✬ Shadows of the Past ✬

Cops and Robbers .12.

Recap

Callen hesitated for a moment, then nodded and took a seat. Lennox followed suit, sitting beside him.
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The kitchen was alive with activity as Evander, true to his word, whipped up a batch of pancakes. The smell of batter sizzling on the griddle filled the room, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation. Callen sat at the table, arms crossed, staring at the table's surface with a blank expression. His brothers, sensing his reluctance, kept their interactions light, careful not to push too hard.

Antonio poured orange juice into glasses, casting occasional glances at Callen, who seemed intent on maintaining his tough exterior. "So, Callen, do you have a favorite topping for pancakes?" he asked, trying to engage him.

Callen shrugged without looking up. "I don't really care."

Evander, flipping a pancake, glanced over his shoulder with a small smile. "Well, we have syrup, strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream... Take your pick."

Callen's eyes flickered towards the kitchen counter where the toppings were laid out. And in an instant, his interest was piqued, "strawberries, I guess." Callen said with a shrug, trying to act nonchalant.

Dominic, sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood, leaned back in his chair. "You know, Evander once tried to make pancakes and ended up setting the kitchen on fire."

Evander rolled his eyes. "That was one time, and it was years ago."

The corners of Callen's mouth twitched slightly, though he fought to keep his expression neutral. "Sounds like you need to stay away from the stove," he muttered.

Jethro, who had been watching quietly from the doorway, sauntered in and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. "Yeah, Evander's cooking skills have come a long way since then. Though, to be fair, the bar was set pretty low."

Evander shot Jethro a playful glare. "Careful, or you won't get any pancakes."

Jethro held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Just make sure mine are extra fluffy."

As the brothers bantered, Callen found himself reluctantly drawn into their lighthearted teasing. He looked up, catching glimpses of genuine affection and camaraderie that felt foreign yet strangely appealing. Despite his best efforts to remain detached, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth in the otherwise cold space he had built around himself.

Evander finished the last pancake and brought the stack to the table. "Alright, breakfast is served. Dig in, everyone."

As they all reached for their food, Callen hesitated, watching the easy interactions among his brothers. Lennox, noticing his hesitation, nudged him gently. "Go on, eat. You're to skinny already."

Callen rolled his eyes and looked at his plate. Then looked at the added strawberries and a drizzle of syrup. He smiled slightly and took a tentative bite, and the sweetness of the syrup combined with the fluffiness of the pancake and mixed with the flavorful taste of strawberries surprised him. It was good. Really good.

"So, Callen," Antonio said between bites, "any hobbies or interests we should know about?"

Callen's guard shot back up. He hated talking about himself, especially to people he barely knew. "Not really," he replied curtly.