Prompt: Can you write something about Deeks running into Whiting at the boatshed after she talks to Rountree? Opportunity missed by the writers.

A/N: Once again, this is long overdue. And yes, it seems strange that Whiting was brought back without ever interacting with Deeks. This takes place during episode 13x15, Perception.

"Detective Whiting," Deeks drawled, strolling into the boat shed where Ellen Whiting stood, one arm crossed over her chest, as she typed on her phone with the other.

He'd been surprised to hear that she was IA's pick to represent the cops who stopped, cuffed, and pepper sprayed Rountree given her reputation. Though he knew you didn't often get a choice as a public servant.

She glanced up, mouth morphing into a sarcastic smile. "Deeks. When they told me an agent would be escorting me out, I didn't think they'd send you," she said, sliding her phone into her pocket. "Congratulations."

"Thanks. But, uh, it's investigator, not agent."

"Still an upgrade, right?" She shrugged.

"I suppose it is," Deeks agreed with a soft chuckle. "So, you been keeping busy? Hunting down LAPD's worst offenders?"

"It's been kind of slow lately, but I could always bring you in for questioning, Deeks," she said fake smile. "You know, for old time's sake."

Deeks drew a sharp between his teeth. "Yeah, as much as I enjoyed our…special talk, I'm gonna have to pass on that one. Besides, I imagine this case is going to take up all your toke for a while."

Whiting grimaced at that, looking uncharacteristically ill at ease, tucking her already neat hair behind her ear.

"Hopefully not," she said. "IA wants this dealt with quickly and as painlessly as possible."

Now that did not sound good. How many times had his superiors swept Boyle and Steadman's crimes under the rug? Rocking his weight onto one foot, Deeks faced Whiting seriously.

"You know, I saw Agent Rountree on my way in here. He wouldn't say what you guys discussed, but he didn't look very happy," Deeks told her, examining her face for any tells.

"I asked him to meet with the officers in question and he refused," she explained in a neutral tone.

"You asked him to talk to them during an open investigation?" Deeks shook his head. "Ellen, you know that's blurring the line."

"They made a mistake and you should know better than anyone what that's like." She gave Deeks a pointed look, perhaps expecting him to immediately shy away from the topic. "You were given a second chance and so do these men."

"You're right, I did make a mistake, but this is clearly different. Even if there was no malicious intent, these guys can't just go around pulling over innocent people and treating them the way they did Rountree," he insisted and she lifted her chin, unrelenting.

"Don't you think that's a little hypocritical?" Whiting asked, challenging him. Deeks just nodded.

"Maybe." He let his agreement hang in the air. "But the Ellen Whiting I know would never take the easy or safe route. I know you to be someone who asks the hard questions and searches for the truth. You have integrity," Deeks said softly. Whiting jerked slightly, eyes widening in surprise.

"Those are pretty flattering words," she murmured. It was strange to see her anything less than caustic and uncompromising, but he didn't back down.

"I mean it. Don't let it change," he urged her. "Keep that integrity and need for justice."

Whiting looked down for a minute, then to Deeks surprise, she chuckled, she sound a little sardonic.

"Damn, I'm glad I never had to go up against you in court." She nodded towards the door. "C'mon, I have some apologizing to do."

A/N: I hope this was something like what you were looking for. I didn't want to have Deeks run in as the hero to fix everything, but I feel like despite their tumultuous interactions, Whiting does trust and respect Deeks, just as he has some respect for her.