Hello my darlings. I would like to thank IWantColoredRain, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, heyjode and Petunia3116 for the wonderful reviews. I would also like to thank those of you who have followed and favoured since my last update.
Now in reference to the legality of Same sex marriages, at the time season two aired (2011) Same sex marriage was still illegal in California, it was made legal in June 2013. Or at least that is what the lovely internet tells me when I researched it. If I do do a sequel to this story, that date could well become very important, he he he.
Anyway after this chapter there is one, maybe two more to go and then that's it. I hope you have all enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
This chapter is set in season 2, episode 22 'Plan B'. I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS: LA nor any of the lines I have taken from the show.
Callen had worked out a plan with Sam and Kensi, a way to make sure that Nelson Sanders stopped sending people to try and kill Ray. Now it was just a case of whether the man in question would go for it, not to mention Deeks. Callen did not think Marty would be happy with what he was about to suggest, but it was the only thing they could do. The only way they could guarantee protection to Ray and his family and make sure they closed the case they were working on to find the weapons Sanders sold. Surely he would see that, right?
Making his way back into the boatshed Callen studiously kept his eyes from the screen that showed Nichole, and instead looked at the two men who had turned to face them.
"The Scoobies are back. Did you guys figure out my happy-ever-after?" Ray asked when he saw that not only did G return, but he was followed by the rest of the team.
"We've got some good news and we've got some bad news. The good news is we've confirmed that you're not connected to the Southland Kings." Sam responded. It had been a question in his mind whether Ray was on the up and up or not, at least now they knew this wasn't a set up.
"I could have told you that. In fact, I did tell you that. This his idea of good news?" Ray replied cutting his eyes to Deeks before turning back to face Callen, who for his part, decided it was for the best to ignore that comment and just tell Ray what was going on.
"The bad news is, Nelson Sanders will keep sending people to kill you until you're dead. Doesn't matter where we relocate you. It's only a matter of time before they succeed."
"You know what? Next time, just tell me I'm screwed and pop a cap in my ass." Ray responded to that, his agitation at the situation coming out in anger as he spoke to the federal agents in front of him. There was nothing anyone could do to save him. Not from this. Damn it.
"All right. Take it easy. There's a plan. Right? You got a plan?" Deeks interrupted with a soothing voice as he turned his eyes to his boyfriend, hoping that G had managed to work out a plan. He needed him to save Ray, he needed to save his friend so he could go be the dad he was supposed to be. Go be a better man with his family.
"The Southland Kings brought those military-issue weapons from Sanders." Sam explained, making sure all the team knew what he was saying with those words. That the Southland Kings had the weapons they were looking for. They needed a way to take them out.
"They're gonna come after you again, Ray. But this time, we can control where." Callen continued for Sam, explaining the plan in an even voice. He knew what he was asking, of not just Ray but Marty too. But it was the only way to make sure Sanders stopped sending people after him. The only way to make sure the future was safe. Surely they would see that right? He hoped so, but Marty's next words dispelled that hope quick enough.
"So that's the plan? You gonna use him as bait to lure them out?" Deeks asked in disbelief staring at his boyfriend as if he was crazy. Because that was the only possible reason he could have for putting Ray in that sort of danger. G had to have gone insane within the last five minutes. He wouldn't allow them to do this. "No. You just say no, all right? They can't force you to do it. We'll figure something else out." he continued as he turned to his friend. They would find another way, one that didn't involve putting his best friend in the firing line of one of the most ruthless gangs in LA.
Ray closed his eyes as he processed the words. As he realised what it was he was going to have to do to make sure he survived. To make sure his kid survived. With that in mind he turned to G and asked "what about Jenna?"
"If anything happens to you, Jenna and your child will be protected for life. You have my word." Callen replied sincerely, and he meant it. He may not be able to protect Ray without putting him in harm's way, but he could protect his family.
"Ray. No." Deeks said, a hint of begging in his voice, though he knew it would do no good. He knew his friend was going to agree to this crazy scheme. What the hell was wrong with all of them?
Ray heard Deeks, but rather than turn to him or respond he took a deep breath and then with a confidence he didn't really feel he put his life into the hands of the man his best friend loved. "I'm in."
"Damn it, Ray." Deeks muttered before turning quickly and making his way through the back doors of the boatshed and moving into the area that lead out to the deck. He needed to get away from everybody because right then he really wanted to punch something, someone. But he didn't know who it was he was most angry at right then. He couldn't decide if he was more pissed at G for suggesting the idea of putting Ray in harm's way just so they could get the weapons back, or if it was Ray because he had agreed.
Callen watched Marty walk away and couldn't help but wince at the slapping sound he made as he smacked his hand against the doorframe before turning towards the storage area on the left of the doors. He knew he was pissed. Knew he didn't like the plan, but it was the best, and only, one they had. It was the only way to achieve all their goals. The only way to protect Ray and close the case they were supposed to be working.
"I'm pretty sure that's your cue to follow." Ray said into the silence that followed Deeks' departure. His words caused all eyes to turn towards him, but he was only looking back at one other. And that one was his best friends love. Time to see if he cared for Marty, as much as Marty cared for him.
And Callen looking back into his eyes nodded before moving off towards where he knew Marty to be. He needed to calm him down, and they needed to get this mission on the way. "Oh, and, G? You hurt him, and you'll have me to deal with." Ray continued, causing Callen to turn to look at him with a slight smirk on his face.
"Noted." Callen replied, but he couldn't hide his amusement at the idea that Ray thought he could take him. Yeah that was never gonna happen. But then considering he didn't have any plans to hurt Marty ever, then it really didn't matter did it? With that thought Callen rounded the corner.
Deeks had his back to where the others were. He was trying to get himself under control so he could return to them. Could go back to panning the op that could get his friend killed. He suddenly felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, though he heard no one approach him. He knew of only one person in the team who could be that stealthy and who would come to him right now.
"Why'd you suggest this plan, G?" He asked, not looking over his shoulder, even if he knew G was standing right behind him. He didn't need to look to know that.
"It's the only way." Callen responded evenly. It was nothing but the truth after all. This was the only plan they had which had any chance at succeeding in all their gaols.
"The only way to find the guns, or the only way to protect Ray?" Deeks demanded turning quickly so he could glare at the other man. Because he knew it was his plan. G had the final say on every op the team did after all.
"Both. Sanders won't stop Marty. You know that, I know that. Ray needs to die, and we need to find those weapons." Callen stated simply.
"And if he dies for real, what then?" Deeks asked, though the tension had gone from his voice, and instead Callen heard the slightest wavering of worry. Slightest hint of fear of what would happen to the man Deeks had known most of his life. Who had been there for him at the worst of times, and had helped him through it, rather than turn his back as most others had.
"He won't." Callen reassured him, moving so he could place a hand on Marty's arm in the hopes it would give him what he needed to do what they all needed him to do.
"How can you be so sure?" Deeks asked quietly now, not wanting anyone else to hear the conversation they were having. Not wanting anyone else to see the vulnerability he was showing the man in front of him.
"Because he'll have you watching his back." Callen responded with a crooked smile as he reached forwards with his other hand as well and squeezed both of Marty's arms. He knew that when the operation happened, there was no way Marty was going to be anywhere other than at his friends back, watching over him the best he could. But then why would he be anywhere else?
"Hmph." Was all Deeks could say to that one, though he did roll his eyes at the smile G was giving him. He knew the other man couldn't really promise him Ray was gonna be okay, but he was glad G had realised that he would be the one watching his back. There was no way he was letting his friend risk himself without being there to protect him.
"Trust me?" Callen asked simply. It was all he could think to say. But it was also all he needed to say to get Deeks to sag as the tension completely left. Because seriously, how could he do anything else? He trusted G with his life, he could trust him with Rays as well.
"Fine. But I'm still not happy about it." He grumbled, but a smile was appearing on his lips as he said it, so that G would know he didn't really mean anything by it, even if he did mean the words.
At that Callen nodded before dropping his hands from Deeks' arms and smirking as he responded. "Then you're probably going to be even less happy about how I plan on getting the Southland Kings where we need them to be." He said it in a jokey tone, even if he knew what he would be asking of Marty was not going to be easy. He knew the pain and guilt it was going to cause, and he wished more than anything that he could take it upon himself. But he couldn't. Only Marty could go into the interrogation room and get Nichole to help them. Only he could persuade her to make the call they needed so that the Southland Kings would be where they wanted them so they could finish this. He was the only one, because he was the one she loved.
And that was how Deeks found himself once more in a room with Nichole, though this time he was telling her exactly who he was, and exactly what they needed her to do. It was time to lay their trap, and hope that they didn't caught tangled in it themselves.