A/N: Sorry I had to take down the previous chapter after it was posted as I'd missed a couple of mistakes. And then it ended up with the chapters being duplicated – doh! Anyway I hope it didn't confuse you too much. Well, here we are at the end. I hope you're not too disappointed. Thanks for all who have stayed with me on this journey and have bothered to follow, favourite writer/story and leave reviews. It means a lot to me. After this I will return to one of my other unfinished stories and complete it before moving on to complete the others. Thanks once again for the support. Now read this extra long chapter and enjoy. Please leave your thoughts.
Chapter 30
After the meal, and satisfied that Callen was settled, Sam left to go home promising he would drop by over the weekend. Refusing to allow Callen to help clear away, Hetty and Duke disappeared into the kitchen leaving him alone in the lounge. Callen got up and wandered around, picking up framed photos, glazing at the images fondly before replacing them and moving on. Memories of his time in the house as a troubled youth flooded his mind. He ran his fingers over the spines of the books on the book shelf absently until a title caught his eye. It was a book in Russian and as he removed it from its position, he smiled as he remembered Hetty reading it to him. Taking it to the couch, Callen sat down and started to read. Feeling drowsy, Callen slipped off his trainers and laid down. Still holding it, he rested the open book on his chest, closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Duke and Hetty entered the room and smiled at the sight. "Do you want me to carry him upstairs?" asked Duke. "He's whacked."
"Thank you, Duke but no. He'd probably wake up and lash out at you, which we don't want, especially in his condition." Hetty and Duke smiled at the thought. "Besides you know how he hates to be fussed over" she added. "You go, I'll stay with him."
"Alright but call me if you need me. 'Night Hetty."
"Goodnight, Duke."
Hetty went over to Callen and removed the book, his limp fingers not resisting. She looked at it and smiled remembering the same memory which Callen had recalled. Placing the book on the coffee table, Hetty took the throw from the back of the couch and gently laid it over him before sitting in the armchair. She sat and watched him sleep, grateful that he was not only home but relaxed and resting peacefully. In their business, each day could be their last and she thanked whatever Gods who watched over her boy that they had chosen once again to let him live. She couldn't contemplate the alternative but knew it was more than likely she'd see his demise before her end came. She shook the morbid thoughts from her brain, picked up the book and started to read.
It was sometime later that she realised she was being watched. Raising her eyes, she met the blue eyes of Callen. "Mr Callen, did I not teach you that it is rude to stare?" she chided with a twinkle in her eyes.
"I'm not staring" he said, sitting up. "I'm just watching you read. You look so content and relaxed when you're reading, especially if said book is in a foreign language."
Hetty rested the book in her lap and said "Well, it is always good to exercise the brain with a good book and I must admit it does relax me more if I can refresh my language skills at the same time. However I am content because I'm home and you're with me."
Callen rose and went over to her, knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his. "I'm grateful to be here, to be home. Thank you Hetty."
"Ppff! There's no need to thank me, my boy" she said dismissing his thanks. "You know you've always got a home with me."
"I know" he replied "but I appreciate it nonetheless. I've going to bed. I'll see you in the morning." Still holding her hands, he leant forward and kissed her forehead.
In a rare display of emotion, Hetty let go of his hands and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him fiercely. He hugged her back. They clung to one another as if it may never happen again until Hetty released her hold. "Good night Grisha. Sleep well." He bid her goodnight again and she watched him slowly climb the stairs to his room.
Callen fell into a routine and the weekend passed quickly with a string of visitors to the house and a number of phone calls including an unexpected one from Gibbs, who apologised for not being able to come and visit as it was busy on the East Coast.
Monday arrived and realising Jake was returning to school that morning, Callen was anxious to hear how it went. He didn't have to wait long because early in the afternoon, there was a knock at the door. Duke answered it and ushered Nate, Alex and Jake into the room.
Jake ran over to Callen and gave him a hug. "Uncle Callen!"
"Hey Jake! How'd it go a school today?" he asked, raising his eyes to nod a greeting to Alex and Nate.
"Okay. It was good to see my friends but I wasn't too happy about doing classes" replied the boy.
Callen chuckled "Go and see Hetty in the kitchen. I'm sure she'll rustle up some food for you. I need to speak to your mom and Nate" said Callen. Jake was reluctant but Callen added. "When you've had something to eat, I play a video game with you."
The boy's face lightened up at the thought. "Okay." He turned to run to the kitchen shouting "Miss Hetty! Miss Hetty!"
The adults smiled at the boy's excitement as he disappeared out the door on his way to the kitchen. Turning his attention to Nate, Callen asked "How'd it go really?"
"It went well actually. I spoke to a couple of his teachers and they said although he was a little subdued he participated in the lessons. One or two of the kids held in the gym came to see me with a teacher present but on the whole it appears they're all coping well. Neither the teachers nor the Principal have noticed any particular change in the personalities or behaviour although they're a little nervous of strangers and sudden noises."
"I guess that's to be expected" commented Callen. "What about security at the school?"
"It's been heightened and Deeks was there to point out any holes in the system, which will be addressed. He was a great hit with the kids at break. Playing basketball with them and acting the clown" said Nate.
Callen smiled at the thought. Deeks was a good man and would make a great agent should he decide to leave LAPD but in the meantime was an asset to the team. He had a knack of acting the clown which often diffused situations and put civilians at ease. "How's Jake been at home?" Callen asked.
"Not bad. A few nightmares and panic attacks but they're becoming less frequent, " replied Nate. "I'll be able to leave them to their own devices soon but will be available should they need me.
"What about you Alex? How are you coping?" asked Callen turning his attention to his half-sister.
"I'm getting there. Glad of course that Jake's progressing well and back at school. I must admit I was a little worried in case it was too soon but he seems to be okay. He's doesn't have to go back till Wednesday and Friday mornings. After that we'll see if he can do a whole week of mornings and then we'll play it by ear. I only wish that we can go back to our own home" replied Alex.
"I understand that might happen soon" said Callen.
"Really?" said Alex in surprise. "That would be great! When?"
"I need to check with Hetty but it could be in a couple of weeks" replied Callen.
Alex looked disappointed but relieved at the same time. "All this talk of how Jake and I are doing, what about you?" asked Alex, who hadn't seen him since he'd left hospital, allowing Jake to visit on his own accompanied either by Kensi and Deeks or Nate. "What's it like living here?" She waved her hands indicating the house in general. "All this grandeur."
Callen chuckled. "I'm used to it as it's home, Alex. I've lived here on and off since I was a teenager." Alex looked stunned. "I'll tell you about it someday but to answer your other question, I'm getting there but still a long way to go of course. I've got to see the doctor on Wednesday and then each week for a month before I know whether I've got more treatment or if I'll be discharged from the hospital. It's certainly good to be here and not in hospital."
At that moment Jake and Hetty entered the room with some food and drinks after which Alex and Jake left with Nate to return to the safe house after promising to return the following day.
"I understand from Jake that it went well at school today" said Hetty.
"Yeah" replied Callen. "He's doing really well as is Alex but she's anxious to get back home."
"I think we'll be able to remedy that sooner rather than later" replied Hetty. Callen raised a quizzical eyebrow and she continued. "I've had a team stake out their home and so far, there have been no signs of interest. I've also put out feelers to my contacts in Russia and, since the demise of Volkoff, there have been no active operations into the whereabouts of your father or his family."
"That's good news but are you sure? Garrison still betrayed his country."
"Have I ever been wrong?" As Callen was about to open his mouth, Hetty quickly continued. "No, don't answer that. Let me rephrase it: do you doubt my contacts or the intelligence they've garnered?" Callen shook his head. "I appreciate it is a lot to process. This ghastly feud has been going on for so long but I believe we can safely say it has finally ended."
"What about Garrison? Can he ever come back to America?" asked Callen.
"I certainly hope so, my boy. At the moment Arkady is working with his contacts and Director Vance and I are liaising with officials both here and in Russia on a solution. It has to be done legally otherwise we will have a repeat of what happened previously. And we don't want that."
"No, we don't" agreed Callen. "Thanks Hetty."
"Don't thank me yet. We may not be successful" she answered.
"Maybe not, but at least you're trying" countered Callen, getting up and hugging her. "I'm off for a nap."
As he walked away, Hetty muttered to herself "You know I'd do anything for you, my boy."
The following day Alex and Jake came over with Kensi and Deeks and spent the day with Callen. Sam was unable to come as he had already arranged to go and see his kids at the Academy. It was a hot day and Jake wanted to play in the pool but because he was still using oxygen, only Kensi and Deeks went in with the boy. Callen, Hetty and Alex sat in loungers by the poolside watching them play. Hetty watched Callen out of the corner of her eyes. She knew he was not enjoying being side-lined although he hid his feelings well and laughed when Jake called to watch him dive in or perform some acrobatic tumble when tossed in the air by Deeks.
Against her better judgement, Hetty said "Take off the oxygen and go in." Callen looked at her incredulously. "But the moment you feel tired or I think you're overdoing it, you are to come out immediately. Do you understand?"
Removing the nasal cannula, Callen jumped to his feet and beamed at her. "Understood. Thank you Hetty. I'll behave."
"Make sure you do" she said but he had already jumped into the pool and was joining in the fun. Hetty smiled. It was good to see him so relaxed and happy. She continued to watch the antics for a moment before turning her attention to Alex.
"Alex, would you help me indoors for a moment please? I think they'll be in need of some refreshments before too long."
"Of course" replied Alex as the pair rose and went into the house. Once inside Hetty asked "How are you and Mr Callen getting along?" Hetty saw Alex stiffen and added quickly "I don't mean to interfere but I've not seen him this happy for a long time. I wouldn't want him to get be disappointed or hurt."
"I don't want to hurt him either, Hetty but it's difficult for me." She paused, thinking of why it was difficult and how to phrase it so the older woman understood. "He's a constant reminder of what I've lost and why."
"Do you not think it is the same for him? That he remembers how he came into your lives and the outcome? That he sees you and Jake and thinks of his father? However the difference is that while he may regret that his father is not here, he rejoices in the knowledge that he has blood relatives as well as his NCIS family. I only want what's best for him. He means a lot to me."
"I appreciate that you've got history and you're protective of him but I've still got to think of Jake and what's best for him."
"It's right in front of your eyes, Alex. Jake loves being with his uncle and whatever your concerns, you'll be safer with him in your lives, I can assure you. No matter what happens in the future, he'll always protect you."
"I know. I'm trying my best and we do seem to be getting along better. I was going to talk to him about coming over for a meal soon. What do you think?" asked Alex.
"I think it would be a splendid idea. What about having it at your home?" suggested Hetty.
It took Alex a second or two to realise what Hetty had meant. "Do you mean we can leave the safe house and go home?" she asked.
"Yes, in a day or two. There just a couple of issues I want to check up on but I'm satisfied there is no imminent danger and it will be safe for you to return. I will, however, keep a team watching the house round the clock for the time being and you will have a direct line to me or one of the team should you have any concerns. Mr Getz will still be at the school should either of you need him and for the time being Mr Deeks will also be stationed there as extra security. I think it is time for you and Jake to get on with your lives" said Hetty.
Unexpectedly Alex hugged Hetty and whispered "Thank you. Thank you so much for all you've done."
"Pppff!" muttered Hetty a little embarrassed but she returned the embrace. "Now shall we get the refreshments ready?"
When they went outside with the drinks and sandwiches, Hetty was surprised but pleased to see that Callen was already out of the water and had his oxygen on. "Don't worry, Hetty. I'm fine. I had a great time but felt I shouldn't overdo it."
Hetty shook her head. "Wonders will never cease" she muttered as she placed the tray of sandwiches on the table. "Come on everybody. Lunch is served."
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Alex declined Hetty's offer to stay for dinner as it was the next day was a school day for Jake. The boy was disappointed but thanked Hetty for a lovely day. He hugged Callen and waited in the car with Kensi and Deeks while his mom said goodbye to Hetty and Callen.
Wednesday dawned and Sam came to collect Callen to take him to the hospital for his appointment.
"How'd it go yesterday?"asked Sam as they drove.
"Great. I think Alex enjoyed herself. I know Jake did. He played in the pool with Kensi and Deeks and Hetty actually let me go in as well – without oxygen" said Callen.
"Wow! You were okay?" asked Sam, a little surprised.
"I was fine. I didn't stay in too long though. I was getting tired and a bit out of breath. How'd it go at the Academy? Aiden and Kam doing well?"
"Yeah, they're good thanks. They send their love and hope to get up and see when the semester's over."
"It'll be good to see them. Bet Kam's really grown up now."
"Yeah, she reminds me of Michelle." Sam paused as he thought of his dead wife.
"She'd be proud of them, and you, buddy" said Callen softly, reaching out and squeezing Sam's arm in support.
"Yeah, she would. They're great kids and doing so well in their studies. Guess what, Aiden's taller than me now!"
Callen chuckled and the pair continued to chat until they arrived at the hospital. Callen was relieved to hear that the doctor was pleased with his progress. He commented on how his stats and general well-being had improved significantly. After questioning Callen about his any symptoms, problems and his general well being, he encouraged Callen to continue to use the oxygen. On hearing that Callen had done some light training and been in the pool without the oxygen, he suggested that should the trend continue in the right direction the following week, he could try to go a day without the additional oxygen and may only have to use it in an emergency. The doctor also reduced the amount of oxygen Callen received via the nasal cannula on the understanding that should it not be enough, he increased it. On returning home, Callen told Hetty what the doctor had said and she was pleased that he was progressing so well but worried that he would ask to go to his own home soon.
True to her word, Hetty arranged for Alex and Jake to return to their home and with the help of the team, they were back by the end of the week. The following week Alex phoned Callen. "Now we're back home and you're getting better, how would you like to come over for a meal, say Friday?"
"That would be great" replied Callen. "What time?"
"I'll come and pick you up after I've collected Jake from school. He's doing full days, three times a week now."
"That's good to hear. But I don't want to give you extra work. I'm still not cleared to drive but Sam can drop me off and pick me up when we're finished."
"Okay, I'll see you Friday about 6pm then" said Alex.
At 6pm on Friday, Sam dropped Callen off outside Alex's home. "Enjoy yourself and call me when you want to be collected."
Callen raised his hand in farewell to Sam and walked up the path to the front door. He took a deep breath before he tapped on the door. Jake opened the door and threw his arms around his uncle. "Uncle Callen. You came!"
"Jake, be careful of Callen and let him in" shouted his mom from the kitchen.
"Of course I did" said Callen as Jake stepped away, grabbed him by the hand and led him indoors. "I've got this for you" handing over a present.
Ripping open the wrapping to reveal a computer game, Jake said "Cool. I've wanted this game for a while. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Alex came out of the kitchen to greet Callen and he handed her a bottle of white wine. "I didn't know what we're having but Sam says this will go with most things."
"Thanks but you didn't have to. Dinner won't be long. What can I get you to drink? asked Alex, giving Callen a tentative hug.
"Got a beer?" replied Callen.
"Yeah. Do you want a glass?"
"No, the bottle's fine." When Alex came back with his beer he said "Have you settled in okay?"
"Yeah. It's so good to be back, having everything we need at hand. How are you doing?"
"A lot better. The doctor's pleased with my progress and I'm off the oxygen although I've still got it available should I need it" replied Callen.
"You've not got it with you?" asked Alex.
"No, I didn't think I'd need it."
"Well let's hope not" said Alex. "Why don't you go and see Jake while I cook dinner?"
"Can I help?" he asked.
"No thanks, I'm fine. You spend time with Jake. I'll call when dinner's ready" assured Alex.
"Okay."
Callen found Jake in his room playing the computer game. "Do you want to join in?" asked Jake, offering a spare console, which Callen accepted.
"Tell me what I've got to do" said Callen.
They played the game and chatted until Alex called them for dinner. Packing everything away, Callen and Jake went downstairs.
"Wash up and then get up to the table. I'll dish up" said Alex. They did as they were asked and then sat down, Callen at the end of the table with Alex and Jake sitting either side of him.
The meal was lasagne, salad and crusty rolls and Callen and Alex had the wine he had brought, which was nicely chilled, and Jake had a glass of milk. Conversation was easy between the three of them as they chatted about how Jake was enjoying being back at school and what they planned to do once school finished for the summer. When they'd finished the meal, Alex cleared away the plates and asked "Don't suppose either of you have room for apple pie and ice cream?" Smiling broadly at the chorus of 'you bet' and 'yummy, my favourite', Alex disappeared into the kitchen, returning shortly with bowls of dessert. Callen didn't know if it was a co-incidence or whether Alex had remembered that apple pie and ice cream was his favourite dessert. He didn't care because he was enjoying himself, although he refused to get his hopes up. Of late Alex's mood swings were frequent and often volatile.
"Not having any?" asked Callen when she sat down without a bowl in front of her.
"No, I've eaten too much as it is" she said smiling. When they'd finished Callen and Jake helped Alex clear the table and Callen dried the dishes, while Jake watched TV. "Do you want a coffee?" asked Alex "I've made a fresh batch."
"That'll be good, thanks" replied Callen as he went to sit with Jake.
They stayed watching TV for a while before Alex said "Time to go to bed, Jake?"
"Aww, mom, can't I stay up a little longer? I want to spend more time with Uncle Callen. Please?" begged the boy.
"No, you've already stayed up later because Callen is here. Now be a good boy and go to bed" said Alex. "If you get ready for bed and clean your teeth, I'm sure Callen will come up and say goodnight to you" she added, glancing at Callen.
"Sure I will, but only if you get ready in super fast time" said Callen, playing along with his sister's plan. "I'll time you."
Jake looked disappointed at being allowed to stay up but brightened at the thought of Callen coming up to him. "Alright. Night mom" he said giving her a hug. To Callen he added "You got your watch ready?"
"Sure have. On three. One, two, three" said Callen looking at his watch as Jake sprinted off.
Callen and Alex laughed. "Thanks for playing along. He's at that age when he doesn't want to go to bed, especially at the weekend. It can be quite a battle of wits."
Their conversation was interrupted by Jake shouting "Uncle Callen, I'm ready!"
"Okay I'm on my way" said Callen. When he got to Jake's room the boy was sitting up in bed looking expectant. "Not bad. 3 minutes 20 seconds. I couldn't do it that quick. Are you sure you washed and cleaned your teeth?"
"Cross my heart and hope to ..." said Jake, but stopped before finishing to sentence.
"It's okay, Jake. It's just a saying; nothing's meant by it" said Callen reassuring him. "Are you too old for a story?"
"Yes but you could tell me a something about your job or Miss Hetty or whatever you want" said Jake eagerly.
"Okay, let's think. I can't go into too much detail about specific cases as it's confidential but I can tell you some things."
From downstairs Alex could hear Callen's voice but his words weren't distinct, only the sound of laughter from both of them was audible and it brought a smile to her face. After a while, Callen came down.
"Jake's asleep. I'd better go" said Callen reaching for his phone. "Thanks for a wonderful evening, Alex. I really enjoyed it."
Placing a hand on his arm to stop him making the call to Sam, Alex said "Don't go just yet. Have another coffee and we can talk."
Callen agreed and waited till Alex came back with two mugs of coffee. They sat down in an awkward silence until Alex finally spoke. "I must admit I was a little nervous about tonight. I wasn't sure how it would go or whether we'd have anything to talk about but I found I was enjoying myself and it was easier than I thought." Callen went to interrupt but Alex raised a hand to stop him. "I've said this before but it's difficult for me to accept what happened and not apportion blame. I know it wasn't your fault but I had to blame someone. You were an easy target I'm afraid. However I'm trying so hard though to make it right between us but you'll have to be patient with me." She paused, gathering her thoughts and Callen decided to remain silent. "It was so good to hear you and Jake laughing. It's been hard for Jake getting over the …." Alex found she couldn't say the word. "It couldn't have been easy for you either. I'm thankful Jake's made such good progress. Nate's certainly been instrumental in that but for Jake to see you has been a big factor too. What I'm trying to say is I think it's good for him to have you in his life and if it makes him happy, then I'm happy." She paused again. "Whether I can accept you back quite so readily, I don't know." A slight smile touched her lips as she added "I'm willing to give it a go but we'll have to take it slow, okay?"
"I'll do whatever you want, Alex. If it means we take it slow and restrict how often I see you as a family, that's fine. I only want what's best for you both. If you find it's not working, I'll stay away completely" said Callen.
"I don't think it'll come to that" said Alex.
"I'm willing to do it though, but you do understand, I'll always been watching over you, whatever happens" added Callen.
"Yes I do and I appreciate it" said Alex.
"You look tired and I must admit I'm flagging too. I'll phone Sam to come and pick me up. I'll wait outside for him" said Callen.
"You'll do no such thing" retorted Alex indignantly. "Yeah I'm tired but I'm not having you wait outside for your ride. What do you take me for?" she said.
They continued to sit and chat until they heard the distinctive roar of the engine of Sam's car. They both got to their feet and Callen said "Thanks once again, Alex for inviting me over. I have enjoyed myself."
"Me too" said Alex and she gave Callen a quick hug, leaving them both a little embarrassed at the sign of affection. "I'll be in touch" she added with a smile as he walked out the door and down the drive.
Callen was quiet in the car and Sam let him brood a while before asking "Well, how did it go?"
Pulled from his reverie, Callen said "It went well. I enjoyed it."
"Good." Sam paused before asking "And you and Alex? How are things between you?"
"Okay, a little strained still but I think she's coming around. She says she wants me in Jake's life."
"Whoa! That's great news, buddy."
"Yeah it is" confirmed Callen.
"But what about Alex?"
"She's trying to get over it but she's finding it hard. I'm not going to push her. If it happens, then great but if not, I'm okay with that as long as I can see Jake" said Callen.
Dropping Callen off at the front door at Dovecote, he got out. "You coming in?" Callen asked.
"Nah, you look tired G. I'll come by tomorrow" said Sam.
"Okay, thanks for the ride" said Callen and Sam drove away.
Hetty was in the lounge reading. "Hi Hetty, I'm home. I'm a big boy now so you didn't have to wait up" he said grinning. Hetty pulled a face at his remark. Callen knew she was waiting up in case he needed consoling had the evening been less than ideal. "Do you want a nightcap?" he asked.
"That would be most pleasurable" she said. "Thank you." She watched him go to the drinks cabinet and pour two tumblers of Scotch. He walked over and handed one to her and sat down next to her. Callen made no attempt to speak so Hetty was forced to ask "Well, how did it go?"
Callen smiled and Hetty saw it was one of hope and contentment. "It went well, better than expected. Alex made a lovely meal, Jake was a delight as always and Alex… well, wants me in Jake's life. She says she can see how much happier he is when I'm around."
"That's excellent news, my boy but I sense a but" said Hetty.
"She's not sure whether she can fully forgive me for Garrison being sent away but she's gonna try" he said.
"Oh well, at least it's not a definitely rejection" said Hetty.
"That's true" agreed Callen "and I can live with one out of two." They continued to chat until he decided he had to go to bed. "Goodnight Hetty."
"Goodnight Grisha."
Over the course of the following months, Alex kept her word and allowed Jake to see Callen often whether it was at Dovecote, at a local park or at their home. Sometimes Alex would join them but more often than not, she'd drop her son off and then came back for him later on. She also invited Callen over for a meal a couple of times but by the third month, he was a regular visitor for meals every weekend.
On the final monthly appointment, the doctor confirmed that he only needed to see Callen once a month for three months for a check-up rather than requiring any treatment. The third monthly appointment would mean the 6 months were up, which was when most patients were fully recovered from the affects of pneumonia. Over the course of the following months, Callen continued to get stronger and no further used the oxygen on a daily basis, but had had to use it once or twice in an emergency when he'd overdone the exercise. He had been cleared to drive so he often attended his appointments at the hospital on his own. Callen had a couple of goals: to attend the 6-month appointment and be discharged totally from the hospital's care and to get back to work as a field agent.
Callen was still living at Dovecote, although he was itching to get back to his own place. However he saw the sense in remaining with Hetty until such time as he was fully fit and back to work. She and Duke kept a close eye on him, not allowing him to do anything untoward and put his recovery in jeopardy. Duke trained with him and the pool meant he could exercise without putting too much stress on his body.
Hetty had resisted Callen's pleas to allow him to go to the office but she had finally relented and permitted him to go in a couple of days a week to catch up with the team, help out from the OPS on cases and, much to his chagrin, catch up on some paperwork. Callen started to work-out in the gym at work and trained with Sam, Kensi and Deeks whenever case load allowed with a view to take his physical to get back into the field when Hetty finally allowed him back to work full time.
It was after such a day when Callen came home and found Arkady's car in the drive. It was not unusual for Arkady to drop in unannounced but as he had only been there a few days previously, Callen was a little surprised. As he entered the house, he could hear the Russian's distinctive accent, Hetty's voice and another male voice which wasn't Duke's but it was one that was familiar to Callen.
As Callen entered the lounge, three faces turned toward him and Callen was stunned to see Garrison, gaunt and frail, sitting there. Garrison slowly and unsteadily got to his feet and staggered. Callen rushed forward and held him steady, least he fall. Garrison hugged his son until Callen released him and held him at arms' length. Callen saw tears in his father's eyes. "How…? When…?" Callen stammered.
In a shaky voice, Garrison said "Grisha, it is so good to see you."
"Sit down" said Callen, helping Garrison regain his seat and then sat down next to him. "Will someone please tell me what this is all about?"
Hetty spoke. "As you know, Arkady's men located your father and broke him out of captivity. You are also aware that he has been in hiding ever since. As you can imagine, he had not been treated well by Volkoff. Whilst in hiding, it had been difficult to recuperate properly. When Volkoff was killed by his own people, Arkady made plans to get your father relocated somewhere safe where he could be given the medical care he desperately needed so that he could regain his health and strength and be fit enough to travel to America. As you also know, Director Vance and I have been working with officials both here and in Russia to repatriate your father. What you don't know is that the Russian authorities are distancing themselves. They are somewhat embarrassed politically by Volkoff's actions and have not stood in the way of Garrison's departure. In fact they have welcomed it, by all accounts."
"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Callen, a little annoyed to be kept in the dark.
"My boy, I didn't want to raise your hopes until it was certain. Then it happened so quickly that your father was here before I had a chance" Hetty explained.
"Don't blame Henrietta, Callen. You need blame anyone, blame me" interrupted Arkady.
"I don't blame anyone" said Callen softly. "It would've been nice to be in the loop."
"I have just heard today from Director Vance" continued Hetty "that your father will be allowed to stay. He'll be given a green card and may be allowed to apply for citizenship. Now, Arkady and I will leave you alone to get reacquainted." Hetty rose and grabbed a reluctant Arkady by the arm to get him to his feet. "Your father is weary from travel so don't overdo it. When you're ready, we will all eat and I've prepared a room for him. He can stay as long as he likes."
Callen rose and went to Hetty and hugged her, whispering in her ear "Thank you. I don't how to replay you."
"You don't have to, my boy" she whispered back.
Releasing her, Callen turned his attention to Arkady. He held out his hand and the big man, took it and Callen pulled him into a shoulder hug. "Spasibo. YA v dolgu pered toboy."
"Ne obyazatel'no. My sem'ya." Callen looked at the big Russian and nodded his understanding.
Hetty smiled at the emotional reunion between father and son and, fighting back to the tears of joy, turned to leave the room, dragging Arkady with her. After a while, Callen supporting Garrison by the arm came into the kitchen to find them and they had a meal.
The next few days were spent allowing father and son to catch up on what had happened in their lives and for Garrison to recuperate from his travels. At the weekend, when Garrison confirmed he was strong enough, Callen drove him to Alex's house.
As Garrison was still a little frail after the torture he'd endured which left him with underlying health issue, he used Callen's arm as support. Walking slowly up the path, Callen knocked on the door.
.
"I'll get it mom" they heard Jake shout from inside the house.
The door opened and Jake leapt into Callen's arms. "Uncle Callen! I didn't know you were coming over today. Mom, Uncle Callen's here."
"Be right there, Callen" came Alex's voice.
"I wanted to surprise you" said Callen to Jake as he stepped aside to show Garrison standing behind him.
"Grandpa? Is it really you?" he said crying as he threw himself into Garrison's arms. Callen quickly stepped in to support his father from toppling over under the weight of his grandson's embrace.
"Yes, it is really me" Garrison said. "It is good to see you Jake after all this time. You've grown" he said through his tears.
Alex walked towards the front door and froze when she saw Jake, now on the ground, holding hands with Garrison, dragging him into the house with Callen bringing up the rear. Shocked at the sight that beheld her, Alex stood routed to the spot, her hands over her open mouth as tears began to well in her eyes.
"Do you not have a hug for your old father" said Garrison, his voice quaking with emotion.
Slowly shaking her head in disbelief, Alex stepped forward and hugged her father, burying her head into his shoulder as the tears finally fell. Callen stood with his arm around Jake's shoulders as he watched the emotional reunion of father and daughter and he felt his own eyes prick with the heat of unshed tears.
When the tears finally stopped but her eyes still bright from crying, Alex raised her head and, over Garrison's shoulder, mouthed to Callen "Thank you."
Callen smiled and said "You're welcome. I told you I wouldn't rest until I got him back. The best news of all is that the Director and Hetty have fixed it so he won't be sent away again."
Releasing her embrace on Garrison, Alex stepped over to Callen and hugged him fiercely. "I should never have doubted you. I'm so sorry for everything. Can you ever forgive me?" she asked.
"I don't know..." he began and he felt her stiffen. "Bu I might be able to if you invite us for dinner and make that wonderful lasagne" said Callen with a grin, releasing the embrace and holding her at arms' length.
Alex visibly relaxed and smiled. "I think that can be arranged."
"Good" replied Callen. "While you're cooking, I'll tell you all about how we managed to get Garrison back."
The end
A/N: Well, here we are at the finish. As you can see (spoiler alert) that it's a different outcome to that of the show. I hope no-one is too disappointed with the ending or feels that I've rushed it. There comes a time when all minutiae of every moment of his waking day, is no longer appropriate and it has to be wound up in a few sentences or paragraphs.
Notes on translation: I wanted to say: "Thanks, I owe you big time" but "Spasibo. YA v dolgu pered tobo". translates as "Thank. I owe you a debt"
"Ne obyazatel'no. My sem'y" translates as: Not necessary. We're family.
Translations by Google translate.