A/N: So I've been on a serious NCIS: LA kick lately. I've got literally TWO notebooks full of stuff waiting to go up here, but I want to get a little closer to done on each of the stories before I go ahead and post. Why? Well, because I have this terrible habit of starting a story and never quite finishing it. So for now, enjoy this little tidbit, and keep your eyes peeled for more!
Breathtaking
"Come on," he whispers, blue eyes desperately searching pale skin. "Come on. Stay with me."
Holding his breath, he presses two fingers to her throat. There is a pulse, and it resonates through his whole body as he holds her closer. Her chest is not rising, however.
No breathing.
Not good.
Stuffing down panic and insecurity, he lays her on the sand, tips her head up as his training comes flooding back. He gives a few rescue breaths, watching closely to be sure he is doing them right.
Still nothing but blue lips and a slightly weaker pulse.
Come on.
He tries again, prayers tumbling silently from his lips as he waits, and when water suddenly bubbles from her mouth he turns her onto her side, his eyes reflecting the sky as he gratefully rolls them heavenward. She begins to cry, and he turns her back over and lifts her in his arms, murmuring soothing words to her.
She opens her eyes and he's never been happier to see the color green. Wiping seawater from his sun-reddened face, he smiles down at her while nearby a woman's voice cries thanks to him, face nearly drowning in tears.
He opens his arms and lets her go, and once more mother and daughter are reunited. He watches them leave hand-in-hand, his heart aching hollowly for the mother he never knew. Beside him, a strong voice calls his name, and he turns his head. His partner's chocolate eyes find his, a smile touching his lips.
"You did good, G."
He ducks his head, feeling unworthy of the praise. Standing up, he brushes sand from his clothes and skin. Saving people - old and young - is his job, but it's also what he loves. Not for his own glory; he is too humble to think of himself that way. He loves the gratitude he sees, families reunited in pure joy, and it helps to take some of his own emptiness away.
With a last look out at the frothy sea, G. Callen follows Sam off the beach, smiling to himself.
Maybe tomorrow, he thinks, I'll actually get to swim.