oh my goodness it's so late XD and i've got tests tomorrow too XD but OH WELL! you guys are more important to me at this moment! i hope you guys like this chapter! i worked really hard on it :] it's fluffy! big S/O to N7sdr93 for editing and ideas :]

Chapter 11

A week later Kensi was pulling into Deeks' apartment lot to pick him up for work; they rode together sometimes, but not as often since he had to worry about getting Leo ready and over to Mr. Jason's. But the previous day Deeks had specifically asked her to pick him up.

She cut her engine and walked up to his apartment door, a slight cloud over her. Kensi was very well aware of what today was. She was just hoping no one else was aware of it.

Every year Kensi kept it quiet, from everyone. In fact, she was almost certain that the only other person at NCIS that knew what today was, was Hetty. But she's Hetty and she has super Jedi-ninja tricks and it was just obvious she knew everything.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and knocked on Deeks' door, stuffing her hands in her front pockets and waiting patiently. Barking came from the other side of the door and Kensi knew Monty was aware of her presence; he always went crazy when she came around. Kensi kinda loved that dog.

Then the door opened and there was Deeks grinning brightly at her, one hand behind his back and the other on the door. Kensi couldn't help but smile a little at his wild grin, and she was curious as to what had him so happy.

"Hey Deeks." She greeted.

"Do you know what today is?" Deeks asked, bouncing lightly on his feet as if he was about to explode.

Her eyes widened a bit and she tried to avoid the subject. "Uh...Friday?" She tried.

The shaggy man shook his head excitedly. "Nope. Don't play me Blye, I know what today is. You know what today is. And I know you know what today is; you're just faking." He smirked.

"All I know is it's Friday." She shrugged.

Deeks shook his head, but was smiling nonetheless. He stared at her intensely and leaned against the still open door. "Happy birthday, Fern." He grinned.

Kensi closed her eyes and almost groaned with annoyance. Of course Deeks knew today was her birthday, she thought with a sigh.

She looked up at Deeks, who was still grinning, and sighed. "Deeks, please; don't make a big deal about it."

Deeks looked shocked. "Fern, what do you mean? It's your birthday! Almost every year since I've known you we've been swamped at work or you've had 'plans'- which I highly doubt- and you wouldn't tell me for the first part of our partnership! But today, today we can celebrate!" He said enthusiastically.

"Deeks, no, really. I don't need a big celebration. I always hated when people tried to make a big deal about my birthday, and then I joined NCIS and I just never told anyone for that very reason. It's not a big deal, ok? Just another day." Kensi explained.

Her shaggy partner shook his head and his grin faded to a small, intimate smile that made her insides turn to goo and her knees weak. "No, Kensi, it's not just another day. It's a day all about celebrating you. And you, Princess, are definitely something to celebrate." He replied.

Kensi sighed but couldn't help but smile softly at his words. He was so sweet, and he cared so much about her.

She didn't think anyone else had ever cared that much about her, except for her father.

"Well, we can do a small something then... just please don't tell anyone?" Kensi begged, giving him her puppy dog eyes.

Deeks grimaced and shifted on his feet. "Yea, well about that, Kens, I may have told just one person." He said, holding up a single finger.

Her eyes widened with horror; she could already imagine the huge party she would get if Sam or Nell knew, the teasing she'd get from Callen, and Eric would no doubt sing happy birthday to her all day.

"Who?" She asked nervously.

Suddenly, two little feet came running and Kensi looked to see a grinning Leo headed straight towards her. She smiled at him and scooped him up in her arms, and he wrapped his tiny ones around her neck.

"Happy birfday Kens!" Leo exclaimed, placing a small kiss on her cheek.
"I may have told him." Deeks grinned.

Kensi smiled at her partner before turning back to the adorable little boy. She hugged him close to her and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Leo."

"I made dis for you! Is a birfday cawd." Leo told her, thrusting a piece of paper into her hands.

Kensi took it and her heart instantly melted. On the front was a big red blob that almost looked like a heart- Kensi figured it probably was - with balloons surrounding it. She opened it up and grinned; Leo had scribbled "words" all across one page, and Deeks had written legibly underneath it: "Happy Birthday Kens! Love Leo." Then there was a little stick person with brown hair and a noticeable black ring around one eye; obviously meant to be Kensi. She was also wearing a tall, red and blue birthday hat.

On the other page there was a big green blob. "What's this, Leo?" She asked him, smiling.

She glanced at Deeks and saw he was grinning. "It's a Furn. For you Furn!" Leo beamed. Kensi laughed lightly, smiling from ear to ear.

"This is the best card I have ever gotten in my life." Kensi told him enthusiastically, making sure the boy knew how much she appreciated his efforts.

"Weally? Yay!" He exclaimed.

Kensi chuckled and gave him one last hug before setting him down on his feet. "Alright, bud, we gotta get you down the hall, and me and Kensi gotta get to work." Deeks announced.

"Aw... but I wanna stay wiff Kens for her birfday." Leo pouted.
"I know, buddy. Go grab your backpack, and I'll ask her, ok?" Deeks told his son.
The boy nodded and ran off to his room.

"Ask me what?" Kensi asked suspiciously, arching an eyebrow at her partner.

Deeks chuckled and rubbed his hands together, smiling at her. "Well, Fern, we have chosen a perfect restaurant to have your celebration at. It's kinda fancy, but not too big or flashy, and Leo is in love with their triple chocolate cake; he wants to give you one for your birthday and I would like to take you to a nice restaurant for once instead of Yummy Yummy Heart Attack take out or pizza delivery." Deeks explained.

Kensi had a small smile on her face. "Triple chocolate cake?" She asked.

Deeks grinned and nodded. "Yes, Fern, triple chocolate cake. And the Deeks boys. What else could you ask for?" He smirked.

"I could make you a list." Kensi teased, tilting her head at him.

"Ouch, Princess, I'm hurt. Truly." Deeks chuckled, holding his heart, staring at her; silently begging her.

"Ok." She nodded.

His eyebrows rose. "Ok? Ok like ok you don't care I'm hurt, or ok like you'll let us take you to dinner?"

Kensi laughed. "Ok like yes, I'll let you boys take me to dinner."

"Yes!" Deeks exclaimed, hugging her quickly. Kensi laughed at his excitement as he turned and yelled into the apartment. "Leo! She said yes!"

"YAY! Dinner for Kens! Dinner for Kens!" Leo squealed as he ran back to the door with his backpack. He ran into Deeks' legs and the man laughed, holding his son steady with one hand holding his chest.

"I so escited!" Leo grinned.
"Me too." Kensi laughed.

"Ok, Peanut, you ready?" Deeks chuckled.
"Yup!" Leo nodded, and they stepped out of the apartment and shut the door.
"You wanna meet Mr. Jason?" Deeks inquired.

Kensi checked her watch. "I'd love to but we should probably get going if we don't wanna be stuck in traffic for an hour." She said, shifting on her feet.

"Alright, give me one minute and I'll be right back." Deeks nodded, leading Leo down the hall.

Kensi couldn't help but watch as the door opened and Leo turned to his dad, giving him a great big hug with a smile on his precious little face. Deeks chuckled and wrapped his arms around the boy, kissing his cheek multiple times and making Leo giggle. Deeks stood up and the two high fived before Leo turned to head inside. Her partner said something to someone inside- Kensi assumed Mr. Jason- and she couldn't help but read his lips.

"Yea, I'm really good. And yourself?" Deeks asked.

She waited as the man obviously replied, but she couldn't tell what he'd said. She just knew Deeks suddenly grinned and cast a subtle glance her way. "Yea, she's waitin' on me. No! No, no." He suddenly laughed, looking anywhere put at the man in front of him.

Kensi wondered what Mr. Jason had said that caused him to react like that, but Deeks didn't keep his head where she could read him. Then, Deeks nodded towards the man and jogged back over to her.

"Ready?" She asked.

"Did you really have to read my lips?" Deeks chuckled as they made their way down the stairs.

"What? I did not." Kensi objected.

Her partner laughed. "Oh really? So you were just staring longingly at my lips?" He teased.

Kensi turned to him as they got to her car and gaped at him. "I was not! Why would I even stare at your lips, Shaggy?" She demanded.

Deeks debated on how to answer that; he was tempted to tease her about reminiscing about their 'cover kiss' back when they were Melissa and Justin, but decided against it. It was her birthday, and he didn't want to truly piss her off.

He could irritate her a little bit though.

"Who wouldn't stare at my lips, Princess? All the ladies wanna a piece of this." He winked at her, waving a hand down his body.

"Yea, sure." She rolled her eyes.
"See? You just admitted it." Deeks grinned.
"Get in the car." Kensi told him, opening her door, a smile on her face.

He chuckled and slid into the passenger seat. They rode in a comfortable silence for a while, Deeks' leg bouncing up and down slightly. Kensi was deep in thought, thinking about Deeks and Leo.

"So you didn't tell Callen or Sam?" She asked nervously.
Deeks shook his head. "Nope."
"Nell or Eric?" She tried.
"Nope." Deeks smiled.

"And none of them are included in these birthday plans tonight?" Kensi arched an eyebrow.

"Wasn't planning on it. I wanted you to myself." Deeks replied.
Kensi glanced at him. "And what about Leo?" She asked.

Deeks' face turned red as he realized his slip up. "We wanted you to ourselves. We, I said we." He told her.

"You so did not." Kensi teased.
"It's what I meant." He quickly replied.
"Whatever you say, Shaggy." She laughed at his discomfort.

Kensi found herself checking her watch often throughout the day; eager for the night to come. As she thought about it, Kensi had gotten really excited about going out with Deeks and Leo; she knew they'd all have a lot of fun.

For once maybe she'd actually enjoy her birthday. That would definitely be a change, she thought.

As she checked her watch for at least the twentieth time that day as it was getting closer to time to go home, Sam caught her.

"Are we boring you, Kensi?" He teased.
"Huh?" She asked.
"That is the twenty-second time you've checked your watch today." Callen explained.

"Whoa, wait you guys keep track of how many times she checks her watch?" Deeks grinned, laughing lightly as he got up to get some more coffee.

"I just... have plans, that's all." Kensi shrugged.

"Oh really now?" Sam grinned. "What could be more fun than catching up on our paperwork?" He teased.

"So what are you doin' tonight?" Callen inquired.
"Movie and ice cream marathon?" Sam guessed.
"Bar with some girlfriends?" Callen tried.
"You and Nell gonna go get your nails done?" Sam grinned.
"Spa day?" Callen teased.

"Hot date?" Deeks grinned, coming back to his desk and sipping his coffee.
Kensi sent him a glare and tried not to grin. "As a matter of fact, yes."

"Wait, who yes? Nell or Spa?" Callen asked.
"Neither, hot date." Kensi replied.
"But Deeks guessed that; Deeks doesn't get to be right, he's just the temp." Sam teased.

Deeks rolled his eyes. "Nah, I know my partner. She's been all smiley and excited all day." He chuckled.

"I figured she'd gotten an extra donut in her box this morning." Callen teased.
"Oh ha ha. That was one time and it was the really good kind." Kensi defended herself.

"So who's this date with?" Sam inquired.
"A guy." Kensi replied quickly.
"Ooh, nice one, Princess. Because that totally wasn't obvious already." Deeks teased.

"It's just dinner with a guy I met at the gym guys." Kensi rolled her eyes.
"Hmm... be sure and let us know how this works out." Sam chuckled.
"Ha ha." She replied, smiling nonetheless.

The other two chuckled and they all went back to their paperwork. As Kensi was writing another report, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Digging it out she saw she had a text message from Deeks. She sent him a quick glance but he had went back to writing himself.

She opened the text and almost laughed.

So is this guy handsome?

She quickly shot back a reply and picked her pen back up.

Deeks glanced down at his phone one his right leg, and as he read it his eyebrows rose in surprise.

Very.

Deeks opened his mouth and quickly closed it. A smile started twitching on his lips at her compliment, and another text came through from her.

But he's a little tall for a three year old.

The detective chuckled and rubbed his jaw, narrowing his eyes teasingly at his partner. She was fighting back a grin as he stared at her and shook his head.

Way to crush a man, Kens.

You'll survive, Shaggy.

Deeks smiled and shoved his phone back in his pocket, knowing he needed to get back to work or risk having the senior agents catch him.

As it came time to leave, Callen and Sam bid everyone a good night and weekend, teased Kensi a little about her date, and walked out. The junior agent and the detective weren't far behind them.

Kensi was at her desk gathering her things when Deeks walked over to her, his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face.

"So, Leo demanded that the cake be brought home so we can sing to you. I told him no at singing to you in the restaurant, I figured that'd be a little too much attention for you, Fern." He chuckled.

Kensi smiled. "Yea, thank you."

"And since I've got Leo's car seat in my vehicle I was thinkin' we'll come pick you up at seven ish?" Deeks asked.

Kensi thought for a moment. "Well if we take the cake back to my house Leo will probably fall asleep by the time you guys are ready to go home, and I don't want you to have to drag him all around town sleepy and cranky. How about I drive to your apartment, and you drive from there?" She suggested.

Deeks smiled. "Good thinkin', Kens. Sounds good. Our reservations are at seven thirty, by the way." He told her.

They started walking outside to their cars when Kensi looked up at him. "Um, what, exactly, should I wear? You said it was kinda fancy, does that mean I can wear jeans or..." She trailed off.

Deeks chuckled. "Pretty much anything but jeans." He told her.
She nodded. "Ok. I'll see you at seven then." She smiled.
"Yes you will." Deeks smiled back.

Kensi drove home and smiled to herself as she walked into her apartment. She jumped in the shower and found herself humming happily.

What were those Deeks boys doing to her? She thought with a chuckle.

She wrapped her hair up in a towel and another one around her as she walked into her closet and started looking through her outfits. Kensi had absolutely no idea what to wear to this dinner, she didn't even know where they were going!

She considered some black pants, went through her skirts, but nothing she came up with nothing acceptable. Kensi groaned in frustration and went back into her closet.

"I can't possible have nothing to wear. There has to be something in this damn closet." She grumbled to herself.

As she was sifting through her closet, she came across a dress she hadn't even worn yet; it was blue, the same blue Deeks said was his favorite color. She'd bought it with him in mind right after their married undercover op before she could stop herself.

Kensi brought it out of the closet and laid it on her bed, staring at it. It was silky, and went down to a few inches above the knee; it had one sleeve, and when Kensi had tried it on in the store it'd fit perfectly.

Looking up at her clock by her bedside table, she realized that she'd spent far too long figuring out her outfit and needed to get ready. She rushed into the bathroom and dried her hair, deciding to leave it down and wavy. Kensi put on a little bit of makeup, but not too much.

She walked back into her bedroom and slipped the dress on, adding some not too tall heels, a small jacket, and her earrings, and then she was out the door.

Kensi could help but feel nervous as she walked up to Deeks' apartment; she wasn't sure if she looked ok or where Deeks was taking her. Before she could talk herself out of rushing back home and changing, Kensi bravely knocked on his door.

She only had to wait a minute, and the door ripped open. She saw his grin as he opened the door, and watched his face morph briefly into surprise- his eyebrows raising slightly- and then turn into a look of awe and adoration.

"Wow..." He whispered.
Kensi tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Hey."
"Wow..." He said again, staring into her eyes and smiling warmly.

Kensi chuckled. "You stuck on repeat, Shaggy?" She teased.

"Wow, Kensi... you are... so beautiful." Deeks said softly.

Kensi's cheeks flared red and she glanced down at her feet nervously before looking back up and taking him in fully this time. She was speechless too; he was so handsome in his black pants and white button down shirt tucked in.

"You look good too." She told him.

Deeks grinned, getting his thoughts back. "Thank you. But trust me, I'm not the more handsome Deeks." He told her motioning her inside.

"Leo!" The shaggy man called.

As they waited for the little boy, Deeks pulled something out from behind his back; a single red rose. Kensi smiled softly as she took the flower and smelled it. "Can I keep it here so it doesn't get messed up at dinner?" She asked.

"Of course." Deeks smiled.
"Thank you." Kensi blushed.

Leo came walking in from the kitchen where he was coloring -the only thing he could do without getting something on his clothes or wrinkling them- and grinned.

"Hi Kens!" He said excitedly.
"Oh my gosh!" Kensi cooed, glancing at Deeks who was grinning proudly.

Leo was wearing black pants like his dad, with a baby blue button down tucked in, complete with a perfectly tied blue and black striped tie. Deeks had even managed to comb the boy's hair neatly to the side; Leo looked absolutely adorable.

"Leo you are so handsome!" Kensi grinned at him.

The boy grinned and tugged on his tie. "Oh, tank you. You pwetty." He replied.

"How'd you wrangle him into a tie?" Kensi asked Deeks.
The man shook his head. "The tie was his idea, I tried to talk him out of it."
"Wow." Kensi smiled. "Leo can I take your picture before we go?" She asked.

"Can my daddy be in da pitcher too?" He asked.
"Of course he can." Kensi smiled.

"That was your intention all along." Deeks teased, winking at her.

Kensi rolled her eyes and pulled her phone out of her clutch. Deeks pulled Leo over to him and put his hands on his son's shoulders, the two smiling almost identically. Kensi grinned as she took a few, and then almost simultaneously the two morphed into goofy faces and she snapped a few more pictures.

"Kens take a pitcher wiff me!" Leo exclaimed suddenly.

She laughed lightly and nodded, and Deeks gently lifted the phone from her hand. Kensi walked over to Leo and pulled him into her side, Leo wrapped one arm around her waist and Kensi wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

Deeks grinned and took several pictures, and just as he and Leo had the two made funny faces at the camera. Deeks couldn't help but think how absolutely perfect this was; the three of them.

"We should probably get going." Deeks told them.
"Yay! Cake!" Leo exclaimed.
"And food." The man told him, arching an eyebrow at him.
"Otay." Leo pouted.

Kensi laughed at the two as they walked to the door Deeks had opened. He bowed dramatically and offered her his arm. She arched an eyebrow at him, checking to make sure he wasn't teasing. But when she looked at him she just saw that soft, tender look in his eyes that was reserved especially for her. It made her blush and she relented, taking his arm and making him grin.

Kensi was really surprised when they pulled up to the restaurant; it was an Italian restaurant, with a slightly fancy vibe but not too much. It was perfect. There was a small dance floor and a man playing a beautiful piano off to the side, and several tables with white table cloths and candles.

Deeks lead them to the hostess who took his name and in turn lead them to their table. Kensi grinned as Deeks pulled her chair out for her, ever the gentleman. The man also helped Leo climb into his booster seat- red, by the boy's specifications.

"Wow, Deeks this place is amazing." Kensi smiled.
"I'm glad you like it." He replied, an equal smile on his face.

"How'd you get this great table? Seems like a place you gotta book way in advance." She asked.

"The pianist is a buddy of mine, I used to work here in college." Deeks admitted.

"Oh, was this before or after your uh, dancer days?" Kensi teased, a huge grin on her face.

Deeks laughed nervously. "Yea, I should've never told you that."
"Nope. You should've. And you did. Now my question, before or after." She grinned.

"During, actually." He chuckled.

"Oh my gosh. I can so picture that." Kensi teased.
"Oh, so you're picturing my dancing days as you put it?" Deeks smirked.

"I... what? No! Of course not." She replied, hoping it sounded better than it did to her.
"Uh huh." He chuckled.

Their waitress was a very pretty blonde woman who was doing her best to catch Deeks' eye, since she didn't see a ring on either of the adult's fingers. But, it was a lost cause. The detective's attention was fully on Kensi and Leo.

"Happy birthday, Kensi." Deeks smiled at her.
Kensi glanced up from her menu and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Deeks."
"Happy birfday!" Leo grinned.
"Thank you, Leo." Kensi laughed lightly.

Their dinner was delicious, and the three sat there for a bit after they'd eaten and just talked; enjoying the company. Kensi hadn't laughed this much in one night since... actually, she couldn't remember ever laughing so much in one night.

Leo was very well behaved; Kensi figured the prospect of the triple chocolate cake was a factor in that. But he was also just a really good kid, and Deeks was a really great father.

Suddenly, the piano man walked over to their table with a big smile on his face. "Marty! It's so good to see you! You hardly ever drop by anymore." The man smiled.

"Hey there, Frank. Yea, no, I've just been so busy. Work, and now I've got my little one so..." Deeks grinned happily.

"Very adorable. And who's this pretty lady?" Frank smiled at Kensi.
"This is my partner Kensi. We work together." Deeks explained.
"Hi." She smiled.
"Hello! Any friend of Marty's is a friend of mine!" The man replied.

Then, the man turned to Deeks, an eyebrow arched. "Marty. Why have I not seen you on my dance floor tonight? I've been playing all your favorite songs."

Deeks chuckled slightly. "Yea, well, I'm just havin' dinner with Leo and Kens tonight, Frank."

"Dance, Daddy!" Leo exclaimed.
"No, buddy, I don't think so." The detective smiled slightly.

"Nonsense! I'll watch the boy for a few minutes, you and the lovely lady can have a dance!" Frank grinned.

"Uh, Frank, Kensi probably doesn't wanna dance, so we'll just enjoy your playing, alright? Thanks for the offer though." Deeks smiled politely.

Frank sighed slightly, but nodded. "Alright then. I hope you three have enjoyed your night." He smiled before turning to go back to his piano.

Deeks turned back to see Kensi arching an eyebrow at him. "What?" He asked nervously.

"I might've wanted to dance." She told him seriously.
Deeks raised his eyebrows. "Do you?" He asked.
"Nope. Ask me to." Kensi demanded.

Deeks smirked and stood up, stepping beside her chair and offering her his hand; smiling at her softly. "May I have this dance?" He asked.

Kensi almost melted, between him looking at her like that and the sweet, soft tone in his voice as he asked her, it was nearly impossible to resist. She smiled and placed her hand in his, nodding and standing gracefully.

"Hey Leo, you wanna go sit with the piano man?" Deeks asked, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of Kensi's hand.

"Yea!" Leo grinned, and the three walked over to the dance floor.

Deeks -still holding onto Kensi's hand- stopped Leo by Frank. "Leo, you sit right here for a few minutes and do not touch anything ok? Can you do that for Daddy and Kensi?" He asked.

Leo saluted Deeks with a smile. "Otay! I want you two to dance!" He told them.
They chuckled and Frank winked at the two. "I knew you'd come around."
"Yea, yea; play us somethin' good, Frank." Deeks smirked slightly.

"I can do that." Frank nodded.

Deeks and Kensi chuckled and he lead her out to the dance floor where there were a few other couples swaying back and forth. Then, Frank started up a new slow song and Kensi smiled, wrapping her arms around Deeks' neck.

"Wow, this is happening." Deeks grinned.
"Shh, Shaggy." Kensi teased.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and glanced over at Leo, checking to make sure he was behaving. And, sure enough, Leo was sitting on the bench next to Frank, gently swinging his feet as he watched the man play the piano.

Deeks turned his attention back to his gorgeous partner and smiled. It felt incredible to hold her so close in his arms, the two wrapped up in each other. As the song drew on, Deeks pressed is forehead to hers gently and smiled at her; and she returned it.

"You're not too bad, Shaggy." Kensi whispered.
"Good to know." He smirked.
"Thank you, for this. My birthday celebration." She smiled.

Deeks shook his head. "It's my pleasure, Kensi. And it's not over yet, you've still got your cake and my gift back at the house." He smiled.

Kensi's eyes widened and lit up at the thought of a gift and cake. "A gift? Deeks you didn't have to get me anything." She told him.

"Wanted to." Deeks replied softly, pulling her even closer, if possible.

Kensi closed her eyes and lost herself in the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her; making her feel so safe and something else she chose not to name. Because she couldn't name it. Not yet.

Deeks stared at her, smiling to himself, unsure at how in the world he got lucky enough to get a woman like her wrapped up in his arms.

Even if it was for only one dance.

Deeks' heart dropped as he heard Frank finish his song, and he sighed. "Play it again, Frank." He mumbled, and Kensi laughed.

"Leo ok?" She asked.

Deeks peeked an eye open and saw the boy laughing lightly at something Frank had said, and was still being as good as could be. "Yea, he's good."

"Well then, Detective," Kensi smiled, wrapping her arms around him tighter, laying her head on his shoulder, "One more dance couldn't hurt."

Deeks grinned as Frank started playing another song. "Couldn't hurt at all, Princess."

As they swayed back and forth, Deeks rested his cheek on the top of her head, breathing in her incredible smell; sunshine and gunpowder. He closed his eyes and just reveled in the feel of her in his arms, swaying gently.

The three had spent the whole ride home laughing and giggling at each other, being as goofy as could be. And when they finally got home, Deeks couldn't tell which one of the two was more excited about the cake, Leo or Kensi.

Probably Kensi, he thought with a smirk.

Deeks carefully took the delicious cake out of the box and grabbed the candles he'd picked up the day before. Kensi smiled as he put the four candles in the pack on the cake.

"Leo, my man, you wanna hit them lights for me?" Deeks asked Leo.

"Mkay!" The boy replied, running over to the light switch and slapping it; enveloping the room in dark save for the four candles.

Deeks picked Leo up into his arms- mostly to keep the boy from sticking his fingers in the cake- and the two sang Kensi happy birthday softly. Kensi couldn't help but grin as she blew out her candles.

"YAY!" Leo clapped loudly.

Kensi chuckled as she moved to switch the lights back on so Deeks could cut the cake. He served up the cake and they dug in.

"Oh my gosh, this is the best cake in all existence." Kensi moaned as she shoved another spoonful in her mouth.

"Oh yea." Leo nodded, stuffing his face.

Deeks just sat and watched the two of them, chocolate all over both their faces, and grinned. "You two are something else."

"Thank you." They replied.

"I'll be right back." Deeks told them, walking into his bedroom and grabbing a slim, long wrapped gift and taking a deep breath; he'd put a lot of thought into this gift, and he just hoped she liked it.

He walked back into the kitchen and found Kensi gently wiping Leo's mouth and hands off. "And I believe it is time for you to open your present, Ms. Blye." Deeks smiled.

Her eyes lit up immediately and she almost snatched the package out of his hand, ripping the paper off. Deeks chuckled and leaned against the refrigerator, hands in his pockets as he just watched her.

Kensi gasped as she pulled the lid of the box; inside was a silver necklace with small charms on it. "A crown," She smiled, fingering the tiny thing.

"Well, every princess needs a crown." Deeks replied.

"K, for Kensi obviously. My birthstone, and..." Kensi trailed off, fingering the last thing on the chain; gasping a bit. "Oh my gosh..."

"Kens?" Deeks asked nervously.

Before he could realize what was happening, Kensi was in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. He smiled slightly and nuzzled his face into her neck.

"How did you..." She trailed off, trying to keep her emotions at bay.
"I made a few phone calls, asked Hetty for a few favors." Deeks explained.
"You asked Hetty for favors?" Kensi gasped into his neck.
"It's worth it." He replied.

Kensi pulled back- Deeks' arms still holding her to him- and looked at her necklace; the last thing on the chain the most important.

A dog tag. Donald Blye's dog tag.

Kensi had tried getting his tags years ago, but just like when she'd tried to figure out his death she'd been shut down.

"Thank you, Deeks. So much." Kensi whispered, tears sparkling in her eyes.
"You're welcome." He replied.

She turned in his arms and handed him the necklace. "Put it on for me?" She asked.
"Of course." Deeks smiled.

He took the necklace and gently brushed her hair away, trailing his fingers over the bare skin of the shoulder that didn't have a sleeve. Deeks didn't miss the slight shiver that ran down her spine. He carefully placed it around her neck and clasped it, letting her step out of his embrace.

"Best birthday, ever." She told him.
Deeks smiled proudly. "I'm glad."

"Leo, thank you so much for my card, dinner, and the cake. I had the most amazing birthday." Kensi grinned at the boy.

Leo smiled in return. "You welcome."

"I should get going, it looks like that one's gettin' sleepy." Kensi said, watching as Leo's eyes drooped a little.

"Nah, he just had chocolate cake. He'll be up for another hour and then he'll crash." Deeks chuckled.

"It's still gettin' late. Thank you for a wonderful night." She smiled.
"Lemme walk you to your car." Deeks told her.

Deeks looked at Leo, sitting at the table with his cake and color book from earlier; he was looking a little sleepy, Deeks smiled.

He quickly got up to her at the door and quietly shut the door, walking her down to her car.

"Nice night." Deeks commented, looking up at the full moon.
"Yea, it is." Kensi smiled slightly.

She unlocked her car and leaned against her door, fingering her necklace. "I love this. Thank you so much." She told him again.

Deeks chuckled. "You're very welcome, Kens."

Suddenly it became silent between the two as they stared into each other's eyes. Deeks took a step closer to her and gauged her reaction; she just kept looking at him, and he swore she moved closer to him too.

"Kens..." He trailed off, being drawn to her.
"Yea?" She replied softly.
"I'm gonna kiss you." Deeks told her.

Before she could respond, Deeks cupped her face in his hands gently and pressed his lips softly to hers. Kensi melted and they both felt the built up feelings pouring into the kiss. Deeks moved one hand down to her waist and pulled her even closer to him, and Kensi gripped his shirt in her hands before sliding her hands into his fluffy hair. Deeks moaned softly and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

The only reason they separated was because air was a necessity. Deeks watched as she slowly blinked her eyes open, looking a little dazed. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"You should... probably get back to Leo." Kensi whispered reluctantly.
"Yea... probably." Deeks sighed, nodding.

"Happy birthday." He said softly.
"Thank you." She replied.
"Drive safe." He told her.
"No promises." She teased.

Deeks laughed and pecked her lips once more, feeling himself quickly becoming addicted to her. She smiled against his lips and he smiled back.

"I'll see ya around." Kensi told him.
Deeks nodded. "Yes you will."

He stepped back and started walking back to his apartment. Before he got too far he turned around.

"Oh and uh, Fern?" He called.
Kensi paused before sliding into her car. "Yea?" She called back.

"Just so we're clear; that was most definitely not a cover kiss." He smirked.
Kensi blushed and shook her head. "Night Shaggy."

"Night Princess." He grinned, and watched as she drove away. Deeks' grin didn't leave him for the rest of the weekend.

It didn't get more perfect, Deeks thought.

there we go! i really really hope you guys like this :] it would mean a lot to me if you guys would leave some nice reviews for me to wake up to! and you all think of me because i'm gonna be dragging through the halls at school tomorrow because i just could not stop writing this XD

necklace idea by N7sdr93 :]

WHO'S EXCITED FOR THIS EPISODE TOMORROW?! (well, actually from where i'm at it's already Tuesday because it's midnight but that's besides the point)

let's all hope my mom doesn't catch me up this late :D

nighty night lovelies!

xox