5.30 p.m.
Nell's house

She's not very surprised to hear the knock on her door after what happened today. She wasn't used to this kind of closeness when she first started working with this team but she already knows them well enough to know how they deal with things like what happened today.

They saw Kensi getting shot, a member of the team and one of their best friends. She would go as far as saying Callen sees Kensi like a little sister and she can't even begin to imagine what must have been like for him to see her like that, on the floor, covered in blood.

That's why she opens the door without being too shocked with his presence tonight.

Callen offers her a small smile. "Can I come in?"

She opens the door wider and lets him in, leading him to the living room. He's never been here before so she notices he's looking around. She sits on the couch and he sits across from her.

Nell tries to make small-talk, knowing this might get awkward. "How's Kensi?"

Callen smiles and nods. "She's going to be okay. Deeks is there with her."

Nell looks at him and blurts out the first thing that comes to her mind, not even thinking about them right now. "He loves her."

Callen lets out a laugh and she sees he's rather comfortable here. "Yeah, we know. She loves him too, though. They'll be okay."

She knows they can't delay the conversation much longer. "I'm guessing you didn't come here to talk about them…"

Callen's smile drops and he turns serious, not looking away from her. "No, I came here to talk about us. You were right, this morning. We need to talk about that kiss."

But she shakes her head, sure that she can't take to hear him say he can't be with her twice in one day. Once was quite enough.

Maybe she's not his type and that's something she'll have to learn how to deal with. "Actually, I changed my mind. I think you already said everything there was to say about us. I got it, loud and clear. There's nothing to talk about."

He shakes his head and tries to reason with her. "Nell, you don't understand. You can't understand and I want to explain it to you."

She doesn't want to hear what he has to say but, against her better judgment, she still asks. "What's there to explain?"

Callen scoots forward on the couch, trying to get even closer to her. "I kissed you yesterday because I like you, because I want to be with you. And I know you like me too because you are very transparent."

Despite his words, she frowns. "Am I that easy to read?"

She really thought she was better than that. "Are you kidding me? Everyone at work knows how you feel…"

She breathes deeply and nods, making a mental note to ask Kensi for help with that after her friend is out of the hospital. Perhaps she can teach her how to be less transparent. "I need to work on that, then."

Callen sighs and continues, trying to get his point across. "That's not the point. We're too different. We can't be together."

She finally understands what's going on with him and makes her decision. Nell gets up from the couch and sits next to him, grabbing his hands and holding them, making him look her in the eye while she talks. "Callen, I know you have issues but I like you just the way you are. And I'm not going to try to change you. I just want to give us a try."

His voice is small when he answers her but she can see something in his eyes. She can see hope there, hope that fuels her own. "I don't want to hurt you."

Nell finally allows herself to smile and grabs his face. "You'll hurt me much more if you walk away without even trying. That's all I'm asking, Callen. I just want you to give us a shot."

With that, she kisses him, her lips demanding and soft at the same time. And, when they finally pull back needing air, he smiles at her and pulls her closer. "I think I can do that."

And they both know he will try his hardest because this is worth fighting for.

I'm sorry it took this long to update my stories but I started college this year and my doctor told me I could surf again two weeks ago. I've been busy with surf, parties, study and family. I'm sorry. But it's starting to get easier and I've learned how to work with only 5 hours of sleep. With that said, updates will become regular once again or so I hope.

Your reviews mean the world to me and, if you want to ask me something, I'll give my best to answer you.

Next chapter will feature Deeks and Kensi so stick around.

Love,
Sarah