The dimly lit file room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of paperwork and the occasional creak of the rickety metal ladder. The scent of aged paper and ink lingered in the air, giving the space an almost nostalgic feel—if it weren't for the fact that Nell was currently risking life and limb trying to grab a folder just out of reach.

She stretched onto her tiptoes, fingers brushing the file tucked into the highest shelf. "Come on," she muttered to herself, biting her lip as she leaned a little farther. The ladder wobbled beneath her, and she froze, gripping the side tightly.

Maybe she should have waited for Callen or Sam. Maybe she could've asked Deeks, though he probably would have teased her about it. But asking for help meant admitting she needed it, and Nell wasn't one to back down from a challenge.

She took a deep breath and reached again this time managing to grab the folder. But the ladder suddenly shifted, one leg scraping the floor awkwardly. Nell's balance tipped backward, and time seemed to slow as she felt herself falling.

Her heart lurched. The file in her hand slipped from her grasp, scattering mid-air and she braced for the impact. But instead of hitting the hard floor, strong hands caught her.

"Nell!"

The voice was unmistakable...Callen.

He yanked her against him, absorbing the impact of her fall. Her hands instinctively grasped his arms, her breath coming in short, startled gasps. It took her a moment to register that she wasn't crashed on the ground, but instead pressed firmly against Callen's chest.

For a second, neither of them moved.

"You okay?" His voice was low, concerned, but there was an undercurrent of frustration.

Nell tried to regain her composure, ignoring the way her pulse was racing, probably just from the fall, she told herself. "I...yeah, I'm fine," she said, her voice a little breathless.

Callen let out a sharp exhale, his grip still firm around her waist. "Yeah, well, you sure as hell don't look fine."

He carefully helped her steady herself, but even when her feet were firmly on the ground, he didn't step away. Instead, he searched her face, making sure she wasn't injured.

Nell sighed, looking down at the mess of files now scattered across the floor. "Well. That could've gone better."

Callen arched a brow, clearly unimpressed. "You think?"

She rolled her eyes, stepping back only to sway slightly. Immediately, Callen's hands shot out again, steadying her before she could stumble.

Whoa, okay, sit," he ordered, nudging her toward a nearby chair.

"I'm fine," she tried, but one look at his stern expression made it clear he wasn't buying it.

"Nell," he said firmly.

She sighed, giving in and sinking into the chair.

Callen crouched beside her, his blue eyes scanning her for any signs of injury. "Did you injure anything? Twist your ankle? Land weird?"

"Just my pride," she muttered, rubbing her arms as if trying to shake off the lingering adrenaline.

Callen let out a dry laugh, but his eyes were still laced with concern. "Yeah, well, pride doesn't count if you break something."

She waved him off. "I would've been fine."

Callen tilted his head, giving her a look. "Would you?"

"Yes," she said stubbornly, crossing her arms. "I had it under control."

"You were about to crack your head on the floor," he pointed out.

"But I didn't."

"Because I caught you."

She hesitated, glancing at him. His grip had been so steady, so certain, as if he'd never let her fall. That thought sat uncomfortably warm in her chest.

Callen sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Look, Nell, you don't have to do everything on your own, you know."

She looked away, suddenly very interested in a loose thread on her sleeve. "I don't like asking for help."

"I noticed," Callen said dryly. He softened slightly, leaning closer. "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't."

She bit the inside of her cheek. "I just… I don't want to be a burden."

Callen's face shifted immediately, his usual teasing demeanor replaced by something more intense, more serious. He reached out, gently brushing a stray piece of red hair behind her ear.

"Nell," he said, voice softer now. "You are never a burden."

Her throat tightened slightly, caught off guard by the earnest sincerity in his voice. She had no idea what to say to that, so she just looked down, fiddling with the hem of her skirt.

After a moment of silence, she huffed. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Not a chance," he said, smirking again, though there was still warmth in his gaze.

She rolled her eyes but smiled slightly. "Thanks for catching me."

Callen smirked. "Anytime."

There was a beat of silence, something unspoken hanging between them, then Callen spoke again.

But seriously," he continued, standing and offering her a hand, "Next time, just ask for help before I have to save your ass, okay?"

She huffed a laugh, accepting his hand and letting him pull her up with ease. "Fine. But only because I don't want to owe you another rescue."

Callen chuckled, leading her toward the door. "You already do."

And as they left the file room together, his hand lingered at her back just a second longer than necessary.