Friday morning in the bullpen was unusually lighthearted. With no urgent cases and only a few reports to wrap up, it looked like—for once—the team would get an actual weekend.
Kensi leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms overhead. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but it looks like we might get two whole days off."
Deeks grinned. "Don't jinx it. The moment you say that, Hetty's gonna walk in here with a classified op that requires us to infiltrate a smuggling ring disguised as circus performers."
Sam chuckled, shutting his laptop. "I'll take my chances."
Callen didn't contribute to the conversation, his attention elsewhere.
Because as much as he should be looking forward to a rare weekend off, all he could think about was the fact that tonight was supposed to be Nell's last night at his place.
And for some reason, that bothered him more than it should.
He'd gotten used to coming home to the sound of her moving around his kitchen, the way she'd curl up with him on the couch to read, the quiet conversations at 2 a.m. when neither of them could sleep.
He wasn't ready for that to end.
But it was ending. Nell would go back to her apartment tomorrow, and things would go back to normal.
Callen pushed down the odd sense of disappointment and focused on his work.
Then, an hour later, Nell's phone rang.
She answered quickly, brow furrowing as she listened. "Wait, what?" A pause. "You have to redo the treatment? But you said—"
The team collectively looked up at her change in tone.
Nell sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Fine. Yeah. Just let me know when it's done."
She ended the call, looking exasperated.
"What's up?" Sam asked.
Nell let out a breath. "Apparently, the exterminators have to redo the fumigation because the first round wasn't as effective as they'd hoped." She grimaced. "Which means I can't move back in for at least four more days."
Kensi smirked. "Guess you're extending your stay at Casa Callen."
At that, Nell hesitated.
She turned slightly, glancing toward Callen, looking uncharacteristically uncertain.
Callen tilted his head. "What?"
Nell bit her lip. "I, uh… I know I said I'd be out of your hair after tonight, but… would it be okay if I stayed a little longer?"
She looked nervous—like she was worried he might say no.
Which was funny, considering Callen was actively fighting not to sound too eager.
He shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "Yeah, of course. It's no problem."
Nell's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she smiled. "Thanks, Callen."
Kensi and Deeks exchanged a glance, but Callen ignored them.
He was too busy suppressing the ridiculous sense of relief washing over him.