This is just a series of short conversations between Kensi and Deeks, one for each episode of season 5.

I don't own any part of NCIS:LA or it's characters. It's probably a good thing too, cause they'd be a lot naughtier.

The silence in the car is deafening. If there is one thing Kensi Blye's partner is good at, it's avoiding long uncomfortable silences. But she could tell he wasn't the same person he was 24 hours ago. Torture and a near-death experience will do that to a man.

"I meant what I said earlier. I'm here for you, no matter what. I could come over tomorrow and bring you a smoothie?" Kensi tries breaking the silence, but Marty Deeks was in his own world. "Deeks?"

He startles at the sound of his name and turned to look at her. "Hmm?"

"Smoothie for lunch tomorrow?" she asks again.

"I'm going back to the doctor tomorrow."

"Well I could take you…" she presses again.

"No," Deeks replies firmly, sighing. They were almost to his apartment. "Look Kensi, I know what you're doing and you don't have to. I will be fine. I just need some time to…," he pauses, scratching the scruff on his face. "Time to figure things out. I can take care of myself. I've been doing it a long damn time."

Kensi slows her Cadillac down and puts it in park. "Okay. Well, then, I'll call you?" she asks, feeling dejected. She wants to be there for her partner, but knows from experience that smothering him won't be the answer.

"Yeah."