Okay, so I've got a little writers block on my other story The R Word. While I work out what's going on with that one, enjoy this new Nallen story. It'll be short but hopefully sweet and fluffy.

It was a bright and beautiful Saturday morning and Nell Jones was down at the beach. But she wasn't dressed for sand and sea. She had another purpose in mind. Having had good intentions for months, if not years, Nell had decided it was about time she got in shape. She was perfectly happy with her body, just not with her complete inability to perform any kind of sustained physical activity. She liked to walk but unless she was rushing around the office or late for something, she walked slowly. But ask her to run and after about three minutes she would be bent double gasping for breath like she smoked sixty a day. She wasn't ashamed to admit that much of her motivation came from working around NCIS agents all day every day. They were all in amazing shape and when she saw how much physical activity they undertook both in the field and in the gym, she wasn't surprised that Kensi looked like a fitness model, Sam was built like a tank, Deeks had abs of steel and Callen had…well Callen had the whole package. Nell smirked to herself as she let her mind wander to the Special Agent in Charge. She had never denied to herself that she found the man attractive. What sane woman wouldn't? He had bright blue eyes that looked straight into your soul, a smile that could melt your heart, and a body that…Nell cut her thoughts off sharply, realising if she spent any more time thinking about a man she had no business thinking about, she'd never get started.

Giving her body one last stretch, Nell tugged down the hem of her worn black t-shirt, adjusted the waistband of her running pants, then turned on her mp3 player to week one of her training podcasts. She knew it was corny but it was free to download and the motivational speaker promised she'd be running for 30 minutes non-stop after 8 weeks. With a voice in her ear telling her to walk to the pace of the music for five minutes, Nell set off walking down the footpath that ran through the sand. She was slightly jealous as she saw a number of runners flying past her by but she figured if she was going to do this she might as well do it right and take it slowly. When she was finished her half hour workout, Nell wiped a few beads of sweat from her brow and made her way back to her car, resisting the urge to stop for frozen yoghurt on the way.

For the next few weeks, Nell religiously followed the podcast training plan. She was pleasantly surprised that her fitness level actually improved. She was running for five minutes before slowing to a walk for a minute then running again for another five minutes. Though not the primary intention, her workouts were also having a positive effect on her body – everything was tighter and firmer and she felt really good about herself.

It was hot Saturday morning on week five of her programme and she was back at the beach having used other routes in the previous days. She had learned a lesson or two from the agents and to ensure her personal security, she never went for a run on the same path on the same day of the week or at the same time. As she stretched, she noticed a familiar figure walking towards her. Dressed in a casual t-shirt and jeans, he looked calm and relaxed, quite different from when she had seen him the night before after a big case was closed and everyone was still feeling the tension.

"Nell?" Special Agent G Callen called out to the analyst when he spotted her at the side of the path he was walking along. She was dressed in workout gear, and looked like she was about to go for a run. He was surprised, he didn't really think of Nell as someone who worked out. He never saw her in the gym at the office even though it was open for everyone at the office to use, agent or support staff. It wasn't that he thought she needed to work out. She was a petite package of perfection, not that he would ever admit that out loud. He was usually drawn to tall leggy blondes…or brunettes. But Nell was a genius smart, redheaded bundle of energy, wit and entertaining sarcasm who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. It was a refreshing change and he looked forward to the chances he had to converse with her because it was never dull.

"Hi." Nell greeted at him as she shielded her eyes from the bright sun with her hand. He noticed that she didn't look surprised to have run into him, despite how big LA was.

"You run too?" he asked.

"It's a recent hobby." She shrugged. It was then that she noticed the doughnut and milky coffee in his hands. He spotted her looking at the junk food and he laughed.

"I only run so I can eat these without feeling guilty." He took a big bite of the powdered doughnut.

"But you're not running today." She raised an eyebrow.

"Busted." He replied, still chewing the doughnut. "Guess I'll need to squeeze in a workout later." He paused. "Well, I guess I should let you get on with your run." He moved past her but turned and walked backwards as she watched him. "Stay safe!" he called before he turned back around and continued on his way. Nell took a moment to appreciate the view of Callen walking away, before she chuckled to herself and headed out on her run, telling herself there was no harm in just looking.

A few weeks later Nell was packing her things up for the night, humming to herself as she thought about the weekend ahead. She was planning a longer run the next morning having reached the point of being able to run for nearly thirty minutes straight, just as her podcast predicted. As she pottered around the ops room, switching off computers she felt the presence of someone else. Standing up straight she turned around and found Callen leaning casually against the doorframe.

Callen may have looked casual but he was feeling anything but. Having discovered something he had in common with Nell, Callen had spent the last few weeks deciding if it would be a mistake to get to know her better, outside of the office. He had come to the conclusion that since he spent time with Sam, Kensi, and now Deeks, outside of work, why shouldn't he do the same with Nell?

"Heading home?" he asked.

"Yup." Nell nodded.

"How's the running going?"

"Good." Nell smiled. "I'm not breaking any land speed records, but I hold my own."

"Running isn't about how fast you get somewhere, it's about the journey." Callen didn't realise just how cheesy it sounded until it was already out of his mouth.

"How very philosophical of you." Nell laughed.

"So where are you going to run?" Callen asked.

"I was thinking about heading down to San Vicente Boulevard. There's a good trail that leads through the park and down to Santa Monica Beach."

"Sounds like a good run." He commented.

"Have you been out lately? I saw you and Sam with those doughnuts this morning." She joked.

"I guess I've been a little lazy." Callen patted his stomach.

"Why don't you come out with me tomorrow? I promise to take it easy on you." Nell laughed.

"Is that a challenge, Nell Jones?" Callen took a few steps towards her. Nell suddenly felt intimidated. She hadn't meant to be so forward with him but he was so easy to be around and the words had just rolled off her tongue. She knew she couldn't back out now so she took a step towards him.

"Why not." She smiled. "It'll be nice to have company, even if you are eating my dust." She laughed and turned to collect her bag.

"Okay Nell, you're on. I'll meet you at the parking lot on Ocean Avenue beside the park at 10am?" Callen told her. He was surprised that Nell had asked him to join her but he wasn't complaining, it was what he had come there to do himself. He also knew the park she had chosen and had run that route before on several occasions. It was a good run and he was looking forward to the exercise, as well as the company.

"Sure, I'll see you there." Nell nodded as she pulled her jacket on and slipped her bag over her neck settling the strap on her shoulder. Callen walked her out and down the stairs, giving her a wave as she headed for the door while he went back to his desk to tackle the large pile of paperwork Hetty had left for him.

The next morning Nell was waiting in the parking lot next to the park for Callen to arrive. She was all set in her new running outfit – one she would never admit was purchased the moment the store opened at 9am that morning. Somehow the thought of running with Callen wearing her old running pants and t-shirt was just not very appealing. So she had purchased new black running pants, a green vest and a black zip up sweater. She had kept her old running shoes, knowing it was not a good idea to go on a long run without having broken them in first. She had also bought a belt which she could clip her water bottle, mp3 player and keys to, so she wouldn't have to try and fit them in pockets or hold them while she ran. She was just finishing stretching when she spotted a familiar car pull into the lot. She couldn't help the smile that found its way onto her face when she saw Callen emerge. He was dressed in long black running pants and a tight fitting t-shirt that hugged his torso in all the right places. He too had a belt like hers and as he locked his car, he clipped his keys and a water bottle to it.

"Morning!" he greeted her as he approached.

"Hey."

"You all set?" Callen asked as he stretched his arms.

"Yes, are you?" she asked cheekily.

"All kidding aside Nell." Callen started. "I know you're still new to running so if you need to slow down or take a rest, you just let me know." Nell could sense he was just looking out for her, so she didn't take it as anything other than that.

"I will." She told him. "Let's go."

Callen and Nell had fallen into an easy pace as they ran and though not holding a full blown conversation, they did banter back and forth. Callen wouldn't tell her, but he was running a lot slower than he normally would. He was significantly taller than her and his legs were longer so he had to adjust his stride to match her shorter one. Given she had only been running for two months, he was impressed at her stamina and he wondered just how much she had been training.

"You good?" he asked after they had been running for a nearly forty minutes.

"I'm good." She replied, turning slightly to look at him. "But uh, maybe we could stop for a water break." She sounded a quite breathless. Callen nodded and slowed down, coming to a stop by a bench at the side of the path. Nell came to a stop beside him and planted her hands on her hips, taking a few deep breaths. She hadn't run for that long since she started and while impressed with herself, she was winded.

"We've come four miles." Callen told her as he looked at the pedometer he had strapped to his arm that showed not only the number of steps but the distance travelled and average speed.

"Really?" Nell asked, looking surprised. Callen merely nodded as he took a long gulp of water from his bottle. Nell found herself mesmerised as she watched him tilt his head back and swallow the cold liquid before spraying some on his face and rubbing it in to cool down a little. She wondered if he knew how hot he looked doing it or if he was one of those guys who was just oblivious to things like that.

"We can walk for a while." He told her as he watched her strip off her jacket and tied it around her waist before taking a long drink of her water. As she rehydrated, Nell was completely unaware of Callen staring at the skin she was baring now that she was down to just a vest. Callen was sure in all the time he had known her, he had never seen her bare so much skin, not even in the height of summer.

"Walking would be good." Nell laughed as she started to get her breath back.

"I thought you were going to take it easy on me?" Callen joked as they fell into step with each other.

"Okay, so maybe I overestimated my abilities, a little." She smiled.

"You're doing good Nell." Callen squeezed her shoulder. " It takes time to build up to long distance runs." He reminded her. "And you've only been doing this, what? Two months?"

"Two months." She nodded.

"Why'd you start?" Callen asked suddenly.

"No reason." Nell shrugged.

"Nell, people don't just decide to start running for no reason, unless you're Forrest Gump. It's usually to lose weight, get fit, to take part in a charity run or something."

"I guess I wanted to get fit." Nell shrugged. "I spend all day sitting behind a computer and I thought running would be a good way to go about it. Spending time outdoors, getting some sun, you know." she smiled.

"Sam started me running." Callen told her. "When we first partnered up I thought he was crazy, he kept dragging me out at dawn to go on long runs."

"But you kept doing it."

"I started to enjoy it. Just don't tell Sam." He nudged her playfully. "And besides, you've seen how often we have to chase people down. I'd never catch anyone if I didn't run for exercise."

"You do run a lot out in the field." Nell nodded. "It's exhausting watching you." She laughed.

"Funny, Nell." Callen smirked. "You ready to pick up again?" Nell didn't answer him, she just took off running, leaving Callen watching her for a startled moment before he chased after her.

The pair found themselves enjoying their run so much, they didn't realise how much time had passed by or how far they had gone. They had cut off the main park and gone down one of the trails leading towards Santa Monica beach and the pier. They had alternated walking and running and by the time they reached the pier even Callen was exhausted.

"Wanna grab some lunch? I'm starving." He asked.

"I could eat." Nell replied. She also knew she could do with a bathroom. She was sure she looked a sweaty mess and was feeling a little self-conscious. Five minutes with a cold tap and some paper towels, and she knew she could clean up a little.

"There's a great café just down the pier." Callen placed his hand on Nell's lower back and steered her in the direction of one of his favourite placed to eat. Nell didn't mind that he didn't take his hand away, even once she was moving in the right direction. It had been a long time since she had had any kind of male attention that even platonic attention from Callen was welcome.

All too soon lunch was over and a fully satisfied Callen was stretched out in his chair, his legs crossed in front of him and his arms folded behind his head as he basked in the midday sun.

"I'm stuffed." Nell rubbed her stomach and sighed heartily.

"You won't be for long. We've got a long run back the car." He grinned. "You'll have burned it all off by the time we get back."

"Well, I guess we should get going then."

"Let's walk first, you're not supposed to run on a full stomach."

"I thought it was swim." Nell said with a questioning look on her face.

"Swim?"

"You're not supposed to swim on a full stomach." She clarified.

"I'm pretty sure doing either isn't a good idea." Callen laughed. "Come on." He threw some bills on the table to cover their meal and again with his hand on her back, he led her out of the café, down the pier and back to the road that would lead them to the trail and back to the park.

The pair took a slow, leisurely walk back in the direction they came from. They talked about nothing and everything and Callen was surprised at just how comfortable he was with Nell. She seemed to be comfortable with him also, judging by her enthusiastic chatter and joking. They walked almost all the way back but a few miles out, a sly smile crossed Nell's face.

"Race you?" she jogged backwards, a few steps ahead of Callen, challenging him. Before he even agreed, she took off running. Callen gave her a head start, knowing he could easily catch up. Then he chased her through the park and within minutes he was on her heels. He could hear her laughing and as he ran up beside her, she turned and gave him a wide smile.

They were almost back to the parking lot and Callen had a decision to make. He could easily sprint ahead of Nell and win, or he could simply slow down and let her win. He didn't want to knock her confidence by streaking ahead and winning their little race, but he didn't want her to think he was just letting her win. As the parking lot came into view, Callen decided on the only safe option. He caught up to Nell again, kept pace with her as she tried to get ahead and as they sprinted off the path and into the parking lot, it was a draw.

Nell came to a halt beside her car completely out of breath, and placed her hands on the hood to steady herself. Callen jogged over to her, only slightly winded.

"You alright there Jones?" he asked as he gently rubbed her back for just a moment.

"Fine." She panted. "Just fine." She waved him off and turned around. "But I'll sleep like a baby tonight." She gritted her teeth through a smile. "Thanks for…" she paused and took a few deep breaths. "Thanks for coming out with me." She took another few ragged breaths. "It was fun having…someone to run with."

"If you want to go out again next Saturday, I know a great trail in Griffith Park." Callen told her. Nell looked at him with surprise. He actually wanted to go out running with her again. Part of her thought he had only come along because he didn't want to be impolite and say no when she had asked.

"Sure, I'd like that." She nodded as she pushed a sweat dampened lock of hair from her face.

"Well, I guess I should get going." He unclipped his keys from his belt. "Sam and I are going out for a few beers later and I…need to shower and change." He laughed at his sweat covered t-shirt.

"Okay, I'll see you Monday." Nell gave him a little wave as he headed off to his car. As she watched him go, she couldn't help but feel something had changed that day. Maybe it was all the time they had spent alone, that she had let her guard down and just talked with him like a friend. Whatever it was, Nell knew she liked him. She was beginning to realise that maybe it wasn't just some crush on a good looking guy that she had.

As Callen drove back to his house to get changed, he couldn't get Nell out of his mind. She had seemed like a different person with him that day and he had truly enjoyed her company. He didn't often spend his free time with anyone other than Sam and he certainly didn't enjoy running with Sam as much as he had with Nell. Whatever was going on, he was definitely looking forward to the next run they took together and whatever it may bring to their budding friendship.