A/N: Oops, I wrote more angst, followed by some fluff. This takes place shortly after Kensi and Deeks bring Rosa home. I just love writing Deeks as a dad and exploring that relationship.

Deeks isn't all that surprised when they go to pick Rosa up from center that Kensi and Rosa hug and he gets a shy "Hello, Mr. Deeks". He isn't surprised, but it does sting a tiny bit. Mostly though, he's excited, and stunned, and incredibly nervous.

He anticipates some of the awkwardness will fade once Rosa settles in. They'd gotten fairly close during their visits, maybe not as close as Rosa and Kensi, but enough to be past honorifics. When it doesn't, he gives her space, and doesn't push, takes a step back when it seems she prefers Kensi's company than his.

Deeks would like to say he isn't jealous and a little hurt, yet he is. Starting a family has been a desire for so long and after everything he and Kensi have done to get to this point, he craves a connection and the chance to finally be a dad. So, yeah, it does hurt and poke at something deep inside him that whispers he'll never be quite good enough.

He pushes the voice and any lingering selfish feelings down, reminding himself this isn't about him. Rosa owes him nothing; he and Kensi are here to help her navigate this huge transition, the trauma of the past few years, and provide a loving home. If that means his support looks a little different than he expected, and Kensi takes the lead, then he'll do it.

A few weeks later, Deeks is reviewing the presentation for an upcoming training, when Rosa wanders in. She tucks herself into one corner of the couch.

"Hey, do you mind if I watch something?" she asks softly.

"Of course, Rosa. I'll just get out of your hair." He starts to gather up his laptop, but she stops him with a quick wave of her hand.

"No, you don't have to leave," she insists. "As long as I don't bother you."

He thinks he covers his surprise pretty well and shrugs, sitting back down. "I think I can block out anything at this point."

She turns on some teen drama, which makes him smile slightly. Some things were apparently universal. Even though they aren't talking, it feels companionable. Soon, he's engrossed in reading about a new protocol, the slightly dramatic and stilted dialogue creating an almost soothing background noise.

He doesn't know how much time has passed when he has the odd sensation of being watched. From his peripheral vision, he sees Rosa looking directly at him instead of the TV. He meets her gaze, hoping it's encouraging and not off-putting.

"Everything ok?" he asks gently.

"Yes. Maybe." She sighs deeply, worrying at her fingers. "Marty, can I ask you something?"

"Anything." And he means it.

Her head stays lowered over her hands, and she's silent so long, he almost thinks she's changed her mind.

"Do I do something wrong?" she asks eventually, the words ever so slightly hesitant.

"No, of course not! Why would you think that?"

She shrugs, then turns to him with an open, impossibly sad look. "You never spend time with me like this. I think this is the longest we've ever been together, just the two of us." Her eyes gleam with a sheen of tears and his heart clenches. "I mean, today, when Kensi and I went to the farmers market, you didn't come."

"Oh Rosa," he whispers, shaking his head.

She rushes on, speaking faster than he's ever heard from her before. "I understand. I'm not what you expected, but I can change if you just tell me."

Reaching out, he gathers her hands in his, and she stops, tucking her bottom lip between her teeth. "Rosa, I am so incredibly sorry I made you feel that way," he says, fighting back his own tears. "You haven't done anything wrong. I thought being around me made you uncomfortable, so I decided to give you space. Because apparently I'm the world's biggest idiot."

She laughs wetly, lifting one of her hands and wiping away a couple of tears with the back of her hand. "That's all?" she asks. "You like me?"

"Rosamund, at the risk of swinging way too far in the other direction, I love you," he tells her fervently. Her lips partly in surprise at that and she exhales shakily.

"Can I hug you?"

"Of course."

Rosa launches herself at him as soon as the words are out of his mouth, her arms wrapping tightly around his torso. He gently caresses the top of her head, regret mixed with elation filling him.

"I'm so sorry," he repeats.

"It's ok," she forgives him, easing back enough to look at him with still watery but relieved expression. "I'm glad I was wrong." She smiles shyly. "Do you want to watch "The Vampire Diaries" with me?"

"I'd love to."