A/N: Hey everyone! Finally back with a new story. My busy few weeks turned into months with finals to graduation stuff to dance shows to vacation, but finally have time to write. Anyway, this story just came out of nowhere when I was working on another idea. First chapter is kind of short. Please leave a review for me, they make my day! Advice is also welcome, hope you enjoy it!


Sam and Callen entered the weapons room hauling their gear, Kensi and Deeks in tow. Deeks let out a long sigh as he set his bag on the table.

"Well, that may be the fastest case we've ever solved. Anyone up for a little celebratory drink, huh? What about you, Kens?"

"Sure, if you're buying." Kensi smiled.

Callen and Sam shared a knowing look and grinned. Their junior agents had been going out after cases a lot lately.

"How about you two? Callen, Sam?"

"Think we'll pass on this one, Deeks."

Deeks shrugged. "Suit yourselves."

After cleaning and restocking their assault rifles, the two agents made their way out of the weapons room, arguing about where to celebrate and Kensi's spending limit. Sam chuckled at the pair, watching them leave. He turned to Callen who'd just finished cleaning his weapon.

"Hey, you up for a run tonight?"

Callen looked up from the pieces he was disassembling, showing a calm, relaxed expression. "Sure, as long as you think you can keep up this time." A small smile grew on his face.

Sam raised his eyebrows and stifled a laugh. "Me, keep up? Who's the one I'm always slowing down for?"

"Well, your memory isn't what it used to be."

"Yeah? Well it looks like yours isn't either. Here, let me help you remember." Sam's tone suggested a challenge for his partner. Callen flashed a confident look, signaling his acceptance. The two quickly put their gear on the shelves and headed to the locker room to change.


A few minutes later, the partners walked through the doors of the mission and toward the street. "You ready? Let's start with five miles."

"You're on." Callen started to quicken his pace and Sam closely followed. They ran throughout the streets of Los Angeles, weaving between roads and traveling through neighborhoods. Always the agents, they made sure to check for tails from the mission. The nights had been getting cooler and it was refreshing to the pair who liked to go on runs after work. The hot summer nights were finally relenting.

Once they'd gone far enough, Callen signaled for them to slow down and catch their breath. They both slowed to a walking pace and took in their surroundings, mentally noting how far away from Ops they were.

"You're running out of breath a little early. Maybe if you ate real food instead of that crap you put in your body you'd have more energy."

Callen turned toward his partner at that comment. "Hey, I'm fine. You're looking pretty tired though, big guy."

"Heh, yeah okay." Sam smiled at the familiar stubbornness Callen was infamous for. Callen's classic smirk appeared on his face in return. The pair continued to walk in the darkness, observing the atmosphere of the night around them. It was quiet in the neighborhood, and no movement disturbed the silence.

They got to the corner of the street when out of nowhere a black van approached, coming to a quick stop right next to them. Alarm bells immediately went off in the agents' heads, but they didn't have their weapons on them. Before they could think of a plan, three masked, armed men busted through the van door, training their guns on Sam.

Another came out of the passenger door and approached Callen. "Get in the van!" The man ordered. Callen remained on the sidewalk, looking nothing but defiant. The single gun aimed at Callen fired, hitting his left shoulder. Callen hit the ground with a grunt, colliding with the harsh concrete beneath him.

Sam surged forward, only to be held back by the men surrounding him. A gun was placed on his head. "Do it, or he's dead."

Callen, bleeding and trying to block out the pain, met his eyes to his partner's. A look of fear, worry, and trust passed between the agents. Nothing had to be said. They knew they had no choice. Callen picked himself off of the ground and took a few steps toward the van. Just as quickly as they came, the masked men moved toward the van, shoved Callen inside, and climbed back in. The van door slid shut as the van peeled out, leaving Sam no choice but to stand there and watch his injured partner be forcefully taken. He watched the taillights fade in the distance, angry that he couldn't have foreseen this or done anything to help his friend. With no other option, he took off with a speed faster than he had ever run with Callen in the direction of Ops. His worry, anger, and determination fueling him as he ran into the dark night.