In a split second, a whole team of nurses and doctors were at Anna's side, orders and instructions were flying, clear, concise, executed with precision. The doctor in charge was looking intently at her chart while starting the echography. He was calm but very focused, Callen noticed, which made him feel uneasy. After a few back and forth movements with the probe over Anna's stomach, the doctor stopped and asked for another probe, for an internal exam. Callen's fears were extending, and he turned to Anna. She was lying, her eyes closed, an arm over her face, and her lips pursed. He gently squeezed her shoulder to let her know he was by her side. The doctor rapidly explained the procedure and Anna followed every instruction. She grabbed Callen's hand and he could feel her reactions and emotions.

When the exam was over, the doctor turned to the nurse, gave her a quick nod, ordering her to clear the room. That unique signal, marking the end of the treatments, was a slap in the face for Anna and Callen. They did not wait for the doctor to explain. Anna's pressed Callen's hand while clenching her jaw, trying to hold back the tears. Callen was standing against the bed, defeated, his eyes closed, holding Anna's hand. He was bracing for impact.

The doctor saved them the long speech, he could tell the two agents were trained to face the worst: "Your baby did not survive"

Anna escaped a pained cry through her hand, Callen leaned over her to comfort her, speaking soft words in Russian and caressing her hair. He laid his forehead against hers, and let his tears roll down, meeting Anna's.

The doctor waited for a few seconds by the bed then told them he would wait outside. Callen raised his head and thanked him through blurred eyes.

When they were finally alone, Callen lied down and took Anna in a tight embrace, comforting her until she stopped crying. He could feel a sharp pain and a feeling of emptiness. He could hardly believe the intensity of the emotions, all the more when until this morning, he was not aware of his potential paternity. In a few hours, he had gone from being a solitary law enforcement agent to a father mourning his child, consoling the woman who carried this very child. He was well aware of the unpredictable nature of life, yet this was a hard blow to cope with.

They stayed in each other's arms until nurses came back for the 7am rounds. The doctor soon re-emerged, detailing the hours ahead and the various procedures awaiting them: first the surgery, to remove the foetus, then Anna would be allowed to go home provided she signed a discharge and committed to rest.

Callen was still holding Anna in his arms, both were listening in silence, having no questions to ask, but surrendering to the protocol of care, which provided them with a structure.

When the doctor exited the room, Callen gathered his thoughts and acts to take care of the intendancy: talk to Arkady … and Garrison, Sam, Hetty, Kensi and Deeks.

And prepare for Anna to leave the hospital and her convalescence. She approved of every decision he was making, until they discussed where she would stay. Callen suggested she moved to Arkady's, as he had a large and comfortable house, with staff to attend to her needs. Anna seemed concerned at the very thought of it. She was not ready yet to move him with Arkady, particularly in her condition. She explained her point of view to Callen.

- I understand your point, but you cannot come to my place, I don't even have a bed, he tried to reason.

- No I hoped I could go back to my place, I want to be in my own home with my own stuff, she added, looking away… and maybe, you could stay with me…

Before he could answer, she went on: I can ask Hetty otherwise, she might be able to come and find someone… She was talking fast, without a glance at him, for fear he might refuse.

- After all, you have done a lot for me already, and you need to rest as well. I wouldn't want to impose, and you don't have to do this for me, specially now, I mean even before, you didn't have to...

- Stoop! He replied, partly amused. I will be there, I want to be there for you. He had said it with a firm conviction so she would not argue and feel comforted.

- Thank you, she said simply, before the nurse came in and started to prepare her for the surgery.

Callen told her he was going home, take a shower and call the team, and their fathers, and he would be back later on, after the surgery.

He kissed her on the lips and wished her well for the surgery. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, adding: I'm here for you, all the way.