A young couple gets ready to spend a night out on the town

THE MASQUERADE

Mission, early evening

Sam and Deeks sat at their desk, going through old reports before they left for the day. Callen and Kensi were digging through stacks of files, trying to find an obscure file from years ago for some report they were preparing. They were making jokes at each other and talking about their weekend plans when out of the corner of Sam's eye he caught a glimpse of someone. From the vicinity of the locker rooms walked Eric, dressed to the nines.

"Woah, check out Thing 1" Sam said, nodding his head toward Eric as he walked toward the wardrobe area where Hetty stood.

"Wow. Wonder what the occasion is for?" Kensi said.

"Must be something big." Callen said.

"How do you figure?" Kensi replied.

"Because he is wearing pants. When was the last time you ever saw him wear pants?" Deeks said.

Hetty gave him a once over, adjusting his jacket and tie. She brushed him with the lint brush and gave him a nod of approval. He smiled and nodded to her. He then turned and walked toward the bullpen.

"What do you guys think?" He asked. He was even wearing contacts.

"Who are you and what have you done with Eric Beale?" Deeks said, smiling.

"Hey now. That isn't very nice." Eric replied in a joking manner.

"Maybe so but you must forgive our shock. It's not every day we see you wearing something other than shorts and flip-flops." Sam said.

"To answer your question, we have a date tonight." Eric said.

"We?" Callen said.

"Nell and I. It's our anniversary and I got tickets to the LA Cultural Arts Center Charity Masquerade Ball." Eric said, beaming with pride.

Sam whistled."Pricey tickets. How did you pull that one off?" He asked.

"I had a hand in helping him procure them, Mr. Hanna." Hetty said as she came around the corner holding a hat and a cane. "Here you are, Mr. Beale. The perfect accessories to your ensemble." She said as she handed the hat to him.

"Thanks, Hetty. I really appreciate everything you have done." Eric said.

"It is the least I could do to reward the two of you for all your hard work. Now, we both know that danger is everywhere so be careful tonight." She said.

"We will, Hetty." Eric said.

Hetty showed him the cane. It had a rounded top with a raised ridge around the top. "If you find yourself in trouble, just push the top of the cane." She pushed it and slid the cane off, leaving a 2 ft long blade. "And you will have something to defend yourself with." She slid it back into place.

Eric took the cane and looked at it. "Hope I won't need it." Everyone knew that he didn't like weapons. He hated guns but blades also gave him a bit of a pause.

"As do I, Mr. Beale." She smiled, reassuringly

Deeks coughed and when everyone looked at him he nodded toward the stairs. Everyone looked where his eyes faced and saw Nell at the top of the stairs. She was smiling as she walked down in a flowing blue strapless sequined gown. It contoured to her figure perfectly and seemed to just fall around her with how it moved every step she took. She had a shawl around her shoulders and her hair, nails, and makeup were meticulously done.

Hetty met her at the bottom of the stairs and gave her a work over like she did to Eric, checking her dress, her hair and makeup. "You look ravishing, my dear." She smiled, like a grandmother to a granddaughter.

"Hetty, I can't even begin to thank you enough for this." She said.

"No thanks are necessary, Ms Jones. As I told your gentleman this is my thanks to you. Now, it's rude to make him wait." She said as she stepped aside.

Everyone was watching her as she stepped toward Eric. They just stood there, looking at each other.

"Well, say something. The others are staring" Nell whispered.

"You look amazing." Eric said.

"Thank you. You clean up great yourself" She said as she felt the hem of his jacket lapel. "We should get going" She said.

"One more thing. It isn't a Masquerade without the Masks." Hetty said as she brought over a box and opened it. Inside were two masks that resembled masks from the Phantom of the Opera. They were brilliantly colored and were designed as opposites of the other. One had Red and White colors, the other had Black and Blue colors. Nell's was adorned with feathers as well. "I had an old costuming friend of mine make these. They are custom made original pieces."

Eric and Nell both admired their masks. "Pulling out all the stops, aren't you Hetty" Kensi laughed.

"Now, get going you two. You don't want to be late." Hetty said.

Eric held his arm out for Nell. She wrapped her arm in his and they walked down the hallway toward the door. He pushed the door open for her and as they walked outside they had another surprise wating for them.

"Hetty!" Nell exclaimed.

There was a limo parked, waiting for them. The driver opened the door and they climbed in.

"Have a wonderful evening, you two." Hetty called out to them. She then leaned into the limo. "And don't worry about coming in late tomorrow. I think we can hold the fort down without the two of you for the day." She smiled.

"You are amazing Hetty." Eric said.

Hetty smiled and waved as the driver closed the door and they drove off.

Get a twofer today. Last chapter was actually written a few days ago, just didn't get to upload it until today. I know I'm a little heavy on Nell and Eric but I find them the easiest to write.