A/N: I'd like to say thank you to all the reviewers you really do make my day with some of your comments and it's especially lovely that some of you continue to review multiple chapters. Thank you to all the guests reviews too, although it's frustrating not being able to reply to you, your comments are still appreciated. Also I've had loads of new follows and favourites recently so thanks also to everyone who's added this fic, I never expected it to be so popular and it really helps keep me going. An extra special to Kadiedid my wonderful Beta, I really do appreciate the time you spend correcting my spelling, grammar and other anomalies this fic wouldn't be the same without your help.
Disclaimer (seeing as its been a while!): NCIS LA, it's characters and anything else you recognise from the show isn't mine.
Climbing into bed without her felt wrong. It had only been a few nights and yet not having her there made him feel uneasy but she was right. He needed to know if the nightmares had gone or if she was the one keeping them at bay. The feeling that surrounded him suggested maybe the latter was the case. He really wasn't looking forward to going to sleep and finding out, but the beers that he'd consumed earlier were making him feel a little drowsy and soon he drifted off to sleep.
Kensi on the other hand was wide awake, despite the yawn earlier and the general tiredness she felt throughout her body, her mind would not switch off. She kept coming back to the conversation she'd had with Nell earlier, specifically the part where Nell had asked her what she was planning on doing about it. It. What exactly was 'it'? Was there something between them?
There was definitely something she at least concluded after mulling it over a while. She'd never had a partner like him and she knew they had something special but she just couldn't figure out how far that went. Was the way she felt about him reciprocated, and even if it was, did he want to do something about it?
Even if he did… they did, could it work? She flitted back to Nell mentioning there was nothing in the rules against it. She had to stop calling it, 'it'. She needed to define it… their thing. And the rules, well really they didn't apply anyway. He wasn't even an agent. She was pretty sure there was nothing about LAPD liaisons and NCIS agents having a relationship in Nell's little book. Relationship? Was that what 'it' was? Was that what she wanted, with him, Deeks? Did she want that? She hadn't for a very long time, mainly because there was no way a relationship would ever work with someone who she couldn't know the truth. But Deeks, well he knew everything. Well nearly, and he hadn't run screaming. But it was more than just that.
She turned to look at the bedside clock. 'Great,' it was just past midnight. She returned to staring at the ceiling and tried to think of the weekend ahead, how tomorrow was going to play out. She thought back to earlier that morning, yesterday morning, she corrected. Deeks had been so down, so fed up of being stuck indoors and then he'd gotten to go out with the guys and had seemed so happy when they'd talked about it after. This weekend was just what he needed… what they needed. Now she had to get to sleep or she'd be too tired to enjoy their little get away.
She was just drifting off when something dragged her back to consciousness. A noise. She listened trying to hear. A minute passed before it came again. A voice. Deeks voice. She cursed under her breath. He was having a nightmare, and she'd left him on his own. She threw back the covers and started to head for his room. Half way there she heard a different noise, a click and then a faint squeak. Cautious she stopped again to listen. The room Deeks was using was just off the lounge where as hers was through the kitchen down a small hall, so she couldn't see anything from where she stood. But it sounded awfully like his bedroom door opening. Sure enough, she could hear the shuffle of his feet mixed with the tap of the crutches hitting the floor as he made his way through the house. Monty must have been up because she could hear him talking softly, "It's okay boy, just a dream. Shhh, don't wanna wake up Mommy." She imagined him rubbing the dog's ear comfortingly. She wasn't sure why but she felt like she was intruding after that comment and she found herself ducking back into her room leaving the door ajar.
She heard the kitchen cabinet open and close and the sound of water running. A few more seconds passed and then there was the sound of a chair scraping across the kitchen floor. She peered back around the bedroom door and could just about make out his form. He was sitting at the table.
"Deeks?" she called out softly.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you. I just needed some water, you know."
She started toward him and stopped a couple of feet away, "You all right?"
He held up the glass of water, "Am now."
So this was how it was going to be. He was going to pretend like nothing had happened. She tried once more, "Sure?"
"Yeah really, I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to bed."
She stared at him for a couple more seconds before answering, "Fine." She shrugged and headed back toward her room, "Night."
"Yeah, night."
She thought he sounded dejected but he was the one pretending like nothing had happened. She climbed in to bed and lay down pulling the pillow from the other side over her head and letting out a frustrated scream/growl. The pillow did its job muffling her annoyance before she threw it across the room and it landed on the floor with a thud. "Why can't things be easy?" she muttered before flipping over and trying to get comfortable.
She'd fallen asleep at some point and woke to her radio alarm clock going off at six thirty. She lay in bed for a while trying to wake up properly, feeling that something was missing she listened to the radio play some upbeat tune she didn't recognise. The song finished, the news and weather came on. Apparently it was going to be a beautiful day. She smiled to herself, happy with her plans for the weekend. That thought spurred her on and she was suddenly a lot more eager to start the day. Sitting up and swinging her legs out of bed she stretched the kinks out of her muscles and began to putter about her room getting things ready. As enthusiastic as she was it didn't change the fact she hadn't gotten much sleep that night. She padded barefoot to her kitchen and set the coffee machine to brew a full pot of coffee before heading for the shower.
Showered and wrapped in her biggest fluffiest bath sheet she stood in the hallway listening for Deeks. Happy that he was still in bed she made her way to the kitchen, poured a large mug of black coffee adding copious amounts of sugar and hurried back to her room.
Once dressed she returned to the kitchen to top off her coffee. She grabbed another mug and made a second coffee just the way Deeks liked it. She quietly made her way to his room, leaving her mug on the coffee table. She eased open his bedroom door shushing Monty who was sprawled at the foot of the bed. The dog raised his head and opened one eye to look at her before dropping back down and returning to his slumber. Deeks was on the far side of the bed lying on his side. She knew he preferred to sleep on his front but that the cast wouldn't allow it. She smiled as she realised for the first time he was on the left side of the bed. Thinking back, he had been every time she'd been in the room.
Carefully stepping past Monty she placed the coffee on the bed side table and crouched down so she was face to face with her sleeping partner. She took a moment to watch him and her tummy tightened at the sight. She had missed waking up with him this morning. Deciding it was time to wake him and get their day started she gently blew on his face causing his nose to twitch and causing her to stifle a laugh. When she received no further response she repeated the action, again his nose twitched but there was still no sign of him stirring.
The third time she blew on him he frightened the life out of her when he spoke in a not so sleepy but slightly deeper than usual tone, "As nice as that is, why are you trying to wake me up at this time on a Saturday?" She fought not to lose her balance but lost the battle and ended up dropping to her butt. His arm shot out as his eyes opened but he wasn't quick enough and only found thin air. He chuckled at his partner, "Sorry, you okay?" If she'd been able to reach him she'd probably have swatted him for laughing at her but as it was she couldn't and so she settled for a glare. He looked around and spotted the coffee, "This mine?"
The glare softened into a smile and she nodded, "Yeah, I decided it wasn't wise to wake you without some caffeine".
"Thanks." He pulled himself into a sitting position as she clambered up from her spot on the floor. He took the mug then patted the bed offering her a seat.
"Just a second." She quickly headed back to the den to retrieve her coffee before joining him on the bed.
"You're dressed," he said, taking in the jeans and still damp hair. "What's going on, is something up?"
"Nothings up." She smiled at him and he saw mischief in her eyes. Before he could ask what she was up to though she continued, "Drink up, and then get your butt in gear. We're going out."
"We are? Since when?"
"Since now."
She still had a smug look and he was slightly unsettled.
"Me, you and Monty are going to spend the day at the beach so come on, up and at 'em. We need to get going."
"Woah there! What's the rush?"
"I thought you might like somewhere different so how does Santa Barbara sound?"
"Seriously?"
"Yup, now get your butt in gear before I change my mind." She took her mug and walked out of the room calling for Monty to follow her. "I'm going to walk Monty. Don't forget to pack your beach gear," she called back to him.
She fed and walked Monty before heading back to knock on the door to Deeks room. "You can come in."
"Nearly ready?" His bag was on the bed and he was part way through packing. She tried to hide the grin as she realised he was genuinely excited to be going somewhere and imagining how he was going to be when he realised what was really happening.
"Yup, just need a towel and a few things for Monty and I'm good."
"I got the towels, one for Monty too. What else do you need for him?"
"Water and a bowl. And a ball or something similar for the beach."
"Already packed." That earned her a suspicious look. "What?"
"You're awfully organised."
"And?" He just shrugged. "Come on let's get going." She held her hand out to him and he looked at her confused. "Bag," she told him. She shouldered his bag before heading to her room to grab the bag she'd packed for herself keeping up the pretence of a day at the beach. When she came back she found him waiting for her, along with Monty. "You want to drive." She dangled the keys from her outstretched index finger.
"Can I?" He asked sounding like an excited child and making Kensi laugh.
"I'll even let you choose the music too."
"Okay where's Kensi?'" he called out looking up as if talking to some unknown entity. "Give her back and take this imposter away, she's... weird!"
She couldn't help swatting his shoulder.
"Ow, oh hey there you are," he grinned. "Thought you'd been possessed or something. You we're being all... nice." He made a 'yuck' face and added a shudder to show his displeasure.
She poked her tongue out at him but then smiled and walked passed him to the door. "I can always leave you here and just take Monty," she teased.
"Kens, I didn't mean it."
She rolls her eyes. "I know, now come on." She grabs his arm and tugs him toward the door gently giving him a chance to get his crutches in order. Monty follows them down to the car and she opens one of the back doors allowing him access to the rear seats. Tossing their bags in the back of the car she heads around it to the passenger side where she climbs in and begins to enter details into the navigation system. Once Deeks is settled she points at the screen, "This is where we're headed".
He reads the details, "Carpinteria State Beach. Nice."
"You ever been?"
He shakes his head, "Nope. You?"
"Never." It's the truth too and she really would like to go there, but the destination is just somewhere believable en route to the beach house without giving anything away until they're closer.
"This is gonna be great," Deeks beams at her starting the engine and putting the car in drive.
"Sure is," she says full of confidence.
Despite letting him choose the music he puts the radio on one of her favourite non techno stations. After listening to the first couple of songs as Deeks navigates his way out of her neighbourhood and toward the 101 that will take them toward Santa Barbara, Kensi turns the volume down a little so they can chat. The conversation turns to the movie they had seen two nights ago, as Deeks tells Kensi that he thinks Q could have been modelled on Eric, and then it all goes a little sideways after that. She's trying to fight the laughter at the ridiculousness of the conversation when she spots a service station just off the freeway. Deeks pulls over and she dashes out grabbing them some drinks and snacks for the trip. She asks if he's still okay driving before climbing back in and setting off. They've been driving around thirty minutes. The freeway is clear and they are making good time. She's probably let him drive a little longer than she should but they've both been quite content and he doesn't appear to be in any discomfort. All the same she points to the sign indicating the rest area up ahead and they change positions despite Deeks insistence that he's fine.
They follow the 101 up the coast enjoying the scenery and each other's company. It's almost nine thirty as they hit the out skirts of Capinteria and she watches as her partner starts to take in his surroundings excitedly. For a moment she feels a little guilty at having lied to him, but she knows once they get to the beach house it will all be worth it. Following the signs for the beach and parking they pull off the 101 and drive the short distance to the parking lot on the beach front. The lot is already busy with families and other groups hauling stuff from their cars and heading toward the sandy beach. Up ahead, Kensi spots a food truck.
"You hungry?" Other than their morning coffee and the few bits they had stopped for, neither of them has eaten any real food.
Too busy gazing out at the ocean and the groups of surfers Deeks only reply is, "Mmm hmm."
After pulling up in a space not far from the truck, she hurries off to grab them food as Deeks climbs out of the SRX and props himself against the hood waiting for her to return. He's lost in a world of his own when she returns and takes her place next to him. She bumps his hip gently with hers to get his attention before handing him breakfast. They eat in silence watching the groups of people on the beach and out in the water. Finished, Kensi places the empty food wrappers on the hood of her car and moves to stand in front of partner, occupying his complete field of vision so she has his full attention. It does the job and he smiles at her slightly puzzled, while holding his breath waiting for her to summon up the words she wants to say.
"Deeks, I need to tell you something."
"That doesn't sound good." The smile slips from his lips.
"No, no. It's nothing bad I promise. But..."
"But?"
"I kinda lied to you."
"You did?"
She nods.
"About?"
"This," she turns and waves her arms indicating their surroundings and getting another puzzled look from her partner. "As wonderful as I'm sure it is here, this isn't where we're headed. I kind of have a surprise for you and this was just a way of getting you this far without you bugging me the whole way."
"A surprise?" he raises an eyebrow.
"I promise it's the good kind. Do you trust me?" she asks, cocking her head to one side sheepishly.
"You know I do," he tells her honest and without hesitation.
"Good. Well, get your butt back in the car and let's get going then. We have further to drive." She doesn't give him a chance to argue as she grabs their trash and throws it in the nearby bin before climbing back into the car.
She was pretty impressed with Deeks. It took him twenty minutes before he started asking her where they were headed. She refused to even acknowledge his persistent questions and he soon gave up and started a different topic of conversation. Another twenty minutes or so passed and they turned off the 101 following a much smaller and quieter road up the coast, causing another round of unanswered questions.
From the navigation system Deeks figures wherever they're headed isn't far away but they seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. They aren't far from the ocean but the shore line has vanished from sight. The voice on the system tells Kensi to take the next road on the left and Deeks cranes his neck to get a better look up ahead however he still sees nothing more nothing than trees and the road.
Taking the turn and driving a short distance they soon come to a manned security gate. Kensi glances at her partner and smiles at his continuing confusion before lowering her window to speak to the guard who emerges from the small building by the gate.
"Miss Blye?" the guard in the smart navy suit greets her.
"Yes."
"Good morning. We've been expecting you. I'm sorry but do you have any ID?"
"Sure." She rummages in her bag and pulls out her badge showing it to the guard.
"Thank you. Sorry about that, we just have to be careful you know." He releases the security gate for them and they drive on through and follow the road.
The road forks into two and they continue around to the left. They pass the first residence and Deeks can't hold his tongue any longer. "What is this place Kens, how come we're here?"
She's smiling at him smugly, happy he's still unaware of what's happening. "Just a couple more minutes."
They pass a second residence and Deeks turns his head watching it pass by. "These are houses right?"
"Uh huh." She doesn't give him any more than that and tries to concentrate on the road, blocking him out and trying not to laugh. Finally she turns into the driveway of the last residence and pulls up in front of the doors. "Were here," she says beaming as she jumps out and hurries around the car to help him out. "Come on," she tugs at his arm eagerly, making him laugh.
"Okay, okay." He's still in the dark but judging by Kensi's enthusiasm it's nothing to be worried about. He glances back at Monty who is fast asleep on the back seat before easing out of the car. Producing keys from her pocket she opens the main door and steps inside entering a code into the alarm panel to silence the beeping. Deeks comes to stand beside her as they both take in the layout of the open plan ground floor. He lets out a long whistle. "Nice...what are we doing here?"
"Having fun. Come on let's look around." She tugs again at his arm.
"Wait, this place? We're going to be staying here?" he asks hesitantly.
"Don't you like it?" she asks concerned.
"It's amazing," he quickly corrects, sensing disappointment from his partner. "But I didn't pack for a weekend away."
The smile re-appears. "No, but I did." She pulls him gently toward the sliding doors at the rear of the house.
"Hang on." He props a crutch against one of the two couches that sit in the sunken area in front of them. They're big and comfy looking and covered in a range of different sized cushions. Kensi frowns at him. "Since you insist on leading me around..." He holds out an arm and she takes it helping to support him. They walk to the back door and Kensi finds the key, unlocking it and sliding both doors wide open. "Wow!" Deeks is quick to exclaim. "This place is stunning. How did you… where did you?" The smile his partner gives him causes a warm feeling within.
The smile continues to light up her face but she doesn't answer his question and asks her own, "You really like it?"
"I love it. Come on I want to see the rest of the place." They walk a circuit of the ground floor taking in the entertainment centre in the sunken den area, the amazing couches that looked just perfect for cuddling up with someone and the drift wood coffee table. The kitchen is fitted with every kind of appliance and like the rest of the house has an open plan with a breakfast bar being the only thing separating it from the den. They head for the stairs and carefully make their way to the second floor before exploring each of the rooms. The second door they come to is the master bedroom and Kensi and Deeks both stand admiring the room and its huge bed complete with flat screen TV mounted to the wall, entertainment system and a top of the line coffee machine. None of that is as impressive as the view from the room though. There are more sliding doors with a private balcony complete with a sun lounger and a small table and chairs. The balcony provides a view of the bay and the ocean stretches out before them. Deeks moves toward the doors and Kensi steps up to open them so they can go out and admire the view. He stands holding the railing looking out at the ocean and lets out a contented sigh. "This here," he nods at the view. "I wish I could afford a place like this or just even a view like this. It's perfect."
Kensi joins him as they stand and listen to the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach and the odd screech of a gull. Other than that it's wonderfully quiet. Kensi edges towards her best friend, they stand together with shoulders and hips touching, happy to be in each other's company. Deeks arm snakes around her shoulders and he pulls her in with a squeeze. "Thanks." He drops a kiss on her temple and she melts a little at the tender gesture.
After a few minutes Deeks breaks the silence, "So, we have this place to ourselves for the day?"
"For the weekend," she corrects. "Although not quite to ourselves. I invited the guys too. They should be here shortly." She thinks she might have caught a brief moment of disappointment at the mention of their friends, but dismisses it as wishful thinking. "I wanted to do something fun for you. I know you don't want to admit it but sitting around all day is getting to you." Before he has a chance to brush off her comment with the possibility of the situation getting awkward she takes a step back and looks at him. "Don't okay. No excuses, no feeling sorry for yourself. This weekend is yours and I want you to enjoy it. Can you just let me do this for you, please?"
He stands there dumbfounded. How does she do this to him? how can she make him feel so special, so wanted and important. This amazing woman that he cares so much for, more than he can admit, is doing this for him. Her words, her concern stun him and he wishes he could read her mind and know what she's really thinking. He just needs something, a little sign that this is more than just friendship. He wants her more than he's wanted anything in his life, not necessarily in a sexual way, though he's a man and it would be foolish to deny the effect she has on him, but he wants her in his heart not just his bed. But he'll be damned if he ruins what they've got, so he just needs a sign, something from her to let him know that their 'thing' isn't just a game or something he's imagined.
He tentatively holds a hand out to her and she looks at it, studying it closely and his long fingers. With a smile she reaches for him placing her own hand in his and letting him wrap those strong fingers around hers. She feels his warmth spread through her causing butterflies to take flight in her tummy. He rubs his thumb along her wrist and the butterflies increase their activity at the intimateness of the situation. Looking into his eyes she tries not to blush as she imagines herself leaning up and into him, brushing her lips against his in a reassuring kiss. She finds herself having to break eye contact. The feelings she's experiencing overwhelm her and she fights to control them. Now is not the time.
Sensing the awkwardness Deeks does what he does best and once more breaks the silence, "So who's room is this?"
"Yours," she answers not letting his hand go but moving a little closer so their hands hang down between them.
"And you're sleeping where?" he asks. He knows what he wants to hear but they have company and so what he wants and what will happen are two very different things.
"Just down the hall." She squeezes his hand. "Come on, let's finish the tour before the others show up. They'll be here soon."
They finish looking around the bedrooms and as expected Deeks objects when she tells him where she's sleeping, offering to swap. She shakes her head vigorously. "This is your weekend, you get the star treatment and besides it's the only room with a bathroom attached. And you already said the view is perfect, why would you give that up?"
"Well, when you put it like that."
They are just making their way back down the stairs when the doorbell rings. Kensi hurries ahead to grab the door, leaving Deeks to retrieve his second crutch. When he catches up to her at the door she is just letting the rest of the team in. Everyone is laden down with bags and boxes but also trying to get a look at the stunning house. "Just put everything on the breakfast bar for now." Kensi points toward the kitchen.
"Oh my, this place is even better than the photos," Nell coos.
"You saw photos of this place?" Eric queries.
"We did," Nell answers, pointing between herself and Kensi.
"Been holding out on us Kens?" Callen asks depositing his box of clanking bottles on the breakfast bar.
This causes Kensi to grin mischievously.
"Hey at least you knew what was going on here," Deeks interrupts. "I thought we were out for a day at the beach. Talk about pulling the wool over my eyes." He looks at his partner feigning hurt.
"What's that out there then," she replies pointing to the back of the house. "A mirage?"
"So, not so much a lie as an omission of facts?"
"Exactly," she replies. "So do you guys need a hand bringing everything in?"
"We're good?" Sam huffs dumping two large crates down on the floor. "Just one more box and our bags."
"You could give us a hand," Nell pipes up.
Kensi follows them out to the car, letting Monty out while she's there. She helps unload the remainder of the food and grabs hers and Deeks' stuff from the SRX. Once everything is in and unpacked and everyone's stuff is stowed in their relevant rooms they start with the first drinks of the day and head out onto the deck. Monty tears off onto the beach, happy to have the freedom to charge back and forth like a lunatic not to mention all the attention he's getting.
They drink and laugh as Monty races after the various small flocks of gulls that settle on the beach.
"That dog's as crazy as you Deeks," Sam laughs.
"And about as successful as you with the birds," Callen mocks.
"Birds?" Nell and Kensi ask in disgust together while Deeks scowls at the senior agent.
"As in women," Callen informs them as if they didn't get the play on words he was trying to turn into a joke.
"We get it," Kensi dead pans, unamused.
"Your jokes need some work man," Deeks informs him. "Try not to insult the lovely ladies in our company for starters."
"Sam eyes Deeks before glancing over at Kensi who he can see looks quite happy with her partner defending her and Nell. He shakes his head smirking. "Man has a point G. I mean, you wouldn't want to upset Kens here. You may not wake up in the morning." Everyone laughs.
"Okay, I'm sorry," Callen holds his hands up in surrender.
"How about some tunes to lighten the mood?" Eric asks standing and disappearing back indoors. He returns minutes later with a big Bose wireless speaker and his computer. "New toy," he states proudly positioning the speaker in the middle of the table and switching it on. In the case is his lap top which he fires up. "So what do we fancy?" he asks and they all launch in to a mass debate about music and what best fits this occasion. Sometime later they finally figure out a play list with their favourite genres of music and they eventually get the music started. Not everything is everyone's cup of tea but there's an assortment of music playing so everyone is happy. Somewhere into their second round of drinks, Callen and Sam decide to go investigate the barbecue, declaring it man's work. Kensi normally would be one to argue with this but they all know about her lack of cooking skills so she's happy to leave them to it.
"So what time are we eating?" Nell asks checking her watch and noting it's nearly one pm.
"I don't know," Kensi shrugs. "What does everyone want to do?"
"I'm easy," Deeks answers.
"We know," Kensi teases.
"I'm okay for now but how long will it take to get everything ready?" Eric asks, ever the practical one.
"Good point. Guys how long will it take to get that thing ready?" Nell calls over her shoulder to the senior agents.
"It's gas, so just a couple of minutes. Why?" Sam calls back.
"Just wondering when everyone will want to eat?" Kensi answers.
"How much food did you get?" It's Callens turn to ask.
"Lots," is Nell's simple reply.
Callen checks his watch, "How about we start cooking around half past one?"
"Sounds good to me," Sam agrees.
"Okay then," Kensi answers after a round of nods from the rest of the team. Sam and Callen join them back in the seating area. Monty runs up on the decking nudging Deeks with his nose.
"Hi boy, having fun?" He scratches the dog's ear but Monty continues to nudge him. "What do you want huh?" The dog dashes off and returns with a Frisbee. "Oh, you wanna play. Why not?" He takes the Frisbee from the dog. "Anyone want join me and Monty on the beach?"
Eric, who is always ready for the beach in his shorts and flip flops is the first to agree. "Sure, I will."
Kensi looks at what she's wearing. "Me too but I need to get changed first." She's still in her usual jeans, t-shirt and boots unlike Deeks who had been channelling his inner Eric when he'd dressed this morning and was already wearing board shorts, tank top and hoody. He did have a canvas shoe on the non-casted leg but it had been kicked off somewhere under his seat.
As Kensi stands to go indoors Nell jumps up too. "Wait up, I need to get changed too."
The girls vanish indoors as Eric and Deeks head to the beach with Monty. They toss the Frisbee between them and Monty bounces up and down trying to catch it as it goes back and forth. Every so often one of them throws it long and Monty goes running off after it barking his head off. Kensi and Nell appear both looking more suitably attired. Kensi in a pair of well-worn cut off jean shorts and a loose fitting sheer white kaftan that allows the blue and white halter neck bikini she's wearing to show through. Nell on the other hand has a green and white jersey beach dress on and the straps of whatever swimwear she has on can just be seen at her shoulders.
Deeks turns his head as Kensi calls out to him letting him know they're there. As he watches them come down the steps from the deck he misses Eric toss the Frisbee to him and only notices at the last minute. Forgetting his leg he reaches for the Frisbee as it comes past him causing him to lose his balance and fall over.
"Deeks!" Kensi calls out panicked and with and a sudden burst of speed she's kneeling on the ground by his side helping him sit up. "Are you all right?"
Nell appears at her shoulder. "I'm fine Kens. I landed on my butt. Give me a hand up," he asks holding a hand out.
"Just stay put for a second," She tells him.
"Really, I'm fine." Nell smiles at their interaction before heading over to Eric. Deeks watches as she punches him in the arm and tells him off for being careless. "Looks like you two are spending too much time together," Deeks tells Kensi who has also turned to watch Eric and Nell. "So you gonna help me up?"
"How about we just sit here for a bit?"
"I can do that," he tells her as she sits down by him. Nell and Eric join them and they talk about Monty as the dog charges back to them, Frisbee firmly clamped in his jaws. Eric lobs the Frisbee toward the ocean for Monty.
"Bad move man," Deeks calls across Kensi and nods toward the dog who's knee deep in the breaking waves. "Hope everyone likes wet dog."
Kensi laughs but soon stops when a drenched Monty comes barrelling toward her. Too late to stand she turns into Deeks putting her back toward the dog and head down into his chest. Eric who hadn't been laughing is a little quicker and quickly stands, hauling Nell to her feet at the same time. Instinctively Deeks wraps an arm around Kensi, holding her to him and enjoying the fact that she's allowed herself to take refuge in him. Eric takes off across the beach trying to get away from the impending spray of wet dog. Nell is hot on his heals but as Monty closes on the seated pair Deeks shouts at him and points to Eric and suddenly the dog takes off after the retreating tech operator and analyst.
"You're safe," Deeks whispers looking down at his partner who's still using him as a shield. She turns slightly to watch the scene playing out on the beach. Eric and Nell try to dodge the scruffy mutt who thinks it's all a great game and is relentless in his efforts to catch the pair. She doesn't move from his embrace though and if anything relaxes further into him laughing, causing the most amazing feeling to grow in him at the sound and feel of her right there with him.
A/N: So there you go, its only lunchtime and their already snuggled on the beach.