Prompt: Pregnant Kensi is having a bad day, and Hetty helps her out.
"Be careful," Kensi told Deeks, leaning up to kiss him. He cupped the back of her neck, prolonging the moment.
"I always am," he said with what Hetty would definitely call a cheeky smile.
"Um, you've been injured three times in the last two months." He winked at her, dropping his voice an octave.
"Then I promise to come back to you whole and in perfect working order this time." Sam chuckled at that as he walked past.
"That would require you to be in working order to begin with," he joked, handing Deeks a semi-automatic rifle he'd retrieved from the armory. "C'mon, we gotta go."
"See you later," Kensi said, forcing a smile. It still felt very strange to stay behind while they headed into danger.
"And I'll see you in a few hours," Deeks promised, stooping to give her a hug. He rested his hand on her rounded stomach, his expression turning soft and tender. "Both of you."
She sighed and tried to focus on the transcript she was translating. It was useless. The bullpen was too quiet, too empty. Groaning, she cradled her head in her hands, elbows propped on her desk.
"Are you alright, Miss Blye?" Kensi jumped at Hetty's gentle question, bumping her cooling mug of decaf as she straightened hastily. Hetty steadied the mug before it could spill.
"I'm fine, Hetty," she said, with another tight smile. Hetty pursed her lips, considering Kensi for a moment. Then she appropriated Callen's chair and sat down in front of her.
"If you don't mind me saying so, you seem a little down today."
"I'm just tired." It was Kensi's standard, and partially true, excuse these days.
"Excuse my language, my dear, but that is clearly a load of crap," Hetty said, with a smirk. She patted Kensi's hand, taking the opportunity to close her laptop and set the papers spread out across her desk to the side. "Now why don't you tell me what's the matter?"
Kensi considered trying to evade Hetty; she really didn't feel like talking about her mood right now. Hetty didn't give up easily though and she didn't have the energy to argue. With a sigh, Kensi leaned back, resting her hands on her stomach.
"It's harder than I realized it would be," she started, pressing her lips together as Hetty regarded her expressionlessly.
"Watching everyone else leave while you stay here?" she asked carefully.
"Yes, but not just that. Everything." She fiddled with the rim of her mug, trying to find words for her thoughts. Actually, falling into her role as Hetty's assistant had been a lot easier than she expected. She missed the fieldwork, but not the constant threat of imminent death. "It's more knowing that Deeks, and everyone else, are heading into dangerous situations and I'm not there to watch their backs. I miss being with them. As grateful as I am to be pregnant, I feel like everything around me has changed."
"It sounds like you could use a good stiff drink," Hetty said, nodding as though she had found the perfect solution to Kensi's problems.
"Uh, Hetty, I'm really not supposed to drink alcohol," Kensi warned her. It was too bad she couldn't have a glass of scotch to drown her sorrows in.
"Of course not! I was speaking of tea. I have a lovely new blend one of my friends sent me from Hong Kong. It has quite the kick." Kensi got up grudgingly, following Hetty over to her desk where she began preparing a strong smelling loose leaf tea. She placed it in front of Kensi with an expectant expression and Kensi dutifully took a sip, nearly choking on the bitter taste.
"I'm sorry for being such a mess," she said once she was done cringing. Hetty waved her apology off.
"Oh, you have nothing to be sorry for," Hetty said. "It's completely understandable that you're off kilter with all the changes recently. But what you have to remember is that you are a strong, capable women. You always have been and you always will be, no matter what you do."
Kensi's eyes filled with tears almost immediately, which she blamed on hormones.
"Thank you, Hetty," she murmured, her voice only a little thick and shakier than normal.
"Any time." Hetty patted her hand again then stood up, bracing her hands against her desk. "Now, you may not be able to drink, but I could certainly use a large shot of Makers."