"You good, partner?" Kensi looked over to the passenger seat where Deeks was currently staring out the window.

"What? Yeah, of course," Deeks responded, whipping his head to face her. His face then contorted into his usual goofy smile, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You've just been quiet since we left," Kensi explained, glancing at him before fixing her eyes back on the road.

"You worried about me, Fern?" Deeks teased.

"You know what?" Kensi said as she pulled into a parking spot across the street from the crime scene. "I am worried about you. We're partners, Deeks. If there's something bothering you, I want to help."

Deeks stared into her eyes, noting the truth to her words and the obvious concern that was bubbling beneath her surface. He wished he could tell her, but she'd never forgive him if he did. He should've told her years ago, but even now, he just couldn't get the words to come out.

"Thanks Kens, but I'm good," He threw her his most convincing smile, although the narrowing of her eyes led him to believe that she wasn't buying it.

"Okay, just know that you can tell me anything," She responded, pushing the door open and stepping out of the car.

-LINE BREAK-

"I can't imagine what these kids are going through," Sam muttered as he and Callen walked into the school. "Got up this morning to learn and then heard that two of their friends were murdered."

"That's life, Sam," Callen responded. "No one should have to experience it, but these are the kind of events that shape a kid into who they'll become."

"That's certainly true," Came a deep voice from behind the two agents. "I'm Michael Hardwood, the principal...The kids tend to have quite a lot of fun with my last name, if you can imagine." The older man chuckled a little, extending his hand to the two agents.

"NCIS Agent Sam Hannah," Sam smiled, giving the man a firm shake. "This is my partner, Agent Callen."

Callen shook the man's hand as well, offering a kind smile. Mr. Hardwood looked to be in his early 60s, with streaks of silver in his brown hair. His face was kind and gentle with only small hints of sadness at the day's events.

"Laurel and Jackson were model students, I can't believe that they're gone," Mr. Hardwood explained.

"You knew them personally?" Callen inquired.

"A bit more than the others, yes. I used to coach the football team before I became the principal so I've always taken a little more interest in our star players... And of course Laurel was a straight A student, she was on track to graduate with Honors."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Sam commented. "If the teachers and students aren't ready to talk we can come back a little later, give them some time to come to terms with the news?"

"No no, of course not," Mr. Hardwood shook his head. "I spoke to them and we all agree that it's best to just get this over with as soon as possible... The detectives from the LAPD told us that you would want to speak to those who were particularly close to Jackson and Laurel?"

Sam and Callen confirmed the principal's statement with a nod of their heads.

"Well, we asked the football and track teams to stay after of course. Our sports teams are a family and Jackson was a very loved member. Laurel stayed after school almost every day with either the cheerleaders, student government, or National Honors Society. Like I said, she was an amazing student that was on track for great things."

"We'll try to make it as quick as we can," Callen said.

"Thank you, I'm sure the students would appreciate that. The cheerleaders are in the gym, football players are on the field, and the runners are out on the track. They all find it a bit easier to cope with the loss if they're practicing," Mr. Hardwood explained. Sam nodded in understanding.

"Student government and the Honors...?" Callen questioned, forgetting the name of the group the principal had mentioned.

"National Honors Society," Mr. Hardwood provided with a smile. "They're both in the cafeteria. If you can't get to everyone today, we'll just ask a few people to come back tomorrow."

"We'll do our best," Callen said, shaking the man's hand once more. "Thank you for your patience."

The man walked away, disappearing into his office and leaving the two agents alone in the hallway.

"I'll take the sports teams," Sam offered.

"Why do you get to talk to the jocks?" Callen asked with faux offense.

"Because G, jocks are more likely to talk to one of their own," He responded with a teasing smile.

"And what? You don't think I could pass as a sports guy?"

"Maybe..." San stepped back, making a deal of looking over Callen's frame. "You could pass as a swimmer, or a tennis player...if you hit the bars a little more often, you might even convince people you're a gymnast."

"Wow Sam, low blow..." Callen muttered with a chuckle as he walked towards the cafeteria.

-LINE BREAK-

And that's chapter two! I know I'm drawing it out a bit, but I'll try and get to the actual plot in the next chapter. Anywhozerz, thanks for reading, my awesome peeps! Remember to review!