"Do you know why Hetty wants us to come in?" Kensi asked Deeks, feeling nervous. She had seen Callen and Sam occasionally, and Eric And Nell were still by daily, but Hetty had been giving her space. She knew Kensi had yet to go out since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago, but had requested that she and Deeks come in this afternoon.
"No, I'm sorry, I don't." He told her. "If you aren't up for it, I can call and tell her we can't." He suggested.
"Deeks, this is Hetty. She told us, she didn't ask. I don't think we can just refuse." Kensi said nervously.
"I know. But if you aren't up for it, we don't go. I'll stand up to anyone for you." He insisted.
"it's ok... I can do this, I think... But can you give me a hand getting dressed? And I'll help you with your shirt." Kensi told him.
They were a few minutes late, but they successfully made it to OSP without any major incidents. Callen and Sam are in the bullpen and greeted Kensi with a welcoming grin and a hug.
"It's great to see you up and moving." Sam told her.
"Yeah.. Thanks." Kensi replied still feeling apprehensive. "Do you know where Hetty is?" She asked.
"Ms. Blye, Mr. Deeks, it is good to see you." Hetty said as she approached on cue. "Would you please join me in my office?" Kensi and Deeks nodded and followed her, with Deeks offering his good arm to assist Kensi with the step up. They nervously took a seat as Hetty took hers behind the desk.
"Is everything ok?" Deeks asked.
"Of course Mr. Deeks, why would it not be?" She replied. Deeks opened his mouth to reply. It then closed it again, thinking better of it. When Hetty was satisfied that he wasn't going to ask anything further, she continued. "I had hoped for these to arrive sooner, but they are here and that is the important thing." She said as she placed a wooden box on the table. "I am more than aware of the mistake I made before, and I realise that knives, in particular your father's knife, may pose a problem for you at the moment, Ms. Blye. So for that reason, these will be kept in the armoury until you are ready." She explained as she gently pushed the box towards Kensi. "Mr. Deeks, would you please open the box?" She asked, and he did as requested. Kensi gasped and her hands flew up to cover her mouth when she saw what lay in the box. She reached out to touch the box, and turned it slightly so that Deeks could see the contents.
"Mr. Deeks, I believe you may remember my friend, Tuhon. Ms. Blye, he was a close friend of your father, and he is the one who crafted his knife. As soon as I was aware that it was the instrument used during your attack, I had concerns about how you would feel about it. I contacted Tuhon to tell him I had need of a new knife for you that would hopefully carry sentimental meaning and be functional. He has enclosed a letter for the two of you to read with an explanation, as well as the two knives you see. He insisted that partners such as yourselves should have matching weapons, so that there is no longer the need for you to share one." Hetty explained. Deek was the first to reach out and pick up his knife, noting his name in the handle.
"The wood used for the handle is from the same tree as that used in your father's knife. Tuhon will not reveal the story behind that particular piece of wood but insisted it was relevant. The blade is an exact replica as well. And I believe you will find the inscription the same." She said, as Kensi turned over the knife to reveal "Blye" on the handle.
"While it is not your father's knife, it is quite similar and was made by his friend. He also asked me to give you this." Hetty continued, handing Kensi a small box. She opened it to find a small keychain locket, only 1" in size. She opened it to find a picture of her father and herself, taken when she was eight. She grasped it in her hand and held it close as several tears trickled down her face.
"Thank you. And please thank Tuhon as well." Kensi said. Deeks placed his knife back in the box beside Kensi's and put his hand on her shoulder.
"I will give the two of you a moment." Hetty said, standing up to leave. She shook her head at Callen and Sam, warning them to leave the pair alone. Nell and Eric were watching from the stairs, but also kept back to give Kensi space.
A few minutes later, Kensi stood up and Deeks helped her step down. She smiled gratefully at Hetty, who nodded.
"I will place the box in your locker in the armoury for now. Of course, you may take the other gift and the letter with you now." She said, handing the letter to Deeks. "I know it was not easy for you to come in today but I do appreciate it. I wanted you to have this as soon as possible, and to know you would have a new weapon upon your return." She continued. Kensi nodded and thanked her again. She waved at Eric and Nell, said a quick good bye to Callen and Sam, and followed Deeks back to the car. They could read the letter from Tuhon when they got home.