He could do nothing less than marvel at her control, now he did everything he could to keep her together

A TIME TO CRY

Mission, Hetty's Office

Eric marveled at the feeling. Here he was, sitting in the seat that held the likes of Sam, Callen, Assistant Director Granger, Admiral A.J Chegwidden, and even Director Vance. He was sharing a drink with Hetty. He just wishes it was under much better circumstances. It had been a long 48 hours and Eric was surprised any of them were still standing. But when family is involved anything was possible. Eric took a drink of the scotch and set the glass down, basking in the silence as he watched Hetty do the same. Eric let a deep sigh out as he sat back, taking the glass and bringing it to his lips for another sip. The liquid left a line of fire down his chest to his stomach.

Hetty raised her glass into the air, her eyes focused on something over Eric's shoulder. Eric turned to see Kensi and Deeks walk in, hands clasped in each other's. Eric raised his glass as well, his eyes locked on a black ring on Deeks's finger and a silver one on Kensi's.

"Bout time, you two" Eric said as he turned around. Hetty gave a nod in agreement.

A few more moments of silence passed when he noticed Hetty's eyes focus again over his shoulder. She took the bottle and poured out a glass. Eric turned to see the red hair that he found himself looking for every time. She came in carrying a bag and without stopping to look around made a bee line for the armory. But after 6 years of working side by side he could tell that there was a dark cloud surrounding her. He turned back around to see Hetty slide the glass across her desk to him.

"Go" was all she said to him. As if he needed to be told twice. He grabbed the glass and followed after her.

Turning the corner to enter the armory he found her standing in the far corner unloading the bag. He slowly walked toward her, setting the glass down in front of her.

"Complements of Hetty Lange" He said.

She looked up into his eyes and gave a weak smile. Eric could never get over how her face could convey both joy and sorrow as much as she could.

"Thanks" She whispered, grabbing the glass and taking a drink. Eric walked around the table and sat down on the stool next to her.

After a few moments of her working in total silence he finally decided to address the elephant in the room.

"Are you ok?" He asked her. He had asked her that multiple times over the past years but this was a time when he actually meant the works he asked her.

"I'm….great? I'm fine? I'm not fine?" She said with a large sigh. "I honestly don't know." She said, turning into his open arms.

He rested his cheek on her forehead as he softly stroked her hair.

"I'm happy and so excited for Kensi and Deeks" She said.

Eric smiled. "I know. It's about time they finally do it"

They stood in silence for a few moments, Eric giving her a reassuring squeeze every few minutes.

"I'm so sad for Sam and his Family too. What did they ever do to deserve this? They were a loving family and now that has been taken from them" She said.

"Khaled is gone. He will never torment Sam and his family ever again." Eric said, trying to find something meaningful to say but coming up short. Nell squeezing him told him that while his words may have sounded cookie cutter they succeeded in helping her.

Nell sniffed and then retreated to silence as Eric ran his hand along her back.

"I'm angry, I'm hurt, and I'm upset. How could Sam think I would ever shoot him?" Nell's voice started to waver.

Eric kissed her temple gently. "We both know he didn't really think that. His mind wasn't all there" He whispered.

Nell closed her eyes as a few tears started to fall.

"Can I cry now?" She asked.

"Of course. You can cry all you want." Eric said.

Nell buried her face in his arm as he continued softly stroking her back and her hair. He started rocking back and forth gently as slowly but surely the tears and the sobs started to flow. Nell felt the floodgates collapse as 48 hours of pent up emotions, coupled with exhaustion, finally caught up with her and she just let herself go.

Eric rested his cheek on her head as he held on to her, being her rock amongst the storm. Finally after a few minutes her cries subsided and she pulled away, just enough to rest her head on his shoulder.

"Better?" He whispered, feeling her head slightly nod in response.

She pulled away and he let his grip release, letting her back away, both of them missing the physical touch of each other.

"Come on. Let's go home" He whispered to her, rubbing a tear away with his thumb. She nuzzled into his hand, giving a contented sigh. She reached up and took his hand as she turned around. They started to walk out when Hetty turned the corner.

"Ah good. You are still here." She said as she walked up to them, not bothering to say anything about them holding hands.

"I just got off the phone with Director Vance. In light of recent events he has decided to have us stand down for the next few months. San Diego will take over any active investigations we have but we are now on leave for the summer." She began. She handed a folder to them.

"Here is the information for a safe house I own on Malibu Beach. There are keys, security codes, and directions. Kitchen is fully stocked. Feel free to use it for as long as you wish. Have you own couples retreat." She said.

Nell and Eric looked at each other blushing and smiled.

"Thank you, Hetty" Nell said.

"Thanks, Hetty" Eric replied.

"It's my gift to you." She said giving them a smile before turning and leaving.

"Sooo….what now?" Nell said.

"Let's go back to my place. Unplug everything and sleep for as long as we can. Then we will head to your place so you can pack and then head up to Malibu." Eric said.

Nell pulled on his hand to turn him, getting up on her toes her lips brushed his.

"Don't pack too many clothes. We aren't going to need them." She whispered, her lips fully pressing against his before breaking the kiss.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Miss Jones" He replied as he led her out of the armory.

Short little follow up to the end of Season 7. I really wanted to toy with the range of emotions for Nell, especially with her line "When it is OK to cry" and Sam accusing her of planning to shoot him during his blind rage. I hope you enjoy it

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