#Deeks Whump

[ejzah]

Blunt Force, Part 8

Kensi woke up with a terrible headache and feeling completely unrested. It took her a moment to remember why she felt so awful, then it came back to her with awful, stunning clarity.

She’d kissed Deeks. Or he’d kissed her. Either way, she hadn’t stopped it.

Honestly, Kensi couldn’t say exactly why she’d decided to cross that boundary. Maybe it was a desperate attempt to connect to Deeks when he couldn’t remember anything about their relationship. At least that sounded better than taking advantage of her recently concussed partner’s memory loss.

The last time they’d kissed had been fleeting and underscored by the immediate danger of their undercover operation. This time, she’d had enough to remember and appreciate the feel of Deeks’ lips on hers, the softness of his hair between her fingers, and the overwhelming desire that filled her. Then, after admitting how much she’d wanted to kiss him, she’d run off like a lunatic.

Groaning, Kensi rolled onto her stomach and pushed her face into her pillow. She’d just made their already complicated relationship that much messier. Their next interaction was going to be incredibly awkward.

She sat up suddenly as she realized the sun shone brightly through her open curtains. Ignoring the pain that spiked through her forehead, and grabbed her watch.

“Dammit!” she hissed. It was after seven, which meant she’d left Deeks to fend for himself for over twelve hours.

Fumbling for her phone, she checked for any new messages. Realistically, she hadn’t expected Deeks to contact her, but she was still disappointed when her only notification included a meme from Nell. Normally, Deeks would have sent her half a dozen messages, pretending nothing awkward had happened.

After a few moments of hesitating with her thumbs hovering over the keypad, she typed out a simple message.

Hey, how are you doing?

Kensi waited a full five minutes for a response. When none came, she put her phone to the side, and slid out of bed. He was probably just sleeping and didn’t need her hovering over him.

She managed to forget about Deeks for approximately two minutes straight while getting ready. As she brushed her hair, her thoughts started to spiral again.

What if something had happened to him? He could be sick from another bout of vertigo. Or god, what if the doctors were wrong and he actually had a brain bleed?

That last thought stopped her mid-brush through her hair. She couldn’t risk it. Throwing her still-damp her back in a clip, she pulled on the first pair of shoes she found, grabbed her keys, and texted Nell on her way out the door to say she’d be running a couple hours late.

***

Kensi knocked in Deeks’ front door for the third time, waiting impatiently for some sound of life. Again, images of Deeks passed out in the middle of the floor assaulted her and she started to reach for her keys again, intending to use the emergency key Deeks gave her during their first year as partners.

Just as she started reach for the lock, she heard a bolt being thrown and the door opened a few inches. Deeks’ face appeared in the opening; he squinted at her, wincing against the morning light.

“Kensi?” he said after a slightly too long pause.

“Hey.” Now that he was in front of her, clearly alive, if not completely well, she felt a little foolish.

“What are you doing here?”

“I—um, I just wanted to check in on you. I didn’t hear from you all night,” she explained, automatically doing her own assessment.

He looked awful. His skin had that slightly grayish tinge she associated with sickness with darker stripes under his eyes.

“I am so sorry,” she apologized, and Deeks gave her a confused look.

“Why?”

“For abandoning you. I said I’d stay with you and then I just left, and now look at you.”

“I’d be offended if I didn’t feel so terrible,” he said, and Kensi’s guilt surged. He opened the door a little wider, turning away as he waved her through with a grimace. “Come in. It’s too bright out here.”

All the blinds and curtains were drawn inside, leaving the living room as dark as it could get during the daytime. The coffee table had a few cups that hadn’t been there yesterday and a collection of random objects that made Kensi think Deeks had been trying to distract himself.

Making himself comfortable on the couch, Deeks rested his cheek on his fist, suppressing a yawn.

“Do you want some coffee or tea? I can make some. Or breakfast. I mean, I don’t really cook, but I can pour cereal or go out and get you something,” Kensi offered.

“Coffee sounds nice,” he sighed. “But you don’t have to wait on me.”

“I don’t mind.” She hurried off before Deeks could question her motives or she could say or do anything else to embarrass herself.

It took about ten minutes for the coffee to brew, and like a complete coward, she didn’t leave the kitchen the entire time. She poured them each a cup, carrying it back out to the living room.

Deeks had switched from one side of the couch to the other, an arm thrown over her face. She thought he might be sleeping until he peeked out from under his elbow, sitting up enough to accept the coffee.

“Thanks.” He inhaled deeply and took a cautious sip.

Kensi stayed standing, acutely aware of the uncomfortable silence, but not sure how to break it.

“So, are we going to talk about why you left last night?” Deeks asked, cutting right to the chase.

“I don’t know, I was kind of hoping we’d ignore it. Go on with our lives like it never happened,” she joked.

“Ouch.” The word didn’t have its usual snap behind it, but once again it was such a Deeks thing, her Deeks, to say, she found herself moving closer. “Obviously you can do whatever you want, but it doesn’t seem particularly healthy.”

Well, that was the understatement of the year. Sitting on the other side of the couch, Kensi heaved a sigh. It was so hard to dent Deeks anything when he was hurt and confused.

“We have a ‘thing’,” she explained, gesturing expansively with her hands to encompass their unique relationship.

“A ‘thing’,” Deeks repeated dubiously.

“You know, we flirt and probably have way too much physical comments, but never actually talk about how we might feel and mostly pretend nothing’s going on.”

“That sounds…confusing.”

“Yeah, well, we’re kind of a mess,” she admitted, and Deeks laughed softly, his grin lazy, and a little slow.

“So when we kissed last night—?” He gave her a questioning look and she ran her hands over her thighs before facing him fully.

“It was the first time.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah.” She offered him a grim smile, clutching her mug of coffee like it would solve all her problems.

“Where does that leave us?” Deeks wondered.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with any of that just yet.” She gestured again to indicate the kiss. “I do know I’m not going anywhere, I mean unless you ask me to get out.” Deeks smiled again and it gave her the courage to continue. “You’re my partner and friend and I will be here with you and for you as long as I can.”

“I think I can handle that.” Holding out his free hand, Deeks waited for her to bridge the gap between them and take it. When she did, he squeezed with just enough pressure for it to feel like a promise.

[densi-mber]

All I Wanted was a Steak

***

“I have been looking forward to this all day,” Kensi said excitedly, grinning across a small table at Deeks. For once, they’d actually gotten out of work early enough to have a date night, and ended up at their favorite steakhouse.

“Yeah. And we should actually have an enough time to catch a movie or something else afterwards,” Deeks said, checking his watch. “You want to see that new superhero thing?”

Kensi inclined her head. “Mm, maybe next time.”

“We could always do one of those classes where you drink wine and paint,” Deeks joked. Kensi made a face.

“That sounds awful. And you’ve seen my painting when I’m completely sober.”

“Hey, I still think the duck is very cute.”

“It’s supposed to be a swan,” Kensi said with a roll of her eyes. “And I had something a little less…clothed in mind.”

Deeks grinned, lowering his voice as he leaned close enough to see the distinct color of her eyes. “You mean less clothed like for a late night dip in the ocean or something a little more private? Cause I know an amazing spot we could skinny dip.”

“You’re ridiculous. And I love you.” Taking his hand, Kensi rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. She smiled slyly. “It’s been a while since I’ve been arrested.”

“Oh, that can definitely be arranged.”

Their waiter arrived then with their drinks and to take their orders. As he walked away, Kensi looked slightly beyond Deeks, her eyes widening with curiosity.

“What’s going on?” Deeks asked suspiciously.

“A guy just walked in with a gun. I’m not sure, but I think he might be about to rob the restaurant,” she said with a calmness that belied her words.

“Kens, that’s not funny.”

“No, it’s not. Yeah, he’s headed for the register.”

“Crap!” Deeks hissed.

With a resigned sigh, and muttered curse, he followed Kensi as she got up, winding her way between tables. Deeks veered off, intending to come at the guy from the side.

About halfway there, a second guy appeared from nowhere, pointing a gun directly at Kensi.

“Kens, on your left!”

She dropped to the ground and Deeks launched himself through the air, tackling him to the ground. Several nearby patrons screamed, scrambling to get away. The gunman bucked beneath him, trying to throw Deeks off.

Amidst the chaos, Deeks heard Kensi shout something, and automatically searched for her in the crowd. He saw her fighting against the first guy. The second gunman took advantage of his momentary distraction to elbow Deeks in the face. It gave him just enough leverage to flip onto his back, and he slammed the gun into Deeks’ cheek.

The blow radiated through Deeks’ entire head, but he managed to keep ahold of the guy, grabbing the hand hand quickly descending towards his face again. Forcing his hand back, Deeks grabbed a handful of his hair, slamming his head into the ground. It stunned the guy long enough for Deeks to flip him back over and force his arms behind his back.

“Deeks?”

Chest heaving, Deeks looked up into Kensi’s concerned face. Other than messed up hair, she didn’t appear to be hurt.

“Are you ok? God, you’re bleeding.”

“Yeah, I’m just. He got me with his gun,” Deeks explained, his explanation a little disjointed as the pain set in.

“Here, let me take over.” Carefully taking Deeks’ place, Kensi pressed her knee into the gunman’s back. Deeks sat down heavily, wiping blood away from his eye with a grimace.

“Where’s the other guy?”

“An off-duty cop is holding him till LAPD gets here,” she explained.

“Damn, this is really gonna put a damper on our festivities. I didn’t see this date night ending with a trip to the ER,” he said.

“I was really looking forward to that steak,” Kensi sighed sadly.

“And using our handcuffs for much different activities,” Deeks added.

[capturedpain]

NCIS: Los Angeles 5x01

Deeks in the hospital after being tortured.

[get-whumped]

i wanna write an ncis:la fic but i also haven't watched that show since i was a teenager and i do not want to do any research so everyone is gonna be very ooc and no one is allowed to say anything about it to me or you're homophobic

[artiekareestories]

What makes you sad?

For me?

Its seeing my only notifications ANYWHERE are replies to me or spam…

I have to share my AO3 profile, because last week I FINALLY FINISHED my 2nd Chicago PD/Jay Halstead FF…

Until August last year I hadn’t written FF since like… 2001/2002… and that was LITERALLY hand written with a friend…

[whumpity-whumpwhump]

Goddamn. I decided to watch a random ncis whump episode and spun the wheel and ended up watching the finale of season 4 of NCIS: LA, since it was a two parter i watched the first episode of season 5 as well and just. Holy fuck.

The whump was so fucking good. Like, they had follow up and everything.

Marty Deeks whumps so good he is on the same level as Malcolm Bright for me.

And the aftermath! The aftermath is amazing! They actually show it and everything. Not only that, the hospital scene is amazing. Due to personal reasons it was really impactful and cathartic for me.

And we can’t forget the beauty that is the fued that Callen and the dude with one hand have. That shit’s my jam. If it wasn’t for Deeks and the perfection that was the agony he went through and the aftermath Callen would probably be all I can think abouy because like I said before the kind of beef he and that dude have is my jam.

I really want to bump the show itself up to the top of my watchlist right now, but I’m realistic enough to know this isn’t going to be like Prodigal Son or anything like that. And like, I feel my expectations may be set a little to high now. Because I loved the two episodes I just watched. Like I said, the whump and aftermath was perfection. I hope it carries on into the rest of the season and they don’t just forget it ever happened but I have enough faith that I don’t think the writers would do that.

Anyways yeah. This temporarily cured my depression.

My question now though is do I hope right in? Or should I wait and adjust my expectations for the show? And is it really as good as those to episodes? Like, even aside from the whump, if this is the standard then I will be beyond thrilled. But I do kind of want to know if the two episodes I just watched were the exception and not the rule. Like, on a scale of quality and stuff what should I be expecting?

Anyhow, I am excited to actually sit down and watch the series itself sometime soon. Even if it’s not going to the top it has definitely been bumped up on my watchlist. (Because like the characters. Can we talk about how good the characters are and how much I love them all already?)

[anonkp]

5 things you might find in my fics

Thanks for tagging me, @ejzah.

Angst

Angst with hurt/comfort

Whump with a side of angst

Deeks clenching his jaw or blowing out a breath

Deeks finding a family and/or finding peace

I'll tag @psyched1328 and anyone else who wants to play.

[ao3feed-ncislosangeles]

Whump Time 5

by OPSManager Yup, you've guessed it. Year number 5 for me for doing this event! Hope you enjoy this latest round of whumpy one shots Words: 346, Chapters: 1/5, Language: English Fandoms: NCIS: Los Angeles Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Hetty Lange, Owen Granger, G Callen, Sam Hanna, Marty Deeks, Eric Beale, Nate Getz Relationships: Owen Granger/Hetty Lange, G Callen & Hetty Lange Additional Tags: Whumptober 2024, Team as Family, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Violence, Humor, Drama, Loneliness, Swearing via https://ift.tt/6GLCkTv

[chicgeekgirl89]

Country Roads, Take Me Home: Chap. 6

Fandom: NCIS LA

Characters: Marty Deeks, Kensi Blye, Eric Beale, Nell Jones, Sam Hanna, G Callen

Read Chapters 1-5 Here

A/N: Shouts out to @bluenet13 who made me finish this fic! 

                                XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Whoa,” Kensi said, putting her hands up. “Bill, what’s going on?”

“Well that’s a question I think we’d like you to answer,” Bill said kindly. “Is there a reason you and Marty were poking around here earlier?”

Kensi chose her next words carefully. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about. We stopped by to see if you were home.”

“I think we both know you did a little more than that,” Bill said. “Mighta seen some things we didn’t mean for you to see.”

“Bill, I’m not sure what you think is going on here, but let’s go back outside and see if we can sort it out.”

“Works for me. Carol’ll want to hear this I’m sure.”

Kensi moved carefully past him and walked to the front of the RV. When she stepped outside she found Carol still sitting at the picnic table with Deeks. But Deeks had his head on the table and seemed off. “Babe? You okay?” Kensi asked loudly, careful not to make any sudden movements. 

“He’s a little sleepy dear,” Carol said. “I think that port really did him in!”

“Okay, what’s going on here?” Kensi asked, worry spiraling through her. Deeks owned a bar, the man could definitely hold his liquor and one glass of port shouldn’t have him face first in his desert. 

“Remember how we told you that you have to keep things fun as you get older?” Bill said. “Well Carol and I started this road trip and thought we needed a little action. Something to spice it up.”

“So you committed a robbery,” Kensi said.

“Well just a tiny one,” Carol said. “But it was so easy. So we went bigger.”

Kensi was trying to listen while also keeping her eyes on Deeks. He was stirring but seemed lethargic. “Did you drug my husband?” she asked incredulously.

“Just a little bit,” Carol said, patting him gently on the back. “If you’d just drunk yours like you were supposed to we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”

“You were going to drug us and then drive away,” Kensi said. “Deeks was right.”

“See, I told you they were getting suspicious,” Bill said.

“You called it dear,” Carol said with a sigh. “I should have listened to you.”

“And I should have listened to Deeks,” Kensi muttered. 

“Kens?” Deeks slurred, lifting his head a bit.

“I’m here babe. You okay?”

“I….think ‘m drgged,” he said, eyes glassy and unfocused.

“Yeah you are,” Kensi said. “Just take some deep breaths okay?”

Deeks squinted up. “Dss he havea gn?” 

“Yes, he does,” Kensi said. “So we’re just going to behave and not cause any problems, all right?”

“He prbly cn’ evn use it,” Deeks mumbled.

“Hey, I am the reigning, three time rifle champion of Sheboygan!” Bill said indignantly.

“Of course you are,” Kensi said with a sigh of long suffering.

“Well, now that plan A is all used up, we need to move onto plan B,” Carol said. “I think a little walk is in order. Take in some of that fresh mountain air!”

It was past dusk and most people had retreated indoors for the evening. The few that were out were laughing and chatting and took no notice of the strange parade walking by them. Not that Kensi would have asked for help anyway. There were weapons involved now and she wasn’t interested in getting any civilians shot.

She held Deeks up as they walked, stumbling along over the rocky terrain. He seemed to be all right, if uncoordinated and a little confused. “Wre we gng?” he asked repeatedly.

“Just for a little walk dearie,” Carol said every time, patiently, as if she were talking to a five year old.

“How did you get past the security cameras?” Kensi asked. 

“Oh we just bypassed the feed and spliced in a loop of footage,” Bill said. 

“It’s so easy, our grandson taught us. He’s nine, very bright boy,” Carol said fondly.

“Got a little trickier when it was closed circuit but we figured it out,” Bill said. He’d traded his rifle for a slightly more inconspicuous pistol, another reason no passerby had noticed something off.

“So what’s the plan here?” Kensi asked as they moved further out into the plains. “Shoot us and leave us for dead?”

“Darling don’t be gauche!” Carol said, horrified. “No, we’re going to tie you up. Someone will come along eventually.”

“f we don’t get etn by wlvs first,” Deeks said, coming around enough to be present in the conversation. 

“No wolves in this part of the country,” Bill grunted. “Coyotes’ll get you though.”

They walked for several miles before Bill made them stop. And of course he knew how to  tie knots like a boy scout. “There,” he said after he tightened the last one around Kensi’s wrists. “That oughta do nicely.”

Kensi sent him a pointed glare as Deeks’ head lolled against her shoulder. “Now, you two sit tight,” Carol said sweetly. “You’ll be found by morning.”

“And we’ll be long gone. It really was a pleasure meeting you,” Bill said.

“It was nt ours,” Deeks said, rolling his eyes up into what he apparently thought was an angry scowl but looked more like a fish face.

“No more vacations,” Kensi said, when Bill and Carol were out of earshot. “None. No road trips, no cruises, no flights. Nothing. Home. A dark room. No visitors.”

She worked furiously at the knot in her hands. “Deeks, hey, come on. I need you to wake up and help me here.”

“m wake,” Deeks said, hefting himself off her shoulder.

“The knife in my boot. I need you to get it.”

His current lack of coordination and awareness made things tricky. He ended up with his head in her lap, sliding down along her legs until his hands found her boot. It took several minutes and a lot of awkward maneuvering to retrieve the knife and then another several minutes before he was able to get it into Kensi’s hands.

In no time she had them free and then went to work on her ankles before moving onto Deeks’ bindings. “This was not the kind of tying up I had in mind on this vacation,” Deeks grumbled as she split apart his ankles.

“Now’s not really the time babe. Can you stand?”

“Everything’s a little wobbly,” he said.

She cupped his face and tried to see into his eyes but it was too dark, even with the full moon out. “Well your speech sounds better. Come on. We’ve got a long walk back. And the Weekes’ have at least a forty minute head start.”

She didn’t mention that it would have been a significantly shorter walk if he’d been less drugged. She pulled him to his feet, sliding an arm under his shoulder to help him balance, and off they went, stumbling through the darkness in the direction of what Kensi thought was the campsite.

It was nearing on two in the morning now and they were still nowhere near their destination, when Deeks froze, causing her to stumble. “Deeks, what—“

He dropped to his knees and puked. “Oh god,” he gasped, wiping his mouth. “I hate being roofied.”

“Yeah, I don’t blame you,” Kensi said, putting a hand on his back. “You good or is there more?”

“Help me up,” he said as she hauled him to his feet once again. “Wait.”

They both froze. “What?” Kensi asked.

“I thought I heard something,” Deeks said, squinting to try and see in the moonlight.

Then they both heard it. Hoofbeats. Coming fast. “Is that—“

“Buffalo!” Deeks yelled.

There was an outcropping of rocks silhouetted up ahead and they ran for it, hoofbeats still pounding behind them.

They made it to the outcropping just in time, collapsing against the stones, breathless. “Oh god,” Kensi gasped. “I didn’t know buffalo could run that fast.”

“Neither did we.”

Kensi and Deeks both jumped as they realized that they had once again been reunited with their road trip pals turned hostage takers. And they both looked a little worse for wear.

Carol’s hair was a mess and her knees looked like she’d taken a tumble. Bill was bleeding badly from a wound in his arm. “How did you get free?” Bill asked. “I made those knots tighter than a footballer’s shoelaces.”

“I’m a federal agent,” Kensi said. “And he’s an LAPD detective.”

“No kidding!” Bill said with a chuckle. “Well how ‘bout that Carol. We got the best of an FBI agent and a police officer.”

“I’m not FB—-never mind,” Kensi said with a roll of her eyes. “Let me see your arm.”

“We were just walking back and they came out of nowhere,” Carol said. “I wanted to get a picture of them with my iPhone but it was so dark so we got closer and they just came charging right at us!”

“Yeah well, buffalo don’t really like other people,” Deeks said.

“This looks really bad,” Kensi said. “I think you hit an artery.”

“What does that mean?” Bill asked.

“It means you’re going to die if we don’t get you some help fast,” Deeks said.

“Well how are we going to do that?” Carol asked worriedly. 

“We have a lot of connections,” Kensi said, looking meaningfully at Deeks. “If you give us your cellphone AND the pistol, we can probably help.”

“Well what if we just call 911?” Bill asked.

“They might show up in time, they might not,” Deeks said. “Up to you. You might only lose the arm.”

“Lose my arm?!” Bill cried. “This is my shooting arm!”

“Like we said, it’s up to you,” Kensi said. “Phone. Gun. Or no deal.”

“Bill give them the gun!” Carol said. “Here.” She handed Kensi her phone. “Please you have to help him.”

“Gun,” Kensi said, holding out her other hand. 

“Take care of her,” Bill said. “That’s my best pistol right there.”

“Yeah, I’m sure it is,” Kensi said with a roll of her eyes, handing it to Deeks who immediately emptied the chamber and flung the bullets as far as he could. 

Kensi ripped off a portion of the bottom of her shirt and used it to tie up the wound while Deeks dialed. “Reggie, hey, it’s Deeks. I need a helicopter.”

It was less than twenty minutes before a chopper swooped down and landed in the middle of the plains, scaring the buffalo away and allowing Kensi, Deeks, and the Weekes’ to escape from their rocky prison. Two EMT’s jumped out and hustled toward them. “Please help my husband,” Carol said worriedly. “He’s bleeding out.”

They peeled back Kensi’s makeshift bandage and frowned. “Looks like the bleeding’s stopped. Might need a couple stitches, but your husband will be fine ma’am.”

“I will?” Bill asked, turning to look at Kensi. “But you said—“

Kensi shrugged. “You took us hostage. What did you expect?”

“Now wait just a minute!” Carol said, looking irate as an officer cuffed her. 

“No thanks,” Deeks said leaning heavily against Kensi.

“Hey, I do need you to take a look at my husband,” Kensi said to the second EMT. “They drugged him with something.”

“Oh it was just a little Benadryl,” Carol called. “Nothing dangerous.”

“I thought that port tasted awfully sweet,” Deeks said, swaying a bit.

“Even so, Benadryl and alcohol don’t mix. We need to get you checked out,” the EMT said.

It was not a fun helicopter ride. Bill and Carol chattered away the entire time, as if they weren’t about to be arrested for grand larceny and kidnapping. Deeks had rallied enviably toward the end of their walk but now he slumped against the seat, eyes closed, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.

Things got fractionally better when they arrived at the hospital. Bill and Carol were taken away, cuffed, into police custody, but that was where the relief ended. The police wanted statements from both Kensi and Deeks, not once, not twice, but three separate times and no amount of pointing out that they worked for NCIS was going to shake the local PD who were having the most exciting night of their lives in about ten years.

They did give Deeks a look over at the hospital and decided at this point it was best to just let things run their course. He was still a little confused and a lot tired by the time local PD drove them back to the RV park.

“I want a shower,” Kensi said as she got out of the car and pulled Deeks with her.

“I want a nap,” he said as she unlocked the door.

“And where have you two been?” someone asked.

“Oh god!” Kensi yelled, clutching a hand to her chest as she realized there were people sitting at their table.

Eric and Nell were looking at them in a very parental fashion.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Deeks asked. 

“Um, you two were obviously in trouble so we borrowed an old Airstream from my parents,” Nell said. “We got in about an hour ago. You want to tell us about the little adventure you clearly just had?”

Deeks and Kensi exchanged a look. “Let’s just say it involved a herd of bison, a demon dog, and a drugging incident,” Kensi said.

“You were drugged?!” Eric asked.

“Oh my god are you okay?” Nell added.

“Not me,” Kensi said.

Eric shook his head wide eyed. “Callen and Sam aren’t going to like that.”

“Well Callen and Sam don’t have to know,” Kensi said. “That’s why we called you Eric.”

Eric and Nell exchanged a slightly guilty look. “What?” Deeks asked. “You told them already?”

The RV door opened behind them and voices trickled in. “It will be fine. There’s plenty of space for both of us.”

“Have you seen yourself? You’re the size of a small building. There’s no way we can both fit in that tent.”

“You brought them with you?!” Kensi asked.

“Brought is a strong word,” Eric said. “Followed a direct order is more accurate.”

What had initially seemed like a spacious RV now seemed suffocatingly small. “Hey you’re back!” Callen said as he and Sam came inside. “Everything okay?”

“It is now,” Deeks said, running a hand through his hair. “What are you all doing here?”

“We’re making sure you’re all right,” Sam said. “Did you think we wouldn’t find out about that emergency call you made last night?”

“But the call wasn’t to you,” Kensi said in exasperation.

“We still found out,” Callen said. 

“I have alerts set for everyone,” Eric said, as if it should have been extremely obvious.

“Well we don’t need you, everything is under control,” Deeks said.

“Doesn’t matter,” Sam said. “We’re staying.”

“Not in here you’re not,” Kensi told them.

“Oh no, of course not,” Nell said quickly. “No Eric and I will be in the Airstream.”

“And Sam and I are camping,” Callen said. “In a tent. The size of matchbox.”

“That tent has plenty of space!” Sam growled.

“Okay then, if you all don’t mind, we’d like to take a nap since we’ve been up all night,” Deeks said.

“Oh, sure of course, go right ahead,” Eric said.

Nobody left. Callen and Sam immediately dissolved into an argument about whether they were going fishing or hiking first, as Kensi and Deeks slowly made their way to the bed at the back of the RV. “I’m telling you, it doesn’t compare to the ocean,” Sam protested.

“How would you know?” Callen fired back. “Have you ever tried it? Not everything has to be a deep sea, Navy SEAL diving adventure you know.”

“I think we should hit up Glacier Point,” Nell said, studying the map Deeks had left on the table. “Ooh but the Cathedral Rocks look great too.”

“Is anybody getting a good signal out here?” Eric held his phone up high, forehead wrinkled in frustration. 

Deeks looked wryly at Kensi. “Is this what it’s going to be like to have kids?”

“Probably.” She shook her head. “But when they’re actually our kids, we leave them at home with a babysitter.”

[ejzah]

A/N: Thanks so much for your lovely response to this story! It’s been a little while since I’ve really whumped Deeks. I’m trying to keep the medical and concussion/TBI parts fairly accurate, but I will take some liberties.

***

Blunt Force, Part 2

Kensi sat there for however long it took for the tears to subside and some of the immediate grief to dampen. She felt completely rung out; exhausted in a way that went beyond the physical.

Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out, unsurprised to see a text from Callen, asking for an update. Pushing herself up with a wince, Kensi went over to the single sink, cupping handfuls of cool water over her face. A quick check in the mirror confirmed her cheeks were blotchy and her eyes red. No one would miss that she’d been crying.

With a sigh, she dried her hands and face, finally leaving the relative privacy of the restroom to find a secluded waiting room to call Callen back.

“Kensi, how’s Deeks?” Callen answered her, not wasting time on greetings.

“He’s awake.”

“Good.”

“Deeks has amnesia,” she blurted out, relieved to tell someone else.

“You’re joking,” Callen responded, and she snapped back,

“Would I make something like this up?”

“You wouldn’t,” he said carefully. “Are you sure this isn’t one of Deeks’ games though? You know he is.”

“I thought he might have been messing with me too at first, but it’s legitimate. He thinks he’s still a public defender.” She paused. “Callen, he didn’t recognize me.”

Callen paused for several seconds, then spoke in a softer, slightly uncomfortable tone. “Did the doctor give a prognosis?”

“She’s seeing him now. I mean, he’s alert and still Deeks…just from six years ago.”

“Well that’s not great,” Callen sighed after another long pause. “I need to go update Hetty.”

Kensi felt a surge of fury at both him and Callen. It was senseless; of course Hetty would need to know, but it seemed so callous with Deeks barely conscious.

“Let us know what the doctor says.”

“Right.” She started to hang up, but Callen asked,

“Hey, do you think he’d like any visitors?”

“I’ll ask, but it might be too overwhelming right now since he probably won’t remember any of you either.”

“Right. That’s going to be weird,” Callen mused. He sighed loudly enough it sent a blast of static in her ear. “Ok, let us know when you need a break.”

“I will,” Kensi said, knowing that she wouldn’t.

***

The doctor was still in with Deeks when she made it back to his floor. With nothing else to do, she grabbed a cup of coffee and sat on the bench at the end of the hall, sipping on the bitter drink. She kept going back to Callen’s mention of Hetty.

The implications of Deeks’ amnesia went so much further than just him not remembering the team. Assuming his memory loss didn’t resolve quickly, he wouldn’t be able to work with NCIS, or LAPD for that matter.

“Agent Blye?”

Her head snapped up, and she almost knocked her coffee from between her knees. She caught it at the last second, her hand shaking a little as she looked up into the kind, but vaguely concerned face of Dr. Lesley.

“Sorry. Hi. Is Deeks alright?”

“I just finished his exam. Mr. Deeks gave consent for me to go over the results with you,” she explained. “Would you like to come to one of the conference rooms with me? The chairs are more comfortable and the coffee’s better.”

“Uh, sure. But don’t you think Deeks should hear this too?” Kensi asked.

“I already filled him in. He was concerned he might not recall some of the details and figured you should know too.”

“Oh, ok.” Kensi nodded. At any other time, she would have been flattered that Deeks trusted he so quickly, but her brain had picked up on another indicator of memory loss.

She followed Dr. Lesley to a small conference room, which looked more equipped for staff meetings than patient debriefings. Dr. Lesley brought Kensi a fresh mug of coffee and a pastry from a white box before taking a seat across from Kensi.

“Alright. Based on the screenings I administered, Mr. Deeks doesn’t appear to have significant cognitive deficits aside from the amnesia,” Lesley explained.

“Amnesia seems pretty significant to me,” Kensi observed, methodically shredding her danish into minute pieces.

“It is. It would be worse though if he was showing signs of short term memory loss or trouble with executive function for example, which can be present with a traumatic brain injury and concussion. He answered all of the orientation questions correctly, aside from the date. Which makes sense since memory loss of the traumatic event is extremely common and he believes it’s 2006.”

“What about a brain bleed or swelling? I know you said the last scans didn’t show minimal damage, but could it get worse again?”

“It’s a possibility,” Dr. Lesley confirmed slowly. “I’ll order follow up tests to confirm there haven’t been any changes, but I’m not overly worried about it.”

Kensi nodded, worried enough for both of them. When had anything ever followed the normal path for their team?

When she didn’t say anything else, Lesley continued.

“I didn’t assess his overall motor function yet since Mr. Deeks said he was experiencing some dizziness and disorientation.”

“That’s not surprising,” Kensi muttered. It was more surprising that Deeks had been so alert. From her own injuries, she knew how debilitating a minor concussion could be.

“Do you have any questions? I know I just gave you a lot of information during an overwhelming time.”

“No, I’m fine. It’s just…he’s my partner.” To her horror, Kensi’s eyes welled up again before she could even think of controlling her response. Looking down, she tried to force the tears back before it turned into full-on crying again.

She froze when Dr. Lesley laid a hand over hers, her touch cool, yet oddly comforting.

“It’s alright to not be ok,” she told Kensi. “You’re probably used to being strong all the time, but you don’t have to do this alone. Marty’s in the very best of hands right now.”

“Thank you,” Kensi whispered. “I appreciate that.”

“Of course.” With a final squeeze of her hand, Dr. Lesley retreated, gathering up Deeks’ file.

“Can I see Deeks now?”

“Yes, but I should warn you that he was pretty exhausted by the time I finished with him. He may be sleeping or irritable. I also ordered a liquid diet for his first meal, so if you can convince him to drink some, that would be good,” Dr. Lesley said.

“I’ll try, but he’s pretty stubborn. I guess it’s part of the reason we worked together so well,” Kensi joked.

“Good. Most of my stubborn patients have something to prove. And he’ll need your support to get through this.”

Kensi smiled faintly, not overly reassured by the sentiment. She didn’t know if Deeks would want her around once he r got to know her again.

***

In contrast to earlier in the day, Deeks room was as dark as it could get, his bed lowered almost completely. He lay on his side, face buried in his pillow. She closed the door quietly in case he was sleeping, moving silently to the chair by his bed.

“Who’s there,” he muttered, making Kensi jump a little in surprise.

“It’s Kensi,” she whispered back. He turned his head, the slit of one eye visible in the dim light. “Go back to sleep.”

“Wish I could.” He sounded miserable, and as she sat down, she saw the faint lines of pain creasing his forehead. “What time is it?”

“A little after one,” she answered. “Dr. Lesley said lunch should be coming soon. Maybe there’ll be some lime jello.”

“Oh god no,” he groaned, swallowing convulsively. “I don’t even wanna think of how awful it would feel to throw up right now.”

“Is there anything I can do? Do you need more pain medication?” She’d already half-risen from her seat, but he waved her back down with a limp hand.

“I just had some. Doctor’s ordering Zofran.” He tensed suddenly, and Kensi grabbed the plastic basin nearby, ready to hand it to him. Clenching his fists, he inhaled through his nose several times, his lips tightly clamped together before he finally relaxed again, his head falling back on the pillow. “God, this sucks,” he sighed.

She hated seeing him in so much pain and discomfort. Kensi didn’t know what possessed her, but before she’d fully registered the action, she’d reached out and brushed his hair back from his temple. Deeks tensed at her touch, and she started to pull back, completely embarrassed.

“Don’t stop,” he begged. “‘S only thing that doesn’t hurt right now.”

Kensi stayed frozen for a few seconds while she process the revelation that Deeks found her comforting. Slowly she slid her fingers back into his hair, carefully drawing the tips through his curls, working through the knots and tangles.

Deeks made a small sound of relief, leaning into her touch. After a few minutes, his breathing evened out as he fell asleep. She ran her knuckles across his cheek in a soft caress.

Studying his now peaceful features, she knew this was something she could and would do for him. She would be here as long as he let her. Even if he wasn’t her Deeks anymore.

***

A/N: You didn’t think I was going to let Deeks off quite that easy did you? At least he has Kensi to take care of him.

[densi-mber]

Burning Up

Kensi poured herself a fresh cup of coffee, inhaling deeply before she took a first sip. Normally, Deeks was up before her, but today she had a continuing education conference to attend. Miraculously, the twin had slept past seven too, so she had the kitchen to herself for the moment.

She showered and started on breakfast before Deeks wandered into the kitchen.

“Morning,” he muttered in a scratchy, hoarse voice.

“Oh, you don’t sound great,” Kensi said, coming to stand in front of him.

“Yeah, it���s probably whatever the twins picked up when we went to the waterpark last week.” He cleared his throat a couple times, his voice still gravelly when he spoke again. “I’ll be fine.”

Ignoring him, Kensi gently tugged him in front of the open window, and he winced, closing his eyes at the bright light. Although it was subtle, the skin around his eyes was slightly swollen and red and his complexion shade paler than normal.

“Maybe I should cancel my conference,” Kensi suggested. Although they’d gotten over it pretty quickly, for the first two days Sophia and Caleb were sick, they’d been miserable. She suspected Deeks would handle a nasty sore through and fever with more aplomb than one year old, but he still wouldn’t feel great. “I don’t want to leave you alone to take care of everything by yourself.”

“Kens, this isn’t the first time I’ve have a cold,” he reminded her, with just the tiniest hint of annoyance.

“I know.” She cupped his cheek reassuringly. “We both could work through a broken leg, a bullet wound, and food poisoning if we had to, but you don’t have to.”

Sighing, Deeks squeezed her hand. “That’s true. You need to get this conference out of the way though, so go, I’ll stay with the kids, and I’ll call if I feel like I’m close to swooning.”

“Not swooning allowed,” Kensi told him, leaning on for a kiss. He leaned back, putting his hand between them.

“Ah, you don’t want my germs.”

“Baby, at this point I have any germs you might have.” She gave him a pointed look, bobbing around his hand to kiss him. “Ok. But I’m going to get the kids ready while you shower, because you look like you need reviving.”

After a shower and a full mug of coffee, Deeks seemed a lot more human. When he gave Caleb and Sophia each an airplane ride with his usual energy, she felt a lot less guilty about leaving him manage on his own.

***

The conference went well, and for once, ended early. Deeks had texted Kensi throughout the day, sharing pictures of Caleb and Sophia swinging at the park and little updates. Clearly, he was feeling much better.

“Deeks, I’m back,” she announced as she arrived home. He didn’t respond, so she walked through the house, finding him laying on their bed with the twins crawling over him. “Hey, you guys having fun?”

Caleb turned around, joyfully shouting a mix of words and babble. Sophia offered Kensi a wave before crawling over Deeks’ legs and tugging the hem of his pants.

“Hey,” Deeks said, his voice barely a whisper.

“Oh, baby,” she murmured, hurrying over to him. Deeks stared up at her with glassy eyes and even without touching him, she could tell he was feverish from his bright red cheeks and forehead.

“I don’t feel very good.”

Kensi would have laughed at the understatement if he didn’t sound and look so awful.

“No, I can see that.”

Caleb chose that moment to jump of Deeks’ chest, and he let out a pained gasp. She just barely stopped Sophia from copying her brother.

“Ok, let’s give daddy some space. He’s sick,” Kensi told them, and Caleb’s eyebrows rose in corner.

“Sit?” he repeated.

“Yeah, he’s sick. I’m going to put you in the pack and play for a little bit so I can help daddy.”

Leaning down, Sophia pressed a sloppy kiss to Deeks’ forehead and patted his chest. “Aw gone.”

“Thanks, sweetie,” Deeks whispered with the faintest of smiles.

Scooping them up, Kensi carried the twins into their bedroom, setting them up in their playpen with a collection of soft toys. Assured they wouldn’t be able to get into anything or hurt themselves for a little while, she returned to the master bedroom.

Deeks hadn’t moved an inch and regarded her dully as she pulled out a thick blanket from one of the drawers.

“Do you want to change into different clothes?” she asked. He shook his head slowly.

Pushing himself farther up the bed on shaking arms, he made a pained sound, clearly completely miserable.

“Not to be dramatic, but death sounds nice right now,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry, baby.”

“S’not your fault.” He turned his face into the pillow, clamping his eyes shut.

Silently, Kensi laid the blanket over him and then stopped in the kitchen and bathroom for more supplies. She came back a few minutes later with a mug of tea, Gatorade, and various medications.

“Deeks, here’s something for your head,” she said, and he cracked one eye open just enough to take the offered bottle and pills. He swallowed them with another wince, immediately falling back down with a groan.

“Can I get you anything else?”

“Mmm,” he muttered, which she interpreted as a ‘no’.”

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she smoothed her hand down his back, massaging him for a few minutes before moving up to his hair and easing the sweaty curls back from his temples.

“Thanks,” he slurred.

“Always, baby.” She kissed his cheek, relieved to see his face relax and breathing start to deepen.

[mashmaiden]

Hello my friend! Do you happen to have any favorite Deeks whump fics you could rec me?

Ooooh, @the-wandering-whumper asking the tough questions! Tough as in making me narrow it down! Okay, going thru my list of fics on Pocket that I had tagged whump (some many be more Hurt/Comfort or aftercare based as that's my whumpy trope of choice). Also, I have no idea how to tag this content so just know that there could be any level of whump in any of these fics, from emotional angst/PTSD to general illness to full on torture. (If you/anyone need further clarification on a specific fic, please ask)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10087497/1/A-Razor-s-Edge

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12180179/1/Brother-Let-Me-Be-Your-Shelter by @chicgeekgirl89

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11901716/8/There-is-No-Thing 

^^One of my favorite oneshots by @cbetham though chapter 6 of the same fic set inspired my own angsty WIP

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7203264/1/Weakness

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6980872/1/Shake-Shiver

Pretty much anything by TinkerBella7

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10590174/1/Frozen is one of my go-tos though

^^as is https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10312988/1/Can-t-Keep-A-Good-Man-Down

^^https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10821245/1/It-s-a-Two-Way-Street

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12554550/1/The-Origin

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7621360/1/Photographic-Memories

Anything by Sweet-Lu

^^I really enjoyed https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13523161/1/The-Flower-Child-and-The-Fuzz

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7578248/1/Friends

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7649480/1/What-is-it-about-Deeks-Explosions

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8884922/1/It-s-A-Long-Way-Down

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12723888/1/The-Nightmare-Post-Scene-to-The-Silo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/4219074

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13438749/1/The-Campout

https://archiveofourown.org/works/6415705

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11516072/1/The-Walls-Have-Ears by @ejzah

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13495189/1/Kiss-the-Demons-Out-of-My-Dreams by @anonkp

Gonna end with Ghost by the amazing @bluenet13​ cuz I know I sent her some @trope-appreciation-tuesdays​ posts for inspiration while it was being written - so that brings this back around full circle.  😜

This list is not at all everything and not in any order, but hopefully everyone else can chime in with their faves as well (HEY EVERYONE, CHIME IN WITH YOUR FAVES!)

[anonkp]

Yes to this excellent story about my favorite duo, and to Sam’s acknowledging how badly he’s treated Deeks. And definitely yes to the idea of a follow-up.

BTHB: Distress Call

BTHB: Distress Call

NCIS: Los Angeles

@badthingshappenbingo

—----

A/N: Takes place mid season 3

—-------

"Twenty-three…."

"Twenty-four….."

"Twenty-"

Sam Hanna is cut short in his count as his cell phone rings out from below the bench. He sighs, places the fifty pound dumbbell onto the mat with his right hand and picks up his cell phone to see- Caller: Marty Deeks.

Why the hell is Deeks calling me? Sam thinks, nowhere in the mood for a ramble or random, idiotic question that's just popped in the detective’s head. Sam is especially not prepared for a question from Deeks while he's in the middle of LAPD undercover op.

The last one? "Sam, there's a shop out here in Boyle Heights- well, technically not Boyle Heights since we passed the sign- anyway, there's a boat sweater out here that has your name on it-"

Or the one from 3 months ago? "I hear you guys are undercover at a country club.  I'm jealous- Bates wants me to hangout under an overpass. Wanna trade?"

Out of curiosity and the knowledge that he'll likely here about it anyway when Deeks comes back, Sam presses answer and prepares for well, nonsense.

What he does not expect is the deep, pained breathing on the other end. 

"Deeks?" Sam calls out and drops the other dumbbell onto the mat. "What- what are you-"

"Sam…." The usually happy detective wheezes on the other end. Sam can hear the faint sounds of honking and a train over Deeks' labored breathing. "'Meant to call K'nsi."

"Are you drunk?" Sam asks, praying, please let it be that you are drunk or just woke up or-

"No…oww…I got…someone sta-stabbed me and m' bleeding, " Deeks slurs. Sam hears him grunt out in pain and what he assumes to be sliding or falling to the ground. "Where's K'si?"

Sam rises to his feet, turns and starts walking towards the gym's entrance. Although he's never told Deeks or well, anyone on the team, he's had two talks with Lieutenant Bates on backing up Deeks on undercover OPS.

I'm not in the mood to train another Rookie, Sam had snapped at Bates. 

I might have to do a third-

He shakes off the question and moves through the entrance and towards the bullpen.  "Deeks, you got hurt on another op? What did LAPD say?" 

"Didn't call 'em. Wouldn't come if I did anyway- ouch." 

"Are you moving? If you're moving, stop moving and stay still!"

Deeks groans out in pain again before silence  passes on the line. Sam stops in his tracks and calls out, "Deeks?"

No answer.

"Deeks!" Sam yells now and his voice echoes throughout the mission, attracting the attention of a few agents, Eric and Kensi. Kensi appears from behind the desk divider and raises an eyebrow at Sam.

Thankfully, the labored breathing starts up again. Deeks groans and slurs, "Drop-I'd…I think I dropped the phone on the- on the ground. I'm sorry-"

"Stop moving and stay on the line." Sam looks up to Kensi and Eic on the staircase. "Deeks was injured on an op and called me. Eric, get LAPD down to- Deeks, where are you?"

"Boyle He-Heights. M'gonna call Kensi. Didn't mean to bug you, Sam. I'm gonna-"

"Deeks, if you hang up the phone, I swear to God," Sam snaps. "Eric's going to alert LAPD and I'm going to put Kensi on the phone with you."

Sam hands off the phone to Kensi and watches Eric sprint up the stairs to the OPS center. He stands in the middle of the Mission for a beat and lets the adrenaline running through his veins settle. Odd to Sam, the only moment his trained mind can't skip over are-

Didn't mean to bug you, Sam. 

Or the true meaning behind the words-

Didn’t mean to interrupt whatever you were doing, Sam, to trust you enough to save me from dying alone. My bad. 

I'm sorry that I thought you'd care-

Sam shakes his head and forces a new thought into his mind- No, push the words off and go make sure he doesn’t die.

After a minute or so passes, Sam moves back into action, heading up the stairs to meet Eric. He expects the detective's pained voice and the words- didn't mean to bug you, Sam- to fade after they find Deeks.

However, even after LAPD calls to report Deeks alive, unconscious in an alley with a knife sticking out of his thigh, Sam Hanna's left with a set of unexpected emotions. 

Emotions that even as he teases and pokes at Deeks for another year and a half, sit in the back of his conscience. 

Emotions that multiply after he watches the detective scream in pain from being tortured. Tortured to keep him and his wife safe.

Guilt. Disappointment. Worry. Sadness.

Each emotion carves a spot in his conscience that he  carries during every happy and heartbreaking moment during the nine years that follow. 

The ex-SEAL never brings it up once to anyone. 

In nearly 11 years, Sam never brings it up, never asking- after everything I had done do you Deeks, why'd you call me of all people for help?

—-------

Part 2?

[artiekareestories]

Master Writing List

FANFIC

Chicago One Series

Imperfection-

Roar of Truth-

Chicago One - One Offs/Prompts-

NCIS:LA

Luthor & Linny -

ORIGINALS

Swell - (once edited will be posted to ao3)

[whumpypepsigal]

NCIS Los Angeles s14e07: “You’re burning up.”