Now we get into the 'heart of the matter' (pun?)

2 hours later Kensi returned to the bullpen. "It's done. She's happy to help. Told her everything and she is fuming. She finally admitted what we all knew-she likes him but she also said she would never get between us so I should relax. She just enjoys teasing me plus she knows it bugs him which makes it a win-win on her happy meter. I did request that it stop though. Not fair to him. She didn't think about that. Anyway. She's gonna watch Bates a couple days to see his normal after work routine and then let me know the details and where to meet them. I go alone though, right?" Sam and G shared a look.

Finally G offered "you sure you're ok with that. You'll just have to repeat it all to us."

"Yes, you said it when we first agreed to this-he trusts me. I'll have an ear piece in so you can listen." That got nods for all involved.

2 days later Kensi got a text from Talia. "Tomorrow, 6:00 pm at the boat house. His car will be at Jimmy's Steak House, his usual dinner spot. Confirm that works for you."

Kensi confirmed and told G and Sam. "It really is a good deal that he agreed to the boathouse as you can watch and listen. But let me ask him if that's ok first. If he just wants it to be me, we need to agree that's ok. We need his help and possible intel."

At that point Hetty walked in and announced "I have received a call from Lt. Bates and Deeks has been cleared of all charges. We didn't have to disclose anything regarding detective Rivera so no one has been made the wiser. If Rivera asks at some point the tape was discovered by one of Bates undercover cops who he had checking into the charges in an effort to clear Deeks. He agreed to that and one of his people agreed to say it was him. She'll believe that given how close he and Deeks are." Showing a visible sign of relaxation, Kensi let out a huge sigh and offered "that's the easy one now we have to pull the rabbit out of the hat. I have to say I am now worried about whether or not he is alive. It's been a long time."

"Hang in there girl. That man would come back from the dead for you. He will find a way to survive. I promise you that. He survived Siderov and that was just to protect Michelle." Then Sam walked over to her and gave her a hug. He also whispered "besides he knows I'd miss him but don't you ever tell him I said that." He released the hug and stepped back with a huge grin on his face. She blushed and looked at G who simply nodded and offered "same here." She shook her head. These 2 were a piece of work and she loved them dearly. She made a note to say something to Deeks about this when it was all over.

The next day finally came. As they sat in the bullpen with their morning coffee Kensi took a deep breath and asked "guys I need the truth." She then related everything Deeks had said (including her barometer of how she looked and his reaction) then she added "I have been dwelling on that conversation and so much- - mostly about how I've acted jealous and treated him. You guys see us here at work every day so am I overthinkin' or is there something to it? I just had to do everything for Jack and make all the decisions and got into the habit of telling and acting not 'sharing' so I feel like I may be chasing him away."

Sam offered "Kensi, he told you it wasn't a major thing. He was trying to communicate which you still have trouble with off and on so hold on to that thought. Some days its way TMI and others you tune him out. Give him credit. He understands far more than you think-especially about you and who and how you are. He would have told you long ago if it was over the top. Focus on the part about being high maintenance or exhausting trying to keep up with you. Be a little more consistent or remember he's all in same as you and he's not suffering from PTSD like Jack. He is capable and does things around the house and more than carries his weight from what we see. Try and maybe do a little to ease that load that he feels falls on him and he'll notice. Try to be a little more consistent from your side of the equation and you'll be fine. He wouldn't leave you under any circumstances, just don't abuse that feeling 'cause we all reach a point where we get fed up. He just wants to know you're in the boat with him and rowing in the same direction. He may feel he's on a different page than you in the relationship and is trying to get you both on that same page. That will ease things when he feels that you're there." As Kensi thought over what she had heard G just nodded and reminded them they had to get ready for that night.

The team spent the whole afternoon in the bullpen sweating! Finally a text from Talia. 'He's on board, boat shed in 20. He's ok with the rest watching and listening as long as it's Kensi only at the shed. He's also a little ornery. I kinda like him." Kensi just smiled and told the guys what she said. G and Sam went to tell Eric and Nell and get Hetty up to OPS. Hetty wasn't to be found but as they got to OPS, in walked Granger. The 2 agents just stared at him.

"What, I'm still part of this and Hetty's not here right now so it's on me. You all got me a major ass chewing and I am not happy. You will do what I say. You got a problem with me being here?"

"You burned all your credibility with us on this with what you did to him. You were protecting Kensi. Bullshit! She doesn't need that kind of help. Those 2 make us a great team and you're meddling always ends up getting us in trouble so just get the hell away from us. If I need to I will throw you out." This outburst from Sam.

G said "maybe better to leave him here where we can keep an eye on him Sam. If he screws up we can always let Kensi shoot him later." This got a grin and nods from all 3 agents plus the wonder twins. "Ok it's settled now let's find Deeks." At that point Kensi left for the boatshed.

And then, and then along came what-really-the 4th heart? Yea right and what else?