"Brought a cheer squad?" McHughes immediately mocked as them team entered the precinct yet again.
Well, entered was a rather strong word. Entered implied that all the participants were a least somewhat willing to go into a building (no matter the motivation). Kensi was practically dragging Deeks in as Sam walked casually next to them, ready to 'hustle' the poor man along if he went to slow. Happily blocking his immediate escape route were an excited Eric and Nell bringing up the rear. Those two really needed to get out of Ops more.
Kensi ceased in her dragging as she took a pointed threatening step towards the Officer (who was evidentially missing a few brain cells if h was still taunting Kensi). Callen stepped forward to head off another leaping incident but thankfully he didn't have to.
"McHughes," Bates said warningly.
With a huff and a glare, McHughes spun away from them and stomped over to Jorsten's desk. Callen saw Deeks send Bates a grateful look and he eased their group over to one side. Away from the desks and in clear view of both front and back door Callen noted approvingly.
Hetty, Granger and Nate were already here. Callen didn't really want to know how, considering that he, Sam, Kensi and Deeks had left before them. He huffed slightly. He bet Hetty wouldn't put herself through clown traffic school for whatever traffic laws she broke today. Or maybe she teleported them. He couldn't imagine Granger or Nate fitting it Hetty's car.
"Now that we are all here," Bates announced loudly over the buzzing of voices which quickly silenced. "We can begin."
Callen could have sworn everyone perked up. Seriously? A half-assed HR thing that used fourth of July streamers and-were they birthday balloons? - balloons with attached streamers to celebrate mostly mediocracy was not something to be cheerful about. Maybe Hetty should have let Eric and Nell use their confetti cannons. Well, they were in place already. At least the commendations that went along the award went on file so there was that.
"Oh my God this is so cringey," Deeks muttered under his breath.
Callen resisted the urge to snort. He was under strict instructions not to give Deeks any reason to bail. He tended to obey instructions given by Hetty. Most of the time. That and she'd promised to let him off his currently due report.
He did agree with his younger colleague's statement though. These things tended to veer towards the awkward at the best of times but LAPD really took it beyond that. Callen snuck a look at Hetty, she was looking at the surroundings and shaking her head.
He could almost hear her tut, "No class whatsoever."
As if she could hear his thoughts, Hetty sent him a pointed look. He quickly jerked his head back to the presentations. See? He was paying attention. Good thing Deeks was next. Callen didn't think Sam or Kensi would last much longer. He was debating on whether they'd be thrown out because of Sam's intimidating looks or because Kensi started something. He was hoping they'd actually last the whole ceremony but he was a realist.
There was some quiet clapping as Jorsten shook Bates' hand for his award. It was something to do with paperwork, he thinks. Not really caring, Callen instinctively clapped with everyone else.
"And next, possibly our most important award," Bate called out, Deeks tensed next to him.
Bates drew the tense silence out, people were turning to look at Deeks, eager to see his reaction. But were they eager to see him get something he deserves or to see him get thoroughly embarrassed?
Kensi had her arms wrapped around Deeks' waist and Callen could hear her keep up a running, soothing commentary. Well, if you counting making disparaging remarks about Jorsten soothing. Honestly, the level of snark she could produce impressed him.
"The award for the Highest Conviction Rate that is still increasing," Bates said announcer style.
"Oh, just get it over with," Deeks pleaded, clenching his fist reflexively.
Their little crew had also tensed up. Callen could feel the tension running across his shoulders.
"Detective Martin Deeks," Bates finally announced.
Their crowd cheered loudly and Callen made sure to glare at the audience so no one booed. He didn't have to; they weren't the only one's cheering. Well, Eric and Nell were the only ones whooping… but most of the LAPD staff were clapping hard and cheering with them. Callen blinked. He definitely wasn't expecting that.
Neither was Deeks from the look of him. The man looked stunned and touched. Uh oh. Not wanting to participate in another emotional moment (Callen has had enough of those over the past few days thank you very much) he decided to help him along as Bates looked jokingly around.
"You didn't do one of your vanishing tricks, Deeks?" the Lieutenant joked good-naturedly.
With a shove from Callen, Deeks made his way up to the front, only stopping for a brief kiss from Kensi which was met by a few wolf-whistles. It was ridiculous how happy people were but Callen couldn't really say anything as he was grinning from ear to ear for his friend. Deeks deserved this, he really did.
Giving Bates' hand a firm characteristic shake, Deeks took his certificate with a muttered "Thanks," as Bates clasped him around the shoulder and reeled off the details of his award. A blush dusted his cheeks as Bates mentioned a few of his memorable convictions, one including a drug dealer, an old lady and several balloons (oh, he'd have to get Deeks to explain that one later).
"Speech! Speech!" someone called.
It sounded suspiciously like Cooper.