OPS Shenanigans

Cam and Poppy

It was 3:32 in the morning as Hetty watched Mission fill with people.

First to arrive were Sam and Michelle, followed by a sleepy looking Cam, still wearing PJ's and rubbing her eyes.

Second was Callen and then Joelle who trying to take in the atmosphere of mission. Went and stood with Michelle talking about general girl stuff.

Next was Deeks who's hair was even more ruffled than usual and had Monty on a lead trotting beside him.

No more than a minute later Kensi followed. Her hair wet and combed slicked back into a ponytail.

"Well I am sure you have many questions?" Hetty asked not even bothering to greet them as it was too early for those kind of pleasantries. "The most pressing is probably why you are here at this God forsaken time of the morning."

"Yeah we'll go with that one." Callen said yawning.

"But unfortunately we cannot begin until Miss Jones and Mr Beale arrive, Mr Callen." Hetty said indicating to OPS which was in complete darkness.

"No, its okay I'm here." Eric said in hushed tones from down the passage. As he approached gasps rang through the group. Eric was not in pyjamas for once but in his arms being carried covered in a Batman blanket was a sleeping child about 4 years old, who looked like she was wearing one of Eric's t-shirts which was 10 sizes too big. On a lead the child was holding loosely trying to race ahead was a small black pug, who tugged at the lead she was attached to. Finally breaking free she raced towards the group of new people. Followed by an even more exhausted looking Nell.

"What is going on here, Beale." Deeks asked wiggling his eyebrows at not only the child but the little dog that was now yapping wildly at Monty who lay curled up under Sam's desk.

"Shhhhhhhh." Nell whispered pressing a finger to her lips. Eric sitting down on the nearest available chair which happened to be Kensi's, the child still in his arms, but now stirring. "You'll wake her." He added.

"I am so confused." Callen said rubbing his temple.

"This is Poppy." he said indicating to the young girl. "she's three. And this is Mia, she one." he said pointing to the pug who was now curled up against Monty's chest.

"Still not following." Deeks said looking confused.

"She's our daughter." Nell said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Poppy opened her eyes slowly and looked around at all the strangers.

"Wait you two have had a kid for three years and we know nothing about her." Sam asked trying to get his head around it.

"You never asked and we like to keep our professional and personal lives separate and I know for a fact Hetty knows." Eric said. Poppy was now wiggling in his arms, trying to escape.

As everyone stared dumbfounded. Poppy scanned the group looking for a face she recognised

"Mummy!!" Poppy screamed finally escaping Eric's arms and running at Nell. Who dropped her bag and pulled Poppy up to sit on her hip.

"Hey Lolly Pop, whats the matter" Nell said as Poppy buried her head in Nell's shoulder

" People scarwey" Poppy whispered loudly. Nell chuckled putting Poppy down on the floor.

Cam stepped forward the first to recover from the shock of the mornings events. "hey there, I'm Cam." she sat on the floor getting on Poppy's level. "its okay everyone here is friendly." Cam took Poppy's hand. "no need to be afraid."

Poppy gripped Cam's hand tighter and sat down on her lap shoving her thumb from her other hand in her mouth. "Hey would you like to play on my phone." Cam said handing her iPhone 4s to Poppy. She tapped the screen furiously. While the adults looked on laughing.

Eric put his arm round Nell's waist he was so proud of the inquisitive little human they had made together.