Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS: LA.

Prompt #36: Spice - Being partners with such an interestingly complex person adds a certain amount of spice to an already adrenaline-jazzed life.

Words: 532

If Deeks had to define his relationship with Kensi, he'd most definitely have to compare it with the spice rack he got from Sam via Kensi via Hetty's regift. It was nice, this spice rack - he couldn't imagine why Hetty would re-gift it, but it's Hetty, so why question it? - and came with sixteen different spices in little glass jars. Each one he could link to Kensi, its original second recipient.

Weird? Well, so was she.

Then again, Kensi was special. Different. A blend of several different things that all managed to get wrapped up in a lithe female form with the power to kick a man twice her size through a door. Depending on what the day brought, she could be prickly, sassy, gentle, or downright dangerous.

Okay, she's always dangerous. But still.

They had a special kind of relationship, a recipe Deeks was still trying to figure out. Sometimes he got close; some days, he managed to get the right mix of annoying and adorable down to get a grin from Kensi. And some days he had to duck in order to avoid the roundhouse left aimed at his shoulder.

It was a day by day kind of thing.

She was nothing like any of Deeks's other partners. They were by-the-book cops and sticklers for following procedures, but they found his humor endearing. He'd always been able to know what his previous partners were about to do or say; they were just that transparent. When they parted ways for the day, Deeks never really felt anything other than a fleeting sense of accomplishment that they had both survived the job and each other.

Kensi was anything but by-the-book; if anything, her book was missing a few chapters. He'd crack a joke, and she'd be right there with either a quip, a punch, or a comeback. Deeks rarely (more like never) knew what she'd do in any given situation, or what she'd say to keep her cover intact. When they went home for the day, Deeks always wondered what she was up to.

Not much can add excitement to a life where adrenaline is almost as constant as blood and oxygen. Not a lot can keep you on your toes when your entire day is ruled by heightened security and a life of lies you have to keep straight. Not many people can continue to surprise you when you expect almost anything to come flying at you at any moment.

But fortunately for Deeks, he'd found someone who did just that, every single day.

She kept him grounded. She kept him guarded. She made every day a new experience.

She was his partner.

And was he lucky to have her.

How did that old nursery rhyme go? "Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of."

Kensi had more spice in her than anything, but he wouldn't have it any other way. She was unique like that.

And he liked that.

Hmmm, I don't know if I did this one justice. Lemme know.

2...22...220 reviews? OMG. O.O Please keep reviewing!