AUTHOR'S NOTE: Good Afternoon… so you liked the chapter? Couldn't you just see him gliding down that staircase? LOL. When the idea popped into my thoughts, it was as much as a done deal. I couldn't NOT think about it. Well, I hope you enjoy this one, as well. I look forward to hearing from you, if you would be so kind?

"Here! Let me help!" Kensi called out as she followed his path to the kitchen.

She found Callen rinsing the mugs and loading them into the dishwasher.

"Anything I can do?" she asked.

"Nah, just finishing up. You need something?" he asked as he turned and leaned against the counter, drying his hands.

"Actually, I was hoping to talk to you." She asked nervously.

"Okay, well here we are... what's going on?" Callen asked curiously, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Tonight has been so much fun, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, I guess," he answered, shifting nervously.

"Kind of like old times, don't you think?" she suggested, noticing the relaxed features of earlier in the evening had been replaced with tense shoulders and a questioning look.

"I suppose… What is your point, Kensi?"

"My point is, I haven't seen you like this since… well, since, I can't remember when. I just don't want that to end here tonight."

"What do you want me to do, Kensi?" he asked warily.

"I want you to come to our Christmas dinner. I want you to want to come," she replied.

"We talked about this. No… no, it's for the best," he answered.

"I disagree… you are like a brother to me and I want my family around me after this past year. Just consider coming with Hetty." Kensi requested, "Is it the house? Does it feel awkward for you knowing it was your place?" she asked suddenly.

"What? NO. Kensi, I have never regretted for one moment, giving you that house. Seriously, okay? So, stop with the guilt, I'm fine." He answered, turning his back to her and folding the towel before laying it on the counter.

"Okay… then why? It's just dinner… that's all… not any different than what we did here this evening. Besides, you could always use a good homecooked meal! You're too skinny," she joked, going so far as to risk throwing a poke at his side before coming to lean against the counter he now faced so that she could see his eyes.

She watched the shadow of emotion cross his features… then a small smile, "That's something Michelle would have said." He stated, looking at her… "and I'm not skinny." He added in an effort to lighten the darkening mood.

"Agree to disagree," she replied. Callen looked out the window over the sink for a brief moment, lost in thought.

"Callen, I know you think you are doing us a favor, but trust me, you're not. We want you there. Look, we know this time of year is especially hard for you… for many reasons… allow yourself just a few hours of distraction.

He couldn't argue that Christmas was… difficult. It was a well-known fact. He also had to admit that a few hours of good food and company would be a nice break.

Callen looked over to see the hopeful look in Kensi's eyes. Her heart swelled with joy when a true trademark smirk crept across his face and his eyes brightened in color, "Okay, fine. I'll be there." He agreed, knowing he would be battling the urge to cancel… clear up to the point he knocked on their door.

Kensi grabbed him up into a tight hug. She was surprised when he didn't even flinch at the gesture.

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Finally, the night's festivities came to an end. As much as Callen enjoyed the familiar comradery, he was relieved to finally have a few moments to himself. He sat by the fireplace watching the ornaments on the tree flicker with the light play from the fireplace.

He sighed as he leaned forward to place his elbows on his knees as he rolled the piece of sea glass between his fingers and thumb, completely lost in thought.

Hetty paused a moment to watch her boy before continuing her entrance to the room.

"I thought perhaps we could both use a nice cup of tea to help us wind down after all the excitement." Hetty grinned.

"Just tea?" Callen returned lightly as he leaned back in his chair to look at her.

"Would you prefer something else?" she asked in earnest.

"No, tea is perfect, thank you," came his reply.

"Mhm." Was her only reply as she set about pouring their tea, "Well, maybe not JUST tea," she said as she uncovered a plate of cookies as well.

"You spoil me, Hetty" Callen smiled warmly with his reply.

She watched as he raised his cup so he could breathe in the steam. He slowly put the cup to his lips and took the smallest of sips, tasting the offered flavor before making an effort to savor its very essence.

Callen's eyes widened as he looked over at her. She knew then that he had guessed which tea it was she served.

"Sweet floral essence and just a touch of a metallic aftertaste. Yellow Gold tea, found only in Singapore. Hetty, you are serving ME your rarest, most expensive tea?" Callen asked in surprise.

"Mr. Callen, people drink tea for many reasons… The choice of tea is as important as the ones you share it with.

"After everything… I'm surprise you didn't just give me a tea bag." Callen lowered his head.

"Really, Mr. Callen, I would never have a tea bag in my house." Hetty held her hand to her chest in mock offense.

Callen chuckled, "Okay, okay, I get it."

They sat in a mutually acceptable silence, enjoying the warmth of the fire, the flavorful tea and cookies, in comfortable companionship…

Again, Hetty noticed him fingering the sea glass.

"Might I ask what it is you are playing with?" she asked.

Callen held up the piece of glass for Hetty to see.

"The sea glass Miss Hanna gave you?" she asked, "May I?" she held out her hand expectantly.

He didn't argue, but gently laid the brilliant blue glass into her hand. He leaned back as she examined it carefully.

"It is a beautiful find. She was quite true in her comparison to your eyes when you smile." She stated, smiling as he rolled his eyes, blushing. "You know, it wouldn't hurt you to try doing that more often… smile."

"I smile," Callen argued.

"Mhm. When is the last time you remember laughing like you did this evening? When you relaxed to the point of letting your guard down?" she asked, knowingly.

When Callen didn't answer, she said no more on the subject. "Well, this was a very sweet gift," she handed it back to him and he once again began worrying it between his fingers and thumb.

"I was thinking of having it made into a necklace for her," he suggested.

"It would, indeed, make a lovely piece of jewelry. However, she did give it to YOU."

"I know, but it's too beautiful to waste sitting around in my pocket," he explained.

"I see…" she knew that what he was really saying was that he didn't deserve it. "I happen to know someone who could do that for you… if you would permit me to take this?"

Callen considered the offer, "Okay, sure. Think they can get it done in time?"

"I do… and they will do lovely work."

With a nod, he handed the glass back to her.

"I will see to it first thing tomorrow. Now, I'm going to clean up here and turn in for the night. And you, Mr. Callen?"

Callen leaned back in his chair, "Think I will stay here and let the fire go out. You go ahead, I'll clean up."

"Very well, thank you… but do try and get some rest, won't you?" Hetty smiled.