A/N: I continue to me amazed and can't believe after only 8 chapters this has over 100 reviews so huge thanks to all of you who took the time to leave comments.

Disclaimer: Not mine just playing with them.

"So what do you usually do for fun around here? I mean I like watching TV and all but, um what else do you do?" Deeks asked genuinely curious.

Kensi thinks, "Honestly not much. It's not like we get much down time these days and I'm quite happy to hang out on the couch and catch up on some TV, or read."

"What about when we get weekends off?"

"Sleep, shopping, catch up on house work, go to the gym," she shrugs. "Nothing exciting. You?"

"Surf, hang out with Monty, lots of outdoor stuff." He looks sad. "I mean don't get me wrong I like reading and TV but I'm not one for sitting still."

"I'd have never guessed," she smirks at him but he's pouting, not intentionally but still it gets her. "Sorry, that was mean."

"S'ok." He looks like a scolded school boy.

"Well looks like we need to find you some new hobbies. Anything you ever fancied learning?"

"Never given it much thought."

"Well what about..." she racks her brain trying to come up with something. Anything she can immediately think of either sounds lame or requires more physical effort than he can manage. "How about... no. Or... no."

"Thanks," he laughs watching her try to think it out. She was making funny faces and he doubted she realised. She was probably unaware she did it all the time, making funny little faces. Most of the time at or because of him. It was one of the small things he adored about her that he would never point out. That would be far too embarrassing and possibly endanger his well being.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing. Thanks for trying to help though. I'm sure I'll think of something."

"I know you like to read. You have a ton of books on the shelves at your place. What sort of thing do you like?"

"Anything and everything, well maybe not chick lit. Not that there's anything wrong with it."

She laughs. "You think I read chick lit? No don't answer that." She holds up her index finger to make a point. "Oh I got it... or maybe not... in fact, no. Forget it."

Deeks tilts his head on one side confused.

"You know, you look like Monty when you do that?"

"Do what? And you're changing the subject"

"Tilt your head."

"And?"

"Forget it. It was a thought more than an actual idea."

"And?"

"Really, forget it."

"You were gonna suggest something kinky," he says wiggling his eyebrows.

"Ewww no!"

"But we totally could, it would certainly help take my mind off things. I know, you could dress up as a nurse." He's certainly on a roll now. "I mean that was obviously your whole intention when you got me here. Play Nurse Blye, give your man some TLC."

She snorts, "My Man?"

"Totally." He's not sure why he's saying these things. It's like some inner school boy has a way to bypass his brain and everything just flows to his mouth. It makes him cringe inwardly but he can't help it and keeps going. "I mean you already have me in your bed and here I am all helpless on your couch. You could have your wicked way with me and I wouldn't be even able to defend myself."

She shudders theatrically, "You're such a pig. I try to do something nice and you completely turn it around."

"Hey you started this you should have just told me what you were thinking then my imagination wouldn't have run away with itself."

She can't be too mad at him. She's just really pleased he's cheered up. She doesn't like despondent Deeks. She wants her annoying, cheeky, witty Deeks back. "You really want to know?" She has an awful feeling it's not her greatest idea but he'll just keep at her if she doesn't say something. He just looks at her waiting for her to spill. "Fine, I was just thinking about a case few months back and you said you grew up playing the violin." She doesn't say any more.

"Hmmm." He's deep in thought.

"What?"

"I expected you to bring that up weeks ago. I kinda forgot about it when you let it go. So you thought maybe I could play again?" he seems a little bemused.

"Something like that."

"It's been like fifteen plus years. Besides I really suck at violin, I only did it because it made my Mom happy."

"How long did you play?" Kensi asks her voice quiet.

"Um five or so years I think. I was six or seven when I started, haven't played since I was eleven." He doesn't give anything away, his voice doesn't change but he notices the change in Kensi's expression. He doesn't want to go there and diverts the conversation. "I always wanted to learn guitar, much more impressive to the girls," he wiggles his eyebrows.

Kensi laughs; she doesn't know how he does it. He's so good at pushing it all down and hiding it. She won't push him, he'll tell her when he's ready and it will mean more to her to know that he's telling her because he feels he can and wants to and not because he has to.

"And no before you say anything I am not learning to play guitar. Monty has very sensitive ears, don't you boy?" They watch as the dog's ears perk up. He's curled up on the Lazy Boy. "Daddy wouldn't torture you like that would he?" he says in a baby voice.

They spend another thirty minutes discussing music. Kensi confesses she always wanted to learn guitar too but doesn't have a musical bone in her body. Just after six, Callen texts to say they're done for the day and asks if they should pick up food on their way over. Deeks gets it in his head he needs Chinese and Kensi agrees. It's not an awful idea and she replies accordingly.

Deeks then sends his own text asking them to pick up his laptop and other belongings he's left at the mission. Kensi decides she's going to shower and get comfy and leaves Deeks to find something on TV. She returns after twenty minutes make up free and wearing yoga pants and a well worn USMC T-shirt with her hair damp and tied back in a loose plait. She smells good. It's a mixture of something fruity and vanilla maybe. He can't quite but his finger on it.

He smiles at her, "Better?"

"Mm hmm." She curls up on the couch and her knees brush against his thighs, but she doesn't make any effort to move. "What we watching?"

"Some home make over show. I'm a sucker for a sob story."

"You wanna shower?"

"You trying to tell me I smell?"

"What! No. Well maybe of hospital."

"Message received loud and clear."

"You need a hand?" This earns her an eye brow wiggle. "Down boy."

"Oh come on you walked into that one."

"I meant with getting the waterproof boot over your cast." She helps him up off the couch and follows him into his room. Heading straight for the bathroom, she unfolds the shower stool and places it inside the shower. She grabs the boot and heads back out to him. He's shirtless and rummaging through the bag on the floor. She can't help herself and realizes she's watching him, admiring his strong well defined muscles and the sun kissed tone of his skin. She catches herself as he lifts his head. "I'll just go grab you some towels," she excuses herself.

When she returns he has managed to wiggle out of his jog pants and they are in a pile on the floor, leaving him sitting there in his boxers. "Do you have no shame?" She throws the towels at him.

"Sorry, if I recall correctly 'this'," he emphasizes the word and waves a hand down his chest, "is nothing you haven't seen before."

She shakes her head at him. "Come on Mr. 'I'm sexy and I know it'." She shimmies the boot up over his cast and secures it, making sure there's a good seal so no water will get in. "Want this in the shower?" she indicates the pile of toiletries he's left on the bed.

"Please."

She takes them over and places them on the shelf in the shower. He follows her over slowly and she lets him use her as a support as he steps into the shower and sits on the stool. She places the crutches and the towel within easy reach and then goes to leave. "I'll leave the door ajar and the one to the bedroom. Call if you need anything. Anything as in... you know what I mean," she warns and before he can say anything lame she leaves.

She can hear the shower turn on which drowns out any other noises coming from that direction. She switches on the TV and watches the channel Deeks had left it on last. After fifteen or so minutes the shower shuts off and she can hear him moving about. The odd curse can be heard, but he doesn't call for her and she doesn't want to intrude. He had called her at the hospital when he needed her she doesn't doubt he will here too, if he needs to. He still hasn't reappeared when there's a tap at the door. On her way past the bedroom to get the door she calls out to him "Deeks? Everything OK?"

"I'm good. Just everything takes so damn long to do."

"Sam and Callen are here, I'm gonna close the door."

"'Kay, be out shortly."

She pulls the bedroom door closed then hurries to the front door not wanting to keep their visitors waiting.

"Hey," she greets the two men who are both laden down with various bags. She moves back into the house and they follow her. Callen, who's the last in, knocks the door closed with his foot. Monty hurries over to them sniffing enthusiastically.

"How's it going?" Callen asks glancing around looking for Deeks. They all head to the kitchen and the guys dump their various bags on the counters and fuss with Monty.

"OK." She shrugs

"Where have you hidden him?" Sam asks when he can't see Deeks either.

"He's taking a shower." That seems to satisfy them both. They start unpacking the bags and Kensi is happy to see they brought ice cream for dessert. Sam hands her the cartons and she stashes them in the freezer.

"How's he doing?" Callen makes the most of his absence.

"He's a little out of sort's but that's to be expected I suppose."

Before they can say any more the bedroom door opens and Deeks calls out, "You better not have started without me."

Kensi exits the kitchen so she can see him. He's dressed similarly to her in oversized jogging pants but instead of a T shirt he has a thin sweater on. His hair is damp and still as messy as ever but a little straighter than normal with the added weight of the water.

As Kensi helps Deeks out to the couch there's a silent conversation going on in the kitchen between Sam and Callen. It started with raised eyebrows as Deeks had appeared from not the guest room, but Kensi's room and went from there. It doesn't last long though as Kensi appears back in the Kitchen beside them.

"Come on slow pokes." She wants food and she's guessing by Deeks' earlier statement he's hungry too. "We're fading away out here." They take the various cartons of food out and arrange them on the part of the coffee table that's not being used to support Deeks' leg. Kensi grabs some plates and cutlery in case anyone wants them and places them alongside the food.

"Smells good." Deeks sniffs at the food.

Kensi sits down next to him and Callen next to her. Sam takes the single armchair. Kensi takes a plate and starts piling it up with food before handing it to Deeks, who is unphased that she's picked out all his favourites. The amount of times they've had take out together, it's not surprising she remembers what he likes. He knows her favourites too. He offers her a small smile and a quiet thanks and starts to eat his food. There's another quick silent exchange between Sam and Callen, but it goes unnoticed by the younger pair and they all start chowing down. After the first few mouthfuls of food the conversation starts to flow.

"We spent the morning going through the crime scene photos and there's not much to go on. It's mostly pictures of rubble", Callen explains.

"But we did spot something in a couple of them. Components from the pressure plate and other parts of the set up. We need to wait for the forensics to get back to us, but it looks like they were military issue," Sam tells them.

"Eric and Nell looked into the records for the training area. No one had used the CQB Range for over a week and no one is due to use it again until Monday. Me and Sam are heading back there tomorrow. Major Jensen has arranged for us to question the Marines who were there last."

"You think they left that behind?" Deeks seems surprised at the idea.

"There are protocols for explosives. They don't just get left behind. Everything has to be accounted for, used or unused," Kensi says.

"Once forensics gets back to us we'll know more but until then we'll have to see what we get tomorrow. Sam and I will keep you in the loop if we find anything."

They continue eating. Deeks asks for more and Kensi piles up his plate again. They chat about nonsense and the usual friendly teasing and banter distracts Deeks and makes him forget about his leg and ribs for a while. Sam helps Kensi clean up and Callen remembers something. He heads for the last few remaining bags on the counter. "Got your stuff here," he tells Deeks. "Where do you want it?"

"Um you can just chuck it on the bed for now, thanks." He points to what used to be Kensi's room and doesn't miss the look that briefly flits across Callen's features. He knows he shouldn't have to explain himself. It's none of Callen's business really, but he doesn't want him to get the wrong idea. "Kensi is staying in the guest room. She thought her room would be easier for me."

Callen holds his hands up, "Hey I said nothing."

"No but you were thinking it. There's nothing going on here." He feels he needs to defend Kensi. He's past caring what people think of him, he's used to it. But Kensi deserves better. She's just being a good partner. That's all they are. Partners, nothing more. If Kensi were male this wouldn't be an issue and he doesn't see why this should be any different just because she isn't. They're friends, good friends, and this is what friends do for each other.

Callen puts his things in the room on the bed and returns to Deeks. "So why is your mutt in the chair and you're sitting here with your leg propped on the table? Sam and I lugged that damn thing down three flights of stairs to get it here."

Kensi reappears. "It's Monty s chair," she pipes up.

"What?"

Deeks nods in agreement and then adds, "And its evil." What worries Callen is that he looks deadly serious.

"What's evil?" Sam follows Kensi holding the ice cream.

"Deeks chair, or should I say, Monty's chair," Callen says not really understanding himself.

"Evil." Deeks points at it.

"Umm OK." Sam joins Callen being confused and they look to Kensi for an explanation.

"If he says its evil then that's good enough for me. You wanna know more then you try sitting in it." She remembers him saying something similar earlier. They're all a little wary of the chair and agree that it's probably best to not disturb Monty, who looks very comfy perched up there. It's an odd scene with three highly trained NCIS agents and an LAPD detective all wary of one chair. Deeks knows full well why it's evil and Kensi is happy to go with her partner. Sam and Callen think Deeks is up to no good.

"Oh, Nell asked me to give this to you Kensi." Callen returns to the kitchen and fetches another bag. "She came back with it at lunch time and made me promise not to peek." He hands it over watching as Kensi unwraps the bag and looks inside. She laughs and pulls out a piece of paper. It's a note from Nell. Once more she laughs and then looks up as they're all staring at her. She pulls the present out of the bag and shows them. Deeks laughs and takes the box from Kensi.

"What's the joke?"

"Why is a DVD box set of Lethal Weapon so funny?"

"Just a conversation we were having earlier. Kensi here has never seen them."

"What!" Sam and Callen say in unison completely shocked.

Deeks picks open the packaging, removes the first movie and hands it to Kensi. "Put it on, you'll love it. I bet you a week's worth of ice cream."

Kensi doesn't miss a beat and quickly places it in the DVD player. Settling back with the remote control in hand she snags one of the cartons of ice cream and a spoon and gets comfy. There isn't much room on the not very big three seater sofa so it isn't easy. The film starts to play and Callen and Sam help themselves to ice cream too. Deeks feels left out and tries to reach for one too, but the leg and ribs are too much of a hindrance and he can't quite reach.

"Deeks, sorry. I should have… here." Kensi quickly grabs the last one and hands it to him, followed by a spoon. "Sorry," she offers again.

"Don't worry about it."

They watch the film together, laughing in all the right places. Making fun of how much things have changed in twenty five years and pointing out areas of LA they recognise. At some point Callen shuffles down on the floor so he can stretch out more. Kensi makes the most of it and curls up tucking her feet under her, but she doesn't make any effort to move any further down the sofa now that there's extra space. Sam watches them amused at how much they've changed in the two and a bit years they've been working together. He wonders if they even realise themselves. He's particularly amused when Kensi finishes her ice cream and Deeks simply hands over what's left of his without so much as a word from either of them. He wonders just how much time outside of work they spend together.

Just over half way through the film Deeks starts to fidget like he can't get comfortable. "Everything all right?" Kensi whispers to him.

"Uncomfy. I think maybe it's time for some more painkillers."

Kensi checks her watch and sees that is it past nine and he had his last painkillers just before five. "Yeah it's about the right time." She goes to move.

"Kens, stay there I'll get them," Callen says needing an excuse to move anyway.

"Thanks, they're just on the counter. There should be a glass by the sink."

Callen returns moments later with two tablets and a small glass of water. "Thanks man." Deeks quickly knocks them back and hands the glass back to Callen.

He returns to the kitchen and appears again moments later with a pack of beers. "Nearly forgot about these."

Everyone grabs a beer but Sam takes Deeks' out of his hand before he has a chance to even open it. "Not for you. The pain meds are gonna screw with your liver as it is, you don't need to damage it more."

"Seriously?"

Sam nods, "No more beer for you until you're off them."

"This sucks. No surfing, no beer, no life." He sounds so dejected and it's not put on. They all feel his genuine despair.

Kensi is the first to put her beer down. "Well, then I'm not drinking and rubbing it in your face." The guys follow her and place theirs on the table too.

"That's OK you don't need to do that, besides you already opened them so don't waste them."

Callen tentatively reaches for his again and Kensi glares at him. "What? He's right, no point wasting them."

"Really it's OK Kensi."

She turns to him and he nods his approval. Callen sips at his beer and Sam watches Deeks for a reaction but seeing none picks his beer up too. Kensi still refuses to pick hers up and ignores it. "How about a coffee?" she pats his leg gently.

"That would be great thanks." He smiles warmly and hopes she gets how much he appreciates her thinking of him. "I'll pause the movie, seeing as you're the one who hasn't seen it." The scene on the TV freezes and she heads to the kitchen.

"What hurts?" Callen asks.

"Everything, well nearly. Mostly the leg and ribs. Suppose it's to be expected when a house lands on you."

They don't rib him or make light of the situation. They both saw the place and know Deeks was lucky to come out of there in the shape he did. "Hetty says to take whatever time you need by the way."

"Callen?" Kensi shouts from the kitchen interrupting him.

"Yeah?"

"Which pills did you give Deeks?"

"What do you mean which ones? There was only one bottle on the side."

"Did you read the label?"

"No why?"

"Crap, where was the bottle?"

Deeks is looking worriedly at Callen and wondering where this is going. "By the coffee machine."

Kensi appears holding two pill bottles "This one?" She holds up an opaque bottle. "Not this one?" in the other hand she holds a brown bottle.

"That one," he points at the first bottle.

"How many did you take?" she asks Deeks.

"Kensi you're worrying me what's up?"

"How many?" she sounds a fraction panicked.

"Two, what's wrong?"

"These," she holds up the first bottle, "are mine. These are yours." She shakes the brown bottle. "Mine are double strength. You only need to take one at a time."

"Crap! Sorry, I only saw the one bottle on the counter, I didn't think. Where were those?"

"On the microwave. Shit Deeks, I'm really sorry I should have just gotten them for you."

"Kens I'm sure it'll be fine. Won't it?" He looks to Sam for confirmation.

"You're probably gonna feel real good for a few hours. Just as well you never had that beer though." Deeks looks at Sam, not at all confident in his words. "But you should be fine. If you start feeling rough at all let us know."

"Well I feel... normal."

"That's a good sign but we'll keep an eye on you. Kens don't worry. I'm pretty sure Deeks will be just fine."

"Pretty sure?" Deeks repeats.

"Just put the film back on," Callen tells him.

"Hang on let me grab the coffees."

Kensi sits back down on the sofa, handing Deeks a mug of hot sweet coffee. This time she makes the most of the space and sits with her back to the armrest, knees bent. She can see Deeks and the TV without having to move too much. The film comes back on and they carry on as before. Deeks misses her closeness but before long she stretches out her legs and her feet start to creep closer to him. He wonders if she realises she's doing it. Before long he feels her nudge him with her toes 'OK?' she mouths the question, not wanting to disturb the others. He feels fine, the pain is manageable and he doesn't feel any other side effects of the tablets so he just nods and smiles at her. Ten minutes later she nudges him again and this time just raises her eyebrows at him. He replies in the same manner again. Happy she goes back to watching the film.

When she nudges him after another ten minutes he grabs her foot with one hand and wiggles his eyebrows then raises his other hand and moves to tickle the sole of her foot. She squirms and when he doesn't release her Sam and Callen turn toward them as she hisses, "Don't you dare!" at him.

As eyes turn toward them Deeks drops her foot, "Stop nudging me then, I'm fine." The brief distraction over, they all go back to the film.

The film ends just as Deeks tries and fails to stifle a yawn. "Think that's our cue to leave G," Sam says.

"Sorry," Deeks apologises.

"Don't worry, you've had a tough few days," Callen tells him standing and stretching out.

"How are you feeling?" Sam sizes him up waiting for his answer.

"Yeah I'm fine, it's been what an hour plus now?"

Callen looks over at Kensi, "You might wanna keep an eye on him just to be safe."

"Yeah thanks for that."

"I said I was sorry."

"She's messing with you man." Deeks tells him. "You probably did me a favour. I should sleep pretty well now."

Kensi sighs, "Only you would see the positive side of this."

"And on that note we're out of here." Sam stands and joins Callen near the door. "We'll let you know what we find out tomorrow."

"Kens we'll see you at work in the afternoon?"

"I'll be there."

"Deeks take care of yourself," Callen tells him.

Deeks and Kensi remain on the sofa. "Thanks for coming over guys, I'll err see you around I guess."

"Don't worry Shaggy we'll stop by and visit again soon," Sam teases.

Deeks rolls his eyes at the nickname and raises a hand to wave the pair out.

"Tomorrow," is all Kensi tells them and waves too as the senior agents let themselves out of Kensi's house.

Sam and Callen walk to the car in silence. They stop at the car and look over the roof at one another. "You see them?" Sam asks unlocking the car.

"Uh Huh."

"You think they see it?"

Callen shrugs. The pair open their doors and climb in.

"Think it's a problem?" Sam asks hoping for more of a response this time.

"That depends."

"On what?"

"Them, their thing. Hell who knows. We just need to keep an eye on them."

A/N: So there we go chapter 9, let me know what you think?