I don't own NCIS Los Angeles! My native language is Dutch and I'm dyslectic so sorry for any mistakes. Thank you for the reviews, alerts and favorites!

I don't even know how to express how sorry I am for abandoning this story for such a long time. I'm ashamed of myself. Real Life just caught up on me with school work (of which I finally passed a first year and just started second year) and a lot of adjusting. It kept me really busy and forced for me to take a break from writing. No inspiration and no time.

I had a writer's block for this story. As I was writing it, the story took its own life and it got away from me...a different direction than I had planned. I talked it over with my sister for some time and decided there had to be an ending coming to this story. It suddenly felt like it wasn't working anymore. Also that cause the writer's block because I didn't know how the tie the loose ends of this story, which I wanted to do, in a way it made sense. I couldn't find it. I'm still not sure if I have found it, but there is something now.

I apologize for the horrible long wait and hopefully the last couple of chapters won't take too long to write and upload. I hope you're still willing to read the story till the end...

Thanks to my sister for helping me figure some of the stuff out and thanks to 2 for I guess the kick in the butt I needed to actually finish writing and posting this chapter XD

Chapter 44

A week later 'Narah Deeks' was still the first think that came to Narah's mind when she woke up and each time she couldn't stop smiling. She never thought she would be this happy with just a name change. But there was so much behind it. There were new, and real, parents behind it. Something she always wanted and finally had. It still felt so unreal. A family was always something Narah fantasized about until it hurt too much. She imagined having a father and a mother...sometimes it would even her biological parents...but she never knew it would be like this.

'Narah! Get downstairs and eat your breakfast!' Kensi yelled from upstairs. 'We're running late!' Narah smiled. This was not like her fantasies, but it was good. Good enough to give up the fantasies.

'Already regretting the choice of adopting a teenager?' Callen joked when Deeks walked into the bullpen yawning.

'It was just a short night,' he explained, 'and it had nothing to do with a very well behaving teenage daughter. It had to do with a dog who felt left out and decided that the middle of the night was a perfect time for bonding. Kensi even kicked me out of the bed because of Monty scratching at the door.'

'Well, I couldn't get any sleep because of your dog,' she answered.

'Yeah, so I ended up walking Monty for an hour,' Deeks continued his explanation, 'but the fresh night air had woken me up so that I couldn't even fall asleep anymore. The dog did get his sleep, just like the girls of the house, but not me. I think I finally got some sleep at three a.m. So for once I perfectly content with a day of paperwork.'

'Oh now you jinxed yourself,' Sam laughed.

'It will be good to have a day full of action,' Called added. 'Keeps you awake and will ensure a good night's rest.'

'I already told him about the jinx and he didn't even...' Kensi was interrupted by one of Eric's sharps whistles.

'I will blame you if this will cause us to be here all night,' Sam said, pointing at Deeks who looked so saddened by the whistle.

Deeks leaned towards Kensi as he placed the plates on the table and he gave her a kiss. Kensi smiled and she looked at him.

'What are you doing?' she asked him. He kept his eyes on her for a moment longer, taking her all in. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

'Nothing,' he answered her, 'you're just so beautiful.' Kensi gave him a kiss before she walked back to the kitchen. Deeks followed her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck. Kensi turned around, putting her arms around his neck.

'We should be setting the table for dinner,' she told him smiling and she gave him a kiss. 'Not this...what if Narah walks in on this?'

'She will just see her parents,' he replied, 'loving each other. She has seen us kiss before...though maybe you're right. Maybe I should stop.' He gave her one last teasing kiss before walking over to the table with the salad bowl. Kensi laughed and threw a napkin at his head.

'Dinner is almost done,' she said to him, returning to business. 'Can you get Narah downstairs?' Deeks nodded and he called for Narah. He listened at the bottom of the stairs whether he heard some movement from her room. Sometimes Narah was listening to her music, which would be too loud, and he had to run up the stairs to get her. But this time he heard her walk so he returned to the table. Without saying a word Narah sat down at the table and Deeks noticed a slight blush on her face.

'So, what were you doing upstairs?' he asked her curiously. 'Homework?'

'Ummm...yeah...' she answered distantly. 'Should I get the water?' She left as soon as she saw Kensi nod. Deeks watched her fill a can of water. The silence continued when she returned and they started dinner. Well, Narah was mostly playing with her food instead of eating it.

'Everything alright, Narah?' Deeks asked her once dinner was almost over. Kensi gave him a questioning look and Narah avoided his gaze. 'Is there something you wanna share with us?'

'Ummm...remember Chris?' Narah asked. 'From the party...my friend from school.' Deeks frowned. He certainly remembered Chris and he also remembered the looks of the boy so he was wondering where this was going.

'Yes we do,' Kensi answered. 'He seemed nice.' A little smile appeared on the girl's face and Deeks turned to Kensi, who shrugged and raised her eyebrows.

'Well...he kind of asked me out on a date...actually he did...he wanted to watch a movie with me this Friday.'

'What?!' both Kensi and Deeks replied. He didn't know what to think anymore. Narah on a date...with Chris...a boy he hardly knew...a boy Narah hardly knew...Narah wasn't going on a date with some boy!

'I haven't given him an answer yet,' Narah said. 'Because I don't know how to reply...'

'How do you feel about Chris?' Kensi asked. 'Is it like a friend or could it be something more?' He rubbed his hand over his face.. He didn't want to hear that. Chris was just a friend and Narah wasn't going on a date. She's too young! Parent for a week and he already had to deal with the possibility of his teenager dating!

'Maybe you should go...' Kensi added, shocking Deeks.

'What?!' he exclaimed but there was already a smile on Narah's face and before Deeks knew it, she was running back up the stairs, content with Kensi's answer. He turned to Kensi. 'Why did you give her permission to go on a date? We don't even know Chris!'

'But we do know Narah and she knows Chris,' Kensi answered him. 'Don't you trust her making the right decision?'

'I do trust Narah,' Deeks, 'most of the time...but Chris is a boy...a teenage boy. I know boys at that age.' Kensi laughed and she kissed him gently.

'She will be alright,' she said. 'And if he is not, agent Gomez will shoot him.' Deeks smiled a little. He still wasn't happy with it, but Kensi was right. She had her own NCIS agent to keep her safe.

'You look happier,' Jordana said as Narah sat down in the usual chair. Narah smiled at her. It was for the first time she felt like she was near the end of therapy. That is was going towards something where she no longer needed it.

'I'm feeling happier,' she said. 'The adoption is finalized: Kensi and Deeks are my official parents. I'm a Deeks now.'

'Congratulations,' Jordana smiled. 'Do you feel like this closes some chapters? Those to your past?'

'It will be chapters I'm probably gonna reread,' Narah answered honestly, 'but yeah...it feels like closed chapters to me.'

'What about your mother? How do you see her in your new life?' Narah had to take a moment to think about it as she was not sure what the answer was. Alice was the link to her past. Her only link to getting to know her history and where she came from.

'I think I would like that,' she answered. 'I would like some contact...maybe seeing her from time to time. Get to know my half-brother. A bad past is also a past and it made me who I am. I think I can learn from that...'

'Sounds like you figured some things out,' Jordana said and Narah gave a little shrug. She wasn't sure about that. Things were still unclear for her, but the big lines were there. The lines she needed to go on.

Narah felt relieved when she walked out of the building where Jordana's practice was. It had been a good session and she didn't felt as heavy as she sometimes did after her sessions. She was still able to breath and there wasn't a lot racing through her mind. It felt clear and maybe even a little empty.

'Narah?' her voice was soft and there was a hint of insecurity in it. Narah took a deep breath before she turned to her mother. Her mother had a little smile on her face when she looked Narah over. 'You look good...are you doing okay?'

'How did you get here?' Narah asked, ignoring Alice's question and she noticed Maria's presence somewhat more next to her.

'I had an appointment in the building down the stairs,' Alice started to explain. 'I was on my way to the care when...umm...when I saw you...and I know you don't really want to see me...you made that clear...and I understand...but I couldn't just let you walk...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...'

'Ummm...it's okay,' Narah replied, glancing at Maria if she thought the same. Maria gave her a little nod and took a step back. Alice's lip trembled as she smiled a little more

'Thanks...I know this must be strange,' she said. 'Certainly not what I expected when I woke up this morning...' Narah nodded slowly, thinking about her week. First Chris with his date and now Alice with her surprise visit. Well more like bump-into-each-other-on-the-street. 'Umm...maybe we could go to a cafe or something?' Alice suggested carefully, 'and get a drink?' Narah right away glanced over at Maria, which Alice seemed to notice immediately. 'We don't have to...never mind...'

'No!' Narah interrupted. 'I think I would actually like that...but I can't today. I need to go home...but maybe another time?' Alice nodded.

'I would like that.' She smiled and handed Narah a card. 'My phone number is on there...I know Kensi has it as well but maybe...now you have it yourself.'

'Thank you,' Narah replied and she took the card.

'We have to go, Narah,' Maria interrupted as she stepped closer. Narah nodded and smiled weakly at Alice, not really knowing how to end this conversation.

'Thank you,' Alice said after a few seconds of awkward silence, 'for giving me a second chance.' Narah smiled, genuinely this time, before walking over to the car where Maria was waiting for her.

Narah had changed her outfit over fourteen times. She wasn't sure. What did you wear to the movies, on a possible date? She had asked Kensi, but she had replied just to wear whatever what made her feel comfortable. Well at the moment nothing felt comfortable. Every piece of clothing she had, seemed to look horrible on her or it itched or something else. Nothing seemed right. She really wanted to text her friends, but she knew they would freak out and she would never get advice. And about Ivan she had no clue. At the party they didn't seem to like each other. Not that they actually spoke to each other. Ivan also had seemed quiet after her dance with Chris. She hoped it was just his protective side and not some other weirdness.

'Narah, agent Gomez just arrived!' Kensi yelled up. 'Are you ready?' Narah ran a hand through her hair. Now she really had to put on something. Maybe she should just close her eyes and believe that her body would guide her to the right things. So she did. When she saw what she picked, she immediately threw it away. Definitely not her pajama pants. What could she wear? A quick glance on her alarm clock told her it was really time to just pick something and go for it. Narah took a deep breath and turned to her closet. There were only a few clothing pieces inside, but she did find something she didn't hate right away. It was a flowing sea green summer dress. When they bought it, she really liked it, but she had never really worn it. Maybe for one dinner at Julia's. But this had to be what she would wear to her date...the word still sounded strange. Strange to think she was going on a date with a boy.

'Narah?!' Kensi yelled again.

'I'm coming!' Narah replied and she put the dress on. Looking into the mirror, she gave herself a little nod. It had to do. It wasn't perfect, but yeah, it could applied a little make-up and hoped Deeks wouldn't notice. She knew he wouldn't like her wearing make-up to a date. He didn't even like her going on a date, so she just had to rush past him. For her shoes she grabbed her grey All-stars and she ran down the stairs.

The car ride to the cinema was nerve-racking. Chris would be waiting for them over there and Narah knew that. It made her nervous, but a little excited as well. It felt special being asked on a date. A real date, or at least Narah thought that going to the movies counted as a real proper date. When they arrived, Maria opened the door for her and they walked inside, where Chris was indeed waiting. She could see he had dressed up for the occasion, but still casual. It made her wonder if he had been in front of his mirror all day as well? Narah had to say he looked good in his simple blue jeans, jacket and grayish shirt underneath. He smiled when he saw Narah and she returned the smile.

'Wow, you look beautiful,' he complimented and Narah felt a little blush creeping up.

'Thank you,' she replied, 'and you look great as well.'

'I already got us the tickets,' he said. 'Do you want to get some drinks and popcorn?' Narah nodded and they walked to the counter to place the order. She noticed that he tried to keep his eyes from Maria, who had to follow them, and she smiled.

'You will get used to it,' she assured him.

'Oh, I'm sorry,' he said. 'I never been on a date with a girl who was chaperoned...especially not by someone who's carrying a gun...'

'As long as you don't have any plans of hurting or killing me, you will be fine.' Chris laughed.

'I wouldn't dream of it,' he told her. Narah looked at him and found him staring at her. The blushing became worse and she was sure that by now she looked like a tomato. The guy behind the counter gave them their drinks and food and Chris paid.

'Shall we head inside?' he asked and Narah nodded. She found herself a little lost for words. It felt strange and uncomfortable not knowing words.

Deeks parked his car and looked through the window at Narah who got out of the car. He noticed the little stare and nod agent Gomez gave him. This was just something he felt like he had to do. He knew teenage boys and this was his daughter. Date or no date, he would keep an eye on them. That boy would behave himself. He lost visual on Narah when she got inside, but he trusted agent Gomez to keep an eye on them. It was silent in the car and Deeks looked around. He should have prepared better. He was a federal agent; he had been on stake-out, but he brought nothing. Maybe he should run inside and get something to drink...maybe some food as well. If he was quick, Narah wouldn't notice him. By now they would have entered the room, right? His phone vibrated and he opened the text. They are in the room. Just sitting next to each other. No touching of body parts. Deeks laughed as he read agent Gomez' report. Maybe this was a bit too much. He could just go back home. Kensi didn't seem too happy about having to spend the evening with Monty, instead of with him as she had expected. Alone time with Kensi sounded really good...and Narah was here with agent Gomez to keep an eye. This stake-out was crazy work. Deeks started the car and quickly drove back to their house.

Kensi turned her head when Deeks entered the house. He walked over to her and kissed her on the lips, before sitting down next to her.

'I thought you had an important mission concerning horrible teenage boys,' Kensi said and Deeks smiled.

'Nah, no need for that,' he said casually. 'We can trust them.' Kensi started to laugh.

'Yeah, you seemed really trusting of Chris when Narah asked permission for the date,' she replied. Deeks leaned towards her.

'Well, I was sitting there...all by myself...' he started, 'and then I was reminded of the gorgeous woman that would be all alone in this big house. I was clearly needed somewhere else than at the movie theater.'

'Oh I was never alone,' Kensi told him and Deeks felt wounded. 'I had this old dog keeping me company instead of my overprotective boyfriend who needed to keep an eye on our daughter...which was kind of hot, if I'm honest.' He laughed and he gave her a kiss.

'I can be really protective,' he whispered against her lips.

'I know,' she whispered back. 'And I love that about you.'

The movie had been good and the drinks afterwards were nice as well. The talk came easy to Chris and Narah. But it still felt a little strange, a little different, from the normal time they would hang out. Narah was convinced it was by the name they gave to their hanging out tonight: a date. The nerves were worse when they were getting out of the car and Chris asked if he could walk her to the door. Narah had seen movies and heard stories.

'I had a great evening,' Chris told her as they walked to the front door. Outside of it they stopped. Narah looked at him. He looked different in the outside light. Different than the first day she had met him.

'Me too,' she replied, remembering he might be waiting for her to speak.

'Wel...I guess I will have to head back now,' he said. 'Your parents will be waiting for you...and mine probably too...' Narah had no idea what to reply to that. "Yes, I guess" sounded so stupid in this moment. Her train of thoughts was cut off when she saw Chris leaning a bit towards her. She knew what was going to happen, and it that moment she froze. She didn't know what to do. His lips softly touched her and it wasn't horrible. The kiss ended quickly, but it told her everything. When she looked at Chris, he was smiling shyly. Narah tried to form words.

'I'm sorry,' Chris then said and it made Narah feel bad.

'No, don't be!' she said. 'It was nice...it's just...I don't think...I don't know...I'm not sure. I think...it's just friends for me...ohh...that sounds horrible...I'm sorry.' Chris' smile cut off her rambling and she looked at him, giving him a chance to speak.

'It's okay, Narah,' he assured her. 'You're a great girl and if you don't feel it...we'll be just friends. I'm good with that. Like I said, you're a great girl.'

'And you're a great guy, but...' Narah heard herself say the words and she laughed. 'I'm not making it that much better, am I.' Chris laughed.

'I know what you mean,' he told her. A silence fell between them, both not sure what to do. Narah certainly didn't after that awkwardness. Chris was the one to break the silence. 'Can I give you a hug before I go?'

'Of course,' Narah smiled and he gave her a hug. 'Thank you for this great evening.'

'My pleasure,' he replied. 'I will see you in school on Monday?' Narah nodded and she watched Chris walk over to Maria, who would bring him home. Suddenly she realized Maria had seen all the awkwardness and she felt so ashamed. It was already horrible going through it herself, let alone knowing someone had seen it.

To be continued.
And once again sorry for the long wait!