This one is set post The Grey Man, in the season 6. For countdown day 8.

"You'll be happy to know that the essence of Artie, is completely gone," Deeks announced, sliding into the passenger side of the SUV. "And it only took two showers."

"Amazing," Kensi said a little distractedly while she pulled into traffic.

He waited a moment for a joke about his general hygiene, or lack thereof, but none came. He brushed a lock of still-damp hair off his forehead, glancing out the window.

"So when we get to—"

"When my dad died, I went to live with my mom. Well, I was supposed to. I only made it a few days and then I ran away," Kensi interrupted, talking far more quickly than normal. She shot him look, not quite making eye contact before staring straight ahead again. "I know Hetty already told you, but I figured you should know the whole story."

"Kens, you do not need to tell me anything more. I never should have known from the beginning." At the time, when Hetty told him, he'd been curious and concerned and let that override his better judgment.

"I know. But I want to be open with you." She inhaled deeply, seeming calmer when she spoke again, maybe even a little detached. "As you can imagine, it wasn't easy. I was a teenager without any money, no connections, and I was living on the street."

"That sounds terrifying," Deeks murmured. It was bad enough as a fully grown man who most people ignored…a teenager girl. He hated the thought of that for Kensi.

"It was sometimes," Kensi agreed, echoing his though as she added, "You know what it's like. You're always living on edge, never knowing for sure if you'll get enough to eat, or a place to sleep. I was pretty lucky to find some people who watched out for me and sometimes could stay in a shelter, but I did some things I'm not very proud of." Before Deeks could even ask, she held up her hand. "I never broke the law during that time. Although I came pretty close a couple times when I was hungry and feeling desperate."

"You were trying to survive."

"Yeah, and that wouldn't have been necessary if I just sucked it up and lived with my mom for a couple years." She made a bitter sound, directed at herself.

"Kensi, don't blame yourself. You were hurt, grieving, and under the impression your mom abandoned you," he told her. "Sometimes we make really unfortunate decisions, but it shouldn't rule the rest of our lives."

"No, we shouldn't," Kensi agreed softly. "I can't help but think about how my life might be different if I didn't have to struggle to finish high school. I might have–well, I might have made some different decisions if I hadn't felt so forced to prove myself."

"I hate that you were put in that situation," Deeks said, hesitating before he carefully broached the topic that had been on his mind for hours. "Before, you said something about being Artie's type."

"Yeah, I did. A 16-year-old can girl attract a lot of attention." Her voice was purposefully even.

"From men like Artie?" he asked gently.

"Yeah, sometimes," she murmured, with a touch of sadness. She brushed it off just as quickly. "Though from what I've seen, Artie really isn't like those men besides being homeless.

"I know you're worried about me, but nothing ever happened. I was always able to find a safe place or use my self-defense skills." She smiled wryly. "At least dad would have been proud of how well he taught me."

"We all are, Kensi."

"Deeks—" she shook her head, denying his claim.

"No, it's true. Nothing you said today, has changed my opinion of you, Kensi. What you told me today just proves what I've known for years: You're courageous, strong, and the most amazing woman I've ever known. I'm lucky to have you as my partner," Deeks told her, reaching over to touch the back of her hand. He only lingered for a few seconds, not wanting to push too hard.

"Thank you. That means a lot," Kensi said, shifting her hand from the steering wheel to the console, and over his. She curled her fingers around his.

A/N: It was Kensi's turn for a little angst.