Author's Notes: This story snuck up on me and demanded to be written. It'll only be a few chapters long, though with a sequel. I write a lot on my other stories, I just haven't finished chapters yet - updates are coming, but for now enjoy this story. Also, though I have not marked this as a crossover, members of the NCIS DC team will make occasional appearances - though mostly Gibbs. This is more to do with the location setting than the story itself, therefore I do not feel it truly classifies as a crossover enough to warrant being placed in that section. The sequel of this story will be Densi, therefore mentions and suggestions of the pairing will also be shown in this fic.

Warning: This story contains frequent, though non-graphic, adult themes of rape, abuse, molestation, and other terrible crimes performed to or against children. There are various dark themes within this story of similar nature - be aware of that before you decide to read.

~ Hidden in Darkness ~

Bad guys were very fond of big, dark warehouses - Kensi realised the fact remained as true for Washington DC as it did for Los Angeles. She wasn't even supposed to be there, and yet she was. Kensi had travelled all the way across the country, using her collected vacation time and a permitted alias, to bust into an old warehouse very late on a Saturday afternoon.

'You ready?' A tanned Detective asked her, pressing his side to the wall in front of her.

'As I'll ever be.' Kensi said quietly, giving him the nod of approval.

Behind her were at least three others - each with their guns raised as well. Across the wide entrance to the warehouse was another line of law enforcers preparing to put their lives on the line for what they were about to do. They were all standing there because it was their duty and they'd been called out as back-up. Kensi was there because of the tanned man in front of her.

She always quipped that they were destined to be friends, as his name was the same as her star sign: Leo. He always laughed at her jokes, unlike her team back in LA. Kensi was rather fond of him, but purely in a platonic way. He had a lovely wife, and an even more wonderful pair of kids under the ages of seven. Kensi had met them once or twice, but that was at least a few years ago. She was across the country, preparing to breach a dangerous warehouse, for Leo. For the life-changing favour she owed him from years ago.

'On three.' Leo whispered.

He quickly checked his police vest was securely in place. He held up three fingers for everyone to see, and counted down slowly, while each gun-gripping law enforcer braced their composure.

In seconds, there was a loud noise as the two teams hurried into the darkened surroundings of the huge warehouse.

It wasn't as empty as the ones Kensi was used to searching; there were large wooden and metal crates, camouflage netting, stacks of cardboard boxes, and pieces of machinery everywhere. It was a near-blind journey through a maze of danger and uncertainty. There were about fifteen law enforcers there to help with the search for two twin teenagers, who were abducted several days ago, yet the rescue they were attempting was not authorised. There wasn't enough evidence to make a case, nor decent probable cause to arrest the predator they were all convinced was guilty – and every person there knew these circumstances well. They put their jobs on the line, just as Kensi did, and none of them would regret it.

Two innocent lives were at stake, and after the last three children to be taken were later found dead and heavily abused, no one was going to let the twins suffer the same fate just because they had to wait on a legal warrant.

Leo was leading the mission. He gave clear hand gestures to the others, indicating each to split up into small groups to cover more ground. The warehouse set fire to their instincts, and powered their adrenaline, but above all it was a place of intense fear. They couldn't see clearly; there were hazards all around them. If the psycho responsible was there he'd either attack them before they could work out where he was – or he'd panic and kill the twins.

Kensi turned a corner, glad to have Leo as her partner, and shuddered at the bad vibes she felt everywhere.

She'd seen a photo of the twins the day before, when she'd greeted Leo at the airport. They were fourteen; a boy and a girl. She pictured their faces while manoeuvring the maze of blackness, using their bright smiles and vibrant innocence to guide and motivation her through the fear that tried to suffocate her. It wasn't just fear for her career, and her life, but for their future. She'd barely been able to stomach the crime scene photos of what happened to the innocent children who couldn't be saved from the monster within the maze. Everyone was there to save the twins, and arrest Gale, but Kensi and Leo had other plans. They wanted more than anything to save the children, of course, yet they also hoped the monster would give them just enough cause to shoot him.

Kensi froze when Leo raised his hand suddenly, from what she could barely see the faded outline of in the darkened space, and halted. There was a sound behind a tall crate to their right. Footsteps, maybe, and breathing.

Carefully, Leo and Kensi made their way around a corner, trying to retain their determination. With every step they took, Kensi felt a cold chill spread through her. She knew it, as Leo surely did too; they were no longer searching through a maze – they were being hunted within a trap. Gale, the monster within, knew they'd entered his lair. He knew why they were there, and somehow he was aware that their entire plan was not officially legal.

Kensi couldn't understand, after many years as an NCIS Agent who had to stop bad guys all the time and witness a variety of horrible crimes, how she could be so sickened and afraid of just one man. Perhaps because in her mind he was no longer a man at all. The criminals who harm children were always regarded as the worse scum on the Earth, even to other criminals – Kensi never had so much understanding of that logic until then. It was undeniably clear to her; not as she anxiously rounded another corner of darkness, but when a near-silent cry came from an area several feet away - blocked by crates and netting.

Kensi and Leo had no time to react.

He'd taken a step towards the sound, and they didn't realise until too late that it had been a ploy to place reasonable distance between them. Kensi had never been so out of her depth – especially when someone grabbed her throat and hair from behind. By pulling her head back, and restricting her oxygen, the attacker was able to control the situation entirely. The others were too far away to be signalled for back-up. The only person Kensi had was Leo.

She trusted her friend enough to try to save her, but inside she was wishing Deeks was with her.

She grunted, and struggled, but dizziness fogged her brain. Kensi tried to breath properly, but it was a battle she had to put every ounce of energy into. Her gun slipped from her fingers, and clattered to the solid floor.

'Let her go!' Leo demanded, pointing his gun at the monster. 'And where are they?'

'Who?' The snarl in Kensi's ear made her want to throw up. She felt nauseous in his hold, and fought to free herself. He was impossibly strong, as if her repulsion of him gave Gale power.

She felt panic swell inside her, but Kensi was too stubborn to give in.

'Kenny and Claire.' Leo spoke the twin's names. 'Where are they? What did you do with them?' He shouted, fury etched into his entire form.

'Put your gun down.' Gale threatened, yanking Kensi backwards.

'Ugh!' She winced, and choked from the shifted force in her hair and throat. 'Shoot him.' She gasped to Leo.

'You'll kill her!' Gale stressed, shoving Kensi in front of him as a shield. 'Put it down!'

'Where are the kids?' Leo tried again. 'Tell me!'

'Dead.' Gale smirked, his eyes darting for a nearby escape route.

Kensi couldn't speak, but she growled in anger, and tried to think clearly enough to work out if she was still standing. She wore boots with slight heels, which she wanted to use to her advantage, but the dizziness in her head and the choke-hold she was in made it hard to even twitch her fingers.

No matter how furious and stubborn Kensi was, she simply couldn't win against the cloud in her mind that snuffed out all thought and strength she had. Her body slackened, losing its battle against an unstoppable force. The only thing that kept her from slipping into unconsciousness was when she was dropped to the cement floor – the jolt of it jerked her sense alive again. A gunshot rang out, though somehow muffled by all the clutter, and everything around her blurred. Laying on the dusty floor, trying to grasp her composure enough to reclaim her fallen gun, Kensi looked around and was aware of several things at once.

Firstly, there were distant sirens approaching the warehouse and Kensi couldn't figure out how it was possible to hear them.

Secondly, Leo made no effort to help her - he dashed off in the direction of two muffled voices nearby, inspired only to find and rescue the twins even if it meant leaving her alone.

And, thirdly, Kensi came to realise she was not alone at all.

Lights flickered around the maze just enough to illuminate a space underneath some nearby netting. She saw two pink and white shoes much too small for a teenager. A child considerably younger than fourteen was huddled in the shadows only feet from were Kensi lay on her side.

'Ugh, God.' Kensi gasped when she tried to move.

She felt her neck and body ache, but pushed through her own state of soreness as she had more important things to focus on. She exhaled and coughed, then crawled towards the netting.

'Hey.' She whispered. 'Hey, it's okay.'

The sirens, movement, yells, lights, and the entire world vanished from her awareness the moment Kensi pulled down the netting with as much force as she could muster. It revealed a little girl, who looked barely older than two, crouched fearfully against the side of a crate. She had smears of dirt, tear tracks, and blood on her face. Her brown hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes pooled with terror.

'Shh, it's okay.' Kensi tried to coax the girl closer; there was too much clutter around for Kensi to properly get to her. 'I'm with the police. I'm here to help you.'

A strange scent reached her nose as she moved closer still – it wasn't just urine, dirt, and blood, but something else. Something worrying. Kensi couldn't remember the name of it, only that it was flammable and could cause a lot of health problems if not removed from contact with the skin. As a flicker of brightness flashed over the area, Kensi realised the girl was sitting in the oily substance, and the liquid dripped down her thin dress.

'I'm not going to hurt you.' Kensi promised. 'But we need to get you out of here, okay?'

The girl couldn't seem to move; too overtaken by terror. She watched Kensi carefully, though, and heard every word spoken. Slowly, with shaking hands, the child reached desperately for Kensi.

Nudging more boxes aside, Kensi managed to sit upright enough to lean leaned towards the little girl. Time felt to slow ,as she tried really hard not to scare the child. When she made contact with the cold skin of the too-thin girl, Kensi instantly wanted to shoot every person who ever hurt a child like that.

Gently, she lifted the girl into her arms - and felt tiny hands grip around her neck in desperation for something safe to hold onto. Kensi placed a hand under the girl, and one against her back, and tried to ignore the stench burning her nose. Tears were in her eyes, as Kensi held the fragile form in her arms. They'd had no idea the girl was even there – if Gale hadn't attacked her or Kensi hadn't dropped to the floor, they might never have known until it was too late.

A sniffle was heard in her ear, and Kensi fought to keep her own composure. A spark of adrenaline pumped through her again, upon hearing the sirens and yells nearby. She stepped over the blood-pooling form of Gale, and looked around to try to recall the way out.

'We found them!' Leo rushed into view, startling the girl more than Kensi. 'They're alive. They-' He stopped, staring at the tiny form in Kensi's arms.

'We didn't even see her.' Kensi said, furious at herself.

She carefully clutched the girl close to her, feeling every wave of emotion hitting her. Her agent mind also warned Kensi she had to get the substance off them both – it was highly dangerous.

'The police are here. And my boss.' Leo swallowed, looking around anxiously. 'There's a recently abandoned office next door. You have to get out of here - if they know about her...'

'Who is she?' Kensi realised Leo knew something she didn't.

'I don't know her name. I've seen her picture, though no one is really looking for her anymore. Her father is a lawyer, and abusive, but we have no proof. Her mother was killed last week, and she has no one else. She'll go back to him. You can't let them have her.'

Nothing was more important to Kensi in that moment - not her job, her friends, or even her life. All she knew was the tiny life in her arms was being threatened in every way possible. She couldn't even let her go if she'd tried. Kensi made a choice - it went against everything, and she didn't care.

'Go.' Leo pointed in a direction. He also bent and grabbed her gun, returning it to her holster for her. 'Get her out. Take her to Pam – she's working today. She'll keep it a secret. I can't do much more than that, but-'

'I understand.' Kensi nodded. 'Thanks.'

Sounds and lights were closing in.

Kensi held the child closer to her, and hurried through another mass of darkened space. Netting almost tripped her, and crates nearby narrowly blocked her escape plan, but eventually she found a space of wall with a door. Without thinking, she carefully held the child clinging to her like a little monkey, and yanked the door open. Whiteness blinded her for a moment, though mostly from streetlights and in attempt to adjust from the blackness of the warehouse. She crossed a patch of dirt and hurried towards a nearby building.

Kensi went inside, surprised it was unlocked, and soon realised why.

Desks, chairs, and papers littered the space around her. Kensi heard cars and voices outside – prompting her to hurry forward in search of a bathroom. She climbed stairs until she found a corridor with a bigger office. As she'd suspected; it had its own bathroom. Kensi shut the door and was glad there was enough light streaming through the white curtains to enable her to see what she was doing. The child in her arms shook with fear, and tried not to cry, but Kensi had little time to comfort her.

'Sweetheart, you've got some really bad oil on you.' Kensi placed the girl on a counter across from a wall-less shower. 'I need to get it off, okay?'

The child could still hardly move. Kensi was really worried, and didn't want to have to do it, but she had to – it was critical that she remove the liquid now or neither of them would make it as far as the hospital. She shed her own vest, tossing it to the paper-littered floor, and kicked off her shoes. Kensi tried to remove the girl's faded purple dress, thinking kids that young weren't very shy about those things, but her movements were met with a violent reaction.

'NO!' The girl screamed, which was miraculously drowned out by the commotion outside. She fought Kensi with as much strength she had; Kensi barely felt the fists to her face, but was cautious to avoid being kicked in the stomach.

Coldness filled Kensi once again.

It wasn't her usual crime or experience, but Kensi was sure there was only a few reasons a little girl could be that terrified of being undressed. However, she still didn't have time to assure the girl she wasn't going to be hurt. Kensi looked at the lights against the curtain, then over at the shower, and knew she had to get out as soon as possible.

'Okay.' Kensi sighed. 'Okay. It's okay. I'm just going to get this oil off us, alright?'

She scooped the struggling girl into her arms and walked to the shower. Turning the taps, thankful the water was still operational, Kensi held the girl close as she stood them under the steam of barely-warm water. She could feel the oil and grime sliding down her form. The girl whimpered, but didn't move, as her hair stuck to her face. The gush of water drenched through their clothes and puddled the floor, though the pulse wasn't strong enough to make much of a sound beyond the bathroom. Kensi coughed, and made sure they weren't going to drown, but refused to move until she was sure the substance was considerably washed away.

Kensi wished she could wash away all the pain and filth of that night.

When the water became colder, Kensi knew they couldn't stand underneath it any longer. She turned the taps to stop the flow of water, and stepped out of the puddle. The girl continued to cling to her, despite her fear and confusion. Kensi looked around for something to dry or warm them, but nothing proved useful. She placed the child on the counter again, and grabbed her vest from the floor. It wasn't much, as she placed it over the girl in effort to give her something dry, but it would have to do for now.

Kensi shivered, and retrieved the girl.

Heading out of the bathroom, and trailing water on the floor, Kensi begun a hurried search through the office and nearby cubicles. She found some "lost and found" storages, as well as a few discarded items left behind from whatever had rendered the office building into a state of abandonment. With a sweater that would have fit Nell, and a handful of other random items, Kensi wasted no time sitting the girl on a desk. She left the vest on and covered it with the sweater. The child was so young the shirt was longer than her dress. Kensi pulled a jacket over her own shoulders, then placed a beanie on the girl's head.

'I'm going to take you some-place safe, I promise.' Kensi said, lifting the child into her arms again.

She worried about being caught, and knew it was time to leave. It was annoying to run down so many stairs, as carefully as possible, while still being being wet. She carried the girl protectively close, and only slowed when she found a back door. Carefully checking there weren't any police outside, Kensi left the building and made her way towards the lights of the city. It wasn't far, but she was on edge the entire time.

The night air cooled their damp skin, and she worried about all the things that could go wrong.

Hailing a cab, Kensi had never felt so relieved to see one. She got into the back seat, uttering her request for the hospital, and exhaled. The girl was still on her lap, and wasn't letting go of her grip around Kensi's neck.

The drive was short. Kensi paid the driver and got out, and was glad she still had everything she needed with her. Hurrying inside, Kensi did her best to look calm. It didn't matter either way – being soaked in water caught a lot of attention from nearby nurses.

'We're fine.' Kensi dismissed a nurse, when she headed for the lobby counter. 'We had an incident of unplanned swimming.' She lied, hoping no one would make a fuss.

'Can I help you?' The lady at the counter asked, looking worriedly at the terrified little girl dressed in an adult's sweater.

'Could you please page Dr Pamela Bryce?' Kensi requested. 'Tell her Kensi is here to see her, and it's urgent.'

'Ma'am, I can't-'

'I have a badge. Please don't make me get it.' Kensi warned. 'I'm armed too.'

Actually, she didn't have her badge or NCIS ID at all. She'd left it behind in her motel room. She'd travelled under an alias, which also came with a credit card and anything else necessary to make anyone believe she was indeed Kensi Wells. Though her gun was holstered at her side, Kensi also had no intention to use it with such a fragile child in her arms.

The lady decided to page the doctor, which everyone was thankful for. Pamela arrived a very short time later, and ushered Kensi down the hall into an office.

'Leo called me.' The caramel-skinned woman said. 'This is Joanna?'

'Joanna.' Kensi repeated the name, glad to finally know it. 'Yeah. Could you check she's okay? Do you have any spare clothes?'

'There's a thrift store across the road.' Pamela said. She walked to the door called for someone who soon joined them. 'This is Sandy. She specialises in these cases. She'll take good care of your daughter.'

Kensi opened her mouth to question the title, then quickly remembered everything about her visit was quite illegal. She put on her best motherly mask and reluctantly handed the girl to the blonde nurse.

The child started to cry, but the pair were gone before Kensi could change her mind.

'It's good to see you again, Kensi.' Pamela said, offering her a white towel from nearby. 'I wish it was under better circumstances.'

'Yeah, Pam, same.' Kensi sighed nervously. She rubbed her hair with the towel, but knew it wouldn't do much for her clothes. 'Have you heard from Leo?'

'He's at the station.' Pamela sighed. 'I don't know much. They're still searching the warehouse, though, which was finally allowed by his boss. They've found five bodies so far - all children between the ages eight and eleven.'

A sadness filled the silence of the room while they waited. Kensi wanted to kick something, or shoot someone, but she was too exhausted to move from the seat she'd unknowingly dropped into.

'Are you okay?' Pamela came closer, reaching to gently touch Kensi's neck. 'There's substantial bruising on your neck.'

'I'm fine.' Kensi shrugged her off. 'What am I supposed to do now?'

'I don't know.' Pamela sighed. 'Leo suggested you lay low for a while. My husband didn't think this through, I know. It's a brave thing you're doing for her, Kensi.'

'Someone has to.' Kensi sighed.

'Do you have insurance?'

'For what? Oh.' Kensi frowned, and reached to her back jeans pocket for her wallet. She flipped through the contents, belonging to her alias, and was relieved to see she had full medical insurance and benefits. 'Yeah.'

Pamela didn't say anything else, but Kensi was thinking it. The idea to get Joanna out of the warehouse, and make sure she didn't go back to an abuser, was noble at first - but the plan now crumbled at their feet. It was, essentially, a kidnapping. Kensi also had nowhere to go, and no way of explaining Joanna's presence. She couldn't get the girl to Los Angeles without raising suspicion. She didn't even want to risk returning to her motel room yet.

She had to come up with a plan, and fast.

'I'll be right back.' Kensi promised and left the room. She wandered down a corridor until she found an empty waiting area. Getting out her phone, she dialled a familiar number – waiting with bated breath.

'Hello?'

'Nell!' Kensi said, relieved. She could tell by the typing in the background that Nell was still at work. 'I need a huge favour, but you have to swear not to tell anyone. I need some updates to my alias, Kensi Wells.'

'Okay.' Nell said after a moment. 'What updates?'

'I need an addition. A three-year-old daughter, Jody Wells.' Kensi said, looking around warily. 'With full medical benefits, and everything you can think of that will help.'

'What?'

'Nell, I can't explain right now. It's important.' Kensi pressed. 'You'd be saving the life of a little girl who has been through so much already. I need you to help me with this.'

'Okay.' Nell said with determination. 'Tell me everything you need, and I'll add it to your alias.'

'Thanks, Nell.' Kensi exhaled. 'I owe you one. Oh, and I'll also need the address for the safe house Hetty mentioned last month – the one in DC.'

'Is everything okay?' Nell worried.

'Let's just say my travel plans hit a little bump in the road.' Kensi said. 'I just need to buy some time so I can sort things out. Nothing to worry about - I just can't use my real name.'

'Alright. I'll see what I can do.'

Pamela was called to help with an emergency, so Kensi moved to a general waiting room nearby. She was anxious and paranoid, but managed to channel her undercover skills enough to look like a worried mother rather than the kidnapper she technically was.

When Sandy finally returned, Kensi jumped up from her seat and rushed over. She'd already filled out the necessary forms – and each second she had written something, Kensi mentally thanked Nell for her support.

'How is she?' Kensi asked, accepting Joanna – no, Jody – back into her arms.

'Dr Bryce told me she may have been raped, or abused, while she was with your ex-fiance?' Sandy asked sadly.

'Uh, yeah.' Kensi quickly pooled her features. 'Was she?'

'She's suffering from malnutrition, so you'll need to make sure she gets solid meals each day to get her back to average.' Sandy summarised. 'She's got some bruising, but she wasn't raped. She'd had a few broken bones that have healed in the past six months.'

Kensi listened to the listings of what Jody had gone through physically, though it was mentally she was most worried about. Having confirmed the girl was healthy enough to take "home", Kensi distanced herself from further advice from the nurse. She was a bit rude about the abrupt dismissal, but Kensi walked away to leave the hospital.

She simply didn't have time to deal with anyone else unless it was absolutely necessary.

Stepping outside, Kensi sought the thrift store Pamela had mentioned. There were bags outside, which Kensi checked the contents of before snatching the bag. Calling for a cab, Kensi gave the street address, and shifted Jody on her lap during the ride. Her skin was feeling itchy, from the oil she hadn't been able to completely remove. Jody was still dressed in the same clothes she'd arrived at the hospital in, and Kensi knew the first thing they needed was a real shower.

When she got out of the cab, and made her way along the street to the safe house Nell had given her the address of, Kensi begun to feel her own tiredness sneak up on her. She carried Jody up the driveway and found the hidden key. Stepping inside, Kensi locked the front door then switched on the hall light. The house wasn't very big, but she barely took any notice as she made her way across the room to the main bedroom.

Dropping one of the bags she'd collected from the thrift store, Kensi carried Jody into the bathroom.

Jody made a whine of protest when she was placed on the counter beside the sink. She saw the bath and knew she'd have to get undressed. The girl's wide eyes would have won Kensi over, if it wasn't so critically important for the girl to have the oil removed and to change into something more comfortable. Kensi wondered why the nurse hadn't commented on the oil, though she could hardly smell or see it herself now because it had soaked through the clothes.

Deciding to worry about those things later, Kensi tried to think of a plan of action.

'Sweetheart, I know you don't want to have a bath.' Kensi worried.

She was certain it wasn't normal for a child so young to not want to take her clothes off, beyond the usual stubbornness. Jody was completely terrified of the idea; beyond rational thought or reluctance.

'No!'

'I know.' Kensi sighed. 'You've still got oil on you. If we don't wash it all off, it can hurt your skin. It can make you very sick. I promise, I'll fill up the bath with warm water and you can hop straight in, okay? We'll wash it off, then you can get out and change into some pretty pyjamas.' Kensi pointed to the bag on the bed.

Jody wasn't convinced. She didn't trust Kensi and struggled against her attempts to remove even the large sweater she wore. Kensi stressed, but knew she had little choice. Trust would have to come later – the oil was dangerous and needed to be removed entirely.

'I'm sorry.' Kensi said, tears in her eyes at Jody's turmoil. 'I have to wash the oil off. I'm not going to hurt you, okay? You have to have a bath, though.'

Jody yelled, and struggled, but ultimately Kensi had to do what was necessary.

She pulled the sweater off, then the vest. Kensi dumped them on the floor and tried to be as gentle as she could. Jody started screaming and fighting. Kensi almost broke down entirely, feeling as if she was somehow betraying the little girl and doing something bad. Her knowledge of the oil's danger was too high, though, and she managed to get through the undressing incident without giving in.

She put Jody on the floor, and held onto the child's hand so the little girl couldn't run away. Kensi felt awful, but walked to the bath and poured in warm water with shampoo bubbles. She lifted Jody into the bath, and exhaled with relief when the girl just sat there.

She tried to be as quick, yet careful, as possible. Jody sniffled and tears trailed down her cheeks, but she stayed still enough for Kensi to wash off the substance. She also washed the girl's hair, realising it was a lighter shade of brown than initially believed. There were a number of noticeable bruises on the tiny form, but Kensi struggled to ignore them other than being extra careful while washing Jody. Once done, she grabbed a blue towel from a nearby cupboard and lifted the child out. She wrapped the girl up, hoping to give her some sense of warmth and safety, as she dried her clean.

The girl was considerably more co-operative when Kensi helped her dress into a set of pink pyjama pants and shirt. She still squirmed to get away from Kensi, but wasn't screaming or kicking.

Kensi drained the bath, and was barely quick enough to scoop Jody up around the middle before the girl tried to run away. It was then she realised how hard it was going to be. She didn't even know what she was doing – how long would she be looking after Jody? What should she do next? Kensi was at a loss, but she understood how damaged Jody might be mentally. The girl was still completely terrified, and Kensi could hardly blame her – though it made the situation a lot more difficult.

Remembering the nurse saying Jody lacked nutrition, and already being aware of the girl's skinny figure, Kensi carried Jody into the main room. She sought the kitchen, and frowned distastefully at it. Kensi Blye did not cook, but she had to find something suitably filling and healthy for Jody to eat. Worry settled in again, as Kensi didn't even know what a kid Jody's age ate.

The child continued to squirm in her arms. Kensi balanced Jody against her hip, and was stressing about her ability to get through the night; especially when the girl started to cry.

'Hey, Honey - it's okay.' Kensi tried to soothe her, with little success. 'Are you hungry? I'm going to get you something to eat, okay? What do you like to eat?'

It didn't work. Jody continued to cry, tears sliding down her cheeks, and didn't even hear Kensi's words.

She carried the girl across the room to the sofa, sitting her on it so she could look directly at Jody's face. Kensi had no clue what to do. She wanted to call someone - like Sam who had kids of his own, or Deeks who just naturally had a way with them. Jody's face turned red and her tears kept falling. Kensi knew she had to do something, but was at loss to why Jody was even upset.

She knew the girl was scared, yet beyond that she wasn't sure.

'Okay. Honey, I know it's scary but you're safe here.' Kensi tried, leaning closer to rub the girl's arms. Sighing, she got up and sat beside Jody. 'You're okay; you're safe now. I won't ever hurt you, I promise. I'll keep you safe.'

The image of Jody crouched in the dark, sitting in oil and urine, loomed into Kensi's mind. Tears sprung to her own eyes, as she struggled not to imagine what such a little girl had gone through. Her heart pounding in her chest, Kensi took a more direct approach. She stood and picked Jody up, pulling her close - not to hold her, but to cuddle the little girl as warmly as she could. She hushed soothing tones, and rubbed Jody's back, until the sobs subsided.

Small hands curled around Kensi's neck, and both exhaled with relief. Kensi placed a kiss to Jody's hair, and walked back to the kitchen.

She sat the girl on the kitchen counter, where the child remained to watch her. Kensi raided the cupboards and fridge, but the safe house was only stocked with non-perishable food so it could be used whenever needed yet also left for long periods of time without being occupied. She found a box of snicker-doodles, Granola bars, long-life milk, packets of dry pasta, cans of spaghetti o's, lentils flour, spices, tins of coffee, packets of rice, bottles of sauce, and more cans of various things like fruit, stew, vegetables, etc.

Kensi exhaled with dread, looking over the options, and for the first time truly wished she had all the cooking skills her mother did. Or Deeks did. She wondered if even Callen could cook better than her.

Looking around the open door of the pantry, Kensi stared back at Jody and knew the girl had to eat something – snicker-doodles just won't cut it. Reaching in, she grabbed some cans and placed them on the counter beside the girl.

Jody looked curiously at them, which gave Kensi hope for a successful meal.

'Do you like spaghetti o's?' Kensi asked.

Jody looked at the picture on the can, then shrugged.

'Apples?' Kensi placed a can of apple slices in front of the girl, watching carefully for a reaction. She got a slight nod in response. 'Okay. Okay, good.' Kensi exhaled.

She rummaged through a drawer for a can opener, then froze when she saw suddenly movement. Jody inched back on the counter, eyeing the drawer of knives and other cutlery in fear.

'Sorry.' Kensi said, snatching the can opener quickly and slowly shut the drawer. 'I just need something to help to open the can.' She explained.

Jody remained quiet, still watching Kensi carefully. She looked at the nervously patient child seated beside her, and wondered if Leo and Pamela got her confused with another girl; Jody was so small it seemed impossible for her to be three-years-old.

Kensi opened the cans and placed some spaghetti o's into one bowl, and apples into another. She was about to put them on the table when Kensi realised Jody wouldn't be able to reach it.

'Here you go.' Kensi pushed the bowls towards Jody, and dropped a spoon into each. 'Eat whichever one you want – as much you want.'

Jody looked at the food and squirmed. She licked her lips, and peered uncertainly at Kensi; she was clearly hungry, but afraid.

'It's okay. It's for you.' Kensi encouraged. 'Are you hungry? It's okay, go ahead.'

Slowly, with her eyes firmly set on Kensi, Jody reached for the nearest spoon. Scooping some spaghetti, she raised the spoon to her mouth, and paused again. Kensi nodded and smiled, so Jody put the spoon shakily into her mouth.

'Yum.' Jody said, going for another spoonful.

'Would you rather I heat it up, if it's cold?' Kensi wondered, unsure.

Jody grabbed the bowl with her free hand, worried it would be taken away from her. She waited until Kensi calmed and encouraged her to eat some more, then Jody went for another mouthful.

Kensi leaned against the pantry door with relief, watching as Jody ate, and gave the girl some space. She was worried about doing the wrong thing, and it was harder when Kensi didn't even know how to look after children in general – but Jody was eating, so that was a good sign Kensi hadn't messed things up entirely yet.

Jody moved on to try the apples, after checking with Kensi that it was still hers as well, while Kensi slowly and quietly searched for some napkins. Returning to where Jody sat, Kensi smiled a little at the sauce-smudged face that looked gratefully up at her. Jody smiled back, and checked what Kensi had in her hands.

Kensi made sure not to scare her, by using slow and deliberate motions, as she dampened the napkins and wiped the smears from Jody's cheeks and mouth.

'Are you finished?'

Jody nodded, and showed her emotional progress by raising her arms expectantly towards Kensi.

She lifted the girl into her arms and held her close, feeling a bond forming already and hoped she wouldn't let Jody down. Kensi put the bowls and spoons into the sink, and the empty cans in the bin, then carried Jody back to the main bedroom.

'No bath.' Jody squirmed, trying to wriggle out of Kensi's grip.

'No, no more bath tonight.' Kensi assured her, though the girl continue to struggle.

She looked over at the bedside table and was surprised by how much time had passed since she'd joined Leo in busting into the warehouse. The images of the maze of darkness flooded back, forcing Kensi to quickly distract herself.

She shut the bedroom door, worried Jody might run off, and did the same for the bathroom. Kensi turned on each bedside lamp, and placed Jody on the large bed. Kensi sat on her usual side, and looked over at the girl.

Jody inched away from her, her green eyes wide with fear, but didn't try to flee.

'I'm tired. Are you?' Kensi scratched at her arms and felt a sting.

Her clothes were dry, but she knew there were still traces of the oil on her skin underneath. She had to get Jody to sleep, or else she couldn't shower. Her own health had been in the back of her mind, until Kensi begun to worry about the spreading irritation she was feeling down her arms and over her back.

She really hoped Jody would fall asleep soon so Kensi could sneak off to shower, but the little girl didn't look like she was planning to even lay down.

'Do you remember the bad oil?' Kensi asked her, to which Jody warily nodded. 'I've still got it on me. I need to have a bath. Me, not you.' She added quickly when Jody moved further away.

Kensi got up and walked to the bag from the thrift store, finding a pair of running pants and a plain shirt she could wear to sleep. She looked back at Jody, conflicted, but decided she had to get the oil off. She didn't know enough about what it could do; she made a mental note to pay more attention to Nell and Eric when they were explaining those sort of things.

'I'm going to have a shower.' Kensi explained to Jody as clearly as she could. 'I'll leave the door open. Will you promise to sit right here until I'm finished?'

Jody nodded.

Kensi hoped it was the right choice to leave the little girl there. She just couldn't risk it any longer; her skin felt to be burning now. Kensi headed into the bathroom and stripped. She placed her gun, wallet, phone, and other bits and pieces on top of the linen closet – just to be safe. Stepping into the water, Kensi winced at the contact of cool liquid against her sore skin. She saw a raw-looking rash on her left forearm, but otherwise her skin merely felt worse than it looked.

Kensi leaned against the side wall of the shower, underneath the shower-head, to check Jody was still sitting on the bed. It was a relief each time to see Jody staring in the direction of the bathroom; she hadn't moved an inch.

Kensi used more soap than necessary, in hope of speeding up the process of removing the substance from her skin, then rinsed, and checked Jody again. The girl had shifted this time, but only to lay down.

Finally, the little girl was relaxed enough to consider sleeping.

Kensi quickly dried and dressed, shuddered at the idea of wearing someone else's clothes, then wandered back to the bedroom. She'd retrieved her items from the linen cupboard, and was pleased to notice a locked drawer beside the bed - with the key included. Kensi locked up her gun and wallet, but left the phone in close reach on her side of the bed. Sitting beside Jody, Kensi looked to see the girl was watching her anxiously.

This time, the fear in her eyes wasn't directed at Kensi.

'I'm going to be right here.' Kensi whispered, laying beside her with plenty of space between them. 'I'll keep you safe, okay? No one can hurt you anymore, sweetheart. No one, you hear me?'

'Kay.' Jody muttered, letting her eyes close as she yawned into her hand. She didn't even flinch when Kensi reached over to lightly tug the blankets from underneath her.

Kensi draped them over the three-year-old's form, and watched until she was certain Jody was asleep. Carefully, Kensi got up and hurried to the kitchen. Feeling as though she was starving within an inch of her life, Kensi went on another raid through the pantry. This time, the snicker-doodles looked like the perfect meal – along with various other items that didn't come in a can. She ate them quickly, almost choking in the progress, and returned to the bedroom.

Jody looked extraordinarily peaceful when she slept.

It made Kensi incredibly sad to her, though she felt honoured that Jody trusted her enough to sleep with her so close. A surge of protectiveness washed through Kensi again. She walked to the other side of the bed, and sat on the floor beside where Jody slept. She knew she'd be creeped out if someone did it to her, but Kensi wanted to make sure Jody was safe all night.

She sat there, watching the steady breathing of the three-year-old, for over an hour before Kensi's own exhaustion prevailed upon her.

Sluggishly, on the verge of passing out, Kensi walked around the bed and lightly dropped onto her back. Yawning, Kensi rolled over to face Jody and left the lamps on. The last thing she wanted was for the little girl to wake in the dark and be reminded of such a horrible day. Kensi had no idea what to do next, but for now she was content to at least give Jody somewhere safe and comfortable to sleep for the night. It was the only thought which allowed Kensi to close her own eyes in favour of her own degree of much-needed rest.