The office buzzed with its usual energy, agents moving in and out as paperwork piled up and cases demanded attention. Callen sat at his desk, half-focused on a report, when Sam strolled in, wearing a grin that immediately caught Callen's attention.
Callen glanced up, one brow raised. "What's with the smile?"
"Aiden's coming home this weekend," Sam said, the pride in his voice unmistakable. "He's been buried in schoolwork, but he's making time for a visit. We're throwing a barbecue at my place on Sunday."
Callen leaned back in his chair, considering. "A barbecue? Since when do you fire up the grill?"
Sam scoffed. "Man, don't act like I don't know my way around a grill. I could teach you a thing or two."
Callen smirked. "Yeah? Guess I'll have to judge for myself."
Sam chuckled. "That's why I'm inviting you. And we'll have the Super Bowl on, so I figured you wouldn't say no."
Callen's grin widened. "You got me there. Patriots in the Super Bowl again? No way I'm missing that."
Sam nodded, but there was something knowing in his expression as he added, "Kensi and Deeks are coming too. Should be a good time. And if you and Nell can keep your rivalry under control, I'll ask her to come along."
Callen gave him a sideways glance. "You make it sound like we cause trouble."
Sam crossed his arms. "You're telling me you don't?"
Callen shrugged, playing it cool. "We have spirited debates. It's harmless."
Sam let out a laugh. "Yeah, harmless—until one of you turns a casual comment into a full-on competition."
Callen smirked but didn't argue. He knew he and Nell had a way of pushing each other's buttons, especially when it came to football. And yet, the idea of her being there made him hesitate—just for a second. It wasn't the usual team hangout he was looking forward to. It was something else.
Still, he kept his tone easy. "Alright, fine. I'll keep the Patriots-Jets smack talk to a minimum. Wouldn't want to ruin the atmosphere."
Sam eyed him like he saw right through him. "Good. I'll tell Nell."
Callen didn't respond. He wasn't about to admit that the idea of spending time with Nell outside of work had him more interested in this barbecue than he should be.
Sam's grin returned. "And bring your appetite—Aiden's been hyping this up."
As Sam walked off, Callen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against his mug. A barbecue, football, the usual team banter—it all sounded great. But something about Nell being there made it… different.
He shook his head, chuckling under his breath. It was just a barbecue. No big deal.
Right?