AN: This is for the anonymous reviewer who signs themselves off as "Mel". They wanted Vance to attend the award ceremony in "The Liaison" but I couldn't make that happen so I hope this works instead. Set between Chapters 8 and 9 of "The Liaison".

Vance rubbed his hand over his face. Hetty gave him a curious look from the screen in Ops. He was looking tired.

"Thanks for the update, Hetty," he said, preparing to sign off.

"Not a problem, Leon. I'm just glad to report that things are actually going well for a change in recent months.

The director chuckled.

"True, it's always good when no agents die, are in hospital or are running for their lives."

"Exactly."

Suddenly Vance sat up straight and gave her a curious look, "Speaking of good updates, I heard that our Detective Deeks is being recognised."

Hetty gave him a look.

"I haven't sent you that email yet," she replied.

Vance looked smugly at her, "You aren't the only one who communicates with LAPD, Hetty."

"Obviously you have too much free time on your hands, Director, if you can have cosy chats with a mere LAPD Lieutenant."

Vance didn't respond.

"Lieutenant Bates Blind Carbon Copied you in on that email he sent me, didn't he?" She said with an eyebrow raised.

That got her a chuckle from him.

"You always amaze me," he commented and reached towards the screen to end the video call. "Give Detective Deeks my congratulations."

Hetty cocked her head to one side and heard her team stomp their way up the stairs. Honestly, did grace mean nothing to them? Mr Beale and Miss Jones must have been notified of another case.

"You can tell him yourself, Leo, " she informed him.

A flash of confusion crossed his face until the doors open and her team crowded in, chattering loudly.

"I'm just saying that I just need a *little* flash bang," Mr Deeks said pleadingly.

Mr Hanna made a noose of exasperation.

"Weren't you the one to say 'no more bangs' to Eric after the last time," Mr Callen asked, amused.

"I told you my skills would be needed again," Mr Beale informed anyone who cared to listen.

Miss Jones rolled her eyes and said bluntly, "You are not going to risk a vandalism charge directly in front of the LAD precinct!"

"I was thinking more behind it," Mr Deeks said.

"No," Miss Blye said firmly. "You are not going to pretend there's an IED just to avoid the award ceremony."

"But-"

"We don't encourage our staff to perform possible acts of terrorism," Leon finally spoke up, pity - it was getting amusing.

"Director," they all chorused, most giving him a matching deer-in-the-headlights look.

Mr Deeks gulped noisily.

"Director Vance, uh, we were just discussing the, the response times of LAPD to a credible threat," he babbled.

Miss Blye slapped her palm against her forehead and Mr Hanna's shoulders were shaking in mirth.

Leon gave him a blank look, Hetty knew he was just as amused as she was.

"Hmm," he rumbled before looking at Mr Beale. "No explosives, minor or otherwise Eric."

Mr Beale nodded vigorously until Miss Jones elbowed him sharply. Hetty inwardly winced, that had to hurt.

"Yes sir, of course not," he gasped out.

Moss Jones tugged him back to stop him babbling more, thankfully.

Leon then turned to Mr Deeks, who tugged at the neck of his shirt. Miss Blue gave him an anxious look.

"Detective Deeks," Leon paused and Mr Deeks straightened up and braced himself. "I want to congratulate you on your award."

"I'm s-what?" He stuttered in disbelief, not taking in what he heard.

The team heard it loud and clear and broke out into grins.

Leon ignored the stuttering and continued, "It's quite impressive."

"Uh, thank you, sir," Mr Deeks interjected cautiously.

Leon nodded and instructed, "Keep it up and Hetty?"

She stepped forward, "Yes, Leon?"

"Thanks again."

She waved in goodbye as he switched off the call this time.

Mr Deeks released a noisy breath and asked wide-eyed, "What just happened?"