A/N: I'd actually written this chapter on Thursday, but I wasn't happy with what I was reading. I've been sitting on it and racking my brain all week, so hopefully this came out alright! :/ Yuck! But in better news, I'm very ahead with chapter five, so I might be able to update on time with that section. Hope you guys enjoy!

WARNING: Mild sexual content

CH 4: Nine Lives

Abigail was awoken by a sharp, frantic cry. Launching up without fully waking, she staggered out of bed and found herself rushing to Will's room. Something about the way he'd called out screamed of fear.

Still a bit disoriented, Abigail opened his door and blinked at the sight of Will lying there, his body thrashing as his sweaty features screwed into a mask of panic.

"Will?" she whispered, now tentatively stepping forward, "Will, are you awake?"

He gave a soft moan in response, his legs curling up toward his chest as he shuddered.

Abigail frowned. What was wrong with him? What was he dreaming about? She knew that she, too, was no stranger to nightmares, but she still felt awkward and uncertain as she watched him writhe and gasp.

It didn't take long for her to make a decision. Gingerly approaching him, Abigail lifted the sheets and climbed into the lumpy bed beside him. Sliding forward, she wrapped her arms around Will's waist and spooned him from behind, her chin resting in the crook of his neck as she stroked his chest and stomach. With each breath he took, she could feel him shiver like a leaf against her lithe form.

Finally, Will gave a soft whimper, then stilled his manic movements. Abigail brushed her lips against his ear and smiled. She enjoyed how his strong, sturdy frame practically melted in her embrace. Was he even aware that she was there beside him?

Lifting her knee, Abigail wedged it in between his legs so that they became more entangled. A soft groan suddenly caught in his throat and he flinched, his hips writhing a bit as he rubbed against her. She gasped. Even though Abigail was certain Will was asleep, his body was responding to her in ways she'd never thought possible. He'd been so cold and unreceptive when they'd first reunited...was this how he truly felt?

Sliding her hand down along his torso, Abigail palmed his hardness and felt him arch into her hand. It made her feel good to hear his soft moans...it made her feel powerful. Abigail had never actually made love to a man before, so she was curious to experience what so many girls her age already had. She'd try her best not to wake him.

Gripping Will more tightly, Abigail kissed his shoulder and imagined that his lips were now on hers, his warm tongue plundering her mouth with a feverish intensity.

Slipping a hand in between them, Abigail shivered and began to touch herself. This wasn't the first time she'd gotten off while thinking of Will Graham. After he'd rescued her that fateful day, she'd recalled his strong hands and bright, panicked blue eyes and had found herself insatiably driven to orgasm.

With a sharp buck of her hips, Abigail sighed and eased another finger inside herself. She stifled her silent screams against Will's shoulder, who she now stroked more vigorously through his boxer briefs. With each breath she'd roll her palm against him, squeezing and grasping until his choked moans filled her ears. It thrilled her to know she was pleasing a man.

After a moment he was still, and she withdrew her hand once she felt his wet excitement seep through his boxers. Had she actually made him come?

Both embarrassed and proud of her prowess, she rose and glanced down at his sleeping face. For once he looked peaceful...happy. It warmed her more than she liked to admit to see him that way.

With a quick kiss on his temple, Abigail pulled the covers up beneath his chin and left the room.


"Dammit..."

"What?" Zeller looked up from the current autopsy, his scalpel poised as he quirked a brow. "You get a hold of Katz yet?"

Jack was grim. "No, and that's the problem... I've been calling her phone all morning."

"That's not like her," Zeller said. "Maybe you should leave a message with the Marriott's front desk?"

"Way ahead of you. They said they're sending someone up to check on her."

Price, always the calm and pragmatic one, looked a little pale as he asked, "How soon til we know?"

Jack's gaze was distant as he said, "Not soon enough."


For once Will was in a good mood. As he and Abigail trekked down toward the ocean, he found that he couldn't stop smiling. And how could he? She was actually listening to his stories, laughing at his terrible jokes, and indulging him by joining in on his favorite hobby. In that moment, he couldn't be happier - it was almost enough to make him forget about what had brought them together again. Almost.

"Could you teach me the proper stance?"

"Huh?"

"You know...fishing?" With a bright smile, Abigail tapped her pole against the sand and said, "I never really learned... I'd kind of just cast however I felt like. My dad didn't bother teaching me the right technique."

Will blinked. "Oh...well sure. C'mere." Abandoning the small boat they were going to use, he led Abigail to the shoreline and motioned her forward. "Come stand beside me."

Doing as she was told, Abigail joined him and waited. She pretended to be clueless, her expression coy and earnest as she asked Will to show her how to cast the line. Seeing how he loved the sport, Will was more than happy to oblige.

Abigail listened as he explained how to hold the pole, his arms coming around her waist to guide her hands into the right position. She nodded, innocently arching her back when Will came in closer. The moment her ass brushed against his front, she heard him inhale sharply and tighten his grip, his breath coming out white-hot against the nape of her neck as he trembled. Not long after that, she felt the telltale prodding of arousal at her lower back.

Pleased that he'd responded in the same way he had earlier that morning, Abigail brazenly moved to cup him through his pants. Will, however, had already stepped away from her and was shaking his head.

"I...um... Maybe we should go back to the house for a while. We didn't really eat breakfast today, and it's not smart to hang out in a boat without food."

Abigail huffed. She couldn't understand why he didn't want her when his body so clearly did. "Why? I'm not really all that hungry."

"Because...um..." His cheeks grew hot and he ducked his head. "Let's just head back, alright? We can fish some other time." Not even waiting for Abigail's more than likely derisive reply, Will grabbed his fishing pole and headed toward the house. It was only when he felt a soft, tentative touch on his arm that he looked down. Abigail was gazing up at him with her wide, imploring eyes, an uncertain smile painting her lips as she tried to keep up with his pace. He immediately slowed down.

"Sorry," he apologized, "I just... I don't know what came over me." But even as he said these words, Will was overcome by an immense bout of shame. There was no denying that she'd aroused him - that he was still aroused - nor the fact that he enjoyed her company perhaps a little too much. It was nice to feel like he had a purpose again.

Absently placing a hand against the small of Abigail's back, Will glanced down at her and watched how the sun warmed her porcelain skin. She had the face of an angel. Could Beverly truly be right about someone who brought him such warmth, happiness, and calm? This was the best he'd felt in years... He hadn't even had a beer in over twenty-four hours.

As if reading his mind, Abigail wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder. Feeling his cheeks burn, he returned the embrace - albeit awkwardly - by slinging an arm across her shoulders.

No, he decided. Beverly was wrong about Abigail - she would never, ever hurt him, and he in turn would never, ever hurt her.

Tucking Abigail's head beneath his chin, Will gently jostled her against his side and steered her toward the house. The knowledge of her innocence made his mood considerably lighter.


By early evening, Will finished up a new set of lures for Abigail. He smiled down at his handiwork, imagining what her face would look like when he gave them to her. Would she like them? Would she kiss him as thanks?

Embarrassed over this last thought - and wondering why it had even entered his mind in the first place - Will tucked the lures away just as a knock came at the front door. After assuring himself that Abigail was in her room, he abandoned his work bench and peered out the window.

It was Jack Crawford.

Frowning with a hint of distaste, Will found himself debating on whether or not he would even greet him. Or rather, he had been until he noticed the harrowed look in Jack's eyes. Will knew Jack well. The man wasn't all that emotional, but whenever he was troubled or upset, the weight of the world always rested behind his gaze.

Fearful, Will took two strides toward the door - but not without tripping over a few dogs - and opened it in one fell swoop. "Jack...what's wrong?"

"Will," he returned, a bit surprised to see him standing there. He'd honestly thought he wouldn't be welcome. Taking off his hat, Jack gestured behind him and asked, "May I come in? It's urgent police business."

Will felt his stomach roil. Ever since he'd opened the door, Jack had barely been able to look him in the eye. Whatever happened must've really done a number on him.

Stepping back as a hint of admission, Will watched on as Jack somberly crossed the threshold.

"Will, it's Beverly..."

"No..."

"She's been in an accident."

"No."

"We don't have any suspects yet, but-"

"NO!" Eyes wild and frantic, Will staggered back as if he'd been pushed. "I just saw her yesterday, Jack... You can't tell me she's dead! I won't fucking hear it!"

"Will, calm down!" Raising his hands in a supplicating gesture, Jack slowly came toward his friend. "Beverly's not dead... Her room at the Marriott was ransacked, so we think it was just a burglary gone wrong."

"What are her injuries?"

"She was sliced up pretty badly with some type of surgical tool. We'd ask her for the specifics, but as of right now she's in a coma."

"Christ..." Running a hand through his messy curls, Will heaved a shaky breath and shook his head. "Goddammit, Jack... We can't lose...I-I mean, I can't lose..."

"I know, Will," Jack gently assured him. "I'd take you with me to the hospital, but they're not currently admitting any visitors."

"Well...will you let me know the minute they do?"

"Of course." Expression grave, Jack cleared his throat and added, "Dr. Bloom's flying in from Georgetown tonight, and she said she wants to see you. Are you up for that?"

Will gave a miserable huff. "I can't let Alana see me like this... Tell her we can meet at the hospital."

"Alright, Graham, if that's what you want."

"I do."

The two men parted ways then, and Abigail jumped when she heard the front door slam with a great 'bang.' As she opened her bedroom door and peered through the crack, she gasped when Will began to turn his heated frustrations toward the room around him. Pictures, glassware, equipment, plaques, and all sorts of breakable objects were heaved and smashed against the walls. The dogs whimpered and ran for safety.

Abigail, of course, had been listening to this exchange and knew what was going on. Though she'd been the one to warn Hannibal about Beverly's snooping, she honestly hadn't thought the agent survived. Had Hannibal been sloppy to teach Abigail a lesson?

Frowning, she only came back to reality when Will stormed into his room and continued the wrecking process. After at least two minutes of his screaming and carrying on, she heard a sound that made her pause in astonishment. A soft, pitiful sob reached her ears, followed soon after by what sounded like the compressing of a mattress.

Despite her better judgment, Abigail abandoned her room and slowly, stealthily peeked through his open door. The sight that greeted her made her chest tighten. There, doubled over at the foot of his bed was Will, his hands grasping his curls as he continued to heave several soft, fragile little sobs. The choking sounds coming from him honestly frightened Abigail. She'd never seen a man cry before - or at least, not quite on the level of broken despair that Will was exhibiting.

With a shamed cringe, Abigail gripped the door frame between her hands and resisted the urge to comfort him. He didn't need her - he'd proven time and time again he didn't want her - so why did she think she could make all of his pain go away? She, after all, had been the one to cause it. And ironically? Abigail didn't feel the smug satisfaction she once thought she would.

Bowing her head, Abigail stepped forward and slowly closed the door. She couldn't bear to see Will this way any longer.


That night, Abigail laid awake listening to the tortured noises coming from Will's room. He would be fine for about an hour - everything would be tranquil and back to normal - but then a soft, delicate keening would start up that ripped through Abigail like a steel-tipped blade. She couldn't take it any longer.

Getting out of bed, Abigail padded barefoot out into the hallway before knocking on his door.

She heard his sobs quell suddenly, then he gave a weak, "Yes? Is that you, Abby?"

Opening the door, Abigail peered in and gave him a sheepish smile. "Yes, I...well... I know I'm a little old to be having nightmares, but do you think that maybe... Maybe I could sleep with you tonight?"

She saw Will quickly wipe his eyes, then he sat up and flicked on a light. "Are you ok?"

Abigail felt her heart clench. Even when he was in pain, Will always seemed to put everyone else before himself. Did he think he was unworthy of protection?

Trying her best not to think about this, Abigail shyly stepped into the room and paused at the foot of his bed. "I'm ok," she finally said. "I just...I can't sleep now that I've had those horrible dreams. I thought I might feel better if...if I were with someone who could understand?"

Deep-down Abigail was doing this for Will. He needed a friend in that moment - someone who could hold and console him - and she also knew it would help her case if Will ever suspected her.

Fortunately for her, Will seemed to buy her story. He gave a weak smile and his red, puffy eyes crinkled with forced cheer as he scooted over.

Abigail promptly slid in beside him under the covers. A slight blush stained her cheeks when she recalled what had happened earlier that morning, and in that very same unmade bed. Now, however, was definitely not the time to be thinking about attraction and sexual desire. Will needed her - she hated to admit that it felt good to be needed.

Curling up beneath his chin, Abigail wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her lips against his clothed chest. She could feel his heart beating soundly beneath her kiss.

"Will?"

"Hmm?"

"You're a really good guy."

As Abigail drifted off in Will's arms, she thought she felt a warm, salty tear trickle down into her hair.

A/N: Though Will is very strong and crass in the books, I could honestly see TV!Will crying once he reaches his breaking point. He had tears in his eyes during the season finale, so I'm hoping that makes my theory seem more plausible. Anyway, in this story Beverly's accident was basically the tipping point for him. He's suffered countless failures (in his mind), so seeing how he failed to protect yet another person he loves made him snap. And even though Abigail feels badly for what she's done, don't expect her to put off her intentions.

About the love scene... At first I thought it was a bit unbelievable that Will could get off without waking up, but then I remembered how Hannibal put Abigail's ear down his throat without him waking, so hey! I think that proves it's fully possible! ;) Speaking of Hannibal, he'll finally make an appearance in the next chapter. :) His role will be much larger near the end of this story (which should be soon-ish).

INDIVIDUAL THANK YOUS:

Abigill Fan: Your prayers have been answered, because I (fortunately) don't have the heart to kill off my darling Bevvy-kins. YES, I JUST CALLED HER BEVVY-KINS. I love her! I can only brutally maim her, but never kill her (which sounds just as bad lol). But thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed those scenes! :) Those were my favorites to write, as well.

ElektraMackenzie: Hahaha, yes, Abby's a minx. :P That seems to be a common theme for her in fanfiction, but it happens to be one I like. ;) Thank you so much!

chubbybunny96: It's not a problem, dahling! :) I know we all have lives, so I'm definitely not going to begrudge someone if they don't review. :P And yours are always worth it when they come! -cues sappy, fluffy music- But thank you so much, I really appreciate that, especially since lately I feel that my writing style is lacking. And I know I already answered your question in a PM, but to those who might also be reading this, yes, Alana will be featured very soon. ;)

Straight Edghe: Beverly's immortal in my mind - I can NEVER kill her (but I CAN put her in a coma, apparently lol). I think she's worth more to the story alive than dead...and I'd like to think that's not just me being biased. :P In this case Will is blinded, but I'll try and make him question things here and there in the future. As is, he's just happy that he has his "one good thing" back safe and sound. To him, that proves he didn't screw EVERYTHING up and it gives him a chance to start over. UGH, UGLY SOBBING. Sorry...these characters really punch me right in "the feelz." :(