A/N: Thank you to everyone who supported and loved this story as I broke Kensi and Deeks and then helped them find each other again.
Just Know My Heart is Breaking Too, Part 32
Deeks is waiting for Kensi in the parking garage on her last day with NCIS. It’s not the first time he’s picked her up here, since he’s technically not allowed past this point for security purposes, but it certainly feels symbolic today.
The last three months have contained a lot of highs and lows. Deeks made partner at the firm last month, Kensi’s replacement had officially started, and they were about to close on a house. Around all those events, they’ve had a few arguments and rough patches as they learned to navigate their renewed relationship and so many changes. Somehow, they’ve managed to work through those moments without shutting down or lashing out. It’s taken a lot of compromise, not to mention some much needed therapy, for both of them.
“Hey, baby, Congratulations ,” he says, offering Kensi a small bouquet of flowers as she meets him in front of his truck. She wraps her arms around him giving him a tight squeeze before she accepts the flowers and sniffs them with a smile.
“Thank you. They’re gorgeous.”
“How was your last day?” He takes the flowers while she climbs into the truck and buckles in.
“Well, nothing blew up and I only had to chase one suspect,” she answers and pulls out a couple more cards to add to the collection.
Over the last week, each NCIS department has marked her imminent departure with some form of celebration. Deeks’ favorite was IT covering Kensi’s desk in Twinkies. It had taken both of their vehicles to move them all to the apartment.
“And I bet that guy regretted running,” he comments as he starts to pull out of the garage. “Do you wanna go straight to the boat shed?”
“Mm-hmm. Nell instructed me to wear something nice and left a little early to set up. I think she’s planning something elaborate, even though I told her I don’t need anything special.”
Deeks chuckles, knowing that Nell has indeed planned to send Kensi out in style. He’d helped order the food and put up roughly a thousand balloons.
“It’s just cause they care.”
“I know. You deserve it as much as I do,” Kensi tells him, putting up a hand when he starts to object. “I would not have been able to do this without you. You talked me down when I was ready to quit early and listened to me rant after really hard days. You told me to believe in myself when I didn’t think I could do anything outside of NCIS.” She squeezes his hand tightly. “We did this together.”
“Team effort,” he settles on. “How did it feel submitting your final field report?” Deeks asks as they reach the pier, meeting Kensi’s eyes with a knowing smile.
“Amazing. I’m so glad I never have to write anything like that again,” she sighs. “Though last night I did dream that Hetty reappeared from wherever she is and told me I had a bunch of reports I needed to resubmit.” She shudders.
“That sounds horrifying.”
“It was. But then I woke up and you were there and Hetty wasn’t, so it was ok,” Kensi says with a little snort. Deeks grins and follows her out of the truck.
When they walk into the boat shed, Eric, Nell, Sam, and Callen are gathered around one of the tables. In addition to the balloons, someone has put up a retirement banner and streamers.
“Hey guys. Happy Last Day as an NCIS Special Agent, Kensi,” Nell calls out, greeting Kensi with a hug and a drink.
“Thank you, but I thought I specifically said I didn’t need a party,” Kensi says fondly.
“It’s not a party, it’s a celebration. And you can’t have a celebration without food and balloons.”
“Or libations,” Eric adds, gesturing to a generous selection of alcohol.
“And you can thank your boyfriend for ordering all the sushi, wide selection of Mexican food, and cake,” Nell adds.
Kensi raises an eyebrow at him, and he lifts both hands, quickly defending himself. “Hey, I just took orders from Nellosaurus.”
“Uh-huh.” Kensi leans up and kisses him, lingering for a few extra seconds to pour all her appreciate and love into it. No one objects for a change. In fact, when they pull apart, Sam and Callen are smiling indulgently.
“Ok, you two can make out later,” Nell says, handing Kensi a plate. “Get yourself some tacos and sushi, Lady.”
“How’s it feel now that you’re officially done?” Sam asks once everyone is sitting around with plates of food. “It’s gonna be a big change.”
“Good. It will be a lot different, but I’m not second guessing anything,” Kensi tells him firmly.
“Didn’t think you were. You both made it very clear you were certain about this path and I’m proud of you for following through.”
“And you guys are closing on the new house next month, right?” Callen asks.
“Yeah. As long as this buyer doesn’t back out,” Deeks confirms with a grimace. “I’m not looking forward to moving, but having more space again will be sweet.”
“At least this time I actually packed the boxes correctly and labeled them,” Kensi teases.
“See, I knew the self-help books would make a difference eventually,” Deeks teases back. She nudges him with her elbow, the gesture playful as she smiles up at him.
It strikes him how easy this is now. A couple years ago, those kinds of jokes would have struck harder and maybe even had a hint of malice behind them. Then again, they don’t have the underlying stress and unresolved issues hiding underneath.
“We’re taking a two week vacation starting next week and my orientation starts a week after,” Kensi adds. “That way we’ll start out fresh going into all the new things.”
“You know, with the new job, Kensi’s going to have a lot fewer late nights,” Callen points out. “How’s that going to work out with you being a partner now?”
“Actually, I have an excellent reason to be home these days.” Deeks squeezes Kensi’s hand. “Part of my new contract specifies shorter days and I get to have more control over the cases I accept.”
“Sounds like you guys got it all worked out,” Eric comments with a bittersweet smile.
“We tried,” Kensi agrees. “But if and when life throws us a curveball, we’ll handle it.”
“Cause no matter what, we’re partners,” Deeks finishes, then inclines his head. “Maybe raccoons.”
Kensi smiles and rests her head on his shoulder. “For life.”
A/N: I hope that wasn’t too mushy. I planned this as the final chapter, but am considering an epilogue depending on what you guys think. Does this feel finished to you or would you like a final little wrap up?
