I've no idea what I'm doing. =D

***

Gifts of Love

“Hey guys, I’m heading out. I should be back in a couple hours,” Kensi announced, her work bag over her shoulder and keys in hand.

Rosa was set up at the dining room table with a psychology book and her laptop while Deeks played with twins on the couch. Caleb and Sophia hopped up and straddled the couch for goodbye hugs and Rosa waved distractedly.

“We’ll save you some dinner,” Deeks promised, stretching his neck for a quick kiss.

“Mm. Thank you!”

The minute Kensi was out the door, he spun around and rubbed his hands together. “Alright, everyone, it is officially birthday planning time.”

Chuckling, Rosa pushed her laptop to the side, and joined them. “You’ve only been talking about it for the last three days,” she teased.

“What we doing?” Caleb wondered.

“We’re getting ready for the birthday of someone very important,” Deeks said.

“Me?”

“Good guess, but it’s actually mommy.”

Sophia gasped. “It’s mommy’s birthday?”

“Uh-huh. So, we have to figure out what to give her for a present.”

“A dress!”

“A beauiful diamond!”

“A—a—” Caleb drew his hands through the air. “A rainbow. Rainbows are so cute.”

“Rainbows are adorable,” Deeks agreed. “Maybe we can make a cake with one.”

Sophia made a little sound of delight. “I love dat. Mommy loves chocate too,” she observed. “Big, big chocates. Wif…sugar.” This was accompanied by her hands spreading through the air.

“I can make the cake,” Rosa offered.

“Alright, cake, chocolate, a big diamond—might have to workshop that one—and rainbows. I think we can work with that,” Deeks said. He turned to Rosa. “Do you want to go in on a gift together or did you have something else planned?” Deeks asked.

“I was going to draw something, but I haven’t really thought about it too much yet.” Rosa winced. “Honestly, I lost track of time. Does that make me a terrible daughter?”

“Absolutely not. Kensi and I forgot our own anniversary this year.” Deeks gave her a reassuring smile. “We’ve all been busy.”

“I have to think about it a little bit more,” Rosa decided.

“Sure. You know Kensi will love whatever you give her. She always does.”

“Thanks, dad.” She hugged him and then Deeks pointed at the twins. “Ok, we gotta go to the store before mommy comes back.”

***

Kensi pushed back from the table, lazily scraping the last remnants of brightly colored frosting off her plate.

“Oh my god, I’m gonna die,” she said with a happy sigh. “Rosa, all the food and the cake that were amazing. Thank you so much!”

“I’m glad you liked. Dad actually baked the cake and made sure nothing burned,” Rosa answered. Kensi hugged her extra tight, hearing the unspoken apology.

“Yeah, I can only take responsibility for anything that was chopped and no scorching duty,” Deeks confirmed. “You did everything else.”

“Well, it was perfect.”

Caleb and Sophia rushed over to join in the hug and managed to squeeze right between Rosa and Kensi.

“Is it time for presents?” Caleb asked in a muffled voice.

“Yes, I am so ready for presents,” Kensi agreed.

“Just a heads up, some of your presents are very homemade, but with lots and lots of love,” Deeks said. “And possibly copious amounts of glue in some cases,” he added under his breath.

“Those are my favorite kind.”

Deeks took them the twins to the master bedroom and they returned a few minutes later with homemade cards and small misshapen packages.

“It’s everyone you love,” Caleb informed Kensi. “Like chocate.”

“Ooh, I wonder if there’s chocolate in one of these,” Kensi said teasingly, shaking a squarish present.

“Mommy, das a secret. No peeking,” Sophia said with a severe look.

“Oh, sorry. Ok, I’m gonna open this one first.” She selected one wrapped in pink wrapping paper and tore through several pieces of crumpled tape. “A bracelet!”

“It’s for on here, mommy,” Caleb explained pointed to his wrist. “Put it on.”

Kensi obliged, turning her arm this way and that so the blue and silver beads sparkled. “It’s beautiful.”

She continued on until she had a collection including a box of truffles, a handmade ornament (which was very sticky), and a book. Each one was accompanied by full and often hilarious commentary. Once all the presents were opened, Sophia and Caleb presented their cards.

“Dats you and dats me and daddy and Sophia and Rose,” Caleb explained, pointing out various oblong shapes with sticks coming from odd places.

“I make you a cake,” Sophia added. Her picture showed a swirl of colors and what appeared to be a person dancing on top.” “Just like Rosie.”

“It is so beautiful. I love all of it so much. Come here.” Kensi tugged them in for a bear hug.

“Mommy, you squishing me!” Sophia protested even as she giggled in delight. It made Kensi’s heart soar even more than any of the presents. Looking over their heads, she count Deeks’ eye and smiled.

“Here’s my present. I didn’t have time to make something more this year.” Rosa handed Kensi a beautifully decorated envelope which contained a handmade card with pressed flowers and a packet of personalized coupons.

“I know it’s a little silly,” Rosa apologized.

“No, it’s not! Are you kidding? This is great and I am definitely cashing in on this one for ice cream soon,” Kensi said, happily tucking the collection of coupons back into the card. “These are so thoughtful and now I can have presents spread out throughout the year.”

With a teasing grin, Kensi turned to Deeks expectantly. “And what are you going to dazzle me with?”

“I’m not sure it can live up to everything so far, but I did get you these,” he answered, handing her a thin box.

Kensi opened it and gasped. “Oh my god! You got me New Kids on the Block tickets! It’ll be like I’m thirteen all over again. And reservations for Korean before. Oh, baby, this is amazing too.”

Leaning down, Deeks kissed her, smiling against her lips. “Happy birthday, sugar bear.”

***

Deeks, talking to Caleb and Sophia: It’s gonna take a few minutes to cook the nuggets and beans, right? *he opens the freezer* I wonder if—what the—?

Caleb, leaning to look past his leg: Ice cream! Is that lunch?

Sophia: I want chocolate and strawberry.

Deeks: No, we’re not having ice cream for lunch. Kens! Why is the freezer full of ice cream?

Kensi, running in from another room: Hey baby, there was a sale today.

Deeks, bemused: But there’s got to be like forty buckets in here.

Kensi, pressing her lips together: Actually, it’s fifty-five. I couldn’t fit anymore in the cart. *Deeks blinks* Don’t give me that look. They were seventy-five percent off, so of course I couldn’t pass that up.

Deeks, amused now: No, yeah, that makes perfect sense.

Kensi: Hey, you buy discount chocolate after holidays, I bought enough ice cream to last until next summer. It’s basically the same thing.

Deeks, nodding: Sure. Where’s all the other food?

Kensi: There’s a little room underneath all the ice cream. And the rest is in the garage freezer.

Deeks: Screw it, I guess we’re having ice cream for lunch.

Caleb, cheering: Screw it!

***

On A Wave’s Edge, Part 13

By the time Kensi was back at the mission, she’d confirmed a time and place for her date with Branston. As terrible as it sounded, she was disappointed today might have been her last lesson with Deeks. Maybe they’d need him in the future, but since she had an open dialogue with Branston, that seemed unlikely. She had a feeling Sam and Callen might start to notice if she scheduled unnecessary surfing lessons while on the job.

She’d thought Deeks was interested in her, but now she’d started to doubt herself.

Kensi found the bullpen empty, so she headed upstairs where Nell was working alone.

“Hey, where’s everyone at?”

“Hey. Sam and Callen were called out to the district attorney about a prior case and Eric is somewhere around building, hoping a change of scenery will help him find wherever our money is being rerouted,” Nell responded. “So, how was surfing today? What did Deeks wear?”

“I am not giving you anymore fuel for your new obsession,” Kensi said, ignoring the hint of jealousy that sprang to life. Deeks wasn’t hers to feel anything about. “And Branston was repulsive, but I still managed to get him to ask me out.”

“Oh, wow. That was fast. How did you seduce him?” Nell wiggled her eyebrows and Kensi grimaced.

“Eww. I mentioned Melissa’s inheritance and two seconds later, he was suddenly enthralled by me.” Kensi rolled her eyes. “It was kind of pathetically easy.”

“Or, you’re just that good,” Nell suggested with that smile. Her expression dimmed a little. “Now that you’ve secured a date, we’re pretty much done with Marty Deeks’ services. That’s a shame. I never got to meet him.”

“Yeah,” Kensi said. It came out more regretfully than she intended and Nell stilled instantly, looking askance at Kensi.

“What was that?”

“What was what?”

“That was your sad voice.”

“It’s nothing,” Kensi insisted. “Just, Deeks was easy to work with. I don’t get that with every civilian. I mean, remember that guy who told his mother I was his girlfriend?” A forced laugh escaped Kensi before she could stop it.

“Uh-huh.” Nell glared at Kensi a little harder before her face brightened with absolute delight. “Wait, you like him,” Nell said with an air of awe. “You like like him. Oh my god, this is the best day ever!”

“That is not true. He’s a nice guy, and seemingly honorable, and passionate about his work—”

“All things you find attractive in a man.”

Kensi rolled her eyes at Nell’s interruption. “I think you’ll find that popular among most women,” she pointed out with enough snark to hopefully get Nell to stop.

“Right. So, let’s review. Deeks is super cute, charming, a lawyer and a surfer, and an actual good guy.” Spreading her hands apart, Nell gave Kensi a look that suggested she’d made her case. “It’s the beginning of a perfect love story.”

“I am not admitting anything, but if I were to have any interest in a certain…person, you know I couldn’t do anything about it,” Kensi reminded Nell softly. “Conflict of interest, right?”

“Well, if he’s no longer involved in the case, then there’s no conflict.” Nell shrugged. “Problem solved.” When Kensi started to object, she raised a finger. “Nothing wrong with you deciding to take a few more lessons. If you know what I mean.”

“Oh my god,” Kensi sighed.

Eric walked in then, talking into his earpiece, and effectively ending the conversation. He set his tablet down with a sigh.

“Still not getting anywhere?” Nell asked sympathetically, which Eric answered with an exasperated noise.

“No. I haven’t tracked any of the missing money yet. It’s going somewhere encrypted and it’s infuriating because he’s not nearly smart enough to do this on his own.”

“And you still haven’t found a coconspirator?”

“Nope.” Nell said as Eric shook his head.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m seeing Branston in three days. Pray he’s stupid enough to make a move on my “inheritance” right away.”

***

Carrying a duffle bag, Nell walked into the hospital room finding Kensi sitting on a guest chair eating something in a bowl with a spoon along side an empty bed.  "Hey Kensi, where's Deeks?"

"The doctor stopped by for a pre-release check-up and didn't like the shape of some of the stitches so he's getting a couple of new ones," Kensi put down her bowl and spoon.  "He ate what he wanted, which was the eggs over easy and wheat toast.  He didn't like the way the bacon looks, it's yours if you want it."

Nell took a look at the bacon and agreed with Deeks.  "What are you having?"

"Cornflakes.  He's not a fan."

"Who hates Cornflakes?  I lived on Cornflakes in college."

"Same here.  Speaking of here, while I'm happy to see you, why are you here?"

"Hetty sent me over with his go-bag," Nell picked up the duffle, showing it to Kensi before putting it on the bed. 

"I should have called in.  I went to his place last night and picked up a shirt, jeans, shoes, socks and boxers."  Kensi pointed to a tote bag in the corner.  There was one shoe actually out of the tote.

"Ooooh, what does his place look like?"

"Nice, big TV, couch, a recliner.  The neat-freakery, however, is off the charts.  Everything is labeled, there are hooks and holders for everything."  Kensi was shaking her head.  "He has a whole corner of the kitchen area with multiple dog food canisters and treat jars, all carefully marked."

"Oh no, I forgot about Monty!"

"Hetty didn't.  She had Ty go over the day Deeks was…." Kensi waved her hand.  "Anyway, Ty picked up Monty and brought him to a friend of Hetty who runs a dog spa.  Monty's probably not eating bad looking bacon and passing on the Cornflakes."

"Well, when I got Deeks's bag out of storage, I opened it so see if he needed anything.  Properly packed and immaculate."

"So weird."  Kensi was back shaking her head.

"How are you doing?'  Nell asked, sitting in the other guest chair in the room.

"Me, I'm fine, why?"

"Well, your partner was shot, that's upsetting.  The people who shot him were trying to get you, that's more upsetting.  And the person paying for the shooting is a bad guy."

"Most guys paying for shootings usually are."

"You know what I mean."

"As soon as Deeks was awake and fine, it became just another case.  We're always in danger – head on a swivel all day every day.  Deeks just needs to remember he can't be comfortable or complacent."

"Especially since you two work so well together," Nell nodded her head.  "I was working late in the Navy Yard when we got an alert that Agent Vail was found."

"Oh."

"We all watched from MTAC – the Navy Yard's version of Ops."

"I worked at the Navy Yard for half a minute.  I know MTAC."

"Director Vance got there just as Sam and Agent Vail made it to the roof.  It was a gut punch 3,000-miles away.  I can't imagine what it was here."

"It was a lot."

"So was Deeks getting shot."

"For an hour or two.  Then he was fine, making jokes, flirting with the nurses, complaining that I ate his Jell-O.  He was fine."

"And if he was fine, you were fine."

"Now you're making it weird.  I'm sure if I was shot, he'd be concerned."

"Busted up all his stitches to make sure it didn't happen to you."

"And all the nurses thought he was so dreamy running barefoot through the hospital getting to parking lot.  They're all fans."

"Your partner has your back, I'd be a fan too."

"I guess," Kensi sort of made a face.  Vakar and his men would not have believed that she truly did not know where Emma Mastin and her son were.

Nell stood up.  "I need to get back to the office.  You may want to text Sam.  He wanted to pick up Deeks and go over personal security protocols."

"I told Hetty I was picking up Deeks."  Kensi pointed to the duffle bag, "Obviously she didn't think I'd remember he'd need clean clothes."

"Or she thought you had a lot going on over the last few days.  Put your stuff in his go-bag.  Let him think you're giving him options."

Kensi picked up the tote, with the second shoe falling out. 

"Why don't you lay out the clothes you picked out on the bed and offer the go bag as a backup," Nell tried very hard not to giggle.

"I'm not good at this stuff," Kensi said, moving both shoes to the foot of the bed.

"Hopefully it is the last time you'll ever have to do it," Nell watched Kensi drape a button-down plaid shirt and jeans on her guest chair, leaving the boxers and socks in the tote.  "See you in the office," Nell offered a fist bump.  Kensi bumped back.

***

Kilbride: Agent Hanna, I need you to escort our witness to the boat shed. He has continued to be uncooperative.

Sam, gesturing with his chin: Isn’t Deeks’ turn?

Kilbride, unamused: First of all, this is not fifth grade where we keep a tally of turns. Secondly, I don’t particularly feel up to listening to Deeks explaining the nuances of the handbook that exempt him from certain duties.

Deeks, fondly: It is some of my better work.

Sam: You’re a menace.

Kensi, lightly: Now easy with the compliments. You’ll give him a big head.

Kilbride, sounding exhausted: Perhaps I should have gone into teaching. At least I’d be working with actual children.

***

There’s Nothing Friendly About It, Part 6

Deeks came home exactly nine days after he’d been shot. That newfound freedom also came with a hefty set of restrictions, wound protocols, and a few medications. Still, Deeks would take all of it for the privilege of sleeping in his own bed again.

Well, maybe lying in his own bed was a better description; between the pain and his swirling through, sleep hadn’t come easily after the first day back. Right now, he was carefully arranged on a stack of pillow, trying to avoid any unnecessary movement.

Deeks had told Kensi he didn’t want to know who had shot him, and while that was true, it didn’t stop him from thinking about it. This wouldn’t be the first time he’d been injured by a colleague, whether intentional or not. This was different.

He trusted Sam and Callen with his life, and that he could not say about all that many people. Knowing one of them had fired the bullet that nearly killed him left him with a confusing mixture of uncertainty, grief, and some anger. Accepting this was a terrible accident and no one’s fault was easier in theory than practice.

It didn’t help that his memories around shooting were extremely fragmented. Deeks had the vague sense he’d been joking with Kensi about something right before he felt searing pain of a bullet. Then Kensi had been begging him to open his eyes. Or maybe that had been when he’d woken up in the hospital. Truly, he didn’t know if any of it was real or merely the result of the mental and physical trauma.

A noise just outside the bedroom drew Deeks out of his hazy thoughts. He lifted his head just enough to see the door open slowly followed by Kensi slipping through and tiptoeing towards the bathroom.

Deeks felt a rush of affection for her. He knew she’d barely slept or eaten while staying with him in the hospital and she hadn’t slowed down for a minute since they got home.

“I’m awake, Kens. You don’t have to be quiet,” he said hoarsely.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” Kensi flipped on a light and walked over, eyeing Deeks with concern. “Are you in pain, sweetheart?” she asked, reaching for one of three pill canisters on the bedside table.

“Yes, but I think that’s gonna be a constant for a while. It’s not that bad right now,” Deeks replied

“I’m sorry. What can I do? I ordered some soup from the deli and we’ve got a ton of other food people dropped off.”

“I’m not really hungry.” Kensi’s frown increased at his response, so he added, “I’m still getting my appetite back after the wonderful fare at the hospital.” He sighed mournfully. “They didn’t even have any lime jello.” Deeks managed a small grin, which Kensi returned reluctantly.

“It was a definite tragedy,” she agreed. Rubbing her hands over her thighs, she looked around the room. “What about something on TV to distract you? Something comforting like CHiPs.”

“Or, we could snuggle?” Deeks suggested half-heartedly. “I think that would make me feel so much better.”

“Baby, you have to watch your stitches,” she reminded him, even as she propped one knee on the mattress so she could reach him and began stroking his hair soothingly.

“I can promise you, as much as it pains me to say, I don’t think I could get up to any hanky panky even if I wanted to,” Deeks admitted. He took her hand, sliding his fingers up until they gently encircled her wrist, and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Please?”

Kensi exhaled softly and he saw her resolve evaporate.

“You and your damn effective puppy dog eyes.” She shook her head, but there wasn’t any heat behind her words as she grabbed yet another pillow and peeled the covers back. Deeks helpfully scooted over as much as he could, hiding the sharp pain that traveled through his entire abdomen. Kensi carefully tucked herself around him, settling one hand high on his chest.

Deeks curled his arm around her waist, urging her just a tiny bit closer, and sighed in relief. “So much better already.”

***

***

Rosa, covering her eyes as she walks through living room: I’m not looking!

Deeks, cuddling on the couch with Kensi: What are you doing, Rose?

Rosa, dramatically not looking: Avoiding whatever you’re doing on the couch.

Kensi, dryly: We’re watching a movie.

Rosa: Yes, and it’s also date night. Who knows what that could turn into.

Deeks, pausing the movie: Hey, when have we ever let you see something like that.

Rosa, immediately: Well, there was that time in the garage, Mom’s last birthday, that time you thought I wasn’t home…

Kensi, holding up a hand: Ok, we get the picture. Those were all accidents.

Rosa: I don’t mind you having a love life, but I’d rather not see it.

Kensi: Ok, just get your stuff and leave us alone.

What's the first "big news story" you remember from when you were a kid?

It's something I love to ask mixed-aged groups sometimes because I think it's really interesting to see the responses. I've gotten answers from the Olympics of [whatever year] to Watergate to more recent stuff from my niblings.

i remember we were listening to it on the PA in elementary school. Maybe... third grade? Don't actually remember anything ABOUT it in school, just that we were listening to it.

1. Fall of the Berlin Wall (November 9th)

2. The Loma Prieta earthquake (October 17th)

The second was extremely memorable to me (tho I didn't know it was called that until I just looked it up) because... okay, so my family is sitting around the TV watching the baseball World Series, live broadcast, between the Oakland As and the San Fran Giants when the commentators get funny looks on their faces of vague alarm and then the entire feed cuts out.

Well, my grandparents live in San Francisco (I was raised in New York) and my dad is from there (he was not present watching this game with us, as my parents were divorced and I was raised by my mom) and I'm very familiar with the 1906 San Francisco earthquakeI because I'm the kind of kid who finds major disasters macabrely fascinating so cue some collective panic, cause at this point we have no idea how bad this earthquake is, how many people may have died, and if my grandparents and uncle and aunt who all live in that area are okay.

It was quite sometime later (that night? Next day? I'm not sure) that we got confirmation everyone was fine, the earthquake had just shaken them a bit and a couple pictures fell off the walls.

But yeah it was pretty memorable both for the "we were literally watching when it happened" and the "oh no is my family okay."

Let’s play the biggest game of kick the can on the internet.

***

Nate, making a rare appearance: Kensi, Deeks, it’s great to see you!

Deeks, hugging him: Nate, my man, it’s been too long.

Kensi: We’ve missed you.

Nate: So, how are you?

Kensi, looping her arm around Deeks’ waist: Really good. Everyone is healthy, I just got a promotion.

Deeks, playfully: Hey, don’t jinx us.

Kensi: Sorry.

Nate, surprised: Oh, really. I—uh—oh, so no issues?

Deeks, pursing his lips: None that I can think of. I mean, life gets kind of crazy, but we’ve got two year old twins and a kid in college, and both of us working. No to mention, my mom and Arkady living next door and more pseudo Russian relatives through Callen. Somehow, we’re still managing it all pretty well.

Nate: Oh. I guess I was just expecting—you know what, never mind.

Kensi, suspiciously: Were you expecting us to need a Nate Talk?

Nate, shrugging: A little. That’s always happened in the past. Now I don’t really know how to go from here.

Deeks, slinging his arm over Nate’s shoulder: I got you, man. Come on inside and relax.

Superstition Sentinels

***

On A Wave’s Edge, Part 12

While Kensi was changing back into her street clothes, Branston texted her about going to out to dinner. She was a little surprised how quickly he’d jumped at the opportunity. Though, she supposed he relied on his victims being on the naive side and desperate for attention. Which Kensi had been playing up to an unbelievable level.

When she came out, Deeks was once again working behind the counter. It was slightly unfair how good he looked in jeans and a t-shirt. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to notice her admiring the contrast of white fabric against his perfectly tan skin.

“You were in there for a while,” Deeks commented as he stapled a few papers together. “I was about to send in a lifeguard after you.”

“Funny. Branston texted me as promised,” Kensi informed him, waving her phone in the air. “So, apparently some combination of the flirting, or the allure of a possible inheritance to steal, are working.”

“Good. Though I gotta say, I thought you were gonna flip his board when he grabbed your leg.” Deeks crinkled his nose in obvious disgust.

“Yeah, that was a close thing.” Kensi shrugged and grabbed a box of what appeared to be magnets, and started arranging them on a display case.

“I’m sorry you have to deal with that kind of stuff.”

Deeks sounded legitimately bothered by it, and Kensi looked over her shoulder to see him watching her with furrowed brows. It was incredibly endearing.

“I’m fine,” she promised. “Flirting with suspects and going undercover like this is part of my job. If he got out of hand, I’d make him regret it.”

That seemed to lessen some of Deeks’ concern, and he smiled crookedly. “You know, I might pay to see that.”

“I don’t think you’re quite ready for that show.” It came out flirtier than she intended and Deeks’ lips parted slightly in response. Kensi cleared her throat loudly, clumsily gesturing to an open box at random. “Um, where should I put these?”

“You don’t have to do that.” He came out from behind the counter and attempted to take the box from her.

“You’ve already given up three mornings for this,” Kensi reminded him. “The least I can do is help shelve some inventory.

Not to mention, it gave her a good excuse to spend more times in his presence without crossing a line. She couldn’t let her attraction to Deeks get the better of her again. At least not while actively working this case. With that in mind, Kensi had decided the next best option was helping restock and clean up the shop whenever she could.

“Don’t you have somewhere more important to be?” Deeks asked softly, a note of curiosity in his voice.

“No. I can spare a little bit of time.”

Deeks started to say something, then stopped himself, dipping his chin, and Kensi swore he was smiling. “Ok, then. Those books need to go in the window display over there.”

“So, when’s your next lesson?” Kensi asked after they’d worked in silence for a couple of minutes. “I want to leave before anyone else shops up.”

“About twenty-five minutes.” He inclined his head. “You could always join that one too. It’s with a very nice retiree and she loves making new friends.”

“She sounds delightful. You know, you’re a really good teacher,” Kensi said, trailing her fingers over a row of instruction books.

“I don’t know about that. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been doing much of that lately,” Deeks disagreed. “You and Branston have been running things pretty well on your own.”

“Which makes it even more impressive. You’ve managed to improve my stance with very little time.”

That got an appreciative, almost shy grin out of Deeks. Kensi clenched her hands briefly to repress the sudden urge to kiss him.

“It also makes Meyers’ performance completely baffling,” she added, drawing a chuckle from Deeks this time. Damn him, that was appealing too.

“I told you,” Deeks said with a shake of his head. “Most of the problem is that he never listens to anything I tell him. Which now that I think about it, probably helps you since he thinks he’s smarter than everyone around him.”

“It does. Can I ask you a personal question?”

“I’ll give a cautious yes.”

“What made you choose law for a career and why did you stop?” Kensi asked.

Deeks sighed deeply and then shrugged self-deprecatingly. “I suppose the usual naive reasons. I wanted to help people. Only when I got to the actual lawyering part, I figured out that was pretty hard to do sometimes. I ended up quitting to avoid taking clients I couldn’t stomach representing.” He paused to fiddle with a surfer figurine in front of him. “After that, I started giving surfing lessons to pay the bills while I figured out my life and never looked back. It’s not the same, but I still get to help people to a degree.”

“With your volunteer groups,” Kensi supplied.

“Wow, you guys are impressively thorough.” Deeks chuckled softly again. “I probably should be more worried about that than I am.”

“I promise you’re in very safe hands.”

“I never doubted that for a second,” Deeks said, and Kensi felt the tension building between them again.

She needed to leave before she did something stupid.

“I guess I should get going,” she decided with a regretful sigh.

Deeks blinked in apparent surprise as she turned to leave. “Wait. Kensi, what will you have to do on this date? Will you be in danger?”

“Whatever it takes to convince Branston I’m attractive to him until I can gather enough evidence to book him.” She ignored her self-imposed boundary and squeezed Deeks’ shoulder reassuringly. “I promise, I’ve done this before.”

“Yeah, no, just be careful. Ok?” he requested.

Kensi sighed as she climbed back onto her surfboard, waiting for Meyers to take his turn. Deeks offered few words of advice, but mostly kept his distance as Branston caught and rode a wave without crashing. When he finished, he celebrated with a flourish that he’d definitely adopted from Deeks. Though it lacked the natural fluidity when Deeks performed the same move, Kensi observed uncharitably.

“Wow, that amazing!” she praised Branston when he made his way back to her. “I still don’t know how you do it.”

Meyers swept his hair back and grinned obnoxiously. “You just have to put in the work. You buy the best gear, take enough lessons and you’ll get there.”

“I wish. My job has some great benefits, but not enough to pay for all that. I’d have to cash in my inheritance to do that,” Kensi said offhandedly.

Branston’s eyes widened ever so slightly with a spark of interest before he caught himself.

“Well, if you’re ever feeling adventurous, just let me know,” he said with a wink.

Leaning forward, Kensi lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I might take you up on that.”

Branston seemed to take that as an invitation and planted his hand on her knee, the tips of his fingers reaching almost to her thigh. Kensi smiled up at him, even as she resisted the urge to yank his hand off and twist it behind his back.

“Do you think you could teach me that last run you did?” Kensi asked.

Maybe. I’ve got some other tricks you might like too,” he told her, squeezing her knee, his grin suggestive.

Well, that was a truly revolting thought.

“Branston.” Covering her mouth, Kensi giggled, lightly smacking at his shoulder. “You can’t say that kind of thing in public.”

“Then I guess we better take the conversation somewhere more private. What are you doing Saturday?”

“Absolutely nothing,” she said, doing her best to appear infatuated. Or at the very least, attracted to Branston.

He gave her another squeeze and reached up to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear.

‘I’ll text you.”

“Alright enough flirting, you two,” Deeks called out a minute later. “Time’s up.” He flashed Kensi an apologetic look, which made her wonder how long they’d run overtime.

Branston swore loudly as he checked the time. “I have an important meeting,” he said, for Kensi’s benefit, she presumed. “I’ll talk you later.” With that, he started paddling back towards the shore without a word to Deeks.

“Are you ok?” Deeks asked once they were alone.