Deeks didn't plan on calling Officer Hanna; as far as he was concerned, he'd spent more than enough time in the presence of cops and singing up for regular time with one, was just asking for trouble. Plus, he didn't think most people would consider him a good role model. There were probably a dozen reasons why he shouldn't consider Hanna's casual suggestion.

The business card in his pocket nagged at him though, and after the tenth time taking it out to examine the number, he made the call.

Which was how he found himself outside a community center on a bright Saturday morning at nine o'clock. Kensi sat next to him, munching on a pop tart. It had taken some begging to convince her to give up part of her weekend with only two weeks left before the new school year.

"Tell me again why you think this is a good idea," she said, brushing crumbs off her legs and standing.

"Because we do everything together?" Deeks suggested with a shrug. "Except this time both our parents, as well as the police, endorse it."

"Yeah, but you're the one who's good with kids, not me.

"Kens, you umpire Little League."

"Yeah, and it's terrifying. Have you met ten-year-olds? They're feral."

"I'm terrified too. I don't know anything about mentoring kids. What if I make them worse?" Deeks asked, not entirely joking. Kensi might not have that much experience with children, but she also didn't have the drawbacks he did.

"On please, you were born for this," Kensi said dismissively. When he just shrugged, she took his shoulder, automatically picking up on his uncertainty. "Hey, I mean it. You've been amazing with every kid I've ever seen you with. You know how to connect with them. They'll love you."

"Well, now you jinxed it," he sighed. Giving him a light shake that ended with a squeeze, she regarded him somehow gently yet firmly.

"I'll be right by your side the entire time. It's going to be fine."

"I hope so. Thanks for doing this with me," he added, bumping her shoulder.

"Always."

He glanced at his watch. "I guess we should go in now."

They walked into a small an outer room where a middle-aged woman sat at a long table. Her name tag read "Martha".

"Good morning, how can I help you?" she asked.

"Hi, I'm Marty Deeks. We're supposed to be peer mentors today," he said, gesturing between him and Kensi.

"Welcome. Just sign your name here and then you can take a name tag." She offered him a clipboard and an adhesive tag.

He wrote his name on both, handing the clipboard to Kensi.

Martha nodded to her. "And what's your name, sweetie?"

"Kensi Blye."

"Here's your name tag. Go ahead and have a seat and someone will come to get you in a few minutes," she told them, pointing to a line of four metal folding chairs.

There was a hallway to their right that turned left and to the left, what appeared to be several smaller conference rooms. He and Kensi didn't have to wait for more than a few minutes before Sam Hanna rounded the corner, his eyes lighting up when he saw them.

"Marty!" he called out, opening his arms wide. Surprised at the gesture, Deeks stood, hesitantly accepting a hug. Sam roughly patted him on the shoulder, pushing back with a pleased smile.

"Good to see you here."

"Good to see you too, Officer Hanna," Deeks returned. He noticed Kensi watching them with open curiosity. He'd never went into the exact details of his first encounter with Hanna, or his unexpected visit.

"This is my friend, Kensi. She's a mentor too," he explained, turning to address her. "Officer Hanna is the one who told me about this program.

"Thank you for coming, Kensi," Hanna said genuinely."We can always use more help."

"Of course." Giving him a smile, Kensi looked beyond him to flash Deeks a look that said she'd be asking questions later.

Hanna clapped his hands together. "Alright, most of the mentors are here and kids should be arriving soon, so let's go over a couple of ground rules before we go in. Number one: we're not here to fix these kids, as much as we might like to. If someone does say something concerning, you find a senior mentor and notify them. Two, don't force conversation. If they want to talk, they'll talk. Three, we're not very formal here, so I'm not Officer Hanna or Sir, just Sam. And most importantly, have fun."

"That's it?" Kensi asked.

Sam chuckled. "We try to keep it simple. Most of these kids just need someone to spend time with and care about them. Just follow their lead and you'll do fine."

"Ok, I can do that." Nodding a couple times, Kensi squared her shoulders as if she was about to go against a particularly good soccer opponent or tackle an unpleasant English test.

"Relax, you'll be fine," Sam assured her. "I'll give you a quick tour before I take you to the gym."

"I have to say I was surprised when I saw your name on the list of mentors," Sam admitted as he led Deeks and Kensi down a hallway. "Didn't think you'd call."

"I almost didn't," Deeks said quietly. "I'm not sure I'm the right fit for helping people right now. I'm just barely helping myself."

"You help people all the time, Deeks," Kensi spoke up. "You help other students at school, your boss, not to mention anyone who seems like they're being taken advantage of."

Sam turned to look at her, raising a speculative eyebrow and she flushed lightly, pressing her lips together.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on your conversation."

"No, not at all. I was just thinking that you sound like a very intelligent young lady," he said. "Marty, you should listen to your friend; she knows what she's talking about."

"Yeah, she uh. usually does," Deeks agreed with a soft laugh.

The sudden sound of childish voices interrupted the moment, excited shouts making it to them.

"Looks like I'll have to finish the tour later. Let's go have some fun."

Turning around, Sam gestured for them to follow him back the way they'd come. Deeks saw Kensi inhale slowly, her eyes wide with anxiety.

He held out his hand, and she gave him a grateful look as she closed her fingers around his, her grip warm and familiar in his.

A/N: We've got a little bit of fluff and more Sam!