Double Standards

Chapter 14

"And who might this boyfriend be? Because I definitely haven't heard about this." Kensi stated, feeling slightly offended that she didn't know her best friend had a boyfriend.

"Oh you know, just this amazing guy." Nell stated, smiling brightly at Callen.

"Does this amazing guy have a name?" Sam asked, smirking slightly.

"Well, everyone has a name, Sam." Nell replied simply.

Sam chuckled, as Deeks spoke up, "Wait, why do you keep looking at Callen?" He asked.

Nell shrugged, smiling widely.

"You! And Callen?" Kensi asked, mouth wide.

Nell shrugged once again, exchanging a smile with Callen.

"Wow, okay, I did not see that coming!" Deeks exclaimed.

Nell, who had taken a seat next to Kensi, smiled, standing up and moving towards Callen, "I don't know, did you see that coming?" She asked, leaning down so she was at his eye level.

Callen shook his head, "Hell no." He stated, taking Nell's hand and pulling her onto his lap.

Nell laughed, kissing Callen's cheek softly, whispering in his ear, "You don't mind they know, do you?"

"No, not at all." He stated, wrapping his arms around Nell's waist.

"Hey, do you think we could go for a walk?" Nell asked Callen.

"Of course we can." He stated, as Nell stood up and took Callen's hand, as he also stood up.

"We're just going to go for a walk. We'll see you guys in a bit." Callen informed.

The team waved goodbye, as Nell and Callen walked out of the cafe, and outside of the motel, walking down the streets of DC.

Nell stopped, turning to Callen, causing him to stop too.

"Callen."

"Yeah?"

"I just...."

"Nell, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Callen asked, clearly worried.

"I'm better than okay. I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"For everything. Through this whole thing with Derek and his friends, you have stuck by me, and I just wanted to thank you for that. Before this whole thing a few days ago, I barely even knew you, and I guess you could say that I still don't know you that well, but I know enough. You are an amazing guy, Callen. And it makes me so happy to be with you. But I just want you to know, after what happened with Derek, I can't take anymore chances with relationships, and of course I know that you would never treat me like Derek did, but if it's okay with you, I would like to take his relationship slow, you know, until I can feel safe knowing that Derek will never hurt me again."  Nell rambled.

Callen placed both of his hands on Nell's shoulders, looking into her eyes, "I completely understand. You should know, that I will never let Derek or any of his friends lay a hand on you again.  They will be in jail for the rest of their lives and I will make sure of that. Trust me, I won't let anyone hurt you. And we can take this relationship as slow as you need, at your pace. I have you now. That's enough for me."

Nell smiled, "Thank you, Callen. That really means a lot to me. And I was serious when I said I was falling in love with you, just so you know. If I haven't already fallen yet, that is." She smirked.

Callen smiled, "You should know, I've been in love with you ever since that first time you walked into ops." He admitted.

Nell blushed, "Okay, I know I said to take this slow, but...." She stated, moving to Callen and kissing him passionately.