Deeks wasn't sure what to expect from Monica after he made his ultimatum. After the last few years, he knew he couldn't put anything past her. He relaxed a little when she didn't make any attempt to contact him that night or the next day. He didn't know if that meant she'd taken his warning seriously or not, but he decided to reach out to a friend with experience in family law just in case.
He felt a hint of disquiet and guilt at turning to legal avenues. It felt vindictive, which was the reason he'd originally decided not to push for a contract of any kind. At the time, he wanted Caleb to have a relationship with Monica, if possible, while avoiding the pitfalls that typically accompanied the end of a relationship. Now he realized it had only created more problems and gave Monica power she couldn't be trusted with.
It went against all his instincts, but Deeks forced himself to stop worrying about what she might do. So far, she hadn't attempted to visit again, and if she did, he intended to reiterate his conditions for said visits.
As confused as he might be, Caleb already seemed more himself, and that more than anything was proof that Deeks had made the right decision.
The next Monday, Kensi stopped by a little before dinner. He greeted her at the door with a surprised, but nonetheless delighted smile.
"Hey, I wasn't expecting you," he said, leaning in to kiss her as he welcomed her inside.
"Hey. I can't stay long, but I wanted to drop something off. I brought over Caleb's end-of-year assessment results," she explained, handing him an envelope with the school logo and address on the front. He led her over to the couch and they both took a seat as he tapped the envelope against his hand.
"Ooh, I'm getting flashbacks to middle school," he joked. "'Martin is an energetic and outspoken child. At times he shares his opinions a little too freely.'"
"So what you're telling me is little Marty Deeks was destined to be a lawyer?" Kensi guessed with a teasing smirk.
"Or a criminal. As Mrs. Latham told me so frequently." He slipped his index finger under the seal, and pulled out two sheets of paper. The first showed his math score and the second, his reading. "Oh my god."
"Don't spread it around, but Caleb had the highest reading score for the whole grade," Kensi shared, the excitement obvious in her voice. "He also showed a lot of growth in math as well. He's excelling in both subjects."
"Wow," Deeks murmured, slightly shocked. "I know grades and test scores aren't everything, but…"
"It's ok to be proud of him. I know I am. He's worked really hard and made so much progress in the short time he's been in my class, and not just academically." Kensi squeezed his shoulder. "And I know it hasn't been the easiest year for either of you."
"You're right about that," Deeks agreed softly. "There have been some definite lows, but it's also had some of the best moments too. I wouldn't change anything if it meant I wouldn't meet you. Thank you for taking such good care of him." Kensi tilted her head, and he sensed she was going to object, so he added, "I know that's literally a part of your job, but not every teacher would have taken the time to make sure he felt comfortable and fit into a new environment. We both owe you a lot."
Kensi dipped her chin, pressing her lips together. "Ok, you need to stop saying things like that, because I'm going to start crying." He slid his arm around her back, drawing her into his chest.
"That's the kind of thing a guy likes to hear," he joked. Kensi's fingers curled in his shirt, tugging him closer instead of pushing him away.
"You've been pretty life changing too, Marty Deeks."
He shook his head, marveling at the ridiculous spectrum of emotions he'd felt this last week: shock, despair, anger, and now absolute happiness.
They stayed snuggled in one another's arms for a few more minutes until Kensi sighed and stretched. "Mm, I better go. I have a bunch of data to enter and end of year letters to start."
"Ugh. Give me a good old contract any day."
"I don't know, I think you'd make a pretty good teacher," Kensi disagreed. "Data entry notwithstanding."
"Oh so if the lawyer thing doesn't work out, you'll put in a good word for me at St. Bridget's?" he asked. He smiled at the ridiculous notion. It felt good to be silly for a moment after the stress of the last week.
"I'm not sure Sam's quite ready for that just yet." She leaned in and kissed him, her tongue swiping over his bottom lip before she eased back. "I really do have to go. See you tomorrow?"
"It's a date. I'll make you lasagna," he promised as he walked her to the door. They kissed one more time before she slipped out.
"Did I hear Kensi?" Caleb asked, making his usual running entrance into the room. He looked around expectantly.
"Yeah." Deeks tucked the test results back into the envelope, figuring Caleb didn't need to worry about scores right now. "She just left. Sorry, kiddo."
"Aw." Caleb stuck out his lower lip in disappointed. "I wanted to see her."
"She had to get home and grade all your papers. You'll see her tomorrow," Deeks reminded him.
"Yeah, but that's not the same. At school there's all the other kids and I have to call her Miss Blye. Plus, I can't talk about all the cool stuff she does with us," Caleb explained seriously.
Deeks sighed; he couldn't exactly argue with that.
"I know, buddy. But you know why it's gotta be that way. I miss her too."
"It's not fair." Crossing his arms, Caleb doubled down on the pouting.
"Ok, somebody needs some cheering up," Deeks decided. He grabbed him under the arms, and spun him in a circle.
"Daddy, stop!" Caleb protested, even as he giggled. Within a few more spins, he was laughing in earnest and begging Deeks to go faster.
After a couple minutes, Deeks set him down with a groan. Caleb launched himself off the arm of the chair, any trace of his annoyance gone. Deeks knew it would always be so easy to solve his problems, and that the topic would likely come up again, but for now it had done the trick.
"Hey, you wanna help me make lasagna for Kensi tomorrow?" Deeks asked as Caleb wriggled on his back. He felt a lot heavier than he just a few months ago, his arms and legs longer too.
He jumped off, coming around to face Deeks, his eyes wide with excitement. "For real?"
"I do not tell stories about lasagna."
"Daaaad." Caleb made an exasperated sound, somehow looking simultaneously five and twelve.
Laughing, Deeks took pity on him. "Yes, Kensi is coming for dinner tomorrow. But only if you don't mope around all day." He reached out, tickling Caleb's ribs before he danced away. "Deal?"
"Deal."
"Awesome. Now come help me make biscuits, or else we'll never eat tonight," Deeks said, nudging Caleb towards the kitchen.
"Or, we could just order pizza!"
Deeks shook his head, listening to Caleb's argument in favor of ordering dinner. He sure was lucky to have this funny, smart, stubborn, amazing little boy.
A/N: Yes, the fluff continues, but Monica lurks in the background.