Disclaimer: Check the previous chapter.

Author's Note: So pretty much everybody wasn't happy with my so called 'ending' and asked me to continue the story. You asked so nicely that I couldn't refuse. Because this was meant to be a one shot and writing the recovery part was just not in my agenda I had to beg my muse for help. On that note, I need to thank for helping me make this presentable, she did a great job as beta and if you find something out of place its all my fault for being lazy and not re-reading before posting!

I tried my best to tie all the loose ends and I hope it is the ending you wanted/deserved. Thanks for your reviews, follows and favorites. Enjoy!

Part Two

"Miss Blye, a word?" Kensi followed Hetty into her office and watched her sit on her chair before taking a stand in front of the desk.

"Yes?"

"How's Mr. Deeks doing?"

"He's weak and still in a great deal of pain, not that he'd ever admit to it, but he's on the road to recovery."

"That's understandable given his condition, but you give me the impression that something else is troubling you."

"I'm worried about him, Hetty."

"What seems to be the problem, my dear?"

"I feel like Deeks is not coping so well with what happened."

"Well, Mr. Deeks is a very lucky man and he did a brave thing when he jumped in front of that bullet. I believe he's having trouble with how long is taking him to recover rather than with the events that transpired. Just give him some space, dear. He'll be back to his normal self in no time."

"Thank you."

Back at the hospital, Deeks had been moved to a regular room and soon after that he began his respiratory therapy. Dr. Fuller wanted to make sure the time Deeks spent on the ventilator wouldn't set back his recovery by allowing pneumonia to set in as it happened in many cases. The first time Deeks did his deep breathing exercises, he felt like an idiot. He was a grow man blowing air into a tube so that a tiny ball could bounce. The fact that by the end of the silly exercise he was coughing and even a little light headed didn't improve he's feelings much. It made him realize just how weak he truly was. A combination of the hurting, frustration and the thought of all the long weeks ahead made his confidence wavered.

According to his doctor, his recovery was right on track. As soon as his breathing improved they moved forward with the physical therapy. Deeks knew it was going to be a pain in the ass but starting PT meant he could get his body back into shape and that would speed things up for him.

"Name's Mark and I'll be your PT guy."

"Deeks"

"Nice to meet you Deeks, we're going to start by slowly building your strength back with short walks around the floor. Today, we just want to get your circulation flowing and your muscles moving."

"Sounds good but I have to tell you I can probably do a few laps instead."

"From what I understand, you were shot in the chest while in the line of duty. So, how about we try timing your laps tomorrow and just take the easy way out today."

It took Deeks a couple of minutes to get control of his unsteady legs. Being upright for the first time in a week brought a mixed of emotions for him. Standing on his own two feet made him feel better about the situation, but at the same time it made every single cell in his body scream in pain. The last time he was in this situation Kensi's life was in danger and the adrenaline made things a lot easier. He didn't have adrenaline in that moment but he had determination so he pushed through the pain and took his first steps.

He had to stop and rest a few times because his body was aching and he quickly tired. Of course, he tried disguising the pit stops as flirting with the nurses but the out of breath sounds made it obvious he was trying to do more than his body could at the moment. Apparently determination alone wasn't going to get him where he wanted to be faster. Mark noticed the fatigue signs and suggested they went back to the room. Deeks agreed because even though he wasn't going to admit it out loud, he really needed to lie down.

Slowly and painfully, he moved across the room and sat on the edge of the bed feeling weak and beyond exhausted. His muscles ached and he was drained of all energy. He leaned back against the pillows. God, everything hurts- he thought. Just when he closed his eyes ready to fall asleep a voice coming from the corner of the room startled him.

"Want me to call the nurse?"

His body's reaction to what he perceived as a threat had him cursing. "Damn you Sam!"

"I'm taking that as a yeah."

"I'm fine."

"'Course you aretough guy."

"Where's the love man? And why are you hiding in the shadows? This isn't one of those training things Hetty ordered, right?"

"Relax, I'm here just to check up on ya."

"Awww I'm touched."

"So how are you holding up besides being in extreme pain?"

"Who told you that? Was it Kensi? 'cause I'm not… okay fine, maybe a little bit."

"It's normal Deeks, you should've seen G. He too tried to play it cool but it's hard when half your body feels like it's on fire."

"I take it you've been shot before." Sam shrugs his shoulders. "Why won't you guys fess up to it? Will that ruin your reputation as super agents, is that it?"

Sam just smiled clearly amused while Deeks added "I got shot before, it was my fault but I'm not afraid to admit it."

"This one kinda was your fault too."

Deeks found a comfortable spot in the bed and defended his actions "I had a split second to make a decision. Rather it was me than a teenage girl."

"Not judging you Deeks, I think any one of us would've done the same." There was a moment of silence and Sam thought Deeks had fallen asleep. "I got shot once on a mission gone wrong."

Deeks felt like he was sinking deeper into the darkness but he had to ask. "Where?"

"That's classified."

"I don't mean the place."

"That's classified too."

"You guys are no fun." Sam could hear the drowsiness in Deeks' voice.

"Just hang in there Deeks, it'll get easier." That was the last thing he heard before sleep washed over him like a wave he couldn't surf.

When he opened his eyes again he noticed it was morning. He must have been truly exhausted to sleep for that long. He looked at the ceiling, it was too quiet. Silence allowed for thoughts, he did not care for, to intrude his mind. So he decided to take a shower in hopes it would help him relax a little. Once in the bathroom he brushed his teeth and looked at his reflection. His eyes had sunken and his hair looked all flat and devoid of life. He looked down at his chest and peeled off the gauze concealing his scar. It looked red and angry in contrast with his older scars. And the thought occurred to him that collecting scars wasn't a good hobby.

Deeks wasn't surprised when he got out of the bathroom and Callen was waiting for him by the window. After Sam's impromptu visit he knew Callen would pop eventually.

"You look like crap."

"I already had that conversation with the mirror but thanks for mentioning it. You guys got a schedule or something?"

"You saying you don't want us dropping by?"

"That's not… what? That's a trick question, isn't it?"

"Just showing support Deeks, nothing else."

"In that case, it's much appreciated." He moved to his bed and raised the upper part so he was in a sitting position.

"Having people that care about you around helps, you know."

"Look at you being all wise, does Hetty know you're trying to take her job?" they both looked at the door and waited for the small woman to make an appearance.

"I thought you'd know better by now."

"What can I say? I like tempting fate."

"That's not healthy Deeks. So, how's therapy going?"

"Oh you know a little frustration and a lot of sadomasochism will supposedly help you recover."

"Whatever works, right?"

"Right."

"You sure you're doing alright?"

"Yep."

"Just need to relax; you'll get there."

"Is that what you did?"

"You've been talking to Sam, haven't you?" Callen tried to suppress a smile but felt the corner of his mouth twitch.

"Maybe…"

"Don't listen to me, okay? Listen to your body. We're still gonna be here and so will your job. I suggest you take it one day at the time; otherwise Hetty will have a say in the matter and your sick days will automatically get extended with no pay."

"I don't like the sound of that at all."

"It's a great motivation, isn't it?"

"Hey guys!" Kensi greeted them.

"And that's my cue to leave. Take care Deeks."

"Why leaving so soon?"

Callen shrugged his shoulders before saying to Kensi."Tag you're it."

"Funny!" Deeks almost yelled so that Callen could hear him through the closing door.

"Deeks, your sarcasm is showing."

"Getting shot has that effect on me."

"Feeling better I see."

"Much."

"Any idea when you're getting out of here."

"If I could I'd be walking out of here right now."

"You almost bled to death, you had extensive surgery and you were in a coma for almost a week, I'd say there's no need for rushing things."

"When you say it like that it sounds unreal."

"It was very real." They look into each other's eyes in silent understanding.

"You wanna talk about it?"

She shook her head in response "You?"

"Not really."

She got comfortable in the chair and propped her legs on his bed. "You should get some rest."

"I think that chair has a permanent impression of your rear end."

"Shut up and go to sleep before I knock you out Deeks."

They both smiled feeling like things were going back to normal.

During Deeks' morning PT session, his body was very stiff and the laps he hoped he could do were even harder than the previous day. Mark told him that his muscles were sore do to the exercise and that it would go away the more he used them. They cut the session short and returned to his room. An hour after Mark left, Deeks stretched like he normally did and walked around the room. He attempted to work on his abs, but after ten he sat straight because the pressure in his chest was too much and he let out a quiet gasp.

He got up and in uncharacteristically Deeks fashion; he screamed in anger "I hate this!" and punched the mattress out of frustration.

"I'm sorry…" he spun around at the sound of the soft female voice.

"Oh Carolyn, I didn't see you there."

"I'm sorry." The teenager repeated.

"Sweetheart, come here." He patted the mattress inviting her to sit next to him. "I want you to know this was not your fault."

"But you got shot because of me!" the tears started falling and she did nothing to stop them.

"It was not your fault, okay? I don't even blame the guy that shot me."

"But you're in pain and you sounded so upset when I walked in."

"First of all, I want you to know that I'd do it all over again because it means that something great came out of it. You are safe and unharmed."

"But you don't even know me."

"It's my job to protect others, it doesn't matter if I know them or not. Plus it's a bonus when it's a cutie like you."

"Why were you so upset when I came in?"

"Because I'm a very independent guy and I need to learn to slow down a bit and even accept help every now and then."

"Do you need help now?"

"Nah, I'm good but thanks"

"I should probably get back to my mom."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Can I hug you?"

"Go for it kid."

"Take care."

"You too, sweetie."

Once Carolyn left, Deeks settled into bed and closed his eyes. The pain in his chest didn't magically disappear but some of the weight he was carrying had been lifted. Somehow explaining things to Carolyn had made him realize it was okay if his body took longer to get there because she was safe. He heard a faint sound and maybe the guys were rubbing off on him because he was sure he knew who had just entered his room.

"Why do I get the feeling this was your doing?" he said without actually opening his eyes.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you are referring to."

"Okay, just remember two can play that game Hetty." This time he looked at her and even gave her one of his goofy grins.

"And you'd be wise not to play it with me."

"Got it."

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better."

"I'm glad to hear that. I was chatting with your doctor and it looks like you're going to be discharged tomorrow."

"Hetty, I think I love you. That's the best news I've heard in a while"

"While appreciated, that's hardly appropriate Mr. Deeks."

"I know you love me too."

"Cheeky bastard."

"What you got there?"

"It's called a book."

"You going to read to me?" He sounded like a little kid but he didn't care. Something about having Hetty read to him made him feel all warm inside like a gooey chocolate chip cookie.

"If you allow me."

"Please."

He let Hetty's voice sooth him and didn't even notice when she left or when he fell asleep. Next morning, he was more than ready to leave the hospital. He didn't even care about continuing his PT sessions as an outpatient as long as he could go back to his apartment. His spirit had lifted considerably after Carolyn's and Hetty's visit the day before and he had a new view on the whole experience. His recovery was looking up and he was looking forward to his yoga classes and surfing again and definitely about going back to work. Deeks felt like life was back on track for him.

He took a quick breath and a step forward. He's been at this for a couple of days now but his body still tensed with stress and frustration. He inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. It made it easier on his chest now that he was more aware of his limitations. Today he was breaking out but there was one thing he had to do before he could leave the hospital. He walked to the elevator, the doors opened and he stepped inside. He's feeling rather good today so he pushed the button that would take him to his destination and leaned against the wall waiting for the 'ding'. When the doors opened again he stepped out and walked to the nurse station.

"Hello there. How can I help you?" the young nurse smiled at him.

"Can you tell me where I can find Nurse Stacy?"

"Sure thing, she's that lovely lady walking this way."

"Thanks." he said winking at her and walking towards the older woman.

"Nurse Stacy?"

"Marty! You look great young man. How you feeling?"

"Much better I just wanted to thank you. From what I hear you took good care of me and of Kensi."

"It was my pleasure. How's that girl doing?"

"She's good. She's actually picking me up today to take me home. She'll probably be pissed because I disappeared on her."

"Trust me she's just glad that you're up and annoying her." He let out a hearty laugh.

"Somehow I doubt that." He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you for being there for her, it means a lot to me."

"Just take better care of yourself and that way you won't have to worry about that wonderful girl. Now don't get me wrong but go, leave and don't come back here unless you're visiting someone, okay?"

"You got it, beautiful!" and with that he left.

When he got back to his room he was tired and a very pissed Kensi was standing next to a nurse carrying his discharge papers. "You're unbelievable, you know that?" He sat on the wheel chair. "I'm adorable, right?" he gave the nurse a boyish smile and she couldn't help but to smile back much to Kensi's annoyance. "Please, don't encourage him."

"I'm sorry." said the nurse between giggles.

"You're definitely feeling better."

"Oh yeah."

Finis