Illya stayed by his partner's side until he woke up. Napoleon looked towards Illya then the ice chips.
"Sorry my friend. The doctor says nothing by mouth until your stomach starts to respond. A day or two. But he said I could rinse out your mouth if you promise not to suck on the swab."
Napoleon agreed and Illya ran the cold swab across his tongue.
"A greenhorn mistake. Are you okay?" Were the first worried words out of the American's mouth.
"Me? You are the one with three bullet holes. What did you think you were doing?"
"Protecting you."