The soft lamplight from the nursery spilled into the hallway, painting the edges of Yu's hair in gold as he shifted on his feet. The house felt quieter now that Philip and Vera had retired, the only sound a distant hush of night crickets beyond the windowpanes.
Yu clasped his hands together and then unclasped them again, finally glancing at Callen.
"Thank you… for everything today."
He said, his voice gentler than usual.
"For helping at the hospital, for driving us, for Cain… and for being such a good 'Uncle Cally.'"
The teasing lilt at the end brought a faint pink to Callen's ears. He ducked his head a little, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I don't mind it."
He murmured, then hesitated as though something heavier lingered behind the words.
"I mean… no, never mind."
