A/N: Thanks for all your comments about this story. I appreciate them

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own NCIS LA. They are the property of CBS, Shane Brennan, R Scott Gemmill and all the other brilliant writers. Thanks for letting the out to play in our stories

Chapter 13

Callen was not known for showing or sharing his feelings, not even to those he cared for most. The fact that he had disclosed some of his inner most feelings to Hetty had left him drained. Hetty could see that he was struggling to keep his eyes open. She reached out and took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently. Callen turned his head to look at her.

"You need your rest so please don't stay awake on my account, Mr Callen" said Hetty. She was a little surprised when he did not put up a fight but nodded and closed his eyes, slipping into a peaceful sleep. Hetty waited a few minutes to ensure that Callen was in fact asleep and thankful that the nightmares appeared to be at bay.

Gently removing her hand, Hetty arose and left the room, glancing back at Callen to check that her movement had not disturbed him. Satisfied that he was still asleep, Hetty took her cell from her pocket, punched in a number and waited for them to answer.

"Gibbs" said the voice as they responded.

"Hello, Jethro. I trust you had a good trip home?" she asked.

"It was uneventful, which I like. Slept all the way!" he answered. "Is Callen OK?"

"Yes. I want to thank you and Miss Scuito again for coming out to Los Angeles to see him. I also want to let you know that he's continuing to improve. I don't know when he'll be discharged but I'm hoping that it will be soon. As you know well, Mr Callen and hospitals don't mix at all well. I'm sure he'll get better more quickly if he's in his own home" said Hetty. She heard Jethro chuckle.

"I know. Generally the only way to keep him in a hospital bed is to sedate him or put him in restraints. And even then I've no doubt he'll find a way to get out" said Gibbs.

"Seriously, do you have a plan for when he's discharged? I'm due some leave and will come back and help him recuperate."

"Thank you, Jethro, that would be most welome and I'm sure Mr Callen would like it as well. No doubt he'll say it's not necessary and put up a fight though" she said.

"Oh I'm sure of it" said Gibbs. "Between us I think we can convince him that it would be for the best."

"I like your thinking, Jethro" said Hetty in appreciation. "I would envisage that Mr Callen will come home with me immediately upon his discharge for as long as he's willing to stay. I'll ensure that there is adequate medical assistance available to help with his physical therapy and his rehabilitation. This should give you ample time to make the necessary arrangements to come out to LA. Do you know how long you'd be able to stay?"

"That sounds like a plan. I'll run it past Leon but I'm looking at a month or six weeks" said Gibbs.

"Wonderful. I'm sure Mr Callen will enjoy having you around. I know how close you two are and that you rarely get the chance to visit one another" concluded Hetty.

"If we don't kill each other first!" laughed Gibbs. "We're quite alike. Neither wanting to share feelings, talk about stuff that's bothering us and asking for or accepting help. I'm sure we'll manage though" said Gibbs.

"Indeed" said Hetty. "I and the rest of the team will be around to help if needed. However you may find that you both find it therapeutic!"

"Perhaps" concluded Gibbs. "Please keep me posted and when you're ready for me to come out, just ring. In the meantime, thank you for being there for him. It means a lot to me knowing he has someone to look out for him. Say 'hi' to him for me" said Gibbs.

"I will. And thank you too for all you've done so far. I'll be in touch" said Hetty as she disconnected the call.

Hetty went back into the room and as Callen was still asleep she sat down and picked up her book to continue reading whilst glancing at her boy to check for signs that the nightmares were returning. Luckily they did not and Hetty allowed herself the luxury of dozing.

When Hetty woke in the morning she found that a blanket had been laid over her and saw Sam sitting in a chair on the other side of the bed. She also noticed that Callen was awake and the two men, who had been talking quietly, were both looking at her, smiling.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Who do I have to thank for the blanket?" she asked.

"'Morning, Hetty, that was me" answered Callen. "I woke in the middle of the night and saw you asleep. I asked a nurse for it."

"Thank you, Mr Callen, that was most thoughtful of you" she said.

Callen nodded.

"How are the family, Mr Hanna? I hope Kamran is none the worse for her visit?" asked Hetty of her senior agent.

"She's good, Hetty. Thanks. Both Michelle and I have spoken to her and I think she understands" answered Sam.

"Good. Well, then, I will leave you two alone to continue your chat. Mr Callen, I'll come back later on, if that's alright with you."

"Of course it is, Hetty. I'd love to see you, but you must be busy. Don't feel you have to babysit me. I'm a big boy, y'know. I can look after myself" Callen said.

"Well that's debateable but yes, we are busy. Unfortunately crime doesn't stop just because my team leader is laid up in hospital. However I can run the office from here just as well" countered Hetty. She smiled to herself as she saw Sam try to hide a smile and Callen roll his eyes. Hopefully that was a good sign that he was on the mend.

"Also I know your tricks only too well, Mr Callen. I know you hate hospitals and will do anything to get out of being here. However you've been seriously injured and I do not want you putting your recovery in jeopardy by pulling any of your antics!"

Callen had a look of innocence on his face and Hetty softened her tone, smiling affectionately.

"I sympathise, I really do. I want nothing more than to have you back at work. We all miss you but you know the drill. You must recover fully which will take time. You must not take any shortcuts and you will do everything the doctors ask of you. If you behave yourself whilst in hospital, I will do all in my power to have you discharged early" continued Hetty.

Callen looked hopefully at Sam, who shrugged, and Callen then turned his attention back to Hetty.

"You would?" he asked, not quite convinced it was a genuine offer. "What do I have to do exactly?" he continued suspiciously.

"What I just told you, Mr Callen." Hetty sighed heavily, thinking it was like dealing with truculent child rather than a grown man. She said exasperatingly "Don't you listen? Just behave yourself. By that I mean, do not try to escape! Do as you're told, do your exercises but don't over exert yourself. I'll discuss my plan with your doctor and if we feel that you are complying then, just maybe, I'll get you home."

Hetty could see Callen weighing up the options and knew he was wondering how he could get her to fulfil her promise, without actually doing as she asked. Callen glanced at Sam.

"Don't bring me into this, G! I'll help you all I can, you know that, but I won't go against Hetty. I'm not that brave" said Sam.

Hetty threw Sam one of her stares and he shrugged apologetically in response.

Finally Callen said "OK, Hetty, you win! I'll do as you ask but please get me out of here as soon as you can."

Hetty nodded. "Make sure you do, Mr Callen." With that Hetty turned and left the two agents together.