Chapter 2

Shopping is done, now its time for reactions to Nell's new looks. I need to make a statement here, I love the character of Nell and her quirkiness, I am not trying to make her change herself to fit someone else's image. That would be a bad thing. I am just wanted to write something cute and fluffy.

Nell gave her self one final look in the mirror before leaving home. She had paired a navy blue pencil skirt with a white silk shirt and a matching blazer, completing her look with a pair of low heeled black boots. Taking Kensi's advice about adding a little color she added a red belt and went out the door before she could chicken out and change into her old comfortable clothes.

As usual she was one of the first to get to work, the only one there before her was Eric. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and went in.

"Good Morning Eric did you have a nice weekend?" Nell went to her desk shoved her purse in a drawer and turned on her computer before turning to face her co-worker.

He was watching her with a surprised look on his face his hands frozen over the keyboard. "Ah yea it was fine just the normal stuff; surfing, video games hanging out with friends. Is something special happening today, a meeting I forgot or something?"

"Nothing going on that I'm aware why do you ask?"

"Well you're all dressed up like the director's in town, or maybe a job interview. Please tell me you're not looking for another job Nell." He was starting to panic at the idea of her leaving.

"Wow don't go crazy on me ok I just felt like dressing a little different. Is there something wrong with my clothes?"

"You look great, different but great maybe a little older than usual." Eric turned bright red as he stammered out a reply. "Hey I don't mean you look old I meant more mature, look just forget I said anything you look great as usual."

Nell turned back to her work a satisfied smile creeping over her face at his reaction.

The rest of the day flew by as the team spent time wrapping up the last details from last weeks mission. While there had been a few raised eyebrows at her new outfit no one else had made any comments.

Nell continued to wear her new clothes all week mixing and matching the few items she had purchased into several new outfits. She had saved her favorite item; a blue wrap dress paired with a pair of nude pumps that made her legs look longer for Friday. The dress itself really made the most of her petite figure easily the most attractive item she had ever worn.

Kensi had really enjoyed watching Nell this week; the new clothes had really brought out a new confidence in the intelligence analyst. While she had always been confident in her ability to do her job there had been a little vulnerability in Nell's personal interactions with others. She had never believed that she was fully accepted to the team always hesitant to join their after work activities. It wasn't that the clothes had changed Nell into someone else but that they made her feel better.

She wasn't the only one who had noticed a change in the small redhead; all the guys had looked but wisely kept their thoughts to themselves. This was a good thing because Kensi would have taken issue with anyone trying to damage Nell's new self confidence.

"Hey Kensi was this new wardrobe what you guys were doing last week?" Deeks had walked over to her desk after watching Nell walk past them to get to the coffee room.

"So what if it was? You got something you want to say about it?"

"Slow down there mama bear I was only going to say how nice she's been looking this week. Not that she doesn't always look nice but its different look now a bit more grown up." The shaggy blonde took a minute to study the analyst as she walked by.

"That dress she's wearing today is smoking, who knew there was a little temptress hiding inside our Nell."

Kensi shot to her feet and slugged him in the arm "Back off Romeo don't you even think about hitting on her. She is so not your type."

"Oh don't worry Kens we all know exactly who my type is" Deeks laughed at the look on her face. "I only wanted to tell you that you guys did a great job with the new clothes."

"Shut up Deeks and get to work those reports aren't going to write themselves."

"Exactly my thoughts Miss Blye now have either of you seen Mr. Callen or Mr. Hanna this morning?" Hetty had once again appeared from nowhere.

"I think they were making a stop on the way in to check out that warehouse that Eric showed us yesterday. It's the one that's been rumored to be the site for the weapons auction for next week."

"Very well please ask Mr. Callen to see me when he arrives, I have questions about his latest expense report."

Hetty continued on to her office taking a sip of tea before starting to check out the numerous reports that had been placed in her in basket overnight. As she finished reading Callen's report she found herself indulging in a smile at his latest attempt to explain why he had once again destroyed the expensive wardrobe issued to him for his last job.

Looking up she rested her eyes on Nell as she descended the stairs into the bullpen noting with approval the lovely picture she made in the blue dress. "Miss Jones would you come to my office when you are finished with your task?"

"Of course Hetty, is there something you need me to do?" Nell wondered what her boss wanted.

"I wanted to compliment you on your new wardrobe, it's a lovely new look for you. I am particularly fond of this lovely dress you are wearing today." Hetty paused and touched the sleeve of Nell's dress. "This color blue is quite appealing and somehow familiar, where have I seen it before?"

Nell blushed a bit but did not comment on why that blue might be familiar, after all the color had been the deciding factor in splurging on this dress.

Patting her arm Hetty turned back to her desk "That's all dear I just wanted to let you know you efforts have not gone unnoticed."

As Nell walked away Callen and Sam walked in deep in some minor argument as usual. Stopping to stow his bag by his desk Callen walked over and took a seat in front of Hetty.

"I heard you wanted to see me about my expense report." He gave her his trademark smile usually guaranteed to get him what he wanted as he looked at her with his sparkling blue eyes.

As the diminutive leader proceeded to lecture her best agent for destroying valuable government property the connection was made. The lovely blue dress worn by her Intel analyst was very similar to the intensely blue eyes of the senior agent sitting in front of her.

Who wouldn't want a dress the same color as Callen's eyes. Let me know how you liked this chapter please.