The Greatest Surprise

Chap 1

I've been wanting to write a big speculative fic on what would be the perfect ending, and I was writing 1, but it came out of more anger and frustration and fear, and it didn't really work for me. So I stopped writing that 1.

With the new cryptic teasers out from TV Line (that 2nd Q that was answered is mine!), here is, basically my ideas on what I believe to be 'emotional surprises'! And since other teasers say that this will be a sunny finale with everyone still being alive, I strived for realism the best I could here.

Hope you enjoy the fluff here! And if the ending itself turns out to be bad, or Hetty doesn't how, then consider this the best fix it fic!

'Dude, this feels like a trap of sorts.' Deeks remarked as he and the wedding party made their way up to the dark party hall.

'Well, did anyone bring their weapons at least?' Kensi asked.

'Sure, we're always prepared.' Sam replied. 'Got anything hidden in those dresses?'

'Certainly!' Fatima quipped.

As everyone made their way into the very dark hall.

'Helloooo? Anyone?' Callen calmly asked

'SURPRISE!'

Everyone jumped. Deeks even let out a bit of a squeal.

Turns out, the entire hall was decorated for a big reception party!

'When I heard you were eloping, My 1st thought was 'How are you going to have a party at the last minute?' So, I found this place, rented it, and with help, had it decorated and stocked up at the last minute!' Arkady said.

'This, is amazing! How did you get all this so quickly?!' Anna asked, very surprised at her dad's quick efforts.

'I have friends who owe me a few favors, That Nina girl brought the food, and well. I co rented this place with a dear friend who hasn't been around in a long time.'

'Who?'

Arkady walked away, and there was Hetty. Smiling proudly at the table with the big wedding cake.

'You didn't think I'd miss this happy celebration , did you?' She asked.

Everyone was shocked. Their beloved leader, who had been overseas since Fall of 2021, been thought to be dead more then once by either a drone strike or a horrific ambush, had finally come home!

'What are you all staring at? Get over here!'

That seemed to snap everyone out of their shock, because then they all rushed up to her, and talking really fast.

'When did you get home? How did you survive? I'm so glad you're home!' were just some of the questions they were all asking at a rapid pace.

'Whoa whoa whoa! I'll get to answering all your questions in due time! (chuckle). There's someone I need to talk to first.' Hetty said. Then she turned to Callen, who was still standing where he was, still looking shocked. The most important mother figure in his life really had made it home for his big day after all, even after he decided to elope! (and also deciding to wear 1 of her tuxes from work, which she really didn't like without permission).

She happily walked up to him.

'I, I really was waiting for you to return before doing this! But after what happened today, I just couldn't wait any longer! I really did want you there.' Callen softly said, sounding really emotional.

'It's okay. There were times where I thought I wouldn't make it home either.' Hetty replied.

'I know everything. I know you pulled me out of that project when you heard.'