Author's Note:

Hey all! After a 2 mile run with the team before 6:00 a.m., I really have nothing else to do but write, so I hope this is an enjoyable chapter for you! Review, comment, and me know what you think! I'm gonna try something new this chapter, too…a Deeks POV.

WARNING, PARTS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE M. You'll know when it's coming.

Disclaimer: If I owned N.C.I.S.: Los Angeles, I wouldn't be middle-class and living in New Jersey only buying stuff with money I make while babysitting…

-C

Kensi only further snuggled into Deeks's body, enjoying the strong warmth it offered. His arm was protectively draped over her waist and she absolutely loved it. The last feeling she had before slipping into the welcome land of nod was his soft breath on her neck.

Deeks woke up to find Kensi's side of the bed empty. For a moment, he wondered if he had only dreamt that they had fallen asleep together. If so, it was the best dream he ever had. But sure enough, he could smell something burning coming from the kitchen and knew that only Kensi could be behind it.

As he pushed the door to his bedroom open further, he heard Kensi curse from the other room and saw her wildly running around. Her hair was in a loose braid, curls still flying here and there, wearing an old L.A.P.D. shirt of his and his sweats. She looked beautiful all the same. Deeks was just enjoying the view as he leaned against the doorframe, watching. It was just so domestic, and truly captivated him. But then he caught sight of the smoke curling up from the toaster and decided it was for the best to step in.

Kensi was just unplugging the toaster and pinching her nose at the smell. She still hadn't seen Deeks yet. With a sigh, she banged her fist on the granite counter top, frustrated at her obvious failure of making breakfast.

"Mmm, what smells so tasty?" Deeks playfully teased and pinched her sides, which were extremely sensitive to tickling whether Kensi would admit it or not.

She jumped and whipped around in surprise. Coming out of her defense mode, she relaxed and then punched him in the shoulder.

"Shut up. You're toaster burned it, not me."

Deeks popped the bread of the metal kitchen appliance and found that it was toasted beyond charcoal. It literally crumbled in his hand. With a small laugh, he brushed it all into the garbage can and then set to work on an edible breakfast. Sure, it was the toaster's fault, but he decided not to mention that to Kensi.

"Go shower, I'll have breakfast ready when you get out."

Kensi couldn't resist the urge to smile as well. She planted a soft kiss to his cheek and apologized, "Sorry about the mess."

"Kens, I've seen your apartment. I'm not in the least bit surprised," Deeks leaned in for another kiss but she pulled away, rolling her eyes and muttering something about being unbelievable.

"Good morning, by the way!" he called after her.

She tossed a grin over her shoulder and replied, "'Morning, Deeks."

How did he get so lucky to have Kensi in his life? She was amazing in every sense of the word. Her compassion, her constant presence by his side…and just the badass way she carried herself that screamed 'I could kick your butt!' Kensi had captivated him from the moment she stepped into the MMA gym where he was undercover. Although maybe he wouldn't openly admit it to anybody but her, Deeks was thoroughly disappointed when he thought he might have to arrest her too. But then the next thing he knew he was working the Aubrey Darva case with her as a partner.

And being assigned to work with Kensi was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Sure, Callen and even Sam had a lot to do with the fact Deeks felt like he actually belonged there. His relationship with the team leader was amicable, but then there were the moments where they fell into teasing each other as if they were brothers. Sam…Sam was a different case altogether. Deeks could easily read people, but the Navy SEAL was perhaps the first person he got the wrong analysis of. Before the whole Sidorov business, Deeks thought that their bond was similar to his and Callen's. He never knew Sam despised him the way he did and was thoroughly glad that it had changed.

And then there was Kensi. She was pretty much self-explanatory, or there were too many emotions and things that connected them to actually explain. Deeks wasn't sure which. Kensi immediately taught him how things worked at N.C.I.S., even if she didn't realize it himself. The way they slipped into their banter so smoothly, the competition, and their previously indefinable 'thing' had also given Deeks the warm atmosphere he so desperately needed.

He used to look at L.A.P.D. as a job where he worked to prove himself. At N.C.I.S…. approval wasn't needed. He saw it as never really leaving home in the first place when he arrived at work. In fact, he dreaded the hour when Hetty called it a night, the computers were shut off, and the team disbanded. But the Spanish mission that hid the Office of Special Projects wasn't his only home. He felt the same comfort, acceptance, and family whenever he was with Kensi.

Because truth was, he had loved her for quite some time now. Maybe it was time to say it.

Deeks shook himself from his rambling thoughts to finish up the golden pancakes on the griddle he was preparing. Kensi would love them, mostly because he dumped dozens of chocolate chips in them. As if her 'there's sugar and/or chocolate nearby' radar was going off, she zipped into the room. Wet hair dripped down her back and was starting to curl up again.

"Do I smell chocolate chip pancakes?"

"Why yes, you do. Just give me a second," Deeks replied with a grin. He flipped two giant pancakes onto a plate for her and repeated the process for himself. Kensi yanked her portion away from the counter and began spreading a hunk of butter on them. Deeks poured them both a cup of coffee, prepping it just the way Kensi liked it. Cream with a ton of sugar.

She paused chewing a large piece of pancake before muttering around it, "Thanks for breakfast, Deeks."

He mumbled as if he couldn't talk, mocking her and then answered, "You're welcome, Princess."

When Kensi was done with pancake number one, she then stopped briefly to comment, "Since when are you this good of a cook?"

"Please, pancakes are easy. I mean, toast is supposed to be too, but I'll accept the compliment."

She punched him from across the table, laughing. "So what are we gonna do today?"

"Surf…duh," Deeks flashed her a winning smile. "Let's spend the day at the beach today."

"Sounds good to me."

They finished up breakfast with little talk. That was mostly because Kensi's mouth never ceased to be full, but Deeks found that absolutely adorable. When they were done, Kensi helped him with the dishes and then he excused himself to change into his wetsuit. She had to go home, get clothes and her own surfing gear as well anyway. He gathered up a few more belongings such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and Monty's leash before going outside. It was truly a beautiful day outside. Before long, Kensi returned with her SRX, dressed in a loose fitting tank top and jean shorts, though the straps of her bikini top easily visible.

With boards under their arms and Monty strolling ahead on his leash, they walked the short distance to the beach together. It was only about two blocks. A wide grin immediately stretched across Deeks's face when they began walking across the shifting sand. The waves were perfect.

Kensi and Deeks surfed for hours, turning the great morning into a perfect afternoon. True he had surfed since him and Sam were rescued, but it wasn't nearly as liberating as now. He watched to make sure she had the right technique since she was still new to this, but he was simply staring at her. There wasn't a better feeling in the world than having the center of his world doing one of his favorite things together.

"I think I'm gonna go in, but you can surf for a little while longer if you want," Kensi offered. Deeks had noticed how she began to tire, not used to riding the waves for this long. Although she was in great physical condition, surfing certainly wore you down after a while.

"Are you sure?"

She flashed him a smile, "Absolutely. Monty will keep me company."

Kensi swam to shore, Deeks not taking his eyes off of her. Again he thought, how did he get this lucky?

She would never admit it to Deeks, but Kensi was worn out. Not exhausted, per say, but simply tired. Surfing with Deeks was nothing like she had ever done with him before. The last time they did it was different…right after a case and with Callen and Sam watching them. Now that they were alone it was much nicer. Besides, she enjoyed watching him easily glide over the waves. Monty greeted her excitedly, jumping all over her.

"Hey boy," she laughed. Kensi unzipped the wetsuit, showing her navy bikini. Still not completely dry, she slipped on the shorts and searched for a Frisbee in Deeks's bag. "Come on, go get it!"

She tossed it as far as she could and chuckled as Monty trampled over somebody's blanket to catch it perfectly in his jaws. Then her attention was turned towards Deeks, still out on the water. His muscular body was posed expertly as he rode the perfect swell. Kensi didn't even notice Monty return, putting his paws up on her thighs.

Kensi tossed the Frisbee a few more times before settling on her towel, facing the breaking waves. She relaxed while watching Deeks surf some more. It was about half an hour later before he returned, water dripping off of his hair.

"Did you enjoy the show, Fern?" He asked, dropping his board in the sand next to her. Deeks too unzipped his wet suit and joined her on the towel.

"A little too much," she replied distantly, eyeing his golden, muscular body. Deeks wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they both laid on their stomachs, watching the other surfers and waves crash. "Thanks for a great day."

"It wouldn't be great without you," Deeks answered truthfully.

Kensi turned her head to face him, hair whipping across his face. She stared into his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. It was salty and passionate, and Kensi thought that she could never get enough kisses from Deeks.

"I love you," she whispered, her lips brushing against his as he spoke.

Deeks looked taken aback for a moment. Fear surged into Kensi's heart. Did she say it too soon? Did he think she was rushing things?"

"I'm sorry, was that-" Kensi began to stutter.

Deeks caressed her cheek and pulled her back in for another loving kiss. When they broke, he whispered, "I love you too."

"Really?" Kensi couldn't help but ask.

"What me to scream it to the world?" Deeks questioned seriously.

"Deeks-" she laughed.

He unexpectedly leaned in close and brushed a strand of hair away. "I love you, Kens. And you are my world."

His breath tickled her ear slightly as he whispered. She smiled broader than ever before and dropped a kiss at the corner of his mouth. "I love you." Kensi couldn't help but say it again, for she adored the way it rolled off her tongue. After all, she had wanted to say it for some time now.

A rumbling growl from her stomach interrupted their moment. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at herself. What a great time for that to happen.

"That's my girl," he chuckled. "What do you say we go grab lunch?"

"Sounds great."

Monty snuggled in between them, which only caused the two to laugh even more. They gathered their belongings and headed towards one of the storage units on the shore in which people could store their stuff and put a lock on it. Since Deeks wasn't sure if they would be returning to the beach again, they didn't head home.

Hand in hand and now in proper clothing, they made their way down the street with Monty on his leash. The afternoon sun was hot in the summer but the breeze from the ocean made it that much more bearable.

"Where are we going?" Kensi inquired.

"One of my favorite restaurants. I used to work here in college," he briefly explained. "Has the best crab cakes in L.A. And it's pet friendly."

"I thought you were an exotic dancer in college," Kensi teased.

Deeks admitted with a laugh, "That too."

He pulled her into a small restaurant right on the water. The two story building was themed as a cottage on the beach, with white shingles and blue storm shutters. The sign hanging above the door read: The Grove.

"Marty!" The host greeted as soon as they entered the door. He went in for a tough handshake. There was something about him that screamed surfer, just like Deeks. His black hair was kinda long and unkempt, but clean shaven.

"How's it going, Ryan?" Deeks asked with a smile.

"Great! Just finished up grad school this year," he explained. Then Ryan's attention was turned towards Kensi. "Who's this?"

"Ryan, this is my girlfriend, Kensi. Ryan and I met almost ten years ago," Deeks introduced them.

"Nice to meet you," Kensi shook his hand.

"Great to meet you as well. You have to watch out for this one," he playfully warned, putting a hand over the corner his mouth as if that would stop Deeks from hearing.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Deeks waved the comment away. "I know it's prime dining time, but you wouldn't happen to have a table, would you?"

Ryan smiled, "Right on the ocean front for you. Come on, follow me."

Kensi and Deeks dropped back a little bit as the host led them through a full room with every chair filled of people eating. The walls were paneled white about a third of the way up and then a pale blue. Beautiful paintings of the beach or ocean life donned the walls. Even the lighting was ocean-themed, making the chandlers seem like they were Hawaiian torches. The second floor above had a wrap-around balcony with a winding staircase. Several waiters were climbing up and down the steps.

"Ryan seems nice," she commented, taking in the scenery.

"He's a good kid," Deeks confirmed.

They left the dining room and came out onto the deck in the back overlooking the ocean. It was less populated out here, but Kensi wasn't sure why. With the beautiful day, it was the perfect spot to have a meal. Deeks secured Monty's leash to the railing, and he was plenty occupied with watching the seagulls intently.

Ryan handed them both menus and left them alone for a moment. As Kensi started scanning, Deeks spoke up.

"Do you mind if I order for you?"

Kensi smiled, "Not at all."

"Trust me, I know all what's best around here."

Deeks and Kensi's hands met in the middle of the polished glass table and intertwined. At the table across the deck, a young couple were trying to keep a four-year-old under control. He was giggling nonstop, and soon had the husband and wife laughing too. Kensi couldn't help but stare at them, wondering if that could be Deeks and her some day. Then the father's dark hair reminded her of somebody else.

"Whatcha thinking about?" Deeks inquired.

"My dad, actually," she answered distantly. It had been more than a year since she discovered the truth behind his death, and yet closure still had yet to fully come. It was a huge step than what Kensi knew when she was a mere teenager.

"Do you think he would approve of us?"

Kensi thought for a moment, looking into his eyes. Her father was extremely formal, and in many ways similar to Sam in that aspect. But Donald Blye was also extremely talented in reading people. She knew that the weathered Marine would see past the surfer façade, the golden locks Kensi grew to love so much, and the constant jabs of humor that she couldn't imagine Deeks without. He would see Deeks's character, and that what's would have mattered. That, plus the fact that he made Kensi unconditionally and utterly the happiest person in the world.

"Yeah, he would. Undoubtedly."

"How can you be so sure?" A glimmer of doubt flickered in his beautiful eyes. "I'm not exactly the poster boy for formality."

"Although that was important to my father, it wasn't nearly as important as character. If anything, he probably would have been pissed that we didn't get together sooner," she laughed. Deeks did too, which showed that he was satisfied with her answer. "I sure didn't get my lack of communication skills from my father. He was a straight-forward man. I can hear him telling me to suck it up and just tell you how I feel. Which I'm finally glad I did."

Her eyes were glistening slightly as she continued to talk about her best friend and role model.

"Unlike you, I'm really glad I didn't inherit anything from my dad. He was…"

"Excuse me, can I take your order?" The waitress interrupted. Kensi couldn't help but be angry at her for ruining the moment. Deeks was finally about to open up about his past and his family.

"Yeah. Two glasses of your homemade strawberry iced-tea, a plate of the crab cakes for an appetizer, the shrimp francaise over penne pasta, and a bowl of the lobster bisque," Deeks said without looking at the menu once.

The waitress, Samantha by her nametag, finished jotting it down and collected their menus. "Should be out soon!"

"Thanks," they both answered.

"So, you were saying," Kensi brought him back to the important conversation.

"He was an insane drunk who went on violent tangents which weren't exactly beneficial to my mom or I. One night it just got too much, I swear he was going to kill us both. So I pulled out the gun Ray gave me and shot him. There's not a whole lot to tell," Deeks explained, staring out over the ocean. Kensi gave his hand a gentle squeeze. The small gesture spoke volumes. I'm here if you need me and I'm not going anywhere.

Deeks returned it, saying, I know.

"So tell me more about what it was like when you worked here," Kensi offered, trying to change the subject for his sake as it was clearly upsetting him.

An immediate smile stretched across his face. "Well first of all, the pay's pretty good for the gig. And the tips are always generous. Not to mention, at the end of the night we got the leftovers from the buffet table upstairs. All the wait staff were pretty much in the same situation…all college kids trying to make a few extra bucks."

"Doesn't sound like a bad place to work."

"No, it wasn't. You saw the balcony on the way in, right?" Deeks asked.

Kensi nodded.

"We used to throw grapes up and catch them in our mouths, seeing who could do it higher. I was raining champion," he added with a wink.

"Of course you were."

"Am I sensing something dirty underlying there, Kens?"

She rolled her eyes. "Please. Only you could think that way."

They retreated into a comfortable silence, looking out over the ocean. The light was catching wonderfully in Deeks's eyes, making them shine brighter and his hair even more gold. How did she get so lucky to be involved with him?

"So what about you? What did you do in college?" Deeks inquired.

Kensi was almost surprised by his question. Since they talked so frequently, she was shocked that this hadn't come up before. But then she realized that of all topics, there was one that they persistently skirted around. The past.

"Other than study forensics and play softball, nothing much. I focused on my academics, but alternated jobs bartending, tutoring, and babysitting on occasion."

"Wait, what? Did I hear that right?" Deeks snapped his head. "You babysat?"

"What?" Kensi questioned, confused by his reaction.

"When we were protecting Javier it seemed like you hated kids, I just assumed that you never had a liking for them."

"I never said I hated kids," she defended herself. "I just don't exactly trust myself around them, alright?" Now her voice was rising in a little pain and anger. She quickly averted her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'll back off," Deeks offered quietly, knowing that he had overstepped a boundary he didn't know existed.

"No, it's fine. Look, I was babysitting for this couple one time. They had a five year old. We were playing catch in the front yard and I threw the ball too far. He ran into the street and was hit by a car."

Deeks stared at her in silence before softly asking, "Was he…?"

"Killed? No. He broke both of his legs though and was in a wheelchair for seven months. And every day I blamed myself for it."

Deeks ran his thumb over the top of her hand. "Kens, there's no way you're at fault here. That could have happened anytime to anybody. And hey, you got him the help he needed, right? That counts for something. Remember how good you were with Sam's kids when we babysat?"

Kensi couldn't help but smile at his attempt to make her feel better. To be honest, it was working too. "That's only because you were there."

Deeks scoffed, "Please, like I could have handled playing dress-up and braiding hair like you did with Rosaline."

She chuckled, remembering the rambunctious five-year-old's attempt to put Kensi in an undersized tutu and fairy wings. Kensi was perfectly happy with doing intricate hairstyles for her. It was fun in a way. Also, Sam's kids weren't a handful at all, which made it all the more easier.

"I rather would have been playing baseball with you and the boys," she commented with a laugh.

"Yeah, but you looked adorable in the butterfly wings," Deeks teased.

Kensi muttered, "For the record, they were fairy wings."

Deeks raised his eyebrows playfully, "There's a difference?"

Kensi shrugged, "I don't know." She knew that there was no way out of this one.

"Kensi Blye actually cares enough for there to be a difference."

"Oh please. It was only because Rosaline made a point of saying that we were both fairies. I don't exactly have a lot of experience in this area. When I was her age, I was a teenage ninja mutant turtle and various superheroes."

"I would love to seem some pictures of that."

The corner of Kensi's mouth lifted into a smile, "If my mother still has them, then I'll be sure to show you."

"Wait, seriously?"

Kensi nodded, not believing that she said that herself. But then she realized that there was no need for the tough girl façade anymore. Deeks already had the key to her heart and soul. Now that they were finally together, Kensi didn't have to pretend to care. Because in truth, she didn't.

The waitress then prevented further comment with their drinks and four steaming crab cakes for appetizers. When she went away, an excited glint shone in his eyes. He broke their clasped hands only to handle the silverware. Kensi immediately missed the feel of his skin against hers.

"Okay, you have to try this," Deeks persisted. He cut the first one into quarters, speared on with a fork, and said, "close your eyes."

Kensi decided to play along and did as she was told. Deeks was right, this place had the best crab cakes in all of Los Angeles. It was bursting with flavor and spices that complemented each other so nicely.

"Wow, that's good…great, actually."

"Glad you think so," Deeks chuckled, using the same fork to pop another quarter into his mouth.

They ate in silence, enjoying the taste of the wonderful crab cakes before they were regretfully gone. It brought back so many memories for Deeks.

"How is your mom?" he broke the silence after taking a long sip of his iced-tea.

"Great! We talked the night before last. She invited me to dinner Sunday evening. It would be great if you could join us."

"Is the invitation officially extended to me?" He questioned before accepting, being the gentleman that he was.

"Oh please. You made quite the impression when we were dealing with the whole Clairemont thing. And she also knew that you invited us to the resort for Christmas this past year. But…if it makes you feel better I will ask all the same."

"Thank you," Deeks said sincerely.

The rest of the time they made small talk that included retellings of previous undercover assignments, complaining about what an asshole Granger was, and then random things normal couples would talk about. Kensi liked how they strayed away from the topic of work for most of the evening. It was somewhat relieving.

When the food arrived, she couldn't believe the portion size. There was no way they would be able to eat it all, even if they were both extremely hungry from surfing. It all looked so good, and the restaurant immediately became her favorite in the city of angels.

"Okay, so we're gonna do this family style. You have to have a little of both. These are easily the best dishes…if you don't mind sharing," Deeks quickly added.

"No, this is great. Thanks for taking me here."

"Hey, Kens? Can you make a promise to me?"

"Anything," she insisted.

"If you think that we're taking this too fast, just let me know, okay?"

"Deeks, it took us far too long to actually turn our 'thing' into something. I'm really happy. Happier than I've been in a very long time," Kensi told him sincerely.

"Okay then, just checking. Then here's to us," Deeks raised his iced-tea. Kensi did the same and gladly clinked them together. "Bon appetite."

Deeks was right…everything was absolutely delicious. Kensi couldn't get enough of either dish. And by the time they call their eating fest a quits, there was still plenty to take home for leftovers. It was two o'clock before they, with their leftovers in hand and surfing gear under arm and Monty padding along in front, made their way back to Deeks's apartment. As he unlocked the door to his place, Kensi couldn't help the thought that she wanted to do this every day for the rest of her life…spending time with Deeks.

Sure she had thought about what a future might be like with him. Not in the childish way that middle-school girls always paired their first name with the last name of the person they were dating to see if it sounded right. But more in a true, hopeful, and definitely doable possibility for them.

They got changed out of their bathing suits and into more comfortable clothes, hair still damp from the ocean. Before long, they were settled at his kitchen table with two chilled beers.

"So what now?" Kensi asked.

"I say we have a date in the backyard with a hammock," Deeks suggested.

Although he lived in a small apartment complex that housed four families, the back of the lot was shared by all. There wasn't much, just a swing set and a hammock under some trees.

"Alright, sounds good."

"I'll meet you out there, just give me one second."

Kensi left the apartment, went down the steps outside and pushed open the gate to the backyard. It was nice for belonging to a housing complex. She sat on one and waited for Deeks. Not five minutes later, he returned with something behind his back.

"What do you have there?" Kensi inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Instead of answering, Deeks swooped her up in a bridal's carry, ran her over to the hammock and threw her safely into the middle of it. She was kicking and laughing the whole way, but it was useless.

He settled in next to Kensi, cuddled against her body before pulling a few rolled up comics from his back pocket.

"The Avengers, seriously?" she asked, but was excited all the same.

Together they lay there until the light began to fade in the fast-approaching evening. On their last comic, a small tussle broke out because Deeks was reading faster than Kensi. When it was all done, the comic lay in shreds beneath the comic and they were wrestling with each other.

"Deeks!" Kensi complained, as he had pinned her arms above her head. His chest was close to hers, legs intertwined. He saw the glimmer of laughter and playfulness in her eyes, which sent his heart hammering out of his chest.

He leaned down and melted his lips into hers. The kiss was sweet and passionate, becoming more fierce as their tongues met in the middle. They broke apart only when breath was short and unavailable. Instead of returning to it though, Deeks tickled her sides, which caused her to go into a spasm of laughter. One could even call it giggling. He never would have guessed that Kensi Marie Blye could giggle, but he enjoyed it all the more.

Before he knew what had happened, Kensi had won dominance and reversed their positions, so now she was on top. She brushed the hair from his face, leaning in for more. Deeks found his hands running up and down her back. When Kensi's fingers had drifted under his shirt, he almost forgot where they were.

"Hold it there, tiger," he gasped in between kisses. "Kids live here too, you know."

"It's dark out," Kensi breathed, planting another kiss to his lips. The fading twilight was certainly growing darker, but not dark enough.

"Come on," he insisted and pulled her from the hammock in a fireman's carry. The comics lay long forgotten below it.

"Deeks!" she protested. He set her down once they reached the steps and practically raced up them.

When the door closed behind Kensi, she didn't have any time to react before Deeks pressed her against it, pouring all of his love and devotion into that kiss. They pushed away from the wall, Kensi pulling his shirt off of his lean body. He smelled like the ocean, basking her in his signature scent that screamed Deeks.

He wrapped his bare arms around her, pushing her v-neck halfway up her torso before she removed it herself. They found themselves dancing through the apartment, their lips never leaving the other's for even a second. As they fought for dominance, Kensi and Deeks found them falling back on the couch in laughter.

"Come on, Princess," he murmured in her ear. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Deeks lifted her up and into the bedroom. He tossed her unceremoniously onto the bed. He quickly lifted his body over hers and met her lips once again. Kensi reached up and undid his belt, her actions quick and filled with a lustful need. She slipped the jeans down to his knees and he took care of the rest. When he returned to kissing Kensi passionately, Deeks noticed that she had also removed her jeans, leaving her in black lingerie.

They rolled over, now Kensi on top. She ran her fingers through his hair. Kensi straddled him, pressing herself into his body, planting kisses on his jaw line. Once more they flipped. Deeks placed kisses down her collar bone and down her abdomen. Rapidly removing the last bit of clothing they had left, they soon found a rhythm that was fulfilling, sensational, and a perfect form of communication of their love for each other. As they began to slow, Kensi was overwhelmed by the scent of the ocean surrounding them. It was soothing.

Kensi and Deeks settled in next to each other, tangled. He settled his forehead against hers and whispered at last, "I love you, Kens."

"I love you too."

It was more than just a night of lust and want and need, but more of a declaration. They had given themselves to the other fully, and for the first time in a long time, let down the fortified walls to give into the complete comfort they felt around them. Kensi and Deeks both knew that their love would make it through the struggles that their lives would create in the moment where their breaths mingled, fingers intertwined, and foreheads melted together.

They both welcomed sleep warmly, as no terror of night or conflict of day could penetrate the shield of safety that they had created for each other.

I hope you enjoyed the insanely long chapter. But I admit, there might not be one posted until school starts for me, which is the ninth. That might change, but I HAVE to finish my summer work. I want to switch over to posting once a week with long chapters like this one. Trust me, this is the only way I'm gonna be able to balance soccer, marching band, and all my honors and AP classes. If I fail to meet my week deadline, I promise to reestablish contact with a shorter chapter. Thanks again for your undying support. It really keeps me going at the end of the day. Love ya all!

-C