A/N: This little snippet is inspired by a post by mashmaiden.
"Hey Deeks," Lieutenant Bates Barked as he stuck his head in the room that served as Deeks' "office". Really it was just a communal room with several desks that had been designated for the undercover unit's use. Right now, Deeks had it to himself for the most part because the other detectives were either on a case or off-duty. "I got that little terrifying lady from NCIS calling, asking questions about you."
He'd expected that, but the lawyer in him instantly perked up and took note.
"What kind of questions?" Deeks asked, his mind straying places it shouldn't. That was ridiculous though. If Bates had even the slightest hint that Deeks was involved in something criminal, they'd be having this conversation in his office. Or a detention room.
"The very invasive kind." Bates made a face, seeming annoyed. Deeks doubted it was on his behalf. "She wants to know all about your past cases and how you ended up here. The IT department also said somebody hacked your file," he continued.
"Huh, what did you tell Hetty?" Bates snorted at Deeks' question.
"That you're annoying as hell, but I've got no complaints. Other than the hair." Bates made an expression that might have been his attempt at a smile and Deeks huffed out a laugh.
"Ok, thanks for the heads up," he said and he was grateful. "I'm sure it's just routine for a federal agency."
"Mm, you just be careful," Bates said warningly. "I've had cops go over to the dark side and it didn't feel like this. I'm not sure I trust this place and their liaison position." That made Deeks worry a little too, but he didn't show it. He had things hidden well enough and besides that incident, all his actions had been aboveboard.
"Aw, I didn't realize you cared so much," Deeks drawled, grinning at him. Bates made a disgusted sound.
"I don't, smart ass. I just don't need the mess if they happen to find something on you." He started to pull back, shaking his head, muttering about ungrateful people and then added, "And get back to work. It's gonna be bad enough when you finally leave, I don't need a backlog."
"Love you too!" Deeks shouted as he left. He sat a few more minutes, mulling over what Bates had told him. He'd known it was coming, but the confirmation was more nerve wracking than he expected. Maybe he should pull out before Hetty and Eric's magic computer skills founds something they shouldn't.
Sighing, he squashed that idea. He couldn't live like this. He didn't know what he'd do if they dug too deep but he'd face it when it came.