A/N: This chapter is a little filler-y, but it felt necessary to move things along. Hope you still enjoy.

Deeks settled in the low wicker seat across from Hetty, taking in the antiques and pictures that decorated her space. It was an odd, and seemingly random collection of things, but somehow it fit.

Hetty poured two cups of tea, carefully sliding one towards Deeks. She took a sip of her own, scrutinizing him over the top of her teacup. He felt the bizarre urge to fix his hair and check his shirt for wrinkles even though he'd stopped off in the bathroom to straighten up after sparring with Kensi.

"Are you happy with your current position, Mr. Deeks?" she asked abruptly.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean by that, Miss Lange," he responded after a minute, trying to figure out what she was leading up to.

"Most people call me Hetty," she corrected with a slight smirk. "And I'm asking if you find providing legal representation to the rich and somewhat famous rewarding."

"I don't know if rewarding is the right term, but I certainly appreciate making enough to live very comfortably and provide services to people who can't afford to hire a lawyer." He knew it was a non-answer, but it was the best she was getting for the moment.

"Ah yes, your pro bono work. I was very interested in that part of your file." Deeks straightened, suddenly on full alert.

"Why do you have a file on me?" he asked, instantly on alert and reassessing the woman in front of him.

"Because I'm interested in you," Hetty said as though it made perfect sense.

"With all due respect, you had no business wading through my life, just to curb your curiosity."

"I assure you, it has nothing to do with idle curiosity, Mr. Deeks. I always run background checks on people I wish to employ." Her tone was just as calm as before, but held a faint note of admonishment. Deeks blinked at her a couple times.

"Wait, you're offering me a job?" he asked and Hetty nodded. "Why? I have no experience with law enforcement. I think my first and last undercover gig the other day proved that."

"I thought you did remarkably well," Hetty disagreed. "You exhibited many skills that I admire and in expect in an agent."

"I have no desire to become an agent," Deeks told her firmly, surprised when she smiled and tapped his hand. She reached into her desk drawer, pulling out an application.

"Good. Because I'm not looking for a new agent at this moment. Instead, I'm offering you a position as our legal consultant." Hetty set the application in front of him. "All you need to do is sign your name at the bottom."

Deeks flipped through the papers in semi-disbelief. She had filled it out, with a level of accuracy than left him feeling vaguely disconcerted and violated.

He set the papers back down, shaking his head.

"Hetty, I'm a founding partner at my law firm. There's no way I could be here every day. Even if I wanted to."

"Oh, you wouldn't need to come in every day," Hetty reassured him. "I would simply ask you to be present during cases where your legal expertise is required."

"Why me?" Deeks asked, narrowing his eyes. There was something sketchy going on, but he couldn't figure out just what. "I bet there are a hundred lawyers who are better qualified for this position."

Hetty pursed her lips, regarding him for a moment.

"You have skills Mr. Deeks. You are highly intelligent, quick on your feet, and your attention to detail is bar none from what I've seen and heard."

"Why do I get the feeling you're trying to flatter me?" Deeks asked, keeping his voice light. Hetty smirked again and nodded.

"Perhaps I am, but I would very much like to have you join this team," she admitted, then pushed the application in his direction. "What are your thoughts?"

"I think it's insane," he said honestly.

"Well, be that as it may, I would like you to seriously consider my offer." Deeks huffed out an incredulous laugh and ruffled his bangs.

"Ok, I will consider it, but I wouldn't get your hopes up." He checked his watch, muttering under his breath. "I really need to get too court now. Whatever magic you used on Dansit isn't going to last all day."

"Of course. I hope to speak with you again soon, Mr. Deeks," she said, picking her cup up again and peering at him over the top.

"What did Hetty want?" Kensi asked, catching Deeks by the arm as soon as he stepped down from Hetty's office and dragging him into the hallway.

"She offered me a job," Deeks told her as she walked farther into the tunnel and apparently away from prying ear. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the last 15 minutes.

"She what?"

"She wants me to act as a legal consultant for your team." Kensi stopped walking, leading Deeks into a small alcove and shook her head.

"But why?" she said, then hastily added, "No offense, but we already have lawyers we can consult when necessary."

"I was just as surprised as you are," Deeks admitted.

"Well, are you going to accept?" He shook his head, having no problem sharing his decision with Kensi.

"Probably not. I mean last week was fun and everything, but near death experiences really aren't my thing." He could have sworn there was a brief moment of disappointment on Kensi face, but then it was gone and she was smirking at him.

"Yeah, it's probably for the best," she agreed. "I mean, that hair alone is a liability." Deeks laughed and she looked inordinately pleased with herself.

"Touché," he said. He realized that once again they had drifted closer to each other. Kensi seemed to notice too and hastily stepped back, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"I'll walk you out." They took their time walking to the door, lingering just outside for longer than necessary. Eventually Kensi shrugged and said, "Who knows, maybe we'll run into each other again sometime. It was nice meeting you, Deeks."

She started to turn away and caught at her hand, pulling her back around. It was a risky move, but Kensi didn't resist. She actually looked a little relieved.

"Have dinner with me tonight," he said, holding his breath. Kensi's eyes widened slightly and then she tilted her head, eyeing him speculatively.

"Like a date?" she asked, smirking at him again.

"No, not a date date. Just dinner between friends. I mean, unless you want it to be a date." He realized he was rambling and wondered how Kensi Blye managed to turn him into a bumbling idiot so easily.

"Oh, so we're friends now?"

"Something like that." She continued to stare at him, sending a shiver up his spine as her gaze lingered on him.

"I suppose dinner with you doesn't sound too awful," she decided.

"Is that a yes?"

"I'll call you when I get off," Kensi told him, reaching for the door. "Oh, and I like Mexican," she threw over her shoulder.

Deeks grinned, feeling happier than he had in a very long time. As he walked to his car, he pulled out his phone to call his favorite Mexican restaurant.

Kensi closed the door behind her and sagged against it. She'd just agreed to have dinner with Marty Deeks. She closed her eyes and pulled in a deep breath, reminding herself that it most definitely was not a date. As long as she kept telling herself that, everything would be alright.

"Kensi, you ok?" Callen asked and her eyes snapped open. She straightened up hastily, forcing a chuckle.

"Oh, yeah, you know I was just showing Deeks out," she explained, making a vague gesture. Luckily, Callen didn't question her explanation. He seemed preoccupied.

"Hetty offered him a job," he said, frowning at the door. He didn't seem pleased and Kensi tried to appear surprised by the information. Deeks hadn't asked her to keep it a secret, but somehow she didn't think delving into their conversation would be a good idea.

"What did he say?"

"Hetty, said he hadn't made a decision yet." He sighed and shook his head. "She says he would be our legal consultant, but I have a feeling she has something else planned for him."

Kensi certainly didn't like the sound of that, thinking of Nate Getz, the psychologist who used to be a part of their team. That is until Hetty transferred him with little warning several months ago. He'd been gone before anyone could ask questions and no one knew exactly where he was or what Hetty had him doing.

"Well, I doubt Deeks would want to work here," she commented without thinking and Callen frowned again. "I mean, why would he want to? He makes millions a year, who would give that up?"

"Well, let's hope you're right," he said grimly. "The last thing we need is to play babysitters."