Callen was surprised at himself. At his own boldness.
Here he was, holding Nell's hands—something he'd never allow himself to do anywhere else. But here, on the ice, it was natural. Justified, even. He told himself it was just part of helping her, making sure she didn't fall, but deep down, he knew it was more than that. It was an excuse, a rare opportunity to touch her, to feel the warmth of her fingers curled around his.
And she was trusting him, letting him guide her, her grip tight but not out of fear—just for balance. She was hesitant but determined, her laughter soft and breathy when she wobbled but didn't go down.
She was enjoying herself.
And Callen was enjoying this. More than he probably should.
He wasn't used to moments like this. The simple ones. The ones that felt easy. He lived in a world of complications, of danger and deception. But here, under the glow of string lights, surrounded by the sounds of holiday music and the distant laughter of families and couples, things felt different. Lighter.
For a brief moment, he let himself revel in it.
But then, movement flashed in his peripheral vision—someone skating too fast, cutting too close.
Nell gasped, her body tilting dangerously as her skates slid out from under her.
Callen didn't think—he just reacted. His hands released hers only to catch her at the waist, fingers pressing into the thick fabric of her coat as he held her steady. He pulled her in just enough to keep her from falling, their bodies close, his heartbeat suddenly louder in his ears.
For a second, she was completely still in his arms, her hands braced against his forearms. Then she looked up at him, wide-eyed, her breath hitching slightly.
"Got you," Callen murmured, his voice lower than he meant it to be.
She swallowed, nodding slightly. "Yeah… you do."
He didn't let go right away. Couldn't.
He was aware of everything—the rapid rise and fall of her breath, the heat of her hands through his sleeves, the way her fingers clenched slightly as if grounding herself.
His heart thumped hard in his chest.
Then she let out a nervous little laugh, shaking her head at herself. "Okay, so… maybe I'm not a natural at this."
Callen smirked, loosening his grip just enough but keeping a steadying hand on her arm. "You're getting there."
Nell exhaled, pushing her loose hair back from her face with a gloved hand. "Thanks for catching me."
Always," he said.
He meant it more than he probably should.