Set while Kensi is still in a coma in season 8. Densimber Day 22.
"Marty?"
Deeks jerked awake, a frequent occurrence since the helicopter crash. His hypervigilant response had returned with a vengeance. He blinked rapidly, finding Julia standing over him. He blinked again, and rubbed his hands over his face, trying to get his bearings.
"Julia. Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said, guiltily glancing at Kensi.
Julia gently laid a hand over his shoulder. "There's no need to apologize for resting," she insisted softly. She looked him over slowly, her eyes traveling past him to the small bedside table, covered with the remnants of a hastily grabbed dinner, drinks, and the books he brought to read to Kensi. "How long have you been here?"
"Uh, just since I got off work. The case wrapped up earlier than expected, and Sam and Callen are picking up some of the paperwork for me," he explained.
"And you were here this morning before work again." It wasn't a question, and Deeks shrugged in response.
He was by Kensi's side every moment possible; if it weren't for work, he'd spend all day with her.
"Honey, you need to take care of yourself too," Julia continued, with what Deeks belatedly realized was concern. "When was the last time you showered or slept or ate at home? It can't be good for you to sleep sitting up every night or live off of the closest take out."
"It doesn't do any good," Deeks responded, pausing to rub his hands over his face in a futile attempt to force down the nearly constant exhaustion that plagued him. "I can't sleep when I go home. Besides, I don't want to be anywhere else."
He glanced back at Kensi, automatically checking for any signs, good or bad. When he turned to Julia again, her lips were pressed tightly together, her resemblance to Kensi so similar it almost hurt.
"Kensi was so lucky the day she met you," Julia whispered, her voice going hoarse as her eye filled with tears. She cupped his cheek, and Deeks felt his own throat tighten.
"I don't know about that," he managed. He wanted to go for a joke to gain some level of control over his quickly spiraling emotions, but he didn't have the energy.
"She is. Look at everything you do for her. You're here, by her side every single day, talking and reading to her, trying everything the doctors suggest. Not everyone would do that."
"Well, I promised in sickness and health," Deeks answered with a bitter laugh. "Doesn't matter how bad it gets. I'm not going anywhere."
Julia let out a quiet sob, and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for loving my little girl so much, and taking care of her," she whispered.