A week from the day Deeks accepted Sam's offer, he, Kensi, and Sam all sat in Dr. Nehme's office to complete the initial part of the donor process. Later today, they'd meet with Deeks' entire transplant team to discuss the next steps.
"Mr. Hanna, since being a living donor comes with not insignificant risks and possible lifelong changes, there's some things we need to go over," Dr. Nehme told Sam.
"It's Sam. And I already know the risks and I'm not having any second thoughts," Sam replied calmly. While Kensi and Deeks were both obviously nervous, he seemed perfectly at ease. "Deeks has saved my life more times than I can count, gave me four more years than I would have had with my wife, and is one of the people I trust most. He's my brother."
Deeks squeezed Kensi's hand, touched and overwhelmed by Sam's words.
"I understand why you want to help him," Nehme said gently. "It's a courageous and selfless thing you're doing. However, I find especially when it comes to friends and family, that sometimes the outcome and risks can be unexpected. I want to make sure we're all on the same page."
"Believe me, I've done my research. But go ahead; I know you have a protocol to follow." Sam lifted his hand for the doctor to continue, and Nehme blinked a couple times in bemusement at having his meeting hijacked.
Deeks had a feeling Dr. Nehme was in for a trying time as he met more of the team. He'd have to warm him before he encountered Eric and Nell with their ever-mounting pile of nephrology research.
"Ok then. I like to start by discussing the short-term risks immediately following surgery. Obviously, there'll be pain—"
Kensi snorted, pressing her lips together when all three men turned to look at her in sunrise. "Sorry," she apologized. "Once you get into his medical history, I think you'll understand."
"I've had a few…incidents with work," Sam explained vaguely.
"Yes, I noticed," Nehme commented dryly. "Very impressive. Alright, moving on. There are also risks for infection, pneumonia, blood clotting issues, collapsed lung, issues with the urinary tract, and of course, death. Now, some of these are mitigated by your excellent health, prior injuries aside."
"Do you have percentages for these risks?" Deeks asked.
"Not at the moment, but I can provide them if you'd like."
"Relax, Deeks," Sam said. "I'm not concerned."
Deeks ignored him. "Thank you, doctor. I'd appreciate that. What about the long-term risks? I read that some donors develop high blood pressure afterwards."
"Yes, that and other chronic conditions are a possibility," Nehme agreed.
"My family hasn't had high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes going back four generations," Sam spoke up again. "And even if that happens, I can handle it better than you can with kidney disease. So hush up, and let the doctor finish."
"Thank you, Mr. Hanna," Nehme said wryly. "There are some other details you can look over before we meet with the entire team, but I did want to emphasize that this will likely impact your livelihood. I understand you hold a law enforcement position, and living donors are often restricted from that type of career."
"I'm aware. I've made my peace with that possibility." Sam glanced back at Deeks as he said it, as though he wanted to make sure Deeks hear and understood him. "I didn't make this decision lightly or impulsively."
"Well, then I think that's everything for now. I'll see you back with the entire team in an hour."
"So, how's it feel?" Sam asked as they walked out of the medical complex. After four hours, and multiple meetings, they had a plan to go forward. "In a little less than a month, you'll have a new kidney. Well, slightly used, but in perfect condition.
Deeks smiled around a yawn; after everything today, he felt completely exhausted. Which wasn't that usual these days.
"A little surreal," Deeks admitted. Having resigned himself to being on the donor waiting list, it now felt strange that everything was now moving ahead so quickly.
Beside him, Kensi threaded her fingers through his, leaning into his side.
"I know I already said this, but, uh, thank you, Sam. This is such an incredible sacrifice. A gift."
"Yes," Kensi murmured, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Sam."
"Hey, I can't have you going on without your shaggier half." Smirking, he squeezed each other their shoulders, his sobering slightly. "I meant what I said," he continued, speaking directly to Deeks. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.
"Man, you can't keep saying things like that," Deeks muttered, clearing his throat roughly. "The medication has me crying at Folgers commercials."
"Now, don't get yourself too worked up, cause I'd do it for anyone on the team," Sam said teasingly.
"Kilbride?"
Sam grimaced at Deeks suggestion. "Eh, I'd have to consider."
"What about Rogers?" Kensi asked.
"Now you're just being ridiculous." Releasing them with a final squeeze, Sam nodded towards the parking lot. "C'mon, let's get some food. You're looking too damn scrawny, Deeks."
A/N: After a very long break, I'm back with this story. I hope you still enjoy it. As always, I try to make the medical elements somewhat realistic, but there will be mistakes or irregularities.