fever of 102.7. I'm worried about her and wanted to see if you could suggest anything," Tony explained.

"There's a bad bout of viral pneumonia going around that would present with a high fever. Does she have any other symptoms? Things like a cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, aching?" Ducky queried.

"She's not coughing; I'm not sure about the rest. I'll go in and see. Hold on for a second," Tony said.

He put Ducky on hold and walked into the bedroom. Kate was sitting up in bed, rubbing a hand over her eyes. She looked up as Tony sat down beside her and ran a hand through her soft mahogany hair.

"Hey babe, Ducky's asking if it's only the fever that's bothering you," Tony quizzed softly.

"My throat's a little sore. That and the usual aches and pains that come with being sick. You know, the 'every single muscle in your body is protesting and refusing to cooperate' feeling. I'm a little lightheaded, too," Kate admitted.

"Okay sweetheart," Tony said.

Kate slipped her hand into his and he gave hers a reassuring squeeze. Tony picked up the phone and pressed hold again to reconnect with Ducky.

"Hey Duck. Okay, so she's got a sore throat, aches, and lightheadedness. Does that mean anything unusual?" Tony asked.

"It sounds like it may be a violent strain of streptococcus," Ducky suggested.

"English please, Duck," Tony said sarcastically.

"Strep throat, Anthony. However, it might also be the beginnings of epiglotitis. How's her breathing?" Ducky asked.

"It seems fine, not labored or quickened," Tony replied.

"Could you possibly check her pulse and tell me what the rate is and whether it's strong, thready or the like? If her pulse is slow or weakened then she might not be getting enough oxygen, it's a sign of epiglotitis," Ducky relayed.

"Hold on another second," Tony said.

Again Ducky was put on hold. Tony met Kate's apprehensive gaze and smiled wanly.

"Ducky wants me to check your pulse, okay sweetheart?" Tony asked lightly.

Kate nodded and allowed for Tony's continued ministrations. Tony lightly held her wrist and placed two fingers on her radial pulse. It was breathtaking to feel the life force beating beneath her delicate skin. He glanced at his watch and counted the pulse for thirty seconds before slowly lifting Kate's hand to his mouth and brushing a light kiss over her knuckles. Tony picked up the receiver and pressed the hold button again.

"Her pulse is sixty and weak," Tony stated.

"Alright, that's about as much as I can ask of you to tell me. It does sound like it could be epiglotitis. How about I come around about noon and have a look for myself. That way you'll have your peace of mind and we can have Caitlin feeling better in no time," Ducky suggested.

"Sure, that would be great, if you're sure you don't mind," Tony said.

"No, it's not a problem. There's nothing for me to be doing today anyway. I'll see you around noon, then," Ducky said.

"Sure, thanks, Ducky," Tony said gratefully.

"Not a problem. Goodbye now, Anthony," Ducky said politely.

"See you, Duck," Tony replied.

With that they hung up and Tony returned the phone to its respective place. Kate looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to speak. He didn't disappoint her.

"Ducky says he's sure it's nothing to worry about, but he's coming by around noon to check on you himself," Tony said lightly.

"You guys are making a big fuss over nothing. You'll see, you're going to feel like such a worrier when Ducky tells you there's nothing seriously wrong with me," Kate said groggily.

"Yeah, well, we'll see," Tony said skeptically.

Kate rubbed a hand over her neck, trying desperately to soothe her sore throat. It felt like she had swallowed a blowtorch and it was now sitting on her larynx, turned on to full blast and directed at the back of her throat. Tony embraced her gently and rubbed her back comfortingly. It felt good to have someone taking care of her. It reminded Kate of when she was a little girl and her mom would always fuss over her when she was sick. It was good to be able to depend on someone other than herself for once. Whether it was the sore throat or Tony's proximity making it difficult to breathe, Kate couldn't decide. She cleared her throat in hopes of lessening the discomfort but to no avail.

"I'll go get you some tea," Tony suggested.

"No, the heat will make it worse. Could you maybe just fetch me a glass of cold water instead?" Kate asked.

"No problem," Tony replied.

She smiled weakly and was rewarded with one of Tony's trademark grins. Knowing it was heartfelt just made her want to melt into the sheets and wallow in the knowledge that Tony was hers and that he wasn't going anywhere.

'You're sick alright, Todd. Lovesick, that is,' she thought to herself.

Kate laughed outwardly and waited for Tony to return. It was already well past eleven and she realized that she hadn't slept in in years. It felt good being in bed while the sun was at its highest. Tony returned and walked over to the bed, handing Kate the water glass. Tony gingerly stroked her hair while she took small sips of water. He could tell it was torturing her, being sick. She was his brave girl, and he wouldn't have it any other way. A few seconds later, the deep gong of the doorbell echoed through the empty halls of Kate's house.

"That must be Ducky. I'll be right back, babe," Tony said simply.

Kate nodded and watched as he left the room. Tony jogged down the stairs and to Kate's front door, straightening out the wrinkles in his sweats and t-shirt before opening the door for the coroner.

"Hey Ducky, come on in," Tony said brightly.

"Good afternoon, Anthony," Ducky replied.

"Thanks again for coming by. I really just want to be sure that Kate's okay," Tony said gratefully.

"Not a problem my dear boy. Now then, where is our patient?" Ducky inquired.

"Upstairs. Come this way," Tony said.

The two men walked up the stairs and down the corridor to Kate's bedroom. Once they entered, Tony went straight to Kate's bedside while Ducky put down his black bag and removed his coat. Ducky sat on Kate's opposite side with a cheerful smile plastered into place.

"Good afternoon, Caitlin. How are you feeling?" Ducky asked.

"I've felt better," Kate said weakly.

Ducky immediately noticed the pallor and red eyes that went hand in hand with illness. He asked inanely about Kate's symptoms while checking her vital signs. Tony sat by Kate and held her hand the entire time. She was grateful for the sense of loving support the gesture gave her. After stowing some instruments away again, Ducky turned to look at Kate.

"Well Caitlin, your vital signs are all altered. Your fever has spiked to 103.1 since the time I spoke to Anthony over the phone, your blood pressure is low and your pulse is weaker than I'd like it. I'd say it looks like a viral infection, but there are a few more things I'd like to check before I make my diagnosis," Ducky explained.

"I'm still betting it's no big deal. Maybe I should demote my cautiously optimistic self diagnosis of influenza to strep throat, but that's all you're gonna get out of me, DiNozzo," Kate laughed weakly.

"Alright Caitlin, I want to see if there's anything suspicious going on in that throat of yours. Say ah," Ducky instructed.

"Ah," Kate obeyed.

After an insufferably long and uncomfortable minute, Ducky retreated the tongue depressor and penlight and continued with his examination. Kate silently put up with the torture of the prodding. After a few minutes of listening to Kate's heart and lungs, probing at the glands in her neck and careful consideration, Ducky decided on his diagnosis.

"Strep throat," he said simply.

Kate and Tony gaped at him open mouthed.

"I've had strep throat before and it's never been this bad. Are you sure it's that simple?" Tony inquired.

"I've been a physician for a coon's age, when are people going to stop questioning my judgment?" Ducky said mock-incredulously.

"Sorry Duck, but after listening to Tony all day I came to fear the worst. Is there anything I can do to feel better?" Kate asked mildly.

"I'll give you a penicillin injection to kill the streptococcus bacteria and then you can take acetaminophen for the fever and aches. You should be back to normal within the week," Ducky explained.

Kate nodded and bit her tongue. She had hated shots ever since she had been a little girl. Tony must have registered the look of pain in her eyes because a split second later he took both of her hands and gave them a comforting squeeze before resting his forehead against hers.

"Suck it up, Todd," he whispered jokingly.

Kate smiled at his comment. She couldn't help it. She just had to laugh at his feeble attempt to make her feel better. She watched as Ducky pulled out a syringe and drew the watery liquid into it. She swallowed thickly as he flicked the syringe to get out all of the air bubbles. Kate pulled away from Tony and began to roll up one of the sleeves from her t-shirt when Ducky stopped her.

"Oh no my dear, this goes in the backside. Just relax," Ducky said reassuringly.

Kate almost screamed at this comment. Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse. Oh well, at least she's feel better after the shot. Tony moved over and bunched the comforter up at the foot of the bed, making room for Kate to lay down. She crossed her arms under her and rested her head on them. Tony's hands were on her shoulders, giving them a comforting squeeze. Ducky pulled the waistband of her pajama pants down just enough to expose Kate's hip for the injection. Kate buried her face in her pillow in preparation for the sting when she felt the cool of the alcohol swab on her skin. She felt a bit of pressure and was sure Ducky was looking for a good site. After a few seconds she wondered if he would ever just get it over with. She turned her head to question him.

"Okay Ducky, just…" she began.

"All finished, Caitlin," Ducky said.

Kate's jaw dropped and her eyes widened, she couldn't believe that Ducky had finished. She hadn't felt a thing. She turned over and met Tony's gaze. He smiled at her and kissed the top of her head.

"You did great," he said lightly.

"Well that was a nice change from the usual discomfort associated with shots. Thanks, Dr. Mallard," Kate said disbelievingly.

"No problem my dear. Now then, I'll leave you to rest and feel better. Remember to take two acetaminophen tablets every four hours for the fever and the aches. If you start feeling any worse or you react to the penicillin, call me immediately. Take care, Caitlin. I'll show myself out," Ducky said politely.

"Thanks again Ducky," Tony reiterated gratefully.

Ducky picked up his bag and left the room with one last smile. Tony turned back to face Kate again and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Their lips met and the feelings that passed between them were indescribable. To each their own. They separated and gasped for air. The kiss caused a new wave of lightheadedness to wash over Kate and she fell back against the pillows. Tony smiled at her sympathetically.

"I'll get you those pills and another glass of water," he said sincerely.

"That would be great," Kate sighed.

Tony looked at her appraisingly. He loved the disheveled look that he gave her with every kiss. The softness he brought out in her with every touch. It was a side of Kate Todd only he could bring out. It was the side he loved the most. Kate smiled inwardly after Tony had left the room. A few weeks ago she could not have been convinced that Tony DiNozzo could be a gentleman. Now, however, she got to see a side of him she was sure was new even to him. The side of him she secretly hoped only she would ever see. She didn't care that it sounded selfish. Tony returned with the water and tablets and handed them to Kate. She swallowed them quickly and placed the empty water glass on the bedside table.

"Oh no," Kate said suddenly.

"What is it?" Tony inquired.

"If I feel like this tomorrow there's no way I'm going in to work, but if I don't go in to work, Gibbs is going to kill me," Kate groaned.

"Don't worry about him. Besides, you might feel a whole lot better by tomorrow," Tony said optimistically.

"I hope you're right," Kate replied hopefully.

"Today, however, you are not leaving this bed. Now then, what do you propose we do with the rest of the day?" Tony asked slyly.

"I'm sure we'll think of something," Kate replied coyly.

Tony pulled the comforter aside and climbed into bed beside Kate. He nuzzled into her neck and left a trail of butterfly kisses down her arm to the palm of her hand. Kate giggled and wrapped her free arm around Tony's waist. Their cuddling was soon interrupted by the shrill ring of the telephone on the bedside table. Kate rolled over and picked it up.

"Hello?" She asked groggily.

"Hey Kate, it's Abby. Sorry, did I wake you?" Abby asked.

"No Abbs, I was just… reading," Kate lied through her teeth.

"Oh, okay. Good, at least you're resting. Don't worry about missing brunch, we can totally reschedule. I just wanted to call and say get well soon. I don't know if I can survive a day at work without you," Abby said mock-tragically.

Kate smiled at her best friend's teasing.

"Don't worry, I'll be there," Kate said lightly.

"Okay. In that case I'll see you tomorrow. Take it easy, you hear? Bye Kate," Abby finished.

"See you, Abbs," Kate replied.

They hung up the phone and Kate returned to snuggling with Tony. He rubbed her back in comforting circles, urging her closer to him.

"I love you, Kate," Tony said sincerely.

"I love you, too, Tony," Kate replied with equal fervor.

Tony propped himself up against the headboard of the bed and Kate laid her head and hand on his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to the steady beat of his heart. Soon Kate had drifted off to sleep and Tony lay there, brushing his fingers through her hair and smiling at his sleeping angel.

'Who ever thought that Kate Todd could be called an angel,' Tony thought to himself.

He supposed it was just one of the many bonuses of falling in love. And hell, he had fallen hard for her. No matter how much either of them had tried to deny it, they were meant to be. Even Gibbs could admit it. Tony remembered his boss' words well;

"Just ask her out and get it over with, but don't let it get in the way of your work!" Gibbs' voice echoed in his mind.

No, this wouldn't get in the way of their work, they were too good for that and Gibbs knew it.

Tony smiled again as he glanced down at Kate. He was the luckiest man in the world and he just knew Kate was the happiest woman in the world. Being fiercely independent himself he knew how good it felt to let someone else in once in a while. He was glad that he had allowed Kate in and he was glad that Kate had allowed him in.

Yep, it was a match made in heaven and no one could tell him otherwise…

A.N. What do you think? Just a little story idea that came to me out of nowhere while I was jogging this morning. Okay, so maybe endorphins make me crazy. Is that really such a bad thing? Please review! -Julia-