I know this one took a while. Apparently when I do a chapter with a case involved, my brain stops working.

HUGE thanks to bookdiva and moresassythanclassy for all their encouragement and help sorting my thoughts and getting it down on paper. (and bookdiva for looking it over for me!) You ladies are absolutely amazing!

Two weeks had gone by since they had gotten the box from Julia containing her dad's things. Deeks had yet to show her the letter Julia had given him from Donald to his daughter's future husband. Husband. Kensi's husband. That was a role he would be honored to have, and hoped to one day. But first things first, they had to get her stuff moved in.

Kensi had been procrastinating on packing her place up. She always managed to come up with an excuse, and Deeks was starting to wonder what her thought process was behind it. It's not like she didn't basically live with him anyway. She may not have formally packed up her things, but most of her clothes and personal items were already taking up space in his closet and around the house.

As Deeks walked into the living room that morning to get the coffee started and walk Monty, he looked around. They had added some of her photos of them to the shelves, along with her movies and her favorite books. What bothered Deeks was they were still paying rent on her place…that still had her stuff in it. But he wasn't going to push her. She would finish it when she was ready. He knew she had a lot of memories stored there, and it would take her some time.

Leaving her a note that said he was taking Monty for a walk, he put his clothes on and silently crept out of the apartment.

Kensi woke up ten minutes later, smelling the coffee he had already brewed. She rolled over, seeing her note and smiled. She stretched for a minute before getting out of bed and padding her way to the kitchen. She fixed her coffee and when she heard the door open, she pulled another cup down from the shelf and poured him a cup too. As soon as she put the coffee pot back, she felt two strong arms encircle her waist and a chin land on her shoulder.

"Good morning beautiful." He nuzzled her neck and placed a soft, gently kiss against it.

"Mmmm… good morning." She leaned her body back against his, savoring the feel of him.

She put her cup down and turned, wrapping her arms around his torso.

"So, I was thinking since we have the weekend off…" Before she could finish her sentence, her phone rang. With a heavy sigh, she saw it was Eric and answered.

Deeks took his coffee cup, and by the look on her face he knew it wasn't good. He gulped down what he could and turned, walking off to the bedroom to change his clothes.

Kensi followed a minute behind him, grabbing some pants and a shirt.

"Case then, huh?" he asked.

"Got it in one." She closed the bathroom door and quickly changed and brushed her teeth, putting her hair up in a ponytail.

As soon as she opened the door to step out, Deeks wrapped his arms around her and twirled her around, making her laugh.

"What are you doing Deeks? We have to go." She tried to sound serious but failed miserably.

"I love you, Kensi."

She looked him in the eye before kissing his lips, long and slow and full of passion.

"I love you too, babe. Now, we gotta go."

They arrived at OSP, dropping their bags at their desks and bounding up the stairs. Hearing the whoosh of the doors, the rest of the team turned.

"Glad you could join us." Callen smirked at them both.

"Hey, just be glad you weren't interrupting anything." This earned Deeks an elbow to the stomach and a glare from Kensi, who was now blushing furiously.

"What do we got guys? It's the weekend."

"Well Ms. Blye, unfortunately the bad guys don't always get the memo and follow the Monday-Friday work week." Hetty snuck in from somewhere, making them all jump a little.

"How does she do that?" Deeks whispered to Kensi.

"One of the many things you will always be left to ponder, Mr. Deeks." This time it was Deeks who started blushing.

Eric started telling them about the case. "LAPD has been doing an undercover operation to get information on an upcoming drug ring. The leader is Luis Sanchez. They have a very unique type of heroin that they've made; it doesn't take as much to get you high, making the overdose amount much lower than normal. This unique blend of drug has already killed 7 people, the last one being a high ranking officer's son."

Eric turned to Hetty, letting her finish it up, knowing at least two people were about to get very upset.

"LAPD and NCIS are going to team up together, as they already have someone set up within the ranks. Ms. Blye, you will be going undercover as Tracey Petty, whose family is in the 'distribution' industry, and the girlfriend of Steven Canes."

Deeks decided to speak up.

"So I'm going to be Steven Canes?"

"No, Mr. Deeks. Like I said, we are working with LAPD on this, and since you are no longer LAPD, Ms. Blye will be partnered up with their guy."

"Hetty, this is not a good idea. I'm her partner. I should be the one who has her back, not someone we don't know."

"You seem to have very little faith in me Mr. Deeks. She's not going undercover with someone we don't know."

"What do you mean Hetty? Who is she going undercover with?" Callen was getting tired of the run around.

At those words, the doors to OPS whooshed open again.

"I'm Steven Canes. Nice to see everyone again." There stood Trey Norton.

Deeks had a bad feeling about this. Sure, Trey had been her partner while he was still with LAPD, but that didn't mean that he was okay with him having her back again. He knew Trey was good at his job – if he wasn't Deeks would have put up a lot bigger fight about this assignment – but Deeks was never comfortable about Kensi going undercover without him. Had Deeks ever voiced this to her, he knew without a doubt he wouldn't have children, ever, but he was sneaky enough to make sure he was as close as possible if she needed him.

Deeks was pacing outside the dressing room while Kensi got ready. He knew he should be in the bull pen, helping everyone plan the details, but he needed to be close to her.

"Deeks, stop it. I can hear the path you are making from here. It's going to be fine. I've worked with Trey before, I know his signals," she threw the curtain open "and I trust him. Not like I trust you, but I know he's got my back if I need it. And I know you will be there, too. So stop, please. You're going to put me on edge if you keep it up."

As soon as she had opened the curtain, he had stopped and stared at her. She was wearing a very low cut beige halter top, denim skirt that reached mid-thigh and beige strappy sandals. Her hair was down, wavy, just how he liked it.

"You have some drool right… there." She pointed to the side of her mouth, laughing a little. He seemed to snap out of his trance, meeting her eyes.

"That tends to happen when I see a gorgeous woman."

"Oh, so any time you see a gorgeous woman, I need to wipe drool from your mouth? I have say that doesn't bode well for our relationship."

"No, see, that's not… What I meant was…" His attempts at backtracking were not going as well as he planned. Hell, the whole situation had gotten turned around.

"I'm going to start over. Wow Kensi, you look amazing. And you are the only woman who can make me drool. The only woman I want to drool over." Satisfaction reached Kensi's eyes and she grinned. She knew what he was trying to say earlier, but sometimes it was so easy to get him flustered.

"Good save there Deeks." He pulled her into his arms, relishing the feel of her. His brows furrowed when his hands touched an almost bare back.

"Where the hell is the rest of this shirt? If you can even call it that? Half of your ladies are already showing, and now you seem to have misplaced the back." He gasped when his mind caught up and his eyes got wide. "You aren't wearing a bra!"

Kensi pulled back. "It amazes me sometimes that you used to be a Detective. No Mr. Super-Special-Agent, I am not wearing a bra. Didn't really go with the outfit. But if you play nice, I'll show you tonight where I keep my weapon." She smirked at him as his eyes glazed over a little.

"Promises, promises."

"I always make good on my promises, Deeks. You should know that by now." She let the implication lay there and walked off towards the guys, putting an extra sway in her hips knowing he was watching.

"Yes, yes I do." He was struck with an idea. He quickly pulled two pieces of paper and jotted some things down and then followed, knowing now was the time to get into work mode. She would need her partner out there, not her boyfriend. But that wasn't going to stop him from leaving her a little something. Much as she had when he had gone undercover, he watched as she concentrated on what was said and slipped something in the purse she would carrying.

Callen noticed him walk up and turned his attention.

"Deeks, you will be going in as Jason Williams. They are going to go in today and get Kensi established as Trey's girlfriend. Eric and Nell are working on the backstopping now so there won't be any questions as to her story. Sometime in the next couple of days you will go in as their associate. Sam and I will be around the corner ready to move if either of you say the word. LAPD will also be there for back up. Trey has been in enough that these guys are ready to make a deal and get the drugs moving soon."

Deeks looked at Kensi, eyebrows wiggling.

"So, I see Tracey and Jason are making a come-back."

"Yeah, maybe this time we can get pictures." She scoffed at him, not catching onto his thinking until it was too late.

"You mean like the two of us at the Santa Monica pier, or the kind where you're not wearing anything but a smile."

All she did was smile at him - letting the love and passion she felt for him shine through - and licked her lips.

"Wow. So, definitely, uh, X-rated then."

"Seriously guys? Do you do this all the time?" Trey looked confused.

Kensi turned. "Do what?"

"Never mind. Don't worry about." Trey just shook his head. "Come on Tracey, let's get this party started." He offered his arm to her. Before she could respond, Deeks cut in.

"Come on Trey. You have a couple of minutes before you need to leave. I got something to show you before you go." Deeks nodded his hand, indicating for him to follow. He winked at Kensi as he passed, and led Trey to the gym. As Trey walked in, Deeks turned and handed him a piece of paper. Without another word, Deeks turned and walked out, wanting to talk to his girl before this started.

Trey looked at the paper a moment before he opened it.

Detective Trey Norton

That girl out there, she's my everything. I know you don't need me to tell you this, but she can kick ass and take names with her eyes closed. I need to know that you have her back and will make sure to bring her home to me each day until this assignment is over. It's nothing against you, this is for my piece of mind. Maybe it's selfish on my part, but I have an overwhelming need to protect her, to make sure she comes back in one piece. While she is with you, I ask that you look out for her when I can't. I'm not in any way doubting your abilities, or hers, I just know how reckless she can be without me there to watch her back (I know, I'm probably preaching to the choir right now). Just know that I am entrusting you with my world.

Also, remember I am listening in. Any inappropriate comments not made by me will be handled accordingly. – Marty Deeks

Trey folded the paper back and stuck it in his pocket, knowing he would do whatever he had to do to make sure they came home to each other. He had wondered when Deeks was away if there was something between the two. He knew that the then Detective had managed to get gifts to Kensi to make her smile, and it had always worked. When he had come back and they had talked, he remembered the hurt and guilt on his face when he learned of the accident. They may not have been together then, but they were definitely together now. And he wanted nothing more than a lifetime of happiness for them.

Back in the bull pen, Deeks had pulled Kensi to the side.

"What's the safe word?"

"Seriously Deeks? How did you get them to agree to 'fern' as the safe word?"

"You don't want to know." She laughed then, and hugged him, needing the contact to get her through the rest of the day. She saw Trey walking back from the gym and started to pull away, but her boyfriend had other things in mind. He tightened his arms around her and whispered into her ear.

"I love you, Kensi. We agreed after the last OP that that would be what was said when it was time to leave. I love you, and I will be there with you."

She repeated the words he had said to her years before, and the words he had written to her months before.

"Even if I can't see you, you'll be there."

"Exactly."

"I love you, Marty Deeks." She pulled away from him and smiled. "Now, let's get this over with so I make good on my promise." His mind immediately returned to the dressing room and getting to search her for weapons later.

Once she knew he was on the same page as her, she winked at him. Looking over at Trey who had walked up, she smiled.

"Well come on Mr. Canes, I believe it's time for Tracey to join the party." And with that, the team left, ready to catch the bad guys and save the day.

Trey drove Kensi to a small warehouse on the outskirts of LA. As they pulled up, Kensi began rummaging in her purse for her Chapstick. What she found was something completely different. She pulled the pale purple piece of paper out and read it quickly.

I love you sweetheart. Remember, I'm here if you need me, and be safe. Smile Sunshine – D

It wasn't much, but it was exactly what she needed to calm her nerves. Trey put the car in park and she knew it was time for Kensi to take a backseat and let Tracey do her thing.

Everybody met back at the mission the night before and did a quick de-brief. Trey had introduced Kensi and explained that her dad was successful in distribution and was looking for new clients. Luis had been receptive to the idea, but before he agreed to it, he wanted to meet daddy and discuss the issues at hand. Kensi had quickly put him in his place, letting him know that if she wasn't good enough to go through, then this business arrangement wasn't going to work. As she had gotten up to leave, Luis grabbed her arm - a little too forcefully, making sure to put his own mark on her - and smiled at her. Apparently he had a thing for bossy women. The way he leered at her the rest of the night had creeped out Kensi, but she kept her cover as Tracey, Steven's girlfriend, and made sure to act like it.

He's good, she thought as she and Trey left. Luis had managed to let his eyes and his strength try to intimidate her – hence the bruising – but his voice had never let on what going on. All the team would have heard was him making conversation and getting information, nothing that would have alerted them to anything else.

By the time the team made it back to home base, Kensi was sporting a new bruise on her upper arm that looked just like Luis's hand. As soon as Deeks saw it, his face turned red at his attempt to contain his anger.

He quickly turned to Trey.

"Where the hell were you when this happened?" His teeth were gritted together and his hands were clenched at his sides. Kensi placed a hand on his back.

"Don't do this Deeks. This wasn't his fault. He was there but had his back turned looking at a sample of the drugs. Luis did this to see what my reaction would be. I passed his little test, that's what matters." She looked him in the eye and silently told him not to do this right now. She hated it has much as he did and needed her partner right now, not her pissed off vengeful boyfriend. He could play that later.

He forced himself to relax, knowing this wasn't the time or place to do this. She was right, this wasn't anyone's fault. It would have happened if he had been there or not. He loosened his hands up.

"Sorry man." That's all Deeks was willing to give up right now, but at least it was something.

"It's alright." He nodded at him in understanding. Although he knew there was nothing he could have done, he still felt the guilt, and didn't need Deeks adding onto it.

The all walked up to OPS and debriefed, and went home for some much needed rest.

The next day everyone arrived early. Plans were made and it was decided that after yesterday's shenanigans by Luis Sanchez, Deeks would be coming in sooner than later. Luis was starting to get ballsy, and everybody would feel a little better with someone else in there.

Trey knew how Luis did business, and showing up with a new guy unexpectedly would cause him to close up. They decided that Kensi and Trey would go in and let them know that her dad wanted someone else there for the meetings. He had been unhappy with the bruises on Kensi's arm and wanted to make sure nothing like that happened again.

Granger had shown up that morning, and the plan was for him to play the part of Kensi's dad if needed. They would set up at a safe house, knowing Luis would want to send someone to get Deeks. Sam would be stationed as a body guard, and if Luis's man got suspicious, Granger would set things straight.

While everyone walked out to the car, Kensi and Deeks hung back a little. They had talked the night before and Deeks knew that showing that kind of reaction wasn't good for anything. He stopped her, leaning close and whispering in her ear.

"I love you, always have, always will. Be safe Princess." He kissed her cheek.

"I love you more. Be good while I'm gone." She smiled at him and walked to the car with Trey.

Sitting in her seat was a beloved Twinkie.

"Did you put this there?" She looked at Trey, wondering if he would have done it but knowing instinctively he didn't.

"Nope, it was there when we came out." She just smiled and nodded her head, knowing a blonde surfer was looking out for her. They drove off, Kensi savoring her Twinkie, and went to get the day started.

Callen followed behind Trey and Kensi while Sam drove with Granger and Deeks to the safe house, waiting on word from Callen that one of Luis's men was on the move to come pick him up.

Once they reached the house, Granger asked to see Deeks' alias credentials. Deeks pulled his wallet and verified the driver's license and credit cards were for Jason Williams. Deeks would have taken offense to this if it wasn't for that one time Callen had picked up the wrong wallet and ended up having to wing it. Now, every time someone went under, it was normal practice for another member to check it.

Before Deeks put his wallet back, he saw a favored blue piece of paper. He excused himself to the bathroom and pulled the paper out.

To My Heart

You are my light in the darkness, my compass when I don't know where I'm going. You listen to my crazy ramblings and know that sometimes all I need is a hug. You have managed to become my everything, and I hope you never let me fall. And if I do fall, I am safe in the knowledge you will be there to catch me. Please know that no matter what happens, you are in my head and in my heart, forever. Don't worry my knight, you will ride in and be able to watch over your Princess soon, but please don't think I am the damsel in distress. You will lose vital parts if you forget I can take care of myself. In the meantime, Smile Sunshine. – K

He laughed out loud, not caring if anyone heard him. She may not realize it, but he would always be there to save his damsel. It had to be done with the upmost care, to make it look like he was merely helping her out. Over the years, his bad ass partner had needed saving more times than either wanted to admit, but he didn't mind. It was a job he would never stop doing.

Yes Princess, I will be there to watch over you soon.

Meanwhile, Kensi and Trey had pulled up and headed inside. Trey grabbed her hand and squeezed, letting her know that it would be okay. She looked over at him and smiled, squeezing back. And while this hand felt foreign to her, the reassurance it gave her wasn't.

Kensi had worn another halter top, this time coupled with tight jeans and boots. She hadn't wanted to cover up the now purple finger shaped bruise on her arm. It served as a reminder to everyone not to let their guard down.

"Well good morning you two love birds. I trust you got a good night's sleep." Luis's voice was warm, but his eyes held annoyance and a flicker of anger. Kensi was confused about this but didn't say anything.

"Would have been better if you hadn't decided to mark Tracey. Her father is two steps away from pulling the plug on the deal. You might want to tone down the possessive streak Luis. It's not a good look on you and it could ruin great plans. Don't forget it's me she's with, not you."

"I think your people need to stop reading so much into things. She merely ran into a door, didn't you dear?" He looked at her, the challenge clear in his eyes.

"One hell of a door. And because of my… clumsiness, my father has sent for his man to watch out for me. He will be arriving at the house in a few hours, and if you want this deal to go down, I would suggest you send someone to get him. My father is very protective of his family."

Luis looked infuriated. If it was possible, smoke would have been coming out of his ears. He hated that his impulse yesterday was now bringing in another person, but he was also smart enough to know that losing this business alliance would set him back greatly. He wanted to get his product out to more than just local clients, and his research told him that her father was the best way to do that.

"Under the circumstances, I think we can arrange that." He narrowed his eyes at her, calculating what he could and could not get away with. Trey saw the look and put his arm around her waist, telling the other man to back off. At that moment, Kensi's phone rang. She saw the number and knew this was it.

"Hi daddy." She listened as Granger told her they were in position. What she wasn't expecting was Granger asking to put Luis on the phone. Kensi cocked her head to the side, handing Luis the phone.

"He wants to talk to you." Luis took the phone, and did nothing but listen.

"Mr. Sanchez. I am not happy that my daughter came home with a new bruise on her arm. But, I can understand how clumsy she can be sometimes. I am sending one of my men to watch out for her and ensure she comes home the same way she left. You do not want to know the consequences of any new… accidents." And with that, Granger hung up the phone.

Luis called his man over and whispered in his ear.

"What's the address so I can send my man." Trey rattled of the address. Callen gave everyone a heads up, and an hour later, Deeks was on his way.

As soon as the car pulled up to the safe house, Deeks checked the gun at his back. He was wearing a suit and put a hard expression on his face. Sam had opened the door, heard the introduction and promptly closed it in the guy's face.

Five minutes later, Deeks walked out, ready to be next to his partner.

The car ride back was silent. Deeks had asked the guy questions, trying to make conversation to get more info, but he wasn't talking.

As they pulled up, Deeks narrowed his eyes. No one was going to lay a finger on her now that he was here.

As they stepped inside, his eyes swept over her, making sure she was okay. She gave a small nod, letting him know everything was alright. He walked up to her and took his stance, eyes hard as he looked at Luis. Trey may be her partner in this operation, but Deeks had her back.

The rest of the day, Kensi and Trey made deals with Luis and his goons. A meeting was set up for the next day to get the drugs handed over to be sent off. Luis wanted it to be late afternoon, but Trey had argued that early morning, before the sun rose, would be best. It was still dark and by the time the deal was over, it would just be getting light. If there were any questions, they could say they were going to work and no one would think twice about it. Luis reluctantly agreed and it was decided everyone would meet at 4am. As they were leaving, he walked up to Kensi, his mouth dangerously close to her ear.

"You won't always be surrounded by people. I am eagerly anticipating the day I get you alone." His fingers traced the marks on her arm.

"It would be in your best interest to get away from her." Deeks stepped between them, his voice dripping with malice, his eyes hard. "I wouldn't want to have to report anything back to her father, now would I?" His half grin didn't reach his eyes.

With that, they all walked out the door.

2:00am came all too soon for everyone. They needed time to coordinate everything and get everyone in position. As soon as the shipment arrived, LAPD and NCIS would move in. Deeks would be next to Kensi and Trey. Trey had his weapon on him, but Kensi's outfit in this assignment didn't afford her the luxury of carrying her regular weapon, just her knife. Deeks and Trey would both be would be carrying an extra gun for her.

The car ride over was tense, each lost in their own thoughts, tired and ready for this to be over. As they pulled up, Deeks tapped Kensi on the shoulder, using their own form of Morse code. Kensi felt one tap, then four taps, then three. 143. She put her hand on his, linking their fingers and placing a quick kiss to the inside of his wrist.

As they walked up, ready to get this started, Trey and Kensi linked hands once again, keeping up appearances of being together. Deeks was just the associate, there to make sure his bosses daughter came back as she had left. But that didn't stop the slight narrowing of his eyes for half a second when he saw him reach for her hand. He was quick to school his features, knowing that wouldn't fly today.

Luis and his gang pulled up right behind them, anxious as well to get this going. He was a night person, used to not getting to bed until this time or later. But having business deals at this hour was not something he preferred. He had a sour taste in his mouth, but he wasn't sure why.

"Good morning ladies and gentleman. Are we ready to get this going, so everyone can go home happy?" Luis was trying to be civil, but mentally he was calculating how to get Tracey away from the group. There was something about her that pulled him to her—like a moth to a flame. He didn't know why, but he had to have her, one way or another. He was hoping she would go with him willingly, but he wasn't above using force if he needed. He was certain he could handle Steven, but Blondie threw a wrench in things. He was a lot more protective of her than what seemed normal for him being just an associate. But Luis was confident, he was smart, he could get around this.

Luis had turned his back to make the call to bring the first shipment up, and Deeks whispered into her ear.

"Watch him. He's trying to figure out how to get you alone, and he's not going to care if you say no."

She nodded, letting him know she heard him. She sidled closer to Trey, toying with his hand and acting bored while Luis made his call. Deeks moved slightly so he would be able to intercept Luis if he tried anything.

Twenty minutes later, all hell broke loose. As soon as the shipment arrived, LAPD moved in, not bothering to wait for the go word. At that moment, Callen didn't know who gave the go-ahead, but when he found out, heads were going to roll.

The trio inside heard what was happening and tried to take action as best they could without being ready for it. Luis saw the change and knew something was wrong, grabbing his gun from behind his back. Deeks saw this and did the same thing, aiming it at his head. While he had Luis's attention, he maneuvered himself so he was blocking Kensi.

Trey pulled his gun out and handed the spare to Kensi, training the weapons on the other people in the room. LAPD had spooked them before everyone was in place, but this was what they were trained for, the unexpected.

"So, I was set up, huh? Well, I will hand it to you, it was well done. Too bad. I had big things planned for Tracey." He cocked his head to the side, eyebrows raised. "But then again, this may not have changed my plans at all."

"You won't touch her Luis." Deeks was watching him, ready to take him out if needed.

Suddenly, the first shot was taken and everybody scrambled for cover.

"Everybody good?" Callen's voice held professional concern, wanting to make sure his team was okay.

"Callen and I are moving in with SWAT, but this place is crazy, I don't know how long it will take up to get to you." Sam's voice immediately followed Callen's, letting them know back up was on the way.

After everyone checked in, time stood still as they all heard Kensi stifle a scream. Deeks hadn't been able to take cover near her, trying but failing to keep his eyes trained on Luis.

"Trey, tell me you see her man." Deeks was trying to keep the ever-creeping panic out of his voice.

"Negative, she went left when I went right earlier. She was behind a cabinet, but I don't see her now."

"Son of a bitch. I don't have eyes on Luis either. I'm going to kill him with my bare hands if he…" He didn't finish.

"Go Deeks, I've got your back." Trey popped up, drawing fire to him so Deeks could go get his girl back.

As Deeks wove his way around the warehouse, he heard some scuffling and what sounded like some very heated threats from his lady love.

What he saw when he opened the door made his blood run cold. Luis had her up against the wall, the gun under her chin while his free hand roamed over her face, down her neck and to her chest. He was concentrating so hard at the task at hand that he didn't hear the door open and quietly close. Deeks snuck up behind them as quickly as possible, thanking God that he and Kensi could use their eyes to talk. Deeks made a few nods to her, and she blinked her eyes once, letting him know that she was good with it.

Just as Luis felt another presence in the room, Deeks had his arm around his neck at the exact same time Kensi used both hands to push his arm that was holding the gun away from her. While Deeks was fighting Luis, Kensi was working on getting the gun out of his hand. Right before she got it, the door burst open and Deeks recognized the guy who had driven him to the warehouse yesterday standing there with two other guys behind him. The driver raised his hand to fire at Deeks when Trey came out of nowhere, knocking him down. As Trey was getting up, one of the others took a shot, hitting Trey in the shoulder. Trey went down the same time Luis did, and Deeks took his gun, shooting simultaneously with Kensi, each one taking down their target. Trey was now fighting with the guy he knocked over, and Kensi ran over, kicking the guy off Trey and aiming her gun at him.

"Please, please give me a reason to shoot you."

Callen's voice came over the comms.

"Well, good to hear your voice again Kens. Everything good over there?"

"Deeks and I are good, but Trey's going to need an ambulance. He was hit in the shoulder, looks like it went all the way through. Could you send LAPD to clean up this mess in here, seeing as they are the ones who gave the signal to go to early? I'm hungry."

Callen laughed. "They would have been there sooner, but this place is a maze. They should be there soon."

Deeks had quickly tied Luis up in case he woke up, and then checked on his friends. Two were confirmed dead and Kensi had the other cuffed. Deeks bent down, taking his shirt off to press against Trey's wound.

"You didn't have to do that Trey. But thank you." He looked at him, trying to convey just how thankful he was.

"Hey, I told you I had your back. Wouldn't do for you to get shot after that statement. But seriously, you didn't have to take your shirt off."

Kensi chuckled. "Oh, that was more for his benefit than yours. He thinks he looks good without it on and maybe there might be some cute EMT's coming." Deeks laughed, keeping the pressure on Trey's wound.

"Well, it was either my shirt or yours Fern. And I wasn't too keen on you wearing anything less than you are right now."

"Not gonna lie, I would have rather seen her without a shirt than you, Deeks. No offense."

"None taken, man. I don't blame you, but I think I'm gonna go ahead and take one for the team on this. Although now that I think about, someone owes me a new shirt."

"I think Trey saving your life was payment enough, don't you?" Kensi raised an eyebrow at him

"Touché."

Kensi opened her mouth to say it back to him, but he beat her to it.

"Kensi, Princess, light of my life. Do NOT say 'touché' back to me. Don't do it. Resist the temptation."

She glared at him and then stuck her tongue out. With the most mocking voice she could muster, she uttered "Touché."

All three were laughing when LAPD came around the corner to take away the bad guys and get Trey to the ambulance.

As the sun was coming up, Kensi was talking to Callen about what they had learned while Deeks was with Trey at the ambulance.

"So, you going to pass on the hospital huh?" Deeks asked him.

"Yeah, it was a clean shot, missed anything major. The paramedic stitched it up and gave me a sling to use for about a week."

"That's great Trey. And she's pretty cute. You should get her number." They both chuckled a little before Deeks got serious.

"Thank you. For watching her back, and mine. I can't thank you enough for that. If you hadn't been there, I don't think either one of us would have been able to take him out before he shot me. I owe you a hell of a lot more than a 'thank you,' so whenever you need something, just let me know. Doesn't matter what it is."

"Look, you and I both know that she can't take another partner. I was there temporarily when you were still LAPD, and I know how she gets when she's worried about you. She doesn't need to go through that again. And I'm not going to lie, if she isn't happy, she makes your life a living hell. Saving you wasn't just for your sanity, it was for mine, too." Both men laughed at that, each knowing the full truth to that statement. They shook hands and said something about getting together soon for drinks.

As the scene started to clear, Deeks pulled Kensi aside.

"I got the okay from Callen. We can head out."

"But, what about…"

"Nope, we are leaving. I know for a fact that there are several breakfast burritos with our names on them waiting for us. Let's go get some food, get some coffee, and see what else we can come up with."

She ran her finger up and down his arm.

"You know, I do have three weapons on me right now. Wanna find them?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him suggestively.

"Yes, yes I do. Okay, wow. Yeah, we gotta leave. Right now." He grabbed her hand and hauled her to the car, her laughter following them.

Trey looked over at the sound and watched as Deeks opened her car door for her before running around to the driver side. He smiled, glad they had each other to go home to at the end of the day. He hadn't said anything to the others, but a certain paramedic who had impeccable stitching skills had slipped him her number. Things were definitely looking up for everyone.

AN - Reviews make me happy and I would love to hear what you thought about it. :)