Author's Note: Thanks for the great feedback, I really appreciate it.
Special thanks to jmlane1966 - I will revise the first chapters as soon as I can. Thank you for pointing that out to me. I just need a bit more time before I turn back to the revision. And I will consider your other idea. I just have to find a way to incorporate that somehow. So give me a bit more time to think this through ;)
I think I mentioned it before that I'm no great crime-writer. I still hope that this will play out the way I have it inside my fanfiction-ridden mind, but I apologize in advance if the crime-plot doesn't work all that well. I'm trying ;)
As for the poison... I just did a bit of research and that's what popped up. I hope you forgive me that my knowledge doesn't go that far (I never murdered someone, so...) I went with this poison because it fitted my purposes best, but... it may be a bit inaccurate. I hope you forgive me that I rather wanted to push the plot on that one.
Anyway, I still hope you'll like it.
Read, review, enjoy ;)

"Hey," Kensi greets him as Deeks makes his way over to her after practice.

"Hey," he replies.

"You okay?" she asks.

"What? Yeah, why?" Deeks blinks at her.

"You were with the guy who maybe...," she makes a plopping sound with her lips. Deeks can't but smirk at that.

"No, nothing's happened, still in one piece," Deeks assures her quickly, "C'mon, let's get to the car, then I tell you everything."

"Okay," she nods. The agents make their way to the car.

"So... what went on between you two?" Kensi asks as she starts the engine, "Do I have to be worried?"

"What? You fear he is competition?" Deeks smirks, but then he leans over to give her a chaste kiss. She rolls her eyes at him, though she is just glad to have him back around. It's actually boring to creep around for information without her partner's stupid comments.

"You wish," Kensi huffs, but then gives him another kiss as she pulls out of the lot.

"I don't think that Adrian's our man," Deeks blurts out. He actually wanted to path the way before he'd drop that, but Deeks just can't get that thought out of his head ever since the other violinist took off. Something tells the detective that things don't play together with Adrian as the culprit.

"What?! Why do you think that?!" Kensi makes a face. Up to this point, everything speaks for him as the culprit.

"Well, I got to spend some time with him, obviously, and he's not all that awful," Deeks brings out. Okay, that doesn't sound too convincing, does it? As if Kensi could read his mind, she glares daggers at him, obviously not buying any of it, "Seriously?"

"I know how it sounds, but I just have the feeling that he may not be what he seems to be, in a positive sense," Deeks shrugs.

"He threatened you," Kensi argues.

"I think that was just to show off," Deeks argues, "It was so darn obvious."

"Deeks, you know that this is no real argument," Kensi threatens him, "Just because he is obvious doesn't mean he didn't do it."

"That I don't say, I just... Adrian was different, now that I got to see him in private," Deeks explains, which causes Kensi to grumble, "We won't act on a hunch. We can't make this personal, okay?"

Deeks glances to the side, out the window. Yeah, right, as if this wasn't personal already. This is so personal that he'd like to hurl. If this got any more personal, he'd make a run for it.

"I know that," Deeks sighs heavily, "I just have a feeling."

"He's a main suspect," Kensi retorts.

"But not the only one," Deeks shoots back.

"Okay, okay... you bring it up when we talk to Sam and Callen. Maybe you can convince them somehow," Kensi shrugs, because she is not convinced.

They drive back to NCIS. The two get inside and into the bullpen, where Sam and Callen are already waiting for them. "Hey, guys," Kensi and Deeks greet them.

"Hey, so... Deeks, Kensi said that you really got the solo?" Callen asks.

"Yeah," Deeks shakes his head, "still can't believe it."

"Congrats," the other agents smirk with honesty in their words. They are both impressed with Deeks's skills. To make it an orchestra with Hetty's pushing is one thing, but to actually make it the first... that is simply impressive.

"Thanks," Deeks smirks briefly.

"And how did practice go?" Sam asks, "Any trouble?"

"Not really. Adrian actually seemed, I don't know, nice?" Deeks grimaces.

"We are still talking about the same guy, though, right? The person who might have tried to murder you?" Sam huffs, actually allowing a bit of concern to show.

"Yeah, that guy. Look. We said that we shouldn't make fast assumptions. Of course Adrian is a candidate, but he is not the only one, is he?" Deeks argues.

".. you like him," Callen grimaces.

"I don't like him as... like... but, well, I sympathize a bit, admittedly. And I know that this doesn't count, but what I think counts is that he is putting up more of an act when he is around other people. He wants to appear tough," Deeks explains.

"What for?" Sam retorts.

"I don't know. If you asked me, he actually liked the rivalry he's had with Mike, or at least rivalry altogether," Deeks shrugs. It's as Katy said, that guy loves the challenge.

"So?" Kensi argues.

"Why would he try to end something that he actually seems to enjoy?" Deeks replies.

"Doesn't mean he didn't do it. After all, he seems pretty, uhm, ambitious," Kensi replies, "so maybe he just took it to a new level."

"Kensi's right," Sam nods.

Deeks lets out a weary sigh. He never should have said that out loud. He knew that this would be the reaction he'd get.

"Did you find out anything interesting while I was gone?" the detective now asks instead, "anything on Susanne?"

"Average girl her age. She was the typical brass band type of person during High School, which is why she had some bullying to deal with. She lives alone in a small apartment downtown. I don't see what would be upsetting about her," Sam informs him.

"Anything on the poison?" Kensi asks.

"Botox, most likely," Callen says.

"What?" Kensi blinks at him incredulously.

"He was injected with a deadly dose of Botox. It was injected into his carotid artery," Callen goes on.

"Why didn't they find that out sooner? I mean, that's something they should be able to tell," Kensi frowns. She can't imagine that you can't tell that someone is full of Botox.

"Gallagher had chronic migraines. For that he underwent Botox treatment. That messed with the findings," Sam adds.

"The thing is that you only need small amounts for a lethal dose, so the culprit didn't have to put much in it to have effect," Callen explains.

"What about the needle?" Deeks asks.

"It was most likely attached to his violin. They found a hole at the side, near the thing the chin rests on, but the needle wasn't found," Sam explains.

"So it must be someone who had access to his instrument," Callen says.

"Well, that's true for the ensemble and Mr. Smith," Deeks shrugs, "plus family."

"So Adrian had the opportunity," Sam nods.

"So did all the others," Deeks argues.

"Well, we marked off the family by now, so it must be someone of the orchestra. We dug a little deeper into Carson's file. His father is a doctor," Sam explains.

"The thing is that they don't have contact anymore, though," Callen adds.

"So you think he may have gotten the Botox from his father?" Kensi asks.

"Not really, as I said, no contact. And even a doctor doesn't get Botox that easily, as someone who isn't a plastic surgeon. But maybe that's how he learned about it," Callen argues.

"Did a plastic surgeon of the area say that something was stolen or so?" Kensi asks.

"Not that we know. As already mentioned, the thing is that you need incredibly little to kill someone," Sam replies, "though we'll have to see if maybe one of the ensemble showed up at a plastic surgeon to get treatment. That will take some time, though. You know how doctors are..."

"Well, from my side, there wasn't much new," Kensi shrugs.

"Just keep it up," Callen smirks.

"Yeah, well, maybe I get something from the ensemble tomorrow. I just hope that they finally start to trust me. Up to this point, they are still holding back to some degree," Kensi sighs.

"As I said, just keep going, and have a close eye on Deeks," Callen winks at her.

"Now I feel flattered," Deeks huffs.

"You may," Kensi chuckles.

"Okay," Deeks grimaces, "Well, either way, I'll have a look at those notes again, for morrow in practice... sucked enough today."

"Teacher's pet is doing his homework," Sam snickers.

"What-ever," Deeks grumbles. He sits down at his desk and starts to flip through the pages of his music book.

"Did Hetty find out anything out about Mr. Parker?" Kensi asks.

"Not really. The thing is that he is less and less involved into the politics of the orchestra, or so he told her. It's as Deeks said, Parker and Smith are somehow competing, though Smith is having the upper hand in the game. Parker has less and less say in the committee. The only thing he still does is the auditions, because he is seemingly still the best hearer. Smith is the one who settles everything else. Smith and Parker are both owners, but Smith holds most shares because the others of the committee are on his side," Callen explains, "and that is also why Parker is often outvoted when it comes to the bigger decisions."

"Hetty said that Smith tries to kick Parker out, in years now. The thing is that the committee wouldn't ever do that, because he is pretty much the father of this whole orchestra," Sam adds.

"Well, we know that Parker didn't do it. What do you think of Smith then?" Kensi asks.

"As Deeks said, that guy is mostly after fame and money, which is why he isn't just the conductor, but also one of the owners. Gallagher brought him money. Why would he risk that by killing him?" Callen argues.

"True again. Well, so it stays the same: the ensemble is our focus," Kensi sighs. She knows that Deeks doesn't want to believe it at some point, but it's the most rational conclusion.

"Right," Sam and Callen agree.

"Well, if that's so, it's of course getting more dangerous for Deeks, with the single performance," Callen shrugs.

Sam: "Yeah, the Vengeance of the Violinists, ain't it, Deeks?" Sam jokes, but when he doesn't get a retort from the detective, he turns to him, "Deeks?"

That is when they realize the hunched over figure at his table – he fell asleep over his notes without anyone's notice so far. All have to grin at that.

"He had to do double-shift today," Kensi smirks, "I think he gets a bit of credit here."

"I think we call it a day for him," Callen shrugs.

"He's trying really hard," Kensi shakes her head, "even if he doesn't want to do it, at all."

"Still wonder why that is," Callen grimaces. This question is actually something the agents wonder about in a while now. Deeks was so reluctant about joining the ensemble, and that even though he is seemingly so good that he is given a solo. It doesn't take an agent to figure that this is personal to him in some way, though neither one understands what could be so personal about playing an instrument.

"He won't say," Kensi shrugs, hugging her arms, "at least for now... we'll have to see."

Deeks sits with Katy, Judy, and Carter in a circle on the ground. The detective is tending to his violin with rosin.

"... I don't know, I just have the feeling it sounds off," he grimaces.

"Your play was just fine," Katy assures him.

"You're just getting upset because you got the concerto," Carter huffs playfully.

"I swear to God!" Deeks exclaims. Of course he wants to sell the image of a nervous musician, but the detective really has the feeling that the violin doesn't sound right.

"You're just paranoid," Judy rolls her eyes at him, "but if you have that much fear, go to Susanne."

"What would Susanne do for me, then?" Deeks frowns.

"Before she joined an orchestra, she did some internships to learn the fine arts of fine tuning. She actually worked as a Musical Instrument Tuner for some ensembles before she decided to push her own musical career," Carter explains.

"Well, she is a bit of our personal tiny Mr. Parker version. She has the ears of a bat. Susanne can tune most instruments, which is why we can always come to her if we can't find the right tune. That happens even to the best," Katy smirks. Deeks grimaces. The others say that Susanne is off the list, but from the sound of it, it's at least possible that she got to Mike's violin, right? What if he asked her for a tuning? She could have messed with his violin by that time and no one would even ask.

"So not all of you do it yourself?" Deeks asks.

"Well, most of the time, but if it's about a nuance or so, all of us likely turn to her," Judy shrugs.

"Mike was a tuning-dyslexic," Katy laughs sadly, "he told us that he actually went to a shop before he joined the orchestra, and paid much money. He tried it with an electronic tuner before, no chance. He was so mad that he actually paid money for that thing, just to smash it. And his teacher never did it right to him. Mike was so glad when Susanne took over. Saved him some money for sure."

"You remember how stupid he looked when we told him that he doesn't have to pay here, or in orchestras in general?" Judy snickers.

"God, yeah. I mean... then he was like this huge... Bernese Bouvier puppy that didn't get a thing. It was the first time he joined an orchestra, so he couldn't know," Katy smiles, "was still so funny."

"I miss him," Carter sighs.

"Yeah, me, too," Katy shrugs.

"Anyway, no teary faces now. Go to Susanne if you think the tuning is off," Judy declares.

"Alright, I'll be right back, thanks for the advice," Deeks smirks as he gets up. The detective glances around curiously and spots Susanne sitting at her harp, "Hey, Susanne!"

"Oh... hi," she replies shyly, brushing a sole lock from her pale face.

"Do you have a moment for me? I got a problem," Deeks smiles at her toothily.

"Sure," the short brunette nods.

"Great. So the others told me that you are some kind of... Instrument Whisperer. I think my violin sounds off, and I would like to hear your opinion," Deeks explains. She glances at him for a moment before she says, "Okay, sure. Play the part where you think it's off and stop on that note."

Deeks takes the violin under his chin, lifts the bow, and starts to play. Susanne glances at him as he does, her blue eyes following every of his movements.

"That last note," he says once he reaches the part he struggles with.

"Play it again, please," Susanne says. Deeks follows her orders. She nods before she holds her hands out to him. Deeks hastily hands her the violin. She plays the sound another time herself.

"It's slightly off, yeah," she nods. She puts the instrument in her lap and starts to fine tuners of the violin expertly. After half a minute or so, she hands it back to him.

"Play it again," she says. Deeks obeys and repeats the tune – and it comes out right.

"Awesome!" Deeks smirks, "Thanks. I thought I was being paranoid already."

"No, but now it should be fine again," Susanne smirks politely.

"You just saved my butt. Hey, but why are you sitting here all alone? The others and I are over there," Deeks asks, faking curiosity.

"I wanted to play my part another time. I messed up a bit, so...," she shrugs.

"Oh, and I interrupted you with my crap? I'm so sorry," Deeks grimaces.

"No bother," she smirks at him sheepishly.

"Well, once you're done, you can still come over, right?" Deeks says, "See you later." She nods her head before she focuses on her instrument again. The detective scratches the back of his head before he walks off. He still thinks something is odd about this girl. He just can't put his finger on it.

Later that day, Deeks is in the private room again, waiting for Adrian. On the tick, the young violinist comes inside and closes the door.

"Hey," Deeks greets him.

"Hello," Adrian replies as he sets the violin case down on one of the stools.

"How are you?" Deeks asks. The other man only snorts, "Peachy."

"Okay, whatever," Deeks huffs with a smirk, "glad you could make it, though."

"You know, it's kinda my job," Adrian smirks faintly.

"Yeah, right," Deeks rolls his eyes with a smirk. He can't help it, but he really starts to like this guy. The detective always was advocate of the underdogs. He considers himself one. And Adrian obviously is one, too.

"What? I get paid for being here," Adrian snorts, drinking a bit of water from his bottle.

"Who tells me that you just don't teach me crap so that I suck in the solo?" Deeks questions playfully.

"If I do that, it only falls back on me. I have a reputation," Adrian retorts.

"As what?" Deeks asks playfully.

"Perfectionist," Adrian explains, "and asshole. But I take that for as long as that means my play is perfect."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I never gave too much on public opinion myself," Deeks nods. And here he is actually speaking the truth. Deeks never gave much on what people said about him, doesn't to the day. It's not necessarily about having a thick skin, but about choosing what and whom you listen to. He always found relief and peace in the knowledge that no one can verbally harm him for as long as he chooses not to listen.

"I guessed as much," Adrian nods at him, "... you know, the hair."

"What? Nothing about the hair," Deeks threatens dramatically.

"You look like blond version of Raggedy Ann," the violinist huffs, actually flashing a smile at this remark.

"Tells me the guy who could easily pass for an Emo Animé character," Deeks returns.

"I'm not Asian," Adrian huffs with a smirk.

"Same difference. I think we should just not judge each other's style," Deeks argues playfully, "deal?"

"Deal, whatever," Adrian shakes his head.

"So... what's today's schedule?" Deeks asks.

"You play. Until I tell you to stop," Adrian shrugs.

"That sounds like work," Deeks whines.

"Well, you had to take the spot," Adrian retorts, "So don't whine, but get going."

"Fine, fine. Anything I'm supposed to pay attention to?" Deeks asks.

"Just that you get it right. As I said, my reputation is also on the line, so you better get this straight," Adrian threatens him. The detective makes a face before he guides the instrument to his chin as he gets into position. Deeks closes his eyes and tries to picture a winter scenery with snow and ice, blizzards and ice storms raging over empty fields, blowing so mightily that the cold hurts his skin. He starts to play, making those images dance in front of his eyes so that the other ones don't come back to him. The world disappears behind the glass of the snow globe. The blizzard rages so fast and so hard that everything else just fades away. The snow muffles the sounds. The ice makes it crystal clear inside his head. There is just him, on this empty field, and nothing but the raging storm and soft snow surrounds him.

"Stop," he hears a voice through the heavy snow. Deeks shakes his head, and suddenly he is back in that room, with Adrian glancing at him almost curiously. He still has the instrument in a final dramatic pose, but quickly lets it go.

"Sorry, was just... ugh," Deeks grimaces, but Adrian completes with a soft smile, "caught up in the moment. Yeah, I saw that."

Deeks flashes a brief smile before he puts the violin down to take a drink.

"You're actually getting better," Adrian says a moment later. Deeks blinks at him, still gulping down the water.

"Don't give me that look," Adrian huffs, "You are still about just awful, but... no longer as awful. Hey, maybe there's a decent violinist hidden in there after all."

"Does that hurt your face?" Deeks laughs, "when you make a compliment?"

"You got no idea how much," Adrian shakes his head.

"So... I will not make a total fool out of myself, you think?" Deeks asks curiously. He actually wants to hear Adrian's opinion. To Deeks, he is the one true violinist of the ensemble, if not the truest one he met in a lifetime. Deeks saw it already last time when Adrian played for him. Adrian is no showmaker. He doesn't do great poses. He doesn't have the presence a Marine such as Mike may have had. Adrian is a perfect executor, and when he is with the ensemble, he actually appears like a robot, and that is why most people think that he is not as good or not as captivating in his play. However, just yesterday, Deeks discovered this subtlety, this simplicity that perfectly captivated him. Of course you have to watch closely, and listen even more carefully, but Adrian is just so, so good, simple as that. And to Deeks, his play is not in the least corrupted by his lack of "show", if only it's enhanced. Because you come back to what counts: the music and the feelings it carries across. So really, if someone's opinion matters, it's Adrian's.

"You need a compliment so badly?" Adrian huffs playfully.

"Yeah, because that means I get to torture you a bit more," Deeks chuckles.

"As I said, you're improving... and that faster than I actually thought. It means there is still room. You are not at your limits yet," Adrian shrugs, "well, and your show... it really works."

"It's no show," Deeks argues. Because it isn't. When he moves with the violin, he does it because he has to. That is the only way Deeks feels the tunes, feels the music. Every movement he does, he feels, and every feeling he has, he plays it. He never wasted a second of a thought on it to move in a certain way to express himself, it's just... him.

"Exactly, it's no show. It's authentic," Adrian nods, which actually makes Deeks smile, "thank you."

And that is actually true. When Deeks plays, then... Deeks plays. It's not Julian or some alias. He plays those tunes. He feels them. And that is why this is not just show. It's... real.

"You still sucked in the Largo," Adrian retorts. Deeks chuckles, "Of course."

He really starts to like Adrian, damn, he really, really starts to like him.

"Hey, does that mean you like me now?" Deeks asks a moment later, flashing a smirk at the young man.

"That means I don't completely hate you anymore," Aidan huffs, "Play it again."

"Aye Aye," Deeks makes a mock salute before he takes the violin back up to play.

And for the first time in a long time... he actually enjoys it again.