When I was thinking about a possible sequel for my first story Strong little Nell, I suddenly came up with this idea

What would happen if Callen and Nell did end up together, and what would their life together look like in like 15 years.

I mean Callen has a rather big chance of getting shot once again. (I hope not, but it's rather likely in his line of work.) But what I'm really curious about is what Nell will end up like. Hetty's got her 'groomed for something bigger', so I guess she will end up pretty far up. How will that affect their relationship? And what about all the other characters, how will they end up?

This is my take on things. First chapter is set in 2027 (so 15 years from now), I'll be adding some flashback chapters in between the 2027 storyline, to clarify things.

Sadly I do not own them, just lending them to keep my head happy.

Reviews are always appreciated.

Nell wipes her hands dry with a cloth while humming some old 'Noah and the whale' tune before picking up the glasses she just washed. Striding from the kitchen to the living room she picks up a bottle of wine on her way.

'I never thought you would be the first to arrive', she says with the trademark honesty in her voice.

Deeks looks up from the side table filled with photographs and grins.

'Ouch Nell, that's painfully honest… but neither did I', he answers walking over to the couch and taking the glasses from her before he sits down, 'But I suspect Hetty lied to me about the time… That, or she managed to get my flight to leave on time and arrive early.'

'I don't put it past her', Nell answers wriggling the cork from the bottle, 'even though she's been retired for a while now.'

She sits down next to him and pours the wine.

'So how is life back in L.A.?'

'Life is good. Some sun, some surfing., putting some bad guys behind bars.'

'Yeah, how's that working out for you? Are you used to having to wear a suit to work every day?'

'It still itches', he answers truthfully, 'but it's actually a very satisfying job. How are things with you in the big house?'

'Good. The political side can be trying, there are a lot of crocodiles and I often have to bite my tongue off because it wouldn't be a good idea to be honest with the person in front of me. But every time I step into the oval office… well there isn't a way to describe it actually.

'Yeah, you know in theory I work for her too, how come she never invites me to the oval?'

Nell laughs.

'I'll ask her about it.'

The doorbell rings and Nell gets up to answer it.

'I can manage by myself perfectly', Nell hears the voice of a woman through the front door when she enters the hall.

'I carried my own backpack when I reached the Mount Everest summit, I think I can handle pulling a trolly up a porch.'

Nell can't help but giggle. Nearly 80 years old now, but Henrietta Lange is still the same strong, very independent woman. Swiftly she opens the door before her protective detail can get themselves into more trouble.

'Hetty!', she smiles. The older woman turns around, ignoring the two body guards that offered her the unwanted help.

'Nell Jones', she steps closer and spreads her arms to hug Nell.

'Oh, I haven't hugged a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States since the 1970's… How are you my dear?'

'I'm very well, thank you. Come on in.', she ushers the woman inside.

'Henrietta Lange', it's Deeks' voice that carries through the hall, the blonde man walks over to them.

'Mr. Deeks, you have managed to get here in time. Wonderful.'

Nell glances up at Deeks, but he doesn't flinch.

They move into the living room, Nell fetches another glass for Hetty in the kitchen and when she returns the two of them have gotten into an animated discussion about the Californian justice system.

'Where is Mr. Callen?', Hetty asks when Nell hands her the glass.

'Picking up the kids from school. He'll be back in a little while.'

'Lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing them again.'

'Yeah how is Special Agent G Callen managing as a stay at home husband?', Deeks asks.

'Cheeky, Mr. Deeks', Hetty whispers under her breath.

'He's doing great', Nell cuts across, before things deteriorate, 'that'll be him.'

A door is being shut at the other side of the house, and excited children's voices are getting closer. A few seconds later two boys and a girl come storming into the living room.

'Aunt Hetty!', the girl shouts.

'Uncle Marty', the boys shout in turn.

The next minutes the visitors are entirely claimed by the children. When they are finally released, they find G Callen standing next to his wife. His arm loosely draped around her shoulder. Pride clearly visible on both their faces.

Nell claps her hands and says to the kids, 'Okay, go and put your bags in your rooms.'

The children make their way upstairs but can still be heard. Callen starts greeting the visitors when the bell rings once again.

'I'll get it.' Nell says, hurrying over to the hall.

She returns with Eric, Sam and Kensi, who all seem to have shared a cab.

'Marty, you're already here', Kensi shouts in surprise when she sees him.

'Yeah, I got an earlier flight', he smiles glancing sideways at Hetty.