A/n: Apologies for the delay in updating this story. Christmas preparations seem to be getting in the way of this and my other stories. Hopefully in the New Year I will be able to concentrate on them all. Wishing everyone every good wish for the festive season, whatever your beliefs, and may 2017 be happy and peaceful.
Chapter 10:
Sam went outside and waited while Hetty went back to the office with Gibbs and Michelle took Kamran home, saying she'd see Sam later.
After a short examination, Dr Grant came out and spoke to Sam. "Everything's fine though I will probably order more tests just to be sure. The hard work starts now to get him back on his feet so he's strong enough to leave here. I might have to restrict visiting times but I'll let Hetty know once I see how well he's doing. By all means stay for a little while but now he's regained consciousness he will tire quickly despite being under for so long."
"Thanks Doctor" said Sam as he went in to Callen.
"Hey, bud, how're you feeling?" asked Sam.
"Strange. How long have I been here?" asked Callen.
"About 4 months. You were on life support for 4-6 weeks. You really had us worried, G, especially once your injuries healed enough for you to be taken off life support and you still didn't wake up. Do you remember what happened to you?"
"Yeah, mostly. It was pretty bad; I don't know how I managed it. I nearly gave up several times – especially when Charlie was killed. That really got to me."
"Why? I don't understand why you'd care about a racist, low life like that!"
Callen was quiet for a while, not looking at Sam. When he started speaking again, he still didn't look at Sam but gazed off into the distance, maybe the distant past. "It's complicated, Sam. I promise I'm not dodging the issue and I will tell you but not now. I'm tired and my throat hurts."
"OK but I'll hold you to it. And if you don't tell me, I'll set Nate on you" Sam promised.
Callen smiled his lop-sided grin and patted his friend's arm. "Yeah, you would. I promise in a couple of days when I feel stronger, I'll tell you everything."
Sam nodded his acceptance and sat quietly whilst his friend and partner closed his eyes and fell into a restful sleep.
Back at the Ops Centre, Jethro arrived with Hetty where they were greeted warmly by the rest of team. Abby came running to Gibbs and threw herself into his arms in a huge embrace. He hugged her back. "Gibbs, he's awake. I'm so glad. Can we see him before we go back? Please?"
"Of course, Abs. Hetty's going to show me around here and then she'll take us back to the hospital." Gibbs glanced at Hetty who nodded her agreement. Abby stopped hugging Gibbs and threw her arms around Hetty, though she had to bend down to do so. The team looked shocked and waited for a reaction from Hetty, who just hugged Abby and patted her back and laughed. "My dear, Miss Sciuto, you make an old woman very happy. Now, you'd best let me go so I can show Jethro around before I take you both back to see Mr Callen."
Abby reluctantly released her and stepped away, letting Hetty lead Gibbs round the Ops Centre. After the tour, Gibss sat opposite Hetty at her desk, whilst Abby continued to chat with Eric and Nell.
"You've certainly made the most of this place. You'd never know from outside what it hides, which I guess is the object – seeing you're Special Operations," said Gibbs.
"After the old base was compromised when you worked with us before we had to find somewhere else. I found this place. It works rather well, I think" said Hetty.
"Tim was especially impressed with the technology; didn't stop talking about it for weeks! Drove me to distraction!" laughed Gibbs. "He will be unbearable once he hears all about it again from Abby!"
They sat quietly for a while before Gibbs broke the silence. "Thanks for contacting me about G. I think you know what he means to me".
Hetty nodded before saying "No, thank you, Jethro. It was so good of you to come all this way. I'm pleased he woke up before you had to leave." She paused. "In fact I just so relieved that he's woken up. I really thought I'd – we'd – lost him this time. At times like this, when one of our agents is hurt or worse, I wonder whether I can continue. The worry and guilt that I feel every time I send them out, thinking whether they will all return safely, is getting too much."
"I know what you mean. We all pay the price sooner or later but someone has to do this job. I know your reputation but I also know you. You're well regarded professionally by those in NCIS and held in awe and sometimes terror by those in other agencies." Gibbs and Hetty both smiled at this as they were well aware of the fear that the name 'Henrietta Lange' brought to the other agencies. "But you are respected and loved by those who work with you. Your team is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, NCIS has and it's G and yourself who hold it together. I've known G for a long time and have worked with him on numerous occasions. We've saved each other's butts more times than we'd like to admit. Like you, he's like the son – or at least a younger brother - I never had. I'd do anything for him."
"Yes, I know some of your history. But seeing you together, I can see the bond you have, the easy way you connect with each other. Mr Callen doesn't have that with many people. He is lucky to have you. I can only hope that when the time comes, he will allow us to help him get back his strength and fitness so he can return to work as soon as he's able." Getting up, Hetty said "Let's get you back to the hospital so you can spend a little time with him before you have to leave. Let's find Miss Sciuto."
"Unfortunately we have to go back to DC now, but I will come back and be there for him later" promised Gibbs.
Taking Gibbs' hands in hers, Hetty said "Thank you. It will mean a lot to Mr Callen, I know."
After saying their goodbyes to the LA team, Abby and Gibbs were whisked back to the hospital by Hetty. Reaching the room, they saw Sam watching over a still sleeping Callen. As Sam got up to greet the others, Callen stirred. "Hey, sleepy head. Gibbs and Abby have just come back with Hetty. You up to seeing them again? I think they've got to get back to DC."
Callen nodded and Sam went out to them. Hugging each in turn, Sam said "He's just woken up. He's been asleep since you left. Soundly for the most part, a few twitches but no nightmares, thankfully. He wants to see you guys" Sam said to Gibbs and Abby. Thanking Sam they went in. Callen smiled at them both and Abby threw her arms round him, giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Callen looked embarrassed as Gibbs gave a soft chuckle.
"She's been wanting to do that again ever since you saved her life last year" Gibbs said.
Abby shot him a cross look and Callen said "I think she already has earlier today or was it yesterday?" Seeing their surprised looks he said "Or did I dream it?"
"You remember that, Special Agent G Callen?" asked Abby. When he nodded she continued "Yes I did. You were still unconscious and I was very worried about you, we all were. I'm so glad you're OK" giving him another big hug. Seeing him wince, she said "Oh I've hurt you. I'm so sorry."
"It's OK Abby. My ribs are a bit tender that's all." Turning his attention to Gibbs, who took his hand and gave him a shoulder hug, Callen said "It's good to see you, Gibbs, how long are you here?"
"Not long enough I'm afraid. We've got to go back tonight. Hetty was worried that you weren't waking up and I think everyone had run out of ideas. She asked me if I'd send a video message but I came instead. Abs insisted on coming too."
"Well I'm really pleased to see you both but you didn't have to come."
"Don't be silly, G" said Abby. "Of course, we'd come. It's the least I can do since you saved my life. I owe you. And I wasn't gonna let Gibbs go on his own!"
"Abs, he's a big boy. He can look after himself" said Callen laughing.
"Now don't you be too sure about that G. You don't know the trouble he gets himself in!" As Gibbs rolled his eyes to the ceiling and G smirked at his discomfort, she continued "Perhaps you do, you're both cut from the same cloth! I shouldn't let either of you out of my sight!" The two men looked at each other and laughed but Callen's was cut short as he winced in pain.
Gibbs touched his arm, "You OK?" concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine" Callen said, taking a tentative breath. "It's my ribs. It hurts to laugh!"
They continued talking for a while until Gibbs noticed that Callen was tiring. He nudged Abby. "I think we'd better let you rest, G" said Abby. "I'll come back to LA to see you soon" she said as she bent to kiss him.
"I'd like that, Abs" he replied as he kissed her cheek. Abby left the room to let Gibbs say his goodbyes in private. Gibbs stood beside the bed looking down at his friend. Taking his hand he gave Callen a hug and said "Take it easy and get better. And do as you're told! I'll be back soon to help you recuperate."
"You don't have to, Jethro. I'll manage, Hetty and Sam as well as the rest of the team will see to that."
"I know but I want to. I know how stubborn you can be. I know, just like me. I'll do us both good – if we don't kill each other first!"
"I appreciate it, Jethro. Take care of Abby, she's a special lady. And take care of yourself." Jethro nodded and the two friends hugged again.
After waving them goodbye, as Gibbs and Abby left with Hetty, who had returned to take them to the airport, Callen fell asleep again.