Chapter 6 – Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Friday Evening, Callen-Mitchell Home

"Thank you so much," Michelle said as she and Rachel greeted Katie.

"No problem," Katie replied as she closed the door.

With Callen and Sam at a basketball game and Rachel's evening plans at a friend's house cancelled, Michelle had asked Katie if she could drop Rachel off for a few hours while she taught a women's self-defense class.

"I will be back by ten. If she's tired, just let her sleep on the couch."

"I'm not a baby mom. I can stay up until ten o'clock," the almost eight-year-old girl said with vitality.

"You're right. I'm sorry." Michelle glanced at Katie who knew Michelle often went by the parenting philosophy of "Mother Knows Best."

With a quick kiss and hug to her daughter, Michelle left and after Katie saw the lights of the car disappear, she turned to Rachel who was already sitting on the couch.

"My mom still thinks I'm a baby." Katie watched at the spirited girl rolled her eyes. "I told her I don't need a babysitter."

"How about we call it 'Child Watching'? Katie asked as she joined Rachel on the couch.

Rachel's eyes widened, "I like that. I will babysit for you and Uncle G after you get married and have a baby. That would be real babysitting. My dad said Uncle G can be a slow poke. That's good 'cause my mom said I can't babysit until I'm thirteen."

"That's very nice of you Rachel." Katie was taken aback by the clarity as which the young child was speaking. She had been privy to it before but this time it was even more pronounced. And it took everything in her power not to laugh at the slow-poke Uncle G comment.

"And I will do it for free. My dad said it's not polite to ask family for money." Rachel glanced around the living room looking for something that was kid friendly to do. There wasn't anything.

"That is very generous of you. I'm sure when the time comes the baby will love having you babysit them." She knew she was a part of the 'family' but to hear it from someone other than Callen, reminded Katie how fortunate her and Callen were to have such loving people in their lives.

"What should we do Aunt Katie?"

Katie glanced at Rachel's backpack.

"Is there something in your backpack that we could do together?"

Rachel glanced downward at the item knowing its contents.

"It's just some geography homework. I'm not very good at remembering the names of places."

"I think I may remember a thing of two from when I learned about", she picked up the book Rachel had removed from her backpack, "Deserts". Would you me like to help you?"

Rachel was hoping her and Katie would do something fun but if she got her homework done she wouldn't have to worry about it on the weekend. "Okay."

Katie turned the dreaded twenty-minute assignment into an hour-long session of fun learning but there were still two hours left before Michelle would return. Katie asked the young girl if she wanted to play a board game and Rachel nodded enthusiastically. As they looked through the games in the guest room closet, Rachel chatted about happenings at school and her new-found interest, gymnastics. The time passed quickly as games were played, hot chocolate was sipped and Katie learned several new "Knock Knock" jokes.

An hour after Michelle had picked up Rachel, Katie was watching a movie as she waited for Callen to come home. At 11:25 her phone altered her of a text that would have Callen home in ten minutes.

Knowing she was awake, he called out as he entered the house. "Hi honey, I'm home.

"You know I hate being called honey," Katie answered from her laying down position on the couch.

"Are you going to punish me?" He quipped as he removed his boots and sat down beside her curled up legs.

"Only in your dreams."

A smile, that told her she was always in his dreams, formed. "I hear you had a guest earlier."

Katie sat up and nodded.

"That was really nice of you to watch her."

"That's what family does, right?"

"Yeah, that's what family does." He couldn't help but smile at her messed hair and small piece of chocolate on the corner of her mouth. He reached his hand over and brushed his thumb over the missed piece of food.

"She's a great kid," Katie announced after thanking him for the gesture. "Good game?"

"Court-side seats made it a great game. Katie wasn't a basketball or football fan but she did enjoy watching hockey and at some point, her and Callen planned to take in a Kings game.

"Vita texted earlier. She wants to know if we want to go out for dinner tomorrow night. And bowling or glow in dark mini golf."

Not being a fan of bowling or mini golf, he picked the one he liked better of the two options. "Mini golf".

"I know it's not your thing but thank you."

He gave her a warm smile and kissed her gently on the lips. "I couldn't pick bowling because last time all you did was ogle my ass."

"Then you shouldn't wear such form fitting jeans."

"I could wear nothing and you would still ogle me."

"Now you're talking. Naked bowling. You're such a kinky man."

Laughter ensued. "That was a long day," Callen said.

"Sure was. How about a do-nothing day tomorrow before we go out for dinner?" she stated before sitting up and folding the blanket.

"Sounds good to me," he replied. Then he cocked his head and raised his eyebrows. "But only if making love to the most beautiful woman in the world is considered doing nothing".

"Flattery like that will get you laid."

"I'm counting on it," he replied as he stood up then leaned down to give her a quick kiss before taking a shower and getting ready for bed.

Katie called Vita and the plans were made to go for dinner at 6pm Saturday with Kevin and Vita then to a nearby Indoor Mini Golf place. Katie then joined Callen in bed. They cuddled for a few minutes before Katie fell asleep. Callen gently pulled his arm out from under her head before rolling to his side and joining her in sound slumber.

It was a rarity that Callen slept longer than Katie but that Saturday morning was one of them. She watched him sleep for a few moments, the rise and fall of his chest pushing the blankets up ever so slightly. Quietly she made her way to the kitchen where she boiled water for tea and prepped the eggs and bacon for breakfast. Twenty minutes later Callen joined her and they enjoyed a leisurely meal.

"I don't have anywhere to go today, do you?" he asked as he looked out the window at the steady fall of the rain and wanted to verify she was still game for a 'do nothing day'.

"No. I got groceries after work yesterday."

"Good," he replied with a sassy grin.

"Not sure what we can do until six o'clock. Any suggestions?" Katie asked as she started to clear the table knowing darn well what would be taking place.

"Let's clean up and then take a hot bath."

"Okay, this tub was worth every dollar and extra day it took to get installed," Katie said as she sat between Callen's legs, encased by bubbles in their new large, oval bathtub.

A bath sponge slid across her back and then down an arm sending an euphoric sensation throughout her body as the hot water literally dissipated any tension in their bodies.

"You keep that up and I will be taking a nap," Katie said as she turned her head to meet his eyes.

"You can have a nap after I'm finished."

Callen continued to make a trail over her body with the sponge, the slickness of her water covered skin building his arousal. Just as the water started to feel cool, Callen motioned for them to get out and with a few steps to the left he reached for the shower handle and turned it on.

When the renovations were discussed the couple opted for a small addition off the master bedroom to house their new bathroom. The ensuite was something out of a magazine-literally. Callen wasn't sure at first when they were given the quote but after Katie took him aside and briefly explained the benefits of such an elaborate design in their home: shower sex would no longer be awkward; Callen gave the go ahead. And of course, it would be a great selling feature if they ever decided to sell their home.

Dual shower heads and a place to sit had Callen more than convinced they made the right decision.

"Front or back?" she asked as her hand slid between his legs.

Both were equally inviting. Gripping her hips tightly as she placed her hands on the edge of the seat, legs spread, head tilted, her sensuous ass and encouraging eyes on display for his pleasure.

Or his grabbing her hips and pulling her body to the edge of the seat, legs spread, his body between them, their eyes meeting as he penetrated her. The sweet sound she made as he slowly withdrew. The breath she held until he slid back in.

"On my lap," he directed after he sat down.

She moved toward him and he motioned for her to turn around.

"Oh yeah," she said quietly as his strong arms wrapped around her waist and moments later Katie's hips were slowly moving up and down, feeling the length of him fill her as she dropped to his thighs. Never a worry that he would loosen his grip, she picked up her pace, his hips tilting up to enhance the pleasure until Callen ended that portion of the day's sexual escapades.

Barely dry and still naked, Callen scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. The rain was falling harder and intermittent bangs of thunder startled Katie.

"You know I hate thunder," she said nervously as he stopped midway down the hallway.

"I still don't understand that. It's clouds banging together. It can get pretty crowded up there though during a storm." His attempt at humour wasn't well received by his lover.

"Put me down Mr. Callen."

He shuddered at her calling him that.

"I asked you not …" Oh. My. God.

"I told you," she moved his cock to the side of her mouth so the next words were as clear as possible, "Don't be sassy."

All intelligible thoughts were removed from his mind as her firm maneuvers brought him to the edge of ecstasy. But just to the edge. Then she stopped.

"Relax. It's not that bad, is it?" Her sassiness didn't go unrecognized by him.

Their playful bantering helped balance out the seriousness of their work lives. And when it happened during sex, it was an aphrodisiac for him. And she knew it. He again scooped Katie up into his arms and made haste to their bedroom where he wasn't sassy.

Later That Night, Callen-Mitchell Home

"That was a great night - even the mini golf was fun," Callen said as he and Katie readied themselves for bed.

"Yes it was. And what great news that Kevin and Vita are getting married."

Callen nodded and hoped Katie would leave that topic alone.

"They're our friends. Are you not happy for them?" Katie asked as she fluffed her pillow.

"Of course I'm happy for them. It's just that …" He gave his pillow an extra good fluffing. "You know…"

"No I don't know."

He turned to face her. "People will start asking us when we're getting married."

Katie understood exactly what he was talking about but still had to assert some logic into her response. "We don't have any mutual friends with Kevin and Vita, so I'm not sure what people you are referring to. Callen, we will get married when we are ready."

"Are you ready?" Her lack of a response was unsettling to him. "I will take your hesitation as a no." He turned towards the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

Katie had to do or say something to reassure him that she was committed to him forever and always but not actually come out and say that her answer would be yes if, make that when, he proposed to her.

Callen took longer than usual to brush his teeth as he contemplated what had just happened. He could very easily walk out to the bedroom and ask Katie to marry him as it was just a question that needed a yes or no answer. That had been his way of thinking for so many years. Then he met Kathryn Mitchell and so many things changed, including that train of thought. He wanted the moment to be romantic but not predictable.

If he was keeping in the practical way of thinking, he knew Katie wouldn't want an elaborate proposal. Sweet and practical. Just like her. He also had an idea of what type of ring he wanted to get her. If he spent an absurd amount on it, Katie would not be impressed. Practical but elegant. Again, just like her. As for when and where, that was still to be determined. When he first realized that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, he envisioned exactly how and where he would propose. He still wanted to do that but the timing to go to the place in question wasn't working out for him. And then as he rinsed and gargled, another epiphany came to him. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. "It took you a while, but you figured it out." He was yet again very proud of himself for solving another dilemma.

Katie used the other bathroom and then waited in bed for Callen to join her.

"I'm sorry for…" he started to say but was cut off when she interrupted him.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for." They were snuggled under the covers facing each other. "I love you and know I will be sharing the rest of my life with you."

No further words were needed and he could now start shopping for her ring given that the where he would propose was now attainable.

"So what did you think about that story Vita told?" Katie asked after they had engaged in a lingering kiss.

"About the swinging couple inviting them to a party?"

'Yeah, that was really weird."

"This is LA. Nothing that happens here is weird."

"So you wouldn't think it even a little weird if a couple propositioned us?"

"Wouldn't happen," Callen responded with the highest of confidence.

"And why is that?"

"I would recognize their intent. I'm highly skilled in reading body language and subliminal messages."

"Well that's good to know. You know, just in case anyone ever tried to ask us." Katie's skepticism irked Callen.

"You don't think I'm capable of figuring out that someone wants to fuck my girlfriend while I screw their wife or girlfriend?"

Katie's mouth may have dropped to the bed if that was at all possible. "No need to be crude. Vita and Kevin and very intelligent people and they didn't see it."

"It wouldn't happen with us. Unless you would want it to happen?" His eyes were locked on hers waiting for a reply.

"Now you're just being …"

"Silly? Stupid?"

"I wasn't going to say that."

"How about uptight? That would go well with my restlessness."

"An ass. You are being an ass."

"Whatever. I'm going to sleep." He turned over, pulled the covers over his shoulders and closed his eyes.

Callen could feel her eyes on him and knew she wanted to talk but he was tired. Physically and emotionally. He was lashing out at Katie when it was his own lack of control with his emotions that were the underlying issue. He had to find a way to deal with them and since his 'therapy sessions' with Katie weren't as effective they needed to be for him to learn how to cope with them, he silently surrendered on seeing someone who wasn't sleeping in his bed. Every step he took forward with his life was countered with two steps backward. And if he continued at that pace long term, everything he had with Katie might come to an end.

Callen had only been asleep for a few hours when he was awakened by an intense dream. After taking a moment to realize it was only a dream, he glanced beside him and saw that Katie wasn't in bed.

"This is different," he said as he made his way to the in the living room where Katie was sitting with her phone in her hand.

"Guess your night waking habit is rubbing off on me."

He gestured to the spot beside her and she nodded.

"Katie, I'm ..."

"Please don't say you're sorry." Her tone was harsh despite the quietness of her voice.

"I won't."

"Good."

"There's a reason why I have been hesitant about seeing some one to talk about my issues. Well, one of the main reasons."

She heard the sincerity in his words and braced herself for what was to come.

"I'm afraid that I'll say something that would have me suspended (again) from field work. There is a line that is drawn for Agents that we know not to cross. I've had one foot over that line many times. One unconscious admission about what I'm thinking and feeling, I could have both feet over it."

Katie allowed her frustrations to leave her body and focus on what Callen was saying.

"It's not fair to you Katie to have to deal with my issues all the time when you are seeing someone to deal with your own."

He took her hand in his. "It won't be easy but the tension between us caused by my lack of control with what I say, will eventually take a toll on our relationship. I want you to be happy, not frustrated."

"I appreciate your honesty Callen. Therapy isn't easy but with effort and commitment, it does help."

"I'll ask Hetty on Monday if there is someone other than Nate that I can see."

"I'm relived you are going to do this," Katie said as she squeezed his hand.

"I'm going to try but I don't think I will be as successful as you have been," he replied.

"Going to therapy isn't a competition. Everyone is different in how they utilize therapy sessions. I've counseled parents of the kids I see and some of them never change. Others make major changes in short periods of time."

"It may take a while to see changes. I tend to be a bit stubborn and I have a lot of things to talk about," he admitted.

"Yes, you can be stubborn, but again, I don't feel you give yourself enough praise for when you aren't."

He knew she was right and that would be one of the many things he would talk about with the therapist.

"What has helped me is making a list of things I want to talk about at each session so we don't get off track. "

"I'll do that. Thanks." He removed his hand from hers. "We don't talk about how you are doing," he said. "For that, I am sorry and I will change that with or without therapy."

"You know I would tell you if there is something to tell."

"But I'm not always here at the time you may want to tell me."

"True, but when you are here, like now, I could tell you." He waited to see what she would say. "There really isn't anything specific to tell. It's an ongoing process. I'm pretty much accepting of what you do for a living and your capabilities. They are a part of you and my love for you doesn't have conditions. Yes, I get frustrated at times when you're not home at night but a lot of people work late. I embrace the time we are together." She paused a moment. "You know what's most difficult about therapy for me?"

"What?"

"Being a Social Worker and trained to deal with other people's issues but I was unable to handle my own."

"You are an amazing person Katie Mitchell. I know, I need to expand my vocabulary, but that word if perfect for you. And it's always easier to see things in other people than in ourselves." Katie knew that but it didn't mean she still didn't wonder why she couldn't self talk her way through her issues.

"And so are you Callen. You just need a reminder sometimes."

He leaned over and softly kissed her lips then leaned back and closed his eyes before asking about the other reason she was in therapy.

"That one is more challenging," she said as she too leaned back. "It's one thing to come to terms with almost dying from an etopic pregnancy but the fear is still there when I think about getting pregnant."

"I won't pretend to know how that must feel," he said as his eyes met hers.

"Only a woman who has been there can relate." Katie moved closer to him, "But you've been my biggest support in dealing with this."

"Not sure how since we've only talked about it a few times."

"We don't have to talk about it. I know that you will support whatever decision I make when it's time to start a family. And after it happened, despite your own injuries, you were there for me. Physically and emotionally. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you. Sometimes a person just needs a hug, a smile or some time alone. You did it all."

Callen didn't say anything as his thoughts drifted. He was a protector of others first. His bruised ribs and blurry vision were insignificant (in his mind) compared to what Katie had been going through. At the time, he did what he had to do but at what cost to his mental health? His ribs healed and is eye was back to normal but the thoughts of almost dying (being burned alive!) hadn't healed. It was just another item he placed in the box in the back of his mind. That box was almost full. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. It was time to start emptying it.

He opened his eyes and pulled Katie into a hug before they turned off the light and went back to sleep in their bed.

"We can talk more tomorrow but I still want to know why you were being an ass earlier," Katie said as she rolled to her side and put an arm around him.

"Tomorrow," he replied.

Sunday

"Uncle G! Aunt Katie! I'm so happy you came!" Rachel was very proud of herself for mastering her gymnastics routine and had asked her dad if she could ask Callen and Katie to come watch her perform it. After she gave quick hugs to her guests, she ran back to join her class.

Sam and Michelle guided Callen and Katie to empty chairs at the other side of the gym in front of where Rachel would be dong her floor routine. The adults engaged in small talk until the 'announcer' stood up and introduced the performers. Floor routines were last so thirty minutes of balance beam, box horse and rings routines were watched. After the first routine was completed, Rachel stood and walked to the corner of the mat. The confidence she exuded was clearly inherited from her parents.

Callen took a moment to think about what his child, or children, would inherit from him. The obvious could be blue eyes or blond hair that may or may not darken with age. Although he didn't dislike his nose, he didn't hate but would prefer his daughter, if they had one, to inherit Katie's less prominent facial feature. He hoped their offspring would have the same love for children as their parents. And the compassion to help those in need. And if they chose to adopt, he knew there wasn't anything he could do about physical appearances but hoped they would still be enable to instill other favourable characteristics in their child, or children.

Rachel's name being announced took Callen from his thoughts to watching his special girl do her flips and rolls. For a seven year, old in her first year of gymnastics, her agility and maneuverability were impressive. Although she needed some spotting assistance for her back walk over, Rachel was very proud of her performance. Everyone in the class received a blue ribbon for participation and there was a ribbon given out to most improved participant. Rachel thought she may have a chance at it but it went to her friend Katrina who managed to pull off a cluster of impressive cartwheels on the (low) balance beam. The team congratulated Katrina before people started to leave and a pre-planned lunch at Rachel's restaurant of choice, was enjoyed by the Hanna's, Callen and Katie.

"They are great people," Katie said as they waved back at Rachel before getting into Callen's car.

"Yes they are," Callen said as she opened the door for Katie.

"After Michelle died I didn't think I would ever have someone I could be that close with again. And it's kind of weird that I found someone named Michelle."

"I've thought that about the name part as well," he said with a big smile.

As Callen fastened his seat belt, he glanced over at Katie who watching Rachel climb in the back seat of Michelle's SUV. He hesitated a moment before he spoke. "Do you want to go to that place today instead of Wednesday?"

Katie was caught off guard at his comment. "Sure, but I was going to say we could forget about it." She did like to challenge him, as he did her, but sometimes being respectful needed to come before a challenge.

He told her of his experience years ago at the seedy establishment and then went a little deeper with his feelings on going there and why he was an ass the night before.

"I admire your liberalness on sex, but for me, I don't like the idea of other people joining us during sex. I'm also not liking the idea of going to a sex shop with you, where other people will know what we like, or dislike, in the bedroom."

Katie listened and was going to respect his wish not to go if it came to that but first she needed to express her thoughts.

"I never said I liked the idea of other people having sex with us. You drew that conclusion on your own."

She was right. Her brief hesitation had him thinking her answer was yes.

"What kind of place do you think I would go to? It's unfortunate you had a bad experience but that's not this place. Do you think a woman with a 'strap on' will be working? Or there will be dildo's hanging from the ceiling?" Katie waited as Callen struggled with a reply, shocked at the images she put in his mind.

"No, of course not ... I just ... Well, you know?"

"It's also a lingerie shop. Do you like lingerie?"

"Only when you're wearing it." That excitement part he had experienced when Katie first suggested going there, returned.

She was adamant on defending her choice but keeping an open mind that going to sex shops isn't for everyone.

"I doubt we will ever see anyone in the store again, so worrying about what they may think isn't logical."

Callen took a moment to contemplate his position on the subject. He was allowing his past to affect his judgement, something that he was committed to changing.

"We'll go but on one condition."

Katie waited in anticipation for the condition.

"I'm not wearing a cock ring."

She would accept that. "Fair enough."

Before he turned the car on he felt one more thing needed to be addressed. "Do you think about … multiple partners?"

"Yes, I do."

His eyes widened in surprise.

"But that's all it is. Thoughts. Fantasizing is easy. Doing it – don't think I could. A person must be prepared to deal with the emotional after effects. And to be honest, unless you really know the people well, there's no certainty they won't give you something physical to deal with. "Do you think about other people in bed with us?"

"Yes but like you I don't think I could ever go through with it even if it was just one time. I'm toting around enough emotional baggage as it is."

They were both calmed by the admittances that they would be the only two people having sex in their bed (or any other place they chose). It also supported what they already knew about their relationship: even if they weren't comfortable with a topic they could still talk about it, which wasn't the case in all relationships. It also allowed Callen and Katie an opportunity to share their thoughts/fantasies next time they were intimate. Callen asked Katie to look up the directions as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"It looks like a regular store," Callen announced as he pulled the Jag into a spot not directly in front of Amor Lingerie & Sex Shop.

"How can you tell? We're like two hundred feet away."

"I'm getting far sighted, not near sighted. I can see it just fine from here."

Katie giggled at Callen's reluctance and decided he could use some more humour, "For the record, I won't be wearing a cock ring either."

Her door had closed before he could say anything.

"Katie wait," he said as he caught up with her. "Where did you buy your current toy?"

"On line."

"So why couldn't we do some on line shopping?"

"Have you ever tried to order lingerie on line?"

His perplexed face made her smile. "No."

"Neither have I."

He squeezed his eyes shut and prayed for all this to be a dream.

"Good Afternoon. Welcome to Amor. My name is Cindy and if you need any assistance let me know.

"Thank you," Katie replied but refrained from giving hers and Callen's name. "I'd like to look at your lingerie."

"We have a fine selection that you and your …? The saleswoman glanced over at Callen who had conveniently (for him) separated from Katie.

"Boyfriend," Katie added then whispered. "He's a bit uncomfortable."

Cindy smiled knowingly and led the way to the lingerie section as Callen followed several steps behind.

"The dressing rooms are over there."

"Thank you," Katie said as she waited for Callen to join her. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm better now that we're in the clothing section."

Katie knew exactly what she wanted and after reading the overhead signs and found the style she was looking for, she started the search for her size. With items in hand she walked over to the dressing room. Callen had just stood to the side and let Katie do her thing but as she walked towards the dressing room, he followed.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked as she pivoted on her heels to face him.

"To watch the Fashion Show."

"No. You see them now and it will take away the surprise."

He gave a sad, pouting look that Katie didn't fully fall for.

"Fine. You can see one but only on the condition that you loosen up a bit."

He glanced down at the various colours of see through items in her hand. Some vivid images of her in them passed through his mind and willingly he agreed to loosen up. The first three she tried on he didn't see but fourth one had him wondering why he had been so 'uptight'.

A low, throaty groan vibrated through his chest as Katie modeled the navy-blue baby doll set. The plunging neckline gave him a glimpse of the flesh his mouth and hands were desiring. But it was the fly-away back that had him wishing they hadn't been in a public place the first time he had seen her in it. The firm curves of her bottom were clearly defined by the matching laced panty. He so desperately wanted to follow her back into the dressing room, close the door and ….

"Callen? What you do think? I really like it."

His lack of an answer wasn't as surprising as his movement towards her, his body literally pushing her back into the dressing room.

"What are you doing?"

"Showing you how much I like your outfit."

Before she could contemplate what he might do, his back was flush against the now locked door with Katie facing him, their bodies not touching.

"We can't have sex in here," she whispered.

"No sex. Just appreciating your choice in lingerie." And with that his right hand moved to her left shoulder where it lingered a moment before slowly trailing down her arm. He was barely touching her and yet the convolution of sensations throughout her body were intense.

"Callen … we shouldn't ….

"Shouldn't what?" he asked as his fingers met the top of her hand.

Before she could reply, his mouth was covering her middle finger with nips and sucks. As his tongue swirled around the digit Katie watched with her own appreciation as he moved on to the next finger. She had never thought of her fingers as an erogenous zone but Callen changed that with his unwavering attentiveness – and skills.

Her cheeks flushed, Katie watched as he placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand, turn around, unlock the door and exited the dressing room. Before the door closed she heard his request, "Get two of the one you are wearing."

She heard the large door click and was left alone questioning his words. It took her a few moments but then it connected: one of them might get torn. With that thought lurking in her mind, she got dressed, picked up the items she was going to buy and left the dressing room. And before she met up with Callen she took another navy-blue baby doll set off the shelf.

There were small metal carts that could be used to put their items in but Callen adamantly refused to be seen in a sex shop with a cart full of items. He reached out and took the lingerie draped over her arm and led the way down the first aisle. He had loosened up in the lingerie section but some of the awkwardness returned as Katie led the way up and down the aisles, looking but not touching. It wasn't until his mood changed yet again, as they reached the end of the third aisle and she picked up a box. The name caught his attention.

Diving Dolphin

He leaned into her, "Is this for when I'm not home?"

And there was the underlying issue for him not wanting to go to a sex shop. His guilt about not always being home. And leaving Katie to tend to her own needs.

"Yes, but I also thought it would be fun to use together."

They had experienced some magnificent sex using her vibrator. He glanced down at the box in her hand. He had seen some crazy shit in his life but a silicone/rubber dolphin to give a woman (or good Lord, a man) an orgasm, stretched his thinking. Callen glanced backed up at Katie's face. She wasn't trying to torture him. He was doing that all on his own. If Katie was accepting of his downfalls, then he would work on being accepting of them as well. He would start a list of topics to share with his therapist when they got home, pending he didn't have anything else to do 'cause that would take up quite a bit of his time.

"I would also like to get some lubricants," she said as Callen took the box from her.

Now that was something he understood buying. As they walked down the aisle, another dolphin came into his peripheral vision. After taking a few more steps he stopped and turned back to look at the box that had caught his attention.

Diving Dolphin Love Ring

He immediately knew that was for a man. Or again, good Lord, for a woman with a strap-on.

"Come on," Katie called as she noticed he was no longer beside her.

He didn't answer as he took the box from the shelf and walked towards her, his hands and arm carrying their purchases.

"What is that?" she asked.

"Flipper's friend."

She couldn't help but laugh at the reference and the smirk on his face showed her that he was loosening up in his own, unique way. She wanted to know what had changed his mind but decided that she would leave the questioning alone and just enjoy the fact he was somewhat happily participating in her procurement of items.

Callen saw she had gotten the few items she wanted and although much more relaxed than when he entered the store, he was relieved they were leaving. And anxious to try out all their new purchases.

The drive home was quiet until the Jaguar took a detour that had them not going in the direction of their home.

"What are we doing at the Marina?" Katie asked as Callen pulled up in front of a boat shed.

"Showing you where I work."

Her eyes widened as his face remained expressionless. As they entered the boat shed, Katie took in her surroundings, pleasantly surprised at the tastefulness of the décor.

"So this is where you bring suspects?" she asked looking at the kitchenette and comfortable looking sofa. It didn't look intimidating based on what she had seen in movies and on television.

"They don't see this part," he answered.

"So what do they see?" she asked hesitantly.

He took her hand and showed her the door in which they enter with suspects and the hall they take to the interrogation room.

"This is more like it," Katie announced as she stood near the trapped door on the floor. "I hear waves close by."

Callen gestured to her feet and Katie noticed the hinges. Her mind went back to the James Bond movie, License to Kill and the scene in the boat shed where the Agent was fed to a shark.

"Do you … put people down there?" She was torn between being horrified and interested.

"Haven't had to … yet. But it has come in handy a few times for me and the team."

"Let's go," he said and he extended his hand to her. Callen led the way back to the open, less intimidating, area and then to a set of stairs.

"Is this the torture room?" she asked half joking.

"The opposite. It's our safe room. Reinforced walls, a safe with weapons and behind that wall, an emergency supply kit."

"Have you had to use this room?"

"Too keep people in our custody safe. But I also used to live here."

"You lived here?"

"For a about three months when I was in between places. I slept on that bed and well you saw the rest of the amenities. There's a full bathroom downstairs as well."

"Thank you for sharing this with me." She didn't know what else to say.

"I'm slowly trying to share my past with you. So many things happened but living here was a low point for me. It's a reminder of how far I've come."

She pulled him into a hug that lasted longer than intended. Feelings of safeness and love filled them as well as the knowledge that a future filled with moments like this, awaited them both.

G. Callen was now taking two steps forward and seeking help to cope with the one step backwards.