hunted

The doctor was surprised to see them. "Did I forget an appointment?" he asked.

"Of course. You can come in with me now."

"What's going on? I just saw you yesterday Kensi."

"We had a big day. I don't know, something doesn't feel right. I just wanted to make sure our baby is okay."

"Okay, we can do an ultrasound. What about you though? I know you're worried and very protective of that child, but you need to look out for yourself too."

"I'm tired, but I feel alright."

"Marty, what do you think? Does she need a checkup too?"

Nodding, the doctor turned to his computer. He typed something in. "Kensi, I'll check the baby first, then we can make sure you're okay."

Half an hour later, the doctor was done. "Let's get you checked out and then you can go."

Deeks was astounded at seeing their child as he was each time.

"Is the baby okay?" Kensi asked, having been to scared to look during the test.

"Perfect, like her mommy."

Kensi smiled. "Thank god."

"Your turn now Kensi," the doctor said. He wanted to check her blood pressure and just make sure she wasn't having any problems again.

Her blood pressure was a little high, but would come down with some rest.

"Thank you for your time," said Kensi. "I feel a lot better now."

"We both do," he said, making arrangements to meet Callen so that the girls could rest together.

"Are you going to be okay until your next appointment?" the doctor asked in concern. "I can admit you to hospital for now if it keeps you healthy."

"If that's what she needs," Deeks said, putting his mind back on Kensi.

"No. I'm fine. I just need to be with KC, that's all. And maybe Gibbs."

Deeks' worried eyes looked at the doctor for confirmation. She and their child were the most important people in the world for him, more than even himself.

"KC is your best friend, right? The one that came in yesterday with the little girl?"

"Yes."

The doctor hesitated. "Alright, but you need to rest. Try not to run around after the little one too much."

"Callen and I can take care of Ali." With Kensi safe, his thoughts turned back to KC. He knew something was wrong.

"Okay. Be careful. Marty, try to keep her off her feet please."

"Definitely."

After another thank you, they left. Deeks went to get the car and drove, making sure she rested. Kensi was asleep by the time they got back to the boatshed. She didn't even stir as they stopped and Deeks got out. Gibbs was back and watching Alina as KC was still asleep.

"How did the appointment go?" Callen asked, taking a blanket to cover Kensi on the couch.

"The baby's good. Her blood pressure's high. She needs to stay in bed. The doc said something about having her in the hospital, but she wouldn't leave KC." He paused. "How's she doing?"

"Not great. I don't think she's hurt, just scared for herself and Kensi. If Kensi needs to be in hospital, we should tell KC. They can convince each other to go."

"I don't know what she needs. I tried to ask the doctor and she was not even listening."

"Did he give a reason for wanting her there?"

"He just asked if she would be okay, that he could admit her if it kept her healthy. I said if that's what she needed but of course Kens never listens to anyone."

"Maybe she's scared Deeks. Maybe she just wants to be with KC because it's where she feels safest right now."

"I just want the girls, all four of them, to be safe. To be healthy."

"Then help me convince them to go to the hospital."

"Why don't I take them to DC with me? They'll be safe, be together, and I can watch over them."

"No offense, Gibbs, but I know KC wouldn't like that and I don't think Kens would either, although she does want to spend time with you. Then again, I don't think she would like the hospital either. Maybe we should let them decide?" Deeks said.

"I can already see them saying no to hospital."

Deeks really couldn't see KC saying she would uproot herself and her daughter to go across country, especially since she wasn't feeling good.

"Alright. Let's wake them and ask."

Deeks woke Kensi up.

"Deeks? Where are we?" she asked sleepily.

"Boatshed, sweetheart, and we have a question." He sat near her.

"Is there a problem?"

"We need to decide what to do about you two girls. Would you rather go back to D.C. with Gibbs or go to the hospital? Either way KC would be with you."

"Gibbs," she said automatically. And DC sounded pretty far from all of this too.

He nodded, but Kensi's vote was never going to be the issue. It was KC they had to worry about.

"Did you tell KC yet?"

"I think Callen was going to do that." He moved some hair out of her face.

She nodded.

Callen had woken KC already. "Hey, sweetheart, I have a question."

"Ali," she whispered.

"With Gibbs. They're playing."

She smiled, starting to drift off again.

"No, no, KC, open your eyes honey."

"Time to go home?"

"No. Honey, how would you like to go to DC for a few days? With Kensi and Ali and Gibbs?"

"Want to go home."

"I know honey, but we can't yet."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why not?"

"We haven't finished dealing with him yet."

She nodded, fighting to stay awake.

"Kensi wants to go, but if you don't want to, we can convince her to go to the hospital for a few days instead."

"Want you."

"I know baby. I want you too, but I need to beat him up for what he's done."

She was too tired to argue.

"Do you want DC or the hospital?"

She shook her head. "No."

"Honey, you need to tell me which one."

"No."

"Please?" he sighed, "Why don't you and Kensi talk about it and decide?"

The fact that she didn't say no seemed to be a yes.

Kensi was over there in a second. "KC, come and visit with Gibbs with me. I don't want to go alone."

"Want to go home. Want Callen."

"I want to go home too, and I want Deeks. Please?"

She nodded, although she didn't want to go.

"Promise you're coming?" she asked, delighted.

She nodded. "Sleep."

"Okay. I'm tired too. Wait, Deeks, can I fly to DC?"

"Normally you could." He was worried about her blood pressure and didn't really like the idea of Gibbs taking two sick girls across the country with a baby.

"Oh, I really wanted to go to DC. I guess I have to go to the hospital then." She looked like she might cry at the thought that she wouldn't be allowed to go with the man that had saved her all those years ago.

"Why doesn't Gibbs take you to the safehouse like we planned? That way someone will be with you and it shouldn't take very long to finish things up. KC, would that..." Deeks paused as KC had fallen asleep again.

"What if KC stays with us? Gibbs can just take Kensi so she can rest. That way she won't be tempted to look after Ali and doesn't have to worry about KC," said Callen.

Deeks nodded, avoiding the look his partner was currently giving him.

"Then it's settled. When KC's ready, bring her too," said Gibbs. "Come on Kensi, you can tell me about how you and Deeks met."

Kensi stood but headed to KC instead of Gibbs. "KC, I need you to help me."

KC woke up instantly, still a little out of it, but more awake than she'd been with Callen. Callen rolled his eyes. He'd never understood the power Kensi had over KC, and visa versa.

"They want me to leave you, but I don't want to," pouted Kensi.

"No DC."

KC nodded. "Okay." Callen breathed a sigh of relief.