A/N This is mainly just a filler chapter, but there will be some more action next time round. Just to clarify from the previous chapter, the term 'dressing gown' means like a 'robe' you wear when you wake up in the morning over your pyjamas. I didn't know it was just an English colloquialism, but you learn something new every day! This writing is taking time out of my revision for mock exams… :/ Enjoy.

Kensi and Deeks spent the night apart after their walk on the beach that had lasted well into the evening. Kensi could no longer last in spare clothes and she required new underwear, especially after her recent activities with Deeks which had left her feeling less than fresh. She headed home as night fell, taking a ride with Deeks back to her apartment.

The first thing that Kensi did was take a shower, letting her cherry shampoo lather down her body and allowing the hot water to relax her tense muscles. Spending the past two days with Deeks, constantly kissing, had made her content and yet tired.

After her shower she packed an overnight back in case she ended up at Deeks' apartment again in the coming days. She included a variety of clothes and a few new underwear sets, hoping to excite Deeks. Although it had been a very long time since he had gotten any action she frequently bought new lingerie, it just made her feel more self-confident and knowing that she was wearing it around Deeks made her feel weirdly turned on.

After making herself a smoothie and picking up some Twinkies from her own personal stash, she decided it was time to head to bed. Armed with her snacks she sank down into her covers, she had her phone in one hand hoping that she could find someone to talk to before she went to sleep. Although she wasn't normally a person who got lonely, she missed the warmth of Deeks beside her and the feeling of having someone near.

She scrolled down her contact list, sending a quick text to Deeks thanking him for the lovely evening and wishing him a good night's sleep. She ended the text with one more kiss than usual, hoping that he would notice the subtle change and she included a winky face to let him know she was feeling flirtatious.

The next person that she found was Nell, who usually responded quite quickly to her texts. Most nights they gossiped about anything and everything but the conversation normally led back to Nell and Eric or Kensi and Deeks. Both women were well aware of the tension that formed everyday with their work partners. Kensi thought she should probably tell her friend that she and Deeks had gotten together, but for now she decided it was best kept a secret. If Nell knew anything, it was generally not too long before everyone in the office knew about a nugget of gossip.

Kensi began the conversation and Nell replied quickly. The two began to talk about what they were getting up to over the holidays and Nell was glad that Kensi and Deeks were going away together. She didn't want her friend to be lonely over Christmas again. Nell was planning to take Eric down to her family within the next couple of days but she was bored waiting for Christmas day to come around. Nell was glad Kensi had texted her and she decided to invite her friend over for a holiday dinner tomorrow evening. Kensi gladly agreed and thanked Nell. She told her to wear casual clothes, possibly a Christmas jumper and to bring a side or dessert for them to eat.

After finishing her conversation with Nell, Kensi checked her phone once gain. She had received a text from Deeks that simply read.

'Good night beautiful. Xxx'

Kensi smiled to herself, glad to have such a perfect boyfriend.

Nell had also invited Deeks and Eric over for the evening, and with Sam, Callen and Hetty all busy it would just be the four of them. However she hadn't told Deeks and Kensi that the other was coming to the meal. She had a feeling that Kensi and Deeks were up to something, considering that Kensi had been quiet in their texts about her partner. Maybe surprising them with each other's company would mean that Nell would find out any secrets between them.

After waking up early, cleaning her apartment, going for a run down the pier and having a quick lunch at her favourite café, Kensi decided to get ready for the meal out. Although she was unaware that Deeks was there she tried to make an extra effort for the evening.

She chose out her most festive Christmas jumper, the one that her Mom had bought her last year. She pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans, a pair that accentuated her ass and ended just at her ankles giving a flash of her olive skin. Underneath she wore her favourite Christmas bra and panties, they had reindeer on them but with a lining of red lace. She then decided to curl her hair into soft waves and she applied a touch of mascara and a red lipstick, to make her outfit that extra bit festive.

After grabbing a coat, putting on some shoes, collecting the desert and a bottle of wine she headed out to her car. She was looking forward to spending an evening alone with Nell, she hadn't mentioned inviting anyone else so she was sure it would be just the two of them. She still missed Deeks, and especially the way he kissed her but they had agreed to spend the whole of the next day together so she was content with her situation.

She arrived at Nell's apartment just after six, ready for the meal at seven. Nell smirked as she saw how hot Kensi looked, with Deeks appearing soon he would appreciate her styling. Nell had always seen the way the pair looked at each other, sneaking glances at the other from across the bullpen or OPS upstairs. Although Nell couldn't judge them, she had a similar situation with Eric, but Kensi and Deeks had been through more together and they were more damaged. If they ever ended up together the road would be hard but they were what each other needed, and everyone knew about it.

Kensi sat down on Nell's couch and watched her work in the kitchen, she offered to help but her host refused, having nearly finished preparing the starter. The two women talked for a while until they were interrupted by the doorbell.

Kensi looked over at Nell with a confused expression.

"Are we expecting anyone Nell?"

"Why don't you go and see who it is?" said Nell with a smirk appearing in the corner of her mouth.

Kensi stood up off the couch, still confused at the situation. She didn't think anyone else was coming to the dinner. As she walked over to the door she could see a shadow of a tall individual, perhaps a man.

She opened the door, expecting a delivery man or a cold caller but as she peeked around she recognised the person instantly. Apparently Deeks had come to join them. He shared the same startled expression as Kensi but he was happy that she was there. Spending a night with just Nell could have got kind of weird.

Nell's smile widened in the hallway as she watched the exchange of expressions between the pair. Her plan was coming together well. There was obviously something happening that no-one else knew about.

The thought that came into both Kensi and Deeks' minds. The thought that it was going to be very hard to hide their relationship, especially in such a confined situation. All Kensi wanted to do at that moment was kiss Deeks. All Deeks wanted to do at that moment was kiss Kensi. But they couldn't, not yet.