A/N: Thanks to everyone for reading and commenting! Special shout out to my guest reviewers, who I can't reply to directly.
The registration process took incredibly long, even with all the appropriate documentation. Kensi and Deeks spent two hours filling out paperwork, submitting their own personal documents, copies of the children's birth certificates, letters designating them as guardians and so forth.
While they talked to the secretary and principal, Maria sat through all the paperwork and discussion with the air of having done this before. She took the backpack of toys Kensi had packed for her to one corner of the office and arranged Barbies in a circle while she munched through a bag of Cheerios.
"So, just to clarify, everything we brought in today is adequate for any educational decisions or requests we might need to make?" Deeks asked the principal, Regina Smalley. She was a short blonde woman, somewhere in the range of his and Kensi's age.
"Yes, it is," she responded with an emphatic nod.
"Great. And when we have their Child and Family Team meetings, will you or someone else in the school be able to attend?"
"Wow, you have done your research, Mr. Deeks," Regina commented.
"I have a background in law," he explained.
"And he might have completed a few extra courses on foster rights," Kensi added. "We like to be prepared.
"I appreciate that. It's always wonderful when guardians take an avid interest in their child's care and education."
Deeks recognized the careful, bordering on legal speak terminology instantly. The principal was probably anticipating some kind of threat or argument.
"Mrs. Smalley, we're brand new at this, so we just want to make sure we have all the information we possibly can to make the best possible decisions," Deeks assured her, and visibly relaxed. "Of course, we're beyond grateful for everyone here. You've been amazing so far."
"Thank you, Mr. Deeks and Mrs. Blye." She nodded to Kensi. Glancing over the documents one more time, she tapped her pen on a notepad. "What can you tell me about Caleb and Jesse's background? I spoke with the principal of their previous school, but she couldn't provide much. She did mention attendance was inconsistent and concerns about food insecurity. We're still waiting on their files to arrive."
"Yes, that's are understanding too. Unfortunately, we don't have all that much information yet either. This is only our second day with them," Kensi answered. Her eyes shifted in Maria's direction, who appeared to be feeding the Barbies cereal now, and then back to Regina. "We do know this last time CPS intervened the police were involved too."
"I see," Regina said, her mouth flattening with obvious dismay, though no surprise. "So, some counseling services might be beneficial. Our school counselor, Mr. Patel, is wonderful."
Deeks glanced to Kensi. He had his own knee-jerk reaction at the mention of counselors, even though he'd benefitted from therapy in recent years.
"I think that would be helpful," Kensi said slowly, just as hesitant. "Maybe they could have a few days settle in and ease into it?" She gestured between her and Deeks. "Both of us were in therapy and had counseling pretty early on, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming or punishment. Especially since they've likely met with previous counselors."
"I understand your concerns completely, Mrs. Deeks. I just want to make sure they're fully supported here—" Regina made a circular motion with both hands. "And that includes their social and emotional health."
"Of course, yeah. Um, we want that too," Deeks agreed. "Would it be possible for us to front load them, just so it's not a surprise?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you," Deeks said gratefully. He didn't want to cause conflict and start out on the wrong foot so early on with the school, but he also had to consider the kids' best interest. Would Caleb and Jesse need therapy? Almost certainly. He didn't see the stoic little boy, so intent on caring for his siblings and causing no waves would readily open up to a counselor at this time.
"Of course." Closing both files, Regina placed her hands on top of the stack. "Do you have any other questions or concerns?"
Deeks looked to Kensi again, and she raised a shoulder, clearly uncertain. They had hundreds of questions, but they couldn't all be answered today.
"I think that's it for today. Ask again, tomorrow," he joked.
Regina chuckled, smiling sympathetically as she stood. "Feel free to call or email at any time. We're all here to support you," she assured them. Holding out her hand, she shook each of their hands. "Thank you so much for taking the time to meet today, Mr. Deeks, Mrs. Blye."
"It was nice to me you. We appreciate your time and help."
He felt another tug on his shirt, and turned to find Maria standing between his and Kensi's chairs, her backpack on her shoulders. Shooting Regina a suspicious look, she stretched up on her toes to whisper in Deeks' ear again. "Are you done yet?"
"Almost," Deeks whispered back.
"Can we go get chicken nuggets and ice cream now?"
"Sure. You know who else likes ice cream?"
Maria shook her head.
"Kensi."
Her eyebrows rose at that tidbit, and she glanced over at Kensi, before sidling over to cup her hand around Kensi's ear.
Deeks had almost forgotten Regina Smalley was still there, and felt a touch of embarrassment when he found her watching them with a hint of a smile.
"Nicely done," she said, nodding to Maria, currently on the process of whispering the rest of her plans to Kensi. He didn't think a happy meal would fix everything, but it was a start.
"C'mon, let's go get that lunch," he prompted. To his surprise, Maria initiated taking both his and Kensi's hands as they stood. "Thank you, Mrs. Smalley."
As they maneuvered through the door, with Maria skipping between them, Deeks looked towards the classroom, silently wishing Caleb and Jesse an uneventful first day.