AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey all... chapter three is here. few questions to answer. For the guest who asked about the reason behind writing for fanfiction. It's not about the pat on the back so much as getting feed back on your writing style. No, fanfiction doesn't pay monetarily but it does give you an opportunity to play around with some well established characters while learning what writing styles work or don't work for you, the writer. Now, are hearing nice reviews a bonus? WELL, YEAH. I won't lie. I love finding reviews to my stories. I see one come in and my emotions go back and forth with will they/won't they like it... then each review opens up a conversation with people from all over. It's exciting. I'm happy and privileged to have this opportunity to meet so many cool people. THAT SAID... I'm sorry to those who are not liking Jess right now. I know you are Anna fans... I like the character as well... just stay with me on this... this is the beginning of another cluster of stories. As always, my stories run together from one to the next with information... so don't miss one if you can help it. There are AT LEAST two stories to this one and I can say this isn't near as long as some of my previous but long enough to give you some ideas. That little box below is just waiting for your input... knowing I'm going to be writing more... this is your opportunity to put in your thoughts... besides kill Jess... that's so cruel... she's a good girl, right? LOL

"Good-bye? That's it? You're leaving, already?" he asked, surprised.

"Well, yeah. There's a bounty on Frank's head and I'm thinking I might throw my hat in the ring," she explained.

"What?! You just came here to tell me to keep my head down and now you tell me you're looking for a face to face with the guy!" he growled angrily.

"Well, you weren't taking it seriously, so why should I… yet I am. I am taking the threat he made all those years ago, very seriously. I won't let him hurt you, G," she replied calmly.

"Won't let… I can take care of myself, Jess. I have done so my whole life and I'm still alive… I must know what I'm doing." Callen returned defensively.

"You seem to forget what that man, no, that monster is capable of," she argued.

"I remember all too clearly what that man is capable of," Callen returned, his voice deep and menacing, "I also know what I am capable of. Look, if you are so concerned for my safety then stay… we could have more evenings like last…" he offered, his voice once again light and teasing.

"G Callen! If you think I'm going to stay here and be your little plaything and hide out in this sleazy place for the foreseeable future because you are too afraid to introduce me to your friends then you've got another thing coming." She threw back.

"I'm not afraid."

"Okay, that leaves embarrassed or ashamed," she pushed knowingly.

"Jess!" he warned before softening once more. She was a unique individual; she could push every button and yet he'd remain… "Fine. Meet me around front at five. No doubt, the squirrels upstairs are already well aware of your presence."

"Squirrels?" she asked.

"You'll see," was all he offered.

That evening, promptly at five Callen's phone alerted. Taking a knowing look, he got up and disappeared down the hall garnering inquisitive looks all around.

"Where's he going?" Kensi asked, watching his retreating back.

"No clue but his stuff is still there so he'll be back," Sam shrugged, going back to his paperwork.

Kensi glanced over at Deeks before following Sam's lead.

NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA **** NCIS LA

"Punctual," Callen stated as he approached her.

"You said five… it's five," she replied, smiling as she leaned back casually against the car.

"Yes, I did," he returned with a sigh, "Well, come on. Let's get this over with."

"That's the spirit, love" she teased, grabbing his hand.

By the time they re-entered the building and approached the bullpen. Eric and Nell were both slowly descending the stairs trying to act non-chalant.

Jess took immediate notice, and tilted her head toward Callen and spoke softly, "squirrels?"

"You always did catch on fast," he answered, taking in the questioning glances.

Having heard the remark, Eric and Nell exchanged a look of curiosity. They had become accustomed to the many nicknames and learned to accept them good naturedly as there was no malice meant.

Sam and the others looked up expectantly.

With a deep breath, Callen began, "I want to take a moment… and JUST a moment to introduce you to…" he stalled a moment unsure how to move forward. To call her simply, "a friend" would be insulting to their growing relationship but because he wasn't ready for their interference, he didn't want to reference their relationship… "to someone I have known a long time." He decided to simply omit the privileged information… something he was sure they'd be discussing later and figured was a wasted attempt at privacy as they'd sniff out the truth and hounded him anyway, "Jess Coleman".

Jess shot him a less than amused look at the introduction before turning her gaze to the others, "Jessica, actually, but Callen has always called me Jess… you can choose for yourself," she greeted.

"Nice to meet you, Jess," Sam was the first to greet.

She shook Sam's hand and as he led her to the others, she moved to face each in turn.

"Where do you know each other from?" Deeks asked.

"Foster care," Jess replied at the same time Callen responded with, "The agency"

"OOOOOOkay…" Deeks stated, his face screwed up in confusion.

Callen cast Jess a warning glance to stop this game she was playing. It didn't go unnoticed.

"Sooooo, how long are you in town for?" Kensi asked.

Jess again shot a look at Callen before she answered, "That remains to be seen," she replied cryptically.

"It's cute…. Like two peas in a pod, you are," Deeks chimed in, "The way you both answer questions without truly answering."

"Mr. Callen? Who do we have here?" Hetty asked as she walked up behind him.

He knew she needed no introductions. There was little Hetty didn't already know before she even asked a question.

"Hetty… this is Jess Coleman, formerly of the CIA" Callen answered, knowing the next question would be why he had brought her into the office. A place forbidden by anyone but agents unless planned for accordingly.

"Ah, nice to finally meet you." Hetty greeted, offering her hand.

"And you, as well." Jess returned both greeting and hand.

"Are you a tea drinker, Miss Coleman?" Hetty asked, not waiting for an answer before turning toward her office as she continued, "I find Lavender Chamomile mint with a pinch of lemon and a swirl of honey to be especially pleasing on those days when something or someone proves exceedingly vexing."

"OH… uh," Jess looked at Callen with furrowed brows and a slight frown, who merely rolled his eyes and with his hands shooed her on her way.

Shaking his head, he turned back to his desk and plopped down into his seat expectantly. When no one said anything, he looked around, his brow drawn skeptically, "So that's it?" No hounding me for information?"

"Callen, we know you don't like us prying in your business," Kensi stated.

"Never stopped you before," he mumbled.

"What was that?" Deeks asked with a slight grin.

"Oh, I said, really?"

"Pfft., NO, not REALLY!" Sam replied, "how long has this been going on?"

"What?" Callen asked, knowing full well what he was wanting.

Sam rolled his eyes, "What… how serious is it… you and her?"

"Not."

"Didn't look like NOT," Kensi smiled.

"It's on again off again as we have time."

"As you have time… like all the long weekends you've been taking" Deeks asked.

"I was working on some of those," Callen retorted.

"Yeah and I'd stake odds on you working with her." Sam teased.

"You really like her, don't' you?" Kensi asked sincerely then.

Callen thought a moment. He could lie and shut them down but as he looked at his teammates, he knew it's what they wanted for him… Joelle, Anna… They had tried collectively over the years to find him someone. Joelle was a huge mistake and Anna… Anna he let slip away. She deserved better than he had been able to offer. He looked back at Jess and his mind filled with all their memories from foster care, the agency… they understood each other unlike the others. With Jess he found safety… with the touch of her lips on his… he found home.

Turning back, he looked at Kensi and offered a rare smile, "yeah, I really like her."

"Congratulations, man!" Deeks offered genuinely.

"About time, G", Sam stated.

"So, when you say…. 'you really like her'," Kensi started.

"Don't push," Callen's brows raised in warning.

"Ok, fine, you can't blame me for wanting you to be happy," she smiled.

"I'm happy, okay? I am happy right now with the way things are," e offered.

"Better make sure she knows that because the way she talked earlier would suggest she doesn't know WHERE you two stand," Sam suggested.

"What?"

"She doesn't appear to be too convinced to stay," Kensi added.

Callen thought for a moment. He debated telling them about Frank then decided against it. He'd shared enough for one day. They didn't need to know all his business.

"It's fine," Callen shrugged, "If she needs to go then, she'll go. On and off, like I said."

Sam rolled his eyes; he knew Callen better than most and he knew how he'd connected with Ziva but purely as a release from the life he'd been living. It was never going to lead to something more. He watched how he struggled with Anna. Different time and things may have ended differently. Callen really cared for Anna… and there was no denying her love for him. But this… this was different. He had suspected for some time now that Callen was seeing someone but he couldn't prove it… except for the fact he would take long weekends and disappear and come back relaxed, rejuvenated… two words seldom, if ever, used to describe G Callen. Now, perpetually sleep deprived and on edge… those were more realistic terms for his partner.

"Don't take it for granted G. You care for her, as is quite obvious, then you let her know…" Sam warned, knowing Callen would understand where he was coming from.

"Well, I'm outta here. See you guys on Monday," Callen stated, saying no more on the subject. Grabbing his stuff, he headed over towards Hetty's office.