AN: Set around Chapter 8 of "A Matter of Trust", inspired by /u/LostForeverInHisEyes.

"You are so a squirrel, Nate," Kensi teased.

"Definitely," Deeks agreed, smirking along with his partner.

Nate frowned at them and complained, "Come on guys, I don't need a nickname."

"Of course, you need a nickname," Deeks informed him. "All instructors have to have one, like Sparkling Wilderness over there."

"I'm not an instructor," he complained weakly. "I'm here to observe…"

His team snorted at that.

"And I am not a squirrel," he said forcibly, if they were going to assign him a nickname the least, they could do was make it a cool one.

Kensi and Deeks shrugged in unison, were they aware of how creepy that was?

"Blame Callen," Kensi stated.

Nate turned to try to glare at the man in question, only to falter when Callen gave him that look. You know, the look that specifically said 'You really don't want to do this' look. Surprisingly few criminals paid heed to that look but not Nate. He was not that stupid. Most of the time.

"You are like a squirrel," he decided to explain. "You're always hopping around suspiciously, looking for your hidden nuts."

Nate heard Eric and Nell snort and try to smother their laughter behind them. Nate ignored them, a blush creeping up his face.

"And your always on the go and curious about everything," Callen added.

That part didn't sound too bad…

"Getting deep there, G," teased Sam, nudging his partner.

"I think it's fantastic," Nadine broke in, making everyone stare at her. They had forgotten she was there. "Very well thought out and explained," she praised.

"See, Nate?" taunted Kensi.

Nate just sighed heavily.

"He just needs his to match Nadine's," Nell said thoughtfully.

"I'm good," Nate said quickly, for once not wanting them to continue their bantering.

"Don't be ridiculous," Sam mock scolded him. "You can't go 'round with half a symbolised name thing, can he Nadine?" he directed the last part at the woman in question.

She shook her head.

"Definitely not," Nadine proclaimed. "A complete one latches onto your soul," she added emphatically.

Even Nate had to squint at her in confusion at that one. Where did she get this stuff? Poorly translated Chinese philosopher texts?

"It needs to be an adjective," Eric suggested.

Nate pouted at him, he didn't have to egg them on! He was ignored. He had to get a better fierce look. He didn't think he could pull off Sam or Callen's and definitely not Kensi's. He shuddered. Maybe they could give him some training…

"Something nice and descriptive," Nell added, red lips twisted into a smirk.

"And stays true to you," Callen finished piously.

They all looked at him critically. It was very unnerving. Must not squirm. Must not squirm.

"How about Stretched Squirrel?" suggested Deeks, not looking to convinced.

References to his height? Really? Kensi looked like she agreed if her scrunched up nose was to suggest anything.

"Really?"

"He is tall…"

"Not weird enough," Sam vetoed. "He has to match 'Sparkling Wilderness', remember?"

"I don't think you can come close to that weirdness…" Callen replied thoughtfully.

With dawning horror, Nate realised that they were actually committed to this. Why couldn't they work together like this when he wanted them to?

"Psycho Squirrel?"

"What is he, a serial killer?"

"I was going for mind killer."

"No."

"Squirrel I-can't-butt-out-of-our-business?"

"Really?"

"You're bade at this, Fern."

"Stop calling me Fern!"

"At least I give good nicknames!"

"Good? Seriously, De- "

"What about, 'The Squirrel-i-NATE-er," posed Eric with a mischievous grin.

They all groaned at the horrible pun.

"No," vetoed Sam bluntly.

"You need to suggest something Sam before you can veto," Deeks complained.

"You're awful quiet, Nate," Calen commented, ignoring the suggestions. "You normally can't shut up."

"Yeah, you're always chattering away," Kensi added with a frown.

Nate gave them a look and was about to give them all a very ticked off lecture when-

"Hey! That's it!" Deeks cheered. "Nice one, you two?"

"Huh?" the two agents asked, confused.

"Chattering," said Deeks.

More blank looks.

"He's a Chattering Squirrel," he elaborated.

Four beats, it only took FOUR beats before they all burst out into laughter. His pout got deeper. They were definitely better trained than this. Maybe he should add this to his report. Hell, the LAPD were even getting suspicious at their antics!

"Ok, ok. I get it, guys," Nate said sulkily. "No more conspiring with Hetty."

"Too late, Chattering Squirrel," Deeks said cheerfully, bouncing back into the centre of the room.

Sam slapped him fondly on the back, "Nice try."

"As if you could stop her from reeling you in," Callen scoffed.

Nate rested his clipboard on his forehead.

"I'm going to pay for this, aren't I?" he queried with closed eyes.

"Oh yeah," Kensi said semi-threateningly.