AUTHOR'S NOTE: Wow, we have a broad range of feelings going on here. Some of you like Jess... others do not... and some are already calling for her to be killed. WOW! I knew going in that there might be some back lash in regards to Callen and Jess. I am sorry to all the Anna fans that it is not her he has chosen. All I will say is that if you stay true and keep reading the stories to come... all will be made clear. I'd hate for you to jump ship and regret it later. As I said previously, this is only the beginning... I'm not certain at this point how many stories will fall into this particular arc... be patient and keep reviewing. I promise you that it makes a difference to me. Your insight into what you see happening or think is happening in the story helps me in writing the upcoming stories. I read your reviews and I'm called back to my notebook to write... so PLEASE write a review. Thank you to everyone reading this story, it means the world. Have a blessed day and stay healthy!
"Wow!" Kensi let out after Callen had walked away, "I was beginning to think he'd never find someone to settle down with."
"Whoa! Slow down there Kensalina…" Deeks chuckled, "I'd hardly use G Callen and settled down in the same sentence.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Deeks is right. Callen definitely seems to have formed an attachment to this woman but I wouldn't go looking for a wedding invite… yet," Sam added with a grin.
"Oh, stop… you saw that look in his eyes, Sam Hanna and you are a romantic at heart," Kensi laughed as she grabbed her bag and headed for the entry of the bullpen, "You coming, husband?"
"Yes, my dear, Deeks answered, "Coming by the bar later?"
"Nah, think I'll work on a few projects around the house." Sam replied.
"Cool, okay, catch ya later then." Deeks stated with a wave.
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Once Callen and Jess found themselves alone, Jess watched Callen from the corner of her eye.
"I'm sorry," she stated.
"For what?" he asked, sounding genuinely confused.
"For telling the truth about when we met. It's obvious that wasn't your present intention," she explained, "I don't understand your reticence in the matter… unless you aren't serious where we are concerned… and that's okay, I mean it's been pretty scattered in a matter of speaking for a long time now, so I don't mean to pressure you…but"
"Just hold on a second and take a breath," Callen stated, pulling over and turning to look at her. "First of all, it's okay. They'd find out eventually. As I said before, I have very little in my life that is mine and mine alone. I treasure that," he looked down as he took her hand in his. "and for the record, you are very important to me and I take this, whatever this is, very seriously, okay?"
He looked up to find her smiling.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing, I'm just very happy," she leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
Shaking his head, he pulled back out onto the road.
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That night, as they lay in bed, Jess watched Callen as he slept… It was a rare opportunity and she found herself mesmerized. It began peaceful enough but soon the eyes began moving. His hands twitched while muscles would tighten and then release…. His head turning side to side. There was slight murmuring but nothing she could understand. Even in his nightmares, she'd swear he held some form of control.
{He backed into a corner of the room as the man advanced, looming over him. His breath was thick with the smell of alcohol, his words threatening and full of hate. Why did he always end up in places like these? He could never understand why the courts allowed these people access to innocent children. They hoarded children and not because they cared but for the checks that came because of them. It didn't matter what they did, how mean they got… the bruises were overlooked and the checks kept coming. He began to believe that the lucky ones were the ones that "accidentally" fell down the steps to their death. At least then the pain ended. This was one of those nights… blow after blow, each hitting its mark as he slid down the wall. He pulled his knees to his chest and with his elbows on his knees he used his hands and forearms to protect his head and face, as well as to hide the tears that stubbornly escaped his eyes, streaking down across his cheeks. Oh, how he wished he would simply finish what he started… but the fists kept coming, pummeling him all over until finally one well-placed hit everything went dark and for a while at least… there was nothing.}
Callen was jolted violently from his sleep. His breath was ragged and his eyes were bright with emotion.
"Hey! You okay?" Jess asked worriedly.
Callen, wiping his hands over his face as his mind quickly locked away the invading memories and the unwanted emotion they brought with them. "What? Oh, yeah, uhm no, I'm fine."
"You wanna talk about it?" she asked as she reached out to rub his back, not surprised when he stiffened at first touch.
"No, I don't."
"Okay, am I allowed to guess at what it was about?" she moved closer.
Callen looked at her then… after a moment's thought he lay back down and pulled her to him. "Let's just agree on that being a bad idea and a complete waste of energy when there are so many options for a better use of that time."
"Oh really?" she grinned as she began dropping kisses on his face and neck as she felt him begin to relax.
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Monday morning Callen was preparing for work when Jess walked out of the bedroom.
"Can I fix you breakfast?" she offered.
Turning, Callen smiled at the sight before him. Auburn hair tousled wildly about her face and she was wearing one of his many blue T-shirts. "If you fix me breakfast dressed like that, I'm definitely going to be late."
"Oh really?" she feigned surprise.
He chuckled as he grabbed his gun and holstered it at his back.
"Besides, Roberta undoubtedly has my breakfast plated and waiting for me," he kissed her nose then and took a brief moment to stare into her green eyes.
"What?" she asked nervously.
"Nothing. Just glad you're here," he answered before kissing her full on the lips, stopping any further conversation.
"You better leave before we both end up being late."
"Both?" Callen asked.
"Hetty requested I stop by this morning. I take it she didn't tell you."
"No" Callen answered, unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
"Is this a problem?" she asked curiously.
"Only that Hetty is always interfering in my business… I knew the minute she found out about us, she'd stick her nose in."
"Would you prefer I cancel?" she asked innocently.
Callen pulled her close and kissed her once more before heading toward the door. "It's cute that you think you have a choice in the matter. See you later."
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"Good morning, Callen" Roberta greeted him with a cup of coffee in a to go cup.
"Morning, what's this? You aren't going to make me sit down and eat?" Callen asked surprised.
"Well to be honest, I wasn't sure if you'd want or need me to… with your visitor and all…
Callen eyed Roberta thoughtfully, "First of all, how did you know?"
Roberta gave Callen a look of disbelief, "Seriously? I'm a mother, we know these things."
"Ah, well, understand, I don't expect you to cook for me and I'm ashamed to say, I guess I've gotten used to it and so I just assumed… I'm sorry," Callen offered, "Thanks for the coffee though."
Before Callen even pulled back from the bar, Roberta placed an egg and bacon wrapped burrito on the counter with a sparkle in her eye and smile played across her face, "with salsa and a little heat, just the way you like it."
Callen grinned as he gratefully accepted the offering and quickly took a bite. "Thank you. It's delicious as always… but seriously, you don't…"
Roberta held her hand up, "Stop. We've been through this… I will continue to have your breakfast and dinner as long as you want it. If you let me know, I will even make extra for our little friend." She motioned to the upstairs.
"Jess… her name is Jess." He stated with a slight blush on his cheeks.
"Fine… Jess… understand, I expect to be introduced," Roberta stated firmly.
Callen wasn't at all certain how serious she was at first, until he noticed no smile following the stern look.
"Yes, mam."
"Good, now go, you're gonna be late," she smiled then.
Holding up his burrito in way of thanks, Callen headed for the door, surprised to find Sam waiting.
With a roll of his eyes he walked around to the passenger door and climbed in, tossing his go bag in the backseat.
"Breakfast burrito and coffee… she spoils you," Sam shook his head.
"Don't be jealous, Sam."
Jealous…" Sam chuckled, "I like my body."
"Whatever," Callen replied, taking another appreciative bit of his breakfast, leaving Sam shaking his head. With Roberta feeding him, Callen looked healthier since his return to the team and he wasn't going to argue.
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"Hetty, I'm not having her on this team," Callen argued.
"Mr. Callen, whilst I appreciate your sentiment… this case requires her talents." Hetty replied.
"My sentiment?! How can I demand the respect of my team when I'm over here breaking my own rules. Not to mention the agency's rules! I have no doubt of her capabilities."
"You've worked together before have you not?" Hetty asked her eyes wide open and round behind her glasses.
"That was different and you know it," Callens voice lowered and his eyes darkened.
"Not really. As I said, it's just one assignment and then I will put her on another team." Hetty assured him.
"You're meddling, Hetty." Callen warned.
"Mr. Callen, I do not meddle," Hetty replied to his back as she blew lightly across the surface of her tea.
Callen stopped only briefly and turned his head back just enough to answer, "The hell you don't, Hetty," then headed for the bullpen. "The hell you don't," he repeated under his breath.