A/N: Written after watching Human Traffic again. It took me way too long to write.
She feels for Deeks. Kensi can't imagine what it's like to lose your partner in the same day as finding out one of your colleagues has betrayed you. It's clear Deeks is taking it personally, and likely blaming himself for Traynor's death. This angry, sad man is a far cry from the cocky, irreverent detective she's used to.
"It's not your fault you know," she tell him quietly, glancing over at him. He presses his lips together, his eyes distant as he shakes his head.
"We both know that's not true," he whispers. There's still dried blood in his beard, his wounds fresh and raw, just like his emotions.
"You didn't know Scarli was a traitor, you didn't kill Traynor and you helped save countless girls from being sold into slavery." Kensi knows it's little consolation, but she has to try. She's his partner.
He looks up then, his eyes so incredibly sad that Kensi almost reaches out to hug him. She controls herself though.
"I just can't help thinking that if I'd figured out Scarli was a dirty cop that Jess would be alive right now." He shakes his head again. "She worked so hard for this, for her cousin, and now she's just gone." His voice trembles and breaks at the end. Kensi sees tears glimmering in his eyes and he forces a smile before he looks down again. "It's hard to to feel good about that."
"I'm sorry," she says, reaching over and squeezing his hand. He clings to it, his hand shaking slightly.