The game was over, the Patriots victorious, and Callen could already taste the satisfaction of winning—not just the game, but the bet. Beside him, Nell had gone quiet. Not quite sulking, but definitely feeling the sting.
She exhaled dramatically, dropping her head into her hands. "Noooo," she groaned, her voice muffled.
Callen smirked, nudging her shoulder. "That's how it's done, Nell."
She peeked up at him through her fingers, her eyes filled with reluctant amusement. "Ugh. I was really hoping for a last-second miracle."
"Hope's a dangerous thing," Callen teased. "Especially against the Patriots."
Before Nell could fire back, Kensi leaned forward with a smirk. "Alright, alright, enough gloating, Callen." She stretched lazily. "But let's not forget the real issue here—the bet."
Callen turned to Nell, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, about that…"
She sighed, already wary. "Oh boy."
He pretended to think it over, rubbing his jaw like he was weighing his options. "I mean, I could make you put it on now…" His eyes flickered to the hoodie she was already wrapped up in, something soft passing through his expression before he masked it with amusement. "But that feels too easy."
"Too easy, huh?" Nell echoed, crossing her arms, her sleeves still too long on her.
He grinned. "I think you should have to wear it in public. Drinks on Friday. Back at the sports bar. And you're wearing it all night."
A laugh escaped Nell, her head shaking. "You would drag this out as long as possible."
"A bet's a bet." Callen shrugged, taking a slow sip of his beer. "Gotta make sure you honor it properly."
She leaned back, tapping a finger against her glass as if weighing her options, before finally flashing him a grin. "Fine. I'll do it. But if the Patriots lose next time we watch a game together, you better believe I'm coming up with something way worse for you."
Callen started to respond—but then something caught him off guard.
Next time we watch a game together.
Not if they watched another game. Not maybe.
Next time.
She already assumed there'd be another.
And for some reason, that idea settled into him differently than he expected.
Deeks let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Oof. That's a dangerous game, my friend."
Callen barely glanced at him, too busy watching Nell sip her drink, the hoodie still wrapped around her.
He should've been focused on the win. On the fact that he had bragging rights. On the fact that he'd technically won the bet.
But all he could think about was how comfortable she looked. How easily she'd slipped into his space—into his world—without either of them really realizing it.
And suddenly, the victory didn't feel like the most interesting part of the night.
Callen finally smirked, rolling his bottle between his fingers as he looked at Deeks. "I like my odds."
And when he turned back to Nell, catching the small, knowing glint in her eye, he realized—
He liked them more than he probably should.