hey guys! i'm so glad y'all are loving this :] your review are totally making my spring break awesome! i love reading every single one of them! oh and just a side note, tomorrow i'm headed back to school (yuck.) but i'm gonna try and make sure this fic doesn't go more than two days without an update. Hopefully i'll be able to work on it at school too! Which is a good possibility! so if i don't do daily updates after today, go easy on me! i'll try my best!

this chapter is kinda Deeks and Kensi reflecting on some things, and then some fluff because we can never have too much of that :]

Chapter 10

A few days later, that Thursday evening, the OSP agents had wrapped their case up earlier than normal. Deeks had asked Kensi over for dinner, or just to hang out if she preferred, but she refused; claiming she'd already had plans.

Kensi had been a little off since the morning she'd spent with Deeks and Leo, and had woken up snuggling with Deeks. He was starting to worry he'd pushed too much, had made her feel uncomfortable.

So he didn't push her into spending the evening with him and Leo, he'd just nodded and told her to have fun with her plans; shooting her a smile before getting in his car and leaving.

Deeks was tempted to rush home and scoop Leo into his arms, but as he was driving he noticed it was almost two hours before he usually picked the boy up from Mr. Jason's apartment. He looked out his window as he'd taken the long way home, driving by some of his favorite surfing places.

"I could surf a bit, then go pick him up... I'll still be early." Deeks reasoned, speeding home to get his wet suit and surf board. As he got back in his car, he stared up at the door a few down from his; Mr. Jason's.

Deeks paused for a moment, feeling a bit guilty. He should probably go get Leo; he loved the beach after all. But Deeks couldn't surf when it was just him and Leo; someone had to watch the little boy as he was out in the water.

Suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting Deeks' train of thought. He picked it up and was surprised at seeing it was Mr. Jason. The detective suddenly got nervous and worried that something was wrong with Leo; the elder man never called Deeks.

"Hello?" Deeks answered.
"Just go, son." Mr. Jason said, a smile was evident in his voice.
"Wait... huh? How- how did you know?" Deeks stammered, looking around.

The elder man chuckled. "You're forgetting that I was a detective once, as well, Marty. I heard your door open and close, so I looked out the window to see what was going on. And I see your surf board on your car, prepared to go to the beach, and yet you're still sitting in the parking lot." Mr. Jason explained.

"Yea... yea I am. I just... I got out of work early today and I should probably just go ahead and grab Leo but I drove by the beach and the waves are so perfect... you know what? I'm being irresponsible, Leo is my son and you are kind enough to babysit him for me and I need to respect that." Deeks rambled.

"Marty, you're not being irresponsible. It's completely understandable. You've all but given up your surfing, which was an everyday occurrence before Leo came to town. You've had total freedom, excluding when your job needs you, and it can be hard to adjust. You can take time for yourself, it's completely allowed. I don't mind watching the boy, he's hardly any trouble at all." Mr. Jason told him sincerely.

"You sure it's alright?" The shaggy man asked quietly. Deeks was having a lot of trouble taking time for himself. He wanted to be around Leo all the time, but he'd been a bit stressed and the way he normally took care of it was by catching some waves.

"I'm positive. I am telling you to go, Marty. What's it going to hurt?" The elder man replied kindly.

"Alright, I'll be back soon. And... thank you, Mr. Jason. I really don't know what I would do without you." Deeks smiled.

"I could say the same to you. You saved my life in the field." Mr. Jason replied.

"Yea, but that was a long time ago and you helped me get this apartment and we're more than even." The shaggy man objected.

"I just help out where I can, Marty." Mr. Jason replied. "We'll see you when you get back from surfing. Enjoy your time, unwind, relax."

"Will do." Deeks replied before hanging up. With a smile, he pulled out of the parking lot and drove down to the beach.

When he got out, and that ocean breeze and the smell of salt water hit him, Deeks grinned happily.

He really needed this.

Kensi headed straight home after their early release from work. Deeks had suggested they hang out with Leo tonight, but Kensi shot him down; lying and telling the man she had plans already.

Sadly, so far her plans were a tub of ice cream and a bubble bath.

As she wandered through her apartment, turning on lights and shifting through her mail, Kensi wondered when those plans stopped being good enough. Used to, that was all she wanted; ice cream and quiet relaxation time.

Now, she wanted loud family time. She wanted Leo running around giggling that adorable laugh and shooting her those puppy dog eyes that made her absolutely melt. Kensi loved being around the little boy; his innocence and sweet heart made her feel happy, like the world wasn't the bad place she thought it was.

Dealing with criminals, murders and horrible threats to the public every day took its toll on the woman; it made her feel like the world was dark and disappointing.

But being around the little blonde haired boy and his shaggy father, Kensi was starting to see the light.

And it scared her.

Kensi was constantly at war with herself, stuck between her walls holding her safely inside and her heart trying to climb them. And she felt like Deeks and Leo already had.

A car alarm down the street surprised Kensi and broke her thoughts. She flipped her blinds open enough so she could see, making sure it was just a car alarm.

It was, and as Kensi stared outside she noticed what a beautiful day it still was.

"I could use a run, clear my head." She told herself.

Changing her clothes and her shoes, Kensi decided to switch up her running back again today; she was always changing her routine, even more since Deeks got shot.

A shudder ran down her spine as she was brought back to that horrible time. Kensi briefly relieved those emotions; panic at the thought of him being shot, fear that he wouldn't be alright, relief when he was, and sorrow when she found out he'd been shot because of her.

Shaking her head, Kensi jogged out to her car and drove to a new running path, one she'd only used once or twice.

The beach path.

Kensi pushed herself harder than she had in a while, and she felt great. She came to a slow walk, panting heavily, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Running had always served to clear her head, make her forget about her problems and emotions threatening to bubble over.

She glanced out at the ocean and froze. Because there was Deeks surfing.

Well, her emotions were back.

She couldn't help but stare as she watched him skillfully handle the wave he was currently riding, moving and flexing with the wave.

It was kind of beautiful, Kensi thought. He was kind of beautiful.

He looked so natural, so carefree out there; so at peace. Kensi found herself walking towards the shore, moving to watch him better.

As Deeks finished the wave, Kensi watched as he smiled slightly; it made Kensi smile too. Then, he turned his head and Kensi could tell the moment he saw her. His eyebrows rose in surprise before a grin spread on his face. He waved at her before quickly paddling back to the shore.

Kensi thought about running before he could get to her, but decided against it; he'd already seen her, and she kinda did want to talk to him.

But only a little bit, she assured herself.

Deeks' happy grin had grew into an almost cocky smirk by the time he'd walked to her, placing his board in the sand. It was the same smirk that made Kensi's heart flutter and a blush threaten to make its way onto her cheeks if she didn't fight it.

Sometimes it managed to do it even if she did fight it.

He tilted his head, looking her up and down for a moment. "You stalkin' me, Blye?" He inquired.

Kensi snorted and rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defensively. "Oh please, you don't own the beach."

"Don't I? C'mon, you saw me rockin' those waves." Deeks grinned.
"I saw you riding the waves." She corrected.
"Same thing, Fern." He chuckled, getting another playful eye roll from his partner.

Kensi looked around before turning back to Deeks. "Leo not here?" She asked.

Deeks' smile faltered a bit, and his eyes turned serious. "Uh, no. He's not, he's uh... he's actually still with Mr. Jason."

"Well it's good that you're taking some time to yourself, everyone needs that. Even shaggy detectives." Kensi smiled.

Deeks chuckled and his smile came back, much to Kensi's delight. She hated seeing him frown. "Yea... still kinda feel guilty though." He shrugged.

"You shouldn't. I mean, look at Sam! He hangs out with the team some nights when we all go out, and he and Callen hang out a lot; basketball games, morning runs, a lot of stuff." Kensi reasoned.

Deeks smirked. "Yea, their level four bromance is quite impressive."
Kensi laughed at that. "Will they or won't they?"

Deeks grinned before turning serious again. "Yea, but Sam also has a wife. That's kinda different than leaving a kid with his babysitter."

"Well you have me." Kensi blurted before she could stop herself.
"Wait, I'm sorry what? What was that?" Deeks grinned.

"Uh... I mean... I didn't mean it like that and you know it." Kensi rambled, her blush coming back.

"Kensalina wants to be my wifey? Missin' your husband, Melissa?" He teased.
"Oh shut up. If anything Justin misses me." She retorted.
Deeks nodded. "I'm sure he does. Who wouldn't?" He said sincerely.

Kensi shifted on her feet and looked away, the conversation getting a little too outside her comfort zone. "What I meant was that... if you ever needed some time...y'know, without Leo for a bit... I could, I could maybe watch him, sometime." She explained.

Deeks was floored. This was Kensi, Kensi Blye: complete and total badass. Kensi Blye, near hater of kids, offering to babysit Leo for him if he needed time to himself. The fact that she would even offer meant the world to him.

Before he fully realized what he was doing, Deeks wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace. She squealed in surprise and tried to wiggle out of his arms, laughing.

"Deeks, no! You're all wet!" Kensi exclaimed.

"What's wrong, Princess? You don't like my hugs?" Deeks grinned, tightening his arms around her and shaking his hair out; sending water flying all over her face.

She squealed again and tried to push away from him. "I don't like you hugging me when you're like a wet dog!" She teased.

"The water won't hurt you, Kiki don't be such a girlie girl." The detective shot back.
"I'm not, I just don't want to get wet." Kensi rolled her eyes.

Deeks paused for a moment, before his eyes got that mischievous twinkle in them. Kensi looked at him cautiously, trying to figure out what he was thinking.

"Deeks?" She asked.
"Uh-huh?" He replied.
"What are you doin?"

Deeks grinned. "I'm not doin' anything."
"I don't believe you." Kensi shot back.
"You shouldn't." He chuckled.
"Why..." She trailed off.

Then, Deeks picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and ran straight back into the ocean.

"Deeks no!" Kensi squealed, but laughing nonetheless.

"I'm sorry Princess, I can't hear you over the waves!" Deeks yelled, grinning as he spun them around.

"Deeks don't you dare dunk me in the water!" Kensi exclaimed. She was only a few inches from having her head in the water, and she was trying to wiggle her way out of the lock his arm had around her legs, swatting his butt in the process.

"Ooh, Kensi gettin' a lil' frisky there." Deeks chuckled.
"Deeks I'm serious take me away from the water." Kensi said.

"Oh, what was that, Fern? Put you in the water? Alright, if you say so." Deeks said, grinning.

"Marty Deeks I swear to God-" but she didn't finish. Deeks pulled her off of his shoulder, wrapped his arms around her waist, and fell straight backwards; plunging them both in the water.

Kensi sat up and gaped at Deeks; not believing he just did that. She pulled the hair that had fallen out of her pony tail away from her face and tried glaring at her partner; but the smile twitching on her lips gave her away.

Deeks raised up grinning at her. "Doesn't the water feel great, partner?"
She rolled her eyes and splashed him. "Goof ball."

The man arched an eyebrow at her. "Did you just splash me?" He asked.
"Hmm? Oh you mean this?" Kensi grinned, splashing him again, but harder this time.

"Oh, it's on Blye." Deeks narrowed his eyes at her, standing up and splashing her twice as hard as she did.

Kensi laughed and turned her head. "Deeks!" She yelled, splashing him again.
"Can't take it, Blye?" Deeks grinned, throwing more water at her.
"I'm gonna kill you!" She squealed, splashing him back with a huge smile on her face.

"You wouldn't do that, Fern. You'd miss me too much." Deeks smirked.
"Nah, it'd just be quiet for once." She teased.

He narrowed his eyes at her before taking a step towards her. Her eyes widened and she knew what he was doing.

"Deeks, no!" She yelled right as Deeks tackled her back into the water.

Kensi broke the surface and rolled her eyes, not even noticing that Deeks still had his arms wrapped around her or that her hands were gripping his biceps.

"You'd miss me, right?" Deeks asked softly, insecurely

Kensi frowned, she didn't mean for him to have taken that seriously. She smiled and titled her head teasingly. "Well, maybe a little bit."

"A little bit." Deeks chuckled softly.

It was then that they realized their embrace, and how it was almost intimate how close they'd been holding each other. Deeks' eyes widened a bit and Kensi blushed, immediately pulling away.

"So, I um... I should get going." Kensi stammered, standing up fully.

Deeks nodded, staring at her; the water had made her running clothes absolutely cling to her; showing off her curves amazingly.

Kensi cleared her throat, drawing his attention back up to her eyes as she blushed again. Deeks chuckled slightly.

"What?" She asked.

Deeks reached forward and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "That's a nice color on you." He said lowly.

Kensi smiled slightly and looked away. "Thank you." She mumbled, shifting nervously.

Deeks backed away, not wanting to overstep. Even though he probably already had. But she hadn't objected so far, Deeks mused.

"I promise I'll be good; I won't throw you in the water again." He grinned.
She arched an eyebrow at him. "I'm watching you, Shaggy."
"And who could blame you? I'm quite the view." Deeks winked.

"Oh gosh." Kensi rolled her eyes as they walked back up to the shore and Deeks retrieved his towel.

"Here, you take it." Deeks said, holding it out to you.
"I'm good, Deeks. Don't worry about it." Kensi shook her head.
"Kens. Take the damn towel." Deeks rolled his eyes, smiling nonetheless.

She snorted. "Bossy." But she took the towel and started drying off.

Deeks burst out laughing, shaking the water out of his hair and picking up his surfboard. "Oh please, like you can talk Fern!"

Kensi didn't have a response to that. Deeks grinned victoriously.

"So, sorry for gettin' you all wet." Deeks smirked.

Kensi laughed and punched his shoulder. "What? I'm trying to be nice and apologize!" He said incredulously.

"Yea. Sure." Kensi rolled her eyes.

The two laughed and Kensi looked up at Deeks. "This was fun." She admitted.
"Yea, it was." Deeks nodded.

The two stared at each other for a moment, and Deeks smiled softly at her. "I should let you get home, get to those plans of yours." He said.

Kensi bit her lip. "Uh, yea... plans." She nodded.

Deeks smirked and leaned closer to her, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered. "If your uh, plans fall through, my door's always open. Leo's picking dinner tonight." He told her.

Kensi almost giggled at the feel of his scruff brushing against her cheek. "Thanks, Deeks." She smiled.

He nodded and before he pulled away completely, gently kissed her cheek. Kensi smiled slightly and Deeks shot her a wink.

"See you around, partner." He drawled, before turning and walking to his car; putting his board on top before driving away.

Once he was gone Kensi touched her cheek where his lips had been, the spot still feeling tingly.

Deeks made her feel like a high school girl with a crush again.

Except she knew it was a lot more than just a crush.

Leo decided that he wanted "tawcos" for dinner, which meant Deeks needed to go to the store. He and Leo chatted happily as they drove there, and Deeks put the boy in one of the carts and wheeled him around the store.

Deeks was absolutely amazed at the attention he got from women with his adorable son in tow. Five minutes in the store, and Deeks had already had four women come up to him, introduce themselves and coo over Leo, and give Deeks their phone number with a wink before walking off.

After the fifth phone number, Deeks raised his eyebrows at Leo. "Do you have super powers I'm not aware of?" He teased.

"I no know." Leo shrugged. "How come all the girlies is gibin you papers?" he asked sweetly.

Deeks chuckled. "Those girlies want Daddy to call them."
"Do dey want you to be there boy-fwend?" Leo asked.

The detective grinned at his son. "I think so, little man. I'm pretty sure you're a chick magnet, Peanut."

Leo shrugged. "Girlies wike me."
This caused his dad to burst out laughing. "Well, girlies like your daddy too."

"Are you gonna call dem?" Leo asked.
Deeks paused. "Uh...probably not."
"Why?" Leo asked.

"Because I don't know them, and Daddy doesn't like hanging out with strange women anymore." Deeks replied.

"Why?" Leo asked.
"Because I'd rather hang out with a girl I know." Deeks smiled.

"Wike Kens?" Leo grinned.
The man chuckled and resumed pushing the cart. "Yea, like Kens."
"Cuz you lub her?" Leo asked.

Deeks froze and chuckled nervously. "Well uh..." He said, trying to figure out how to answer, when a new voice saved him from having to.

"Deeks?"

The detective turned to see Nell standing there with a basket in her hands and a smile on her face. Deeks smiled back.

"Hey there, Nell." He greeted.
"Nelly!" Leo exclaimed, jumping up in the cart.
"Whoa there, little man. Careful." Deeks smirked.

Nell grinned at the boy. "Hi, Leo! How're you?" She asked.
"I good. How's you?" He replied.
"I'm good too, thank you." Nell smiled.

"You wook pwetty, Nelly." Leo smiled at her.
Nell giggled and looked at Deeks. "Your son is quite the little charmer."
Deeks grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I have no idea where he gets it."

"Oh I'm sure." Nell laughed.
"Nelly does you wanna eat wiff us? Jeff Daddy is makin' tawcos!" Leo exclaimed.
"That sounds like a lot of fun but I've already got plans." Nell frowned slightly.
Leo deflated. "Oh."

"What, you and Beale snugglin' up for the night?" Deeks teased.

Nell's face turned pink. "Wha-what? No! Of course not! Why would we be snuggling?" She gasped.

"Chill out Nelly, I was just joking." Deeks grinned.
"I'll have you know I have plans with a girlfriend." Nell said seriously.

Deeks perked up. "Really now? This sounds very interesting, I'd actually love to hear more."

Nell laughed and rolled her eyes. "A friend that's a girl, Detective."
"Of course, why else would I be interested?" Deeks winked.

"Nelly does you have a boy-fwend?" Leo asked.
Nell giggled. "Nope." She replied.

"Well there is Beale." Deeks commented.

Nell shot him a look and Deeks just held his hands up in surrender. "You're daddy's gonna be in trouble if he doesn't stop being such a goof." Nell told Leo.

Leo giggled. "A bunch of girlies gabe Daddy papers so he can call dem." He told her.

Nell raised her eyebrows and looked at Deeks. "Oh really?" she laughed.

"Yea, it's like having your kid around and no wedding ring has some kind of gravitational pull. I don't understand." Deeks shrugged.

"So you are complaining, Detective Deeks?" Nell teased.
"Daddy said he no wanna call dem. He loves Kens." Leo explained.

Deeks' face dropped in horror. "I never said that!" He said quickly.
Nell's eyebrows rose and she grinned at Deeks. "Oh and you tease me about Beale?"

"Nell for the love of God, please; he's three he has no idea what he's saying." Deeks begged the tiny analyst.

"I almost four!" Leo said indignantly.

Nell shrugged. "Well he's not telling me anything I don't already know."
The detective gaped at her. "I'm sorry, what?" He asked.

"Oh please, Deeks. Everyone knows you two have a thing." Nell smiled.
"A thing..." Deeks mumbled under his breath.

"If you're worried I'm gonna run and tell Kensi, don't. I won't, I'm cooler than that. Your secret is safe with me, Deeks." Nell smiled at him.

Deeks chuckled uncomfortably, taking a step towards her. "I never said I love her." He said quietly.

"You never had to." Nell replied just as quietly.

Deeks paused at this, letting her words sink in. He'd hoped he'd been able to keep his feelings for Kensi under wraps, but apparently he was wrong.

"But, I do specialize in analyzing things. I'd say most people don't know." Nell comforted him.

Deeks nodded. "Let's hope so."
"Well, I'd better get going. My friend is waiting on me." Nell smiled.
The man chuckled. "Yea, get goin'. See you tomorrow, Velma."
"Bye Shaggy." Nell smiled.

"Bye Nelly!" Leo exclaimed.

The tiny woman turned and beamed at Leo; absolutely melting from his adorableness. "Bye Leo! It was really great seeing you." She replied.

Leo stood up and extended his tiny arms out to her. "Hug." He demanded.

"Aw!" Nell cooed, and gave the boy a hug. She pulled away and gave him a tiny peck on the cheek before waving at them both and walking off.

Deeks looked at his son and grinned as he saw the little boy's cheeks turning pink. He leaned towards him. "Someone's got a crush on Nelly." Deeks grinned.

Leo giggled. "She pwettty. But you can't tell her, Daddy!" He exclaimed.

Deeks shook his head. "I won't. And you won't tell Kens anything. Right?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Wight." Leo nodded seriously. Deeks smiled and wheeled the cart down a different aisle, picking up the rest of the stuff they needed.

Deeks was putting the finishing touches on the tacos, almost ready to put on the plates, when the doorbell rang. Leo looked up from his coloring book at the table, scrunching his eyebrows.

"Nelly?" He asked, suddenly getting excited.
Deeks shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I know who that is."

He walked through the apartment, wiping his hands on a towel before throwing it over his shoulder and opening the door. Just as he suspected, Kensi was standing there; in jeans and a t-shirt, looking just as beautiful to Deeks as she ever did.

Deeks leaned against the door and smirked at her. "Plans my ass." He teased.
"Oh shut up." She rolled her eyes.
"I shoulda known you'd show up right when it's done." Deeks teased her.
"Yea, yea, shaggy. I was offered tacos." Kensi arched an eyebrow.

He nodded and lead her to the kitchen, but before he got too far Kensi swatted his butt. Deeks turned around and smirked at her.

"Princess, I know I'm irresistible but you're gonna have to put a lid on that; at least until Leo's asleep." He teased.

"Oh please, you are not that irresistible." Kensi rolled her eyes.

"Oh is that why I got seven women's phone numbers at the store today? Why you showed up at my door? Do I even need to mention the placing of your hand on my-" Deeks grinned, but she cut him off.

"You got seven phone numbers at the store?" Kensi asked, a sharp tone in her voice.
"Little jealous there, Fern?" Deeks teased.

"Wha? Psh, no." Kensi snorted.
"Uh huh." Deeks chuckled, and the two entered the kitchen.

"Kens!" Leo exclaimed happily, running over to her and hugging her legs.

"Hey, baby boy. How are you?" Kensi smiled, lifting him up into her arms.

Deeks grinned at hearing Kensi's pet name for his son.

"I good. Why I no see you today? I saw Nelly." Leo pouted.

Kensi looked surprised, turning to Deeks. "Nell was here?" She asked.
"Jealous?" Deeks smirked, taking a sip of his water. He was rewarded with an eye roll.

"Nah, we saw her at the store. Leo about jumped out of the cart at the sight of her." He chuckled.

"Oh really?" Kensi grinned, tickling Leo.

"Nell has cast a spell on my son. Asked if she had a boyfriend, demanded a hug, turned pink when she gave him a kiss on the cheek." Deeks chuckled.

Kensi laughed as Leo blushed again. "You like Nell, Leo?" She asked.
"Nelly pwetty." Leo nodded.

"That is so cute." Kensi grinned, setting him down.
"We Deeks men are manly and ruggedly handsome, not cute." Deeks corrected her.

"Oh please." She rolled her eyes.

"C'mon, Princess you know I'm ruggedly handsome." He grinned at her, tugging her closer to him. "You've even said so yourself." Deeks added, reminding her of the time in the desert when they were tracking missing Marines.

"Yea, yea, yea, Shaggy. Food, remember?" Kensi chuckled.

Deeks winked at her before turning back to his stove. He was unbelievably happy that she came. He knew when she told him earlier that she had plans it was a lie; but he was afraid to push her and drive her away for good.

But Kensi had come willingly. Even when she had an out for having "plans"; Deeks didn't call her on her lie, he just let it be.

Maybe she liked hanging out with him and Leo just as much as they did with her. Deeks sure hoped so; because he found himself wanting to be around her more, and more, and more.

there we go! hope you enjoyed it! oh, and the whole Leo's crush on Nell thing was thought up by my brudder, N7sdr93! so shout out to him! :] like i said earlier, i'm gonna try and make sure i don't go more than two days without updating if not sooner! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter!