A/N: I have no plans to pursue this (or my other current one-shots) any further, so as far as I'm concerned, it's complete. If someone else wants to use it as a jumping off point, they're welcome to.

Mid-season 10

Callen approaches Nell's door cautiously, but with his weapon still holstered. He knocks and waits. Almost 45 seconds later Nell opens her door just wide enough to step into the doorway, her hand still on the doorknob.

Nell: "What the hell are you doing here, Nate? I told Granger, and I'll tell you, I QUIT!

Callen: "What?!"

Nell: "Everyone knows that my skills are wasted on your stupid little projects. Plus, I am sooo sick and tired of that freakin' basement. I want to look out a window and see a tree once in awhile."

Callen: "What about your boyfriend? Why haven't you called him back?"

Nell: "Oh! My so called boyfriend! Screw him! Even better, let Blaze, or whatever screen name the scuzzy manx is using this week do it cuz I certainly won't anymore."

Callen: "It's that what this is all about?"

Nell: "Ugh, Nate. Don't! Leave me alone."

Nell steps back and slams the door in Callen's face.

Callen turns and walks rapidly to his car. On the way he takes out his phone and by the time he's out of earshot, he makes a call to one of his contacts.

Sam: "Talk to me, G."

Callen: "I found Nell at her place."

Sam: "Is she okay?"

Callen: "For now, I think."

Callen gets into his car.

Sam: "I don't like the way that sounds."

Callen starts the car and drives away.

Callen: "Sam, get over here and keep an eye on her. But do it inconspicuously. She asked me to not leave her alone, but they need to see me go or they'll know something's up."

Sam: "On my way. What's up, G?"

Callen: "I just talked to Nell. I think she missed her check in because she couldn't do it without blowing her cover. I think she's got at least one cartel member there at her place with her now. I think she wants us to get her out, but I think they're watching out the windows."

Sam: "You think. You don't know?"

Callen: "Look, as clever as Nell is, what she said is still open to a lot of interpretation."

Sam: "You mean she told you all that in front of them?"

Callen: "She called me Nate."

Sam: "Dang, she is good."

Callen: "I'll let Eric know that I'm on my way back to the Mission. Kensi and Deeks will have to come back from staking out the cartel's restaurant front and meet me there. We need to come up with a cover and extraction plan, and fast. Something that won't make them suspicious, which means a stop at wardrobe."

Sam: "Just don't make me a package delivery guy."

Callen: "I was thinking something more along the lines of another gas leak, but thanks for reminding me that you have that uniform. I'll bring it for you. A variety of covers will draw less attention."

Sam: "Don't even think about it, G."

Callen: "Gotta go, Sam. I still need to call Eric."

Sam: "G! I don't have..."

Sam hears the call disconnect.

Sam: "...a delivery truck."

Sam shakes his head and mutters to himself as he pulls up in front of Nell's home.

Sam: "Man, I hate that uniform. G's just lucky it's for Nell and not Deeks."