A/N: I want to say a huge thank you to everyone from the Castle fandom who favorited/reviewed 'Who Knew?'. Virtual hugs to all of you. And to everyone who favorited/reviewed 'Clarity'. Unfortunately, FF rules were very unclear about the guidelines with using songs, and I decided to remove the piece just until I get around to fixing it. This one's dedicated to Mr. Calloway, with whom the debate of JAG vs. NCIS still rages. Also to Andrea and Jen, without whom I would not be writing like I do now. You guys are awesome and I love seeing you everyday!

Disclaimer: Last time I checked, I didn't even own a blender, let alone a television show. Who needs those things, anyway? They're loud and annoying and would take up too much space in the cabinet. Way too mainstream.

It had been one of those cases. The kind of case that involved kids, guns, and gambling. Makes for one hell of a combo. But, all was right for now and Kensi was in the boat shed, playing poker with Astrid, the hipster-emo-tough-girl-mini Kensi that sure knew how to play. The female agent was trying to get the conversation flowing and the ball rolling, just to find out more things about the teen. It really was a last resort.

"Okay. Let's start with me. You can ask me anything you like." Astrid thought about this for a second. Then, very slowly and patiently responded.

"Are you in love with your partner?" Kensi looked at her, surprised at the question.

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"I'm pretty good at keeping them."

"There's rules about dating when it comes to NCIS. Rules that stop that kind of relationship from happening."

"Might as well have said yes."

"Okay. Yes."

"Better. Does he know?" Astrid asked.

"Nope. Well, maybe."

"Again, responding with a yes is more straight-forward, gets things done quicker."

"I hope he does," Kensi answered. Right at that moment, Hetty decided to waltz in and pull up a chair, Astrid immediately dealing her in. Kensi decided to get a drink of water, leaving the two alone.

"Hetty," Astrid inquired, a small look of mischief on her face.

"What's going on with them?"

"My dear, they are far too complicated to begin with. To make a novel into a pamphlet, I believe they love each other."

Astrid nodded, seeming to be pleased with this answer and laid her cards down, revealing a royal flush. Hetty used her signature not-quite-a-curse:

"Bugger."

Miss hipster-emo smiled for the first time that day and collected the multicolored chips piled up in the middle of the table, stacking them up orderly.

"How long until you think it happens?"

"Miss Astrid, I can assure you, when it happens, you'll be able to tell."

"How?"

"See the sparkle?" Hetty asked. They both looked over to see Deeks and Kensi chatting by the fridge, full of witty 'touchès' and plenty of laughter.

Astrid smiled yet again, raised her voice, and called out.

"If you two want to be in on the next hand, better come." Both Hetty watched when the two walked over, neither leaving each other's personal space, sat down and looked at Astrid.

"Deal 'em." The couple said almost perfectly synchronized, and got teased about it for the rest of the night.