Prompt: I was rewatching S3E7 Honors and I have always wanted to hear more about the talk radio show conversation. I always felt that Deeks deflected way too easily. Would you write a tag either close to canon or completely AU? Whatever inspires you more.

I appreciate that you keep writing for the show. I always look forward to reading your writing.

"So, what did you say?" Kensi asked a few minutes into their drive back to the mission house.

"What?" Deeks shot her a confused look, and she nodded her head, a smirk playing at her lips.

"On the radio show Callen heard you call in to. What did you say?"

Deeks chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, we did not establish that whomever Callen heard was me," he evaded evenly.

When Callen first brought it up, Deeks had felt a moment of panic. The call had come during a moment of weakness, when he'd been feeling particularly frustrated and lonely. Deep down, he knew the idea was a terrible one, but he convinced himself that no one would ever find out and it would be a good opportunity to unload on someone he'd never have to talk to again.

"Really? A guy who was confessing his deep, dark feelings for his partner?" Kensi said skeptically, slanting a look his way before she smoothly switched lanes.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that would describe a lot of guys in LA." Deeks shrugged, putting on a thoughtful face. "And I'm not even sure that Callen said he was talking about a female partner."

"Deeks, as we established this morning, your voice is unique. I would certainly recognize it anywhere."

It was Deeks' turn to raise an eyebrow, and he grinned suggestively. "Oh really?"

The side of Kensi's right cheek bone flushed under his gaze as she scrambled to defend herself.

"I mean, I spend two-thirds of my life with you, to my deep regret. Of course I would recognize your voice," she said quickly.

"Uh-huh." He grinned at her discomfort, settling in his seat as he considered her reaction. He'd seen Kensi flustered a few other times like this, but he'd never pursued it beyond a couple jokes.

There was an extended silence where Kensi resolutely stared directly ahead and Deeks watched her out of the corner of his eye.

"So, hypothetically speaking of course, what would you have done if it was me on that radio show?" he asked casually.

It was a few moments before Kensi spoke, having taken the time to pull into her designated parking spot.

"Well, I would say that you can always talk to me. Even though I tease you a lot, if it was something serious, I wouldn't betray your trust or make fun of you," she started, expression surprisingly honest as she eyed him. She dipped her head, focusing on her thumbnail, and added, "And you might be surprised by my response, if you did."

"I would?" Deeks asked softly.

"Maybe. Hypothetically speaking."

"Yeah, no, of course." The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he found himself hesitating.

"We would should probably go inside before Hetty comes looking for us," Kensi said, and the moment was gone. "No matter how much she might like your "idiosyncrasies", you know she hates late paperwork."

"Definitely don't want to make Hetty mad," he agreed, getting out of the car and falling into step with Kensi. They didn't speak again as they walked to the door, but he was aware of every brush of their shoulders.

He wondered what would happen if he was just a little braver.