i'm pretty sure this is my most neglected story, which is funny because it's the only one I've written with a detailed plot outline beforehand. If you don't follow Broken Blye, just a heads up that I'm back to work, and battling a bad case of post viral fatigue after the flu a couple months ago. But my stories aren't abandoned, just neglected at the moment.

Everyone returned, more or less on time. Callen directed everyone to wardrobe and was unsurprised to find Hetty had left "suggestions" for each team member. Kensi and Nell were left elegant cocktail dresses, complete with shoes, handbags and jewellery. Four suits lay out for the men, each distinct to suit their individual styles - although Eric still moaned over the fact that they were pants. Once dressed, it was Kensi who spoke up first.

"This is not what I was expecting for team bonding night. Where are we off to, Callen?" she asked. He shook his head.

"I was thinking beers at a bar, but clearly Hetty has other ideas," he said. "But hey, it's on her card tonight, so let's make the most of it." Deeks got a mischievous look in his eye at that statement.

"I know a place. But call me Andrews for the night," he said with a grin. They headed out of OSP together, and were unsurprised that a limo was waiting. They got in while Deeks spoke briefly to the driver. "Looks like Hetty read my mind. We've got a premium table at the Oasis for the night," he said, his grin even wider than before.

Kensi and Nell enjoyed the drinks in the limo, while Sam leaned back to enjoy the ride. Callen was racking his brain to figure out what Hetty was up to, and Deeks and Eric were discussing Deeks' last undercover op at their destination. When they arrived, Nell had relaxed significantly from the tense person she had been that afternoon, and everyone was curious as to what lay in store for them. Deeks entered the upscale venue first with Kensi on his arm, everyone else following.

"Ah, Mr. Andrews! So good to see you!" the host said. "Can we get you a table?"

"Actually, he's with me," Callen said, stepping forward. "I believe there's a reservation for Reznikov," he said.

"Yes! Welcome, Mr. Reznikov, if you and your party will follow me, I can take you to your booth," she said with a warm smile as she briefly rested her hand on Callen's arm before leading them to their "booth."

Booth was an insufficient word to describe the semi-private area complete with a large table, lounges, privately controlled lighting and enough space for dancing. Eric's eyes went wide as he looked around, unable to control how impressed he was. The other agents tried to downplay their reactions, but everyone was impressed.

"Please, let us know how we can be of service to you tonight," the host told Callen, once again touching him briefly. "The wine you requested is chilling, and a selection of appetisers will be here momentarily. Enjoy your evening," she told him, and left. Kensi went straight for the wine, which she held out to Sam. He read the label and nodded approvingly.

"This is going to be a very good night," he said. "Hetty chose a damn good wine."

It didn't take long for everyone to relax and enjoy the environment. They enjoyed dancing, drinking, relaxing and sampling the various foods that were brought out over the course of the first hour. By the second hour they were all on their way to drunk, with Kensi and surprisingly Eric becoming quite entertaining. Sometime shortly after, the hostess reappeared.

"If anyone is interested, the card tables have opened," she told Callen quietly. "I can escort you there if you would like - entry is by invitation only." Callen was about to decline when Eric's face lit up.

"I think we might like to try a game or two," he told her. "Anyone up for some cards?" he asked his teammates, as Eric and Nell quickly nodded.

"Follow me," the host said. "And don't worry, we'll save your booth."

They followed her past a heavy double curtain to find an impressive set up. He looked to his team to see who was interested in playing.

"Not me. Cards are not my friend," Deeks spoke up quickly.

"I'll give it a try," Kensi said with a shrug, Sam and Nell nodded.

"I'm in," Eric said with an easy grin. "What's our limit?" Callen eyed him carefully.

"Your call. But don't forget it's Hetty you have to answer to."

A good hour later, Kensi had made a neat pile of winnings, although she was pretty sure it was just because she was distracting the players. Deeks was quietly admiring her, and making his presence known whenever one of the other players touched her.

Nell and Callen were at the poker table, but both were too drunk to be taking the game seriously as they laughed with the other players at their table. Sam had grown bored of playing and instead was amusing himself watching his teammates' antics. Eric, however, was now at the most exclusive Black Jack table and was accumulating a large pile of chips. With each passing game, he was receiving more and more female attention and was clearly becoming uncomfortable with it. Sam finally felt the need to call it to Callen's attention.

"I think someone needs to bail out poor Eric. He's loving the game but I think he's kind of over the groupies," he observed, and Callen nodded. Nell looked up to see just how bad things were getting.

"Plan B," Callen said to Sam, and Sam nodded, looking to Nell.

"Can't Kensi do it?" she asked, suddenly looking panicked.

"Deeks has just about bitten the hand off anyone who goes near her. Don't think anyone would buy that she's with Eric at this point," Callen pointed out.

"Fine," she said, fighting the urge to run. She stood up and walked over to the elite table where Eric was reigning king, muttering to herself. "I can do this... I can do this... It's just a role," she reminded herself. When she got to the table she stepped up behind Eric and wrapped her arms around him as she whispered in his ear.

"Plan B. Callen's idea. Do you need rescuing from the vultures?" she asked.

"Hi sweetheart, I wondered where you were," he said calmly, watching as the women around him looked disappointed. "Just a few more games?" he said, as if asking her permission. "I almost have enough to get that stunning ring you've been eyeing," he continued. She slid down to sit in his lap and pretended to pout.

"Ok, a few more games. But I want to watch, is that ok?" she asked.

"Of course," he said, then returned his attention to the table.

"This is my girlfriend, Christine," he told the other players. "Mind if she joins us?" The others just nodded and continued with their game.

Callen and Sam stood back and watched.

"I think we can call team bonding a success," Sam said.

"Yup. I bet Hetty had this all planned out," Callen agreed. "Let's go back and get another drink. I think both pairs of lovebirds should be fine for now."

Kensi and Deeks followed Callen and Sam shortly afterwards and then excused themselves saying they were done for the night. They both tried vehemently to deny that they were going home together when Callen and Sam began to tease them, but they knew no one was fooled. Finally giving up, Kensi shrugged and took Deeks arm, and didn't flinch when he leaned down to kiss her. Callen and Sam both cheered and cat called, with Callen making a mental note to check with Nell to see who had won the office pool.

Almost another hour passed before Nell and Eric re-joined them, both grinning widely.

"Hetty may have used her card, but I'm pretty sure that tonight is on the incredible Mr. Beale," Nell told Callen and Sam, her words slurring slightly. When she was met with a pair of puzzled looks, Eric shrugged and handed over a large stack of hundred dollar bills.

"What can I say? I'm good. There's a reason I was banned from Vegas," he said. Callen and Sam just stared at him in shock for a minute, before Callen reached out to return the money to Eric, but he just shrugged again. "Give it to Hetty," Eric said. "It was her money I played with. But I think I'm done. Can we go back now? I kind of miss my shorts."