Chapter 7

It was the faint smell of gunpowder that brought him to his senses. He recognized that smell, but the fog hadn't quite cleared from his head yet. Abby? Tim opened his eyes and looked around the dimly illuminated room. The lighting from the hallway shone through the small opening from the door. Tim got up and neared the doorway. When he opened it, an immediate waft, of something wonderful cooking, something warm and inviting hit him. He walked out slowly, hoping his indications of Abby being there were right. He was. Tim found her standing over the stove, a giant pot in front of her, steam emanating from the surface. He smiled and watched her for a minute, enjoying the company and the smell. Suddenly, she froze in her tracks, finally sensing that she was being watched. Damn, he was caught! Well, it was good while it lasted.

"Timmy?" Abby said without turning around.

"Hey, Abs," Tim rasped as Abby turned around with a smile on her face.

"Tim! I missed you so much!" yelled Abby as she came running over to him. Tim braced himself for a bear hug, but surprisingly it was gentler than he'd ever imagined.

"How are you feeling, and don't even think about saying 'fine', because I'll know when you're lying." Abby said.

"The headache is going down a little, I'm tired, but not as much as before, and my throat still hurts a bit." Tim said truthfully.

"Well luckily," Abby said leading him to the table and forcing him to sit down, "I made the old Scuito remedy. It's both delicious and cures any disease...well, not every disease, mostly just a cold or sore throat, but still, it helps your throat big time. Now eat!" Abby rambled as she placed a hot, steaming bowl of appetizing looking soup in front of him while she sat down with her own.

Tim picked up the spoon and began to eat, feeling Abby's eyes follow his every movement. As soon as he swallowed the liquid, his throat felt 100 times better. It no longer felt dry or scratchy, he could talk a little normally again and, for once, he could breathe easier.

"Oh, wow, Abby! This stuff is amazing," Tim exclaimed. Abby grinned in pride as she began to eat her soup. They both had two bowls, and when they were finished, Abby had brought a movie to watch. They snuggled together on the couch and enjoyed the movie together. Tim sighed happily as he began to grow weary, thanks to Abby who was running her fingers through his hair. The week was finally starting to look up since he'd gotten sick. Tim's eyes drifted closed and he fell into a dreamy sleep, right on Abby's shoulder.

Abby smiled when Tim began snoring. She had fulfilled her duty, and she'd done it well. She moved over and shook Tim awake. She didn't want to, but she didn't want him sleeping on this couch either.

"Tim. Timmy, wake up, I'm going to bring you to your bed okay?"

"Mhmm," came his only response. The two stumbled to the bedroom, Abby supporting a half-asleep Tim. When they finally got in, she gently plopped him down onto the bed and covered him up. Then she took off her shoes and went on the other side of the bed. She got underneath the covers and snuggled up beside him, wrapping one arm around his waist. She heard him groan in content and she giggled as her eyes sank. She, too, was beat and she couldn't wait to fall asleep. Ten seconds later, her breathing evened out and she was in a deep sleep corresponding to Tim. Hopefully no one would come and see them, getting the wrong idea. Especially Gibbs.