A/N: Originally written for Karen/anonkp, who suggested a fic where Kensi and Deeks find out Whiting is actually Steven's mom.

"They should be here any minute," Rosa said, looking beyond Deeks, in the direction of the entrance. "Steven says they got stopped by a red light."

"That's ok," Deeks assured her, gesturing around the restaurant. "It's pretty busy, so we'll probably have to wait anyway."

After officially dating for three months (following nearly two months of being "just friends"), Rosa had agreed to let Kensi and Deeks meet Steven's mom. The event had come with a good amount of back and forth between Rosa and Steven over details, worrying if everyone would like the food, and so forth. They finally settled on a Mexican restaurant both kids approved of and had an open table for five.

"You know, I thought we'd never meet either of Steven's parents. He must be pretty important for all this secrecy."

Rosa blushed, dipping her head. "I just didn't want to rush things."

"Uh-huh."

"Baby, stop teasing her," Kensi intervened.

"Thank you, Kensi."

"You're welcome. The teasing will come later, on the way home."

"You two are awful," Rosa complained without much heat.

"Which is how you know we love you," Deeks teased. He grinned at Rosa's unamused expression. He tried not to embarrass her too much, but occasionally, it was fun. Especially when it came to Steven, who Rosa clearly adored, despite her claims it was still casual.

"Shhh, here they come," Rosa said, making a waving motion as she hushed them both and sat straighter.

"I wasn't even talking!" Kensi protested.

Deeks turned to look, catching sight of Steven's sandy blond hair first, then the woman standing slightly behind him. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me," he muttered.

"What?" Kensi asked, but he didn't have a chance to respond before Steven and Ellen Whiting, of all people, were within Kensi's line of sight too. She had her hair down and wore casual clothes, but it was definitely her.

Standing, Rosa met Steven and Whiting a few feet away.

"No, this can't be real. What are we going to do?" Kensi hissed.

"I don't know, but they're coming back, so try to act normal."

"Mrs. Hardy, these are my parents, Kensi and Marty," Rosa said as she returned with Steven and Whiting. She smiled nervously, clinging to Steven, who looked equally anxious.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Whiting drawled, looking at them with a mixture of amazement and annoyance. "Thought I was seeing things when Rosa pointed you out."

"Good to see you too, Whiting," Deeks said wryly.

"Wait, you know each other?" Rosa asked in obvious confusion.

"Oh, that's one way of putting it."

Whiting made a face at that, but before she could expound on her and Deeks' past encounters, Kensi spoke up.

"It's nice to see you, Ellen. Please, sit down."

Soon after everyone was situated, a waiter came to take their orders, and Rosa and Steven began to visibly relax.

"So, where did you and mom meet?" Steven asked, twisting a balled-up straw paper between his fingers. "I didn't think you handled criminal law."

"I used to be a detective," Deeks explained shortly.

"And I worked in law enforcement too," Kensi added.

"And I arrested Deeks once." Whiting smiled at Deeks' glare and Steven and Rosa's twin looks of shock. "Just kidding."

"Yeah, your mom's just a barrel of laughs. I've always said that about her."

"Baby, play nice," Kensi said warningly.

"Sorry." He cleared his throat sharply. "So, I'm guessing Whiting is your maiden name."

"I changed my name to Hardy after I got married but kept Whiting professionally. It's easier to keep the parts of my life separate," Whiting answered. "When we talked about kids that last case we had together, I never imagined my kid would be dating yours."

"It's definitely a shocker."

"Is that why you asked me about Steven's last name?" Rosa wondered, narrowing her eyes at them.

"We thought there might be a slight chance," Kensi explained. "We didn't think there'd end up being a connection."

"I think it's cool." Steven nodded happily, sharing a smile with Rosa. "Since you guys already know each other, it'll be a lot less awkward getting together."

"Maybe we can have Steven and Mrs. Hardy over for dinner sometime soon," Rosa suggested.

"Oh, sure, of course. You know, if you're available. We know how busy your schedule is." Kensi chuckled awkwardly.

"I'm free this Saturday," Whiting said with a familiar, biting smile.

"Awesome. I'll make something special for dinner," Rosa offered.

"Great." Deeks purses his lips, forcing a smile of his own. "This is going to be fantastic.