Boob Job

It was a slow morning at the Mission. Callen was reading an online newspaper; Sam was playing chess with someone in Nairobi; Kensi was, well Deeks had no idea what Kensi was doing on her computer. Probably some partner quiz from a women's magazine. As for himself, Deeks was trying to figure out Candy Crush Saga. It seemed more like a game Kensi would like since it involved candy, albeit virtual pieces.

Suddenly, he got a text from Kensi. It made no difference that she was sitting right in front of him. They did that a lot. Deeks thought it was kinda cute.

I need a favor.

Name it, partner. Oooh, is it something kinky?

Shut up.

He glanced up and met her eyes. Kensi wore a a serious expression. Dead serious.

Before either of them could speak, Hetty walked into the bullpen. She held a small FedEx box in front of her. "Is anyone going near a FedEx office at lunch? This needs to go to Washington to Ms. Sciuto today."

Deeks jumped up. "Kensi and I are going to try that new burger place on Wellington. There's a FedEx place across the street from it."

"Excellent, Mr. Deeks," said Hetty and handed him the box.

Kensi shot him a questioning look, but picked up her jacket and bag anyway. Once they were outside, she asked, "New burger place? Did you make that up?"

"No, I swear I didn't. I saw this place last week called Frankie's Best Burgers and a lot of people were eating there."

"Okay. Where is it?" Kensi drove and Deeks gave directions. Sure enough, there was a FedEx office in a strip mall across the street. They went there first and took care of Hetty's package. Then they crossed the street and went into Frankie's. Deeks ordered a cheeseburger and spicy fries, but Kensi only got a large soft drink. They went outside and sat at a table under a blue-and-white striped umbrella.

"Are you sick? You're always starving at lunch." Deeks peered closely at his partner.

"Well, today I'm not," she huffed.

"Okay, so what was the favor you wanted?

Kensi looked around at the other customers as if weighing how much to reveal. "Remember last week when I went for my physical?"

"Yeah, routine physical. Everybody goes once a year, right? Wait, is there something wrong?"

Kensi fidgeted with her straw. "Maybe."

"Come on, Kensi. You can tell me. We'll work through it together."

Tears pooled in her eyes and she bit her bottom lip. "I have a lump in my left breast."

Deeks' jaw dropped. He felt like a dump truck had run over him, robbing him of any breath. He swallowed painfully and finally found his voice.

"A lump? Is it . . ." He couldn't even bring himself to utter the dreaded "C" word.

"I don't know. I mean, I don't think so. The doctor said it could be a cyst. It hasn't been there very long, but it is sore."

Deeks took Kensi's hand. "I'm your partner, Kens. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know. I guess I was just scared."

Deeks' appetite disappeared. All around them people were talking and laughing and enjoying their lives. The festive atmosphere suddenly seemed rude to Deeks. "Let's go somewhere quiet."

He threw away the rest of his lunch and led Kensi back to the car. "Want me to drive?" For once, Kensi didn't argue. She simply handed over the keys.

Deeks drove a couple of miles to a small park in a residential neighborhood, but they remained in the car. He turned to Kensi. "Dammit, Kensi. You should have told me. I hate the thought that you were dealing with this on your own."

Kensi stared out the windshield. "I didn't want to worry you."

"I worry about you all the time. I worry that you'll get shot or stabbed when we're on an operation. I worry that you'll fall out of those four-inch heels Hetty puts you in. I worry that you'll trip over all that stuff in your apartment and be lying helpless on the floor. I . . ."

"I get it. I'm sorry I kept it from you."

"Apology accepted. So, how can I help you?"

"That's the favor. I have a follow-up appointment today at 4 p.m. and I was hoping you'd go with me."

"Of course I'll go. But what about your mom? I mean, since it's a girl thing, wouldn't you rather take her?"

"She doesn't know. Anyway, she flew to Atlanta this morning for her college reunion."

"Nell?"

"Eric's gone to that techie conference in Sacramento so Nell can't leave the ops center."

"I forgot about that. Hetty?"

Kensi gave him get real look.

"Right. Hetty would scare the most battle-hardened doctor."

Kensi sighed. "Look, if this is too weird for you, I'll go alone."

"No, no Kens. That's not what I meant. I only thought you might want another female with you. You know, for camaraderie. What do I know about breast lumps or breasts in general . . ."

Kensi gave him a sharp look.

"Ah, that totally came out wrong."

Fortunately, Kensi let it slide. "There isn't anyone else and besides, I want you, Deeks."

I want you. At any other time, Deeks would have a field day with those three little words. There would be no end to the sly remarks and innuendos. But today was not one of those times. Even Deeks recognized the gravity of the situation.

"I'm with you all the way, Kens. Whatever happens." He reached over the console and squeezed her hand.

As they drove back to the Mission, neither mentioned "the lump" again. Instead, they distracted themselves by making rude comments about other drivers and their lack of skill and courtesy.

But in the back of mind, Deeks remembered a college girlfriend whose mother had had breast cancer. She made a full recovery, but thinking about it now freaked him out. He cut his eyes to Kensi who was calling out yet another incompetent driver. He couldn't imagine his strong, beautiful, badass partner falling victim to the big "C."

She said it could be a cyst. Yeah, that's it – a cyst. No big deal. Gonna think positive here.

They reached the Mission and Deeks went to give Hetty her FedEx tracking info. "Thank you, Mr. Deeks. I understand you will be accompanying Ms. Blye to her appointment this afternoon."

How does the woman manage to know everything? he wondered.

"Uh, yeah. I'm going with her."

"Take care of her, Mr. Deeks. Good partners are hard to find."

"Yes, they are and I will do my best to look out for her."

"Oh, I know Ms. Blye can be rather prickly at times, but I'm sure you're up for the task."

He nodded and moved away. Up for the task. Was that a euphemism that slipped out of Hetty's mouth? He shook his head. It was probably only his mind going where it shouldn't.