Well, here's yet another chapter. Bookdiva assured me it didn't suck, so here you go! And Kenzalina - thanks for looking it over for me. YOU, my friend, are absolutely amazing!

Bold words within is chatter over comms.

Kensi sat by his bed, listening to the monitor drone out the steady Beep Beep Beep, letting her know that he was still alive. She held his hand, stroking her thumb back and forth over his and laid her head down on the side of the bed, thinking back to where it all went wrong.

24 HOURS AGO

"God I hate paperwork. Seriously, is there anything worse?" Deeks threw his pencil down on the desk in surrender.

"Not really. Well wait, I take it back. Getting shot is worse." Callen was just as bored as Deeks, but he managed to hide it much better.

"Okay, I'll give you that. But c'mon, this is ridiculous."

At those words, a shrewd whistled was blown, beckoning the team up to OPS. Deeks jumped up, glad that they were able to go save the world and get away from the mind numbing paperwork. He had no idea that paperwork would have been a welcome reprieve to what the Fate's had in store for him.

As they walked in, Deeks making a joke causing his girlfriend to glare at him, he turned and noticed the serious faces of Nell and Eric. Usually they offered up smiles as the gang came in, but today their expressions were somber. Deeks immediately sobered, suddenly getting a sick feeling in his stomach.

"This is David Hernandez. He was caught on video last night in an attempted murder of a Naval Commander. We know he is a low level drug runner, trying to make it up the chain. What we don't know is why he targeted the Commander."

"So I'm guessing we need to find him." Kensi wasn't feeling very good about this.

"Correct you are Kensi. Hernandez is in the wind, we haven't heard a whisper as to where he is or where he might have gone. However, from local intel we know that he has an older brother, Daniel, who frequents Joe's Place and David is very close to his brother."

Deeks eyes flashed in recognition. He knew exactly where this was headed.

"And we need Max Gentry to go in and see what kind of info I can get, either from the locals or the brother himself. Crack a few heads if needed. Got it." Deeks put his head down. Now he knew why he was feeling sick.

NCIS was calling back the infamous Max Gentry, and there wasn't a person in attendance who was happy about it. Kensi had inched her way closer to Deeks until her shoulder touched his. Tension was radiating off of him, and she couldn't blame him. This was the one alias he hated more than anything, an alter ego he always felt was just a little too easy to slip into. But he had one thing now he didn't before – her. And she would do whatever she had to do to make sure he didn't forget that.

She watched as her boyfriend slipped on the brown leather jacket. Try as she might, she couldn't stop herself from walking up to him and slipping her arms into the jacket and around his waist. He immediately responded, wrapping his arms around her tightly, not wanting to let go. He let the scent of her wash over him, letting it imprint itself on him.

"You aren't him Deeks. I know you hate Max because you think it would be so easy to be him, but you're wrong. It's easy to be you. Marty Deeks. Ex LAPD Detective, NCIS Special Agent, boyfriend to one kick ass girlfriend, the most compassionate man I have ever met. You have so much love and goodness in you that sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to be on the receiving end of it. And when you think that you are slipping into Max too much, when you worry if you are going to be able to make your way back, I'll be here waiting. Waiting to show you exactly who you are, no matter what you think. When you come home, you'll come home as Marty Deeks, not Max Gentry. Because no matter what, I know who you are, and I will never let you forget that."

He just held onto her, letting her words sink in.

"If nothing else Kens, know that I love you with everything that I am. Your faith in me, well, it's nothing sort of spectacular. I will come home to you as Marty Deeks, because you are the one thing Max never had." They stood there like that for a few more minutes before he pulled away.

"Okay hotshot. What's the distress word?" She was trying to lighten the mood a little, to get her partner back to where he needed to be.

"What else could it be but Fern?" He smirked at her.

"Well, at least it will be easier for you to use than me. Speaking of, I think you need to water ours when you get home. It looked a little wilted this morning."

"I told you to move it away from the window. You're the one who first said it doesn't need direct sunlight. Why would put in in the window… to get sun? Seriously Kens, sometimes I wonder about you."

"Hey! You're the one who said a little sunshine never hurt anything."

"I didn't mean actual things – like our fern – that doesn't need direct sunlight. Just for that, you can forget the $32.50 you said I owe you." Kensi scoffed at him.

"You already paid up. No refunds. Sorry babe." The twinkle was back in his eyes, and she knew that no matter what, they would be okay. Slapping his ass, she laughed and winked at him.

"Now, come on, let's get this over with. I'll even buy you dinner later."

"What the hell is this? Wait, I know, this is guilt over the fern isn't it? I think you need to make it up to the plant, not me." She raised her eyebrows at him. "Okay, no, see, I'm going to… you know. I'm done. Don't worry, I'm not letting anything happen to the fern on my watch. But I'm definitely cashing in on the dinner thing later. I'll even supply desert."

"That's more like it," she called over her shoulder, making Deeks jog to catch up with her. This was going to be a long day for both of them, and it was only 10am.

Deeks walked into the all too familiar beer joint, scanning the occupants as he made his way to the bar. Taking a seat the owner/bartender, Joe, poured his usual as everyone got quiet.

There was a reason Max Gentry stood out in their minds – if he didn't like you, you didn't stay; simple as that. He wasn't afraid to cause a scene and kick your ass, and his reputation - even after all this time - was legendary. And that's what the team was bargaining on.

"Uh, hey Max. You gonna need anything else?" Joe was used to Max, but that didn't mean he liked having him in there.

"If I do, I know where it is." He pulled his phone out. "You seen this guy? His brother owes me money, and you know I don't like waiting to collect."

"He comes in everyday about this time. Please Max, try not to break anything this time."

"I think you're seeing things Joe. I'm not the one who breaks things, isn't that right." He let his lips draw up in a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Draining the glass, he set it on the counter and turned, looking around. Deeks watched as a heavy set guy walked up and stopped in front of him.

"Hey Joe. Go ahead and pour me another glass." Joe sighed, knowing this meant something was about to go down. Anytime Max showed up and ended up laying someone out, he always wanted another drink afterwards.

"I think you're in my seat."

"What's your name? Bill? You look like a Bill."

"Don't worry about my name. I said you're in my seat." Bill tried standing taller, obviously failing to intimidate him.

"No Bill, this is my seat. If I were you, I'd go find another one, preferably in another part of town." Instead of backing down, Bill took another step towards Deeks and opened his mouth to speak. Before any words came out, Deeks had his right hand pulled back and swung, hitting him in the face, knocking him out before he hit the floor. Shaking his head, Deeks sat back down and turned, downing the second glass of whiskey, leaving his friends to get him up and out of the bar.

"Nothing like a drink after things like that. Too bad Bill didn't listen to my advice." It took every ounce of his training to keep a straight face when he heard Kensi in his ear.

"Yeah, too bad. I'm gonna be the one icing that hand tonight. And if I hear any whining at all Mr. Tough Guy, guess who's sleeping with Monty. You."

Just as she finished she spotted Hernandez walking around the corner.

"Game time Deeks." For his part, he just sat there, knowing he couldn't give anything away. He listened as the door opened and Joe glanced up before clearing his throat.

"He's here." Joe finished washing the dishes and moved to other end of the bar, not wanting to have any part of this. Daniel Hernandez took the stool three down from Deeks and Joe already had the bottle of Budweiser opened and ready for him.

As soon as Daniel took the first swig and put the bottle back down, Deeks looked over at him.

"Hey. I know you." Daniel looked over at him when he realized Deeks was talking to him.

"No, I don't think you do." He took another pull from the bottle, noticing the stranger was still staring at him.

"Yeah, you're David's brother. Know where I can find him?"

"What do you want with him?" No more were the words out his mouth than David walked through the door.

As he was about to get things going, Kensi's voice filtered through again, but this time there was nothing to smile about.

"Deeks, heads up. Trouble comin' your way in the form of Nicole Martindale." Kensi's voice held a touch of panic, knowing that this woman was once in love with Max Gentry, and that love turned to hate when she found out that Max wasn't real. Deeks hadn't given her a name, only that he was a cop. And that's what made Kensi nervous. Nicole knew that the person she was about to see wasn't Max.

"Deeks, get out of there before she sees you."

"I'm good," he muttered, determined to finish this before he left. Once he heard Kensi say Nicole's name, his heart started hammering in his chest. Deeks was counting on Nicole to remember the good times they had had together and keep his secret, but after what she had done to Ray, he knew she was a loose cannon.

"Deeks…"

"I'm good." His answer was short, sounding more like Max than Deeks.

As soon as Nicole walked in the door Deeks watched her. This was either going to go down without a hitch and she would play along, or she would get him killed. His bets were on the latter. After the last time they had spoken and he had told her he was a cop, she had been furious. And if she was willing to have her husband killed – who she didn't love – what was she going to do to the man she did love and had betrayed her. Yeah, the odds weren't exactly with him right now.

Nicole glanced around the bar, taking in who was there. She audibly gasped when eyes landed on Deeks.

"Hey Nicole, look what the car dragged in. Good ole Max," Joe said, noticing the tension.

"Well well well, Max Gentry." Her eyes narrowed dangerously and he could see the wheels turning. Deeks, for his part, didn't bat an eye – his face giving away nothing – waiting to see how this would play out.

In a split second, he calculated who was carrying and where they were in conjuncture to his position. He could dive behind a pool table if need be, but it wouldn't provide cover for long. Eh, better than nothing.

All of a sudden, he could hear Sam in his ear.

"Deeks, we're right outside ready to move. If you need us now, grunt." Sam's voice remained steady, calming Deeks who had remained silent. Sam gave him a good ten seconds.

"Okay got it. You need us, say the word. Get out ASAP man. Your life isn't worth this."

The entire time Sam had been talking, Deeks had watched Nicole, who hadn't taken her eyes off of him. He saw the calculated look in her eye and knew it was now or never.

"Nicole. Long time no see." His eyes took on a dangerous glint as he cocked his head to the side.

"Yeah it has. Where have you been?" He could hear Kensi in his ear say 'not with you'. He would have smiled at her possessive streak if this wasn't life or death now.

"Here and there." He took her challenge and threw it back at her, waiting to see what she was going to do. She walked up to him, running her hand down his arm. At one time, he would have enjoyed this, but now he knew exactly what she wanted, and that was to see him squirm.

"Huh. Well, what brings you back here Max?" She looked up at him, daring him.

"Debts needed to be paid. I'm here to collect." He took the hand that had moved from his arm to his chest and removed it none to gently.

"Aww Max, don't be like that. Don't forget, I know your secrets. I think you owe me for that."

"Nicole…" His voice held a warning. Suddenly Callen was in his ear, letting him know the plan.

"Sam and I are out front Deeks. Kensi's headed around back. This goes south, duck and we will be there in a second."

"I call dibbs on Nicole." That's my girl, he thought to himself. Bringing himself back to the present, he saw the almost regret in her eyes, but for what he still wasn't sure.

"So many secrets Max. But you know what my favorite one is?" Before he could say 'Fern' she yelled out. "You're a dirty ass cop!"

As soon as Nicole said the words "dirty ass cop" all hell broke loose. Deeks took cover behind a pool table, pulling his Berretta from the back of his pants. He heard the door open and assumed Sam and Callen were coming in, knowing Kensi would come in from the back. He popped back up, taking a shot at Daniel and hitting him in the arm and then aiming for his brother David, the bullet hitting his leg. If nothing else came of this, at least they had their suspects. Glancing around, he saw Kensi's ponytail and out of the corner of his eye.

"You know Kens, I'm not sure if anyone's ever told you this, but that tactical gear really works for you." He was breathing a little heavy, adrenaline pumping through him.

"Shut up Deeks. Where's Nicole?"

"Why? Is there going to be a cat fight?" Deeks popped around the corner, seeing some of the other patrons had donned their weapons as well, causing Deeks to sigh. Not seeing Nicole anywhere, he scanned the area behind him when he saw her. He heard Callen say he had Daniel and David in cuffs and Sam was currently yelling at everyone to put their weapons down.

"Got her." Deeks got up and started trying to make his way over to her, knowing that her life was safer with him than Kensi right now. As soon as he made the corner to the other pool table, he stopped, staring down the barrel of a gun, held by the one and only Nicole.

"Going to shoot me Nicole?" Kensi stopped dead in her tracks hearing those words. Sam had been effective in getting everyone to lower their weapons and was currently checking the place to make sure there were no other surprises. Kensi stayed down, hoping she could make her way behind them and disarm Nicole before she pulled the trigger.

"Deeks, as much as I may hate saying this, keep talking. Get me some time to get behind her and disarm her." Deeks kept his eye contact with Nicole, trying to ignore just how steady she was holding the gun.

"So Nicole. What have you been up to?" He had no idea how much time he needed to buy or if it would even work, because the look in her eyes right now was chilling. She wanted to do this.

"You know Max, ever since you told me you were a cop, I told myself that if the opportunity ever presented itself, I was going to kill you. You caused a lot of people so much pain Max. Pain that never needed to be there. You hurt me!" She screamed the final sentence at him.

"I know Nicole, and I'm -"

"Don't. Don't say you're sorry. Because really, it doesn't matter. All you do when you come into people's lives is hurt them. Well, I'm not going to let you hurt anyone else ever again Max." He could see Kensi coming up, but before she could reach her Nicole pulled the trigger, hitting him in the chest. Deeks just stood there with his mouth open, putting his hand on his chest before falling to the ground gasping.

Kensi stopped moving as soon as the shot rang out. She watched as Deeks put his right hand to his chest, mouth agape, and then fall. Nicole turned, ready to make a run for it, but hadn't anticipated Kensi standing about 8 feet behind her.

As soon as Nicole turned, Kensi snapped out of it.

"Sam, Deeks is down. Get over here. NOW!" As much as she wanted to go to her partner, she had something she had to take care of first.

Gun raised, pointed at Nicole's head, she said in a deadly calm voice.

"Where you goin' Nicole?" Nicole's eyes went wide, recognition shining bright.

"You the new girlfriend? Well, at least he won't hurt you now." Nicole knew she wasn't getting out of this one. "You may not understand it now, but he brings nothing but pain to people. As much as I love him, I'm not sorry for that." She tilted her head back towards where Sam and Deeks currently were. Kensi could hear Sam yelling at Eric to get the ambulance here NOW, but her focus was on Nicole.

"Drop the gun Nicole and put your hands behind your head." Kensi watched as Nicole thought about her options. She slowly put the gun down before putting her hands behind her head.

Kensi started walking up to her, lowering her weapon when she got close enough so she could put the cuffs on her. As soon as the gun was down, Nicole lashed out, trying to throw Kensi off. Kensi put her hands up, effectively blocking her and grabbed her arm, twisting Nicole around and crying out as Kensi dislocated her shoulder. Nicole fell to her knees, not yet ready to give up and tried kicking Kensi's leg on the way down. Kensi's answer to that was a simple move she had picked up from Max. She dropped Nicole's hand and got in front of her before Nicole knew what was happening and punched her as hard as she could in the face. And much like Bill had earlier, Nicole fell the rest of the way to the floor, out like a light before she the ground.

Not taking any chances, Kensi put the ties onto Nicole's wrists and left her laying there, running over to Deeks. Sam's hands were covering the bullet hole, unsuccessful in stopping the bleeding. She pulled his head into her lap as she stared at him. His eyes were glazed over, but he was still conscious.

"Deeks, can you hear me? It's going to be okay. Help is coming."

"I'm sorry Kens."

"NO! There is nothing to be sorry about. You promised Deeks. God damnit, you are not dying today, do you understand me?" She was brushing his hair back with a shaking hand. She noticed his eyes were starting to close.

"Babe, look at me. Don't close your eyes, okay? Listen to my voice, it's going to be okay. Deeks! No Deeks, keep your eyes open!" Her voice was getting steadily louder as his eyes closed. She couldn't stop the rush of panic that hit her.

"I love you, Kensi. Always have, always will." He used every ounce of strength left to whisper that to her before darkness overtook him.

After they arrived at the hospital, everyone was ushered into the waiting room. Kensi had been named as Deeks's next of kin, and the nurses told her that he was currently in surgery for a GSW to the chest. She completed the paperwork they handed her, grateful that at least she could do something.

Eric, Nell and Hetty arrived shortly after, each remembering the last time they were here for Kensi. Sam had grabbed his go bag from the car and had changed, knowing no one needed to see just how much blood was lost. Callen hadn't left Kensi's side. LAPD was instructed to take the two brother's and to the precinct and someone would be by later to pick them up. Nicole had been taken to another hospital by police escort, with the same instructions for her as the other two.

For three hours they sat there, each offering their own silent pleas to whoever was listening upstairs, that Deeks make it through this. Kensi remained quiet, determined to not break down. She was strong, and was calling on that strength to bring her through this. Because if he didn't come out of this, if he…

"Family of Marty Deeks?" Kensi shot up out of her chair, nearly running to the doctor.

"Yes, that's us. How is he? Is he okay? Is he…" She couldn't say it.

"Yes Ms. Blye, he's alive. He made it through the surgery just fine. No complications. The bullet nipped his lung partially collapsing it, but we were able to remove the bullet and inflate his lung again. We will keep him in ICU for at least a day, to make sure there's no complications and then he can be moved to a regular room. Only one person will be allowed in the room at a time right now." He looked around the room, and all eyes were on Kensi.

She turned to Hetty, the question in her eyes.

"Go my dear. That's where you need to be. We'll take care of the Hernandez brothers and Mrs. Martindale. Keep us updated on his condition."

"Thanks Hetty, I will." She turned, looking at each member of the team. "Thank you guys, so much." Everyone nodded and started to leave, safe in the knowledge that they hadn't lost another part of their family. As each one left, they gave her a hug. Callen was the last to leave, hugging her the hardest and the longest.

"I love you Kens. Let me know if you need anything. Food, clothes, need someone to walk Monty. Whatever it is, we are here. I'm here." He pulled back, looking at her.

"Thanks Callen. Love you too. And uh…" she looked down, noticing for the first time blood on her clothes, "A uh, change of clothes would be great. Whenever you get a chance."

"I'll be back within the hour. I'll check on Monty while I'm there and bring you back some food."

"Thank you. For everything."

"That's what family is for Kens." She smiled at him, squeezing his hand and followed the doctor back to see her partner – in every sense of the word.

Waiting… that's all Kensi could do right now. She wished for some kind of movement from her partner, but it wasn't looking promising right now. Callen had already come and gone, bringing with him a burger and fries and her go bag with some fresh clothes in it. Kensi decided to go change and wash off as best she could right now.

Ten minutes later and feeling a little better about life, she sat down and studied his face. She noticed how peaceful he looked, but Kensi didn't like the quiet. It wasn't something that she associated with Deeks. She would gladly give up Twinkies if he would wake up and start talking right now.

Instead of letting her mind drift aimlessly, she pulled a writing pad out of her bag and found a pen and started writing to him. She didn't have any plan, but she was hoping it would pass the time and in a way it was like talking to him.

This getting shot thing… I am going to need you to work on that. This is the second time in our partnership you have taken a bullet (well, technically it's three bullets now). Sam is going to have to start teaching you The Matrix moves or something. If you want us to grow old together, getting shot up is going to have to stop.

Seriously though Deeks. I think my heart stopped the second she pulled the trigger. I thought I told you to keep her talking? The man who can ramble on for hours about absolutely nothing couldn't keep going for another 30 seconds? Something else we need to work on, huh? Maybe I should start a list or something.

I think I'm talking nonsense right now. I don't really remember a lot of what happened after she pulled the trigger. I think I forgot how to breathe when the doctor came out and said you were going to be okay. What else could you be? The thought that I wouldn't ever get to talk to you again, to hear you laugh or make fun of my eating habits, comment on my sleeping habits and hoarding abilities… it wasn't something I could fathom. As much as you can annoy me, it makes me love you that much more.

You know me like no one else ever has. Even when we were just partners, before the friendship really starting taking root, you could tell my moods with just a look. And you can say it's because that's what partners are supposed to notice, but I think even then there was something else. Our thing. We were powerless against it, even though we both fought it for so long. Too long.

Why didn't we give in sooner? If something had happened to you tonight, I would have regretted the wasted years between us. Of course the memories we have, and will continue to make, are comforting (especially now), but now it makes me wonder even more about the future.

If we had accepted our thing a year ago, would you have proposed already? Would we be married? A child on the way?

You know, thoughts like that used to scare me. A lot. Not even with Jack did I see - want - all this. I know you think you have to be gentle with me sometimes, but I'm tougher than I look. Not just physically, because you know I can kick your ass, but emotionally. The love you show me, it baffles me. And every day I wonder how I got lucky enough to find you. You've managed to get me to open up in levels I never imagined. How did you do it?

I realized earlier, sitting in the waiting room, that I want nothing more than to wake up in your arms every day, fall asleep next to you every night, and be with you for everything in between. Forever. One day, I want to walk down the aisle in a white dress. I want to hold our son and daughter and see you when I look at them. I want to grow old with you, sitting in our rocking chairs and talk about the good ole days. I didn't even know I wanted these things until you showed me what could be.

I love you Marty Deeks, always have, always will. Smile Sunshine!

As soon as the exclamation point was placed, Kensi laid her head down on the side of the bed. The events of the day were finally catching up with her, and she was asleep as soon her head made contact with the edge of the bed.

A few hours later, that's exactly how Deeks found her. He came out of his sleepy stupor, confused about what was going on and where he was. His eyes felt like sandpaper, and his chest was on fire. He wanted to sit up but as soon as he tried moving, he felt like his chest was about to explode. Instead, he just lay there, looking around. He saw the heart monitor and all the other thingamabobs it did. So obviously he was still alive. Okay, that's good, he thought. Now, where is everyone?

He looked down, seeing brown hair pulled into a pony tail lying on his bed near his thigh, her face turned away from him. He started playing with the ends up, not wanting to wake her up right now.

She's here, she's okay. That's all he could think about for a while. He could see a piece of paper sticking out next to her head and he tried over so slightly to pull it out. Inch by inch, he pulled the pad of paper out from under her head until it was free.

"Geez Kens, you could have at least gotten a real pillow." He whispered it to her, his voice raspy and quiet. He took the pad and noticed the writing.

As he read her words, he felt contentment wash over him. Everything he wanted – with her – was what she wanted as well. Good to know Fern. Good. To. Know. He put the note pad on the table next to him. He started chuckling to himself but the pain caused him to gasp instead.

Kensi's head shot up, suddenly hearing noise after listening to silence for so long.

"Deeks…"

"Hey Fern." He tried smiling at her, but the pain he was still in caused him to grimace instead.

"Oh my God, Deeks, you're in pain. Let me get a nurse." He tried telling her no, but she had already pushed the button on the bed.

Not even a minute later, the room was full of people. Kensi stood back, watching as everyone checked the wound and his vitals, asked him questions. Deeks tried, but he couldn't take his eyes off Kensi. He answered the questions, looked at them when it was absolutely necessary, but the rest of the time was spent locking eyes with her. She would gave him reassuring smiles when they checked the wound and chuckled at him when they mentioned sponge baths.

Fifteen minutes later, the room was quiet again. Kensi had taken the seat next to him again, grasping his hand in hers. They didn't say anything, just sat there looking at each other.

"Kens, I –"

"Not tonight Deeks. Let's sleep tonight. We can tackle everything else tomorrow. Because unlike you, I didn't get a 10 hour cat nap."

"Yeah, I didn't exactly ask for it." They looked at each other a little longer, both of them once in a while bringing the other's hand up and kissing it. Deeks noticed Kensi's eyes starting to droop.

"Sweetheart, come here." He started moving to the right a little at a time, making room on his left side for her.

"No, Deeks, I'm going to hurt you. I'll just crash on the couch, it's fine."

"No, it isn't fine. And unless you want to wake up to me falling out of this bed to get to you, you will sleep up here with me. We'll make it work."

"Deeks…"

"Kens, please. I need you next to me, okay? Please?"

She was hesitant, but gave in. "Okay, just promise to tell me if I hurt you."

"You won't ever hurt me Sugarbear. It'll hurt worse not having you next to me." Kensi just nodded, and helped as much as she could to get him scooted over enough to give her room to lay down.

As soon as she was in the bed with him, everything clicked into place. He was okay. He was alive, breathing. He had his arm around her, and she fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

Her last thought before sleep claimed her was 'best sound ever.'

AN - Loved it? Hated it? I would really like to know, so leave me a review. :)