Thanks to Bluenet13 who came up with the idea to put this and the upcoming Christmas and New Year's stories under one umbrella. I think its a good idea. The Thanksgiving chapter couldn't be more different from last year's Thanksgiving story which was pretty light-hearted and very silly lol. In any case, I hope you like it and I wish a very happy holiday to all of you who celebrate it. :)

xxxxx

Sam fidgeted nervously as he sat in the hard plastic seat at the airport. Callen contemplated his partner for several long moments with a look of amusement on his face. "Come on, Sam, what are you so nervous about? It hasn't been that long since you've seen her."

Sam smiled, looking slightly embarrassed. "I don't know, G… Kamran is just growing up more and more each day. I guess I'm afraid one of these days she'll step off a plane and I won't even recognize my little girl anymore."

Callen smiled. "The key words there are 'little girl.' She's always going to be that to you, Sam, no matter how old she gets."

Sam nodded. "I know that, but, even so…" He cocked his head as the voice over the intercom announced that Kam's flight had landed and the passengers would be disembarking shortly. "Come on, G," he said to his partner. "Let's go meet my little girl."

xxxxx

"Daddy!" Kamran screamed as she ran to her father and threw her arms around him.

Sam picked her up and hugged her tightly. She still greeted him with the same level of excitement she always had since she had been a tiny toddler, every time he had come in the door. He had to admit, it never failed to make him feel like he was the most special dad in the world. "Hey baby girl, I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too, daddy." Kamran smiled as she pulled back from him and then went to Callen. "Uncle Callen, I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you too."

"And I've missed you, Kam," Callen said as he embraced her. "It's good to see you. How do you like Stockdale?"

"I love it," Kamran enthused, her eyes shining. "Of course I miss everyone back here, but it's the best school. We have so much fun. But you know that. I see that you always like my Facebook posts."

"I do like them. I was just wondering if you study too while you're there?" Callen asked. "Or is it all just fun and games?"

Kamran laughed. "You're so silly, Uncle Callen," she said. "Of course we study, but we have fun too. We can't study all the time."

"No I don't suppose you can." Callen nodded in amusement. Kamran was definitely a typical teenage girl. He glanced at his partner and saw how happy he looked as he watched and listened to his daughter. He was really glad Sam's kids were going to be home for a few days. It was just what Sam needed, to spend some quality time with his family.

"What time is Aiden going to be here?" Kamran asked. "I can't wait to see him."

Sam looked at his watch. "Not for at least another hour or so. Why don't we go and get some lunch. You can tell me and Uncle Callen all about your adventures at Stockdale."

Kam nodded, and began chattering happily as she went off with her dad and his best friend.

xxxxx

"I hope our moms are okay today without us today," Kensi said, looking a little bit worried as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.

"They'll be fine," Deeks said reassuringly. "They're going to get to talk about us nonstop, which is their favorite thing to do. Anyhow, if they weren't fine, they would be coming with us to Hetty's. It's not like our moms are shy and Hetty did invite them."

"I think they understood why it was important for us to have Thanksgiving as a team this year," Kensi said. "Anyhow, Callen's dad isn't coming either."

"Does Callen even know where his dad is?" Deeks asked, giving Kensi a curious look. "He rarely mentions him."

Kensi sighed softly as she shook her head. "I don't know…I don't want to bring it up if it's going to make him feel bad."

Deeks nodded. As far as he had seen so far, Garrison hadn't tried very hard to make up for lost time with his son. "In any case, we're going to have lots of family Thanksgiving dinners in our future. The purpose this year is to make things as easy as we can for Sam and the kids."

Kensi nodded in agreement. She agreed that Sam, Aiden and Kamran should be their main focus over this holiday season.

xxxxx

"Happy Thanksgiving, Sam." Callen had just boarded Sam's boat and came up beside his partner who was standing quietly as he looked out at the water.

"Hey, G," Sam looked at his partner, his eyes sad. "Happy Thanksgiving."

Callen put his arm around Sam's back and patted his shoulder affectionately. "Are the kids down below?"

Sam shook his head. "They went for a walk along the beach. They should be back soon."

"How do they like the boat?"

"They like it," Sam said, "Although I'm not really sure they understand why I did what I did…I guess that's to be expected though." Both his children had now entered totally new phases of their lives. He had done what he needed to do to survive the loss of his wife. He hoped they would fully understand his decisions someday.

Callen nodded, his blue eyes compassionate as he watched his friend carefully. He could only imagine how difficult this day was for him. "So…how are you doing?" he asked quietly.

Sam was silent for a few long moments before he shrugged and turned towards Callen, his eyes filled with tears. He didn't even bother to try to hide them from his partner anymore. Sometimes the tears would fall unexpectedly and keeping them hidden wasn't worth the effort, especially from his best friend who he knew understood his pain and grief more than anyone.

"I'm sorry, Sam," Callen said softly. "That was a stupid question…I know how rough this day must be for you…for the kids too…"

"It's not a stupid question G," Sam said. "The kids seem okay…at least outwardly anyhow. Either that or they're trying to be brave for me. I know they worry about me and I hate that they do, but it is what it is, I guess. Family members are always going to worry about each other. It comes with the territory." He turned and smiled at his partner. "But you know that, don't you? You're a member of my family too."

Callen returned Sam's smile, but there was sadness behind it. He could see the pain behind every word Sam spoke. He just wished there was something he could do to help him, but knew that only time could heal some of Sam's wounds and others might never heal.

"I keep thinking about past Thanksgivings," Sam stated, his attention once again on the ocean. "Especially when the kids were small…I still have vivid pictures in my mind. Michelle was always such a loving mother. Then, I think about some of the dishes that we'll never have again. The certain way she made her sweet potato casserole and her stuffing. She was going to teach Kam how to make a turkey this year…that's a memory Kamran will never get to have now…It just…it really makes me sad, G…It really does…" He turned his head back towards his partner and looked at him thoughtfully. "Did you have some nice Thanksgivings as a child, G?"

Callen considered the question for a few moments. "I mean, if you're talking about the whole turkey dinner thing, yeah, I had some good ones. It just wasn't the same for me, Sam. I didn't have a consistent family. Every year, I spent Thanksgiving with different people in different places…it didn't really start to have meaning for me until after Hetty took me in…and when I started spending the holiday with you and your family…" He decided not to mention the one Thanksgiving he had spent in the children's ward of a hospital when he was eight. He had needed surgery for a badly broken leg, the result of a drunken foster father and a rickety set of basement stairs. It had actually been a pretty terrific holiday, probably his best as a child. The nurses and aides had put forth a supreme effort to make the day nice for him and the other unfortunate hospitalized children. He had been showered with attention and had had quite a good time. He really didn't think Sam would understand that though.

"I guess traditions change over time," Sam said with a sad sigh. He wasn't sure if this year would be the first in a line of a new regular tradition or if it was just a brief stepping stone until he and the kids figured out how to celebrate holidays in the future. He did know that he was grateful to his team for taking them under their collective wing this year and hopefully making the day a good one, or rather, as good as it could be under the circumstances.

Callen nodded and put his arm around Sam's upper back once again. There really were no words that could help Sam with what he was going through. For now, he would just silently support his partner and be there if and when Sam needed him.

xxxxx

"Oh this place smells heavenly, Hetty," Deeks said, sniffing the air in approval as he followed Kensi into Hetty's Dovecote home. "We brought some wine," he said, handing her two bottles. He knew that Sam and Callen were bringing pies and Eric and Nell were bringing some hors d'oeuvres and cheese and crackers to munch on before dinner.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Deeks," Hetty said as she accepted the wine with a smile. "Ms. Jones and Mr. Beale are in the living room.

"Can I help you with anything, Hetty?" Kensi asked.

Hetty shook her head. "No, no dear. Everything is well in hand. Why don't you and Mr. Deeks go and join the others." Kensi nodded and she and Deeks headed to the living room.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Nell, Eric," Deeks and Kensi said in unison.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Eric and Nell echoed back.

Deeks immediately made his way to the appetizers. "So, is Callen coming with Sam and the kids?" he asked as he loaded up a plate with cheese and crackers.

"I think so," Nell replied.

"Callen's been keeping a very close eye on Sam these days," Eric interjected.

"That's what best friends are for," Kensi said softly. "I'm sure Sam is terribly lonesome with Michelle gone and his kids away at school."

"Holidays can be tough under the best of circumstances," Deeks said. "I can't begin to imagine how Sam feels this year."

"Well, we're here for him, whatever he needs," Nell said.

"At least he'll have his kids home for Christmas break," Kensi said. "That will help."

They all nodded, their minds on Sam and his family, hoping they would have at least a little bit of well-deserved peace and happiness over the holiday season.

xxxxx

"Happy Thanksgiving, guys," Callen said with a smile as he walked into the living room followed by Kamran, Aiden and Sam. Callen made a beeline towards the hors d'oeuvres. "Those look really good," he said, putting a couple of them onto a small plate.

Happy Thanksgiving greetings echoed throughout the room as Aiden followed Callen and fixed himself a plate of hors d'oeuvres and cheese and crackers. Sam sat down on an unoccupied loveseat and Kamran took a seat next to him, sticking closely to her father's side. After a few minutes, Kensi walked over to them and sat down beside Kamran.

"Hi Kam," Kensi said, giving her a friendly smile. "How is school going for you?"

"It's going really well," Kamran said, smiling back at Kensi. "Of course, I really miss daddy and… well everybody."

Kensi nodded understandingly. "That's only natural. You're always going to miss people you love when you're away from them, but it will be time for Christmas vacation before you know it."

Kamran nodded. "Yes, that's true. Though, Christmas is going to be weird this year, having it on a boat."

"You don't need to worry about that, Kam," Callen said, joining the little group. "Your dad and I are going to have that boat looking beautiful for Christmas, all decked out with lights and decorations. I won't be surprised if it's the prettiest boat at the marina."

"Really?" Kamran asked, her eyes brightening as Callen nodded.

"Most definitely," Callen replied, giving Sam a questioning look with his eyes. He was gratified to see his partner give him a nod and a slight smile. He knew the holidays were the last thing Sam wanted to celebrate this year, but with the kids, he needed to at least try. Callen knew he was going to do everything he could to make Christmas as good as he could for his best friend and his family.

At that moment, Hetty walked into the living room. "Mr. Callen?" she called softly. "Could you give me a hand in the kitchen please?"

Callen nodded and put his plate down on the coffee table. "Of course, Hetty," he said, following her out into the kitchen. "What do you need?"

"Could you take the turkey out of the oven for me?" Hetty asked.

Callen nodded and quickly did as she asked, placing the turkey pan on the countertop to cool. "Mmmm…that smells delicious," he said, inhaling deeply. "I can't wait to dig into it. So…I can take the stuffing out if you'd like."

Hetty gave him an amused look. "The stuffing always was your favorite part of the meal."

Callen looked back at her with a smile, his blue eyes innocent. "I'm just trying to be helpful."

"You can help when it's cooled for a bit," she said, unable to resist smiling back at him. Sometimes he still reminded her of that young boy she had taken in so many years ago. Her expression then turned more serious. "So, tell me, how is your partner doing?"

Callen sighed as he mulled over the question for a bit. "He has his ups and downs," he answered thoughtfully.

Hetty nodded. "Well, that's to be expected, especially over the holidays."

"I know," Callen said with a nod. "I'm trying to be there for him as much as I can."

"And you're doing a very commendable job with that," Hetty said.

"I'm trying…I know how much he misses Michelle. I promised her I'd look after him, which of course I'd do whether or not I had promised her that. You know how much Sam means to me."

Hetty nodded understandingly. "And how much you mean to him, as well."

Callen nodded, knowing what Hetty said to be true.

"And how are Aiden and Kamran?"

"I think they're doing well," Callen said honestly. "Both of them are exceptional students. Kam seems to have adjusted to being away very nicely. She likes Stockdale a lot."

"And that's a very good thing," Hetty said, "although I'm sure it makes things more difficult for Sam."

"Of course, he misses them on one hand," Callen said. "But on the other hand, he's so proud of them and this is what he and Michelle wanted for them. It's just…" He suddenly felt choked up and overwhelmingly sad for his partner and the loss he had sustained. He, himself, still found his emotions would get away from him periodically when he thought about what had happened to Michelle. Most times, he was successfully able to keep his sadness hidden from his partner though, wanting to be strong for him.

"You miss her too," Hetty said, looking at Callen compassionately.

Callen nodded. "Of course I do," he said. "But this isn't about me, Hetty. It's about Sam."

"And you don't think you should share your feelings with him," Hetty said observantly.

"Sam knows how I feel," Callen said, starting to look uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

Recognizing Callen had never been one to readily talk about his feelings, Hetty decided to back off. "I think we can get a bowl and a spoon now and you can begin to scoop out the stuffing," she said, gratified when she saw Callen's very real smile.

xxxxx

After a little while, Kamran went off with Kensi to talk with Nell. Seeing that Aiden was having a spirited discussion about video games with Eric, Deeks decided to join Sam. "Hey, Sam…how are you doing?" he asked, taking a seat beside the other man.

"I'm good, Deeks, you?"

"I'm good…getting hungry for some turkey," Deeks said with a grin.

Sam nodded and smiled, albeit a smile that didn't appear particularly happy.

"Your kids look great," Deeks said quickly, not wanting Sam to enter a place of sadness if he could help prevent it. "Kamran's liking her new school?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, she likes it a lot."

"That's good, that's good," Deeks said. "It must be good to have them home for a few days though."

"Yeah…it is. I've missed them."

"I know you have," Deeks said, his eyes filled with sympathy. "But you're a good dad, Sam…A lot of fathers out there would have held Kamran back after what happened. You didn't though. You do what's best for your kids. You should be proud of that. I hope, if I get the opportunity, that I'm half the father you are."

"I'm sure you will be, Deeks," Sam said, more than happy to have the topic of conversation to switch to Deeks and his future as a father. "Just the fact that you want it puts you a step ahead of the game. When the time is right, I'm sure you and Kensi will be terrific parents."

"I hope so."

"Well, unless there's something I don't know," Sam said, a smile on his lips, "you've got time. It's nothing you need to worry about now."

Deeks nodded and inwardly he knew he would try very hard to model himself after Sam if and when he and Kensi were blessed with children. God knew, there was absolutely nothing in his own father that he would ever use as a model. He looked up as Callen appeared back in the living room. "Hey guys, come and get it," Callen said. "Dinner is ready."

"Did you eat all the stuffing?" Sam asked his partner with a grin as they headed towards the dining room. He well knew just how much his partner liked that particular dish. Michelle had always been amused by it and had often commented to Sam that she had no idea where Callen put all the food he ate on that particular holiday.

"You wound me, Sam," Callen said, grinning back at his partner. "Besides, Hetty watched me like a hawk. I only managed to get a couple of spoonfuls."

"Well, somehow I don't think you'll starve," Sam said as he patted his partner's back fondly and they continued on their way.

xxxxx

Everyone gathered at the dining room table and Hetty requested that they all hold hands as she said grace. "Dear God, we are thankful for this chance to gather together and share in the food and fellowship of this day. Thank you for all the blessings you have given us. We also share a void with those who are no longer with us and especially Michelle who was taken from our family this year. Please be with Sam and his children and help them along the way, but know that we feel Michelle's presence strongly and know that she is still here with us."

"Thank you, Hetty," Sam whispered, tears in his eyes as Hetty brought her short prayer to its conclusion. There were tears in the eyes of almost everyone at the table, but they were all inwardly glad that Hetty had chosen to acknowledge Michelle's presence, as she was still very much a part of their inner family.

With that, everyone dug into the large feast on the table. There was turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, corn, cranberry sauce and hot buttered rolls. Deeks, Callen and Aiden put away impressive amounts of food and it was hard to tell which of them had eaten the most.

"Man…that was outstanding, Hetty," Deeks said as he leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach contentedly. "I'm stuffed."

"Really, Deeks?" Kensi asked with a teasing smile. "I wouldn't want you to go home hungry."

"No danger of that," Deeks said, smiling back at her.

"I'm pretty full myself," Callen said. "You outdid yourself, Hetty."

"Well, I'm very glad you all enjoyed the meal," Hetty said with a pleased smile. "And now, why don't we go back into the living room to give our stomachs a bit of a rest before we enjoy our dessert."

xxxxx

After a dessert consisting of assorted pies and other sweets, the men took on cleanup duty, leaving the women to enjoy each other's company as they sipped on Hetty's special blend of holiday tea. "So, did you have a nice day, dear?" Hetty asked Kamran who was seated between her and Kensi on the sofa.

Kamran nodded as she sipped on the hot chocolate with whipped cream which Hetty had made especially for her and Aiden. "Yes, thank you. It was a very nice day."

"I'm glad," Hetty said. "Your father is always telling us how well you and your brother are doing in school. He's very proud of both of you."

Kamran nodded. "I want to get good grades so daddy will be proud..." She took a sip of her hot chocolate and hesitated before going on. "I'm just worried about him…I know he's really sad without our mom. Sometimes…sometimes I think I shouldn't have gone away to school because he's lonesome and that maybe I should just come home and go back to my old school."

"You shouldn't think like that, Kam," Kensi said, breaking into the conversation. "Your dad wants very much for you and your brother to go to the schools of your choice. He wouldn't want you to be worrying about him."

"And Kam, we make sure to watch over your daddy," Hetty said. "Especially your Uncle Callen. He takes very good care of him."

Kam nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Uncle Callen and daddy are like brothers."

"They are like brothers," Kensi said. "And the rest of us are always there for him if he needs us as well. So you see, you don't need to worry about him. I think it would make your dad very sad if he thought you were worrying to the point that you were actually thinking of not staying at your school."

"I probably wouldn't leave my school," Kamran said, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I don't want to make daddy unhappy."

"You're a good girl, Kamran," Hetty said, patting the girl's hand. "That's exactly what I like to hear and I know it's what your father wants as well. You keep on working hard and diligently at school and leave your father to us. We'll be sure to take very good care of him."

"Thank you, Hetty," Kamran said with a relieved-appearing smile. "I'm so happy that daddy has you all in his life."

xxxxx

"So…that was a nice time," Deeks said as he steered his vehicle in the direction of his and Kensi's home.

"It was." Kensi nodded in agreement. "I think Sam and the kids had a pretty good day considering, don't you?"

"I do," Deeks said. "It was hard though…seeing them like that, without Michelle…it really brings it all back, you know?"

"I know…Sometimes you could just feel the sadness surrounding them, but I don't think there's any way to avoid that, Deeks. In time, things will get better for them but for right now…"

"For right now…I don't think any of us have really gotten past what happened…" It was still so easy for him to get caught up in the horrible events of that day and the very real grief that had been displayed by Sam and his family at the wake and funeral. He only had to close his eyes to see it all again, each memory of those days vivid and heartbreaking.

"It really hasn't been that long, babe," KensI said, lightly putting her hand on his arm. "And if it still affects us…I can only imagine how much it still affects them…All we can do is help them with whatever they need…"

Deeks nodded. "Definitely…anything we can do to make things better for them…I'm definitely in favor of that."

xxxxx

"You sure you don't want to stay over tonight?" Sam asked.

Callen shook his head as he smirked at his partner. "I think you've got yourself a bit of a full house, Sam." He took a sip of his beer and looked out over the water. "Besides…I think it would be good for you to spend some time, just you and your kids…"

"I don't believe you, G…" Sam said with a chuckle. "I think you're just heading out to do your Black Friday shopping."

"You've got me, Sam," Callen said. "That's exactly what I'm going to do, the second I leave here, but seriously…" he tilted his head back and drained the last bit of beer from his bottle, "It is getting late. I guess I should get going."

"Okay," Sam said. "Thanks for everything, G."

Callen gave Sam a bit of a confused look. "What are you thanking me for, Sam? I didn't do anything."

Sam put his hand on Callen's shoulder and patted it gently. "You've been doing it consistently G…ever since the day I lost Michelle…You're constantly giving me what I need…you're always here for me and…and I appreciate it."

Callen shook his head, his eyes sad as he looked back at his partner. "Hetty said something earlier that…I don't know…"

"What?" Sam asked, noting Callen's obvious sadness.

"She said…she said I should tell you how I feel…about Michelle…"

Sam shook his head, a trace of a smile on his lips, knowing the trouble G sometimes had relaying his feelings. "I already know how you feel, buddy," he said quietly, starting to get a bit choked up. "I know you loved her as much as she loved you. You show me that in your actions, G…you don't need to tell me in words." He then reached for his partner and pulled him into a heartfelt hug, his hand resting on the back of Callen's head for a long moment before he released him. Callen quickly swiped the back of his hand over his eyes as he stared down at the deck, trying to quickly recover from the unexpected flood of emotions.

"Call me when you get home, G, let me know you got there safely…or at least send a text," Sam requested softly.

"What?" Callen asked with a slight smirk. "Really, Sam? You're serious?"

Sam nodded solemnly. "I'm very serious…just… just do it for me, G, please?" It had been an emotional day and perhaps he did feel more worry and concern about his partner's well-being than he generally would, but he figured he had every right to feel that way.

Callen noted his partner's demeanor and knew that for him, it was no joking matter. "Okay, Sam…I will," he said softly. "I'll call you when I get home."

Sam nodded and smiled. "Thank you, G…"

"You're welcome, Sam. I'll talk to you soon." Callen then headed off the boat and started walking towards his car. He could feel Sam's eyes on him and turned to wave before getting into his car and heading away from the marina. As he drove, he could feel tears brimming in his eyes and he allowed them to fall. He couldn't help but feel for his best friend and his children and all that they were going through. They meant everything in the world to him and he had every intention of continuing to do his best to help them as much as he could. Christmas was on its way and if it was at all possible, he was going to do whatever he could to make it a good holiday for each member of the Hanna family.