A/N: Notifications are finally back! Thanks so much for continuing to read and review even if you weren't getting notified of new chapters.
The next morning, Deeks is too on edge to be comforted by Kensi's usual go to, food, so she backs off, giving him space. When she'd returned from her late shift last night, he'd been deep in the process of cleaning her bathroom. It had taken everything in Kensi not to badger him to stop and relax. Instead, she'd checked if he needed anything, then hung out in the living room until he finally came out.
Deeks makes them breakfast, like usual, but doesn't eat much himself. He's more quiet than usual, but overall, she thinks Deeks is handling the hearing amazingly well. She'd never been prouder than while watching him up on the stand. Despite his lingering concerns, he'd barely wavered and she knew his testimony drove home the damage Sylvia had caused.
"So, how are you feeling about today?" she asks while Deeks washes dishes and she dries. "I think Devin gave a pretty good closing argument. And he seemed happy with everything so far."
"I'm good," he says slowly. He eats a bite of eggs, chewing slowly while he contemplates. "Getting it all out there feels…it kind of feels like a release. I didn't expect to feel that kind of relief. I guess I needed to face Sylvia and say my piece more than I realized."
"That makes sense. Sylvia always took the upper hand, now she has no choice but to listen." She pauses in the middle of drying a large plate, uncertain if she should go on. "Are you still worried about the impression Sylvia gave of your character? Personally, I don't think it held much weight."
"Oddly enough, I'm not. Yeah, the judge could completely believe her or part of what she and her side claims." Deeks shrugs. "But I have to believe that evidence weighs in my favor. Not to mention, it's hard to argue with Sam and Nell. If they weren't on my side, I'd be terrified."
Kensi smiles, glad he can joke about it, and even more so since there isn't that forced quality to it.
"I know I keep saying it, but I appreciate everything all of you have done to support me, especially you, Kensi. You've been with me from the start and never once wavered or took a break, even when you should have. I never would have gotten to this place without you," he continues with a vulnerable little laugh. "I don't think it's hyperbolic to say you saved my life."
"And I would do it a thousand times again," she promises, and Deeks nudges her shoulder, a warmth his eyes that doesn't need to voiced. "Why don't you go change. I'll finish up here," she adds, figuring that they've probably met their quota for emotional conversations this morning.
Deeks is shrugging on a dress shirt when his phone rings. He sees it's from Devin Risner, and answers, tucking his phone between his right shoulder and ear while attempting to button his shirt one-handed. He must have left his cuff links in another room, so he heads for the living room, where Kensi is similarly searching for her shoes under the couch.
"Hey Devin, it's Deeks. I'll be on my way in ten minutes," he answers, anticipating his lawyer's question.
"Actually, that's not why I called. I met with Sylvia's lawyer an hour ago. She's changed her plea," Devin reports.
"What?" Deeks asks, stopping in the middle of the room, too stunned to manage anything else. Kensi gives him a questioning look of concern, and he gives a quick shake of his head to let her know it's nothing bad. "But she was still so adamant that she did nothing wrong yesterday. What changed."
"Her lawyer didn't say, but the it wasn't exactly looking good for her with so many positive testimonies on your side. Honestly, I think it shook her a little bit, and her lawyer probably jumped on that moment of doubt to convince her to change her plea."
"Ok, that's, uh…wow." Deeks runs his hand through his hair, mind running with a million thoughts. "So, what does that mean for today?"
"The start time has been bumped back to ten so her lawyer and the court can process the necessary paperwork. As you've probably witnessed in other hearings you participated in, Sylvia's lawyer will review the charges she's pled guilty to and then the judge will continue with sentencing. Otherwise, you don't have to do anything else other than show up at the appointed time."
Deeks hangs up, trying to wrap his mind around this new development. He doesn't know how long he's been standing there, silent and unmoving, when Kensi hesitantly says,
"Deeks, can you tell me what's going on, because I'm really starting to worry."
"Um, Sylvia is pleading guilty," he tells Kensi, laughing in disbelief. Kensi stares at him for a few seconds, then crosses over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He hugs her back, pressing his face into her shoulder as he starts to shake from the shock of it.
"That's amazing," Kensi whispers. "I'm so happy for you, Deeks."
"I can't believe it's finally over." When he pulls back, Kensi wipes a tear off his cheek, smiling through her own wet eyes.
There's an odd mix of emotions when Deeks and Kensi arrive back in the courtroom. His side is practically buzzing with excitement, while Sylvia's is decidedly subdued.
The few times Deeks glances her way, Sylvia has her head tipped downward, hands folded in her lap. He briefly wonders if it's an act, but decides that it doesn't really matter at this point. She doesn't say a word as her lawyer submits her plea, thanks the court, and witnesses.
Then it's finally time for the sentencing. Sylvia stands with her lawyer, chin lifted high as the judge begins speaking.
"Let me begin by commending Mr. Deeks for speaking so openly during this hearing. I know it is difficult for victims to share such personal and painful aspects of their lives. I applaud your strength," The judge says, speaking to audience at large, but offering a nod to Deeks as he finishes.
He shuffles his papers, directing his gaze to Sylvia now.
"Ms. Gray, after hearing you speak about Mr. Deeks, I haven't heard any remorse for your actions. I'm sure you feel regret and sorry for yourself as far as the difficulty it's now causing you. However, I have not seen any evidence that you truly own your actions. With that in mind, I am handing down the following sentences. For the three counts of domestic battery and abuse against a romantic partner, Martin Atticus Deeks, I sentence you to three years of jail time with an additional ten months for violation of your no contact clause," the judge says, pausing to look at Sylvia. "For one count of harassment and stalking, I sentence an additional year of jail time with the potential for early probation pending good behavior. I also am fining Ms. Gray $5,0000 to be paid to Martin Atticus Deeks to assist with accrued medical bills and other expenses. I'm fining Ms. Gray an additional $500 each for two counts of resisting arrest. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I order Ms. Gray to participate in a minimum of weekly counseling sessions for the duration of her sentence and probation."
Deeks sits in stunned silence; he had expected some amount of service time, but not five years. And certainly not the fines. He hears a quiet sniffle, and can't help but look to Sylvia once more. She's openly crying, lips pressed together as her shoulders shake.
Finishing, the judge gestures to Devin. "Is that acceptable to you and your client, Mr. Risner?"
Devin quickly stands, looking to Deeks, who nods. "Yes, it is, Your Honor," Devin replies. "We have no objections."
"All right. If there aren't any additional comments, I this hearing is adjourned. The bailiffs will take Ms. Gray back into custody where she will be transported state prison."
As Sylvia is escorted out, Deeks leans forward, cupping his face in his hands. He doesn't notice Kensi taking the free seat beside him until she lightly touches his arm.
"Hey, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm good," he says, speaking into his hands. He rubs them over his face, sitting up with a sigh. "It's just kind of overwhelming. What do I do now?"
"Whatever you want," Kensi responds with a smile. "You're finally free."
A/N: Thanks to Cheryl for the suggestion of mandatory counseling.
I don't know how believable the sentencing is, but I tried to punish Sylvia accordingly, without going over-the-top.