One man's candid comments and views about the team from OSP…off the record

PROFESSIONAL OPINION

The Mission, evening

The day was over, the case was closed, and the team were all in the bullpen winding down the day. Nate walked by them and sat down across from Hetty at her desk. She had two glasses on her desk and poured a generous amount of scotch for the both of them. Nate set a stack of files on her desk.

"Here are the psyche evals for the whole team." He said.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Getz. Here, have a drink." She said as she handed him the glass. She took her own and held it up in a toast. Nate held his up before they both took a sip. Hetty set her glass down and folded her hands.

"Tell me about them." She said. Nate raised an eyebrow.

"It's all in the reports." Nate said.

"I understand. But I want your opinion, both professional and personal. Off the record" Hetty said.

Nate took in a breath. "They are not like a normal team. It's natural for teams to grow close over time but they are different. Most of them don't have significant family. Only one has an actual family." He said.

"Sam" Hetty filled in the blanks.

Nate nodded. "Callen and Deeks don't have any parents or siblings. Kensi has her mother but they are nowhere near fully repairing their relationship. Eric has no family and Nell's family are on the other side of the country, so she is isolated."

Hetty nodded before taking another drink.

"Some of them are growing closer in other ways." Nate continued.

"You are referring to Mr. Deeks and Ms Blye?" She asked.

"As well as Eric and Nell. They aren't just involved as partners. They have all developed feelings for each other, romantically. I….may have had a hand with Eric and Nell." Nate's voice trailed off like he was in trouble.

Hetty smiled. "I don't fault you for that Nate. To be honest I could not be happier for the 4 of them. My only concern is if it will affect their work. You and I both know how dangerous that can be." She said.

"That is true. But it's because of those connections that makes them stronger. Deeks was able to endure intense physical and psyological pain due to Kensi. Nell and Eric are much more insync now that they are able to solve issues much faster." Nate continued.

"Speaking of Mr. Deeks. What do you feel about him?" She asked.

"Deeks is a lot stronger then what he lets on. He was so used to being on his own, not only as a teenager but also as a undercover officer. He uses humor as a defense and acts weaker then he really is. I honestly think he could eventually lead his own team someday if he wants to go that way." Nate explained.

They both watched the team pack up and leave, talking about going out for pizza. Both Nate and Hetty watched the body language of Kensi and Deeks as they joked with each other. As they walked down the hall they bumped hips together. Nell and Eric followed behind and just before they walked out the door they reached out together and grabbed the others hand, intertwining their fingers.

"You have brought together a good group of people, Hetty. Probably the strongest team of any agency. And they aren't going anywhere." Nate finished up. He took another drink.

"Thank you very much, Nate. I appreciate your candor" Hetty said as she poured them another drink.

"Just one question, Hetty. When are you going to undergo a psych eval?" Nate asked.

"What makes you think I need one?" Nate said.

"Because the team isn't the only one who has had rough times. Dom's death, The White Ghost, Branston Cole, Operation Comiescu. You can only handle so much." Nate said.

"Nate." Hetty said, with a little force in her word.

"Hetty, you asked for me opinion and I'm giving it to you. Now you and I both now you can't do this forever. At some point you will need to walk away and when that time comes you need to be aware that this team will continue without you. They are your children, we all are. But there is only so much a mother can handle herself." Nate said.

"Mr. Getz? Much braver men then you have said such words to me in the past." Hetty said, her face serious.

"That may be true, Hetty. But they also didn't worry about you as we do. You are part of this family too. You want what is best for us, but we want the same to you. They dropped everything, put their careers in jeopardy to go to Prague and get you. You and I both know things would have been completely different if they didn't" Nate said.

Hetty pursed her lips like she was thinking. "You are right, Nate." She said, finishing off her drink. She held the bottle out, offering a third. Nate shook his head.

"I'm done for the night." He said standing up. "Good night Hetty."

"Good night, Nate. See you in the morning." Hetty said.

Nate raised an eyebrow.

"I have a meeting with my psychologist after all." She said, smiling.