A/N: A little bit of Densi angst as Kensi returns to work (because apparently she didn't resign or change positions). Written after her cameo on NCIS: Hawaii.

Also to Terrence: I have finished up quite a few stories recently. As much as I would like to continue some, they can't last forever, and it was time for each one to conclude. I am pretty busy at the moment with work and other real life business, but still write as much as I can. As always, thanks for your kind thoughts and concerns.

Kensi walked through the door a little after 8pm in the evening. Technically, she was supposed to be home no later than five, but clearing a crime scene had taken longer than expected and their newest agent—a sweet kid—went home early with a stomach bug.

She heard the low murmur of voices from the TV, spotted Deeks lounging on the couch with one leg pulled up to his chest, and knew she'd missed bedtime again.

Damn it.

"Hey," she said in a low voice. Deeks shifted to face her, his face brightening with a welcoming smile. He looked as tired as she felt.

"Hey, welcome home. Are you hungry? There's food in the fridge," he said, leaning forward to grab the remote of the coffee table and switch off the TV.

"Not really. Are Caleb and Sophia asleep?"

"Yeah, I just got them down about twenty minutes ago," he confirmed. Her disappointment must have been obvious because he held his arms open wide.

Kicking off her shoes, Kensi walked the few feet to the couch, and sank onto the couch, practically curling up on his lap.

"I'm sorry, Kens. I kept them awake as long as I could, but they were getting fussy."

"I know, it's not your fault." She rubbed his arm reassuringly. "You do everything for them."

"It's a group effort."

"Is Rosa home?"

"No, she's at a study group with Steven. She promised to be back by ten," Deeks responded. His arms were close and familiar around her shoulders, and her eyes filled with moisture.

"This is hard," Kensi sighed, letting her head fall on Deeks' shoulder.

"Yeah." There wasn't judgment or satisfaction in his voice, just quiet acknowledgment of her comment.

"I knew it would be difficult, but…not this much." Deeks stayed silent, only reaching up to caress her hair in a repetitive, soothing rhythm. "I feel like I'm being pulled in two directions all the time. There's you and the babies, and Rosa," she said, holding out one hand. She sniffed a little. "And then there's work." She clenched the other hand in a fist.

"Baby, we talked about all that when you decided to go back," Deeks reminded her gently.

"I know. I enjoyed every minute of being with you, not having to think about anything but my family. I didn't have to worry about how dangerous every day would be. I think it made me forget just how drained I was before that and I convinced myself I'd be fine if I went back once the twins were a few months old," she explained, her thoughts a little disjointed as she tried to put words to them.

The first week she'd gone back to NCIS had her simultaneously missing the twins and exhilarated. It felt good to be back out doing what she knew best. A few weeks in though, she'd started to feel that strain of constantly being on guard, evading bullets and bombs, working late hours. Only this time she didn't have Deeks by her side.

"I miss them so much. I miss you," she admitted. "Some days I just want to be home with you again. Like this."

"So, what do you want to do?" Deeks asked, his tone calm, supportive. She hugged him closer, grateful for him.

"I don't know. I'm just so tired."

"It's going to be ok," Deeks murmured, kissing her temple.