Callen sat at his desk, a report open in front of him, but he wasn't reading it. His attention kept drifting across the bullpen, drawn to the sound of Nell's laughter.
She was standing near Kensi's desk, arms crossed, shaking her head as Kensi, Sam, and Deeks continued their playful ribbing about her unique experience staying at his house.
"I'm just saying, two nights in The House of Callen and you're still standing?" Deeks teased. "That's gotta be some kind of record."
Nell smirked. "It's really not that bad, guys."
Sam chuckled. "That's exactly what worries me."
Kensi grinned. "So, do you wake up to find him staring at the walls at 3 a.m., or—?"
Nell rolled her eyes but laughed. "He reads. A lot."
"Ohhh," Deeks dragged out, nodding knowingly. "Of course. Brooding by day, reading revenge epics by night. Classic Callen."
Callen huffed out a quiet breath, shaking his head as the conversation continued. Normally, he'd ignore their teasing, but today, he found himself caught up in watching Nell—not just listening to her, but really watching her.
The way her nose crinkled slightly when she laughed. The way she gestured as she spoke, her expressive hands emphasizing her words. The way she looked so at ease with everyone, sliding effortlessly between playful teasing and sharp-witted banter.
And he realized—he liked having her around.
More than he'd expected.
He wasn't used to sharing his space with someone, but Nell had settled into it so naturally. She didn't seem bothered by his quirks, didn't tiptoe around him like she was afraid of intruding. She had just been there—cooking in his kitchen, sitting on his couch, falling asleep to the sound of his voice reading. And somehow, all of it had felt… easy.
He exhaled, leaning back in his chair, the faintest hint of a frown settling between his brows.
She only had two nights left at his place.
And for some reason, that didn't sit right with him.