A/N: For today's prompt: Kensi or Deeks coming to the other's defense.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry but I can't let you into the building," Kensi heard Deeks saying as she redirected a small family who'd been heading for a side entrance. She discretely stretched her back and flexed her toes, feeling the stress of standing on her feet for hours without rest.

While searching a suspect's apartment, they'd found bomb components. They'd immediately cleared the building and called in the bomb squad. That had been two hours ago and in the meantime, she, Deeks, and a couple of other agents were in charge of keeping residents from entering.

Understandably, many weren't very happy, but most accepted the gas leak story they were using as a cover. A few; however, were not so accepting. Like the woman who Deeks was currently arguing with. She had a short blonde bob, was dressed in workout clothes and didn't seem used to being told 'no'.

"What do you mean you can't let me in?" The woman said derisively and Kensi winced. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Detective Marty Deeks, LAPD, Ma'am," Deeks answered.

"Right, and I'm Angelina Jolie. I don't know who you really are or what you think you're doing, but I need to get into my apartment."

"I know this is an inconvenience and I apologize, but it is not safe for you to go in the building at this time," Deeks repeated in a purposely calm tone.

Kensi turned to redirect a man who was eyeing the yellow tape over the entrance door when she heard Deeks cry out. She spun around in time to see the blonde woman aim a kick at his groin.

He sidestepped enough that her foot glanced off his thigh instead. Deeks had his hand raised in a defensive gesture, but hadn't moved to actively stop the woman. Kensi was moving before she even realized it and yanked the woman away from Deeks.

She didn't wait for her to respond, bringing her to the ground with a well-placed sweep of her legs. Kensi twisted her arms behind her back, shoving her to the ground with a bit more force than was absolutely necessary.

"Let me go," the woman snarled.

"You're under arrest for assaulting an LAPD Detective," Kensi informed her.

"Are you ok?" she asked, looking up at Deeks. He had one hand cupped over his mouth, but he nodded.

Assured that he was alright for the moment, Kensi tugged the woman to her feet and handed her over to another agent. Deeks was sitting on the bottom step to the apartment complex when she returned.

"Here, let me look," she said, turning his head to the side so she could see his lip. There was a nasty split that was still bleeding sluggishly, but she didn't think it would need stitches. "Does anything feel broken?" She gently pressed on his jaw and he winced.

"No, I don't think so. But I am feeling pretty stupid right now," he responded, rolling his eyes, apparently at himself.

"Why," Kensi asked with a frown. He shrugged.

"I could have stopped that lady pretty easily, but I just stood there and let her hit me," he explained, smiling ruefully.

"Well, first of all, I don't think you just let her hit you. Secondly, I know why you didn't fight back. And I respect that."

"Yeah, but what if she was actually dangerous?" Deeks asked, and Kensi wasn't sure which of them he was asking. She knew he found it hard to fight women. She also knew he was fully capable of taking down a woman if absolutely necessary.

"Then I think you would have made the right decision," she answered honestly. Deeks seemed slightly reassured and smiled at her in quiet appreciation.

"Mm, thanks for taking care of the mean lady for me." Kensi snorted and brushed his hair back from his face.

"Anytime. Now let's go clean you up." She helped him to his feet and added, "I always be there to keep you safe."