So, when I set up my schedule for this year, I did not plan to be moving this week and next. That was NOT what I had in my schedule last August. But, here we are. So I am super way behind in replying to all of your lovely and wonderful comments, and I will continue to be behind for a while. Additionally, I may miss chapters next week – Monday is the day of movers and much furniture hauling and also (hopefully) setting up the internet at the new place.
If I do miss, I'll update as quickly as I can, I promise!
Anyway, this next set is kind of sad. If you recall, after the return from Romania, there are several episodes where the relationship between Callen and Hetty is thoroughly strained. And we won't see the resolution until next week. But, anyway. Here you go.
Enjoy!
Season 3, Episode 2: Cyber Threat
The two months Hetty took "recuperating" at one of her houses was one of the longest periods G had gone without seeing her or speaking to her in years. It wasn't what he had intended at all. If he'd had his way, he'd have camped on her doorstep and shadowed her every move. But he didn't, at her own request.
As the plane from Romania had been landing at LAX, she had caught his eye.
"I need you to do something for me."
"Anything."
"I need you to go back to work. I'm going to need time and quiet, and I won't get it if my team isn't in the field doing what you do best."
He'd given her a look. "Who's going to run things?"
"Agent Hunter will continue to fill in as temporary Ops Manager."
Callen had glanced across the plane to where Lauren Hunter was steadfastly not looking their way, and he frowned.
"But you're going to come back. Right?"
"In time."
"Hetty…"
She had held up a hand. "I am trusting my operation to you, Mister Callen. Give me this opportunity to heal and to reflect. Take care of my city and take care of your team. And when I return...then we will have the conversation you have been waiting for."
He had shut his eyes.
"Do you trust me, Mister Callen?"
"Trust you? More than I should, probably. But…"
"I know." She had shaken her head. "You have questions. And doubts. And still you stand by me. It is a noble thing; don't think I don't appreciate your struggle."
He'd let out a breath and opened his eyes to face her once more.
"You're just going to take a little time at home, right? You're not going to disappear again?"
"I promise that I will not disappear."
"And it's just for a short while?"
"Until I can be effective again, yes."
"Okay." He nodded. "Can I…?"
"No." She had cut him off, knowing exactly what he would ask. "I think we both need some distance, Mister Callen, especially after all that has transpired and all the questions you have. I need you to leave me be. No more visits, no more popping out of the dark. Not until I return to work."
It made something in his eyes shutter closed even while he never broke her gaze, but he agreed.
Hetty had known perfectly well that he might not be able to hold to such a promise. Eventually, his impatience would become too great and he would make his way to her anyway. But if she could delay the inevitable, that would be enough.
Two months later, she was surprised that he held off as long as he did before he finally came looking for his answers.
She was less surprised when he left without them, because he trusted her still.
