An:/
Thanks to everyone for all the alerts, reviews etc. they're very much appreciated. I've decided to update this story weekly, due to the longer length of the chapters, it may be more frequent but it really just depends on how busy I am.
I hope nobody seems to OOC, did my best & I hope that all is understood, I did use some terms that I was unsure if used in America, but I did try do some research!
Please enjoy :)

Lottie.

Disclaimer; not mine.

Training - Day 1:

The idea of participating in a heated 'Op-lympics' had caused mixed reactions amongst the team. Kensi was more than thrilled to be given the chance to show off her athleticism and to see who the superior agent/partnership was. Sam and Callen had casually shrugged off the challenge, knowing that having several years on Kensi and Deeks would benefit them in the long run and with Sam's muscular build and Callen's instinctive mind they had quite an advantage over the young pair. Deeks however was silently dreading the competition, knowing that it had the potential to bring out the disastrous side of friendly competition. With the agents all wanting to one up each other, Deeks knew that it was going to be a tough physical and mental challenge, which he wasn't quite sure he was willing to endure.

Pulling into Kensi's apartment block Deeks groaned and rested his head against the steering wheel. It was 4:30 a.m. and the sun still hadn't risen on the horizon to warm the cool air. Deeks was used to being up during the early hours of the morning, this morning however was different for he knew that he wouldn't be hitting the surf but rather he would be hitting the gym to be beaten and bruised by his partner. Maybe Kensi would go easy on him, it was the first training, Deeks thought to himself, then he realised that it was Kensi Blye, his stubborn partner who never relented when faced with a challenge. Opening the car door, Deeks slid out of the car and dragged his feet over to Kensi's apartment and knocked loudly on the glass panel.

"Kensi," Deeks called loud enough for Kensi to hear him, but no loud enough for the neighbours to be disturbed. Deeks leant his head against the cool glass panel and closed his eyes.

"Kensi," Deeks groaned again stifling a yawn. Leaning against the door, Deeks listened for any sign of Kensi moving around her cluttered apartment but couldn't hear a thing. Deeks waited several more minutes for a possible delayed reply, but still was not graced with the presence of his partner. Sighing to himself, Deeks removed his 'emergency' key that Kensi had provided him with to her apartment.

"I'm coming in," Deeks informed, pushing the door open gently, Deeks entered Kensi's darkened apartment quietly and called out for Kensi once again.
Getting no verbal response from Kensi, other than a loud snore from her room, Deeks knew that Kensi was not up and ready like she had promised she would have been. If the roles were reversed Deeks knew that Kensi would be furious and not as calm about that situation as he was being. Stalking down around the corner and into the short hallway that lead to Kensi's bedroom, Deeks came to a halt at Kensi's door way. Unsure whether to enter the room or not, Deeks knocked on the door.

"Kens, time to get up!"

Again Deeks was met with silence for Kensi was apparently still dead to the world. This was unlike Kensi, for he knew she wasn't a real deep sleeper and almost always on guard, and it wasn't as though Deeks was being insanely quiet. Deciding that dealing with an angry Kensi was easier than an angry Hetty; Deeks took a deep breath and opened the door to Kensi's bedroom.

"Kens…" Deeks whispered loudly trying to wake Kensi so he wouldn't have to venture into her bedroom completely. Kensi continued to snore, rolling over at the sound of Deeks voice but not waking from her slumber.

"Sleeping beauty, time to get up," Deeks said more casually this time noticing a small smile forming on Kensi's lips.

"Deeks…" Kensi groaned in protest, causing Deeks to form a smile of his own. Deeks stepped past the threshold and entered Kensi's room completely. Walking through the mess that layered Kensi's bedroom floor, Deeks pulled the blinds up but wasn't met with dramatic effect he'd hoped for.

"The sun still isn't up, why am I?" Kensi complained pulling the duvet tighter around her, snuggling her head into her pillow, pretending to be asleep.

"We have training Kens. Hetty will be very mad if we are late on the first day," Deeks reminded as he threw himself down on the bed next to Kensi.

"Why are you so awake?" Kensi questioned opening one eye to look at Deeks who was now laying mere inches away from her, his eyes struggling to stay open.

"I'm not," Deeks admitted. Kensi eyed Deeks suspiciously as a small smirked formed on his face.

"Deeks…" Kensi warned not sure what he was planning. Kensi hadn't even batted an eye lid at the fact that Deeks was now laying in her bed next to her and didn't even seem to notice how Deeks eyes began to flutter with sleep.

"New plans, we stay in bed and sleep." Deeks decided aloud as he covered yet another yawn, causing Kensi to yawn in return. Deeks allowed his eyes to close and let out a content sigh. Kensi watched the actions of Deeks and knew that it wasn't a good idea.

"C'mon Deeks, get out of bed. No more sleeping!" Kensi coaxed pushing the duvet of her shoulders and onto Deeks head.

"Kens…" Deeks complained pushing the duvet of his head. Kensi smirked at Deeks and walked around her bed and into the bathroom, all the while watching Deeks.

"Do you need me to pick you an outfit partner?" Deeks joked now sitting up in the bed.

"Go make coffee Deeks!" Kensi replied, ignoring Deeks previous comments. Deeks grin grew wider, as he checked his watch.

"Ten minutes Kens!" Deeks warned, knowing that putting a time limit on Kensi would frustrate her.

"Coffee!" Kensi responded sticking her head out the bathroom door. Deeks shook his head to himself; it was going to be a long day.

Callen pulled into the Mission parking lot and wasn't surprised that Sam had already arrived and that Kensi and Deeks hadn't. Although Sam was mostly modest when it came to his achievements, not known for his humble brags like Kensi or Callen, Sam definitely had a competitive streak that was no doubt instilled in him from the moment he was born and being a part of the Nay SEAL's was fuel to the fire. Callen grabbed his gym bag from the trunk of his car and trudged his way into the building. Callen wasn't affected by the early mornings, not being much of a sleeper to begin with, so the early 'operation' was not a problem for him. Entering the bullpen, Callen was greeted by a focused Sam who was staring at his laptop.

"Morning Sam"

"G," Sam replied looking up from the laptop with a grin. Callen noticed Sam's look and stopped in his tracks.

"Sam?" Callen questioned confused. Sam didn't respond but rather passed a large cup filled with a thick sludge to Callen. Callen looked from the offending cup to Sam with an even more confused look.

"What is this?" Callen asked smelling the thick mixture not looking at all impressed by it.

"A protein shake, you need all the help you can get G" Sam commented scrutinizing Callen with a smirk.

"I'm going to decline this one" Callen decided placing the cup back on Sam's desk before moving to his own.

"G, it will help build up strength in your muscles…." Sam started trying to remain serious.

"You saying I don't have enough strength partner?" Callen questioned lowering himself into chair.

"Like I said you need all the help you can get," Sam repeated, now trying to cover his laugh.

"Keep it up and you can have Deeks for a partner" Callen threatened, knowing it would come across as an empty threat. Sam raised his eyebrows and snorted with laughter.

"We've been down that path before G, never again" Sam reminded picking up the glass on his desk.

"Are you going to drink this?" Sam asked indicating to the drink. Callen shook his head profusely, "Not a chance!" Sam shrugged his shoulders at Callen and began drinking the protein shake with ease. Slamming the empty cup down on his desk, Sam beamed at Callen.

"Let's hit the gym partner!"

Kensi and Deeks snuck through Ops, knowing that they were more than fashionably late. Hetty had made it clear that the agents arrive at 5:00a.m. But with Deeks falling asleep instead of making coffee and Kensi taking longer than ten minutes to get ready, the pair had ended up in Ops at 5:30a.m instead of the intended 5:00a.m. It was because of this time delay that Kensi and Deeks were now trying to make it from the bullpen to the gym without being spotted by Hetty.

"I can't believe you fell asleep," Kensi whispered to Deeks, scolding him for the fifth time since they had left Kensi's apartment.

"I wouldn't have if you had been out of bed like you were supposed to have been," Deeks reminded as he and Kensi made their way down the hall to the gym.

Rounding the corner, Kensi and Deeks found themselves in the path of Eric. "There you guys are, Hetty has been waiting for you…" Eric informed sounding relieved.

"Is she mad?" Deeks questioned, preparing himself for the worst, whilst Kensi glared at him.

"Let's, ahhh, get to the gym shall we," Eric replied looking nervously over his shoulder.

"We're dead," Deeks concluded, stopping next to Kensi who waited before following Eric.

"Your fault," Kensi whispered.

"Is not,"

"Is too,"

"Your fault,"

"Was not,"

"Was too," Deeks quickly whispered as he and Kensi finally stepped down the stairs into the gym and into the sight of Hetty.

"Nice of you two to join us," Hetty remarked taking in the dishevelled look of the agent and detective. Sam and Callen stood to the left of Hetty, with Nell, sniggering at the sight of Kensi and Deeks. Kensi sent the pair a heated glare, unimpressed by their actions.

"Sorry Hetty…" Kensi started as she and Deeks approached the group.

"Car troubles," Deeks lied, looking at Kensi for agreement. Kensi nodded her head with a small smile on her face and turned back to Hetty.

"That's quite alright, just don't let it happen again," Hetty reminded, eyeing the two suspiciously.

"Already in trouble with teacher," Callen whispered to Sam, trying to hide his sly grin. Sam bit back a laugh and a grin of his own, when Hetty's eyes fell on him. Silence fell over the small group as Hetty pulled out two large envelopes and handed one to both teams.

"Today we begin your training for what I have dubbed the official 'Op-lympics'. Each team consisting of two athletes/agents and one coach/analyst, will compete in a four day event that will involve several different sports. Partnerships will be tested in the team events and individuals will be able to shine in the individual events. A win in each event earns one is point towards the team total and a point towards the individual tally. In the case of an overall tie between the teams, a surprise sport will be introduced on the final day of the event in which the teams will compete in as the decider. Inside you will find your training schedule and event day schedule; training times are subject to change due to cases, availability and so on. Each team has been assigned a personal trainer, whom you shall be meeting shortly. A special 'Agent' camera will be set up in the empty supply closet upstairs, that can be used at any time to record the progress of the team or to discuss any problems that have come about. I am sure you will find a creative use for it… within reason" Hetty added looking pointedly at Deeks, who tried his best to look as innocent as possible.

"All queries can be answered by the information provided, but do indeed feel free to inquire with me. Now let's meet your trainers." Hetty finished smiling to herself.

The team all shared the same concerned look. They'd all been thinking that it was going to be some friendly competition but apparently Hetty had been more serious than they had suspected. A tall, muscular man, in his early thirties entered the gym from the men's locker room, his eyes a dark shade of brown. He had a fierce look on his face and was looming figure in the room. Callen could feel Sam sizing the man up, picking out the man's weakness that he could exploit if need be. It was what they all did when someone new was introduced to the team.

"This is Vasilica Moldovan. He is a friend of mine and a fellow operative that is regularly stationed in Romania, but in the States for some, let's just say recruitment." Hetty introduced as the man stood at ease, no sign of emotion on his face. Deeks watched as Kensi appreciatively examined Moldovan with her eyes, not going to the trouble of hiding it from the rest of her team mates. Please don't be our trainer,Deeks willed, wanting nothing to do with what looked like the golden boy of the Marine Corp, for he knew it wouldn't end well for him.

"Mr. Moldovan will be working with Mr. Hanna and Mr. Callen, having specifically asked for the two senior agents." Hetty commented noticing the way Deeks and Kensi were staring at the masculine man. Sam and Callen exchanged a confident grin, before facing Moldovan again, pleased to hear they had been requested.

"Kensi and Deeks, your trainer is an individual who has been a valued informative of NCIS over the years. There isn't really much more I can say about them, without risking national security, but here she is Allochka Pasternak." The woman appeared from what seemed out of nowhere, approaching Kensi and Deeks from behind. Pasternak was tall, bordering on 6ft, she had broad shoulders, muscular legs and pixie cut blonde hair. Her eyes were an electric blue but there was no sign of mercy in them. She looked to be about fifty years old but as domineering as ever.

Deeks gulped at the size of the woman. "How's your Russian?" Deeks whispered to Kensi jokingly. Kensi bit back a grin and shushed Deeks.

"Now that Mr. Moldovan and Ms. Pasternak are here, we can begin." Hetty concluded clapping her hands together excitedly.

After small introductions, the two teams had gone their separate ways with their respective trainers. Nell had been assigned to Sam and Callen's team, whilst Eric had been put with Kensi and Deeks, tasked with taking specific statistics for the trainers and surprisingly Hetty. Sam and Callen appeared to be in their element beginning off their first training session with some intense grappling with Moldovan stopping it occasionally to provide pointers. Kensi and Deeks however, had started off the morning with gruelling fitness tests. From push ups to flexibility tests, Pasternak was putting Kensi and Deeks through every known fitness test that she deemed relevant to their performances.

"I think she is trying to kill us," Deeks whispered to Eric, as Kensi took her last turn on the vertical jump test. Eric smiled and marked down Kensi's score on his results sheet.

"Hetty wasn't pleased when you were late this morning, I think this is the punishment," Eric suggested, not making eye contact with Deeks.

"Well I have definitely learnt my lesson," Deeks admitted, groaning as he was called to take his turn on the apparatus.

"Beat that!" Kensi challenged walking past Deeks, whipping his with her sweat towel on the way.

"Eric, what's her best score?" Deeks asked approaching the wall, where Pasternak was fixing him with a vicious scowl.

"Seventy-five," Eric responded reading the statistics on the sheet.

"Easily done!" Deeks confidently replied winking at Kensi, who rolled her eyes instantly.

"Stand there," Pasternak instructed in her heavy Russian accent. Deeks nodded once and gave her one of his winning smiles. Pasternak looked at Deeks plainly, clearly unimpressed, before further instructing him to jump. Kensi bit her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing at Deeks failed attempt at charming their trainer, knowing that her outburst would not help the situation.

"Eighty," Pasternak called loudly, when as Deeks landed ungracefully on the floor.

"Really?" Kensi and Deeks asked in unison.

"Eighty," Pasternak repeated casually, not sounding one bit interested in the score. Deeks smiled smugly at Kensi who responded with a sarcastic smile of her own. Kensi had always been competitive and Deeks knew this, and there was no way that Deeks was going to let Kensi win anything without a fight, despite Kensi being on his team. It was how their partnership worked, they pushed each other to the limits, aiming to get the best out each other, and a little friendly competition always helped.

"Break time, two minutes, then baseline." Pasternak informed, before walking towards the women's locker room.

"Two minutes, how generous!" Deeks commented collapsing on the floor, leaning against the wall. Kensi stumbled over and lowered herself down cautiously next to Deeks, her body aching from the intensity of the morning's activities. Eric handed Kensi and Deeks a bottle of water and Gatorade, which they both took appreciatively. The two sat in silence as they watched Sam and Callen spar on the thick safety mats, being guided by their over exuberant trainer.

"Watch the drop of your left shoulder!" Moldovan called to Sam, as Callen began circling him.

"I've got this," Sam cockily responded, stepping closer to Callen.

"You should listen to him Sam, he's the expert," Callen mocked, as he moved his feet swiftly; ready to pounce at any moment.

"G, I don't need advice on how to beat you," Sam retorted blocking the impending attack of Callen, with a simple movement to prove his point. Callen groaned as he landed harshly on his back, closing his eyes in pain.

"Never talk to your opponent when engaged in a fight, it acts as a distraction and you lose focus," Moldovan instructed standing over Callen, a small smile on his lips.

"And never underestimate an opponent Sam, you never know when they may strike," Moldovan continued clapping Sam on the shoulder. At that very moment, Callen took the legs out from underneath Sam, who landed on the floor with a loud thud.

"Like I said Sam, he's the expert!" Callen grinned sitting up, as Sam lay defeated on the floor. "Hit the showers boys you're done for today!" Moldovan remarked, stepping over the fallen Sam. A roar of laughter came from across the gym, as Kensi and Deeks watched what transpired between Sam and Callen. Sam scowled at Kensi and Deeks, but it was the presence of Pasternak that cut the laughter short.

"Base line, now!" Pasternak demanded some frustration evident in her tone. Kensi and Deeks glanced at each other surprised, before helping each other to stand. Kensi and Deeks strolled to the small baseline that was painted to the court, underneath the lone basketball ring. Pasternak walked past Kensi and Deeks, giving no indication as to what she was going to make Kensi and Deeks endure next. After some convergence with Moldovan, who had nodded enthusiastically, Pasternak placed several cones down in front of Kensi and Deeks, as Moldovan removed the safety padding from the floor. As Moldovan and Pasternak shared another private conversation, Sam and Callen sauntered towards the male locker room.

"Have fun with the Beep test," Callen mocked, taking a swig from his water bottle.

"Aren't you joining us boys?" Deeks questioned, somewhat surprised.

"We're done for the day." Sam shrugged in a blasé fashion, not even hiding his wide grin. Kensi and Deeks shared an unimpressed look.

"But you barely did anything!" Kensi objected, not pleased at all. She and Deeks had been working their butts of all morning, doing the required fitness tests, at increased intensities, whilst Sam and Callen had rolled around on the mat, doing nothing that was outside their usual routine.

"They did enough," Nell piped in, looking from her clipboard to Kensi with a sly grin. Kensi and Deeks narrowed their eyes at Nell simultaneously. Nell took the hint and retreated to the corner that Eric was currently occupying.

"Enough of the chit chats," Pasternak called from across the gym. Sam and Callen smiled smugly at Kensi and Deeks before disappearing to the empty locker room.

"Bastards" Kensi whispered under her breath, causing Deeks to laugh quietly.

"No time for the laughing! Time for the work!" Pasternak chastised indicating to the cones. Kensi and Deeks both nodded their acknowledgment, sharing a quick glance. Pasternak produced a remote to the sole stereo system in the gym and pressed a button. A male voice echoed from the speakers, providing the general instructions of the test. Deeks glanced at Kensi one last time, "You ready partner?" Deeks questioned.

"Let's do this!" Kensi responded confidently, looking from Deeks to Pasternak who was standing at the 65ft line, hands on her hips and a fierce look on her face.

Sam and Callen entered the men's locker room, very confident in themselves. Not only had they concluded a very successful first training session, but it also appeared they had been assigned or 'chosen' to have the much better personal trainer. In the space of only two hours they had learnt a lot of important skills when it came to tactical fighting, skills they had not expected to learn when training for Hetty's 'Op-lympics'.

"How long until they crack, you reckon?" Sam questioned pulling his sweaty shirt over his head.

"I give Deeks two days, three tops. But Kensi she is far too stubborn to give in." Callen concluded cautiously sitting down on one of the benches.

"You good?" Sam asked watching the slowed movements of Callen.

"Just a bit sore," Callen admitted, feeling the tenderness of his muscles after that last take down whilst struggling to remove his shirt.

"Told you to drink that protein shake," Sam smugly reminded, entering a shower stall.

"I think I'll take the pain over your cup of mud any day," Callen dead panned. Sam didn't respond but let out a hearty laugh. Callen groaned as he rose from the bench again and headed for an empty shower stall. Turning the faucets, Callen let the hot water cascade over his aching body, feeling his muscle contract and relax at the contact of the heated water. It was both soothing yet painful at the same time.

"Do you think Kensi and Deeks are a threat?" Callen asked after several moments of silence. Sam contemplated the question for a while before he answered.

"Yes, but only if they work together on things, individually we have them beat." Sam decided pleased with his answer. He knew never to under estimate Kensi or Deeks, who always came through at the last second for the victory, especially when they are pitted as the under dogs, he's seen it before and wouldn't be surprised if he saw it again.

"I agree."

The two agents fell silent, both thinking to themself, assessing all possibilities "You think we could get Nell to get that result sheet from Eric?" Callen pondered wanting to know what they were really up against.

"You think that's cheating?" Sam responded shutting his shower off in the process.

"I don't think so."

"You think she'll do it?

"Nell is probably already on it," Callen decided, knowing that Nell would be fully invested in the challenge as the rest of the team was.

Callen shut of his shower as he felt the water beginning to cool in compliance with Hetty's three minute shower rule. Towelling his face, Callen listened to any sign of Deeks presence in the locker room.

"Are Kensi and Deeks finished?" Callen asked wrapping the crisp white towel around his waist. Sam pulled his skin tight shirt over his head and listened for the sound of heavy footsteps on the floor boards of the gym.

"Nope,"

"Well this should be interesting," Callen sneered, changing into his clothes for the day.

Sam and Callen exited the men's locker room, gym bags weighing heavily on their shoulders. Sam moved with his normal pace, while Callen trailed behind him slowly, his body still aching. Taking up a seat besides Nell and Eric who were sharing and discussing the teams' stats, the watched the two junior agents continue to run.

"How's it going?" Sam asked nodding towards Kensi and Deeks.

"We just hit level fourteen. Neither are showing any sign of fatiguing. They only just stopped mocking one another two levels ago," Eric bragged looking from Sam to Callen.

Sam snorted mockingly before looking back at the pair. "Level fourteen, I'd like to see them go until the tape ends,"

"Is that a humble brag?" Deeks called as he ran past Sam, picking up the end of the conversation.

"Concentration!" Pasternak called from the end of the gym, her hands still firmly placed on her hips.

"I think it was Deeks!" Callen confirmed, giving Sam the once over. Deeks didn't respond for fear he would be eaten alive or worse by Pasternak, but he couldn't wipe the huge grin off his face. After several more stages, the pair reached level sixteen, fatigue evident on both their faces. Deeks mop of blonde hair was now plastered to his head with sweat and Kensi's cheeks were a bright red, but neither gave any indication of giving up any time soon. Pasternak looked over casually at Moldovan who was still watching from the sides and gave him an impressed smirk. It was clear she had not expected the partners to reach such an impressive level.

"Level 16.4" The mechanical voice over boomed through the speakers. Kensi was struggling to maintain the pace a lot more than what Deeks was, her features showing signs of a lot more concentration than that of Deeks who was still lazily glancing at Kensi every so often.
By this point, those sitting to side watching were calling encouragement every time a new level was reached and Hetty was now standing at the top of the stairs that led into the gym observing.

"Level 16.8"

Kensi let out a groan, and stopped on the base line under the basketball ring, bent over and breathing heavily. Shuffling to the rock climbing wall, Kensi leant up against it as she tried to regain her breath. Deeks continued on for two more stages before he realised that his partner had stopped. Coming to a stop Deeks took a place beside Kensi against the wall, but neither spoke as they regained their breath.

"Very impressive, Miss Blye and Mr Deeks," Hetty remarked from her vigilant position. Deeks and Kensi nodded slightly at Hetty's comment but neither had the breath to respond. Pasternak paced down the gym and stood by Kensi and Deeks.

"Good run. Training tomorrow 5:00a.m no late this time. Make sure you ice!" And with that Pasternak exited the gym, sharing a sly look with Hetty on the way.

Kensi finally gathered her breath and turned to Deeks. "Why did you stop?" She questioned, knowing that Deeks could have continued.

"Sam and Callen are watching, don't want to give too much away," Deeks huffed. Deeks knew what they were up to the moment they came out of the change room, sizing up the competition. Deeks didn't want Sam or Callen to see how truly fit he really was or give them any indication of his running prowess, so he had stopped. Kensi nodded her acceptance of Deeks calculated answer, as she pushed off the wall, making her way to the women's locker room

"Good training session, partner," Kensi commented patting Deeks on the shoulder.

"Not too bad yourself Kens," Deeks replied whipping Kensi with his towel, as she had done so earlier. Kensi jumped slightly at the stinging pain, and slightly narrowed her eyes at Deeks.

"Eric don't let them take a copy of that sheet." Kensi remarked, as she eyed Sam and Callen suspiciously, before entering the locker room.

"Especially Nell!" Kensi called her voice echoing off the walls. The senior agents glance at one another, trying to maintain their poker faces for they knew Deeks was watching. Kensi was on to them, the competition was just raised to another level and with that training day one was concluded.

An:/ Hope that every enjoyed this :) Have some pretty fun chapters coming up!