Author's Note- Another day, another chapter.

I don't own NCIS or any of its associates or characters. All mistakes are mine.

These next few chapters will be from most characters POV.

Chapter 12

Sam's POV.

"Well done everyone!" Hetty praised as we walked into the Ops Centre.

We had re-convened in the boatshed a half hour ago, after Deeks had returned after signing Jason Millers' car over to CSU for proscessing. The K-9 unit have been going over the whole banquet hall in search of more explosives.

"The K-9 unit turned up nothing in the banquet hall," Hetty says, "looks like the only bomb was the one Mr. Deeks and Ms. Connors recovered from Mr. Miller's car."

"What about the rest of the terrorist group?" A.J asks.

"As far as we know, they're still at large, but didn't have any part in this plot." Hetty replies. "Now, go home. I need you all showered and back here by 6pm sharp."

I look at my watch. 4:30pm. Barely enough time to get home and shower.

"Do you know why Hetty asked us back?" I hear A.J. ask G. as we all walk out.

"No, but it's Hetty, she probably has a reason." G. answers.

"A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside and enigma." A.J says with a smile, getting into her car.

"Exactly." G. says, smiling back.

G. notices me smiling at him.

"What? Sam, that's the second time today."

"Nothing."

"No, its something, otherwise you wouldn't be doing it. Spill."

By now, we are in the Challenger. "You like A.J." I say simply.

"A.J's a good agent, a nice person, why wouldn't I like her?"

"I'm not talking about that 'like', G."

He looks at me with a puzzled look.

"Come on, don't tell me you think it's not obvious. She's beautiful, smart, no wedding ring. Three of your favourite qualities in a woman."

"Yeah, she's beautiful. Yeah, she's smart. And no, there is no wedding ring. Doesn't mean I 'like' her."

"It's not just that, G. I see the way you look at her, the way you try not to smile when she says your name, or smiles. It may slip past Kensi, Deeks, even Nate, but not me. I'm your partner, and I know you better than that."

"I don't have feelings for A.J. That's it."

"Okay. But if you do, G., and you just aren't telling me, don't waste anymore time. You're nearly forty, G. I want you to settle down and be happy. If not with A.J, with someone else."

That statement reduced the car ride to silence. When I dropped G. off at his place, he uttered, "See you later." And went inside. For the rest of my journey home, I wondered if I had been a little too pushy. But that's who I am.

Nate's POV.

6PM.

Everyone has come back to Ops on time, except for Deeks. Some things never change. Sam, Nell and A.J. were here when I got here, 10 minutes ago. Callen, Eric, Dinozzo and Gibbs arrived shortly after I did, and Kensi arrived soon after that.

Deeks saunters in at 6:03.

"Mr. Deeks, you're late!" Hetty says from nowhere. We all look around to see where she is. Upstairs, on the balcony.

"Sorry, Hetty. LA traffic." Deeks says sheepishly.

"Why'd you ask us back here, Hetty?" Callen asks.

"Because Sec-Nav and the Director called to say thank you for your hard work. And, as a thank you, The Director and Sec-Nav have invited you to the Naval Birthday Ball, as their honorary guests."

"Really?" Kensi asks.

"Yes, Ms. Blye. And the Ball starts at 8pm, so you better start getting ready. Agents Dinozzo and Gibbs, the director wishes to speak to you first. As for you five gentlemen," Hetty says, gesturing to Sam, Callen, Eric, Deeks, and I, "Your suits are waiting for you in your lockers. And Mr. Beale?"

Eric looks up and says "Hmm?"

"If I see those flip-flops paired with your suit, I will make absolutely sure that you never wear any type of shoes again. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Hetty." Eric says, gulping.

"Ms. Jones, Ms. Blye, Ms. Connors, you three come with me. I have outfits waiting for you."

"Hetty, you don't have to do that." Says A.J.

"Nonsense! If you are going to go to a ball, you shall wear the proper attire. Come on, to wardrobe."

Nell says "Okay."

Please R&R!