A/N: I've written similar version of this before, but it's updated to reflect current possible circumstances. A Sam and Deeks conversation.

Deeks let out a slow breath as he stared unblinkingly at the email on his screen and then clicked the send button. Sitting back in his chair, he pressed his hands over his mouth in mild disbelief.

"Everything ok, Deeks?"

"Huh?" He looked up at Sam's softly voiced question, to see him standing in front of his desk.

"You look a little overwhelmed."

"Yeah, uh, that's one way of putting it," Deeks said, running his fingers through his hair. Sam tilted his head inquiringly. "We're signing the final paperwork to have Rosa move in with us."

"Wow. So you're going through with it," Sam commented, making Deeks glance up sharply, sensing judgment.

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, not at all." He raised his hand in a calming gesture. "It's just a big responsibility."

"Yeah…" Deeks allowed a sigh. As hard as he'd known the process of fostering would be, the reality was really starting to set in. In a few weeks, less maybe, they would be the guardians of a 16 year old girl.

"It's admirable," Sam added gently.

And completely crazy, Deeks thought to himself. His instinct was to hold back and let Sam believe he had everything under control. It was an old instinct borne of the days when their relationship was on extremely shaky ground.

It was different now though; they trusted each other. Deeks trusted Sam, trusted his advice, point of view. Loosely linking his fingers, he placed them on his desk, and leaned forward slightly.

"If I'm being honest, I have no clue what we're doing," he admitted softly. "I mean, it's crazy enough to think about taking care of a baby, but Rosa's practically an adult. And, and, what do Kensi and I know about helping out someone in her situation?"

"Hey, relax Deeks. You're getting yourself worked up for no reason." Sam waited a beat while Deeks took a calming breath. "Better. Now to answer your first question, you and Kensi have a lot in common with Rosa with the way you grew up. You know what it's like to be a teenager in less-than-ideal circumstances. Besides, you've always hit it off with older kids."

Deeks shook his head dismissively, not accepting Sam's platitudes.

"That's always been for a limited time. I've never had to make sure that they're safe and happy, that they achieved their hopes and dreams. That I, that I don't screw them up even more than they were before," he blurted out, finally voicing his biggest concern. "She's got enough problems without that."

"You're not going to screw her up," Sam assured him gently. "Just show her that you care and got her back, the rest will follow."

"It's just that simple, huh?"

Sam allowed a half-smirk at that and shrugged.

"Ok, maybe there's a few steps in between, but that's the gist. Rosa will figure out that you guys have her best interest in mind, even if you make a few mistakes along the way." He squeezed Deeks' shoulder firmly, encouragingly. "And you always got Uncle Sam around if you need any help."

"You might regret making that offer," Deeks said, swallowing against the sudden pressure in his throat.

"Never for family." Sam paused a beat. "Just don't call before 5AM." Deeks chuckled softly and nodded gratefully.

"Deal."