A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks so much for sticking with this story. I think we're heading towards the end here. I hope you enjoy this shorter addition.
"So, when you're on the stand, don't be afraid to show emotion," Deeks' lawyer reminds him, reviewing his testimony one final time. Devin Risner is an incredibly thin man of about 45 with wide, black-framed glasses that dominate most of his face, and short curly hair.
Before Deeks can object in any way, Devin points a finger at him. "Now, I know you don't like it, but the judge needs to see how Sylvia's actions, her abuse, affected you. How it continues to affect you. She needs to see the truth."
"I know," Deeks says, because they've been over this repeatedly, and, he doesn't disagree.
Given her blatant disregard of the no contact order, Sylvia was not offered bail again. Deeks is sure Nell Jones' statement had something to do with that. She'd been ruthless in her narration of what she'd heard over the phone and then seen once she arrived at Kensi's apartment.
The judge assigned Sylvia's case had also bumped the hearing date up by two weeks, which means that Deeks is facing her again later today. In a way, he's relieved that the whole process won't be drawn out any longer than necessary. On the other hand, he's not looking forward to his personal life being on display.
Since Sylvia has maintained a plea of not guilty, Nell, Sam, Kensi, and the officers involved in both of her arrests will testify. He appreciates their continued support, even if he hates that it's comes to this.
"Good." Devin shuffles his papers together, indicating their meeting is wrapping up. "Just one more thing. Sylvia would like to speak with you, prior to the hearing," he informs Deeks reluctantly.
"You're joking, right?" Deeks asks, turning to Devin with an incredulous expression. "She realizes that she's not supposed to have contact with me, right?"
Devin shakes his head. "I am not. And yes, she does. Her lawyer seemed very dismayed when she delivered the message. So, what should I tell opposing counsel?"
"Absolutely not," Deeks says immediately. He's past the point of wanting anything to do with her. Especially giving into a request that would likely fuel her belief that she still held some power over him.
"I was hoping you'd say that," Devin says with a small, approving grin. "Finally, you seem to have gained some sense of self-preservation."
"You're almost as hilarious as Kensi."
"Having met her, I'll take that as a compliment." Pushing back from the table, Devin holds out his hand. "I don't think you'll need it, but good luck today. And when in doubt, be yourself."
Deeks spends the last couple hours before the hearing mentally preparing himself. After all the times he's testified on the job, he isn't worried about flubbing that part. It's the potential for a flashback or having his character called into question. So, he practices his coping strategies and puts on an armor in the form of his best three-piece suit.
When he emerges from the bathroom about an hour before he needs to be at the courthouse, Kensi is waiting for him on the couch. She's also dressed up in slacks and a dark blue blouse, her hair pulled back in a meticulous pony tail.
"Well, how do I look?" he asks, holding his arms wide. Kensi tilts her head, considering him for a few extra seconds.
"Like you're ready to take on the world," she responds. "How do you feel?"
"Good. I think. It's a moment-to-moment thing." His lip lifts just barely as he shrugs, and he knows he's rambling. "I don't always have the best tack record when it comes to people in positions of authority. And, for all she's done, Sylvia does know my basic past and how to shine the light in the least attractive way possible."
"She can try," Kensi says in a steely voice, squaring her shoulders. "Somehow I think the assault and stalking charges will go some way in discrediting any story she tries to spin."
"Mm, one would hope. But we've seen way worse happen in court."
"Hey now, no negative talk like that." She gives him a mock reproving look. "Relax for a few minutes. I made you chamomile tea. I know you're not really a tea guy, but it's supposed to be calming." She points to one of two mugs on the coffee table, and Deeks smiles, taking the one closest to him.
"Thanks." Sitting next to Kensi, he takes a sip, wincing slightly at the almost overpowering taste of sugar. "Oh, that's delicious. Though I might need a few gallons of this. Maybe intravenously," he says, pretending to savor a mouthful.
"Shut up, I know it's terrible," Kensi groans. "It's the only thing I have here besides water that doesn't have caffeine."
"It's the best tea I've had," Deeks insists. "Just watch out in case I start experiencing hyperglycemic rushes."
They drink their tea in companionable silence for a few minutes, and Deeks felt the last of his anxiety slowly ebb away.
He lifts his hand in the space between them; Kensi takes it, threading her fingers through his.
"Thanks. This really helped." He hopes Kensi know that he's not talking about this single moment, but every one in the month. Before then even. For every second of unwavering support and friendship she's shown him.
"Always, Deeks. Today is going to be ok." Kensi gives his hand an extra squeeze. "Remember, you have so many people rooting for you."
A/N: Once again, I feel the need to stress that Kensi and Deeks' relationship is purely platonic. I hope you enjoyed this little moment before the hearing.