Author's note: I do not own NCIS: LA or its characters

Rountree stood with his gun pointed at the man behind Fatima. He was breathing hard, trying to keep his hands steady. His vision was blurry, all he could see was the knife at Fatima's throat His hand was shaking as he pulled the trigger, narrowly missing Fatima's head. She screamed, crying as she ran into his arms.

"It's okay, I got you, it's over," he whispered, stroking her back gently There was blood all over her face, so he sat her down and started gently wiping it up. "You're okay? You're not hurt?" he asked gently. Fatima shook her head, crying. He knew she was shaken up pretty badly, so he gave her another hug and kiss. "Look, I know this is scary, but I need to know what he did to you," he whispered in her ear. Fatima nodded and sniffled.

"He didn't really hurt me, he mostly just threatened me. I think he was too scared to actually hurt me, you know? But it was still scary," she whispered, crying.

"Okay, okay. We need to get you cleaned up, okay? Don't worry, I won't leave you. Come here," he murmured. She stood up and followed him into the food truck. He sat her on the seat and pulled out a first aid kit.

"I just wanna go home," she sobbed.

"I know, baby girl. We have to get you cleaned up, okay? And we have to drop off the food truck, but then you can come hang out at my place if you want, or we can go to your place," he murmured as he cleaned a small cut above her eyebrow.

"I wanna go home," she sobbed. Rountree softened and gave her a hug and kiss, then gently bandaged the cut.

"We're gonna go home, baby girl. Soon, okay? I know this is uncomfortable for you, but if you have any other injuries you need to let me know," he whispered.

"Maybe a broken rib or two? No other wounds though," she whispered through tears.

"Okay, can I please lift your shirt so I can see?" he asked gently. Fatima nodded and pulled her shirt over her head.

"Oh. Wow. Um. You, um, you-you know that, that, um, you," Rountree stammered awkwardly.

"Devin, get over it. It's nothing you haven't seen before on other women," she groaned, slightly flattered but not amused by his reaction.

"But-" he began awkwardly.

"No. If you are going to look at my ribs, do that. If not, I'll put my shirt on," she said firmly.

"It's not my fault you're hot!" he yelled. Fatima opened her mouth, about to protest, but nothing came out. She tried again, but nothing happened. She finally smacked him across the face, not hard enough to actually cause damage. "What was that for?!" he squeaked.

"I don't know!" she snapped back.

"Then why did you slap me?" he squeaked.

"Because you called me hot!" she replied in an equal volume.

"It was a compliment!" he exclaimed.

"I'm not hot!" she protested.

"Yes you are! You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my entire life! And I'm sorry if you don't see that, but you are literally flawless!" he squeaked, then ducked for cover. He was always aware of when he gave her a chance to smack him. Fatima was stunned silent.

"Really?" she asked shyly. Rountree smiled.

"One hundred percent. Absolutely beautiful, okay? And don't let anyone tell you otherwise," he said gently