Prompt: Can you do a fanfic about maybe Fatima or Roundtree talk to Kensi or Deeks, questioning them about their relationship like how they got together and how they made it work because they are starting to develop their own feelings for each other and want some advice.

A/N: I should preface this by saying that I'm not exactly behind Fatima and Rountree being a couple, which is probably part of the reason that this prompt has languished in my inbox for so long. That being said, I did my best. I believe I've also done some version of this before.


"Happy Anniversary," Deeks said, setting a small package on Kensi's desk as he swooped in for a kiss.

"Happy Anniversary," Kensi returned with a slight roll of her eyes even as she pulled him in a little deeper, so he swayed into the front of the desk.

"I thought your anniversary was in March," Rountree commented once they were parted.

"Oh, that's for our wedding anniversary." Deeks glanced towards the present, which Kensi was eagerly unwrapping, and added, "This is the anniversary of the day we met."

"How many do you celebrate?" Fatima asked, joining Rountree at Sam's desk.

"Officially?" Kensi said, removing a candle shaped like a tiny cactus in a miniature pot. "Aw, this is adorable. Thank you, baby."

"You're welcome. And to answer your question, three. The day we met, the day we officially started dating, and of course, the day we got married," Deeks replied. He eyed their slightly younger colleagues, realizing that they were watching him and Kensi with great interest.

"Wow, that's a lot to keep track of." Rountree made an impressed expression. "How long did you guys know each other before you started dating?"

"Uh, about five years," Kensi answered.

"Damn, I always forget about that. From the way Sam and Callen talk, it always sounds like you were together pretty much from the beginning." Resting her chin on her fist, Fatima leaned forward eagerly. "What took so long? I mean, just out of professional curiosity."

"Of course," Kensi said. "This sudden interest wouldn't have anything to do with whatever you two were doing in the shooting range after hours, would it?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Fatima said immediately as Rountree gasped out,

"How the hell do you know about that?"

"You're talking to two people who know a whole lot about sneaking around, not to mention every conceivable hiding place/make out spot in this building," Deeks informed them with a smirk as he settled into Callen's seat.

"You know what, if you're just going to make fun of us—" Fatima made to get up from her chair.

"Ok, ok, we're sorry." Kensi held up her hand in apology. "It took us a while to click as partners and then a couple more years before we realized that we had feelings for each other." She looked to Deeks, reaching for his hand. "From there, we had to decide if we were prepared to change the status of our relationship, for better or worse."

"Yeah, those were a couple ugly years. Lots of miscommunications, frustration, hurt, and for some reason, really weird metaphors," Deeks added. Fatima and Rountree were silent for a minute.

"Oh. So, what would your advice be for someone who might find themselves in a similar situation?" Rountree asked, very carefully not looking anywhere in Fatima's direction. It felt remarkably familiar and made him infinitely glad that time in his and Kensi's life was long past.

"I would say, realize that it's not a decision that you should make lightly. You can't undo that kind of change," Kensi told them gently. "Believe me, we tried and it did not work at all."

"Yet at the same time, don't approach the idea with fear," Deeks added, sharing another private look with Kensi. "It may just be the best decision you ever make."

"Does that help at all?"

"Yeah, a little," Fatima said with a shrug. "Hypothetically."

"Good. Oh, and just an extra piece of advice," Deeks glanced around the room before continuing in a lower voice. "The burn room is significantly more convenient and discreet for meetings of a clandestine nature."

"Just make sure you knock first," Kensi added pointedly.