Hetty's Bear Cubs
Hetty smiled gently from behind her tumbler of scotch, observing them from her office. Her four field agents, plus the two meerkats from Ops were gathered in the bullpen, chatting and teasing each other after a long day on the job.
Kensi was leaning back in her chair, feet propped up on her desk, dirty combat boots somehow finding a clear place to rest amidst the clutter. Deeks was beside her in Callen's chair, mirroring her position, hi-tops perched on Callen's desk as he twirled a pen between his fingers.
Nell was perched on the corner of Callen's desk, messenger bag clutched to her chest, toes dangling inches from the floor. She was laughing at something Sam had said, her voice clear and mirthful. Eric stood beside her, backpack slung over one shoulder, grinning down at Nell with love-filled eyes.
Callen had taken up residence in Deeks' seat beside Sam, one foot propped up on his other knee. He was was speaking now, Hetty couldn't quite make out what. Sam sat beside Callen, fingers absently folding origami as he smirked ruefully at Callen's remark.
Granger, heading home for the night, poked his head in the bullpen to say goodnight to the team. He was bombarded with an assortment of voices returned his farewell in various tones. Hetty smiled again as she watched Granger disappear down the tunnel, thinking about her family a little harder, her little brood of baby bears.
First, big brother G Callen. The team's leader, and lone wolf. He'd known Hetty the longest, and the two had a close, yet odd, sometimes uncomfortable relationship. He would forever be in her debt for the rescue from his younger life. Slowly but surely, Callen was becoming part of the pack that was beginning to feel like his home. Big, fierce, protective, watching out for his little siblings like a hawk. Callen couldn't bear to see any of them hurt, and would readily take a bullet if it meant saving the others.
Big brother Sam Hanna, just a little younger than G, came next. He was fiercely protective of his little siblings. He was always there with a big helping hand and a gentle word, even if he masked his kindness by irritated gruffness. Loyal, big, strong, Sam was always there for the team, a strong, steady beacon for the little ones to cling to when times got rough. Sam was always there for his family, no matter how far away he was, no matter what the circumstances.
Little brother Marty Deeks, the newest cub in the bunch. It had taken the team some time to warm up to him, but now he was a vital member of the team. Deeks had won everyone over with his happy-go-lucky spirit and goofy sense of humor. Beneath his silly exterior, Deeks had a fierce need to do what was right, and his loyal nature was like no other. Even though he tried to hide it, a bit of separation anxiety for his team, especially his partner, peeked through, masked by witty comments and smart remarks.
Little brother bear Eric Beale fell next in line, just as essential as the rest of them. Though they wouldn't admit it, the team loved his geeky sense of humor and awkward remarks. Skilled in all things tech, No one could keep Ops running smoother. Though not very athletically inclined, Eric was fiercely protective of his partner Nell, and would do anything to keep her safe. Eric longed to be like the others, the ones in the field, fierce, strong, fearless. Someday he'd get there.
One of two baby bears, little sister Kensi Blye was next in the line up. Anyone who underestimated the cub would be in danger. Kensi could take down men twice her size, double her weight, and come out with nary a scratch. Stubborn, headstrong, and fiery, she let nothing slow her down. But Kensi also knew how to be goofy and light-hearted, always bringing a smile to her team's faces. She loved them with all her heart.
Last, but certainly not least came the second baby bear, littlest sister Nell Jones. The littlest both by stature and age, Nell didn't let that stop her. Tiny but fierce, the little analyst wanted nothing more than to be like her older siblings, an agent out in the field. Nell was intelligent, caring, kind. She was always there for any of the team that needed her, waiting with a gentle hand or kind word. A master tech whiz, she kept Ops running just as smoothly alongside her partner Eric. Resourceful in the field, savoring every moment that she could learn something new.
Hetty sat back and reflected on herself after a moment. She saw herself as Mama Bear, the one that would keep them all safe. She knew that wasn't always possible considering their line of work, but she tried her best. She cared deeply for her cubs, and could not bear to lose a single one. She only wished she could be around to keep them safe forever.
She reached for her decanter of scotch, adding a little more of the liquid to her glass. She watched her baby bears leave the bullpen, headed home. She didn't miss the way Nell slipped her small hand into Erics, or how he looked down at her with a grin, the tips of his ears bright red.
She didn't miss how Sam tugged Callen close to him with an arm around his shoulder, tousling his hair gently, or how Callen leaned into the loving touch. She saw when Kensi bumped Deeks' hip with hers, and when Deeks caught her about the waist, tugging her into his side.
Hetty leaned back in her chair, hands cupping her tumbler thoughtfully as she watched her cubs go. A good bunch they were, a good bunch indeed.