A/N: This is very random. Kensi and Deeks' relationship from an outsider's point of view.
"So how long have you and Marty been together?" Kensi glanced over at Abby Freeman, a witness she and Deeks were protecting. They'd been holed up in one of Hetty's safe houses for the past two days. They were sitting at a small table with a laptop between them.
"We've been partners for about 10 years," Kensi said, her mind on the list they'd compiled of people who might want to kill Abby. At first glance it seemed improbable that anyone would want to harm the bubbly young woman. But she'd already had two attempts made on her life, so clearly she had at least one enemy. "But we've been a couple for about 4 years now."
She'd spent most of her time questioning Deeks about his days as a lawyer. Although it wasn't too blatant, it was clear to Kensi that Abby preferred Deeks' company.
"Huh, I guess that makes sense," she said, something in her tone catching Kensi's attention.
"What makes sense?" Kensi asked, frowning at the younger woman.
"Lots of couples have problems after a few years." She shrugged as Kensi tried not to gape at her.
"We're not having problems." Kensi realized she sounded defensive and cleared her throat, smiling at Abby. "Deeks and I are fine."
"Really? You guys argue all the time and…" Abby trailed off, inclining her head as though Kensi could somehow guess what she was thinking. After an uncomfortable moment she finally said, "You're kind of mean to him."
"When have I been mean to him?" Kensi asked, belatedly realizing that she probably shouldn't be having this conversation with a witness. Abby snorted.
"You've called him an idiot at least three times since I've been here and you're always insulting him or making snide comments about the way he looks." Kensi was too floored to say anything and Abby reached across the table and squeezed her hand briefly. "Look, I shouldn't have said anything. I'm gonna go to my room."
Kensi wandered into the kitchen a while later where Deeks was cooking dinner. She watched him throw a handful of chopped vegetables into a sizzling pan as he hummed to himself. He didn't notice her, consumed with his task, so she walked under behind him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hey," he said happily, craning his head at an awkward angle to kiss her cheek.
"What are you making," she asked.
"My famous stir fry with rice." He waved his hand dramatically over the pan, reminding Kensi of an old TV cook.
"How is it famous if you've never made it before?" She moved to his side so he could attend to the food, leaning against the edge of the counter.
"It's gonna be the best stir fry you've ever had, just you wait," he declared, giving the pan a shake so half the veggies flipped before falling back on the heated surface. "Now what's going on? You've got that look on your face that says you're thinking something, but you don't want to say what it is."
Sometimes it was annoying how well he knew her. She sighed and asked,
"Do you think the way we communicate is healthy?" Deeks snorted at her question.
"Of course it is," he said automatically, glancing down at her with a smirk. It quickly switched to a frown. "Wait, you're serious. Kens, what's going on?"
"Abby mentioned that she heard us arguing and some less that complimentary things I called you," she admitted reluctantly.
"What kind of things?" Deeks asked, frowning as he flipped his hair out of his eyes.
"She heard me call you an idiot, among other things." She shrugged. "It just made me wonder if it bothers you when I say things like that."
"Kensi, we've always teased each other like that. It's part of our charm."
"That doesn't mean it's ok," she said, determined to see this conversation through. "If it's a problem, I can change."
"You're really concerned about this, aren't you?" Kensi nodded and he pulled her against his side. "Kens, if I had a problem with the jokes you make, I'm pretty sure I would have mentioned it by now."
"You're sure?"
"Positive. When you call me "idiot", I hear I love you," he said with a giant grin." Kensi rolled her eyes, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
"Idiot," she said fondly.
"I love you too," he said.
A/N: I'm not saying that insults should be used as a form of endearment, but clearly Kensi and Deeks do not have an unhealthy relationship or way of communicating.