A/N: This one was written for "Through The Looking Glass". At the time, I had no idea if any of the pairs were going to be in the same place at one time, but as usual I manipulating things to fit my own desires. Some angst, some drama, and some lightly fluffy moments.

"How the hell did this happen?" Deeks demanded, stalking into OPS with a single-minded purpose. Fatima actually took a step, likely reacting to the dangerous tone in his voice, looking a little unnerved. "How did David Kessler manage to leave a box on Kensi's desk?"

He was aware of Kensi beside him, her anxiety and fear practically radiating off her.

"I don't know," Fatima said a little desperately, maybe even nervously. It made Deeks regret unleashing his anger on her and he pulled in a deep breath, futilely trying to control himself. "Kessler shouldn't have been able to breach our security."

"Deeks, we will do everything to figure out how he got past security and into the building," Nell assured him. He turned to her, anger threatening to boil over again. She gave him a look of warning.

"Sorry." He nodded at Fatima who shook her head, dismissing his apology with a brief smile of understanding.

"Does it really matter if we know how he got in right now? Kessler made his point," Kensi pointed out in a subdued voice.

Deeks turned to her, noticing the way she cupped her elbows, hugging her arms against her middle. He hated that she was this unsettled, that Kessler was the cause of it once again.

"He can get to me whenever he wants."

"We won't let that happen," Sam said firmly. "You'll have 24 hour protection until we find him."

"Right, cause that's worked so well in the past," Deeks snapped.

"Deeks, Kessler has to slip up at some point," Callen told him firmly, a hint of admonishment in his voice. Deeks ignored it, not about to be dismissed so easily after all the times Callen hadn't followed protocol.

"I don't want to go into hiding again." Kensi walked to the center of the room, still subdued, but firm. "I refuse to wait for him to find me and act on his sick fantasies."

That was one point Kensi had been adamant about since Kessler first appeared. He wanted to control her, to have power over her, and she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

"Kens, you know that's not safe," Nell told her gently. "We need to know that Kessler doesn't have access to you. Especially since he's been pardoned and NCIS can't legally arrest unless he actually threatens or attacks you."

"So Kensi and I will get him on our own." Deeks glanced at Kensi, extending his hand. She took it after a moment and nodded, turning to the rest of the team. "NCIS doesn't need to be involved at all."

"Kensi, Deeks, no-"

"Here's my badge," Deeks said, overriding Nell's protest as he unclipped his badge. It was still shiny and free of scuff marks. He felt a small pang knowing he probably wouldn't be seeing it again.

Beside him, Kensi silently removed her badge as well and handed over to Nell who wore a pained expression. Behind her, Fatima looked shocked and unsure of what to do.

"We'll contact you when we can," Kensi added, fingers tightly gripping Deeks' as they turned to leave.

"Alright, just hold on a minute," Callen ordered, sounding annoyed. "You two are not going rogue." Resisting the urge to turn his barely subdued anger on him, Deeks crossed his arms and pointed out,

"We just turned in our badges, I don't really think you have any say in it. In case you didn't notice, we're not NCIS anymore."

"He means you're not going rogue on your own, you idiot," Sam said shaking his head.

"Guys, we don't want to get you involved in this."

"Kensi, we already are. And none of us are about to let you two run off without any help or equipment." Sam rolled his eyes.

"You'll have all NCIS's resources at your disposal," Nell added, once again in charge. "And no, you don't have a choice.

"I'll start prepping the tech," Fatima said without any hesitation.

"Fatima, it's likely we all be relieved of our positions and brought up on federal chargers after this," Deeks reminded her. Of all them in this room, she had the most to lose in this venture.

"I know." She smiled wryly. "It's what family does, right? Don't even think of leaving without me."

Glancing at Kensi, he saw the same look of overwhelmed gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you," she murmured. "We really appreciate this."

"We know," Sam said solemnly. "Now let's get this creep."