November 1st

Callen rubbed the soles of Nell's feet gently, eliciting a soft moan from her, they were sitting at home discussing baby names, despite everyone's efforts to keep her from standing for any long periods of time, her feet had been slightly swollen for the last week and with only 41 days until her official due date, Callen was watching her like a hawk and taking on as much of her responsibilities at home as he could.

'Do you have any idea why Hetty wants us at work on a Saturday afternoon?' she asked him 'I wish we didn't have to go in' she carried on when he shook his head in reply 'We haven't got many more weekends with just the two of us, and as much as I can't wait to be able to walk again instead of waddling, I love being with just you, doing this, doing nothing' she gestured pointing between them, he shrugged as he leant over and placed a gentle kiss on her tummy 'I guess we'll find out soon enough'


'I'm not going, neither are you and you can't make us' Kensi sat up in bed with her arms crossed, a scowl on her face 'Please Kens, you're making this an impossible choice for me, hormonal pregnant wife or Hetty, you're putting me in a lose/lose situation here, either way I'm a dead man walking' he had just gotten out of the shower and was only dressed in a pair of boxers and a damp towel around his neck, he leant over the bed putting his hands either side of her, his face millimetres from hers, he kissed her head and rubbed their noses together 'Please Kens, we only need to go in and see what Hetty wants, then we have the rest of the day and night to ourselves, wear something nice and we'll go out for dinner after, please Kens' he was almost begging and whether it was the pleading in his voice or his near nakedness, she nodded as she pulled the bed covers back and struggled to her feet 'ok! Whatever! But I want steak and I want to choose dessert, and you are not allowed to mention the words sugar or bad for you once' Deeks just smiled and kissed her, pulling her close as he whispered his thanks.


'Can you help me with these please Bear' Sarah called to Eric, he plucked the pair of flat sandals from her hands as he bent down to put them on for her 'I love you' she told him running her hand over his hair 'I love you more' he said as he pulled her to her feet 'The sooner we go, the sooner we can get back, I'm really sorry to drag you to work with me, I'm not sure why, but when Hetty says to be there, we kind of have to be there' 'I don't mind' she shrugged back at him 'at least we're together, even if you do have to work' smiling, she took his hand and led him out the front door.


They made an amusing sight, by the time Hetty joined them all in the bullpen, there were 3 very pregnant women, 1 fussing special agent in charge helping Nell sit down, 1 fussing tech who was busy retying a sandal, 1 harassed former liaison turned Junior Agent who was rubbing his arm scowling and whispering to himself 'four more weeks, I can do this, just four more weeks' and an amused Senior Agent watching them all chuckling.

'I apologise for bringing you all in on your free time' Hetty explained, clasping her hands in front of her with a slight smirk on her face.

'Everything ok Hetty?' Sam asked 'Yes Mr Hanna, everything is fine, I thought now would be the perfect time to discuss and finalise arrangements for when the four newest members join us' 'Ok, but I don't get why I'm here, unless you're assigning a shut down and you're giving us all paid time off' he asked hopefully

'Aha, you're funny Mr Hanna but no, although you will not technically be away on paternity leave, this does indirectly involve you, as I believe it will be beneficial to you too at a later date, Gentlemen, ladies, if you would be so kind as to follow me please' she led them past her office, down the corridor towards the rear of the building, pausing in front of a solid wooden door 'if you will Mr Callen' she gestured at the door indicating he should open and enter it.

He pushed open the door and the rest of the team craned their necks trying to peer through the doorway 'Wow' they all heard him whisper as he moved to the side to let the rest of the team in.

In the middle of the room stood Mike Renko, his arms open wide and a grin on his face as he took in the shocked expressions in front of him. The previously dusty room had been transformed with freshly painted mint green walls, a thick beige carpet covered the floor, four solid oak cribs graced one wall, two changing tables, four bouncing chairs and every educational toy ever created graced another.

'Is this for us?' Kensi asked quietly, Hetty nodded as she moved to stand in front of them to address them all at the same time. 'I hope this will alleviate any worries you may have in leaving your offspring in someone else's care and whilst there is no pressure for any of you to return to work until you are indeed ready, I hope you'll rest easier knowing they are within touching distance when you do come back. You have Mr Renko, who took great delight in preparing this room and Mr Gibbs to thank for the cribs, all hand crafted and I believe delightful works of art. Am I to assume that you like it?' she enquired looking over their still stunned faces.

Nell was the first to move, she waddled over to Hetty and hugged her close, tears threatening to drop a she whispered her thanks. Callen caught Renko as he tried sneaking out of the door; he grasped his hand and pulled him into a man hug 'Thanks bro' he grinned as he slapped Callen on the shoulder and walked away.

Hetty and Sam just stood and watched their family, Callen and Nell were now admiring the cribs, running their hands over the detailed wood, visualising them holding their son and daughter, Kensi was sat in one of the wooden rocking chairs watching Deeks as he pulled out several of the toys smiling, she had no doubts he'd be a great dad, he was little more than a big kid himself. Sarah was winding up one of the mobiles and watching it turn slowly, listening to the tune lightly played, she could imagine her son being safe here, it was something that had worried her immensely, she didn't want to leave her newborn in a nursery, always fearing if ten babies were crying, hers would be the last one picked up and comforted, they had discussed her being a stay at home mom, but it would be a big financial strain on them. Sarah smiled brightly at Eric as he joined her and laced her fingers with his.

'You did good Hetty' Sam grinned at her 'You even managed to shut Deeks up'

'I fear not for long Mr Hanna' she grinned back at him, she pointed towards a bookshelf crammed with books and games designed for older children 'I hope Miss Lauren will enjoy spending her school holidays here, especially as Miss Holly will be joining her, and of course should your own family expand…' she started looking up at him before he stopped her laughing 'Nice try Hetty, I think we got our hands full with four new babies don't you, don't be giving Penny any ideas now, Lauren is going to love it here, thank you for thinking of her and Holly' he placed his hand on her small shoulder squeezing gently. 'Sam, I know you think Mr Callen is my favourite, and I admit he causes me more concern than anyone else, but never underestimate how valuable you are to me, not only as an agent, but as a member of my family, and you were the first to provide me with a surrogate Grandchild, Miss Lauren will always have a special place in my heart and in my life, never doubt she is just as important to me as you are' she patted him arm twice, nodded once and walked away before Sam could see her unshed tears.


'Yo! Hetty wants you in the bullpen' Renko shouted poking his head around the nursery door twenty minutes later. They slowly made their way back to the front of the building, Sam offered his chair to Sarah as Kensi and Nell sat down, Deeks and Callen sat perched on the end of their desks waiting for the small ninja to reappear.