FOR: Hope1iz

Fandom: NCIS: LA

Prompt: Deeks/Sam, Falling into a routine

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Shock is the only work Sam Hannah can think of to describe Marty Deeks facial expression. Sam would like to smile and the tell LAPD liaison that he's just joking but he's not. He'd completely serious about doing anything to keep the members of the team safe.

"Sam," Deeks finally manages to speak, "You can't…"

"Don't fall into a routine Deeks," Sam huffed, "It was the first damn thing we told you. This job is dangerous; we're always playing someone we're not. We have enemies so no matter what you do, do NOT fall into a routine. Does any of that sound familiar to you?"

"Well ya, know, now that you mention it," Deeks tried to joke.

"You think this is funny?" Sam demanded to know. He stood, towering over the slightly younger man, "You think getting shot is a joke?"

"No, I don't," Deeks answered seriously, "But Sam, I am the one that got shot. I think I know better now."

"Knowing better now, doesn't make it better," Sam reprimanded, "Do you have any idea what we went through when we learned you got shot? And all for what…because you didn't want to have to find a new place for coffee; does that sound like a good excuse to you?

"You're blowing this way out of proportion Sam," Deeks tried, "I made a mistake ok. I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it," Sam replied, "It just doesn't Marty."

"And you think beating my ass is gonna do what exactly?" Deeks demanded to know, tired of the run around he and Sam were doing.

"You mean besides making me feel better?" Sam asked sarcastically. "I'm hoping it'll teach you to not to fall into a routine."

"Yeah, I don't think that China heard you," Deeks replied equally as sarcastic.

Sam let out a low growl as his glare intensified. The two stared at each other, each trying to stare the other down. Sadly for Deeks, Sam is better at it and has more experience, that's not to mention Sam has a better reason for it.

After losing team member Dom, Sam has taken his responsibility for looking out for the team (whereas Callen is the leader of the team) more seriously. If the team's gonna lose a member it's not gonna be because the person fell into a routine.

When the taller man's glare goes up a notch, Deeks looks away. He's in the wrong and he knows it but it doesn't make submitting for a punishment, a childish punishment at that, any easier.

"Isn't there another way," Deeks can't help but ask.

"Sure," Sam nods, "You can go through some extra training session that Hettie will work out and if that fails then you can deal with Hettie."

"So my choices are you," Deeks pointed to the older man, "or the she-demon?"

Sam simply gave him a look causing Deeks to nod. He closed his eyes. Could he really go through with this? Seeing Sam still staring at him he knew he had no choice.

"So," Deeks asked in defeat, "Over the chair or table?"

Sam gave a nod of approval motioning towards the table where he wanted the younger man. Deeks leaned over the table, gripping the edge of it with both hands. The next few minutes were going to be painful but Deeks knew when it was over all would be forgiven and he would NEVER fall back into a routine again.

THE END

A/N: A special thanks to Sparx for her help talking me through this one and chapter 13!

WRITTEN 5/9/11