The game had just ended, and Callen leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, that signature smirk firmly in place. The Patriots had secured the win, and he wasn't about to let the moment pass without rubbing it in—just a little.

"I think that's game, huh?" Callen said, his voice full of easy satisfaction. "Patriots still the team to beat."

Nell, completely unfazed, just shook her head with a knowing smile. "Go ahead, gloat while you can. It won't last."

Her confidence made Callen chuckle. Even in defeat, she didn't give him the satisfaction of being rattled. He liked that about her.

The team was still buzzing, throwing playful jabs at each other when Nell stood and stretched. "Alright, I made a bet. Time to settle up. Who's drinking what?"

Callen watched her, eyebrow slightly raised. "You're really holding up your end of the deal?"

"Of course." Nell shot him a look. "I don't back out of a bet."

The team laughed as she turned toward the bar. Callen took a final sip of his drink before standing up as well, following her without much thought.

At the bar, Nell was already rattling off the drink orders when Callen slid up next to her. She glanced at him, one eyebrow arching.

"You're either here to gloat some more or you don't trust me with the drink order," she said.

Callen smirked. "Neither. Just making sure you don't conveniently 'forget' mine."

Nell scoffed. "Please, like I'd do that."

She pulled out her wallet to pay, but before she could hand over her card, Callen placed his down first. Nell gave him a sharp look.

"Seriously?" she asked. "I lost the bet."

Callen just shrugged. "And I don't let someone buy me a drink after their team gets embarrassed."

Nell folded her arms, tilting her head. "So, what—you pity me now?"

He leaned in slightly, his voice just low enough for only her to hear. "Not pity. Just good sportsmanship."

Nell studied him for a second, then let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Fine. I guess I owe you one."

Callen smirked. "Looking forward to it."

When the drinks were ready, Nell grabbed a couple, and Callen took the rest without needing to say anything. They headed back to the table, the conversation easy, comfortable.

The night carried on, full of laughter, teasing, and lingering glances. And if Callen found himself looking forward to the next game more than he ever had before… well, that was just between him and Nell.