I own nothing.

Palliate [PAL-ee-ayt]

Verb

1: to reduce the violence of (a disease); also: to ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease

2: to cover by excuses and apologies

3: to moderate the intensity of

Neither Deeks nor Kensi were really ones to draw attention to themselves. Sure, Deeks acted goofy and flirted a lot, but that was really just a cover. And everyone knew Kensi tried to keep her private life to herself. So when the two started dating, it took a while for everyone to notice.

Naturally, Hetty was the first to figure it out. It was moments when Deeks would flirt wildly with Kensi and Kensi would do nothing but give a sly smile. Plus the fact that Kensi always seemed to have a special smile on her face when Deeks entered the room. Hetty saw it early on in the relationship, but said nothing. She figured the two would tell everyone when they wanted to and as long as it didn't interfere with work, Hetty didn't see any problem.

Callen figured it out when he went to Kensi one evening to ask her what if something was going on between her and Deeks. He had noticed a change in their partnership (for the better, granted) and he wanted to know what was going on. It surprised the hell out of Callen when Deeks opened the door shirtless (apparently they had been expecting pizza). Callen was annoyed that they didn't tell him, but he accepted their relationship.

Sam found out in a slightly more awkward way. He had come to the Mission early one morning, planning a long workout. He thought the Mission would be empty and was slightly surprise to see Kensi's car in the parking lot. Sam shrugged it off and headed towards the gym. He walked in and the image that he saw was burned in his mind. It seemed that Deeks and Kensi had been sparring that turned into a make out session that got out of control. Sam was furious that they would be so unprofessional at the Mission, but was ok about them being in a relationship (though he couldn't look at either of them in the face for a while).

Eric and Nell found out in the least personal way. It was during a surveillance op and it seemed that Kensi and Deeks got a little…frisky, and forgot that Eric and Nell could see them through the camera on a stop light (and Sam thought he had it bad from the gym).

They didn't want draw attention to themselves and so they didn't. They kept everything work related normal …mostly. But to anyone who really knew them, they could tell Kensi and Deeks were absolutely crazy about each other. The gentle touches, the inside jokes, the secret glances. No matter how hard they try, they couldn't dilute how in love they really were.

I had a request to do a squeal for "Nebulizer" and this word seemed to fit well with a squeal. So here it is. Hope you enjoy it.

Same as always- feel free to review and happy reading!

*side note* Almost finished with the 2nd season and I can't wait till the start of the 3rd season!