Chapter Twenty Five

Well here we go! The final chapter! Thank you so much to all of you that have constantly read and reviewed this story, it really does mean the world- I hope I haven't let any of you down with it. I have really enjoyed writing this, it started off as my first ever NCIS LA fiction, and I am so happy with the response it has received!

Please take the time to leave me one last review for this story and I will love you forever!

Chapter Twenty Five

Sam easily managed to catch the now dead weight of his partner, and he silently hoisted the man up into his arms- looking at the others for some guidance as to where to take him.

"Through here" the Russian occupant stated softly leading Sam up the stairs and into the room that Callen had been staying in. "I see his injuries have finally caught up with him?" he questioned in heavily accented English.

"Stubborn fool would have kept pushing himself forever" Sam responded as he carefully laid his partner down on the bed and slipped his boots off.

"He has always been the same" the Russian commented sadly, shaking his head at his friend. He left the room and returned a few moments later carrying a damp washcloth that he tenderly laid over the fevered man's forehead. "His pills should be in his bag" he told the large man as he took over care of the injured agent. Sam nodded, not questioning the man- the fact that his partner trusted him was enough for him. He headed through the house quickly and back to the tree where both of their packs were stowed, running back in just as quick and straight up the stairs. He rifled through the contents and tapped out the antibiotics and pain killers that he himself had insisted on his friend taking with him on his escapade.

"Has he woken up?" he asked the Russian softly.

"Barely" he replied with a sigh. He had taken Callen's shirt off and looked at the string of scars that covered his chest in sadness. He was wiping at the burning skin with the cool water, trying to get the younger man's temperature down. Sam shook his head at the blood that was visible on the white bandage that covered his friend's latest bullet wound.

"He said he thought he had torn his stitches" Sam stated quietly. The Russian nodded in acknowledgement. "Is there a doctor nearby?" he asked.

"Not for twenty miles. Pyotr needs to get home- we will do all we can and then he needs to get back to America. Bastov may be finished but the rest of the men will still be out there, and Pyotr will have a price on his head" the Russian explained with a sense of urgency on his head.

"He can't fly like that!" Sam argued. "The flight would kill him"

"We will do what we can, we need to rehydrate him and get his temperature down, then he can fly and get medical assistance at home" the Russian responded, his tone firm and leaving no room for argument. Sam shook his head, still not liking the idea, but sensing that their options were limited. "The bathroom is the second door on the left, run a cold bath" the stranger instructed him, making eye contact as he did. Sam sighed and hesitated, but one look at the obvious care he was showing towards his partner made him do as he was instructed. A few minutes later when he returned he found his partner stripped down to his boxers and glassy blue eyes were looking back at him.

"Hey" he greeted softly.

"Sam?" Callen responded in confusion.

"I'm here man, your bullet wounds are infected and we need to get your fever down" Sam explained softly. Callen looked up next to him at the Russian stood over him.

"Pyotr I need you to take this" he stated in Russian, as he handed the agent two small white pills. "They are your antibiotics, not as strong as I would have liked, but they will do" he explained. Callen took them without protest, testament to how under the weather he was feeling. "Now these, we need to get your temperature down, these should help" the Russian continued handing the smaller man further tablets that again he took. "Now try and sip at the water" he requested handing the bottle over. "Just small sips, you don't want to get sick" he cautioned. "Now you are not going to like this, but we are going to put you in the bath Pyotr" he explained softly.

"Cold?" Callen questioned tiredly.

"We have to get your temperature down, cold bath and then wrap you up for the night, hopefully by morning you will have improved" the Russian explained the primitive methods that unfortunately Callen had experienced before.

"I think you take pleasure in it" he commented, before nodding his consent, his eyes drifted shut as the inferno of his body sapped him of all energy. The Russian looked at Sam and nodded, before assisting the former Navy seal in carrying the smaller man to the bathroom.

"Just ease him down" the Russian instructed quietly and the two men eased the agent into the cold water, wincing for him as he immediately started shivering in response. Ten minutes later and neither man could bear to see their friend suffer any further, they gently lifted him out of the bath and wrapped him in warm blankets before placing his back in the bed, a duvet tucked over him. "We need to check the wound" he stated softly, pulling a first aid kit from under the bed. Carefully pouring some antiseptic on a pad he dabbed at the angry inflamed injury on his friends chest, unsurprised when tired eyes fluttered open at the pain he was undoubtedly causing and began pushing the offender hand weakly away.

"Calm down partner, it's ok" Sam soothed his partner, gently wiping his sweat soaked face with the damp cloth. Callen stopped struggling at the voice of his partner. "We just need to clean it, two more minutes and it will be done" he assured him softly. Callen nodded, before biting down on a scream as the wound was once more touched. A few moments later and it was carefully dressed and bandaged, and the attention was moved onto his arm wound. "This is going to hurt, I'm sorry partner" Sam stated sadly, Callen nodded softly- his eyes squeezed shut as the process was repeated on his other bullet injury. By the time that was dressed Callen was grateful for the pain killers that he was given, and managed a few more sips of water before exhaustion claimed him. Sam himself was exhausted from seeing his friend in such obvious pain and distress.

"The best thing for him now is some sleep" the strange Russian commented, replacing another bottle on the cabinet for his friend. Sam nodded slightly dazed from the events of the day. "Come, I will pour us some drinks" he was offered, and he followed the other man back downstairs to where the other agents were waiting for an update on their friend.

"Sam how is he?" Kensi questioned straight away, worry written all over her face.

"He's sleeping" Sam replied softly. "He needs a hospital" he stated, rubbing a hand over his tired face and gratefully accepting the tumbler of vodka that he was handed.

"Is there one close by?" Deeks asked, also concerned for the sorry state of their team leader.

"It's not safe for him" the Russian interjected. "If any gets word that Pyotr is here, never mind injured they will come for him" he told them softly.

"How do you know him anyway?" Kensi asked the man in interest. The information that they had been given had been limited to say the least, and she wondered how Callen had made such a close friend that was clearly so willing to help and yet he didn't even know his real name.

"I met him ten years ago- he was called Boris at the time and was working for Bastov as his head of security. He had been there for six months when he came across several of his hench men kicking at a teenage boy. They stated that he had been trespassing- but Pyotr didn't believe him. He pulled them away from the boy and beat all six of them until they could take no more- by himself. He ended up with a concussion and some broken ribs that day, not to mention the fury of Bastov for so many of his men being taken out of action, but he saved the life of that boy" the Russian explained, his eyes miles away as he recalled the memory.

"Why did it concern you?" Kensi asked in confusion.

"Because the boy is my son. He is now a doctor in Moscow- he would have died that day if Pyotr hadn't stepped in. There and then I knew that he wasn't what he appeared- he was too good in his soul to truly work for Bastov. I was unsurprised with what happened a few months later" he explained with a wry smile. "I just wish I had been able to help Pyotr like he had helped my son" he finished sadly.

"You have" Sam reassured the man softly. He was unsurprised by the story, no matter what Callen would do everything he could to save innocents from being harmed in any way, despite the risk to himself.

"I saw him a few years later in Moscow, this time with a man that I knew was linked to the KGB, that was when I realise he had to be some kind of spy, it all added up. The way that he handles himself, the leaps that his mind seems to take and the knack for languages. I never asked him and he never told me- I don't need to know and that works for both of us" he continued with a smile. Sam chuckled lightly at the extremely apt description of his best friend. "I know his name won't be Pyotr, but I know who he is and I mean who he is inside. He is my friend and that is all that matters" he finished, before getting to his feet and refilling all of their glasses in silence.

"Thank you for saving my partner" Sam stated softly raising his glass in a toast, all of the other occupants joined in clinking their glasses against each other's as they sipped at the soothing alcohol.

"Anyway Sam- I think you have some explaining to do!" Kensi stated as if suddenly realising that the senior agent was in fact right in front of her in Russia. Sam groaned at the comment.

"For a moment there you sounded just like Hetty" he commented lightly and all three chuckled softly. "Do you mind if I explain when my partner is up to having my back?" Sam asked with a wry smile. Kensi sighed a long suffering sigh before replying.

"I guess so" she finally stated with a roll of the eye. "Why don't you go and check on him and get your story straight. Deeks and I can take first watch" she suggested softly, knowing that none of them would fully relax until they were back in LA and Callen had received his much needed medical treatment.

"Thanks Kensi" Sam responded softly, before heading up the stairs to sit beside his partner. He was glad when he showed signs of stirring a couple of hours later, and gladder still when he was able to get some more medication down the younger man. He didn't know when he fell asleep, but he woke up to find the sun just rising, and the flushed appearance of his head's face somewhat diminished. Getting to his feet and stretching his now aching back he was surprised to find the subject of his thoughts returning his look.

"Morning- didn't think you were ever gonna wake up" Callen teased, his voice weak and holding a definite croak to it, but he sounded just like his partner and for that his friend was immensely pleased.

"It was your stimulating conversation" Sam responded with a smile.

"Any chance of some clothes?" Callen asked, looking around him and not seeing any sign. Sam shook his head in frustration.

"G, you need to rest" Sam warned softly.

"Sam we need to move, we can't stay here" Callen responded seriously. "I'll be ok, sure I can't move far or too fast, but I'll be ok"

"Fine, I'll get your clothes, but we aren't going anywhere until you have eaten something, drank and taken every tablet that we tell you to" Sam responded, his tone deadly serious.

"Yes mom" Callen replied with an eye roll, it did nothing for his aching foggy head, but it was an automatic reaction to the former navy seal. Sam smiled, relieved that if nothing else his friend did appear to be slightly improved. He shook his head to himself as he walked out of the room and went looking for the younger man's clothes finding them easily- he handed them to his friend and headed downstairs to make their travel arrangements.

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"Have Kensi and Deeks checked in yet?" Hetty asked as she stepped into Ops. The remaining members of the team had all gone to their respective homes the previous evening and attempted to get some sleep, no one had been surprised when they were all back at the office at the crack of dawn.

"No word yet" Eric replied, as he sat back with his hands behind his head- nothing for them to do but wait. "They weren't due until 8am" he continued with a sigh. Hetty looked at her watch- it was only seven thirty, but she was still worried- she hated not knowing what was going on with her agents.

"Let me know the moment that they make contact" she urged, as she headed back to her office to make herself some tea.

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Callen made his way slowly down stairs to join his friends, he felt infinitely better than the previous night- but still felt the exhaustion of the infection raging through his body.

"Hey" he greeted the assembled group with a tired smile. Kensi grinned at seeing their team leader standing up under his own steam.

"Hi Callen, how you feeling?" she asked moving over so that he could sit next to her.

"I'm good Kenz" he replied as he sat down. "Does Hetty know that you two are here?" he asked, surprised that they had arrived, but not surprised that Eric had clearly managed to track him down.

"She sent us" Deeks responded, sipping from his coffee as he appraised the look of the older man- which was clearly far from the fine that he stated.

"Breakfast will be ready in five minutes G" Sam stated softly, Callen rolled his eyes in response, knowing that it would be pointless to argue.

"Did Alexa tell you the address?" he asked the junior agent, as he accepted the glass of juice that he was handed.

"No she wouldn't tell us anything" Kensi replied with a frown.

"She still mad at me?" the senior agent asked as he sipped at the liquid, feeling soothed as it cooled his sore throat.

"That's an understatement" Kensi replied with a snort. "When we left Hetty was on her way to speak to her again" she finished. Callen nodded, he hadn't expected Alexa to change her mind she had always been stubborn.

"What's the plan for you guys getting home?" Callen asked, deciding to leave the topic of Alexa for another time, or preferable never.

"What do you mean us guys? We are all going" Sam responded, confused at the question. He reached over and set down a glass of water in front of his partner, and tapped out the pills that there was no way he was going to allow his friend to not take. Callen sighed, ignoring the rattle in his chest as he did so- he reached for the pills and took them all one at a time.

"I can't get on the same flight as you guys- they might be looking for me and it puts you all at risk" Callen explained softly. "I will get the flight after yours and you can meet me at LAX" he reasoned. His plan all along had been for him and Sam to travel separately back to the states- he himself fully intended on an extremely indirect route- anything to minimise the risk to his team.

"Hetty can arrange us secure transport" Kensi reasoned squeezing her friend's hand softly. Callen carefully repeated the gesture before removing his hand.

"I can't Kenz- I can't risk being linked to NCIS or to the US military full stop" he reasoned.

"Then I will fly with you and these two can go on the Naval flight" Sam cut in, not willing to let his partner out of his sight. "I'm already in this G, and there is no way you are flying alone"

"I got here alone Sam- you have a family this is an unnecessary risk that there is no reason at all for you to take" Callen replied.

"Then I will fly with you" Kensi interjected. "It will look less suspicious anyway that way" she stated with a grin, knowing that Callen would struggle to find a valid argument, and intent on making sure that at least one of them got to make sure he was safe on his journey back to the states. Callen sighed in surrender.

"Fine- but we are not flying direct" he stated in reluctant agreement.

"That's fine- I have always wanted to visit Belgrade" she commented with a big smile, winking at Sam as she spoke. She was rewarded by a light chuckle from her friend as he nodded in agreement.

"You check in with Hetty, Callen can eat and I will sort our flights" Sam stated to Deeks as he handed a plate to his partner, his look making it perfectly clear that he would be expected to eat.

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A few hours later and all four were ready to go, Callen and Kensi had flights booked to Belgrade, whilst Sam and Deeks were heading directly back to LAX. Hetty had been vaguely updated with the travel plans- but they had all agreed that the full debrief could wait until they were all safely back on US soil. The detective and the former seal headed out first, driving halfway to the airport before ditching the car and hailing a cab- their trip to the airport was uneventful and thankfully short. Both men relieved when they stepped onto the plane- yet worried for their respective partners.

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Callen and Kensi left a mere hour after their partners- expressing their genuine gratitude to his old friend as they loaded their bags into the jeep and headed off to Moscow airport- Callen handed the large Russian a small piece of paper as he left.

"In case you ever need me" he said in Russian as he shook his hand and turned to leave. "Thank you" he stated softly before joining the female in the car and leaving without a backward glance. Once the agent had left the Russian opened the piece of paper, grinning as he saw two telephone numbers written down, knowing that he would never use them unless he could help it- but thrilled with the show of trust from the younger man.

"You ready?" Kensi asked the injured man softly.

"Yep lets go" he replied, gingerly fastening his seat belt. Kensi needed no further encouragement as without a second's hesitation she was accelerating to the main road and heading to the airport.

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Kensi smiled as she looked at the sleeping man beside her, Callen's head was rested back against the head rest- his mouth slightly ajar as he slept. Testament of how under the weather he was clearly feeling he had even taken his tablets without protest. They were about an hour away from landing. Callen was travelling under his existing alias of Pyotr Kenin, she was under her own name- Eric had hacked the airline system so if anybody looked her ticket had been booked months ago. The connecting flight changed to Callen's actual name- their tickets again booked at different times from different IP addresses if anyone took the time to look. She sighed, knowing that she wouldn't really get to be a tourist as their flight to Stuttgart left in a mere three hours- they would just have time for something to eat before they would have to board.

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"Home sweet home" Deeks smiled as he stepped out into the LA sunshine, glad that they were finally home safe- although he knew that he wouldn't relax until the rest of the team were also back safe and sound.

"Amen to that" Sam muttered as he headed over to where he had left the challenger.

"When will they be due back?" the detective asked softly, knowing that Sam would be at least as worried as he was.

"Not until the day after tomorrow. G would have flown constantly, but we can't take that risk" Sam replied softly.

"Are they getting the military flight from Germany?" Deeks asked as they picked up speed.

"Yeah, land at lunchtime" the former seal responded as he unlocked the car. Silently the two men stepped into the car, Sam headed straight for the apartment that he knew the detective occupied and stopped outside. "Thanks for coming to help out" he said sincerely.

"Hey Callen is my team leader too- wouldn't be anywhere else" he responded with a grin as he stepped out. Sam smiled in response, glad that Deeks was on their team. Without further hesitation he turned around and headed back to his home, keen to see his family and await the safe return of his friend.

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Kensi was beyond relieved when the two agents made their way into the hotel room that they had booked for the night. She chuckled at Callen's hesitation to lie down on it.

"Don't be shy Callen- we both know you wouldn't be in any condition to do anything even if you did think of me as anything other than a younger sister" Kensi stated, as she unbuttoned her shirt and sat down in her vest and jeans, toeing off her boots. She was aware of her friend sitting down on the bed by the shift of the mattress. Callen sighed as he laid down, not even bothering to remove his boots, he was asleep within seconds. Kensi- also feeling exhausted, got under the covers and let sleep claim her.

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The next morning the two special agents went out for some breakfast- Kensi intent on making sure her team leader ate.

"It's nice here" she commented as she looked out over the square, sipping at her coffee. She loved Europe- finding the history fascinating, it was a shame she never got to visit unless she had a gun in her hand.

"It's cold" Callen stated, and Kensi shot him a look of concern. She only wore a thin jacket and she was fine, her friend had an unhealthy pallor to him and a shake to his hand as he reached for his coffee. She genuinely couldn't wait to get him safely back to LA and an apparently much needed doctor.

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Sam couldn't help but look at his partner's empty desk as he sat twiddling his thumbs. In less than twenty four hours the subject of his thoughts should be back on US soil- and more than likely in a hospital bed where he belonged. Hetty had gone easy on him so far, agreeing that they could await Callen's return before the debrief would be forced to take place.

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Kensi packed their meagre belongings away carefully- it was a matter of hours before the military plane Hetty had arranged would be taking them home. The junior agent had managed to arrange a doctor on board, although she had failed to mention that to her now sleeping team leader. She sighed as she looked at the man that she cared so deeply for. He was clearly exhausted and the infection was still waging war on his already overtaxed body, she had to get him home- she couldn't face the thought of him not being in their lives.

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"Come on, time to hustle" Kensi woke her friend, her concern growing as he was slow to come to awareness.

"Kensi?" he questioned, momentarily confused.

"Yeah, come on Callen- it's time to go home" she told him softly, handing him clean clothes, as she finished getting dressed. He nodded, finally realising what was going on and did as she bid. Within ten minutes both agents were ready to leave.

"I'll be glad to get home" Callen muttered, and Kensi could do little but nod her full agreement. Kensi peered out of the window- waiting for their ride, almost running from the door when the described vehicle stopped outside. Callen got to his feet, trying to ignore the slight sway as he did so. Grabbing his bag he followed the junior agent out of the car and into the waiting vehicle, relieved to be starting the last leg of his journey. The drive to the small airstrip took less than thirty minutes and both agents smiled as they saw their awaiting plane, bags stowed they both boarded. Callen was surprised to discover another passenger sat in front of them.

"Agent Callen and Agent Blye?" he questioned as the two sat down. Kensi nodded, suspecting who the man was, and dreading Callen's reaction- even though she didn't regret her decision. "I am Dr Taylor, I understand my services may be required" he stated, his gaze drifting to Kensi- a gesture that the experienced Callen didn't miss.

"You arranged this?" he questioned the junior agent- his tone and expression unreadable. Kensi hesitated before replying.

"Yes, only out of worry" she said softly. Callen shook his head, mixed emotions running across his handsome, yet pale face.

"Please Agent Callen- I can see that you do need my help" the doctor stated softly, he had easily observed the guarded way in which the agent moved- and could tell from the too bright eyes that the man clearly had a fever. "Once we are in the air, please will you let me check you over?" he asked carefully. Callen sighed in surrender.

"Fine, but only because there will be no escaping you" he replied finally. Fastening the safety belt and biting his lip to not say what he was thinking to Kensi. She sighed in relief, considering how private her friend was she had gotten off lightly with his reaction.

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They were an hour into their flight and Callen was settled on a gurney in the medical bay, a mild sedative helping him rest. He would never have agreed to it, but the fever was once more pushing ahead, making his stomach roll and his head pound- the doctor had been left with little choice, else it would have been an unbearable flight for them all.

"How is he?" Kensi asked as the young doctor walked towards her.

"His temperature has hit 103, the gunshot wound to his chest is badly infected, and he has a mild infection to his arm. He needs to be in a hospital, and quickly" the doctor explained shaking his head in frustration that the agent was even out of bed, never mind chasing violent criminals across Russia. "I have called ahead to Pendleton and a medical team are going to be ready and waiting" he informed her, his tone serious.

"Thank you" Kensi stated in concern. "Can I sit with him?" she asked softly, not liking the thought of her friend being alone.

"Of course" he replied, leading her towards the agent. She was saddened at seeing him, his brow was still covered in a thin sheen of sweat, and his pallor was greatly lacking the usual healthy tan he sported. She sat down next to him, and prayed that the flight would get him to help as quickly as possible.

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Kensi's prayers were answered when they finally landed around about lunchtime, before she knew it there were a group formed around Callen and he was being carried out towards the Naval hospital, a flurry of activity around him, all she could do was follow.

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Four days later and finally Callen's temperature was under control, and he was feeling more human. He barely remembered his time in Stuttgart or how he had got home, something he realised he would probably be grateful for. The OSP team took turns to sit by his side as he fought the fever induced nightmares that held him constantly hostage. His partner was once more right beside him as he woke up.

"Hey" he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey yourself G!" Sam returned as he moved closer. "You scared the hell out of me man" he commented.

"Sorry" Callen replied wincing as his throat burned. "How long have I been here?" he asked, looking around him to absorb where he was.

"Four days" Sam responded. "Do you know where you are?" he asked, not certain that his friend would remember.

"Pendleton?" he half questioned, and at the nod relaxed back against the pillows.

"How are you feeling?" Sam asked.

"Better. When can I get out?" Callen asked, his eyes closed as his headache made itself known.

"Not until the doctor says so and Hetty agrees" Sam responded with a smile, knowing that even Callen wouldn't risk the wrath of the Ops Manager. Callen nodded too tired to push. "You were lucky you got here when you did- another day and they probably couldn't have saved you" Sam told him, not exaggerating in his words. He reached for the side table and poured his friend some water, helping him to hold it with his unsteady hands.

"Thanks" Callen stated, the cool liquid soothing him instantly. "Is Hetty mad?" he asked quietly.

"I was, then I was concerned- now I am mostly intrigued" a third voice interjected- both men startled at the stealthy entrance of the petite woman. "Hello Mr Callen- I do hope you are feeling better?" she greeted him, moving to the opposite side from Sam.

"Much, thank you" Callen replied, unconsciously pulling himself more upright in the bed.

"Good- I read an interesting report from Interpol a few days ago. A story of a gangland attack on a local house, a couple of hours out of Moscow" she told them, her face blank as she spoke. "Several guards found incapacitated and bound, and the occupants of the house shot" she continued. "Apparently the main resident was someone by the name of Bastov" she finished.

"That's interesting" Callen replied carefully.

"I take it that you got what you were looking for Mr Callen?" she asked softly. He nodded lightly, not trusting himself to speak. "In that case I will leave you to rest- I will return in the morning for the debrief" she stated, squeezing his rest before she turned and left.

"You got off lightly" Sam commented when he was certain she was out of ear shot.

"Me? What about you? You went off to Russia too" Callen responded with a weak smile. Closing his eyes he drifted off to sleep with a grin on his face. Sam shook his head, unable to deny that Hetty wouldn't be overly happy with him heading over to Russia without telling her either. Happy that his friend was soundly asleep and thankfully on the road to recovery, he got to his feet and headed off to hunt down a coffee.

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The next morning, Callen woke up feeling a hundred times better, his meagre breakfast was so far staying down, and the throbbing in his chest had depleted to a dull ache. All in all he felt better than he had in weeks. As he laid there he couldn't help but let his mind drift to the events- it felt like forever since that day Hetty had spoken to him about his name sake being shot in a club. He couldn't believe how much had happened, not to mention his past once more coming back and biting him on the behind. He was pulled from his reverie by the arrival of his partner and the small Ops Manager.

"Morning" he greeted them.

"Hey G" Sam smiled. His partner looked infinitely better, although he knew he wasn't going to enjoy the debrief that Hetty had in mind.

"Have you eaten Mr Callen?" Hetty asked in way of greeting. The lead agent rolled his eyes before nodding to the affirmative. "Good then where shall we start? I know- your meeting with Alexa, whatever possessed you?" she asked, as she took a seat. He sighed in response, he hated this- he genuinely hated discussing his decisions and his thoughts about things, especially something so personal to him.

"I had to draw her out" Callen replied. "It was the only way of ending it" he finished. Hetty nodded, she was unable to deny the logic to his words- she just wished that he wouldn't constantly feel the need to tackle everything by himself.

"And then you decided to go to Bastov's house, despite being shot?" she questioned, Sam looked up sharply at the question- surprised at how hard she was pushing the injured man.

"I had to get there- it was never going to end unless I moved fast" he replied, closing his eyes against the memories.

"You spoke to Arkady, yet kept your team in the dark- why?" she asked.

"I needed information that you couldn't get, and I needed it quickly" Callen replied sharply. His eyes still closed as he controlled his frustration at the line of questioning.

"I understand Mr Callen" the Ops manager stated softly, and she did. She wished that he hadn't excluded them, but she understood that it was in his make up to go it alone. Callen opened his eyes and recognised the truth in what she said and smiled slightly. "Why don't you continue the story from here" she suggested.

"I knew where Bastov was likely to be from previous experience. It needed to be ended, he would have kept coming until one of us was buried- I wanted it to be on my terms, not his" Callen stated, being unusually open in an attempt to get it over with as quickly as possible. "I got out of here as soon as I could, headed over to meet with an old contact and the rest you know" he finished, skimming over the events and hoping he wouldn't get pushed into spilling more. Hetty turned to the other occupant of the room.

"And you Mr Hanna? Did you suddenly feel like a vacation?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. Sam sighed, knowing that she wasn't going to be happy with his response.

"I caught Callen trying to sneak out of the hospital. He convinced me that his plan had to be carried out to end it, I somehow convinced him for once not to go lone wolf and we arranged for me to meet him over there. G came up with the meet and we travelled separately, the RV points arranged" Sam explained with a sheepish grin.

"So you let me believe that your partner was over in Russia injured and by himself, taking on a long standing enemy that wanted him dead? And all along you knew exactly where he was and in fact already planned on joining him?" Hetty summarised with a serious face.

"I guess so" Sam responded softly. "He wouldn't have let me have his back if I had put the team at risk" he stated.

"And through all that it never crossed your mind that I would know?" Hetty finished with a smile forming on her face as she finally got one over on her agent. Sam looked up at her.

"You knew?" he questioned softly.

"Not straight away no, I worked it out when you suddenly disappeared- where else would you be?" she stated softly.

"See Hetty- I can play nice with others" Callen stated with a small smile, quoting an earlier conversation with the Ops manager.

"Yes, but yet still manage to get yourself almost killed in the process" Hetty commented sadly.

"I'm fine" the senior agent argued.

"No you're not Mr Callen, but you will be" she replied with a smile, getting to her feet and leaving the partners to speak.

"That was easier than I expected" Sam commented once she had left.

"False sense of security?" Callen asked, with a suspicious grin.

"Maybe, or maybe she didn't want to stress you too much" Sam responded. "Why don't you get some sleep G?" he suggested, and for once Callen listened to his partner.

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Ten days later and Callen was finally walking free of the hospital. He sighed as the sunshine hit his face, relieved to be free and walking of his own accord.

"You good G?" Sam asked softly with a smile.

"Yeah Sam, I am definitely good" the younger man responded- and for the first time in a very long time he genuinely meant it. With one last breath of the blessed fresh air he slid into the challenger beside his partner, and set off on his way home.

The End