KC comes home

"Pot calling the kettle black," KC said under her breath and Deeks smiled since she didn't say it quite as quietly as she'd intended.

"I didn't think you ever stopped." KC groused and this time it was unsure if she was joking or not.

Without speaking his disapproval, Callen got up and walked after her. "Kens."

"You know she didn't mean it, Kens. She's hurting, a lot, and is too damned stubborn..."

"I know. But, I never thought she would say that to me."

"I know. I didn't either. I have a feeling neither did she."

"Why would she say it if she doesn't mean it?"

"You've never said anything you regret? When you're exhausted, in a lot of pain, scared?"

"Of course, but never to my best friend. It never even crossed my mind."

"Fine, Kens, then you're a better person than she is," he said. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"What? No. Can't I feel hurt that my best friend would say that?" She walked off and headed outside to her backyard.

"Your turn," Callen said as he returned to where Deeks was sitting in a chair with KC, who wasn't talking.

"What I was about to say to you. I'm going to one I can make headway with." Deeks walked out.

"Hi Deeks. You gonna get angry at me too?" Kensi asked sarcastically.

"No one's angry at you, Kens, and you know it."

"Sure about that? Callen pretty much just told me off."

"He's frustrated. Pissed even. But not at you."

"Sorry. I know. I just wanted to vent. I even know she didn't mean it, but it still hurt."

"I know it did, babe. So did she. Believe me, she wouldn't hurt you for anything."

"I should go back to her. Tell her I know she didn't hurt me on purpose."

"She's not talking. She hasn't said a word since you and Callen walked out. You should calm down first though maybe."

"I didn't mean to walk out. I just can't stay when I'm angry. I don't want to make her feel bad."

"That's why I said you need to calm down first. This is big, Kens. For ever...for both of you. For Callen."

"How can you be so calm?"

"Calm?"

"Yeah. Always."

"Sometimes it feels like you know every word I'm about to say. Sometimes...sometimes it feels like you don't know me at all."

"You never show me how angry you are."

"Would it do any good right now? You're angry. Callen's angry. Hell, even KC's angry. What happens if we all give in? Who takes care of things? Takes care of Ali? Plus..." He paused.

"Plus what?"

"My dad was mad all the time. I mean, all the time. All it did was make everyone else's lives a living hell."

"We aren't like him, I promise."

"God, Kens, I know that. But I just...I learned a long time ago not to show what I feel, about just about anything. That's why sometimes it takes me longer than you would like to say what I feel about things, even you."

"I'm so sorry." She felt bad for him.

"That's not why I told you that. I just...I wanted to answer your questions. But right now, no, Kens, I am anything but calm."

She nodded her understanding, hugged him to make him feel better and headed back to her friend. There was wetness on KC's cheeks where KC had been crying since Kensi and Callen had walked out.

Kensi sat with her friend again. "Sorry I walked off. I'm not upset with you."

"I'm sorry. I never should have said that. Ever."

"Don't worry about it. I'm a big girl. I'll get over it. I know you didn't mean it."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I swear."

Callen saw the pain in her eyes. "Baby, take something. Please. Kens and I will be right here. No one will get near you." Her only answer was to shake her head.

"It's okay to go to sleep. You're safe here, you know that."

"I don't want him to come back," she whispered where Kensi could hear.

"Who?"

"Jack."

Deeks left the room, visibly shaking when he heard that.

"He won't. I promise. Cause if he does, I'll murder him for hurting you."

"We'll both be right here, baby. Please. You're going to make yourself worse if you don't rest." Callen said gently.

KC nodded, having no choice but to let her eyes slowly close.

"I'll take the first shift, Kens. You should check on Deeks." Callen whispered.

"Thanks." She got up and left, looking for Deeks.

Deeks was out in Kensi's garage, punishing the punching bag.

"You okay?"

He stopped as he heard her. "Jack?"

"Let me kill him. Believe me, I have a lot of built up rage for him."

"You and me both."

"Help me kill him?"

"Anytime."

"Good. I need a partner for this crime. Come inside."

He nodded, slipping his hand gently into hers. "Is that mad enough for you?" He referred to the punching bag.

"Too mad. But, at least its the bag, not a person."

"I wouldn't ever do that." He paused. "You know that, right?"

"Yes. I know that."

"I just need to get some of it out of me from time to time."

"Of course. That's normal."

He nodded, glad to hear that. "We should probably check on Alina, right?"

"Yeah, we better."

"Did you ever eat?"

"No."

"You should, then take a nap. KC will need you in a little while."

"You should sleep too."

"If Ali's still asleep."

"Oh yeah. We can take turns."

"Maybe." He walked back to their room, seeing Alina still asleep. "Your mom's going to come back for dinner tonight."

"Okay."

He settled down on the bed with her.

"You want to talk about anything?"

"Okay." He hugged her a little closer, kissing her hair.

"Rest, babe. Alina or KC will need you later."