Double Standards

Chapter 9

Nell woke up about ten times during the night, not being able to sleep, mainly because when ever she closed her eyes, she was met with nightmares regarding Derek.

It was about five o'clock in the morning when she decided to give up on sleep and go for a walk.

Nell got out of bed, got changed and walked out of her room, locking it behind her.

She walked downstairs and got a coffee at the café, sitting down in the lounge area, holding the cup in her hands, keeping them warm.

"Has sleeping beauty decided that she doesn't need her sleep tonight?" A voice asked, as they walked up to her.

Nell turned around, smiling, as she saw Callen standing behind her.

"The prince doesn't either, apparently." Nell replied.

Callen raised his eyebrows, "Prince?"

Nell shrugged, "I thought you would have preferred that over 'beast'." She stated, smirking cheekily.

"True. Want some company?" Callen asked.

Nell nodded, "Sure, Gaston. Have a seat."

Callen looked confused, "Gaston? Nell, do you know something I don't?"

Nell shook her head and laughed, "No, Callen. Gaston. From 'Beauty and the beast'."

Callen chuckled, "Right, right." He spoke, sitting down across from Nell, with his coffee in his hands.

"How was your little 'play date' with Gibbs yesterday? Did you catch up on all the gossip on DC?" Nell asked.

Callen shrugged, remembering the statement about the analyst in front of him, of which he confessed to one of his greatest friends.

""It was great. It's been a long time since we've caught up. Gossip? No. We mainly just talked about cases and work. What about you? How are you liking Washington so far?"

Nell smiled, "I like it here. The people are so nice, and although they don't have as much computers here, as they do in LA, I think I could enjoy this week." Nell spoke.

"I'm sure you will. Hey, I was actually just about to head down to the gym. Do you want to come? I can start helping you with your self-defence skills?" Callen offered.

Nell took a moment to think, before nodding, "Yeah, okay. Let me just go up to my room and get changed. I'll meet you there."

Callen nodded, smiling as he watched Nell walk to the elevator to go to her room.

He got up, throwing his disposable coffee cup in the bin, and walking down to the gym, considering he was already in his work out clothes.

"Okay, you ready Nell?" Callen asked, as he and Nell stretched.

Nell nodded, "Yeah."

Callen smiled. "Okay, so If I were, to say, go like this," He started, moving to stand next to Nell and wrap his arm around her neck, gently.

"What would you do?" He asked.

Nell sighed, grabbing his arm and pulling it down, slipping out of his grip, showing him the answer to his question.

Callen nodded. "Okay. That would usually work. However, I this man is a lot bigger than you, and they have injuring or even killing you, on their mind, then that won't work."

"Now, if they are wanting to injure you, they are going to have a tight grip of you, making it hard for you to breathe, and pushing their arms away and slipping out, like you just did, is not going to work." He added.