Fever

A.N. Okay, so I said it was going to be a one shot. I lied. Weing1's review has convinced me to write a second chapter. So, without further ado, here it is!

It's a reversal of roles! Kate starts to feel better while Tony starts to come down with symptoms of strep in the middle of a work day. Once again, one hundred percent AU Tate fluff! Please review!

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS, but don't you wish I did? Oh how fluffy the show would be…

Chapter 2: Tony's Turn

Kate sat at her desk, coffee in hand, typing vigorously. Occasionally she would glance up at Tony who was poring over a copy of the latest case files. It was the Tuesday after Kate had been diagnosed with strep throat and she was already feeling dramatically improved. Tony, on the other hand, seemed to be coming down with it. After all of their kissing and generally close proximity, Kate wasn't the least bit surprised that she had infected Tony. She chuckled at his predicament. Kate had the feeling that she would be urging Tony to pay Ducky a visit later on in the day. She smiled in spite of herself and thought back to Tony's ministrations on the day she fell ill. He was a real sweetheart and again Kate found that she was glad she had decided to get to know him on a more intimate level. Kate finished typing up a statement and walked over to where Tony sat reading the case file. She snuck up behind him and gently laid her hands on his shoulders. Tony practically jumped out of his boxer shorts.

"Jesus!" He exclaimed.

"No, it's Kate, actually, but good guess," Kate said jokingly.

"You scared me," Tony said breathlessly.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. How're things going over here?" Kate asked.

"I don't know. I've gone over this case file about three hundred times and I still can't find anything outside of the obvious," Tony deadpanned. "If Abby was here she would definitely call this hinky."

"Are you sure you're not just looking for the easy way to solve this case? I've gone over it quite a few times myself and I haven't found anything, either. If neither of us can find anything then there's probably nothing to find. We'll just have to go with what Abby can tell us about the evidence and what Ducky has to say about the autopsy," Kate said lightly.

"You know, you're probably right, but I still can't help but wonder if there's something we're missing. It could be right there, so simply, yet we can't see it. We need an outsider's opinion," Tony said exasperatedly.

"Don't stress over it now, you'll only end up feeling worse," Kate said softly.

"What? How did you know I wasn't feeling well?" Tony asked incredulously.

"Because you're stressed. You never get stressed unless you're sick or not getting any and since I know it's not the latter…" Kate trailed off.

Tony punched her playfully in the arm. Kate shrank back for a second before coming at him with full force and pinning him to his chair. Tony was in tears from the laughter as Kate tickled him mercilessly. She loved the sound of his laugh. It was deep and silky. Tony tried to fight back but the fever was getting to him and he didn't have his usual strength to use for his benefit. They were having too much fun to even notice the approaching footsteps. It was only when Gibbs stood directly behind them and cleared his throat that they realized they were still in the middle of the bullpen. Kate stopped tickling Tony and climbed off of him while he tried to stop laughing. They both stood there, blushing, and looked at Gibbs.

"Caught like a couple of hormonal teenagers," Gibbs said sarcastically.

"Sorry Gibbs," Kate and Tony chorused embarrassedly.

"As long as it doesn't get in the way of your work," Gibbs snapped.

"Yes, boss," Kate and Tony replied in unison.

Gibbs nodded briskly and walked away without a backwards glance. Kate and Tony exchanged glances and burst out in a fit of giggles. They watched Gibbs settle himself behind his desk with a fresh supply of coffee before returning to the tasks at hand. They worked through the morning with little enthusiasm. Anticipating lunch made the time pass even more slowly than usual. Both Tony and Kate were almost asleep at their desks by the time noon hour rolled around. Kate walked over to Tony's desk and he got up to join her. The two of them decided to take a walk in the park. It was a beautiful, cold, crisp December afternoon and it would be a shame to waste it. They stepped out of the building and were merely steps away when Tony started to shiver. Kate stopped and squeezed his hand before pulling him into a warm embrace. She held him close and waited for the chills to subside before pulling away.

"That's it, you're going to see Ducky," Kate said firmly.

Her tone brooked no argument, but, Tony being Tony, he tried anyway.

"Come on, I'm fine, just a little cold," Tony said innocently.

"Nice try, DiNozzo. You made me see Ducky when I argued so now it's your turn. Come on, it's not that bad. Besides, if it's strep throat then the penicillin shot will really help," Kate said lightly.

Tony seemed to think it over for a brief moment before agreeing. Kate squeezed his hand in affirmation once again before turning around and walking with him back toward NCIS. They got inside and took the stairs one floor down to the morgue. They walked inside and were approached by Ducky who, judging by the stained gown he was holding and the body Dr. Palmer was putting in one of the freezers, had recently finished the autopsy on their newest victim. He looked at the young couple appraisingly and smiled.

"What brings you two down here? The autopsy results, I suppose," Ducky inquired.

"No Duck, Gibbs is coming by to pick those up himself a little later. We're here because Tony's not feeling too well and I suspect he caught strep from me. I was hoping you could have a quick look at Tony here and make a concrete diagnosis so that we can put an end to our argument," Kate explained.

"Of course, Caitlin. Come, Anthony, let's have you sit up here," Ducky said, motioning to one of the cold, metal autopsy tables.

Tony swallowed hard and sauntered over to where Ducky stood. He couldn't let on that he had always… disliked, per say… doctors. It was nothing personal. After all, Ducky was a really great co-worker. Au contraire, it was purely professional. Not that Ducky wasn't a good doctor. Again, on the contrary, Ducky was an excellent physician. It was just a problem Tony had always had. He wasn't looking forward to that shot, either. Kate smiled at him encouragingly from the side of the room. If she had survived Ducky's inspection, then why wouldn't he? Tony relaxed as Ducky quickly finished checking all of his vitals. He wasn't encouraged when he heard the older man sigh disapprovingly as he read the thermometer. All Tony could do was look at Kate and curse her strep throat. He loved her too much to be able to stay away while she healed and this was what he got.

"Well, Anthony, it seems that your symptoms are quite similar to Caitlin's. Your pulse is thready, blood pressure is low and you've a fever of 102.9. It is likely streptococcus, but I'd like to conclude my examination prior to giving you a definitive answer," Ducky explained.

Kate shot me Tony of her 'I win' looks. She smiled at him evilly and then winked coyly, beckoning him to her. He would have given anything to have been in her warm embrace, which was in stark contrast to the cold metal of the autopsy table. Tony couldn't stand Kate's scrutinizing looks and sideways grins anymore. He practically jumped off the table when he commented.

"Stop it, Katie!" He cried pleadingly.

"Stop what, Tony?" She asked innocently.

Tony shook his head in disbelief. Ducky watched the young couple amusedly. He remembered his earlier days and the fun he used to have. Kate watched as Ducky examined Tony thoroughly. She groaned inwardly when she remembered that the roles had been reversed a mere two days earlier. She imagined how intimidated she must have looked under the good doctor's care. Tony, much like Kate, put up with the insistent poking and prodding. Ducky quickly finished his examination, Tony having obeyed him so well. As he stowed his instruments Kate made a beeline for Tony and slipped her small, delicate hand into his strong yet gentle one. She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb in a comforting gesture. Ducky turned to face the pair of them and a sympathetic look softened his features.

"Well, Anthony, I'm inclined to agree with my earlier suspicions of strep throat, but I suspect you may also have contracted a virulent strain of pneumonia. Your lungs sound a little congested and there's definite edema. It might just be an atypical presentation of streptococcus or the bacteria may have spread to your lungs, which can easily be reversed with penicillin, but it's always better to be safe than to be sorry. I could do a simple blood test to rule it out right now, if you don't object," Ducky said apologetically.

"Just what I need," Tony said exasperatedly. "Just do it and get it over with, Duck."

Tony glared at Kate but softened his gaze when she looked at him with those big puppy-dog eyes of hers. She reminded him of a deer caught in the headlights. She was so adorable when she was being coy. The coroner walked over and Tony stretched out his arm so Ducky could tie the tourniquet easily. Kate held Tony's free hand and winced at the tight grip Tony had on her hand when Ducky eased the needle under his skin. Both Kate and Tony glanced away when the blood began to flow into the syringe. After all, the last thing either of them needed was to pass out and end up on one of Ducky's slabs or worse yet on the receiving end of Gibbs' taunting wrath. Ducky withdrew the needle and folded Tony's arm up.

"All finished. Hold your arm like that for a minute so that you don't bruise and I'll go get that vial of penicillin for you," Ducky suggested.

Kate looked at Tony in sympathy and was glad that at least she hadn't had to get blood drawn. That would have been it for her. Ducky returned and Tony hopped off the table and rested his elbows on the cold metal, leaning forward. Ducky swiftly swabbed his hip and deftly drove the needle into the flesh. A few seconds later Tony was standing there with a surprised look on his face and a hand resting on his hip. He turned to face Ducky and smiled.

"Thanks, Ducky," Tony said warmly.

"Just taking care of my brethren. I hope you feel better soon, Anthony," Ducky said politely.

"I'll make sure that he does, Ducky. See you later," Kate said happily.

Kate and Tony left the morgue and headed back up to the bullpen. Tony was still rubbing at the stinging mark on his right hip. Kate slapped his hand away playfully before stopping to run her arms up his muscled arms to his broad shoulders and kissing him fervently. She pulled away and giggled lightly.

"That was for being a good boy for the doctor," Kate said, smiling.

"What, no lollipop?" Tony asked jokingly.

Kate swatted his chest and walked away from him seductively. He was drawn by her serenity and lightheartedness. It was a rare phenomenon to get to witness this side of Caitlin Todd. Not even Gibbs' had been witness to this alter-ego of hers. Tony smiled, glad that he was the only one who could bring it out in her with such ease. Kate waited up for him by the door to the bullpen. When he caught up the two of them entered together and walked headlong into Gibbs.

"Sorry boss," they said in unison.

"Just don't make a habit out of it. There's nothing more we can do on the case today, I've booked an interrogation room for tomorrow, though. Go home and get some rest, DiNozzo. I expect both of you to be back here tomorrow at 0800," Gibbs barked.

"Yes, boss," they said, again simultaneously.

Once Gibbs was out of earshot Tony turned to Kate.

"How does he know?" Tony asked.

"Don't look at me, I didn't tell him. It was probably Ducky. After all, they are pretty close as far as friends go and Ducky probably called up and told Gibbs to let you off for today so you could be well rested for tomorrow," Kate suggested.

Tony raised a questioning eyebrow and was met with a glare. He knew Kate wouldn't do that to him. She knew how much his dignity meant to him. She also knew exactly how to stroke his ego to keep him in the 'Tony' spirit. They walked over to their respective desks to grab their belongings before heading out of the building hand in hand. The cold December air made Tony shiver again and Kate held him close as they walked. Luckily they had taken only one car to work today. Unfortunately, it was Tony's and Kate had only a vague idea of how to drive a standard. She sighed as they reached the car.

"Give me the keys, I'm driving," Kate said lightly.

"Why? I'm fine," Tony argued.

"You're tired and feverish. I can handle it, really. Now come on and give me the keys," Kate demanded.

Tony didn't have the energy to fight with her so he handed over his car keys. They got in the car and Kate sighed in defeat. She started the car and realized it was about all she knew how to do.

'No,' she thought to herself. 'I'm not going to let the car win. I can do this.'

Unfortunately, affirmations didn't help her in her predicament. Tony laughed when he caught on to her dilemma and placed his hand over hers on the gearshift. Kate groaned and looked over at him.

"I've never driven a stick shift. Ever," Kate admitted sheepishly.

"You can do it, Katie," Tony said encouragingly.

Kate gritted her teeth and carefully drove out of the parking lot. A short distance later on the freeway she had already grown accustomed to the car. By the time they were at her house Kate was seriously considering investing in a new standard. Kate and Tony went to unbuckle their seatbelts and their hands met. Tony pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly. When they separated Tony smiled at her.

"You did great," he affirmed.

Kate returned his smile before getting out of the car. The two of them rushed across the front yard and into the house. Kate locked the door behind them and tossed all of her things onto the ground near the coat rack. The two of them moved into the living room where Tony collapsed onto the couch. Kate left the room and quickly returned with a duvet. She tossed it over Tony and ambled into the kitchen to flick on the kettle. Tony, wrapped up in the duvet like a big cocoon, slowly made his way into the kitchen after her. He unwrapped himself for a brief moment to allow Kate in under the covers with him. She ran her hands down his sides and smiled when he shivered and moaned softly. They stood there, locked in each other's embrace until the kettle let out a shrill whistle. Kate broke away from Tony and turned off the burner before pouring the hot water into the waiting mugs.

A few minutes later they sat on the couch with their bodies entwined, sipping hot chocolate. Kate nuzzled into Tony's neck and he lightly kissed the top of her head. Long after their cups were emptied Kate and Tony still reclined on the sofa, occasionally nuzzling and kissing. Tony stared at Kate with awe. She was a perfect angel. A fallen one, sometimes, but an angel regardless. Kate snuggled into Tony's chest and heard his strong heartbeat reverberate against her eardrum. She smiled and began tracing random designs over Tony's chest with her fingernail. He laughed softly, the sound deep and rich. It filled Kate with a phantom longing. He could evoke such intense emotions in her with such little gestures. Kate was scared, to be perfectly honest. If anything ever happened between them and it ended badly, she would be left to pick up her splintered heart alone. No, she wouldn't think that way, she told herself.

Kate sighed and looked up at Tony. It was just then that she realized he had fallen asleep. Kate watched his eyelids flutter occasionally as another dream haunted his subconscious. Tony began tossing fitfully in a feverish sleep and Kate put a hand on his chest to calm him. She whispered affirmations to him until he calmed down. She stayed awake for a while longer to ward off the nightmares that disturbed Tony's much needed sleep. Evening came and went and still Kate watched Tony sleep peacefully.

It was the perfect ending to an eventful week for the both of them.