This isn't how an author should start a chapter, but I don't like this one. I couldn't get it to come together the way I thought it should. I'm not sure why is doesn't, or what I've missed, but something is off. I've published it for two reasons. One, to end the story. I need to tie up everything if I want to write another one it the group. Two, I kept making changes and writing it over and it kept getting worse. I published to stop the insanity.

Thank you everyone who has read. I will attempt to do much better on the next story, if I write it.

Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS:LA and this chapter is proof why.

Ashley spoke first. "You were right."

"About what?" Callen wasn't sure what she was talking about.

"Getting shot isn't nearly as heroic as it looks in the movies. Shootouts are much more thrilling and less horrifying when watching them on a screen."

"Yep. That is absolutely true. The danger should be over now, though. The information is in the open. Cruiser is telling everything he knows. The power behind Quantum is in custody. Even if Greystall is involved, there is too much publicity for him to attempt anything. You should be safe."

"If I'm so safe, why is everyone here?"

"We aren't just going to abandon you, besides, overkill is underrated. Also I wanted to be sure that you were alright."

Ashley stared at him for a moment. "Did you know about the job offer?"

"That? No. It's a good opportunity though. Change of scenery, working with people you can trust, and you don't even have to interview. It would also stop any sort of professional retaliation that might occur."

Ashley's eyes got wide at that statement.

"I'm not saying it will happen, or that it is even likely, just that it would be one less thing to worry about."

"Doesn't matter. I'm done with the NSA even if I don't take the job here. I thought being hidden, being unknown would protect me. I thought it would keep me safe. Instead it almost made it easier to kill me. Eric was the only person I could trust and the only one that would have noticed me being gone." Ashley let out a sad laugh. "Wow! That sounds so sad and pathetic."

Callen finally left the foot of the bed, walking around the side and sitting in the chair next to Ashley's head. "No, it's just one of the hazards that can happen in a job like this."

"You have people that would notice you missing."

"Now, but there was a time, if something happened to me, there wouldn't have even been stuff left behind much less people. No locker to clean out, no house full of nick-nacks. At least you left some mark on the world to show you were here." It wasn't like Callen to be melancholy, but the realization of the way he had spent most of his life hit him pretty hard.

Ashley saw the sadness cross his features. "Sorry G. I didn't mean to bring you down. I suppose I should be happy. This is over. It just doesn't feel like a happy moment right now."

"You feel any way you want to. Situations like these are emotional rollercoasters. Work through them in whatever way is best for you. If you need to talk, or just someone to just listen, you can come to me, or anyone on the team. Even if you don't take the job, you aren't alone in this. We will help you."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

It was only ten minutes later that the doctor came and gave her a final evaluation, then released her.

Callen helped her out to his car and Kensi, Deeks, and Hetty followed them back to the Mission. It didn't take long to make the trip and as Callen pulled into the parking lot Hetty, Kensi, and Deeks pulled up behind him.

"We are good, guys. I'll see everyone tomorrow."

Kensi and Deeks looked like they were about to argue but instead just waved and headed home. Hetty actually parked her car.

"I'll stay to you get inside, Mr. Callen."

Callen just smiled and shook his head. He turned to help Ashley out of the car. Between the pain medications she had been given, the bandages on her leg, and the crutches, she was struggling with each step. Callen finally, after four feet, couldn't take it anymore. He simply walked up behind Ashley picking her up in his arms and carried her into the building. He expected some form of protest, but none came. She just wrapped one arm around his neck while she held her crutches with the other.

As they got to the bullpen, Callen carried her to the sofa, carefully lowering her onto the cushions. She looked up at him. "Thank you, gallant knight."

Callen laughed. "You are welcome, my lady. Now get some sleep." Callen walked over and pulled a blanket off the shelf near the window, draping it across Ashley.

"Goodnight Callen."

Callen laid down on the floor placing one of the pillows from the sofa under his head. "Good night, Ashley."

"Ow." Eric said as he sat down of the sofa. "I really appreciate it Nell, but you don't have to stay."

Nell just looked at him with a look of disbelief. "I know how much what happened to you hurt. It's going to be worse tomorrow. Just be still." Nell walked into his kitchen to get ice for his chest. "Besides, we have a conversation to finish."

At that moment in time the pain in his chest disappeared. He was so not ready for this conversation. He had no idea what to say to her. He had been in relationships before, but this was Nell. She was smart, sexy, badass. He was so out of his league here. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice Nell enter the room until the ice was placed on his chest. He sucked in a breath at the sensation.

"Sorry." Nell winced as he stiffened. "Trust me though, the more you ice it now, the better off you will be later. I also got you two aspirin. Go ahead and take them to take the edge off later." She handed him the two pills and bottle of water. He took them without comment. Nell lifted his head, sitting down so that he was using her legs as a pillow. She began absentmindedly running her fingers through his hair. She wasn't sure where to start, so she decided to start at the beginning. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

Eric had his eyes closed, enjoying the sensation of the fingers caressing his scalp. He took a minute to gather his thoughts. "We work together. I didn't want to give off a creeper vibe. It's a clique. The uber-geek has a crush on the hot agent in training. That only turns out well in the movies, and even then not always. You are going to be an agent, Nell, that's not something I ever want. I thought you would go for more of a man of action type."

"So you weren't even going to ask me out? Even after I kissed you?"

"I thought it was a pity kiss. I'm aware that I'm a five, tops, Nell. You are a nine, nine and half."

Nell put on an indignant look. "A nine?"

Eric let a smile come across his face. "You aren't rich and don't own a Ferrari. I guy has got to have standards."

Nell laughed despite herself. "You are so lucky you are injured Eric Beale, otherwise I would hurt you. I've been sparring with Kensi. I could do it."

Eric chuckled then winced. "Ooh. Don't make me laugh. I have no doubts that you could take me. It's kind of hot."

"I don't think you are five either. You took care of Bash with very little effort."

"Bash? I know where I stand in the geek hierarchy. Crashing the internet puts you in the top 1%. Being cool in the geek world makes you exactly the opposite in the real world."

"I think you are very cool, in both worlds." Nell said.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Nell just playing with his hair and Eric laying comfortably.

"So, when I'm better, will you let me take you on a date?"

"Yes. I would love to."

"Where would you like to go?"

"Surprise me." Nell bent down kissing him on the forehead. "Now you get some rest. I'll be right here when you wake up."

In moments Eric was sound asleep.

Kensi walked into the den handing Deeks a beer. "I would like to thank you for not getting shot this time."

Deeks took the offered beer. "I would like to thank you for doing your part in not letting me get shot."

"Glad to be of help partner." Kensi clinked the beer bottles together as she sat down on the couch.

"So, do you think that Neric is a done deal now?" Deeks asked.

"I don't know about a done deal, but Nell did take him home. I just texted her to ask how Eric was doing. She said he's asleep."

"So she is still there."

"Yes. I would assume she was."

"Cool, then I can call them Neric when I see them next."

"You might want to be careful about that. You start calling them Neric, they call us Densi, Sam and Callen start…"

"I'm not worried about Callen. I'll call him Cash and I'll call Sam, Manna." Deeks said with a large grin.

"Cash for Ashley and Callen might be a little premature. Sure Ashley has a crush, but you are talking about G here. I would be careful about the Manna thing. If Michelle hears that, she will destroy you."

"Do I look suicidal? I would never mention it to Michelle. You know she choked out a parent at a little league game, right?"

Kensi just laughed and took a sip of her beer.

The following morning Granger arrived at the Mission early. He noticed both Ashley and Callen sleeping in the bullpen and kept moving. Hetty was already at her desk.

"She's still here. Did she take the job?" Granger took a seat in front of Hetty's desk.

"Not yet. I have a good feeling about the outcome though." Hetty cast a glance at the sofa. "A very good feeling."

"Speaking of good feelings, Cruiser is not only telling everything he knows, but actually kept evidence of crimes to cover himself incase this very situation occurred. One vice president of Quantum committed suicide in his home last night. The ones caught fleeing the country have lawyered up, but with all their assets frozen, that should be interesting. Also, it appears, even if Senator Greystall was innocent, he did break the law by allowing non-cleared individuals access to classified data. He probably won't be thrown out of office, but it's doubtful he will run again."

"What about the Quantum people currently in the field? I assume they are being taken care of."

"They have been brought in and all are being individually evaluated. Many of them don't know anything about what was being done, but we have to be sure." Granger said.

"Always Owen." Hetty took a sip of tea. "Always."

When Ashley awoke, sun was coming through the windows. She looked over and saw Callen at his desk working. The rest of the group wasn't in yet. She pulled herself to a sitting position and ran her hands through her hair.

Callen turned to her. "Morning sleepy head. Feel better?"

"Less tired. My leg hurts worse though."

Callen got up from his desk. As he made his way to the sofa he pulled a bottle of pills out of his pocket. "That's because you need to take a pain pill. You are past due." Callen handed her a pill.

Ashley gratefully took the pills and washed them down. "Thanks. Is Hetty here, yet?"

Callen laughed. "Hetty is always here. Why?"

"Causing I'm going to accept that job." She smiled at Callen.

He just nodded his head and returned the smile.