These chapters seem to progressively get longer and longer. Here's another longer one.
Just a reminder, this story is rated K. Only K, and no more. Now that we've taken care of that…
Hey! I got a fun idea! Here's the deal… If there are 100 total reviews before chapter 30, then chapter 31 will be extra special. Think we can do it? I think we can. Starting now, go!
Oh, and by the way. I just looked at all of my notes, and that totals up to 3 pages of Tiva ideas. Plus whatever is on my phone. Get excited! Hopefully those will come up soon! Thanks to my friend Ceili for assisting me on Irish facts and stuff. Her mom was born there.
The flight from D.C. to Dublin was nearly seven and a half hours, which put them in Ireland at around 9:30 am, Irish time. It was only 4:30 back in D.C., so the McGee's were still thoroughly exhausted, but very excited to begin their day.
They arrived at their home for the week, a group of small cottages in the countryside, and checked in in the main cottage that was serving as a lobby.
"Welcome to the Catríona Cottages," a man with a thick Irish accent greeted.
"Timothy McGee," Tim introduced himself, holding out a hand for the man to shake. The man went behind a counter and pulled out a sheet of paper, scanning it for McGee's name.
"Ah, here we are," he began, opening a drawer in his desk, "Timothy and Abigail McGee. Cottage 6, our honeymoon suite. Comhghairdeas on your marriage!" The employee threw in a few Irish Gaelic words, like congratulations, to add to the tourists' experience in his native country.
Abby and McGee followed the signs pointing to cottage six, riding bikes that they had been lent for the duration of their stay. They had been told to leave their luggage in the lobby, and a bellhop would bring it to their room as soon as possible. Tim pulled the keychain he had been given out of his pocket, and placed the key in the lock, twisting it until he heard a click. He placed his hand on the knob, about to turn it to reveal their room, but he noticed that Abby was not standing excitedly next to him.
He turned around and saw Abby waiting a little further back, not saying a word. McGee let his hand fall away from the door and he stepped over to his wife. "Abs, what's wrong?"
Abby sighed, as if deciding whether or not she really cared all that much. "I just—it's not really that important."
"Please Abby, just tell me. It's okay." Tim took Abby's hands in his own.
She bit her lip, "Well, I just always imagined being carried across the threshold, you know? In the arms of my husband."
"I can do that," Tim answered.
Abby shook her head. "No. Your shoulder. It's still healing."
Tim cracked a smile, "Nope. All of my restrictions were lifted a week and a half ago. I am clear for whatever weight-lifting I want to do." Abby's eyes lit up.
Tim scooped her up into his arms, catching her off guard. Abby giggled and rested her head on Tim's as he pushed open the door to their cottage. "Your room, Gothic Princess," he said as he rested her on a chair.
"Thank you Elf Lord," Abby replied with a curtsy. "You know, you're a lot stronger than you look." They finally got to see where they would be staying. It was a humble dwelling, with inviting furnishings, and a stone hearth at the center of the round cottage. A card on the breakfast table said 'Comhghairdeas Tadhg agus Abigeal' meaning congratulations Timothy and Abigail. Abby looked out the window, staring at the beautiful day awaiting them.
"Oh look! Timmy! There's a sheep right outside our window!" Sure enough, a fluffy sheep was grazing just outside the cottage. Tim smiled as he watched his wife enjoying her time already.
"Shall we?" McGee asked, and Abby walked over, took his hand, and they walked out of their cottage. They hopped on their bikes and headed for the exit.
"Where are we going?" Abby asked.
Tim smiled. "Hopefully the nearest cafe. I'm exhausted and I want to try some Irish tea.
A cool breeze blew across the plains, and McGee breathed in the fresh country air. He felt so free being there with Abby. It almost seemed like it was just them and the earth there. No ringing telephones, beeping elevators, or gunshots. Just pure bliss and love for him and his wife.
They stopped at the lobby cottage to get a map. The manager directed the pair to a street leading to a town, telling them to follow it until they found civilization. The blue sky gave them energy, and the ride was a very peaceful one. Abby loved to point out simple things that brought her happiness; clouds shaped as hippos, a small pond full of lily pads, or even something as meek as a scent in the air.
A small village crept into view atop one of the hills on the horizon. "We're almost there," Abby said happily. They rode into the town, where everyone—it seemed—was walking around. The streets were paved with grey stone, and the homes were clad in a similar substance, moss and vines creeping up the sides.
They entered a tavern, after parking their bikes outside, and sat down at a table. A man played away at a fiddle, his fingers moving about the fingerboard with precision and flow. An old Irish jig filled the air. Another man kept the beat with a handheld drum, much like a tambourine. People at the bar laughed joyfully, having conversations with their fellow townspeople and friends.
Tim walked up to the bar and asked the bartender for two glasses of Irish whiskey. He carried them back to his and Abby's table, setting hers down in front of her.
"What happened to getting tea?" She asked.
"I've heard a lot about their whiskey," Tim explained, "I thought I'd try some."
They drank their drinks in silence, listening to the band play on the small stage in the front. "Should we get another?" Abby asked once she had finished hers.
"Nah." Tim shook his head. "I'm taking you somewhere special."
Abby's excitement and curiosity was sparked. "Where?" she asked, eager to know.
"It's a surprise. Follow me." Tim pulled Abby by the hand, leading her to their bikes. They took off down the road they had come on, but turned when they came to a fork in the road. They took the path, Abby following McGee the whole time.
"STOP!" Abby yelled suddenly.
Tim froze, "What?" he asked in a panic.
"LOOK! A windmill!"
Tim clutched at his heart. "Seriously! I thought you were hurt or something."
"Sorry," Abby said apologetically.
"It's okay Abs. I was just worried. Do you want me to take a picture of you by the windmill?" Tim offered. Abby nodded vigorously, skipping over to the structure that sat isolated on the hillside. Tim pulled his camera from his backpack and snapped a picture, capturing Abby and the landscape in all of their beauty. "Come on, we've gotta keep going," Tim beckoned, sitting back on the bike. She followed closely behind.
"This place reminds me of the Shire from Lord of the Rings," Tim observed.
Abby laughed, "I was wondering when you would say that. It was only a matter of time." She looked at her reflection in a creek as they rode over an old stone bridge. Her ring caught a glint of sunlight and sparkled for a moment. Abby smiled and picked up her speed, catching up with her husband. A grand rock castle made its way into her view, tall and magnificent. As they neared, Abby realized that it was their destination.
"A castle," she said in awe.
Tim took her hand, "Surprise," he said with a cheesy grin. He led Abby to a patio covered by a wood and vine roof. A picnic was laid out for them, complete with a blanket, and plenty of food for the both of them.
Abby stood staring at the scene in front of her and she couldn't believe her eyes, "Timmy!" she said, wrapping him in a sudden and tight hug. "It's perfect! But, how?"
"It's a secret." Abby sat down on the brick floor, reaching in the basket and examining its contents.
"There are even clowny cakes in here!" She grabbed Tim's face, pressing a kiss to his lips. "I love you."
Tim grinned, "I love you Abs. Now let's dig in." They ate in silence for a while, listening to the sounds of the peaceful nature around them. After their lunch, Tim pulled their picnic blanket out to the grass where they laid on their backs staring up at the shape-shifting clouds. They explored the castle ruins for a while, taking plenty of pictures and discovering the rich history of Ireland.
"What else do you have planned?" Abby asked, turning her head to look at her husband.
Tim gave her a secretive look, "Another surprise." McGee helped Abby to her feet, and the two once again rode their bikes along the road, this time stopping at a high bluff overlooking the ocean. A storm was coming in from above the water, bringing heavy clouds and fog with it. The couple sat on the edge of the bluff, looking across the vast sea. Abby's head was resting in the crook of Tim's neck, his arm draped over her shoulders. Everything was perfect, down to every minute detail.
A crash of thunder sounded in the distance. Tim rose up carefully, stepping back from the precipice. Abby joined him and started toward her bike.
"No, wait." Abby stopped. "We're going home a different way." Out of nowhere a carriage pulled by two brown horses came to stop in front of the cliff edge.
"Mr. and Mrs. McGee," the carriage driver summoned.
Abby looked excitedly at McGee, "We get to ride in a carriage!" Tim took charge of loading the bikes onto the back of the carriage, and hopped in. Abby had stopped next to the horses, and was stroking them gently, cooing at them. After she'd had her fill of petting horses, she took a seat next to McGee. The driver ordered the horses to move forward, which they willingly did. Soon, the couple was travelling across the beautiful landscape, on trails of grass that had been worn down by rolling wheels.
Trees lined each side of the road, almost close enough to touch. Raindrops began to fall from the sky, dripping wetness onto the carriage and its passengers. The driver offered an umbrella, but the McGee's didn't care about getting soaked. Their hands were clasped in between them the whole ride home, Abby's expression telling Tim that he had done a good job planning their first day. Tim kissed Abby lovingly, pushing a strand of wet hair that had escaped her pigtail out of her face.
After the carriage ride, Tim and Abby were dropped off in front of their cottage. The pair stepped off, landing in a puddle of mud. They removed their shoes and stepped into their warm suite. Abby plopped down on the bed, exhausted from her day of romance and surprises, and Tim followed close behind. They took a quick nap, waking up in time for dinner at a fancy restaurant close by. As the sun was setting in the horizon, Abby and Tim sat in rocking chairs in front of the cottage, watching the sun go down. Colorful reds, oranges, and yellows filled the sky, soon replaced by dark blue and purple.
Twinkling stars appeared, dotting the sky with all of their magnificence. Abby fell asleep leaning against Tim while they were looking at the beautiful starry sky. He lifted her into his arms and carried her into their home, setting her down on their bed. He pulled the covers up over her and lit the fireplace to keep them warm over the night.
Abby felt the bed dip slightly as her husband took his place by her side. She rolled over to look at him, love filling her eyes.
Tim smiled. Seeing the love of his life there beside him was a dream come true, and he was treasuring every minute of it. He placed his arm beneath Abby, wrapping her in a gentle hug as they lay there. Tim dozed off and snored lightly. Abby's head was laying against Tim's chest, and she fell asleep to the sound of his heart beating. It was almost as if she could hear the love he had for her, even though he was asleep. It was affirmation of everything they meant to each other. It was love in its purest form. It was, Abby decided, what it meant to be alive.
Sorry, you'll have to wait for more on the DiNozzo story. This honeymoon is taking longer than I expected, but I don't want to let anyone down if they were expecting a whole bunch on it. I think it's turning out pretty well.
Don't forget to review! 5 chapters till 30!
Also, if you live in or have been to New Orleans often, I could use your help making sure I get the details and the essence of the city right when the McGee's go there. Any information, popular activities, etc that help make NOLA what it is would be great. Just PM me or put it in a review. I will use google to get it right, but it's always more special when you have a first hand experience.
Thank you guys so much!
~NCIS Obsession