Author note- this is the prequel to Bulletproof Blye. It can easily be read as a stand alone but to be honest, it might be a bit bland. The focus will be exclusively on Kensi and Sara (who is mentioned in Bulletproof) with a few appearances by Deeks and references to other NCIS characters. I'm posting this as a bit of a risk - I have no more written but I do have a very clear plot line for it, but I'm only going to invest time in writing it if there is interest. If there is, then much more to come!

Kensi's phone bleeped. This wasn't unusual - she got texts often, some work related and some social. This bleep was not a ringtone she used for work, so she knew it was social. She was bored, so she grabbed the phone, and was surprised.

Leonardo, it's Donatello - I need help. Meet me at Splinter's favourite place to train.

She knew instantly who it was, but was shocked. It had been years since she'd last heard from Sara. They were childhood best friends who reconnected every few years and it felt like no time had passed. But never had Sara asked for help. Because of this, Kensi was scared. She shoved her gun in her waistband as she grabbed the keys and rushed out the door.

As she drove, memories flashed through her thoughts. Sara was someone who understood her. While other girls played dolls and princesses, Sara and Kensi were ninja turtles. Kensi was Leonardo, the fearless leader - decked out in blue and skilled with anything that had a blade. Sara was Donatella, the genius who preferred non-violent conflict resolution, but would never hesitate to defend those she loves. And Kensi's father was Splinter - their teacher and mentor who taught them everything they knew.

So now, Kensi was driving to the place where she, Sara and her father had spent hours and sometimes days, pretending they were warriors - the playground near their childhood homes.

She tried not to give in to the sadness threatening to overwhelm her at the thought of her father. Finally she pulled in to the playground parking lot, and she saw a tiny woman waiting on a swing. It took Kensi several moments to realise it was actually Sara. The strong, warrior like woman she knew was gone and in her place there was just a shell. As Kensi drew closer she could make out a black eye and bruising on Sara's face. When her friend stood, she could see the awkward way she cradled her arm and limped hesitantly.

"Sara, what happened?!" Kensi exclaimed as she wrapped an arm gently around her.

"Sh, he might have followed me." Sara whispered as she looked around, terrified. Kensi felt rage boiling up in her.

"Let's get you in the car. No one will be able to tail me." Kensi told her confidently. Sara carefully eased herself into the passenger seat snd buckled up, sending a weak smile at Kensi, letting her know she could go. Kensi hit the gas and pulled out quickly, then took several random turns before hitting the highway.

"You need medical attention. Can I take you to the hospital?" Kensi asked, her voice full of concern.

"No, he'll be looking for me. I need somewhere safe to stay, K. Somewhere I can't be found." She whispered, looking down at the floor.

"You're the only one who knows about my work. So you know I've got connections. My place is secure, and it's not in my name so no one can find me. But I need to know what happened, Sara. Trust me, and I can get you help." Kensi told her. "I promise." Sara hesitated for w moment, but she knew that she had called Kensi for exactly this reason.

"I'm pregnant." She whispered. "I need to get away from the father. He's the one who did this... I should have known better, I never should have gotten into this mess. I used to be so much stronger and then I didn't want you to see me like this, weak and pathetic. But I have to get out, my baby deserves a better life. I didn't know who else to call." She told Kensi, tears pouring down her face. Kensi reached over to grab her friend's hand.

"You were not weak or pathetic. I don't know the details about how you got into the relationship and I don't need to right now. But you made the right call, I just wish you had called sooner. I'm always here for you." Kensi insisted. "Once we get to my place I'll call my boss and get a private medic to come get you fixed up. Then we can sort out what you need, ok?"