A/N: A little post-ep fic for "Genesis", since I've complained about it so much. Influenced by some of glenncoco's thoughts and comments on Deeks during this scene. Written shortly after the episode aired.
Deeks smiled softly, sitting back as Kensi leaned over her desk, speaking in rapid fire Spanish with Rosa. He'd wondered if he was overstepping his bounds by reaching out to Rosa's aunt but seeing Kensi's genuine excitement (Rosa's too if the sound filtering over the speaker was any indication), it was the right choice.
His smile turned wistful, and his gaze drifted a little. This is what he'd always imagined for them, he'd just pictured being more involved. He didn't begrudge the bond Kensi had formed with Rosa; it made perfect sense after everything they'd experienced together. And he loved seeing Kensi so happy after so many months, years, of heartache and disappointment.
Despite all that, Deeks was jealous. In the last couple months, it felt increasingly like he was being pushed to the side in their journey to foster, both with Rosa and Pilar. The staff automatically deferred to Kensi, sometimes not even asking for his input, or regarding him with distrust. He tried not to take it personally, but it was starting to eat at him.
Feeling the frustration welling inside him, he slid out of his chair, and quietly left the bullpen. Kensi was completely focused on her conversation and didn't even notice him go.
Good, there was no reason why his irrational feelings should ruin her time with Rosa. Deeks wandered over to the armory, starting in on the weapons log. Technically it wasn't due until tomorrow, but he needed something to distract him.
Even so, his thoughts turned to his meeting today with Pilar's case manager. At the time he'd thought it went well…now he wasn't so sure. Maybe he should have had Kensi come with or go in his place. Sure, she didn't know his lawyer friend or understand the legal component quite as well, but people seemed to trust her more easily in these situations.
Sighing, Deeks dismantled an automatic rifle with more fore than necessary and roughly cleaned it. A few more rifles later, he felt significantly calmer, though now bitter disappointment had settled in.
"Deeks?" He looked up as Kensi popped her head in. "Hey, baby, what are you doing in here?" she asked, walking closer to observe the pile of cleaned and catalogued weapons.
"Uh, just getting a head start on inventory," he explained with a shrug.
"Oh, well, I've been looking for you everywhere." When he frowned at her, Kensi held out her phone, which currently was on mute. "Rosa wants to talk to you before she goes."
"She wants to—really?" Deeks asked, hesitantly taking the phone as he cast Kensi a confused look.
"Yeah. She said you were telling her a story on the helicopter when we left Mexico and never got the chance to finish it. She was hoping you'd tell her now."
Gratitude filled him and he blinked quickly against the prickling sensation in his eyes, suddenly overwhelmed.
"Baby, are you ok?" Kensi asked, apparently concerned by his delayed response. He nodded, running a hand through his hair, and offered a quick smile.
"Yeah, I'm great." He switched the speaker on. "Hey Rosa, this is Marty."
As she filled him in on the last few weeks, he reached for Kensi's hand. Rosa may never know or fully understand, but her simple request had rekindled his hope. Kensi leaned into his side, occasionally inserting comment into Deeks highly embellished story.