Coming Home

I know it's been a long time, but my muse left me for a while. I'm still not sure if its back, but you have to start somewhere. So here is a small offering, an explanation if you will of why there haven't been any projects lately.

Callen grabbed his bag, slung it over his shoulder and walked out of the deserted mission when OSP was located. After being undercover for over 3 months as part of a terrorist group planning an attack on the LA area he was looking forward to going home, taking a shower drinking a cold beer and passing out in his own home. Granted the house was still a work in progress but it felt more like a home each time he returned especially after a long stint undercover staying in 3rd rate motels with good meals and hot showers few and far between.

Using the remote to unlock the Jag, Callen tossed his bag in the trunk before sinking down into the buttery soft leather of the driver's seat. Starting the car he sat for a minute to finish wiping the his undercover persona of Mal Tennant out of his brain and adjust to being G. Callen once again. As the last vestiges of the hard and ruthless killer he had portrayed left his consciousness he considered giving Sam a call to let him know he was back. After further thought Callen decided to just shoot off a quick text when he got home leaving the friendly interrogation he would go thru from Sam until the next day.

Finally pulling in to his driveway Callen stepped out of the Jag and slowly stretched the kinks out of his back before grabbing his bag and heading to the front door. As he approached the front door his inner feelings warred with being relieved at being home but dreading the dust and musty smells that were sure to have built up during his absence. Especially the smells as Callen remembered he had not had time to return home to empty his fridge before going undercover. Hopefully the smells wouldn't be too bad, giving him time to shower and rest before a clean-up would be done.

Opening the door he was greeted not by the noxious odors he expected but by a fresh clean smell, in fact it was a pleasant aroma of citrus and spicy that tickled his nose.

"What the hell?" the exclamation left his lips when he turned on a light and saw a spotless living room, not a speck of dust insight. Heading into the kitchen Callen opened the fridge to see not the nasty stinking mess he expected but a selection of fresh deli meats and cheese's along with a supply of bottled water, some juice and a six pack of his favorite beer.

Looking around Callen finally spied a folded note atop the counter. Welcome home Mr. Callen, I trust you won't mind the liberty I took in having your home cleaned and stocked with a few supplies. I will see you in the morning and thanks for a job well done. Hetty

Once again he marveled how she could have possibly known that he would be back tonight. He would just enjoy the welcome she had provided and get a few hours of rest before starting all the reports that would need to be done. Right now the most important thing was to hit the shower before settling down with a couple of those beers before exhaustion took over.

Heading down the hall Callen stepped into the bathroom and pulled the dirty dark grey t-shirt off before tossing it on the floor before unbuckling his belt and empting his pockets. Grabbing his phone in one hand he reached over to turn on the shower before shooting off a quick text to Sam, letting him know he was home safe and would see him in the morning.

Satisfied that his duty to his partner was taken care of, Callen finished undressing and stepped under the steaming hot water. Closing his eyes, he stood there for a few minutes letting water pound on his aching body before grabbing the soap and washing 3 months of dirt and grime off his body. Getting out of the shower, he dried off and wrapped a soft, fluffy dark blue towel around his body. Peering into the mirror he ran a hand across the scruff on his face, deciding a shave could wait and headed out of the bathroom.

Letting loose a big yawn he walked over and pulled down the dark grey comforter, dropping his towel on the floor as he slid between the cool crisp sheets. His last thought before sinking into a deep sleep – It's good to be home, I think I'll have that beer later.