Slowly, he stepped into the kitchen that was connected to the hall by a door on the left, only a few steps away from the front door. They had spent much time in the very comfortable room that was spacious and bright, and had a corner seating unit. Especially this sitting area they had used for their long talks, their conversations about everything and anything.

And they had used the kitchen to actually cook. He still couldn't believe that they had been cooking. It had been her who had started this, who had come up with this idea, and somehow she had managed to make him also learn it. And soon, they had been doing it together, conjuring up very nice meals.

The first time she had been standing there in front of the stove when he had come home late was one of the pictures that was never going to fade...

--

"Honey, I'm home," he called when he entered the house, waiting for her to come out of her study. But nothing happened. Only after a few moments, he heard a voice coming from the kitchen - through a closed door, as he noticed now.

"In here," Jenny answered. Curiously he opened the door to peep inside. He nearly burst out laughing when he saw her standing there in a white apron with "Kiss the cook" written on it.

"Jenny... what are you doing?" he asked, although it wasn't necessary. He was neither blind nor stupid and the fact that she was holding a plate in one hand and a scoop in the other, and that there were pots and saucepans standing on the stove, helped a lot.

"Taking care of your dinner. Well, ours, to be exact, but nevertheless, I'm doing it for you." She was grinning widely, her Happy-Jen-Grin he loved so much and it was very hard for him to only give her a short Hello-Kiss and not pull her into a passionate embrace.

"And to what do I owe the honor?" She shot him a indefinable look, her eyebrows raised. "I'm serious, I mean, you're a very busy woman and I know how much work you've to do. You know, I'm the one who nearly has to carry you to bed every evening."

"I've decided that there are some other important things; that work isn't the only thing. So I'll cook once a week. And you'll help me," she explained, and giggled when she saw his shocked expression.

"You're sure you want me to help you? I mean..."

"Oh yes, you WILL help me. And you'll learn to cook just as I have."

"By the way, I had no idea you can cook. Seems that there are many things I don't know about you." She didn't answer to that, but concentrated on the food. Fifteen minutes later - he had only watched her silently during this time, not even daring to offer some help - she had finished her the meal.

"My grandmother gave me the receipt for the sauce; beware, it's hot and spicy!" She warned, but he had already taken a good mouthful. She suppressed a grin when she saw his eyes which were filled with tears. "Sorry," she told him, kissing his cheek. Gratefully he took the glass of water she put in front of him.

When he was able to speak again, he responded weakly, "Next time, please put some warning label on the plate..." He was interrupted by some cough and quickly swallowed the rest of the water.

"That's the reason why you should always take small bites, Jethro. It's not good to eat so fast."

"Anyways, it's really tasty. Thank you." He smiled at her lovingly, then they continued eating in silence.

--

From this day on, they spent one evening of the week with cooking together. They had tried many different dishes; they had even invited the team a few times. It had been kind of a ritual and he had loved it. And he had missed it when she had been away on a business trip for one week.

Gently he moved his hand over the kitchen furnishings. Everything was clean and tidy, so unlike the times they had been working here. There had always been a mess, but even cleaning up had been fun.

Sighing, he moved the vase with a single flower standing on the table of the corner seating unit so it was standing in the middle of the piece of furniture. Momentarily closing his eyes, he then left the kitchen, turning off the light. Only the moon was now lightening the room a bit, making the chrome-plated parts shine.