Projects

I needed some fluff after the trauma of the finale. This did not turn out as light as I wanted but it gave me a relief from the pain on Callen's face.

I need a hobby he thought to his self, remembering the talk he and Sam had on the last mission. When he first mentioned it to his partner he had been joking but the thought had taken root in his brain and wouldn't go away.

After all he had this entire house to deal with thanks to Hetty. Perhaps he could do some of those DIY projects he was always hearing about. How hard could it be? He would have to buy supplies and tools, yea tools, tools could be fun.

In fact he knew just what project he would start with.

"May I help you find something sir?" The pretty brunette salesclerk had been watching the attractive man walk around for about 5 minutes. "Are you looking for something in particular?"

"Yes, I was looking for a basketball hoop for my house." Callen gave the clerk a smile. "And a basketball too, I will definitely need one of those."

"We have several different types, follow me and I'll show you where they are. Do you want one that mounts on your house or a freestanding one?"

"I'll take this one I can mount on my garage and give me a ball too. That should be all I need, where do I go to pick it up?"

Loading the box into his Jag was an experience Callen did not want to repeat. If he decided to continue with any other projects, perhaps he would rent or purchase a small truck to haul stuff in. Unless he could borrow one from work, surely Hetty wouldn't have a problem with that.

Once he got home and opened the box he realized he had another problem. There was no way he could support the hoop by his self while standing on a ladder to mount it; even if he had a ladder to stand on.

"Hey Sam you got a ladder?" Callen took a drink of beer while listening to Sam talk. "Would you bring it over, I need to use it. Look I'll explain what I need it for when you get here."

"Is everything you own black?" Sam had pulled up in a black pickup truck with the ladder in the back. "Hand me the ladder and I take it around back."

"Ok G, I'm here with the ladder so tell me what you need it for." Sam looked around the yard and spotted the box. "You're putting up a hoop? What do you need a basketball hoop for?"

"Hobbies Sam, I told you I was going to get a hobby." G patently explained to his partner.

"Installing a basketball hoop is your new hobby? What, you're going to search out houses without hoops and install them in secret?" Sam shook his head. "Man that has to be one of the stupidest hobbies I've ever heard of."

"No, installing basketball hoops is not my hobby; I'm installing the hoop because I like to play basketball." He shot a smirk towards Sam. "I figure if I put one up here I can play whenever I want and not have to go somewhere else to play. After all I have to keep my skills up to take you out big guy."

"You could practice out here every day and not even begin to catch up with me." Sam grabbed the ladder "Still it's a good idea, putting a hoop up. It will make this place seem like more of a home."

"Whatever just help me get it up, you lift and I'll attach it." Callen climbed the ladder and soon they had the hoop installed.

Grabbing the ball they played for a while before stopping for beer.

"I'm proud of you G; finally doing something with this house. You got any other hobbies or plans I need to know about?"

"Maybe I do or maybe I don't. I've got a few things I'm thinking about. You'll know in good time my friend." He grabbed the ball from Sam "Let's play to 21, loser buys dinner."

Putting down the empty bottle Sam got ready "I like my steak rare G."

"Oh I won't be buying tonight, you will." He called over his shoulder as he sank the 3-pointer.