A/N: I hope you like this chapter. It was fun to write. Next up after this chapter... Callen's date!

CHAPTER 9

As Sam pulled into the parking lot, Callen noticed a familiar grey Cadillac parked in one of the spaces. He turned and smirked at Sam shaking his head. Sam noticed the suv and as he turned to look at Callen, he shrugged. It was Kensi and Deek's car.

"Really, Sam? There was no out-of-town getaway, right, for Kensi and Deeks? Cause I meant to ask you earlier what happened with the bi-annual Disneyland trip with the family, but I just figured that something happened with your family and it got postponed. But now I'm starting to feel like an intervention or something…"

Sam pulled into a parking space, shut off the engine and turned towards Callen.

"Actually there was all those things planned, but Kensi, Deeks and I discussed it and decided that you're more important to us and that we can just postpone those things for another weekend. Disneyland is not going anywhere, that I'm aware of and Kensi, Deeks and Andy will go down to San Diego another weekend. You need us, G. Whether you want to admit it or not. We're here for you." Sam concluded looking at his partner with sincerity written all over his face. He quietly continued, "We just wanted you to know that and so we cooked up this little get together this morning to focus on you and to make it very clear that we're behind you and care about you."

Callen looked down at his hands and then out the side car window before looking back at Sam. "I appreciate that; I really do. You have no idea what this means to me."

Sam lips began to form a smile. "I do. Well, we better get inside before Kensi sends Deeks out here to see if we're alright."

Callen chuckled. "Yeah. Let's go. Oh. Hey, how did you know that I would be up for the Brick House this morning?"

Sam laughed as he got out of the car. "Partner, I know you so well…even better than you know yourself and I knew that once I mentioned the menu, you wouldn't be able to refuse."

Callen joined in the laughter as he shut the car door. "I didn't realize I was so easy."

"Yep, G. You are…you are!"

Sam and Callen walked up to the entrance of the restaurant and once inside, they spotted Kensi and Deeks seated along the back wall. Winding their way to the other members of their team, they slid into the open booth bench seat that Kensi and Deeks had left vacant. Sliding into the seat, both Callen and G nodded to Kensi and Deeks in greeting. Kensi and Deeks returned it.

Menus were already on the table and from what G could tell Kensi and Deeks had already placed their order. The partners picked up the menus and glanced them over. G quickly placed his back down and looked over at Sam.

"I'm ready to order. How about you?"

"Yea. I'm ready. I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted the Cuban Roll." Sam said as he glanced around for their server.

Deeks looked at Sam. "I see him. I'll motion for him." With that, Deeks raised his hand and motioned to a young college aged man with dark brown hair. He noticed Deeks and quickly walked over to the table.

"Ah, I see your friends have made it." He said to Deeks as he turned his attention towards Sam and Callen. "Hi. My name is Jeff and I'll be your server this morning. Can I start you off with something to drink while you look over the menus?" said Jeff as he addressed Sam and Callen.

Callen replied. "Actually, Jeff. We know what we want to order too. So, let's just order." Sam nodded in agreement.

Jeff nodded, too. "Okay. Whenever you're ready…"

Sam went first. "I'll take the Cuban Roll, a glass of orange juice and a cup of regular coffee." Jeff wrote furiously as Sam spoke. Then Callen went, "I'll have the same as him except bring me an extra-large glass of orange juice. I'm really thirsty." Jeff wrote some more before responding.

"Sure enough. I'll be back in a moment with your drinks." Turning towards Kensi and Deeks he said, "I'll put your order in now so that it will be brought out together, just like you both requested."

Deeks and Kensi smiled. Deeks responded, "Thanks, man. We really appreciate that."

Jeff smiled. "No problem. I'll be right back."

Deeks settled back in his seat and placed his arm behind Kensi. Kensi settled herself against her husband and partner and looked over at Callen. She had concern written all over her face.

"What Kensi? Spit it out!" Callen exclaimed as he looked at the Junior Agent.

"Whoa! You really are nervous! You weren't kidding, Sam. I've never seen him act like this before." Kensi said as she stared at Callen. Deeks looked at Callen with a slight bemused expression on his face.

Callen squirmed in his seat and cleared his voice before speaking. "Look, Kensi. Deeks. Sam. I really appreciate all the concern, but it's just a date. I've been on them before. Granted it's been a while. However, they're just a little scary at first, but it usually turns out okay in the end."

Sam spoke up before Callen continued, "Yeah. You usually go home alone. I wouldn't say that that's a successful date, G."

"Now, wait a minute, I don't sleep around…" Callen spoke up a little louder this time.

Sam continued as he put his hand in the air to show that he wasn't finished yet. "Look! We just want you to have a great time tonight and if that means that we spend a little time with you to help you unwind beforehand, then so be it. We're here for you, G. I want you…we all want you…to have a great time with a great gal for once. If you end up spending the night together, that's okay and if not, that's okay too. Either way, you deserve to have a great time. That's all I'm saying!"

With that being said, Deeks fist bumped Sam while Kensi nodded her head in agreement. "Callen, you're a great guy, a great team leader and we came here today to support you. You would do the same for us. You did do that for Deeks and I. We wouldn't have been able to be together and have Andy without you. So, please, let us be there for you now when you need us."

The table grew silent as the other team members held their breaths and wanted for Callen to respond. Callen looked at each person seated at the table and then nodded in agreement. A collective sigh exclaimed from the group and they all began to laugh.

Callen looked at Kensi and Deeks. "Speaking of Andy. Where's my nephew?"

Deeks replied, "We took him over to Julia's. He needed some grandma time or was it that your mother needed it?" Deeks chuckled as he looked over at his wife.

Kensi laughed. "Both."

The table erupted in laughter. About that time, Jeff returned with their drink order and told them that their food would be out shortly.

Jeff wasn't exaggerating. In a matter of a few minutes, he was back with their food and after checking to make sure the order was correct, he left them to enjoy their meal. Sam, G, Deeks and Kensi settled in and soon all the food had been consumed. Beverages had been replenished a couple of times and now all of them were sitting back letting their food digest.

Sam spoke, "So, G. Have you decided if you're going to take her flowers tonight? How about what movie are you going to see?"

Kensi added, "How about what are you going to wear? I hope it's something nice. Nice blue jeans and a nice shirt. A nice button up will do; not a t-shirt."

Callen responded, "Yes to the flowers Sam. I was thinking a spring flower bouquet and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. As for the movie…I don't know…I was thinking that Walter Mitty movie. I think it's still playing at that little indie theater at the beach. As for clothing, I was thinking blue jeans, nice shirt and maybe a blazer or light jacket and boots. What do think of that, Kensi?"

Kensi smiled, but Deeks responded. "Sounds good to me, man." Kensi nodded in approval.

"What time do you head over to her place?" Deeks asked.

"I'm supposed to be there by 7." G replied as he looked over at Deeks.

Sam looked over at Callen. "So what's your plan for the rest of the day?"

Callen looked at Sam. "Well, before you called, I was going to just chill out at home all day and do nothing. Maybe watch some television. I think there might be a basketball game on this afternoon."

Sam nodded in approval. "Sounds good to me. I would stick to that plan, but maybe we'll go by the florist on the way back to your house and the wine store."

All the parties rose to exit the booth. Sam and Callen began to reach for wallets as they glanced at the check. Deeks nodded his head in a negative way and indicated that he and Kensi would be picking up the tab. On the way out, Callen slipped Jeff an extra twenty for his great service even though he knew that Deeks was a great tipper. Callen remember how it was to be a student and in college. College was tough enough and waiting tables was even harder. He wished Jeff luck and promised to come back by and see him again soon.

Sam and Callen got into the car and drove back to his house by way of the flower market and wine store. Sam let G off at the front of his house before driving away. G made his way back around to the back of his house with his purchases in hand. After locking the door and placing the items on the counter, he walked into the living room and settled back down into his chair. As he turned on the TV, the basketball game had just come on. Callen put his hands behind his head, reclined in the chair and smiled.

A/N: I hope you like this chapter. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.