A/N: This was originally written leading up to episode 12x7, "Overdue.
"Mm, you look super sexy," Kensi commented, resting her chin on his shoulder as she examined his reflection in their full-length mirror. "You should wear suits more often."
Deeks caught her eye briefly, fiddling with his collar and tie, and then glancing at his hair. He fluffed it a little, trying to force wayward pieces into submission.
"Well, let's hope Agent Martinez is as easily charmed as you are," he said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Kensi made a face and smoothed down his already perfectly ironed suit jacket.
"You'll do fine. After all the interviews you've had, this will be nothing."
"And what if I don't." Kensi frowned now, sensing that there was something other than just nerves going on. She was so used to Deeks being confidant, even when he was completely ridiculous, that it always surprised her when that confidence wavered.
With a little nudging, she turned him towards her. He sighed and tilted his head back. Kensi gently grasped his chin between her thumb and forefinger, forcing his eyes to hers.
"Babe, what's going on?" He blew out a long breath, taking a moment to answer her.
"My record, especially in the last few years, is not good. I just keep imagining how that's going to look on paper," he explained, shaking his head. "And we know that I don't always make the best first impression. I say the wrong thing and then, then the more I say, the worse it gets."
His voice sped up as he spoke, working towards a full-blown ramble. Heart aching for him, Kensi pressed her fingers over his lips for a moment. His eyebrows rose at the not so subtle attempt to stop him and she brushed her thumb across his lip to soothe away any possible insult.
"Deeks, the only thing Agent Martinez should see on your record is that you are a highly skilled person who stands by what he believes in. If she doesn't, then something is wrong because I've worked by your side every day for the past 10 years and I know what you are capable of," she told him firmly.
"I've also made a lot of mistakes." Her heart clenched at the doubt in his eyes. "This could be just another. I mean look at everything I've screwed up in the past year," he added in a whisper.
Kensi grabbed his cheeks, her expression fierce as she looked him directly in the eye.
"Martin Deeks, you listen to me." She waited until she was sure she had his complete attention. "Nothing, absolutely nothing that has happened in the last year, has been your fault. Not the bar, or LAPD restructuring, or our financial issues. Any of it. So stop blaming yourself and thinking that you aren't good enough, because you are."
He swallowed harshly and nodded, his eyes wet.
"Ok." She tugged his head down to her chest.
"I love you so much," she whispered. "And you're going to do great."