The day was lovely, and Tony was enjoying being outside in the fresh air. Sasha was sitting with him and they were having a conversation. It was comfortable, like they had been friends for most of their lives.
"I love movies," said Sasha happily. "I thought I was crazy, honestly. I don't know anyone that loves movies as much as I do."
"You aren't crazy," said Tony, playfully hitting her arm. "Movies are the best."
"What's your favourite movie?"
"It's A Wonderful Life. What about you?"
"The Godfather. Is that weird?"
"Not at all. I love that movie too. Actually, I love the entire trilogy."
Sasha giggled. "Me too. You know, I think we're going to get along really well this week."
"So do I." Tony leaned back onto the grass. "It's a beautiful day. I didn't realise how much of this nice weather I missed while I was in that hospital bed."
"Actually, you only missed the weekend, really. Last week was boring. It rained almost all day, every day. Trust me, being in that bed was better than being outside."
Tony smiled. Sasha was a great woman, a lovely friend. "Thank you for coming into my life."
"As soon as my boss asked me to come out to you, I was happy. You're the first outpatient I've ever gotten to look after at home. Usually, I only do it in hospitals."
"Why?"
"Well, at first, it was because I was new to the job. You train in the hospital. But then, I don't know if it was because there weren't any patients to look after, or if there was another reason. It doesn't really matter, I met some really lovely people in the hospital, but I'm really glad that I get to work with you now."
"I am too. I can already tell we're going to be good friends." Tony smiled happily, then decided to check his watch. "But, I think it's time to head back. It's almost five."
Sasha waited for Tony, then they slowly walked back into the apartment building, already missing the sun outside.
"So, what are you interested in eating for dinner?" Sasha asked. "And, no, you can't have pizza tonight. Maybe tomorrow."
"Why?" Tony pouted.
"Because, all you've had in the past week is hospital food. We all know how shocking that food is. You need to ease yourself back into it, unless you like being sick?"
"Uh, no. Okay, no pizza." Tony opened the fridge with a smile. "I guess we're having beef salad and chips."
"Sorry?"
"Kate restocked my fridge this morning. She must have made dinner too."
"Who's Kate?"
"One of my co-workers. You might like her, actually. She's smart, and funny, but annoying at the same time."
Sasha laughed. "Sounds like she cares about you. She made you dinner."
"Yeah. I'll bet that if I open the freezer, there are more dinners in there." Tony took out the food and handed it to Sasha, then opened the freezer. "Told you. There's enough food in here for a month."
"I guess you're all set then. No pizza for you in the near future."
"I'll get my pizza. Maybe I'll invite everyone over for dinner on Friday. Would that be okay?"
"This is your apartment, Tony."
"I know. I just meant..."
"I know what you meant. If you want your friends to come over, that's completely fine."
"Are you sure? Will I be well enough?"
"I can always check you beforehand, but, yes, you'll be fine."
Tony smiled. "Friday it is then. And you will have to stay for dinner, of course."
"I don't want to intrude."
"You won't be. Besides, I feel like we're already friends, so you'll stay too."
Sasha shook her head as she laughed. Tony was right, though, it felt like they were already friends, despite only knowing each other for a few hours.
"Alright, Tony. Time to take your meds and do a check-up before I leave," said Sasha two hours later. It was almost seven pm.
Tony looked up from where he had been reading a book while he waited for Gibbs to finish making coffee. He had forgotten about the time.
"Okay." Tony put his book down and stood, heading into the bedroom. He and Sasha had decided that it would be more comfortable for Tony if they had privacy for the check-ups.
Sasha followed Tony into the room and closed the door. She put her bag on the bed and laughed. Tony was sitting cross-legged on the bed, looking up at her with a look of pure innocence on his face.
"What's so funny?" Tony asked.
"Nothing. You look adorable like that." She opened the bag and too out a stethoscope. "You can stay sitting like that if you're comfortable, but I need you to lift your top for me."
Tony grinned as he followed Sasha's instructions. He couldn't help it.
"Take a deep breath for me."
Tony took a few deep breaths and let Sasha work for a moment before he started laughing.
"Okay, mister, what's so funny?" Sasha asked as she brought the stethoscope around to Tony's chest to listen to his heart.
"Nothing. The stethoscope is cold, that's all."
"How is that funny?"
"It tickles a little as you move it around."
"You are nuts, Tony." Sasha was smiling too, though, enjoying the time she spent with Tony. "Okay. Let's check your blood pressure."
Tony dropped his top and dutifully held his arm out to Sasha so she could wrap the blood pressure cuff around his arm.
"Do you think you can keep quiet long enough for me to check your temperature?"
Tony nodded. He opened his mouth and let Sasha put the thermometer in.
"Keep it in while I check your blood pressure. No talking."
Tony nodded again. He could feel his body relaxing as Sasha gently worked, making sure not to hurt him. It lasted only two minutes, but it was enough for Tony to feel like he could trust her completely.
"Alright. Blood pressure and temperature are both normal. Let's check your pulse, then I'll be done."
"Was my breathing okay?" Tony asked as Sasha rested her fingers on his wrist.
"Yes. Your lungs are clear, and as long as they stay that way, you'll be fine." Sasha frowned. "I can't find your pulse. Is it alright if I press a little more?"
"Sure." Tony felt the fingers on his wrist press down slightly, though it was still a gentle, comfortable touch.
"That's better. Your pulse is strong, which is exactly what I want to be feeling."
"That's good."
Sasha nodded. "That's great." She grabbed the bottle of tablets she had brought in with her and tipped two into her palm. "Swallow them for me."
Tony put the first tablet into his mouth and swallowed it with some water. Then he repeated the action with the second tablet. They tasted disgusting.
"Good job. Now, I'm heading off. I'll be back tomorrow morning, but if you need me, I've left my number with Agent Gibbs. Don't hesitate to call if you need something."
"Okay. Thank you Sasha." Tony walked her to the door, waving goodbye until she disappeared into the elevator.
"Miss her already, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked. He was smirking.
"Sort of. I enjoyed her company today. She's funny, and totally into watching movies with me all day."
Gibbs sighed. He was glad that he wasn't the one stuck watching movies all day long, but he wandered how Tony would feel once Sasha's job was done and they parted ways. He didn't want to pick up the pieces of Tony's broken heart.
