A/N: As always thanks so much for your responses and for continuing to read. I'm relieved that Kensi didn't come off as too out of character in the last chapter. Also, I never thought I'd write this much Donald Blye, so I hope you approve of my interpretation of his character.
Donald Blye seemed to specialize in awkward silences. Deeks' tendency in these types of situations was to fill that silence by rambling, but this time he controlled the urge. As they crept along the now dark roads, Deeks focused on the passenger window, and waited.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mr. Blye's head turn his way a couple times. He didn't say anything though.
"I hope you understand why I did what I did tonight," Donald said finally. "Kensi means the world to me and I do everything in my power to keep her safe and protected as I can." He paused as he turned left. "So I hope you wouldn't feel inclined to help her out while she can't drive herself."
"No, sir," Deeks answered quickly. Deeks had learned early on that when adults were angry, one of the best ways to avoid more severe consequences was to agree emphatically. Now, he didn't always follow that guideline, especially when it came to his more annoying teachers, but at the moment he didn't want Mr. Blye rethinking things and banning him from seeing Kensi.
"Good. She doesn't realize it now, but I'm trying to keep her from making mistakes she can't come back from."
"I'm sorry for the part I played in it," Deeks spoke up. "I wasn't thinking."
He got a soft chuckle for that. "You're forgiven. I know my daughter can be very persuasive when she wants to be. And, it's not easy saying no to your friends sometimes." Don took another turn; they were about five minutes away now. "Even if it's likely to get you in trouble," he added more quietly.
"I take Kensi's safety very seriously too."
"I know. You're a good kid, reputation notwithstanding." Donald chuckled again as Deeks swiveled to stare at him in surprise. "What, you think I believe every rumor I hear? If there were even a chance that you actually did half the things I've heard about you, I'd be a lot more hesitant to let you spend so much time at our house."
Deeks mulled that over for a few minutes, not sure what to make of that revelation. He'd always assumed that Donald Blye disliked him to a certain extent. It was a lot to take in when after expecting some form of punishment or rebuke.
"Well, I've been told I am an acquired taste," he muttered. When in doubt, joke. He didn't get a laugh or comment this time, and he felt discomfort setting in again.
They turned onto Deeks' street now. He was a little thankful that the darkness concealed unkempt yards and decaying houses to a degree. It wasn't the first time Don had driven him home, but the sharp contrast between their two neighborhoods became more obvious, and painful, the older Deeks got.
"Thanks for the ride," Deeks said as soon as the car stopped in front of the house. He grabbed his backpack, ready to get out quickly.
"Is your mom home?" Don asked, holding Deeks back with a light hand on his shoulder. Deeks sat back with a resigned sigh.
"She works until 11:30 tonight," Deeks answered. "I assume you want to talk to her."
"I think this can stay between us for now. I just want to make sure you won't be alone for long."
"I'm not a little kid, Sir."
"No, but you are still a kid," Don reminded him softly, gazing steady.
Deeks felt like he could see straight through him. Despite his best efforts, he shifted in his seat, dropping his eyes to the top of his worn backpack. A few frayed threads poked out of the top of the zipper.
"Remember, you don't always have to do things on your own," Don continued, speaking to the top of his head. It wasn't the first time he'd said something like that, but it definitely was the bluntest he'd ever been.
It always put Deeks on guard; most other adults seemed unconcerned with his circumstances. They were happy to look no deeper than the "troubled kid" persona. Kensi's dad had always been more perceptive though. He seemed to pick up on when Deeks was tired or hungry, and thought he never came right out and asked for explanations.
Pair that with his apparent knowledge of Deeks' history, and it set off warning bells. He didn't need discussions about his house, or mom, or money starting.
"I better go in," Deeks murmured. "The neighbors are huge gossips."
"Alright, Marty. Take of yourself."
Deeks got out of the car without another word, hurrying up to the house before Donald Blye stop him.
By the time her dad got back from taking Deeks home, Kensi had worked out a good amount of her anger and indignation. It had involved a lot of pacing her room while blasting one of the songs he hated on repeated.
As soon as she heard the car pull in the garage, she raced downstairs.
"What did you say to Deeks?" she demanded when he walked through the door. He sighed heavily, giving her a look that suggested she was pushing her luck.
"That's between the two of us. All you need to know is that he's not in any kind of trouble," he told her.
"Well, good." She folded her arms, not sure what to say to that. Underneath all the anger, she'd been most concerned that he'd scold Deeks or "suggest" he stay away.
"You on the other hand, not so much."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm not allowed to drive for three weeks," she huffed, rolling her eyes.
"Hey, it could be a lot worse. You broke a lot of rules tonight. Besides that, Marie, it's not a kind thing to put your friends in situations like that," Donald said and Kensi bristled at the use of her middle name.
"You make it sound like I asked him to drive the getaway car," she said scathingly. "And I didn't make him anything. Deeks is capable of making his own decisions."
"I think we both know Marty Deeks would do just about anything if you asked him to."
Kensi blushed, wanting to deny it immediately. She couldn't though, because it was pretty accurate, and she'd counted on Deeks caving when she begged.
"Dad—"
He held up his hand, his expression stern.
"I realize you're looking for independence, I was to when I was your age. I also know it feels like you know everything and you're ready to face the world on your own, but that's not true. Not for at least another year and a half. And hopefully longer if you'll let me be there for you," he interrupted. The gentleness in his tone made her want to cry, even as her anger spiked again at the injustice of it all.
She pressed her lips together to hold back the tears. "Right, when it's convenient for you. You're always gone." Kensi regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth. Her dad's eyes flashed with pain for a moment before he covered it. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths, and whispered. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I'm just…frustrated."
"You're forgiven." When she opened her eyes, he held out his arms, and after a few moments, she let him pull her into a hug. "Promise me that you'll think before you do anything like this again," he murmured gently. "If not yourself, think of Deeks. Do you really want him to get into trouble after how hard he's worked?" She shook her head quickly. "You want to take care of him and help him out, but you put him in an impossible situation. Getting arrested would be devastating for him."
"I would never want anything to happen to Deeks." The tears were back again, and this time she couldn't keep them under control. Donald automatically began rubbing her back in a soothing motion.
"Then think about him next time you want to do something crazy."
She nodded, feeling even more miserable than she had a few moments ago.
"Hey." He tipped her chin up, his eyes gentle as she reluctantly met his gaze. "You're still a good kid. I love you."
Kensi couldn't find it in herself to say it back just yet, but she let him hold her.
A/N: Just more teenage angst. I'm so glad that at the moment, the only teens I'm responsible for are fictional.
