A/N: I would like to thank everyone for the great reviews, suggestions and words of encouragement and support. It means so much to me. I'm so glad that you're enjoying this story as much as I am writing it. If you have any suggestions for story lines about Deeks while he's Agent Afloat abroad the USS Ronald Reagan, please let me know. As for this chapter, it's rather short, but it was done this way by design. Also, as always, please leave a review. Thanks and Happy Holidays!
CHAPTER 12 – TRANSITION TIME
The next week and a half went by like a whirlwind for Kensi and Deeks. Deeks arranged for them to go down to Belize for their honeymoon where they both surfed and laid upon the sand soaking up the rays daily and by night tasted the nightlife that the area had to offer. It was just as both wanted it to be; casual with little stress. They enjoyed getting to know each other in all ways possible, both mentally and physically and on a deeper spiritual and personal level.
Now, they were on their way back to Los Angeles. It was decided by the couple that Kensi would be retaining her apartment in case it was needed for cover purposes, but probably subleasing it. She would be physically moving into his place. Deeks' apartment was bigger than her current one bedroom place. For some reason, he had gotten a 3 bedroom apartment. His apartment had a large master bedroom and Deeks had turned his second bedroom into an office/gym while the third was a storage area filled with boxes and other miscellaneous items. They had decided to turn this last room from storage to an actual guest bedroom using Kensi's old bedroom furniture. Actually, they would just move her stuff in as it was and she would later reconfigure Deek's closets to accommodate her wardrobe. That wouldn't be hard. His master bedroom had a large walk-in closet with able room and the other closets in the other bedrooms were bare except for a few items such as unused winter ski clothing and surfing gear. Now, everything that needed to be in storage would go to storage. They had contacted PODS which would drop off a container later in the week. That would solve that problem.
It was also decided that while Deeks was away on assignment, Kensi's job at home would be to condense everything into a space that reflected both of them by keeping some of Deeks existing belongings but mixing in some of Kensi's. Of course, Monty couldn't be forgotten in this transition. Monty would have to get used to the new arrangements though. He was used to sleeping with Deeks but now, he would be getting his own dog bed. However, he would still be in the master bedroom especially while Deeks was away.
The whole team had offered to aid with the move. Kensi and Deeks had decided to do it the day after they got back from their honeymoon which was a Saturday. That would give them another week together before Deeks' new assignment would begin. Granger had been in contact with Deeks a few times during their honeymoon to go over some details, but mainly to check in with his new agent. They seem to be hitting it off now that Deeks was officially part of NCIS. Hetty had kept in touch with her agents, too, while they were away. Of course, not as much as Granger, but still they knew that she was checking on their welfare, too.
Time passed. Kensi and Deeks settled into a routine, but one could tell that it was getting closer to the time that Deeks would be leaving. A kind of sadness mixed with nervousness enveloped the new couple and everyone could feel it all around them.
Deeks and Kensi returned to the office a couple of days prior to his reassignment date. Hetty wanted to have an actual ceremony recognizing Deeks as a new Special Agent for NCIS. In addition, she would be announcing the happy news about the couple.
Kensi beamed as Deeks was handed his new NCIS badge and ID by Hetty. Callen was standing beside her watching her reaction to the handoff.
"You're really happy for him. I'm guessing. No regrets that he took this path?" Callen asked in a hushed tone leaning towards Kensi.
"No regrets. Not one. It seems to be everything he ever wanted. Hetty was right all along even when I thought she was totally wrong. He belongs here with us, with this team and with me." Kensi responded softly and while turning to look at Callen.
Callen nodded in agreement. "How about his new assignment on the Reagan?"
"Well, the timing sucks, but like you said, we all have to go through it at some time or another. I'd rather get it out-of-the-way now while it's just the two of us; before we start a family. Plus we'll have his back if he needs us."
"I agree."
The ceremony concluded and started to break up when Hetty cleared her throat and announced the couple's marriage. Everyone seemed stunned but genuinely happy for them. Champagne was passed around and a toast was given. Hetty let everyone know that it had been decided that Kensi would keep her maiden name for professional reasons.
About that time, Granger entered the building. He walked over to Hetty and motioned to Deeks to join them. All three of them headed to Hetty's office. The conference only took a minute and then Deeks rejoined his colleagues who had congregated in the bull pen.
"Tomorrow. Kens, I leave tomorrow morning." Deeks said to Kensi as he walked up to her. Deeks put his arm around Kensi and she burrowed her forehead into his shoulder. A sigh could be heard escaping from her lips.
Hetty walked up to the group.
"Mr. Deeks, why don't you and your wife take the rest of the day off? Go home and spend some time together. Tomorrow's going to be a long day for you both."
"I agree. Sam and I will stop by later on and check on you guys." Callen said as Sam nodded in agreement.
"Okay. See you later on." And with that being said, Kensi and Deeks packed up their things and walked slowly out of the building to their car holding hands.
