A/N: I apologise that this story may be dragging a little; it is difficult to add tension and drama when someone is recuperating. I'll see what the imagination comes up with. In the meantime, thanks to all who are still reading this – your support and comments are most welcome.

Chapter 20

Hetty was pleased that Callen was so obviously delighted at finally being free of the cast. She thought back to earlier that morning when she had contacted Gibbs and remembered how the conversation went.

"It's Gibbs" he said when he answered the phone.

"Good morning, Jethro. How are you?" she asked.

"Good morning, Hetty. I'm fine. What can I do for you?" he asked.

"I was just phoning to give you an update on Mr Callen's condition and to ask whether you'd be able to come out earlier than originally planned. You see, whilst Mr Callen has only been out of hospital a few days and as far as I can tell he isbeing sensible and taking things slowly, he's got an appointment this morning about his arm. I'm not anticipating any problems which will mean the cast will be removed" Hetty explained.

"And once he's no longer hindered by it, you think he'll try to rush his recovery" concluded Gibbs.

"Exactly" confirmed Hetty. "He's promised that he'll behave and take his recuperation seriously and steadily but we both know what he's like; how impatient he can be especially when he's frustrated at his progress."

"No kidding" laughed Gibbs. "I've got a few stories to tell as no doubt you have as well. I was planning to come out earlier anyway but let me confirm it with Leon. I should be able to get to you as early as Sunday morning if that works for you."

"Indeed it would. Thank you, Jethro. You don't know how relieved I am to hear you say that. I can work from home on occasions but I can't always keep my eye on him. And we all know how good he is at disappearing when he wants and whilst Sam can sometimes spend all day with him, you can never predict when a case will come up as you well know. I don't believe he should be allowed to go home just yet so I'd like you to stay with us at Dovecote, at least for a week or two until we're convinced he'll be alright at home. You will be a good distraction for him" said Hetty.

"That sounds like a plan and I'm good with those arrangements. Thank you for putting me up. Are you sure it's no bother?" answered Gibbs. "I'll get back to you to confirm once I've spoken to Leon."

"No bother at all, Jethro. Thank you once again and by the way, Sam and his family are coming over for lunch on Sunday. His daughter is anxious to see her Uncle Callen. It would be lovely if you were there too. I'm sure they'd love to see you again" said Hetty.

"Sounds good. I'll look forward to it" said Gibbs as he disconnected.

After speaking to Hetty on the phone and telling her the news, Sam drove Callen home as he wanted to pick up some more clothes and his swim shorts. Arriving back at Dovecote Callen offered Sam some lunch.

"Thanks but no. You may have lost the cast but you haven't lost your inability to cook anything remotely healthy" said Sam.

"Oh that hurts, Sam" said Callen clutching at his heart, pretending to get a pain from Sam's comment. "Y'know you should be careful what you say to someone in my condition. You don't know what damage you'll cause" teased Callen.

"Keep it up, buddy and you'll see what'll happen to you" answered Sam in mock seriousness.

"You threatening me, Sam? I'll tell Hetty what you said" countered Callen sporting his characteristic lopsided grin.

"Go ahead. I'm pretty sure she'll side with me on this one" answered Sam, smiling back at his partner.

Callen paused and thought for a second. "Perhaps you're right. She can be pretty unsympathetic sometimes."

"Oh boy, you got a death wish or something G? You know Hetty knows and hears everything. What if she's got cameras watching your every move?" teased Sam.

Callen looked a little uncomfortable and looked around furtively looking for hidden cameras. "No! She wouldn't, would she?" he asked.

Sam laughed at Callen's evident discomfort. "It would explain how she seems to know everything" explained Sam. "You'd better behave just in case."

"Mmm, I've lived here for years on and off and never noticed anything" said Callen.

"Well, she's not gonna make them obvious is she? After all, if they could be easily seen then they wouldn't be 'hidden' cameras would they?" said Sam.

"I guess not. She's the Queen of the Cold War after all so she's got plenty of tricks up her sleeve and I wouldn't put it past her to keep track of me. I'm gonna ask her when she gets home" said Callen.

Sam shook his head at his friend and muttered "Whatever!" under his breath.

"If you're sure you don't want anything, then I'm going for a swim" announced Callen. "After all I no longer have the cast so I can get my arm wet!"

Sam shook his head again and let out a heavy sigh. He had a feeling that Callen would go all out now he was no longer hinder by the cast.

"Just take it easy. You don't want to injure yourself straight away by overdoing it" cautioned Sam.

"Yes, mom, I'll take it easy" answered Callen walking away to change into his swim shorts.

When he returned, Callen was surprised to see Sam still there.

"I thought you were going back to work" commented Callen.

"Not now I know you're going swimming" answered Sam.

"I'm not a baby. I can be trusted on my own" said Callen.

"Well, I'm not too sure about that" countered Sam "but I'm staying anyway, at least until Hetty gets home. It's more than my life's worth to leave you unattended!"

"Suit yourself, big guy. You gonna join me? I've got a spare pair that'll fit you."

"Not this time but I may bring mine on Sunday. I'm sure Kam would love to play in the pool when we come over. Hetty won't mind will she?" asked Sam.

"Naw, she'd love to see Kam play in the pool with us. I'd really like it too. I'm sorry I upset her and I'd like to make it up to her" said Callen.

"G, don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault. If it's anyone's fault – and I'm not saying anyone's to blame – it was ours. Michelle and I thought we were doing what's best. We were trying to protect her and not to scare her."

"I know and it's okay. I don't blame myself, not really. But I can't help being sorry that Kam was upset at not being able to see me."

Sam gave Callen's shoulder a squeeze in support and walked with him out into the garden and over to the pool. Callen laid his towel on the lounger and walked to the steps. Glancing over to Sam he said "See I'm being sensible, I'm not going to dive in" as he backed down the steps into the water.

"Just keep it that way" answered Sam, smiling as he watched Callen tentatively take a few strokes, clearly testing his arm. Callen started with breast stroke before venturing onto front crawl, doing several lengths before stopping and getting out. Callen grabbed his towel and dried himself off before coming to sit next to Sam.

"How was that?" asked Sam.

"Fine. The arm feels pretty good. It's a bit sore through lack of use but it'll get stronger I'm sure. I'll do a couple of short sessions like that each day and gradually build it up. I'll be starting proper physio next week with the team Hetty's got lined up. I'll be back to work in no time" said Callen.

"It's not just the physical side. You'll have to be passed psychologically and you know that means talking to Nate" said Sam.

"You had to spoil it!" said Callen with a grin. "Yeah, I know I'll have to speak to Nate but it's no big deal" he added in a more serious tone.

Sam was not convinced by Callen's bravado but did not comment. They chatted about work, the team and Sam's family until Hetty arrived home.

Coming out to the garden she joined them.

"I see you wasted no time in swimming, Mr Callen. How's the arm?" she asked.

"It's good and you don't have to worry, I didn't overdo it" said Callen, looking to Sam for back up.

"No, he was uncharacteristically sensible" confirmed Sam. "He got in via the steps and only did a few lengths before getting out to rest."

"I'm pleased to hear it" said Hetty. "Now I have some news for you, Mr Callen. Jethro Gibbs will be arriving Sunday and staying here for a while until you're ready to go home. Sam, he should be here for lunch. I thought it would be good for you and your family to see him again."

"Yeah I'd like that" said Sam. "Kam especially took a shine to him."

Seeing the look on Callen's face, Hetty said "I thought you'd be pleased?"

"I am. Of course it'll be good to see him and spend time together. We don't get to do it much these days."

"What's the problem then?" asked Hetty, a little concerned with Callen's lack of enthusiasm.

"It's just that I don't want to be responsible for dragging Gibbs away from his work in DC" said Callen. "He's a busy man and he's got a team to run."

"Well, if it puts your mind at rest, the visit has been sanctioned by Director Vance and Jethro volunteered. He says he's long overdue a vacation and where better to spend it than with you."

Clearly Callen was not convinced by Hetty's words and said "I've been hurt before and made it back on my own. I don't need babysitting, Hetty. I'm not a child."

"Then stop acting like one" she snapped. In a softer tone she continued "Mr Callen, there are a lot a people who care about you. You saw that from the number of cards and messages that were left for you whilst you were in hospital. Sam, Jethro and I are just three such people."

Sam knew how difficult this was for Callen to hear. As long as Sam had known Callen, he had always thought of others before himself and Sam always wondered why it was. It was not just that Callen was a nice guy; there was something buried deep in his past that made Callen feel he was worthless, that no-one cared or loved him. However often Sam or Hetty told him to contrary, Callen still did not seem to believe them. Of late certain information about Callen's childhood and the abuse he suffered had come to light and Sam began to understand what had shaped his partner's character.

"We just want what's best for you, G" confirmed Sam gently. "We only want to see you fit and well again. If Gibbs feels he can help and he gets to have a vacation and spend time with an old friend as well, what's wrong with that?"

Hetty and Sam sat quietly as Callen processed their words. Finally he said with a hitch in his voice, clearly struggling with his emotions "Y'know it's difficult for me to ask for or accept help. I've been so used to doing everything on my own, even since having the team, that it's hard for me to do it any other way. I'm trying, I'm really trying to do it your way but you've got to be patient with me."

Clearly moved by his words, Hetty said "G, we can't begin to know what you've been through in the past or understand what effect it's had on you but we do know what you endured on this last operation. We saw what that vile man did to you and he paid the ultimate price. We nearly lost you again but were blessed that you had to strength to come back to us. We want to help and if that means giving you space then we'll respect your wishes when we can. In return however you must respect our need to help you in any way we can. You and Gibbs have history, please give him the opportunity to be a friend to you without fighting him too much" begged Hetty with tears threatened to fall.

Callen's eyes were moist as well and he looked between Sam and Hetty before saying. "Of course I want to see Gibbs – it's been way too long. I love being with you and Sam too but I hate you all seeing me weak and helpless and pitying me."

"We would never pity you G. Don't ever say that" said Sam angrily.

"I know you don't but I think it! It's a problem I've got, okay? I know in time I'll get fit again and get back to work. Look, I'll accept your help" said Callen before he added with a twinkle in his eye "I can't promise I won't have a tantrum or two!"

Hetty looked at him exasperated by his last comment and stuttered "You, you….! Oh come here and give me a hug" she said laughing.

Callen did as he was told and Sam joined them in a group hug.