When they arrived, Kensi and Deeks wasted no time, claiming one of the first cages. Kensi twirled a bat in her hands, grinning as she stepped up to the plate. Deeks followed, already cracking jokes about who would hit farther.
Sam took the next cage, rolling his shoulders as he positioned himself at the plate. Eric stood outside, watching him with mild amusement. "Alright, big guy, let's see what you got," he teased.
Sam just smirked. "Watch and learn, Beale."
Meanwhile, Callen claimed the third cage, and Nell lingered near the back, watching as he stepped up to the plate.
He rolled his shoulders, taking a few slow, measured practice swings, loosening up. The way he moved—effortless but strong—held her attention in a way she hadn't expected.
Just before the machine fired the first pitch, he turned slightly, glancing back at her. His blue eyes locked on hers for a beat, something unreadable flickering in them. Then the ball came, and he turned back, swinging the bat with smooth precision. The crack of contact was sharp and solid as the ball rocketed forward into the net.
Nell barely realized she was holding her breath.
One after another, the balls came, and Callen met them all with the same controlled power, sending them soaring. There was something almost rhythmic about it—the way he positioned himself, the ease of his movements.
She didn't even notice when he finished until he turned back toward her, tossing the bat from one hand to the other.
"You're up," he said, his voice light but steady.
Nell blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, I—"
Callen tilted his head slightly, his expression patient but unwavering. "Come on, I'll help you."
She hesitated only a moment longer before stepping forward.
The others were still focused on their own fun in the other cages, Kensi and Deeks laughing, Sam and Eric debating techniques. It gave Callen and Nell a rare moment of privacy as he stepped aside to let her enter his cage.
Before she could get settled, Callen reached over to grab a helmet from the rack. "Here," he said, slipping it onto her head.
Nell wrinkled her nose as he adjusted it snugly. "Really?"
"Just in case," he teased, grinning. "I've seen you with a gun, and you're great, but a bat? Jury's still out."
She scoffed, adjusting the helmet herself. "Wow. So much faith in me."
"Hey, I'm the one standing this close to you while you swing a weapon," he pointed out. "I'm just being smart."
Nell narrowed her eyes at him, but the amused glint in his gaze made it impossible to be mad.
"Fine," she muttered. "But if I actually hit the ball, I expect an apology."
Callen smirked. "Deal. Now, let's see what we're working with."
He grabbed another bat from the rack and held it out to her. She took it, feeling the weight of it in her hands as she glanced up at him.
"Okay," he murmured, stepping behind her. "First, your grip."
She swallowed as he reached around her, his hands brushing hers as he guided them into position on the bat. His arms framed her on either side, close but not overwhelming, his voice low and steady as he adjusted her stance.
"Relax your shoulders," he said, his breath warm against her neck. "You're way too tense."
"Gee, I wonder why," she muttered, gripping the bat a little tighter.
Callen smirked. "It's just me, Nell. You trust me, don't you?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "Unfortunately."
That earned her a soft chuckle.
"Alright," he continued, his chest almost—not quite—brushing against her back. "Feet shoulder-width apart. And when you swing, don't just use your arms. Engage your hips."
"My hips?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at him, her expression unreadable.
Callen froze for just a second.
It was subtle—most people wouldn't have noticed—but Nell did. The way his breath hitched slightly, how his fingers tensed around hers before he quickly recovered.
"Yeah," he said, clearing his throat, but there was a slight delay, like she'd momentarily thrown him off his rhythm. "Hips generate power."
Nell arched an eyebrow, smirking. "Good to know."
Callen gave her a look, his expression unreadable for just a beat before he shook his head slightly, refocusing.
"Here," he said, his voice dropping slightly, "let me show you."
He guided her through a slow, fluid swing, his body moving with hers. His hands, warm and steady, covered hers completely as he led her through the motion, and she felt his breath against the side of her face.
"See?" he murmured, his voice just a little lower. "Not so bad, right?"
Nell wasn't sure if he meant the swing or the fact that they were standing so close.
She nodded, trying not to focus on the way her heart was hammering in her chest. "I guess I can handle that part."
"Good," Callen said. "Now let's add the ball."
Nell tensed immediately. "Wait, what?"
Callen chuckled. "Relax, I've got you. Just keep your eyes on the ball and swing when I tell you, okay?"
The machine whirred, sending the first ball hurtling toward them. Nell let out an undignified squeak and flinched back, nearly smacking Callen with the bat.
He caught it before she could do any damage, laughing. "Okay, maybe a little less that and a little more swinging."
She groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This was a terrible idea."
"Hey," he said gently, touching her elbow. "You got this. Just trust me."
Something in his voice—calm, steady, certain—eased her nerves. She nodded.
The next ball came. Callen gave the cue. "Swing."
Nell swung wildly—and missed.
Callen grinned. "Okay, progress. You didn't run away that time."
"Ha ha," she deadpanned.
"Alright, try again. Focus on where the ball's coming from, don't overthink it."
She huffed but tightened her grip.
The next pitch came. Callen's hands were still lightly on hers, guiding the movement.
"Now," he murmured.
She swung—and this time, the bat connected.
The impact sent a tiny shock up her arms, and the ball shot forward. It wasn't a powerful hit, more of a clumsy bunt, but it didn't matter.
She had hit it.
Her eyes went wide. "I did it!"
Callen chuckled, stepping back slightly as she turned to face him, excitement lighting up her features. "Told you," he said, smirking. "It's all in the hips."
Before she could respond, Deeks' voice rang out from the other cage.
"Hey, Callen! I didn't know we were playing doubles tonight!"
Nell felt her face heat instantly. Callen, on the other hand, was unfazed. He smirked, leaning casually against the bat propped up on the ground. "You jealous, Deeks? Want me to help you next?"
Deeks snorted. "Nah, I think I'll leave the hands-on coaching to you, buddy."
Callen turned back to Nell, still smirking.
"Alright, rookie," he said, tapping her helmet playfully. "You ready for another?"
She rolled her eyes but grinned. "Only if I get the full VIP coaching experience."
Callen chuckled. "That can be arranged."
And as he stepped behind her again, hands finding hers, Nell realized—maybe the batting cages weren't so bad after all.
And maybe, just maybe, she enjoyed getting under Callen's skin.