Ziva walked softly up to Tony in the kitchen. He was obviously frustrated, with one hand on the back of his head and the other on his hip.

"She wasn't supposed to do it yet," he said, knowing she was there.

"You already knew?"

Silence.

"You loved her."

"She's still alive, so I believe it's love, without a 'd' on the end." Tony turned to face Ziva, an expression on his face that she couldn't quite read. "You've got quite keen senses, don't you."

"That was clearly a statement and not a question." Ziva walked right up to him, looking him straight into his eyes. "You were getting over it. You thought she was dead, then when you saw her it was the same as it used to be. Or was it?"

"Everything is…" Tony paused. He was going to say perfect, but something stopped him. Complicated was a better term.

"Everything is not fine, Tony. Look at everyone else in the living room."

Tony moved to the doorway, seeing Kate still standing by the door and everyone else huddled in the living room.

"I don't know how to fix this."

"You shouldn't have to," Gibbs said, his voice coming from behind Tony.

"Boss, look, everyone's upset and—"

"No. You're not the one who left. Kate did, and she knows it. If she knew you were in here blaming herself she would be in here to stop you."

Tony sighed, defeated. "It never should have happened this way."

The three of them stood there for what seemed to be a long time. Tony was staring at his shoes. Gibbs was staring at Tony, and Ziva was staring at Gibbs, trying to figure out what his plan was.

"Maybe you should go check on her." Tony looked up and met Gibbs's eyes. "It's her mess but it's still a lot to deal with."

Tony walked up to Kate, sighing. "I'll walk you in. There has to be someone to stand by you."

"I don't know what to do."

xXx

"Guys, are you going to accept me?"

More tears fell from Abby's face. McGee wondered how she could have so much water inside of her.

"I know. But it's been two hours, and there's been so many questions asked. I'm not asking for anyone to make a decision. I just wanted you all to know now, but… I can't make any of you accept it." Kate sighed, sitting down.

"I can't believe you wouldn't want us to love you again," Abby said. It was the first time she had spoken since she arrived. "Kate you were my best friend. You'll always be here." She gestured to her heart.

"This is all great mushy stuff but I'm not happy." Jane threw her arms up. "I can't be here any more, listening to you be pow-wow-y with your old friends that I never knew existed." Jane left the apartment, leaving everyone silent.

"Should someone go after her?" McGee asked.

"No," Kate and Tony replied in unison. Kate continued. "Jane needs time to think our her own issues. Someone going along with her is just as likely to make her more upset. I'll talk to her in a little while to see if I can get through to her. Just not now."

Ducky stood up from the couch. "Happy Birthday, Tony. I must be going. Caitlin, please call. I would love to meet with you before you leave town."

Kate nodded. Everyone said their goodbyes, and soon enough the party had dissipated. Ziva quietly excused herself to Tony after Ducky left.

"I should not have come."

"Why not? It was just a birthday party."

"Because Tony, I never even knew Kate. This did not need to include me."

"Come on Ziva, you're not mad at this, are you?"

"I am slightly upset that you wouldn't have considered my feelings on the subject."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That I love you."

Tony was caught so far off guard he almost fell over. "That's not a joke."

"No, but you already knew that. I didn't realize you could be serious with any woman, but I was hoping to change that. You seem to be happy though. I'll leave you be."

Tony was speechless as Ziva left. Gibbs walked over to him.

"I'm surprised you didn't see that coming, DiNozzo."

"I guess… it makes sense now. I led her on. This was my fault, huh boss?"

"It always is, DiNozzo." Gibbs slapped him on the back of the head, then laughed to himself on his way to the door.

Kate walked over to Tony, his face still a mess. "What happened to you?"

He broke himself of the trance, turning to face Kate. "Nothing important," he said, and kissed her.

A/N Okay, guys! Only one chapter left. Then it should all be resolved... I'll try my hardest to get it done and uploaded soon, not like all the other things.