Title : Cure for the soul.
By : GirlOfSpring
Pairing : Nell/Callen
Summary: It all started with a certain intelligence analyst who needed her music and a certain special agent who was disturbed by the noise. A Nallen story
Disclaimer : Don't own, don't own, don't own.
Note: ALLRIGHT!Here it is, chapter 13! The unlucky number, but I don't think you will agree with me on that. Or maybe you will. Some good stuff is going to happen in the next chapter, but I first needed a bit of build up before this can actually happen.
And, thank you so much for all the reviews! The next one is going to be number 100! Yay! It's just so amazing that so many people read and like my story, it is incredible so once again, thank you!
Red Writer: Thank you. I am trying to find a balance between Nell the analyst and Nell the woman. They are the same person, but Nell the woman lets herself feel more. I just hope I can keep it that way. Thank you for the review!
Desnouer: Yes, those nightmares really do suck! And, G being the man he is, will need a gentle (or not so gentle!) push in the right direction from a certain kind of person. Thank you for the review!
Asma ISSAD: And thank you for reading my story, liking it and taking the time to leave a review!
DarkDivine131: No, he isn't so bad to actually do it. I hope you like this chapter as well. There is some Hetty/Nell interaction in there that I haven't really tried before, but I quite like Hetty. And, the next chapter is going to be loads of fun for me and for the readers! Until then!
Angelscatie: Yes, he does. And then there's the tiny detail that Deeks is kind off in the middle for them as well. I hope you like this chapter and until the next time!
Daughter of Ewan: You, my friend, are amazing! I love reading your reviews, just because they tell me what parts you really liked in the chapters and it's really great to know what is appreciated. I hope you will like this chapter as well as the others and I hope I will be reading more reviews from you!
StoryAficiondo9712: Thank you for leaving the review! The last chapter was a bit more emotional than the others but in the end I think it fits in well. Nell isn't always confident and now she's walking around with the memories of that dream. Let's see what Callen is going to do about that.
Tmpbooth: Thank you for leaving your review! There's not so much trouble going on in this chapter, but I think the next when is going to be a cracker.
Sterling36: Over the summer I had a break, which wasn't really planned but just happened. Now, I am trying to keep on writing. But I do promise that I am going to finish this story. Thank you for leaving the review!
Superherofan111: Thank you so much! And here it is again, the next chapter. I hope you like it.
Writergirl99: Yes, review 99. Argh, it stopped at 99, it's so frustrating to be stuck on 99! And I know the feeling. I started reading Densi and then I discovered Nallen and was just.. huh? But I love them now, obviously. What was the other fic that converted you, out of sheer curiosity? I have read a lot and am just wondering. And it being domesticated, I agree with that. When I write, I just sit down and start typing and when I start, I don't know yet how or where it is going to end. That's more or less what happened and I did want to give it a domestic feeling, just to show that there is a chance to something more normal. Anyways, thank you for your amazing review and I hope you will enjoy the next chapter!
So, after this (the last chapter had sooo many reviews!) on to the story!
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
The days following the dream only got worse for Nell.
Waking up the next morning, she had felt empty. It was hard to go to work and face everybody all day long, even if she could hide in the control centre where the others only came for debriefings except for Eric. And he had picked up on her mood and hadn't said a lot.
Some evenings she would lie awake in her bed, eyes open and staring. She would feel the need to cry but could never bring up the tears before in the end hating herself for these feelings.
She tried to avoid G from then on. She wouldn't let herself end up being alone with him in the same room and when they were with the others, she didn't look at him.
Somehow, it started working both ways and soon they ignored each other outside of their work.
The friendship that had grown between them seemed to have never existed.
In the beginning, Nell had taken to not talking to Kensi either, because every time she thought of the dream, she could see her kissing G.
And now, it was all obvious. Her feelings for him. Her core wanting, needing to be close to him but not being able to because it just wasn't going to happen. If there were women walking around like Kensi, why would a man like G ever look at her twice?
She felt useless, undesirable and lonely.
It was on a Friday afternoon that Eric finally spoke up again.
"Nell.. I know you have been having a hard time lately and I don't really know what is going on with you. But tonight is Sam's thing and my offer still stands. Just, I'll swing by your place and pick you up and we'll go together. Just as friends and we'll have a good time. It would do you good."
Nell looked up from her screen when Eric started talking and kept studying her friend's face as he made the offer.
A sigh left her lips and she started to think of an excuse to get her out of the evening.
"You know Eric, that's really nice but-"
"No buts! Come on, it could be fun. Maybe the art will be interesting, but there is an open bar. We can have free food and lots of drinks. And I still don't know which shoes I should wear with my smoking. I practically only own sandals and flip flops."
Eric grinned sheepishly at his attempt at making her smile.
But it had worked.
Nell felt the corners of her mouth tilt upwards slightly at the image of Eric wearing a smoking with orange flip flops underneath.
"You must have a pair of normal shoes around your place somewhere. And alright, I will come with you."
Eric made a fist and pumped it in the air in a victorious move.
"Yes! Alright, that's the Nell I want to see again. And now I have to go down and show the others what I have found."
He smiled winningly at her before exiting the command centre, effectively leaving Nell behind on her own.
She turned back to her keyboard, a slight smile on her face, ready to get back to work.
"I am glad that you have decided to go to the party anyway, Miss Jones."
Nell almost threw the keyboard in the air when she heard her boss talk and she quickly turned around, facing the tiny woman.
Where in God's name had she come from?
Hetty smiled at the shocked look in Nell's eyes, obviously enjoying the confusion she had created.
"If I am not mistaken, you will encounter a slight wardrobal problem. I expect you at my desk at 6 p.m.. That should give us plenty of time to work around it."
Her boss had turned around again and was walking towards the doors that were already sliding open again. She had already left the room when she called something back over her shoulder.
"Oh, and tell Mister Beale to pick you up at 8 at your apartment."
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
Nell still had five minutes before she had to meet Hetty. Eric had left already. They had been incredibly lucky with today being an easy day with not a lot of things going on.
Nell was sitting in her chair and finished her work before logging off. She wouldn't turn the equipment off yet because later somebody might come back to do something.
For a second, she waited, but then she left the command centre and walked down the stairs.
The bullpen was empty. Everybody had left and in surprise, Nell looked around.
She had seen the office completely empty more often, but that normally happened later in the evening.
The desks of the agents were deserted, Kensi's of course being the most disorganised one of the four.
There was nobody walking around with files and it was completely silent.
"Hetty?"
She jumped down the last step and glanced at Hetty's desk. Her boss wasn't sitting there.
"Hetty?"
Nell looked around, but couldn't see her boss anywhere.
"Miss Jones! If you could join me."
Nell turned around and saw Hetty finally standing in the corner where they kept the wardrobe for the undercover missions.
Oh dear.
Nell had realised that afternoon with Hetty's words what she had meant, but only now could she comprehend what was going to happen.
Somehow, her boss had figured out that she hadn't done any shopping for the party and thus wouldn't have anything to wear.
"So, Miss Jones. I have a dress for you, that will be perfect."
Hetty was searching for the piece of clothing and Nell watched as she did so, slightly stunned by the actions of her boss.
"Hetty. Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?"
Her words made Hetty stop doing what she was doing and the tiny woman slowly turned around.
For a few seconds, they just looked at each other, both measuring the other person.
In the end, Nell had to look away first. Hetty was this remarkable person with so much experience and wisdom. Yet, with everything she had done and seen, she managed to be the person she was and, more importantly, to stay the person she was.
Nell, in a way, looked up to her.
"Well, Miss Jones. You remember me of this young girl who still had a whole career and a whole life in front of her. Yet, in a way, she didn't live it to the fullest. You are very good at what you do Nell, but sometimes people are that good at one thing that they can lose touch with everything else. You should never lose touch with these other things. Enjoy your life, Miss Jones. Now, it is the most important thing to do for you. If you see an opportunity, go for it. Some chances don't occur a second time."
With that, Hetty turned around again and finally found what she had been looking for. She pulled out a dress and showed it to the intelligence analyst, who was still mulling over Hetty's words.
What had she meant? But once she saw the dress, all thoughts left her mind.
It was beautiful.
The fabric was a dark golden green, shimmering in the lights as Hetty held it up for her. The dress had a golden strap around the middle which tied together in a knot on the hip, having two loose strands falling down next to the skirt, which was just above knee length.
Nell was stunned.
"It's so beautiful.." Slowly, she reached for the fabric and her fingers slid through the skirt. It was incredibly soft.
Nell wasn't the kind of girl to squeal for a pretty dress, but this particular piece of clothing was so absolutely stunning and she would be allowed to wear it.
Hetty was still holding it, smiling slightly with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Come on then, try it on. You can wear it tonight."
Nell's mouth fell open and her lips formed a slight o. She sort of had already seen it coming, but it still was a surprise.
Slowly, she took the dress from Hetty and held it in her hands.
"Wow, Hetty. Alright, let's see.." She disappeared into the fitting room and quickly changed out of her clothing.
Her eyes never really left the dress. She couldn't wait to wear it. She wanted to look beautiful, feel beautiful and that was what the dress would give her.
She slid in the green cloth and pulled the skirt down. It fell just above her knees, showing her light-coloured legs. But because the green had a dark golden shine to it, it didn't look unhealthy.
She turned to the mirror in the fitting room and examined herself for a few seconds.
She still had to zip up the back, but the colour was amazing.
Nell had always had quite a pale complexion and even now, the dress didn't change it. But it didn't look like she hadn't been outside in days.
"Miss Jones?"
Nell looked up when she heard Hetty call for her and opened the curtain.
"Could you just zip me up?" She asked her boss, turning slightly for her to see the zipper on her back.
Hetty smiled when the curtains slid sideways and revealed the intelligence analyst. It was exactly how she had thought it would be.
"Of course." Hetty stepped closer and with a swift movement, she zipped Nell up. Then, she stepped back and showed her the shoes she had taken the liberty to buy as well.
"To complete it all."
Nell was astonished. She took over the shoes, which were elegant, high heeled sandals. The thin straps were gold and came together just above her toes with a green stone.
Nell sat down and put on the shoes that were exactly the right size for her and stood again, just being a bit taller.
She turned and walked to the mirror, still getting used to the height of the heels. She didn't usually were them that often, but once in a while she could definitely pull it off.
Nell stood still in front of the mirror and studied herself.
She liked it. Better yet, she loved it.
Her shoulders were still bare since the green fabric came up over her breasts, over her shoulders and only came together halfway her back, just above the golden ribbon, exposing some skin there as well.
The shoes made her legs seem longer, even if it was just an illusion.
After a few seconds, she turned back to Hetty. Her boss was standing behind her, her hands clasped together in a tight grip and a knowing smile on her face.
"Yes, I think that will do. You do the dress justice, Miss Jones. Wear it with care."
Nell smiled as Hetty stretched her arm to check on her watch.
"Oh dear, is that the time already?" She heard the other woman mumble under her breath.
Nell in the meantime stepped forward and without any warning, she hugged her tiny boss. She felt Hetty stiffen for just a second and could already imagine the look of surprise on her face. One hand came up and patted her on the back, maybe just a tad bit awkward.
"Thank you Hetty. This is amazing, you are amazing."
Nell let go of her boss and stepped back again, looking at the older woman.
"Well, yes. But if you can excuse me, I have to go. I am late for my appointment." Hetty winked once before turning around and leaving the area with the clothes racks.
But, again, she couldn't just walk away and had to call something back over her shoulder.
"Oh, and if anything happens to that dress, Miss Jones, I will have to withhold your pay check for the next few months!"
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
Nell was standing at her front door, checking her image in the small mirror that was hanging next to it.
She had gone home after getting the dress, taken a nice, long bath and she had used all the time to get ready.
Now, she was wearing her dress with the shoes, holding her purse and taking her black coat to put over the dress. It wasn't that warm anymore outside. After the bath, she had fixed her hair so it would fall down exactly the way she wanted it to and applied some subtle make-up.
The bell rang and she opened the door to reveal Eric, who had come to pick her up.
"Hey." She said, smiling slightly. He was wearing a tuxedo and seemed to have combed his hair. For a second, she looked down at his feet to check if he had found the right shoes and was indeed greated by a pair of black, leather shoes. No colourful flip flops.
What a shame.
"Euhm- Hey. Wow, you look green. I mean, great! You look great, absolutely amazing!" Eric was stumbling over the words that came out of his mouth and Nell laughed.
"Don't worry, you look quite dashing yourself."
A slight blush had crept on her cheeks. After the week she had had, it felt good that somebody thought she looked great.
Eric turned halfway and extended his arm for her to accept.
"Shall we go?" Nell nodded in response and closed the door behind her before accepting his arm and together, they walked down to the road where a cab was waiting for them.
"So, what kind of people do you think are going to be at the party?"
Eric started a bit of casual conversation and Nell shrugged slightly in response.
"I am not sure. It is organised by Sam's wife and it is a fancy opening for this art exhibit, so maybe there will be some important people. But most probably there will just be some people that like the art and are interested, and the extra people that got the invitations. I guess we will see."
Eric nodded in reply and he held the door open for her so she could get in the cab before walking around and getting in next to her.
The drive wasn't too long and they chatted a bit about their plans for the weekend. Apparently there had been a weather forecast predicting some great waves, so Eric was going surfing.
Nell hadn't really thought about what she was going to do with the next two days off. Maybe it wouldn't last, either. Something could always come up to interrupt their spare time.
When they arrived at the gallery, Eric paid the driver and they got out together. Nell closed the buttons on her coat when she felt a breeze slide around her and Eric offered his arm again, which she accepted.
"I think I can see the others over there."
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
G Callen had been having a crap day. Better yet, he had been having a crap week.
After overhearing the conversation between Nell and Eric, he was just pissed.
The whole image of the two of them going to the party together and hanging around each other all evening set something deep inside him off immensely.
To add to this, Nell had pretty much stopped talking to him. She only said something during briefings of when he asked her something during the debriefs. Outside of that? Nothing.
He just couldn't understand.
So, for the whole week, they had barely talked and he had only gotten grumpier and grumpier.
Sam had started wondering if he was suffering from some kind of weird PMS, but after sparring a bit G had changed his mind.
Yet, it didn't change his mood.
At the moment, he was standing at the entrance of the art gallery. He had pushed his hands in his trouser pockets and was glancing around to see if he could find the others.
He had been forced to go by himself since Sam would be here early, together with his wife.
"Deeks, I swear to god, if you are not going to shut up right now, I am going to rip you to shreds!"
He would recognise that voice from everywhere and slowly turned around.
"Sugar bear, you're so feisty tonight. And I only complimented on the excellent choice of wardrobe!"
There they were, Kensi and Deeks.
The special agent was wearing a burgundy, one sleeved dress that stopped midtigh, with a pair of very high heels.
Next to her, Deeks was wearing a smoking just as G was.
"Deeks, put your eyes back in your pockets." G remarked when they had reached him.
"I thought you weren't coming together?"
Kensi sent a deathly glare sideways to her partner, who had a look of pure innocence on his face.
"Well, yesterday somebody managed to wreck my car so I didn't really have a drive tonight."
In his defense, Deeks put up his hands.
"Hey hey hey! It wasn't my fault that that terrorist yesterday managed to shoot your tires. That wall came out of nowhere!"
Kensi huffed.
"Yeah right."
G shook his head, smiling slightly. He looked at Deeks, who was grinning like a mad man. Oh, he wasn't sorry at all that he had gotten to pick Kensi up for the party.
"Hey guys!"
G turned around and saw Eric and Nell walking towards them. His eyes instantly closed in on their arms, linked together as they stepped up the sidewalk and joined their little group.
Eric was wearing a smoking as well. Nell was covered in a long, black coat and he couldn't see what she was wearing. Underneath the coat, a thin strip of fabric peaked out which was some hint of green.
Even then, Nell usually didn't show this much leg without covering it in any way. And he absolutely wouldn't mind if she would do it more often.
For a second, he imagined sliding his hands up her alabaster skin and for the briefest of moments he remembered the dream he had had in which he had gotten the chance to actually do so.
And man had she reacted.
But, that wasn't real, and this was.
His brow furrowed again when their arms were still linked, but nobody seemed to notice.
Nell was avoiding his eyes and instead looking at Kensi.
"Wow Kensi, you look amazing."
The girls exchanged some pleasantries and finally, G cleared his throat.
"How about we go inside?"
Nell looked up to him and suddenly, she let go of Eric's arm.
"Alright, I am starting to get quite thirsty." Deeks exclaimed his desire to go and, without taking no for an answer, took Kensi by the arm and led her to the entrance, effectively leaving the other three in a bit of an awkward silence.
"Come on guys!" Deeks called back over his shoulder.
This triggered a reaction from Eric, who quickly followed the other two.
Oh crap.
"So –"
"We should go inside as well." Nell quickly interrupted him and slowly started to walk to the doors. It took G a split second to follow her but finally he was walking next to her.
He didn't know what to say.
She wasn't talking and somehow he had the feeling that anything he would say, would just angry her in some way.
So, instead of saying anything, he stepped forward when he reached the door and opened it for her so she could go inside.
They both were required to show their invitations to a security guard at another door and then they finally reached the wardrobe.
"You can leave your coats here before going inside." A woman called and in front of him, Nell was opening her coat.
Quickly, he stepped in closer.
"Let me." He said softly, leaning in slightly before lightly putting his hands on her shoulders so he would be able to lift her coat.
She froze, and if he hadn't been paying attention he wouldn't have noticed it happened.
But just as quickly as it happened, it was over and he wondered briefly if he had imagined it.
Nell slid her arms out of her coat and turned around.
For a second, G was stunned. He was holding the coat forgotten in his hands as he looked at her, amazed by the natural way in which she could just look so beautiful.
The goldish green dress fit her petite frame perfectly and showed her creamy shoulders and subtle neck where she was wearing a golden necklace with something round and gold that dangled between her breasts.
With the high heels she seemed taller and lightly marked hazel eyes glanced up at him.
"G, can I have my coat?"
What? Ow.
"Yes, of course."
He handed her the coat and waited as she gave it to the wardrobe lady.
She looked absolutely stunning.
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
Nell felt a bit awkward, but tried not to show it as she gave her coat to the lady that was arranging the wardrobe for the guests.
She didn't want to be this close to him. Even if she liked it, this incredibly handsome man who was walking her in and opening doors for her. It didn't matter, because nothing would ever happen.
She didn't want to get hurt, but the way she had let things get out of hand, it might already be too late.
When he had stepped in to take her coat, she had felt his breath slide past her skin, she had noticed the warm presence behind her and for a brief moment she just wanted to lean into him and forget everything about the party.
This sucked.
Once her coat was hung up, she turned back to G, who was still watching her.
He seemed to be thinking about something, but his eyes were never leaving her.
Next to feeling awkward, she was also feeling uncomfortable now.
What was it? Did she not look right? Did he think she looked ridiculous? Did she have something between her teeth?
Insecurities just kept on growing bigger and bigger.
"So, shall we go in?"
"Yes, let's go."
~~~|G|O|S|~~~
So, I thought about G telling her she looked beautiful in the end here, but then I got this idea and I am loving it right now! So, it's going to be something for the next chapter!
Thank you for reading and please leave a review!