Deeks did make one more call before trying to sleep. All was set, the alarm went off. He had a restless night but
the nervous energy and a cup of coffee got him going. He got a text from Steve; all was a go with the equipment. He
would set it up by the appointed time. (Steve was a member of NCIS SWAT and a friend)
At the office Deeks walked in with Sam and G. Kensi was already there. She looked ready to jump out of her skin.
After the usual banter, this time about phobias, Deeks stood up and said. "I am buying tonight at our favorite bar. Eric
and Nell will join us-6:00 if no issues. Kensi is on board and I have cleared the decks with Michelle and Joelle."
G and Sam protested, "why, how, what the" they stammered. Deeks said "I told em the truth." The day went
fast as they had a quick hit and run case involving a Marines wife. She would be ok in time and he was on the way home
from S. Korea.
After they filed in and got their booth-one holding-10 Deeks spoke. "Ok here is the deal. I'm going to lay
out some things and ask for an honest answer. Then I'll have some choices to make. All I ask is one honest answer each
and we can drink, party and have fun. He laid out his feelings, background, the whole enchilada as it were. There you
are people. I want to stay but not under these conditions. I feel I have earned the right to be here but don't feel part of
the team. It was actually Eric that spoke first. "I agree with you. I have watched all these years and despite the banter,
you weren't accepted. I couldn't figure it out. Maybe I have but it isn't my issue. I say stay-we are a much better team
with you." G and Sam kind of looked to Nell and Kensi. Nell spoke, "Since I'm in limbo, part techie part agent. I also think
I get it. I agree with Eric but I'm bettin' the issue has something to do with the words temp and local leo. The key is the 4
of you getting along." Kensi said, "I'm going to ask to go last. He is my partner and my perspective and what I have to
say is a little complicated. My position is the 2 of you get over it and fast or you lose the person that completes the
whole team." That left Sam and G more than stunned. Typically G was glaring. He was the one who didn't want Deeks
back and even after the Sidirov thing remained unsure to this day.
Sam finally sighed and said "Guess we owe you at least that much. First, I thought you knew you had our or, at
least my respect. You saved Michelle. In Afghanistan you saved us all, even if you did have to include Granger." That got
a round of amen's. "But your right, we never thanked you for anything. It is our bad. The problem is-for me-Bates can
yank you out anytime and we may never see you again. I can't get attached to someone who I might not be able to
cover when needed. And yes, you're not an agent. You don't have our training etc., but then we're not trained
detectives either, but we are a better team with you. You never fail and you keep us loose- -that is a big deal in our jobs.
Net-net stay." They all looked at G who simply said "I agree totally with Sam. I'm just too serious and it gets to me but
I'll learn. I have bounced thru many agencies and seen all kinds. You are definitely different and that is hard for me."
He paused what seemed like hours and then said "Stay Shaggy-but the nickname sticks." Kensi swallowed "and then
there was one. There is no doubt where I stand. I can't imagine not being your partner and maybe that means in more
ways in one. But we can do that if you are LAPD. Marty-for the GOOD OF THE TEAM please stay." Then she burst into
tears. He put a hand on hers and just rubbed circles on the back of it.
Deeks took a deep breath, said "Wow, ok you will get the final decision tomorrow. I have a couple things to do
and think about. One other thing has to happen but it is for Sam, Kensi and me only. It is private and important. I'll pay
the tab and meet you at the boatshed in 30- - -please as that is when the monkey does his first of 2 dances!" They
nodded really confused by that last part. As everyone headed out they noticed Kensi had a huge grin plastered on. He
paid and texted Hetti, "step 2 in 30-". 2 Minutes later "ready" came thru.
