Well, I have my doubts if anyone is even going to read this. And I really can't blame people. I know I've overextended myself with starting stories that remain unfinished, some, like this one, for a very, very long time. In any case, this one has been speaking to me and I plan to start working on it more regularly once again. I understand if people would rather wait until it's finished though but just thought I'd throw this up in case anyone is interested :) Thanks for reading.

xxxxx

Once Sam left the room, Callen's thoughts quickly spiraled downwards. He couldn't help thinking back to what had happened to him and it sent a chill through his bones every time he thought of it. "Don't think I'll be getting that out of my mind any time soon," he mumbled to himself.

"And what would that be, Mr. Callen?" Hetty asked as she came into his room.

Callen started slightly at her sudden appearance. "Good morning, Hetty...this is a surprise…"

"Is it?" Hetty asked, giving him a curious look. "Somehow, I wouldn't think it would be surprising for me to be here."

Callen nodded and sighed as he tightened the covers around his body. "Yes, you're right, Hetty. I don't know why I'm surprised."

"Well, that's really not important. Right now, the important thing is your health. How are you feeling today?"

"Good?"

Hetty tightened her lips as she gave him a long look. "Are you asking me if you're feeling good?"

"No," Callen said as he shook his head. "I'm good, Hetty. Really I am."

"Okay then." Hetty decided to take him at his word. "I brought you some magazines to read and a tablet." Hetty placed a small brown satchel on Callen's bed. She then took a seat in the chair next to him. "It will give you something to do when you're feeling up to it."

"Why didn't you bring my laptop?" Callen asked. "I could get some work done while I'm here."

"That's exactly why I didn't bring your laptop," Hetty replied as she smiled. "You're not doing any work for the time being. The team can take care of all the reports regarding this and any other case. Your job is solely to rest and recover."

"I think I can do more than that."

"I'm sure you can," Hetty said as she patted his hand gently. "And you will, when you're better. You went through quite a taxing ordeal. I just want you to focus on getting well and that's all."

"Good morning, Hetty," Sam greeted her as he came back into Callen's room. "Should I leave?"

"No, no Mr. Hanna," Hetty replied. "I checked in with the front desk before I left Dovecote. The one visitor restriction has been lifted."

"Well, that's good to hear," Sam said as he pulled up the other chair in the room and sat down.

"I thought you were getting breakfast?" Callen asked, noting that the only thing Sam was carrying was a half full bottle of green tea.

"I did, G," Sam replied. "I ate in the cafeteria. I didn't feel it was right to come in here eating breakfast while you're stuck with clear fluids."

Callen shrugged. "I wouldn't have cared, Sam. I don't much feel like eating anyway." Food was definitely the last thing on his mind at the moment.

"Even so," Sam said. He knew his friend would get his appetite back soon enough. At least he hoped that would be the case.

"So, have you seen a doctor yet today?" Hetty asked.

"Yes," Callen struggled to hold back a yawn, but failed entirely as he covered his mouth with his hand. "I'm probably getting out of the ICU this evening."

"Oh that's very good news, indeed," Hetty said.

"It is," Callen agreed. "Hopefully, I won't have to stay in the hospital for too long either."

"Seriously, G?" Sam asked, an unmistakable look of irritation on his face. "After what you just went through? I'll handcuff you to this bed myself if you try any hospital escape hijinx."

Callen narrowed his eyes at his partner. "I didn't say I was hatching an escape attempt. I just don't want to be here for a long time. Most people don't. There's nothing wrong with saying that."

"No, there isn't," Hetty said, her voice taking on a soothing tone. "Just do exactly what the doctors and nurses tell you to do and I'm sure you'll be out of here in no time at all."

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to snap," Sam said. He really needed to stop losing his temper. He knew he was overly tired and what had happened had taken a toll on him but that was no excuse.

"Mr. Hanna, you must be exhausted," Hetty said. "I think the best thing you could do right now is go home, shower and get some good rest. I'll be here with Mr. Callen and I'm sure he'll have his share of visitors during the day."

Sam was about to protest but he thought about the wisdom of Hetty's words and realized that she was right. "Okay. I'll be back. G? I really am sorry. Is there anything you want me to bring back for you?"

Callen shook his head. "No thanks, Sam. I think I'm good. Hetty brought me some things to entertain myself."

Sam nodded. "Okay, buddy. You take it easy. I'll see you later."

"Bye Sam."

After Sam had left, Hetty turned her attention back to Callen. "Now, Mr. Hanna isn't the only one who's tired. Don't think I missed you yawning a few minutes ago. Why don't you get some sleep now. It's the best thing for you."

"Are you going to leave?" Callen asked, not denying how tired he was.

"I'm going to stay right here," Hetty said. She opened up her handbag and pulled out a thick paperback novel. "I'll be right here diving into this new book. I'm very much looking forward to reading it."

"You can go home, Hetty," Callen protested.

"I'd feel much better sitting here by your side. This is a very comfortable chair and I'm perfectly content to sit here and read."

"Okay…Thank you, Hetty." Callen gave her a sleepy smile and gave up on his struggle to stay awake. Within just a few minutes, he was fast asleep.

xxxxx

"Hetty?" Kensi whispered from the doorway where she and Deeks were standing. "Can we come in?"

"Yes, yes." Hetty gestured with her hand for them to enter the room.

"How's he doing?" Kensi asked softly as she sat in the chair next to Hetty.

"Actually, he seems to be doing quite well," Hetty informed them. "If everything remains constant he'll be transferred to a regular room later today."

"Hey guys," Callen greeted them from his bed. He looked with undisguised interest at what Deeks was carrying, a model of a vintage Ford pickup truck, filled with some small succulent plants.

"Sorry," Kensi said, looking contrite. "We didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't." Callen reached for the remote control for his bed and raised it so he was in a sitting position. "How are you two doing?"

"We should be asking you that," Deeks said.

"I'm feeling pretty good."

"You look good," Kensi said. "We've been really worried about you."

"Well, no need for that," Callen said. "I'm doing well."

"Good to hear," Deeks said. He then put the truck with the plants on Callen's nightstand.

"Thank you… I never saw anything like that before. It's awesome." Callen smiled as he looked at it more closely. "I really appreciate it."

"When I saw it in the flower shop, I knew we had to get it," Deeks said, his own eyes matching the excitement in Callen's. It's a real man's arrangement."

"Plus, succulents don't require a lot of care," Kensi said. "It should be perfect for you."

"Are you saying I can't take care of plants?" Callen asked with a grin.

"No, but we're away a lot so this is just easier."

"You're right, Kens," Callen said. "It really is perfect."

The four friends made small talk until mid-afternoon when Sam returned to the room. "Hey guys. How's everyone doing?"

"I must say, you're looking much better, Mr. Hanna," Hetty said, giving him a satisfied nod.

"I do feel better," Sam admitted. "Sorry I was such a grouch earlier, G."

"You don't have anything to be sorry about," Callen said.

"Mr. Callen is quite right," Hetty said. "You were running on fumes. You needed to get some rest."

They chatted a bit more before Hetty got to her feet. "I have some things I need to take care of." She looked at Callen with a fond smile. "If you need anything, anything at all. Don't hesitate to call, okay?"

"Okay, Hetty. Thanks for everything," Callen said.

She then headed out, and soon after, Kensi and Deeks headed home, as well, just leaving the two partners alone. "So, do you need anything?" Sam asked.

"No, I'm good," Callen said, shaking his head.

Sam's eyes were drawn to the Ford floral arrangement. "That's pretty sweet. Kensi and Deeks bring it?"

"Yeah. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it," Callen said. "It is pretty cool though and succulents are easy to take care of so I might be able to keep them alive."

"Well, you'll still have the truck as a keepsake even if you can't," Sam said, grinning. "Another decorative item for your home. You have so many, pretty soon it will look like a museum."

Callen rolled his eyes. "Ha, ha. Very funny."

"I thought so."

They bantered back and forth for a few minutes before one of the nurses came into the room. I just wanted to let you know that you're being transferred to a regular room soon. Your doctor said your catheter can be removed if you're ready.

"Uh, yeah, sure," Callen said. "That would be good."

"I'll give you some privacy," Sam said before hastily making himself scarce.

The nurse quickly and efficiently removed the catheter and Sam returned to the room a few minutes later. "Everything good, G?"

Callen nodded. "I'm glad to be rid of that."

"I can imagine. So when are they transferring you?"

"You know as much as I do. Whenever soon is."

"Well, I'm glad you're going to be out of the ICU," Sam said.

"Me too," Callen said, reaching behind to fluff his mostly flat pillow.

"Need some help?"

"Unless you're going to go get me a new pillow, I doubt there's much you can do about this one," Callen said, grinning at his partner.

"I can do that for you," Sam said.

Callen laughed. "I'm just joking, Sam. This is fine. Anyhow, I'm sure I can get another one if I ask."

Finally, a member of the transport team entered the room to take Callen to his new room. He was glad to see the other bed was unoccupied and that his delicious full liquid meal was waiting for him. "Yum," he said sarcastically, looking at the tea, broth, jello and Italian ice unenthusiastically.

"It's good for you, G," Sam said, trying to be encouraging.

Callen slowly sipped the tasteless broth. "This sucks."

"I know it does, buddy, but it won't be for too long."

"Yeah, I know."

Callen sighed and forced himself to finish the broth. He then moved onto the jello which he was happier with and saved the Italian ice for last. "You going to head out soon?" Callen asked his friend as he swallowed a spoonful of the lemon ice.

"You trying to get rid of me, G?" Sam asked, only partially kidding. "You thinking of making an escape attempt?"

Callen rolled his eyes. "I told you I wouldn't do that." Even if he wanted to, he knew he wasn't physically up for it.

"You promise?"

"Yes, Sam. I promise. Why don't you go home and get a good night's sleep." He knew he'd see his partner at some point the following day.

"Okay...I guess I will, if you're sure you're okay…"

"I'm positive, Sam. Go."

"Okay...I'll be by sometime during the day tomorrow."

Callen nodded. "Have a good night."

"You too, G. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Sam."

Callen then finished up his Italian ice as he watched the Clippers game then fell into a peaceful sleep, with ESPN Sports on in the background.