Author's note: I do not own NCIS:LA or it's characters

*This story includes discussions of racism and hate crimes.*

Fatima felt sick to her stomach as she curled up on the couch in the boatshed. She was horrified by their most recent case, and secretly, all she wanted was for her partner to hold her against him. She shifted and hugged her knees to her chest.

"Hey, you okay?" Rountree asked. Fatima shrugged. Devin softened and went over to the counter. He quickly poured a cup of coffee and wandered over to her. "What's going on?" he asked gently.

"Hard to explain. Bad case," she replied. Devin gently offered her the coffee, which she quietly accepted. She took a small sip, then looked up. Her eyes were wide and filled with tears. "It's just that, this innocent man gets put in the hospital, and just because he's not like them. I'm not like them, Devin. What's to say I'm not their next target? " she sobbed. Devin softened and very gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She leaned in and hugged him back. "It just feels really personal this time," she whispered. "Do you get what I'm trying to say?" she asked quietly.

"I get it. We're both minorities, we are both at a higher risk for these hate crimes. That is part of why we do what we do. To get justice for these victims, to take these guys off the street. We do this for them, and that's what you need to be telling yourself right now, and any other times you feel this way. There's always going to be racism from both sides, and our job is to be better than them. But all I can tell you right now is that those guys are going to get exactly what they deserve. Okay?" he said softly, letting his free hand fall on her knee. Fatima smiled a tiny bit and wrapped her arms around his waist. Rountree gently rubbed her knee and kissed her forehead.

"Thanks. It's just kinda scary, you know?" Fatima whispered. Devin smiled.

"What can I do to make you smile? You want to get dinner? Drinks? Something else?" he asked sweetly.

"Let's go get dinner, but you are not buying mine. Burgers okay?" she replied sweetly.

"Absolutely. But my treat. I offered, and you're sad. I want to make you smile," he said firmly. Fatima gave him her best puppy-dog eyes and pout, but it didn't work. He pulled her close and kissed her head. "Let's go get some food in you," he whispered. Fatima smiled and hugged him again.

"Thanks for the pep talk," she whispered.

"Of course," he replied sweetly.

They sat down together in the small booth and shared a soft smile. Once they ordered, Fatima leaned back and closed her eyes.

"You okay?" Rountree asked gently.

"Yeah. Tired. Hungry," she whispered. Rountree softened. "Well, the food is coming soon. I'll give you a ride home, and if you want we can curl up and watch a movie," he replied gently. Fatima smiled even wider and nodded.

"Only if you snuggle me," she replied.

"I couldn't imagine watching a movie without snuggling you," he replied. Truthfully, watching a movie without Fatima tucked snugly in his arms, her head on his chest, made him feel sad and lonely. Fatima blushed furiously and awkwardly sipped her soda. Rountree smiled and reached over. He gently laced their fingers together and very delicately kissed her hand. Fatima was pretty sure she couldn't blush any harder, but she was quickly proven wrong when he looked up, into her eyes. She felt like her brain had shorted out when he gently traced her cheekbone with his knuckle. He would never admit it, but he loved seeing Fatima so obviously happy. She was grinning from ear to ear, and her face was as red as a tomato. Fatima opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't find the words to say. "Someone seems a little flustered, are you okay?" he asked softly. Fatima nodded eagerly.

"Yeah, yeah," she whispered back. Rountree laughed when he realized.

"Someone has a little crush, huh?" he teased gently. Fatima froze, unsure of what to say. She finally nodded a tiny bit. Devin beamed. "Then come sit over here," he said sweetly. Fatima got up and slid into the booth next to him. Devin gently cupped her face and gently kissed her lips. They shared several kisses before they separated and rested their foreheads.

"That was incredible," Fatima whispered.

"I know," Devin whispered. Fatima was an incredible kisser, and he couldn't wait to see if she had any other skills she'd be willing to show him once they were alone.

Once they were heading home, Fatima had a thought.

"Hey. Maybe we just spend the night at your place?" she asked shyly. Devin smiled.

"Are you fighting with your parents again, or do you just want to be alone with me?" he asked.

"Well, both. Mostly I just want to be alone with you," she replied. "Hey, maybe since I'm staying over we can pick up some alcohol?" she asked.

"Not if you plan on doing anything different tonight," he replied. Fatima pouted and nodded.

Once they pulled up to Rountree's apartment complex, he got out and opened the door for Fatima, who was zipping her purse. Fatima jumped when the door opened.

"Jeez, you scared me," she gasped.

"Sorry. Thought I'd be a gentleman and open your door," he replied. Fatima smiled and got out. She closed the door and gently pushed him against the car.

"Well that is very sweet of you," she murmured seductively. Rountree grinned and put his hands on her hips. Fatima kissed him again, then moved one hand down his body. Rountree gently grabbed her hand and brought it back up. He gently kissed it.

"Maybe we should go inside," he whispered, his voice low and husky. Fatima grinned as they walked to his apartment. She walked very close to him, hugging his arm. Once they were in his apartment, they kicked off their shoes and got comfortable on the couch.