AN: I know, I know. I let life take control again and my readers had to suffer because of it. So you make it up to you all, I have decided to publish the last two chapters in one go. So here they are. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: Still not mine. So sorry.
Be hopeful, you told Merri. And you are, right? You can do this. There has to be a way. A loophole somewhere in your contract. A deal to make.
There has to be, you won't even consider the alternative. Which is never being anything more than a work partner. No matter how much you want to keep your promise to Merri, you're quite sure it'll tear you apart, having to see her every day and never getting to touch her, kiss her, love her the way you want to.
There has to be a way.
But you'll need help. Merri won't be too happy with your methods, but you see no other options than to tell King. He knows things. Knows the right people. Everyone in this city owes him a favor in some form. Plus, he knows you. He may be able to help you. And willing too, if only because you came to him before going behind his back.
The last thing you want is to put your boss, mentor and friend in a position where he becomes stuck in the middle of you and the big brass in DC. Rules are rules and though King is not a stickler to them, there is only so much he can do to defend you without getting into trouble himself, the moment the shit hits the fan. Which it inevitably will.
You owe him a lot more than that.
Hanging around in the kitchen after working hours always does the trick and from behind a plate of steak and fries, you carefully address the situation, being as honest about how this all came to be as you dare to be.
King, as you had hoped, lets you speak your mind, before grabbing your empty plates and returning with two pieces of Key lime pie for desert. Handing you your plate and a fork, he takes his own first bite. You know he's mulling things through in his head and wait patiently for him to start talking. When he does, his answer does not disappoint.
"Thanks, Christopher, for coming to me first and for being honest with me here."
"I owe you that much, King. But do you think you can help us?"
Wiping the crumbs from his mouth with his napkin, he nods.
"I think I have an idea, but it'll take some work, so bear with me. If it does work, it'll be a great way for Merri and you to be together."
"Anything I can do?"
"Not for now. Just keep working and let me try and handle this. I'll keep you posted, son."
"Thanks King, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. Merri too."
"No need to thank me now. I haven't done anything yet. And I think you deserve this, Christopher. You and Merri are good together."
With that, he puts the dishes in the washer and invites you to have a beer with him in the backyard. Knowing you have one friend firmly behind you, the beer tastes all the better.
***CL&MB***
Interlude: King/NCIS: Los Angeles
He promised Christopher he would look into it and that's what he'll do. He can't blame his agents for falling for each other. Working so closely together means people are bound to create a bond and this is not the first time that such a connection has turned into love. And if there is one man who deserves to be happy again with a woman he loves, it's Chris. Plus, Merri is a good woman for him, despite the difference in age.
He knows it's not something he can get done in a few days' time. There are rules even he can't bend, no matter how much he is inclined to look the other way. This needs a water proof solution, so it can't come back to bite them in the backside.
He has thought about getting in touch with the SecNav and call in some favors, but even though she owes him, he doesn't like the idea of her meddling into the private lives of his people. Having her agree to turn a blind eye to Christopher's and Merri's relationship places them in a tricky position that is totally depending on the goodwill of people higher up the food chain, which means that it'll take only one occasion of misunderstanding for the SecNav to throw them under a bus.
So that leaves the other option…He wasn't lying when he told Chris he has an idea that may just work. It was something Special Agent DiNozzo had casually mentioned to him on his last visit to the New Orleans office. Something about a relationship between work partners at the Los Angeles office, allowed due to some sort of deal between their local LEO's and NCIS. It will take some organization, but he's willing to do some work, if it means keeping Christopher with their team and seeing him happy with Merri.
He starts by placing a conference call to the DC office, where a slightly disgruntled director Vance and an even more chagrined looking assistant director Owen Granger (though when does the man ever look even remotely friendly?) give him permission to put his plan into action. That's step one.
After that, he calls the NOPD main office and makes an appointment with Mack Garrity for the next day. He and Mack go a way back and the man has yet to forgive Pride for stealing his best cop away from the force. He has never given up on his attempts to persuade Chris to rejoin his team. Well, now he just might. If Pride can get him to agree to the plan he has in mind.
The next morning, he picks up his car keys and informs his crew that he has some errands to run. At the NOPD main office, Mack listens carefully to King's story and, after some deliberation with the higher brass, agrees to try and make this solution work.
Step two taken care of successfully, Pride drives back to the office and requests a conference call between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Minutes later, the petite yet intimidating figure of Henrietta Lange appears on screen.
"Henrietta, what a pleasure to see you again."
"You flatter me, Dwayne Pride. How are things in the Big Easy? It's been too long since I've been there."
"You're always welcome to come taste my gumbo, Hetty."
"And one of these days, I may take your invitation. Now, Owen has been kind enough to inform me you had a request for me, so how may I help you?"
"I have a fraternization problem on my hands, but I hear you've come up with a rather brilliant solution for two of your people."
"I suppose you're referring to Miss Blye and Mr. Deeks?"
"Exactly. Detective Deeks is a liaison officer, right? Working from your office?"
"He is. But that was from the start and as far as I know, the construction was quite unique. It was not meant to accommodate his relationship with Miss Blye, if only because said relationship had not blossomed yet."
King smirks. He's known Hetty far too long to believe that.
"If that were true, why didn't you just offer the man an NCIS contract?"
"I have, he's turned it down."
"Was that before or after he fell in love?"
"Now, Mr. Pride, are you suggesting I know the innermost thoughts and feelings of my agents or liaison officer?"
Shaking his head in good humor, Pride decides to cut his losses. He still needs her help after all.
"Very well, Henrietta. I'm sure you played no part whatsoever in getting them together. But if you'll let me get back to the matter at hand, do you think it's feasible to send me a copy of said contract, minus all private details and classified information of course."
"I would have to discuss this with Mr. Deeks and his Lieutenant first."
"Of course, I understand."
"Let me get in touch with them. I'll call you back when I have the answers."
"That would be great. Thank you Hetty."
"You're most welcome. We'll talk soon."
A few days later…
This may be going faster than he had dared to hope for, but he can only be happy with that. He has yet to inform either Chris or Merri about his plan, reluctant to give them any false hope. If Hetty can't find a way to help them (unfathomable as that concept may be), he may not have anything to tell them at all. So no, he'll refrain from saying anything until he hears from the formidable NCIS Los Angeles superwoman, though it's pretty hard to ignore the hopeful looks cast in his direction by his protégé or the heated looks shared between Chris and Merri.
God, he may need to cuff them to their desks before they jump each other in the middle of the office. It surprises him that so far, neither Patton nor Sonja have seemed to notice anything. The smell of pheromones wafting from his senior agents gives him a headache.
He can only hope Hetty will come through soon. Real soon.
But as suspected and hoped, when he gets back in touch with her, she doesn't disappoint.
"Mr. Pride, I have spoken to Lieutenant Bates and Detective Deeks and both have agreed to send you a blank copy of the contract as it was drawn up between the LAPD, Mr. Deeks and this office. Mr. Deeks is on his way as we speak to hand over the contract himself, seeing as you may need a lawyer to get it legalized."
"Is he bringing a lawyer? We have attorneys here in New Orleans too you know."
"Yes I know, but Mr. Deeks is an excellent lawyer himself and already has all the inside knowledge needed for this little deal. He's been brushing up on Louisiana state legislation and I believe it'll spare you a lot of time if he can have this verified. Plus, he has never been to New Orleans before and I couldn't deny him the pleasure of a little extended holiday. He deserves it."
"I thank you Hetty. When can we be expecting him?"
As if on cue, there's a knock on the door and Pride turns away from the monitor to open it. In front of him stands Chris, flanked by a taller man in his early thirties, with scruffy blond hair, blue eyes and the easy-going, laid-back appearance of your typical Californian surfer.
The look on King's protégé's face is one of utter bewilderment as he addresses his boss.
"King, this is Detective Marty Deeks, LAPD, says he's here to see you, something about a classified mission?"
At first sight, Pride thinks he appears to be nothing else but the stereotype golden boy, but looking him more keenly in the eyes, he assesses there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. There's a sharp intelligence hidden beneath the smile, as well as a deep well of human emotions that can only come from life experiences of the worst kind.
Well, nobody said working for or with NCIS is easy and perhaps especially so when working with the Office of Special Projects, most of its operations classified even to Pride. Their reputation surely says enough. And since he was handpicked by Henrietta Lange…
Taking an instant liking to the man, he stretches out his hand.
"Welcome Detective Deeks. Or can I call you Marty?"
"Please, just call me Deeks. And you must be Agent Pride."
"Friends call me Dwayne, good friends call me King."
"I'll stick with Dwayne for the moment then."
After a firm handshake, Pride ends his call to Hetty with a word of thanks and invites their guest into the kitchen, with Chris trailing behind them, still clueless about this man and what his visit can mean.
"Should I leave you alone, King?"
Gotta hand it to Christopher, he knows the meaning of classified and will curtail his curiosity if King has something to discuss that is above his paygrade.
"No, that's okay son, you are actually needed for this operation."
He starts rummaging through the fridge, taking out several jars and bottles.
"You hungry?"
Deeks, deciding the question was addressed to him, nods enthusiastically.
"Starving actually. The cardboard sandwich on the plane does very little to satisfy a man's stomach."
"Truer words were rarely spoken. I'll prepare us some dinner. Christopher, why don't you show Deeks here into the courtyard and get yourselves some cold beers."
***CL&MB***
You're still completely puzzled about this man's presence and the reason behind it, but you do as you're told, hoping someone will fill you in soon. It can't be about a case, since your office doesn't usually share cases with the LAPD and it doesn't seem like King knows this man from Adam, so what's going on?
Unless…could he have anything to do with your boss's promise to help you and Merri? Speaking of which…
"Where's Merri?"
"With Patton. He found some evidence on the Bailor case. She should be back any minute. Percy's gone home for the day. She had some private things to take care of."
Deeks, bottle in his hands, is wandering around the courtyard, trailing back and taking a seat at the table, folding his long legs underneath him. Sensing your nerves, he tries to distract you by asking tons of questions about the city and all the mischief he can get himself into. His easy manners relaxes you and you find yourself taking a liking to him. Analyzing him as much as he is scrutinizing you, you come to the conclusion that his almost lethargic perspective on life is merely a front.
This man has seen things. Both beautiful and horrific. And they have left their mark. As it does with most law enforcement personnel.
Light footsteps come closer, signaling the arrival of your partner.
"You guys making dinner? I'm starving. Oh, we have a guest."
Deeks stands and offers his hand in greeting.
"Marty Deeks, LAPD. You must be Special Agent Brody."
Puzzled, Merri nonetheless takes his hand and shakes it.
"Meredith Brody. Please call me Merri. Or Brody."
"Going by your last name too huh? In that case, call me Deeks. Everyone does."
"Very well. Deeks it is."
You're spared the awkward silence by Pride, coming in with a huge bowl of gumbo and a couple of plates.
"Southern specialty with a Dwayne Pride twist." He announces to your guest as he fills the first plate and sets it down in front of him.
Curious, Deeks picks up his fork and takes a bite.
He chews carefully for a moment, swallows and allows a big grin to overtake his features.
"Excellent."
"Yes it is, if I do say so myself."
"How did you get it cooked so fast?"
"I have to admit I smuggled. This was prepared last week. I merely had to reheat it, but for gumbo, people say it merely adds to the flavor."
"Well, whatever the reason, it's amazing. I do like to cook myself, but I rarely have time in between chasing bad guys, surfing, my dog and cleaning up after my ladybird. God knows I love her, but she's a slob."
Plates filled, you all dig in, following the enthusiastic detective's example. For a moment, all that can be heard is the clicking of utensils against plates as you enjoy the fruits of King's labor.
"So, detective Deeks, what brings you to the Big Easy?"
Gotta love Merri and her impatience.
Deeks shares a quick glance with Pride, who nods. Whatever is going on, these two are in it together. Intrigued, you lean forward to hear the explanation.
"I'm here to help with a very delicate situation."
Almost as a teaser, he takes another fork full of food and washes it away with the last swallow of beer, prompting King to stand up and get some refills.
Antsy, Merri pulls her seat in a little closer, shoving her empty plate away so she can lean over.
"And what would that be?"
"Office fraternization."
His deadpan answer has your partner lean back again, while you eagerly lean in. So you were right, King has brought this LAPD officer in because he somehow has the key to solving your problem…you're anxious to know how this came about.
Seeing your anxiety, the detective puts down his now empty bottle and start talking.
"Let me tell you some relevant things about myself. You know I'm an LAPD detective, but I don't actually work with them. I am what they call, a liaison officer between LAPD and the NCIS Los Angeles Office of Special Projects. Which in practice means I work with NCIS, from their office, with all the same security clearances as all NCIS Agents. I just get paid by LAPD for keeping them in the loop during joint cases. They can also occasionally call me back for some undercover work, but those cases are few and far between these days."
Just as you wonder about why the man has never just switched roles, he continues.
"Hetty Lange…"
He pauses for a moment so you all have a chance to ask him who Hetty Lange is, but there's no need. The pint-sized lady is an NCIS legend and you don't think there's even one Agent left who hasn't heard of her, regardless of where they're located.
"She's offered me a permanent position at NCIS some time ago, but now I'm happy I haven't taken it. You see, there's a good reason I haven't. And said reason is also the reason I'm here now. I can help you."
Underneath the table, you suddenly feel Merri's hand on your knee. Your own hand finds hers and squeezes it. Deeks accepts a new beer from King, who has returned to the table. Both you and Merri accept one too, eagerly waiting for Deeks to swallow his sip and continue. With a smile, he does.
"My staying with LAPD now comes in handy. You see, my ladybird, my Kensalina, also happens to be Special Agent Kensi Blye, my NCIS partner. So while I get to work with her daily and take her home afterwards, there are no fraternization rules to take into account."
The penny drops, both with you and Merri, whose grip on your hand intensifies.
"So now what…"
You don't get to finish your question, because Deeks is already pushing a manila folder in your direction.
"Your boss here must really care for you. He has gotten in touch with Hetty to see if a situation like mine can't be somehow reconstructed."
With a nod in your direction, you're told to open the folder. Inside, you find a few papers stapled together. With both the NCIS and NOPD shields on top of it, it looks to be a contract. You scan it through.
From the look of things, your old NOPD Vice squad welcomes you back into their folds, lending you on a semi-permanent basis to NCIS, where you will function as a liaison between the two agencies.
"Is this eh…?"
"Legal? Verified with NOPD and the Director?" Deeks finishes.
You nod and in answer, so does he.
"Yes to all. All mentioned parties have agreed to these terms and the contract, once signed, is legally binding. All you need to do is go to NOPD and retake the oath in order to get your new badge."
"Can I have this checked by a lawyer?"
Deeks shakes his head.
"No need. You're looking at one. I'm still licensed to practice law, so you're all set, Agent, or perhaps I should say, Detective LaSalle."
The pressure from Merri's hand on your knee has become painful and so you grant her her obvious wish and slide the contract towards her. She reads intently for a moment and when she looks up, you ask her the question you feel she should answer as well as you.
"So, whaddaya say, Miss Brody. To sign or not to sign?"
"It's quite a pay cut."
You shrug. Money was never much of a drive for you. If it was; you would have joined your dad in the oil business years ago.
"I can still afford all I need."
"You sure?"
"Yes, Merri. I can even afford to take you out on the occasional date."
You lean in closer to whisper in her ear: "You can pay for those too you know. I kinda like the idea of being a kept man."
The elbow in your ribs is deserved and you laugh it off, your smirk only growing bigger when she pushes the contract back to you.
"Sign it."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Your looks grow heated with the implications sinking in. This is not just the start of a new career (if only on paper), but also of something beautiful with the woman you love.
"Oh, for Pete's sake, kiss the girl already!"
Deeks's comment shakes you out of your trance and you laugh. The man has a point though. With one glance at Pride (who mumbles something about pheromones and hurries inside like he is chased by the devil), you lean in closer to Merri and capture her lips in a short, sweet kiss.
With some effort, you manage to keep it PG, but your heart misses a beat when you look at Merri's flushed face. You can hardly wait to take her home tonight…
In the meantime, Pride has returned to the table.
"I made an appointment with Lieutenant Mack Garrity for lunch tomorrow. We're expected at the NOPD precinct at noon for your oath. I suggest you get your dress blues out of storage, providing you still have them."
You nod, knowing exactly where your uniform is.
"Will do."
God, your dress blues. You can only hope the stuff still fits. It'll feel funny to be wearing them again, after so many years. If it were up to you, there would not be this much pump and circumstance with you rejoining the NOPD ranks, but hey, you'll go with the ceremony. Plus, you're excited to see Merri's reaction to you wearing a uniform she has never seen before and will (if it's up to you) never see again.
Oh well, some chicks dig uniforms. Time to figure out if Merri's one of them. And there may be some fun stuff you could do with the handcuffs later…
Wait…
"Who's invited to this little happening, King?"
"Whoever you want, son."
You turn to Merri first, but she's nodding like a bobble head and you peck her on the cheek for her effort. So you turn to Deeks.
"I'd like you to be there too. This could not have happened without you. "
"You're probably right, so yeah thanks for the invite. I'll be there."
You grin at the man's total lack of modesty.
It's decided you should all gather at the NCIS building first and head for NOPD together. At least it'll give you time to explain your new status to Sonja, Patton, Loretta and Sebastian.
After some excellent homemade apple crumble from King, you say your goodbyes and head home, holding onto Merri's hand for all to see.
It's good to be out in the open with this.
Next chapter is already up and loaded, so go ahead…