It had been a long, grueling week for the NCIS: LA team. A case that had started as a simple cybersecurity breach had spiraled into a full-blown investigation involving dangerous international players. By the time they'd cracked the case and wrapped up all the loose ends, everyone was running on fumes.

Kensi and Deeks had been quiet for a moment, both staring at their screens, clearly exhausted. Finally, Kensi broke the silence.

"Alright, I think we've all had enough of sitting in front of these screens," Kensi said, pushing her chair back. "How about we do something... less mentally taxing for once? Maybe head over to the batting cages and blow off some steam?"

Deeks raised an eyebrow, looking at her with that mischievous grin of his. "Yeah, I like the sound of that. I mean, nothing helps clear the mind like trying to hit a speeding ball with a stick, right?"

Callen, who had been sitting at his desk, glanced up, the corners of his mouth tugging into a half-smile. "You know, that doesn't sound half bad. A little physical activity to shake off the cobwebs."

Sam, leaning casually against the wall, crossed his arms and smiled. "Count me in. I'll show you all how it's done."

Eric, still typing away at his laptop, looked up skeptically. "I don't know… I'm not exactly a baseball pro. But hey, if it'll get me out of this place, I'll give it a shot."

Everyone's eyes turned to Nell, who had been unusually quiet throughout the conversation. She sat back in her chair, looking at the group with a hesitant frown.

"I don't know," she said slowly, her voice tinged with doubt. "Swinging a bat while balls fly at my face doesn't really sound like my idea of blowing off steam."

Deeks, always the playful one, gave her a teasing smile. "Come on, Nell. It'll be fun! You'll have a blast."

But Nell remained unconvinced, shaking her head. "I don't think so. I'll probably end up getting hit in the face. Not really my idea of a good time."

For a split second, Callen's gaze flicked to her, and in that fleeting moment, Nell could swear she saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He wasn't one to push people, but the way he looked at her made her pause. She wasn't sure if it was the exhaustion from the case or something more, but for that brief instant, she felt a quiet tug in her chest.

Seeing Nell's hesitation, Callen stood up from his desk, the floor creaking slightly under his weight. He walked over to her, his posture relaxed yet purposeful. "Hey, Nell," he said, his voice gentle but warm. "I'll make sure you don't get hit. I've got your back. Just focus on the bat and let me worry about the rest." His words carried a softness that made her feel like maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be so bad.

Nell looked up at him, her breath catching slightly. There was something in the way he said it, so matter-of-fact, as if he was certain there was no reason for her to be scared. And in that moment, with the wearinet of the week weighing on her, she realized that she trusted him. It wasn't just about batting. It was him.

"Alright," she said, giving him a small, unsure smile. She stood up, the weight of his reassuring words lingering in her mind. "I'll go."

Callen's eyes softened as he smiled back, a slow, reassuring gesture.

Kensi and Deeks exchanged a quick glance, and before anyone could say anything else, they high-fived each other. "Great! Let's hit the cages," Kensi said, enthusiasm bubbling in her voice. "And you're gonna love it, trust me."

Callen gave Nell one last look as everyone started to gather their things. There was something in his eyes, a quiet intensity that made her feel like it was just the two of them in that moment. It wasn't just about the batting cages anymore—there was a connection there, one that she couldn't ignore.