Shorter chapter this time. HUGE thanks to justareader07, who is more awesome than words can say! Hope you all like it.

Deeks sighed as he laid in bed, the cold sheets next to him a sharp reminder that his wife – his other half – wasn't there. Kensi was currently on a three day excursion with Sam in Washington to help with some training and learn a little themselves. She hadn't wanted to go, but it was a good opportunity to meet with other people and get in some more forensic knowledge. He had reluctantly dropped her off at the airport yesterday, and Sam had started gagging - before being elbowed by Michelle, who reminded him that once upon a time they were like that - at the very public display of affection they had shown everybody before they boarded the plane.

And now, here he was. Alone. A lone lonely loner. Well, Monty was here, but his favorite shaggy mutt just wasn't the same kind of sleeping partner as Kensi. How was he supposed to sleep without the incessant piglet snorts she did? He should have recorded it before she left, that way he could at least have the pretense she was there.

He rolled over again, grabbing his phone. It was 2:30am where she was, but he sent the text anyway.

Sleeping alone sucks. Monty doesn't snore.

He was pleasantly surprised when his phone beeped almost immediately.

I don't snore.

Yeah you do, Princess. And I love you even more for it. He could practically feel her eyes rolling.

I miss you too.

I miss you more. And I can't sleep. So go ahead and come home, okay?

I'll be home in two days. It's not that long.

It's three days too long.

Well, if it's any consolation, Sam isn't nearly as good a snuggle partner as you.

WHAT!?

Hahaha I can imagine your face right now. Don't worry, he's in the room next to mine.

That's mean. WAIT – so you're alone right now?

We are not sexting, Deeks. Or anything else you're thinking about right now.

Wow way to ruin the moment.

I love you. Get some sleep babe.

I love you more Kens. Sweet dreams.

Deeks put his phone back on the nightstand and rolled over, hugging the pillow next to him that smelled like her. While the pillow was a poor substitute for the real thing, it would have to do.

BREAK *

Deeks groaned and rolled over, hitting the snooze button again without opening his eyes. He laid there, exhausted, barely getting any sleep last night. The pillow was still clutched to him and he finally lifted an eye-lid and looked at the clock.

8:35am.

Shit, I'm going to be late. Pre-Kensi, this was accepted. The team would look at him weird if he showed up anywhere close to on time. Post-Kensi – well, that woman hated being late. He had finally gotten through to her that being an hour early to work was just too much. They had compromised on half an hour early. It had taken a lot of beer and some… persuasion, but he had finally gotten her to agree.

Deeks jumped out of bed and dressed, running his hand through his hair. He grabbed an apple on the way out, planning on getting coffee once he got to work. As he got to his car, he saw a pale blue piece of paper on the windshield. "Why that little minx," he said to himself. He shook his head, already smiling and got in the car before opening the note.

You're running late, aren't you? I'm gone one day and you're already resorting to your old habits. Don't worry, I cleared it with Hetty for you to come in at noon. So, head to the coffee shop on the corner. I miss you more than you could imagine. Smile Sunshine! - K

He sat there, looking at the note, remembering all the other times they had done this for each other. But this was the first time he knew that his ultimate prize wouldn't be waiting for him. No, prize wasn't the right word. She wasn't something he had won, but something he treasured with every single breath he took.

As he pulled into the parking lot of the coffee shop, he laughed. This was the same shop he had sent her to the night he proposed. He walked in and looked around. What the hell was he supposed to do, just walk up to the counter and say 'hey, my wife sent me here'? Deciding there really wasn't another option, he smiled at the guy behind and the counter and strolled forward.

"Hey man –"

"You must be Deeks. Hold on just a second."

Deeks was speechless. So this must have been what Kensi had felt like. Although when he sent her here, he had made sure there wouldn't be any other patrons so there wouldn't be questions. He looked around, but everyone was busy with their own lives, lost in conversation or tapping away at their computers.

A few minutes later, the guy walked up.

"Large low fat soy latte. And this." He handed Deeks his coffee and another pale blue piece of paper.

"Thanks man. Have a great day." He tucked a ten dollar bill into the tip jar and sat down next to the window. He took a sip of coffee and unfolded his note.

Ah, the nectar of the Gods. Hope this helps wake you up. Sit here, enjoy the coffee. When you're ready, head to the pier and look under the bench at the fourth light. Smile Sunshine! Xoxo – K

This woman… she was something else. She knew he wouldn't sleep well, would wake up late, and now made sure that he had some surprises from her to get him through until she came home. He finished the coffee and stood up, feeling better already. He pulled his phone out to shoot her a text, but decided to wait until he had completed his tasks.

The coffee had done its job of waking him up and he got in the car, heading towards the pier. He arrived fairly quickly and parked, eager now to see what was waiting for him.

He made his way down the pier, the sunshine and breeze hitting his face. He inhaled deeply, the smell of the ocean flooding his senses. When he got to the fourth light, he squatted down and looked under the bench, pulling free the pale blue paper. This one was a little different, and when he opened it up, there was a key taped to the paper. Tilting his head to the side, he read her words.

I hope it's a beautiful day there today. There are some storage units across the street for people to put their boards and such in so they don't have to lug them around. 879 B. Smile Sunshine! I love you! - K

Deeks was well aware of the units, but had always preferred to 'lug' his around. Glancing that direction, he wondered what he would find. He hurried over, saying hi to a few people he recognized and easily found the right unit. He put the key in opened the lock, carefully opening the door.

His mouth fell open. In front of him was the surfboard he had been wanting for months. Not to ride – no, this was too precious of a board for that – but to collect. He hadn't said anything to Kensi about it, and he wondered how the hell she knew about it.

There before him, in all its pristine glory, was a 1968 10'1 Greg Noll Longboard, signed by Greg Noll himself. It was sea blue with a white stripe down the middle. He stared in awe at it, running his hand down the side. It had been a dream of his to collect vintage boards, but he hadn't started that yet. There was always something else going on, other things to buy.

As he pulled it up to inspect it further, he saw the blue paper on the floor next to it. He bent down and picked it up, smiling like an idiot who just won the lottery. He was already figuring out the best place to hang it up at home as he opened the note.

SURPRISE! I hope you like it. I saw you eyeing it online one day, and you've talked about collecting boards for a while. I wanted to give this to you for our anniversary, but I figured this was a little more perfect. And even though I'm not there to see the look on your face, I know it's euphoric. I hope you have an amazing day sweetheart. Catch the bad guys, annoy Callen, pet your new board and think of me. I'll be home soon babe. BTW – this would look pretty badass over the bed, don't you think? I love you. Smile Sunshine! - Fern

He looked between the board and the note again, unbelieving it was his. And she was right, it would look badass on the wall over the bed. He stuck the note in his pocket with the others and grabbed the board, locked up the unit and headed to his car.

Deeks carefully strapped it to his car and headed home. Once he got it inside, he shot off the long awaited text to Kensi, knowing she was probably in class right now and calling would be inappropriate.

So that's a pretty cool longboard you got me. Looks kinda old, though.

He knew she was probably waiting for something from him letting him know he got his surprise, so the quick response had him laughing.

Figured 'old' was more your style.

You figured right. Kens, this is amazing. Perfect. Thank you seems so petty but I can't think of anything else to say.

I'm glad you like it. : )

I love it! Almost as much as you.

Glad I'm still number one.

Always!

You now have a honey-do list. I want that up on the wall by the time I get home.

Yes ma'am. I love you Kensi.

Love you too Deeks. Now get your ass to work. And be safe. I'll call you tonight.

He gave one more longing look at the board before walking out and headed into work. He couldn't wait to get home and get started on the 'honey-do' list.

Kensi shuffled in her seat. She was glad that Deeks had liked the surprise, but she was now wishing she had been there when he opened the unit and saw it for the first time. Sighing a little louder than anticipated and getting a few looks her way after that, she focused her attention on the new forensic material she was learning, knowing this would help out the team when she got home.

Six long hours later, she opened the door to her room, immediately seeing a vase filled with Stargazer Lilies with a pale purple piece of paper. Laughing, she threw her purse on the desk and sat down, enjoying the smell of the beautiful flowers while opening the note.

It's been said that the Stargazer Lilies hold many meanings, one of them being 'I miss you.' Which is what this bouquet represents. Don't worry my love, the hotel is more than happy to take the bouquet when you leave to put in the lobby. For two reasons: 1) you don't have to worry about carrying it with you when you travel home and 2) you don't have to worry about keeping it alive. - Please don't kill me.

I miss you babe. Being apart is for the birds. But I hope you are having a good time and before you know it, I'll be picking you up at the airport. I love you, and know that you are always on my mind, both asleep and awake. Sweet dreams Kens. – Your Lonely Husband

Because there was no mention of the new addition to the house, she knew this was ordered before he went on his recent quest. Smiling, she ordered dinner and hopped in the shower, counting the minutes until she could see him again.

AN - leaving a review on your way out would make my day. :)