Here is the next set of visits-expect this to take 4 or 5 chapters to resolution.

The next morning Kensi was in the armory and the rest of them were in the bullpen discussing various subjects from the Clippers to Kip to fatherhood. Deeks looked at Sam and G and offered "ok, gonna talk to Hetty. Sam, can you fill G in? Anything I said is fair game. Let me know if he doesn't feel the same way. This is step one on a long journey." As Deeks stood up he did the only thing that told you he was nervous, he let out every bit of air in his lungs as he headed towards Hetty's office. "Hetty, I need to talk to you do you have a few minutes?"

She motioned him to set down and said, "it's a quiet day so far so we have all the time in the world Mr. Deeks, what's up?"

"I need advice, approval, rejection- -whatever you choose to offer." This got her attention. After a moment, she smiled and nodded. Deeks took this as the go ahead. Another deep breath and he launched into an explanation of what had happened in the tunnel, his talk with Sam and his fears, what he was thinking and what he wanted to do. Much like Sam, Hetty was silent for several minutes, she did however, hold up 1 finger giving him the 'wait one' sign. Finally she spoke.

"This is not unexpected but it is welcome. I chose you because you fit in perfectly with the team and even better with Ms. Blye. You have proven your worth to this agency, this team and to me. More importantly the 2 of you have proven that you can 'keep it out of the office' so to speak. I don't count the little episode after the 'Unlocked Mind' case as that was to be expected and it was the boat shed with only me watching. Even if you were just partners that could have happened. I understand the banter and goofing around when the team is here. That doesn't worry me. You can sing love songs to her for all I care. When you are on a case or in the presence of others outside this office is when I expect a professional attitude. Understood?" Getting a nod she went on "just to clarify anything you might wonder about-there are 7 people I want to have my back or be by my side when it hits the fan detective. 5 of them work in this office everyday as a team and the 7th one is Tuhon. Go in peace Marty knowing that you have my blessing."

Deeks was beyond stunned. He sat there for a few minutes and just as he started to leave, he went on saying "what about Director Vance. Do I need to talk to him?"

"Let's find out what he thinks. He's waiting on a video call." Deeks looked amazed for a second and then remembered this was Hetty. She knows how the end will come (remember her comment in Spiral), why wouldn't see know what he was thinking. They walked upstairs and Hetty announced "Eric connect me with Director Vance and then clear the room. He is expecting this video conference." After connecting and clearing the room Hetty hit the SKIF mode and sealed the room as the director came on.

"So Hetty, is it as we expected? Getting a nod he went on "ok Detective Deeks, unless you are here to tell me you quit, you don't need to say anything. Just listen as this is the 'pronouncement' of this agency if you will. I will approve of your wedding to agent Blye on 1 condition. Get the damn papers signed to be an agent so I can protect you from anyone who tries to mess with this team. Is that clear?" Deeks jaw dropped. He wasn't even sure the director had a clue who he was let alone having this strong a position. "Yes Marty, Hetty warned me she thought this was coming so I did some serious homework on one Martin A. Deeks. Anyone who wouldn't want that person as an agent under any conditions should be shot. I lost one agent and almost a second one because they were afraid to be happy together and I lost my wife to this job. I refuse to be the reason 2 people don't join as one. The only rule is keep it out of the office. Do that and we're golden. I'm sure Hetty will make that and any other rules she may have abundantly clear. As for me, I will be there to present you your agent's credentials. Something I have never done before but you are someone who deserves to know you are worth the effort on our part to make you welcome. You have already earned your stripes so FLETC will consist of the book learning part only. That will be scheduled and monitored by Hetty at your current location. Any questions?"

Deeks was still dumbfounded. He stood there and shook his head. Hetty began laughing and offered "Director Vance you have done the impossible. This is the first time I have ever seen our detective speechless." That caused a chuckle and brought Deeks out of his trance. Down in the bull pen G, Sam and the wonder twins were hi 5ing. Unknown to Hetty, Nell had placed a listening device under her work station. The 4 of them were on their comm's and listened to the whole thing as they too knew what was up.

After thanking the director, Deeks and Hetty were talking as they left OPS. Hetty held up her fingers and said over her shoulder "you may come back to the OPS center now Eric and Nell. The 4 people in the bull pen froze as Hetty and then Deeks started chuckling.

Deeks resumed "anyway so that's the plan Hetty. I need your help to make it work and one last favor- -can you talk to Bates? I will fill the others in as I talk to them or do they already know given what I've run into so far?"

"With pleasure Mr. Deeks. I have wanted to do this for years. As for knowing-your relationship is not a secret, everyone is rooting for you and Kensi for different reasons. Mostly we all know what it took to get to this point for both of you and that you now need some happiness or marriage which ever you choose." Then she showed her evil smile.

As Deeks headed back to the bull pen he reviewed his list. Granger was next but he had to call his mom as that was an easy one. He explained everything to her and ended with "tell me now if you have a problem mom. This is a big deal for me and you know it."

"Easy Martin, I couldn't be happier and I will do my part when the call comes. Good luck. I promise she won't say no, that girl belongs with you and she knows it." That statement puzzled Deeks as he headed for Grangers 'inner sanctum' as it was called. No one ventured there without a summons from the man. Barb sat back, smiling and thought Kensi has done it. He chased her till she caught him. He didn't stand a chance. He just doesn't know it yet. Bettin' she's already workin' on the havin' kids part. Not sure when or why he changed. As good as he is with kids he deserves some. Surely his dad is haunting him all these years later and after all he's done.

"Yea what" came from inside the door. Granger had a secretary but she didn't 'announce' people. She handled his correspondence, reservations, suffered his wrath and nothing more.

"Granger, it's Deeks I need to talk, got a few minutes?" Leaning back and put both hands behind his head Granger simply smiled. He knew this day was coming but he still wasn't sure how to deal with it. Even though Hetty told him it was cleared with Vance. Ok let's just hear what he has to say and more importantly how he says it and then go from there. I am damn well gonna be sure. This is Kensi after all and I did promise Don I would watch over her. Someday I really have to tell her about her dad and some of his missions. Oh well. Let's do this.

"Enter."

Ok, Mr. Meanie obviously in a bad mood. How will this go? Still want more?