"…So, how many more miles do we have left ? ",

Deeks did his best to sound casual about it, even though he silently wished they could simply call it a day right now. Running wasn't exactly his preferred pastime, something he knew the attractive brunette running beside him knew as well.

Without missing a beat in her step, Kensi glanced over at her partner/ lover as she jogged at brisk pace down the Venice Beach trail. " Deeks…once again, you are riding a bike. Not running. I am running, and for 7 more miles too. "

Damn, she was invested in this…

" Last time I asked that, you said 6 more. I distinctly remember that. I think you're getting too fond of this ' running' thing.."

Kensi couldn't help but giggle at that as they kept going, and Deeks was reminded once again that he loved watching her being happy. He loved it when she laughed, even when it was at his expense. To be honest though, he didn't mind. Not at all.

It was part of what made Kensi Kensi, and he'd never want her to be anything but that.

" Oh, you find that funny ? Well, here's something else to chuckle at. "

Deeks hit the " motorcycle engine " bell, making the 2 wheeled, pedal powered bike sound like a thoroughbred Harley chopper. Kensi laughed again, shaking her head in amusement.

" Honestly, Deeks…you're the most fun thing about this job. " She grinned. " Always knew you were good for something. "

They ran / rode in silence for a while, letting the cool breeze coming in from the Pacific wash over them. The sun was beginning to set, turning said ocean a simmering golden orange. Overhead, a few scattered kites flown by a handful of beachgoers fluttered, tugging at their strings, buffeted by that sea air…

" Maybe you have a point…maybe I should be running down this beautiful stretch of coastline, instead of comfortably riding along on my chopper. ", Deeks remarked, giving Kensi a lopsided grin as he did.

She raised an eyebrow at him. " Now you're thinking about running with me ? As in, on your own 2 feet, and not on that kiddie bike ?"

" ..I will let that slide, for the time being. " Deeks set off the engine bell again, just to get another smile out of her, before continuing. " What I meant was…"

He slowed down suddenly, then braked. Surprised, Kensi stopped as well, looking slightly concerned.

" Deeks ? You Ok ? "

Deeks was staring out on the water. " What is that…? "

Kensi turned to look as well…which is why she didn't notice Deeks pulling a small box out of his pocket.

" What the…ok, Deeks. very funny. " Kensi turned back around. " You made me l- "

Then she did notice it..just as Deeks flipped it open to reveal a ring of pure gold, with a finely cut diamond set perfectly in the center.

Kensi realized she was speechless. All she could do was stare at it…

For a few heartbeats, neither of them moved.

" Don't mind me. ", Deeks said softly. " I'm just..on the verge of asking the love of my life if she'd like to be my wife. "

Kensi still couldn't speak. Her mouth moved, but no words came out.

Deeks was off the bike now, kneeling on the ground. He held the box and ring up in both hands, looking up at Kensi, looking her right in the eye.

" I know..this may have caught you off guard, but I know even more that I want to be yours. I want to be with you.. for the rest of both our lives. "

He'd made it up as he'd said it, trying to ignore his own racing heart.

" Kensi Blye…will you marry me ? "

There..the question was asked. Only a minute had gone by since he's revealed the ring, but every second had felt like 10..

….and finally, Kensi got her voice back.

She knelt as well, smiling with shameless, genuine happiness, and put her arms around his shoulders.

And then she answered him :

" I am the love of your life.."

Time seemed to stop..'

" ..and yes..I want to be your wife. "