Eric and Hetty were already there when Nell and Melissa arrived for work. Both were enjoying tea at Hetty's desk. Eric waved to Nell as he noticed her arrive with a smile as Melissa veered towards her desk which she was sharing with Callen and Kensi and put down her travel mug and bag. Sam and Callen were next in. By the time they arrived Melissa had taken over the end of the desk with files trying to distract herself. Callen noticed immediately and walked towards Hetty who was now sat alone as Sam went to his desk.

'What's with all the files?' Callen asked motioning towards Melissa at the desk.

'Miss Createn is trying to distract herself…'

'Distract herself?'

'Yes Mr Callen…' Hetty responded coolly.

'From what?' Callen asked in surprise.

'A loss Mr Callen. It's three years today that she lost a close friend and her first case with NCIS. I would appreciate it if you would keep an eye on her today Mr Callen, Miss Jones says that Miss Createn is distracted today.'

'Of course Hetty,' Callen responded as he looked over to the bullpen. He could never imagine Melissa being distracted. He had never seen her distracted.

'Morning Mel.' Callen greeted as he sat down in his seat next her and noticed the file on top of the pile and picked it up. 'This is one of mine…'

'So it is….' Melissa answered glancing at the file.

'Then why is it on a pile of files that you are going through?'

Melissa looked up as he looked at her and shrugged.

'I just picked up some files it must have been mixed in. Sorry.'

'Did you just apologise to Callen?' Sam asked leaning back in his seat as Callen shot him a warning look. Sam smiled.

'Yes I did Sam.' Melissa answered looking towards him twiddling the pen in her hand.

'Why don't we go through them make sure you're not doing anyone else's?' Callen asked as he grabbed the bigger pile of files and then lost his grip. The files flew to the floor with a bang and Melissa flinched at them all falling to the floor. Callen looked to Sam as Melissa started to pick the strewn files. Sam shrugged as he sat forward.

'Let me pick them up…' Callen started.

'I've got them.' Melissa responded as she put them all back on the desk. Deeks appeared at the bullpen entrance as Melissa spotted Kensi climbing the stairs to Ops. Deeks was smiling as usual until he spotted the files.

'Please tell me we're not on filing!' His face dropped.

'No I'm just getting a head start….' Melissa answered.

Deeks breathed a sigh of relief as he sat in his chair and Melissa grabbed the smaller pile of files and walked towards Hetty's desk.

'Something's not right…' Sam mentioned as soon as Melissa was out of earshot.

'I agree,' Deeks chimed in 'No-one likes paperwork except maybe accountants and lawyers.'

'Cut her some slack guys.' Callen scolded.

'What do you know G?' Sam replied.

'Just cut her some slack...'

'G….?'