#drabbly thing

***

Girl Talk

“Hey lady,” Kensi said, sitting down across from Nell. She eyed a disgustingly large pile of paperwork spread around Nell’s desk. “Do you need some help with all this?”

“Thanks, but I’m actually pretty close to being done,” Nell answered, groaning as she poked at a file. “Plus as temporary operations manager, there’s certain things that only I have the authority to do.”

“How are you holding up?” Kensi knew that Nell was pretty good at putting her emotions to the side, like they all were, most of the time, but she was surprised by how easily Nell took on the roll of manager in Hetty’s place. “I mean, this is a huge change and a lot of responsibility to have thrown at you.”

“It is a lot and some days I feel like tracking Hetty down, wherever the hell she is, and telling her I don’t want to do this anymore.” Shaking her head in vague amusement, Nell stood and grabbed a bottle of bourbon and two glasses.

“Most of the time I’m just happy that I’m here and not someone who doesn’t know or understand our team. And I tell myself that at some point Hetty will come back and I can return to OPS.” That didn’t exactly reassure Kensi and it must have shown on her face because smile gently and added, “I promise I’m ok.” She set a healthy serving of bourbon in front of Kensi and kept the other for herself.

“Speaking of OPS, what’s going on with you and Eric?” Kensi asked. She knew they’d been spending a little more time together since he was staying in the area for at least a little while. They’d both been pretty quiet about it though.

“It’s...weird.”

“Well, Eric’s always been weird. That’s part of what we love about him.”

“This is a different kind of weird,” Nell said, sipping at her drink thoughtfully. “Sometimes it seems like he’s been replaced by an alternate universe Eric.”

“Yeah, I have noticed he seems a little more...eccentric,” Kensi commented.

“That’s one word for it.” Nell sighed glancing beyond Kensi, like she was picturing Eric standing at the top of the stairs. “But then sometimes there are moments where it seems like he’s my old Eric again.”

“Wait, did you you just call him “your Eric”? Kensi asked, raising her eyebrows when Nell’s neck turned a bright cherry color.

“I definitely did not.”

“Maybe we can double date when Deeks gets back,” Kensi teased and Nell jabbed a finger in her direction.

“Ok, hush you. This conversation is officially closed,” she said firmly, pouring a couple more inches of bourbon for Kensi without asking. Kensi thought about pressing the topic a little more, but figured Nell would tell her when she was ready. “What about you?” Nell asked after a couple minutes of companionable silence. “How’re you doing?”

“It’s hard with Deeks away.” She shrugged, not wanting to start a pity party. Which was ridiculously easy to do these days if she let herself. “I miss talking with him, his smile. I miss...everything.”

“It’s ok, you can say you miss having sex.” Nell smirked, clearly pleased with herself when Kensi made a shocked sound.

“Penelope Jones! I can’t believe you said that,” Kensi gasped. “For the record, I was not thinking that.” No, she kept those thoughts for when she was all alone at home.

“Why wouldn’t you?” Nell questioned. “Deeks is completely ripped and now he’s so far away you can’t even enjoy it.” Kensi acknowledged that with a nod of her head.

“Yeah, he is isn’t he?” He’d sent her a picture a few days ago post-workout and she’d spent at least five minutes staring at it until Sam had walked in.

“Well, you could always schedule a little long distance private time.” Nell raised her eyebrows suggestively.

“Nell, I am not having phone sex with Deeks while he’s at FLETC,” Kensi said, shaking her head in disbelief.

“He has a private room,” she said simply. “And I’m sure he has plenty of spare time once classes are done.”

“What if one of his classmates, or worse, one of his instructors, overheard?”

“I’m sure they’d be extremely jealous of his good fortune.”

“Ok, I’m leaving before this conversation gets anymore insane,” Kensi said, setting her half empty glass on Nell’s desk.

“You should really consider it!” Nell called after her. “Three months is a long time. Especially when your husband looks like Deeks.”

“I’m not listening anymore!”

anonymous asked: You dream of kissing Zephirin.

mention: @virtuti

He’d been restless when he had gone to bed - a day of weighty decisions, desperation for more men and imbalanced needs simply grating upon his every nerve and t’was with guilt alone that he had retired that eve. Too exhausted, Aymeric couldn’t pull yet another all-nighter in the hope of passing more paperwork allowing for the moving of men from Guard duties to the active lines- His eyes had barely been able to focus upon the parchment before him much less any of the words he had scribbled down. 

Settling beneath heavy blankets had done naught to comfort him as they may have once, their soft texture welcome and yet the solace he hoped they would provide was absent. Only the crackling of the fire within the hearth (lovingly built and lit by Piacert but hours before-) offering background noise for him to attempt to rest to - the orange glow and radiating warmth allowing for small comforts in the very least. 

The sleep that followed was restless, his person uncomfortably tossing and turning - regular intervals of unrest followed by a deeper sleep, as if his very consciousness had been grasped and dragged into the abyss itself. There were dreams there that invoked his greatest fears, that set his mind into seas of fret and fear. There were dreams there that were soft and gentle but bought great heartache and pain once consciousness returned. T’was the latter that consumed him that eve. 

As TP’s Ran is the ‘official’ Ran for my Yukari, a lot of my personal headcanons for their relationship have changed-

Mostly in that Ran was previously Inari, the god of, well, a lot of different shit- and when faith began to decrease at a rapid rate, she and Yukari came to an accord. Yukari would make Inari into her shikigami in order to sustain her on Yukari’s own power, rather than solely on faith.

The only reason that Yukari was the one considered was due to the fact that Yukari’s knowledge of shikigami is/was legendary- so to perform the ultimate form of such reprogramming- altering a divine being into a youkai, and one linked directly to the embodiment of being Lost and Alone.

The contract is clear- Yukari changes Inari, now Ran, into a shikigami in order to help them persist, and Ran helps Yukari with things she needs done. If at any time either of them is dissatisfied with the arrangement, the contract can be annulled- though having their very being changed and their divinity stripped away, Inari would never be able to return to godhood.

Of course, this was long, long before the establishing of Gensokyo, and even before Gensokyo was being planned, Yukari and Ran, her beloved kitsune, were making eyes at each other, and sneaking kisses beneath her parasol.

He followed the soft sounds of music through the darkness of the house, stopping when he spotted her standing in the kitchen putting away the dried cutlery. Her back was facing him; hair glowing in the dim candlelight scattered amongst the lower level.

He leaned against the beam and watched her, a soft smile breaking out on his face, appreciating everything that stood before him. She was magnificent.

Everything about Emma amazed him.

And she was his.

The woman he loved more than anything else.

His wife.

Gently humming away to the soft radio in their home-

He thanked every star in the galaxy this was real.

His happy beginning.

He couldn’t resist stepping closer, sliding his arm around her waist to hold her close. She let her head fall back to his shoulder, smiling as his hips gently began to sway side to side, taking hers with him.

His nose buried into her hair as her hand reached up, fingertips caressing his cheek as her other joined his on her abdomen, eyes fluttering shut as she lost herself in his essence.

They swayed slowly to the radio, candles flickering, bathing them in a sensual ambience.

Emma spun slowly in his arms, reaching up to embrace his neck, needing to be closer. Killian pulled her against him, hand gliding along the expanse of her back.

Her fingertips lazily explored his hair, combing through the short wisps at the nape of his neck, humming in appreciation as his mouth placed soft kisses against her slender neck, jaw, cheek.

His lips finally met hers, slowly exploring as she returned the gesture, both of them falling deep into the passion that swelled between them, heat rising with every touch and tease, tongues, lips, hands.

His hand slid down, cupping her backside as she lifted herself, wrapping her legs around him. He held her tight, neither breaking the kiss. He continued to sway, holding her against his body as she felt him hardening against her, stoking the fire rising within, raking her hand down his neck and into the apex of his open shirt.

She needed to feel his skin against hers.

Then she was spinning, Killian turning them and pinning her against the darkened wall of the kitchen, letting their lust take over.

Slow, hot, intense movements, soft moans of pleasure mixing with the melody surrounding them, hips pressed together, grinding out a familiar dance towards that release, their teasing of each other spurring them on, hands growing bolder, kisses more frantic.

***

Through The Storm

“Was that Deeks?” Sam asked as Kensi finished a text and slipped her phone back into her pocket, her body angled towards the Challenger’s passenger window.

“Yeah, he starts law today,” she said, imagining him dominating any discussions. Now three weeks into his training, he’d started to relax a little and from the sound of it, was really showing off some of his true skills. Sometimes she wished she could go watch on the sidelines, to see him in his element.

Sam snorted, his grin wide enough that his dimples showed.

“The instructor better watch out or next thing Deeks will be teaching the class.” Kensi smiled a little at the subtle compliment. “Tell him I said “hi” and don’t go overboard with the smart ass comments.”

Kensi texted Deeks Sam’s comments, smiling when he sent back a picture of him from the waist up in a dress shirt and tie, his jaggedly cut hair brushed behind his ears. He stared into the camera, his arched eyebrow the only sign that he wasn’t completely serious.

“He said he’ll be on his best behavior.” Kensi tilted the phone in Sam’s direction and he peered at the picture for a minute, shaking his head.

“Damn, you were right. Deeks just doesn’t look right with short hair,” he said. “But you’re not allowed to tell him that. He’d never get another haircut again.”

Kensi smirked a little, focusing on the house they were watching. It was still, without sign of suspicious activity, just as it had been for the last three hours.

“You miss him.”

“Hm?” She turned to face Sam again and found him watching her with a thoughtful expression.

“You miss Deeks,” he repeated.

“Of course I do. We probably won’t see each other in person for at least the next couple months,” Kensi said reasonably. Sam’s upper lip quirked up sardonically.

“Yeah, but usually it’s not so noticeable.” When Kensi frowned, added, “You’re checking your phone more than usual, you sigh all the time for no reason, and when you think no one’s looking, you get this worry line between your eyes.”

Kensi automatically went to smooth out the spot he mentioned before she caught herself.

“You know, sometimes having friends who are also investigators is really annoying.” He continued to stare, completely unperturbed, and she rolled her eyes. “I’m fine, Sam.”

“Nobody’s ever “fine” when they’re separated from the person they love most,” he said with a soft smile. “And it’s ok to admit it. So what’s got you so on edge?”

Sighing, Kensi debated avoiding the subject, but Sam usually gave good advice. Plus he could be annoyingly persistent when he wanted to be.

“I didn’t realize it would be this hard to be away from him.” She stared down at her thumb, mindlessly running it along the curve of a nail. “I’m so used to talking things through at the end of the day,” she clarified. “Even thought we talk on the phone, it’s not the same. I can’t fix his problems, or protect him, or even hug him.”

Realizing her tone had grown incredibly bitter, Kensi pressed her lips together, staring out the windshield. When Deeks had called those first few days, upset and struggling, it had taken all her will not to drop everything and drive to FLETC.

“Maybe it’s enough that you do make that call every day. Deeks knows you can’t be with him right now and I think he understands it. I’m sure he looks forward to hearing your voice.”

Kensi considered his words for a few minutes, another question that had been nagging at her since Deeks was cleared for FLETC ran through her mind again.

“Sam,” she started, pausing and then pushing through. “Do you think Deeks wants this?”

“To be an agent?” When Kensi nodded, he shrugged again. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody try so hard to get into the academy, so I’d say yes. Or is there something I don’t know about?”

Hoping she wasn’t betraying Deeks’ trust or privacy, she confided,

“Deeks spent years talking about getting out of NCIS and law enforcement altogether. He wanted us to be safe...now he’s done a complete 180 and I’m worried that he’s only doing it for me. So he can be my partner and we can afford that stupid house.”

“You really think he’d do that?”

“He’s planning to sell the bar to make sure we can afford the house and-other things.” Kensi swallowed harshly. “I don’t want him to be miserable and right now I kind of think he is.”

“Kens, look at me,” Sam told her firmly, waiting until she met his gaze. “Deeks would do anything for you, including stay with NCIS to protect you. Maybe he won’t love it, but I bet he’ll feel a lot better knowing he can be by your side.”

“So once again he’s just doing it for me,” Kensi confirmed wryly.

“He’s doing it for both of you. And for himself.” When Kensi started to object, he raised a finger. “Even if he doesn’t decide stay as an agent long term, this will open up more opportunities for him in the future. He’s already got a lot of experience and good credentials, FLETC training will just add to that.”

“Sometimes I don’t know how to support him.” It was an admission he’d been holding back, but it was the truth. “It just feels like I say the wrong things all the time. With FLETC, LAPD...,” she paused and shrugged sadly, “everything.”

“I’m sure you’re fine,” Sam said gently. “And like I said, as long as you keep communicating and caring for each other, it’ll be alright. You’ll get through this storm together.”

“I hope you’re right,” Kensi whispered. They were quiet a couple more minutes and then Sam repeated,

A/N: It seems like maybe I should have written this before the yesterday’s fic, but it’s all out of canon, so who cares?

***

Tough Choices

“So, you hear anything new from LAPD,” Sam asked, turning an unopened bottle between his palms. He along with Callen, Eric, Nell, Fatima, and Rountree took up the majority of the seating along the bar. It didn’t really matter since there was only one other patron seated by himself and nursing the same drink from an hour ago.

Kensi stood beside him behind the bar, resting her hand on his back as he served up the few drinks they needed. Even though it was fairly early, Deeks had sent the evening bartender home a couple hours ago.

“No, uh, they’re still reconfiguring so I’m furloughed until further notice,” Deeks answered. He paused, glancing at Kensi, and she gave him the smallest nod of support. “But we did get some good news from Hetty the other day.” He rubbed his upper lip, suddenly feeling weirdly self-conscious with everyone’s eyes on him. “She, uh, she told me I’m going to FLETC.”

Nell was the first to react, rushing around the bar and hugging Deeks’ firmly. He laughed a little as he bent to return the gesture.

“Oh my god, this is fantastic news!”

“Yeah, it’s pretty great.” Nell turned to hug Kensi too and Callen took the opportunity to give Deeks a slightly awkward arm hug. Eric offered a modified fist bump.

“Nice work, Deeks,” Sam said with just a hint of a smile as he nodded with clear pride.

“It was all Hetty,” Deeks replied, not sure how he could ever repay her for that.

“Yeah, but even she wouldn’t be able to get you in if your credentials weren’t any good.” Deeks wasn’t so sure about that so he didn’t say anything, but Kensi squeezed his arm, wearing that same smile filled with pride.

“So when do you start?” Rountree asked.

“Well, first I have to go through the interview process and officially be accepted into the program.” Deeks grimaced at that though and Rountree nodded, making a face.

“Oh yeah. Those were awful. They interviewed my parents. I had nightmares for weeks.”

“Devin!” Fatima hissed, smacking his shoulder, then turning a hasty smile on Deeks. “I swear, it’s not that bad.”

“No definitely not that bad at all,” Rountree backtracked.

“Thanks, I feel much better now,” Deeks said wryly.

“Well, I think this definitely calls for a toast,” Callen suggested . When the toast was finished, Deeks sighed. He didn’t want to ruin the good mood, but he didn’t feel right not bringing up the other decision he’d made.

“There’s something else that I need to tell you guys. After this month-“ Kensi squeezed his hand, glancing up at him with a sympathetic expression.

“Baby, you really don’t have to do this,” she murmured, maintaining her position about the bar. Since he was mostly likely going to FLETC, Kensi was certain they could manage the financial strain of a house, IVF, and a struggling bar.

“No, I do.” He took another deep breath as everyone stared at him with varying levels of concern. “We’re selling the bar.”

Everyone was silent for a moment and then Sam said,

“I know the last year has be rough, but I didn’t think it was that bad.”

“It is,” Deeks confirmed grimly.

“I still think we can manage it for a little while longer,” Kensi said quietly. “But I respect Deeks’ decision. It’s been a huge strain and as much as I love it here, I know that it will make things a lot easier.”

“Well, we could chip in,” Nell said, looking between everyone for support. “We love it here too. And we love you guys.”

“Of course we can,” Sam agreed.

“No, there’s no guarantee that we would make it past a couple months and I don’t want to waste anybody’s money.” Deeks was beyond touched that they would even offer. “This is for the best.”

“How soon are you selling?” Eric asked quietly. He looked fairly stunned and Deeks felt a little bad for him. A lot had changed since he’d left.

“Probably a few months. I want to give the staff enough time find new jobs and settle all our accounts,” Deeks answered. There was a somber air now, especially after the excitement of his first announcement.

“I’m sorry that this is happening all so sudden,” Kensi apologized.

“Hey, this is not your fault,” Sam said firmly. “Neither of you. A lot of places have struggled and you shouldn’t blame yourselves. And don’t worry about what we think.”

“And who knows, maybe things will turn around in the next couple months,” Callen added. Deeks thought that was highly doubtful, but didn’t have the heart to ruin the moment of hope.

“In the mean time, let’s celebrate Deeks’ tonight.” Kensi raised her bottle again. “I am so incredibly proud of you.”

Deeks swallowed harshly, more grateful than he ever could express.

***

***

“God, he is so hot.”

“Who’s hot?” Kensi asked distractedly as she looked out the driver’s side window. She belatedly glanced at her temporary partner for the day, Probationary Agent Samantha Harris. The other woman gestured with her head, gaze focused somewhere ahead of them.

“Deeks,” she answered, a smile forming as she continued to watch Deeks hand out fake business cards to passersby . He was dressed in a dark blue t-shirt and jeans. He looked completely at ease chatting to people, drumming up business for the supposed Eagle Eye glasses company all while he scanned for unusual activity the entire time.

“Deeks,” Kensi repeated carefully.

“I know he’s probably not your type, but I’ve always had a thing for blondes,” Samantha shared. She was a few years older than Kensi had been when she started at NCIS. Overall, she’d proved herself to be intelligent and a diligent worker. Kensi hadn’t minded mentoring her for the past few days; it made a nice change.

“Really?” Kensi bit back a smile, wondering what Samantha would think if she told her the truth. So far there’d been absolutely no need to reveal the exact nature of their relationship. And she had no worries that Samantha would inadvertently steal Deeks away from her.

“Mm-hmm.” Apparently Samantha took her response as encouragement. She glanced our her window, scanning the surrounding area briefly before she added, “Plus he’s smart and funny. And it doesn’t hurt that he wears those tight jeans all the time.” Samantha gave her a knowing look.

Figuring she didn’t need to hear an entire list of Deeks’ many virtues, Kensi asked,

“So are you going to ask him out?” Deeks would probably get a kick out of that. But Kensi didn’t plan on letting it get that far, for Samantha’s sake. Samantha snorted,

“Of course not. I’m moving to another city in a couple weeks. I don’t need that kind distraction.” She sighed deeply, eyeing Deeks again. “It’s a good thing he’s not my partner though, cause I would be in so much trouble.”

Kensi snuck another look at Deeks and couldn’t help but agree. He definitely was trouble. And all hers.

***

***

Kensi searched the scene, looking for the familiar shaggy blonde head. All she knew was that he’d been held hostage. And that there’d been exchange of fire. No one had been able to tell her if anyone had died.

Telling herself to calm down, she pushed between two LAPD officers and there he was talking to a fellow agent. He said something, nodded and patted the man on the shoulder as he walked away. She breathed out a sigh of relief and ran towards him.

She didn’t care if it was unprofessional or if people were staring, she ran straight into Deeks, wrapping her arms around his neck. He let out a surprised “oof” of air, automatically clutching her to him. Kensi idly noticed that he was missing his tan jacket and her mind turned to thoughts of him mopping up blood with it.

“Kens, what are you doing here?” he asked. Instead of answering, she grasped the back of his neck, pulled his head down and kissed him as hard as he could. Someone nearby wolf whistled, but she igonored them. As far as she was concerned, it was just the two of them.

When they finally broke apart, she leaned her forehead against his and ran her fingers up into his hair, needing the contact. Deeks’ hands held firmly to her waist, providing a much needed anchor.

“I’m done,” she breathed, nuzzling her nose against his. An overwhelming amount of relief came with the simple statement.

“Done with what?” Deeks sounded confused and a little worried.

“With everything. With this.” She gestured to the destruction and mayhem around them and Kensi saw the exact moment Deeks understood.

“Babe, are you sure?” he asked quietly. “This is a big step and-” She silenced him with another kiss and nodded.

“I am completely sure. I’ve almost lost you way too many times. I don’t want to put our lives on hold for another minute.” Deeks didn’t say anything immediately and she felt a small amount of uncertainty. “I mean, if that’s still what you want.”

Deeks gave her an incredulous look and said,