Author's Notes: Finally! I have been planning this story for MONTHS, and only got to start writing it now with the help of my dear friend G. Without her, I'd still be trying to sort through all my ideas that refused to comply to any sort of structured timeline. To those reading "Running Away", this fic will be in the same "shorter chapters for quicker updates" format as that story. I also have a banner in my profile for you to view, as well as a promo vid for the story (read description there, and be warned of potential story spoilers), which can also be found in my profile.

This chapter was meant to be the prologue to set up what's going on, but it ended up being more than I'd hoped for. The story will contain general spoilers, especially for season 5, and anyone who's seen 5x10 "The Frozen Lake" will noticed certain references to it. However, this story has no solid setting - let's say "season 5-ish" and go with that. It's Densi, with Nallen in the future. Normally I'm slightly more of a Neric fan, but I wanted to try something new - I blame G for being such a huge Nallen fan and making me want to write that couple for her. Ah the things we do for treasured, yet crazy, friends. Also, the cover image is EXACTLY how Alex will look. Enjoy!

~ Promises to Keep ~

Kensi wasn't used to waking with the warm sun on her face, but somehow the blinds had been left partially open the night before. A cool morning breeze lightly moved the curtains, though Kensi was barely aware of it, as she opened her eyes and yawned.

Turning on her side to avoid being blinded by the sunrise, Kensi tucked one arm under the pillow and smiled at the occupant in the bed beside her. She wasn't at her place; this wasn't her overly-squishy bed, and those ridiculous-looking curtains weren't hers, but there was one thing that was hers.

Or rather, someone.

It was rare for her to wake before him, and yet there he lay with his eyelids still closed over the blue orbs she was frequently mesmerised by. His shaggy blonde hair resembled a disgruntled mop, and Kensi fought the urge to run her fingers through his surprisingly soft strands. Kensi wanted to watch him for as long as possible, still thankful for how far they'd come from partners and friends.

They were still those things, yet so much more.

'Breathtaking, aren't I?' Deeks muttered sleepily.

'Hardly.' Kensi retorted, mildly displeased to be caught staring at him. Though her smile continued to grace her lips, as he opened his eyes to look at her. 'I was just trying to work out why you ever bother to brush your hair.'

'Uh-huh.' Deeks wasn't convinced. 'Admit it, you can't take your eyes off me.'

'Sure I can.' Kensi said.

Kensi rolled over in effort to prove a point she knew she couldn't really win. She hadn't wanted to, but Kensi could never back down from a challenge no matter how small or feeble it may be. With her back to him, Kensi thought she'd been successful in showing how she was not dazzled by his good looks – until she felt him shift closer to her. His breath tickled her bare shoulder, causing a shiver to course through her. Kensi had gone to bed in a tank top because of the warm night air, and she felt fortunate to have watched as Deeks removed his shirt entirely. Not that it made much difference, after what followed, which involved no clothes at all.

His bare chest for her to discreetly stare at, as they'd prepared to sleep, wasn't such a fortunate thing for Kensi now.. His bare skin touched her back, sending a spark through her spine.

She wondered, rather hopefully, if he would always have this effect on her.

'Well, I can't resist such beauty.' Deeks teased, kissing her shoulder softly. 'You're gorgeous, you know that?'

Kensi couldn't speak; she was too busy biting her lip in attempt to remain strong. It was futile – Deeks had some sort of power over her that set fire to her belly every time his hand traced over her skin or his lips made contact. All she wanted was to roll straight over and kiss him senseless. Many mornings, she did exactly that and was able to turn the situation around to drive him as crazy as he drove her.

Today, however, Kensi was trying to prove a point.

Right when she started telling herself all the ways she could win the struggle, Deeks placed his hand over her stomach and gently rolled her. Kensi let him, if only because she didn't want to win. Not this time, though she'd never tell him that.

'How long have you been awake?' Deeks wondered.

He rested beside her again, propped up on one elbow, and tucked his hand under her shirt to rub her stomach. He'd made a habit of doing that, Kensi noticed. First it had been her shoulder, then her hip, and now her stomach. Once her body became accustomed to his tickling favouritism of one area, Deeks would find another. She didn't think he was aware of it, but she was – it was impossible not to be, with the flush of heat he spread over her skin at every touch.

'Not long.' Kensi sighed, wishing she'd had longer to watch him sleep.

'You want to go for a run?' Deeks continued.

'No.' Kensi replied. 'You want to go surf some waves?'

'No.' Deeks smiled, leaning closer. 'I'm exactly where I want to be right now.' He whispered before kissing her lips.

It was a brief peck, then he pulled away, and that wasn't good enough for Kensi. She placed a hand on his cheek, sliding it around to his neck, and tugged him closer. Their lips met, softly at first, then deepened. Deeks rolled closer, leaning over her, as Kensi wrapped her arms fully around his form.

The spark turned into electric flames, spreading through them, until Kensi gasped and jerked back.

'Kens?' Deeks froze.

He wondered why she'd stopped so abruptly, and hoped he hadn't hurt her somehow. His concerned quelled when Kensi's stomach rumbled with hunger, causing a blush to colour her cheeks. Deeks chuckled, and angled to kiss her jawline. Kensi wanted to lose herself to his touch, affection, and scent. She tried to ignore it, but the memories of a measly lunch, prior to their emotion-driven desire to skip dinner, could not be forgotten.

'This is so not fair.' Kensi pouted, her arm still lightly looped around his neck. She could feel Deeks smiling with amusement as he continued kissing her shoulder. 'This is your fault, you know.'

'For being so incredibly irresistible?' Deeks stared at her cheekily.

'No.' Kensi tried to deny his truthful words. 'For not feeding me first.'

'I thought you lived off doughnuts and beer?' Deeks teased.

Kensi tried to glare at him, really she did, but it was hard when he rubbed his hands gently over her shoulders and arms. His fingers traced across her stomach to continue their sensual journey to her hip, then down her leg. Kensi shuddered at the touch, and placed both her palms against his bare chest to lightly push him away.

Deeks dropped onto his back, laughing.

'I'm hungry!' Kensi reminded him.

'Okay, okay!' Deeks nodded in surrender, sitting up.

Kensi slipped out of bed, and searched around for something to wear. He watched her walk to his drawer, smiling appreciatively as she rummaged through it for agreeable clothes. Finding a pair of casual blue jeans, and a black plain shirt, Kensi changed while Deeks left the bed.

He wandered over to her, and that moment provided him the chance to marvel at how far they'd come.

Four months ago, he wouldn't have been able to sneak up behind her while her back was turned. Three months ago, she would have flinched as his hands snaked around her middle to pull her back against his chest. Two months ago, she'd have made some remark, or insisted on her need for food, instead of allowing his desire to snuggle her a little while longer. One month ago, they'd have stayed in bed to become entangled in the sheets once again, ignoring all existence of the world outside the bedroom.

Now, they were comfortable. They had a routine. Kensi had her own key, stored a pile of unfolded clothes in two of his drawers, and had taken over half of his closet.

When they walked into the living room, indications of his girlfriend's constant visits were evident in the dark sweater thrown over the back of the couch, the pink doughnut box sticking out of his kitchen bin, or the new array of DVDs cluttered beside his TV. His coffee table was now home to a stack of magazines he'd never read, and his walls displayed several more framed artworks he would never buy. It had been a gradual takeover, and while Deeks complained dutifully, he secretly didn't mind. Kensi used to spend the weekends there at first, then odd days of the week, and now weeks at a time. He was starting to wonder why she kept her place at all – Kensi was there less times than he permitted her to attempt to cook something in his kitchen.

In fact, he was preparing to find the right time to ask her to move in with him – officially.

Deeks wasn't the only one appreciative of his new clutter-creating resident. While Kensi raided his fridge to work out what he was making them for breakfast, Deeks glanced over at the third member of their household. Monty was happily dozing in his comfy new dog-bed, which rested directly beside the coffee table. A shiny new collar was in place around his neck, and on the floor next to him was a bone-shaped chew toy he hadn't owned a month ago.

Deeks knew his place had never felt so much like a real home until Kensi had whirled her way through it.

'I can't decide!' Kensi's whine from the kitchen re-captured his attention.

'One surprise breakfast, coming right up.' Deeks said.

He rejoined her and stepped closer enough to kiss her cheek, running his hand over her hip and lower back, before he moved away to search his pantry for ingredients. He was considering making chocolate pancakes, when a buzz interrupted his thoughts.

Deeks looked to the coffee table in the living room, where his phone had been purposefully left behind when their late-night cuddle session on the couch turned into something far more adventurous in the bedroom.

Kensi was closer, so she peered over at the intruding phone, and frowned.

'Since when do you have Granger on speed-dial?' Kensi mocked. 'Is there something you're not telling me, Deeks?'

'Honey, I could never cheat on you.' Deeks teased. He accepted the phone she offered to him, though he was in no rush to answer the call. 'The five months we've been together have been perfect; I wouldn't trade that for...Granger?'

Deeks was puzzled when he saw the caller ID, having thought she was kidding about who was trying to reach him so early in the day.

'Yeah?' Deeks sighed, holding the phone to his ear.

Kensi dropped casually onto the couch, and flipped through a food magazine, feeling glad it was the weekend so they weren't required to leave for work in their usual morning rush. She thought it was a miracle they'd managed to get out of bed before eight. While Kensi berated her stomach for needing food more than her entire form needed him, she looked over at Deeks and all buoyant considerations vanished from her mind.

His face was stoic, and Kensi acutely noticed that the longer he spoke to Granger, the wider the distance between them grew.

I knew it was too good to be true!

Kensi immediately sank against the back of the couch with a sigh, dreading whatever work-related disruption was going to crash into her plans for a lovely breakfast with her boyfriend. Her Deeks. Her man, who last week pampered her for their five-month anniversary. She'd considered the entire event ridiculous, and yet hadn't been able to stop grinning from sunrise to sunset.

Five months.

It felt like a dream, and she was still wondering when she was going to wake up.

'I have to go.'

Kensi felt his words as easily as if a bucket of ice water poured on her face.

And there it is: reality.

She slowly rose, not liking how he'd said "I" instead of "we". She was his partner – wherever Deeks goes, Kensi goes. The look on his face was unsettling. She automatically longed for the comfort of the bedsheets, and the touch his feather-light kisses against her skin. Kensi regretted leaving the bedroom, the early-morning teasing, and the peaceful routine she was convinced would have remained intact if they'd never ventured into the living room where his phone had lay waiting.

'Where? Ops?' Kensi exhaled. 'We got called in?' She was so hopeful in her use of "we", which caused Deeks to look away. His face showed his guilt, as he was unable to meet her gaze, and Kensi considered it to be very discouraging.

'Me.' Deeks stared at the floor while she approached. 'I wasn't sure if I would be needed, but now I know. I have to.'

'The mission?' Kensi felt like she was swallowing lead, as she stood in front of his dejected form. She reached to touch his wrist, but the contact offered none of the previous spark or reassurance.

'Yeah.' Deeks frowned.

Six months ago, they were informed by Granger that Deeks might need to go undercover for a while. At the time, those were the only bits of information they'd been granted. It was enough to make them realise that at any moment they could be separated. Kensi and Deeks decided to make the most of it, and before long they'd reached the point of no return. The point were separation seemed almost inconceivable.

Until now.

Reality and it's icy chill had broken the bliss of their warm, innocent morning.

'I don't want you to.' Kensi said honestly, slipping her hand on his wrist into his hand – he curled his fingers around hers to return the gesture.

Her words, and the ease of her almost-subconscious action, was yet another demonstration of how far they'd come. Yet none of their closeness could prevent a bitter call of duty that would inevitably separate them for an undetermined amount of time.

'Believe me, I don't want to go.' Deeks sighed.

He forced his eyes to meet hers, and regretted it when he saw the dread, defiance, and sadness in her brown gaze. Deeks struggled to keep eye contact, whereas Kensi was unable to look away.

'If it goes well, I'll be back in a week. If something's off, or there's a change of plans, I may have to go under deep cover.' Deeks reminded her. 'I'm the only one who can do it, Kens. You know I don't have a choice.'

'I know.' Kensi nodded.

If things had been reversed, and she was going rather than him, the situation would still be the same. She only wondered if she'd have the willpower to step away, as Deeks did now. At first she was annoyed by his ease of walking to the door without saying much else, but when he turned to rush back to her she knew it was only a mask. He had to get out as quickly as possible, because the longer he stayed the less strength he'd have to turn the knob and leave.

'I'll be back.' Deeks promised, pressing his forehead to hers.

Kensi closed her eyes, inhaling his scent, as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. She never wanted to let Deeks go, but repetitively reminded herself it was part of the job.

He never broke a promise to her, and Kensi wasn't about to let him start now.

'You better.' She mock-threatened.

Kensi blinked to absorb the blueness of his gaze, then met him halfway when he pulled her closer for a kiss. It lacked the spark, thrill, and anticipation of earlier – it was desperate, savouring, and connecting. Neither wanted to pull away, and had it not been for the need for oxygen - it was likely they'd never have parted.

'Sorry I couldn't make you chocolate pancakes for breakfast.' Deeks sighed. 'Eat a doughnut for me, okay?'

'I will. Two, even.' Kensi tried to keep the light banter between them, but failed.

She knew it wasn't going to be like any other op – she couldn't be there to back him up, and they would have no way to reach him until he initiated some form of secret code-riddled contact. Kensi didn't even know exactly what the mission was about, and above everything else – that's what she hated most. She couldn't be there to back him up, and it didn't feel right.

Just standing there to watch him walk out the door without her didn't feel right.

'Be careful.' Kensi hurried to the doorway when he crossed through it.

'I will.' Deeks offered her one of his usual smiles. 'You can drop Monty off with Adam if you have to work late.' He added, knowing how hard it was for her to come back to his place without him. He expected a retort from her, a tease even, but nothing came. Halting by the door of his car, Deeks observed every feature of Kensi for a moment longer.

He felt it too. Something wasn't right – something about their goodbye was going to be stretched beyond what they were expecting. It filled him with dread, but Deeks knew he had a job to do.

He was the only one who could do it.

'I'll be back, Fern.' Deeks promised her again, knowing the fears coursing through her. 'As long as you're waiting for me, I'll come back to you. I promise; I'll be back.'

'You better.' Kensi nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. 'I'll be waiting.'

For three days, all Kensi could do was wait.

She sat in the bullpen, with her elbows rested against the surface of her desk, and looked across to where Deeks should be seated. She tried to picture he was there, joking about one thing or another, but it was getting harder. She missed him. Kensi tossed and turned during each night without him, until she couldn't stand it any longer and took Monty (dog bed and all) to her place. She scolded herself, in every spare moment, for missing him after only three days. He'd been away for much longer before, and yet it bothered her. In five months, it was the longest they'd gone without any contact.

No call, no text...Nothing.

Staring at his desk, with the sound of his laughter echoing in her mind, Kensi tried to push thoughts of Deeks aside to finish working on the magnitude of reports that had materialised in front of her when she'd arrived at work the morning he'd left. She heard a sound nearby, and jerked her head sideways to look. She was almost disappointed to see Callen and Sam walking towards her.

Kensi jumped up, knowing they'd been doing some important surveillance and should have news to report regarding Deeks. Instead, she could only curse Eric for his timing. He didn't say much, but his look of dread spoke volumes.

In a flash, Kensi and the others were following Eric up the stairs into Ops. Granger and Hetty were already there.

Kensi's stomach felt to drop with worry, though her instincts reminded her to stay calm and in control.

'There's been a problem.' Nell informed them, though she looked directly to Kensi when she said it. 'Deeks is fine, but he sent us a location from an untraceable burn phone. We don't know why.'

'The security cameras in the area showed two cars speeding away an hour ago.' Eric added. 'They were reported stolen earlier this morning, and the windows were too dark to identify anyone inside. All we have is the address Deeks gave us.'

'Check it out.' Hetty instructed the others, her gaze also resting primarily on Kensi.

The trio of agents left the room, without a second thought, and hurried down the stairs in record-setting speed. The situation wasn't dire, they knew, but none of them were used to having a team member out in the field without any back-up - or not even knowing the extent of what was going on.

On the morning she'd shown up shortly after Deeks had left, Kensi was relieved to see the bullpen wasn't empty or silent. Callen had joined her rants, and Sam insisted alongside her that the whole thing wasn't right. They reminded her she wasn't alone, yet the absence of Deeks' warmth beside her each morning and night without him made it harder for Kensi to remain optimistic.

Kensi led the way to the warehouse, with every intention to keep her cool, while Callen and Sam drove behind her. Deeks was fine, she tried to convince herself, but the fact he'd sent an address without any additional details did not inspire confidence. The less contact they received from him, the more likely things were going far deeper than anticipated.

And deeper he went, the longer he'd be under his top-secret alias – and away from her.

The address was more than just a warehouse. The area was run-down, partially littered with metal scraps and general debris, and the huge rusting building lacked any decent security. The large doors were spread wide open, and the group had easy access to the location via the road. A blue van was parked outside, so the three agents took things slow. They got out their weapons, and made their way to the warehouse.

Listening for sounds, and hearing none, Sam nodded to the others.

They burst inside, announced themselves, and were met with a huge amount of empty space. There were some tables in the center, and scattered unimportant papers on the dirty floor, but that was about it. Kensi turned around, and headed outside, with Callen trailing beside her. They checked the van urgently, wondering where Deeks was and why he'd sent them there.

The inside of the van showed an emptiness that rivalled the vacancy of the warehouse. The darkened sky overhead matched Kensi's mood, as they shone lights inside the back of the van only to see a smear of red blood on one corner. Kensi felt her breath catch. Was it his blood? Was this meant to be a rescue mission, but they'd arrived too late? For a moment, the sight of him bound to a chair with blood dripping from his mouth flashed into her mind.

She could not go through that, not again.

Kensi tuned out Callen and Sam's arguing about the lack of information, and worry over what was going on, when she spotted something written on the inside of the van. She uncomfortably crawled inside, and moved closer to read the small print scrawled on the metal by a black marker pen. The handwriting was so familiar she didn't need to guess who had written it.

'What is it?' Callen asked.

'Deeks.' Kensi exhaled. 'He's gone deep.'

She slipped out of the van, unable to look at it any more. Kensi walked to the warehouse and pressed her hand against the side wall to steady herself. It was just as she'd feared, but Kensi Blye did not break. She steeled herself for the time yet to pass where three days would shy in comparison to the worry and uncertainty that faced her in the weeks ahead. She hated that he'd be off the grid, in deep cover without her, and yet Kensi was determined to face the challenge head-on.

His words in the van only solidified her stubbornness to get him back; to hold him in her arms once again – never letting go.

'Promises to keep?' Callen read the words aloud once he could see them clearly enough in the beam of his flashlight. 'That's his codeword?'

'It's Deeks.' Sam said with fond amusement. 'What did you expect?'

Kensi headed for her car. They knew she would, and accepted they'd take over from there while she headed back to Ops.

Except, Kensi didn't return to work.

She went straight to his place instead. Their place; she liked to think of it as their home rather than just where he lived and she stayed. Kensi stepped inside, pressing her back to the closed door, and exhaled what felt to be the longest breath of her life. She crossed the room, which was darker than she'd ever known it could be, and gathered a book from a shelf. Her brown eyes fell to a bookmarked page, and knew she was being silly. Ignoring a queasy feeling in her stomach, and the chill in her heart, Kensi read the words carefully.

She spoke parts of the poem, though no one other than Monty was there to hear them.

'Between the woods and frozen lake,' Kensi recited. 'The darkest evening of the year.'

She closed the book and hugged it to her chest. Kensi didn't have to read the final verse, as she could never forget it, and now she never will. She said it anyway, though, as it helped calm her fears – even if it was only for a fleeting moment.

'The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.' Kensi whispered. 'But I have promises to keep...'

Deeks had a job to do, and now so did she. They were going to be okay, because he had promises to keep. As long as she waited for him, everything was going to be fine.

Kensi had to believe in that, if nothing else.

'And miles to go before I sleep.'

Author's Notes: It flowed better not to include the entire poem in the story, but every bit has some relevance to the plot, what's going on with Deeks/Densi, and more. I highly recommend a read, as it perfectly fits this stage of the story. It's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. Thanks for reading! Please take a moment to share your feedback! I will be updating as soon as I can get the next chapter written.