When Chris returned back to work the following day. Little did he know just what was awaiting him. He enters the squad room, throwing on his NCIS vest. Hadn't even slipped his other arm through, when Pride practically ambushes him after materializing out of what seemed like thin air.

"Dammit King.. Ya need 'ta stop doin' that before I have a freakin' coronary"

He exclaims, an irritated undertone as his hand flies over his chest. However, it seemed he wasn't too affected by this, as he managed to crack a smile seconds later. Pride chuckles.

"And what exactly do ya think you're doing?"

The senior agent asks, eyes scanning the black bulletproof vest. Chris's brows furrowed in confusion as he does one final check of his holstered gun.

"Uhh, wooork?.. Gotta APB on a possible hostage situation"

"That was a rhetorical question, Christopher…I'm not lettin' you out there in your condition. Remember, its not just your life on the line, anymore"

He hated to admit it. But Pride was right. He would never, ever put his baby girl in harms way. It was simply a matter of trying to not let this pregnancy impede on his duties. He holds his palms out and upright.

"King, she's not gonna be put in any danger. Trust me. I'm merely just last resort backup if need be"

His words fell on deaf ears, of course. No matter how the young man tried to spin it, Pride was steadfast on his orders.

"I'm putting you on desk duty from here on out"

The Alabamian stood there, almost in a stupor. He was certain his boss was pulling his leg. Surely this was all an elaborate hoax. Christopher LaSalle simply just did not do desk duty. Hell, if it were up to him he'd be doing field work up until his daughter's delivery. He flashes a crooked smile.

"Yeah, good one, King. But I'm not lettin' the team down and standin' idly by"

"This isn't an option, Chris. Its a demand"

His words uncharacteristically solemn and stern. It was then he realized his superior was indeed not messing around. Didn't change the fact this broke Chris to the very core. He'd do anything to keep his baby girl safe. He loved her unconditionally.

But he also loved being an integral part of his team. He just felt as if he was failing them by doing nothing but sitting on his ass at a desk. There had to be a middle ground agreement somewhere. Chris whines like a petulant child.

"Naw, c'mon now.. How 'bout, I dunno, handlin' photography duties? Somethin' easy. No bullets or chasin' bad guys"

Pride's face morphed into something of a grin. He couldn't help but laugh a bit. Not only at Chris's bargaining. But his own bullheadedness some 25 years prior, when he himself was facing threats of desk duty while pregnant with Laurel.

He'd be a liar if he said he never challenged his commanding lieutenant and chief on accommodating him concerning the restrictions. Trying to find compromise. He was an outright hypocrite. Pride sighs.

"Alright, Chris. This' still on restrictive basis. But you're hereby sanctioned for light field work, such as photography and witness testimony. You cross that line and all bets are off"

The young man smiles. "Thanks King". He responds. Feeling much more at ease and satisfied that they both were able to work out an agreement that benefited both sides. Pride chuckles a bit whilst simultaneously doing a beckoning gesture with his hands.

"Now hand over the vest"

Chris gets a sly look on his face and breaks out into a bit of a shit-eating grin, if you will. It was obvious the wheels started turning and he wasn't about to give in that easy.

"Nah, I think I'll do like the APB I WAS gonna go out to. Hold this vest hostage, that is, unless you kindly bring me a bag of spicy pork rinds 'an a jar of peanut butter"