Author's Note: Cross-posted on AO3
Author's Note 2: Happy Easter weekend everyone!
Xxxxxxx
Intervention
Callen watched his partner from the corner of his eyes. The fact that Sam hadn't noticed his scrutiny yet let him know the big guy was hurting.
He had been clipped by a car during a chase on foot. Callen had seen it happening from a few yards behind his partner. The car had swerved, trying to avoid hitting Sam and it was that action of the driver, that made the difference between merely clipping Sam with front bumper and side mirror instead of hitting his partner full on. Still, for a breathless moment, Callen had thought his partner had come to serious harm.
Sam had curled up, winded and disoriented, but when Callen had reached him and rolled him over to check on him, Sam had waved him on to try and catch their suspect.
Five minutes later, their suspect had been taken into custody by Kensi and Deeks. When Callen returned to Sam, his partner had been standing on his own, but favoring his right side. He had insisted he was alright though and Callen had deferred to his partner's judgment.
Sam was usually one of the more careful and sensible ones of their lot. He'd always let himself be checked by the medics without much of a fuss. Ever since Michelle's death nearly six months ago, Callen had noticed his behavior subtly changing though. Sam wasn't taking any more risks than he had before, but if he got hurt during one of their cases, he seemed to care a little less and not take his injuries as seriously as he would have otherwise.
Callen thought it was bad enough that he himself usually took shortcuts with medical care and that Kensi and Deeks sometimes took certain liberties as well. He didn't need to add his partner to that list of potentially irresponsible behavior to watch out for as well.
With one last glance at his partner, Callen took out his phone and typed out a text message to Luc. Originally, Callen had planned on heading to Coronado today, but he hoped that Luc would be open to a change of plans.
Xxxxxxx
Two hours later, Callen was about to get up and ask his partner to join him so he could drive them to the boatshed where he had asked Luc to come to when Hetty appeared by his side. She put a stack of files onto his desk before tapping her fingers against a note laid on top.
With a stern glance and an arched eyebrow, she waited for Callen to reach for the note before she stepped away as soundlessly as she had appeared.
Reading the note, Callen merely glanced at her retreating back before he shook his head in wonder. By now, he shouldn't be surprised anymore, but sometimes…
Ask him to come here. He has been cleared.
Shrugging, he took out his cell for a second time and sent another text.
Xxxxxxx
Callen met Luc outside, leaning against their condemned little heaven while he waited for Luc to park his car behind Sam's challenger.
Callen watched his lover as he got out of the car, stretching. His eyes travelled over Luc's frame, both checking for any damage acquired during training and appreciative of the man's body. Luc turned to him, and Callen revered in the small jolt that ran through him at being caught in the man's gaze. There was always focus in Luc's gaze, a rough edge that lay beneath the calm exterior. Sometimes, being in Luc's focus threatened to make him lose his own, to let go of his ever-present situational awareness, but where that should worry him, it actually kind of made it even more interesting.
Waiting for what Luc would do, Callen held his gaze as the elite soldier slowly prowled closer. Callen just settled himself more firmly against the wall in his back, shifting his stance ever so slightly as Luc stepped into his personal space.
The kiss was welcome, and Callen allowed the other man to tilt his head up to his liking. Knowing they were out of range of their security camera, and it was late in the evening with only minimal staff remaining in their headquarters, Callen allowed the kiss to deepen for several long seconds before he slowly eased out of it. Their lips lingered for a moment before Callen released a sigh. "Sorry for the change of plans," he murmured.
Luc straightened up without stepping out of Callen's personal space. His hands were on Callen's hips, his fingers flexing slightly. His features were relaxed and open, "don't worry about it. How is he doing?"
Callen shrugged before he pushed away from the wall, making Luc take a step back and put some distance between them to give him enough space to step forward. "That's what you're here to tell me," Callen replied with a half-smirk, "he said he was alright, refused to be checked over by EMTs. I don't really think it's serious or I would have dragged him into the ER by now, but I'd still feel better if you could make sure."
Luc nodded before he returned to his car, popping open the trunk and taking out a med kit. It wasn't his service pack, but his own personal version of a first aid kit which was filled to the brim. Luc had made use of it on Callen once or twice (or three times) and Callen knew that he was using it on himself every now and then when training got intense. "Well then, lead the way," Luc proclaimed when he threw the pack over his shoulder.
Callen turned and led the way over to the door. He smirked slightly when Luc dubiously glanced at the building. "It's not going to come down on your head," he promised his lover as he led the way inside.
Luc followed him around, his eyes taking in the area and there was incredulity mixing with awe. It was interesting to watch. All of them were so used to the difference between inside and outside of their 'condemned' building, that no one blinked an eyelash anymore. But to see it through someone else's eyes was certainly interesting.
"You've just been given the holy grail of trust by being allowed to come here. We're rather secretive about this location," Callen told him with a smile.
Luc glanced at him sideways and smirked, "you are secretive about any location. Paranoid even. I am still somewhat surprised you didn't blindfold me the first time you allowed me to come to your place."
Callen returned the smirk with one of his own but didn't comment as they entered the wide-open area. He steered them over to where the rest of the team was perched at their desks, busy with paperwork. "Sam," he called his partner's attention, watching as Sam's head came up slowly, as if he carefully checked his movements before initiating them. Yeah, Callen decided it was a good thing that Luc was here. "Take Luc to the armory. He's going to check you over."
Sam blinked slowly at him, his eyes sliding over to Luc before returning to Callen. There was a mixture of acceptance, relief and stubborn refusal in his partner's eyes and Callen drew himself up to his full height as he narrowed his eyes at Sam. "That isn't up for discussion," he stated flatly.
It took a moment while Sam studied his stance - feet planted shoulder width apart, arms crossed and a determined expression - before Sam gracefully bowed out of the challenge by carefully getting to his feet and motioning for Luc to follow him.
Callen bit back his smile when Sam's back was turned. He glanced at Luc, "he gives you trouble, you come and find me," he told the other man.
Luc's eyes danced with mischief and amusement, but he simply nodded and followed Sam after uttering brief 'hellos' to Kensi and Deeks who had wisely stayed out of the encounter.
Once Luc and Sam were out of earshot, Deeks sighed, "thank God. I was in pain just sitting next to him," he muttered, rubbing a hand down his face.
Callen arched an eyebrow, "I didn't see you trying to convince him to be checked over."
Deeks returned his stare with an unrepentant grin, "your partner, your responsibility."
"You were merely scared he'd take you down just to prove a point."
Deeks stroked a hand over his chin, contemplating the statement, "there's that, yeah," he admitted with a slow nod.
Kensi snickered slightly and Callen also grinned before returning to his seat to finish up some of the paperwork left.
Xxxxxxx
By the time Luc returned to the bullpen, Kensi and Deeks had left for the night.
Callen glanced up when his lover approached him. He nodded his head towards Kensi's vacant chair in invitation and watched as Luc settled himself into it, slouching down and stretching out his legs.
"So?" Callen asked after a moment of silence.
Luc shrugged before meeting his gaze openly, "massive bruising on his chest, some on his hip and thigh. Some scrapes from where he hit the gravel. I suspect a few cracked ribs - can't know for certain without x-rays. He's stiff and sore, but there's no indication of any internal bleedings."
"So, we don't have to rush him into the ER?" Callen asked, double checking.
Luc shook his head with a smile, "no need."
"That's good to hear," Hetty spoke up behind them, making Luc jump in his chair as he swiveled round.
Callen merely smirked, having somewhat expected Hetty's appearance and knowing of her near silent approaches. "Hetty," he admonished lightly.
Hetty tilted her head to the side, a smile barely concealed as she turned to Luc, "my apologies, Lieutenant."
Luc waved the apologies away, rather contrite at not having heard her sneak up.
"Can he be left to his own devices tonight?" Callen asked, returning to their previous topic.
"No head wound, so yeah," Luc shrugged.
"Alright, gentlemen," Hetty said calmly, "Mr. Callen, please drive your partner home. If you leave right away, the two of you," she waved her hand between Callen and Luc, "should be just in time to make it to your reservation."
He saw Luc frown from the corner of his eye and arched an eyebrow at Hetty. "What reservation?" Callen asked slowly, part curious and part resigned to Hetty and her machinations.
Hetty smiled and then handed him a business card, "I took the liberty of making one for you. Consider it a 'thank you' for the medical help."
Luc sputtered out something to the effect that he was glad he could help and that this wasn't necessary. Callen watched his old mentor and then reached out to put a hand on Luc's forearm, stopping his protests with a shake of his head. This was less of a professional 'thank you' and rather Hetty just wanting to give them a personal gift. He gave her a small smile which she returned with a nod.
"Do we have to borrow something from the wardrobe, or will this do?" he asked, gesturing down at himself and shushing his lover's renewed sputter.
"This will do just fine," Hetty replied graciously, shaking her head.
Callen nodded and then turned to put his things away.
"Thank you for taking care of Agent Hanna, Mr. Taggert. It's appreciated," Hetty spoke up once more, obviously turning to Luc, "I know this bunch can be difficult to handle."
He knew Hetty's eyes were on him. Callen held his comment, knowing he would only implicate himself if he spoke up now. Instead, he kept his focus on tidying up his desk.
"In case you'll ever find yourself looking for a new career path, come find me," his mentor added and then left with an: "enjoy your evening, gentlemen."
Luc turned towards Callen. "Did she just offer me a job?" he asked, scratching his head.
Callen smirked. "Welcome to my world," he murmured. Stretching, he leaned back in his chair, "she liked what she saw. You're on her radar now."
Luc arched an eyebrow but didn't comment.
Callen glanced up when Sam shuffled into the bullpen. He returned his focus to Luc for a moment as he briefly leaned down, his hands on the armrest of his lover's chair, towering over Luc and crowding into his personal space, "I also like what I see," he whispered before straightening and stepping back, chuckling slightly at the way Luc's pupils had dilated upon his comment.
"Come on, Sam. We'll drive you home," he called out to his partner who looked to be contemplating whether or not to sit down.
Callen rounded their desks and picked up Sam's go-bag, swinging it over his shoulder while carrying his own. He heard Luc standing behind him, the rustle of movement letting him know that his lover had also picked up his med kit before he gently nudged his work partner towards the exit. Luc fell in step with them only moments later and Callen felt Hetty's eyes in their backs, ever watchful of the people under her command.