The bar was crowded and a lively music was playing. He sighted few people on the dance floor swaying, following the tune of the song. He saw them right away as he walked in. The man, his arm draped on her shoulder, was throwing light kisses on her hair. The woman with a fixed smile on her face, clearly enjoying his gesture, tilted her head more to him. Deeks watched them as they talk animatedly to the birthday celebrant.

"Deeks!" Eloise, the birthday celebrant and one of their high school friends, spotted him.

Forcing a smile, he headed towards them, witnessing how Kensi stiffened upon hearing his name but managed to spare him a glance.

This was the first time they see each other again after their last talk. He succeeded on evading her for the past week like he wanted, not going to the places he presumed she will be at. And if he hadn't seen Eloise at the supermarket earlier today and was insisted that he comes to her party, his avoidance would be perfect, Deeks would be back in LA without even catching a glimpse of her. Not that he will not see Kensi again, he will at her wedding day 6 months from now. Jack wanted him to be the best man and he agreed thinking it will be the appropriate closure to make for him and Kensi. He wasn't surprised with the offer since he was their closest friend.

Almost 2 weeks had already passed since his return. Deeks didn't realize how much he missed the place. Years of living alone in LA was lonely and if it wasn't for his job, he'll probably went back earlier. He missed their small town and everything in it, especially Kensi. He longed for the days he gets to spend time with her, the things they do together, their celebrations of holidays and special occasions.

But things were different now, Deeks knew it. He discerned that for his own sanity's sake, he had to move on. It's a must for him. Living your life with the hope that you can go back in time and change all those foolish decisions you made was senseless. He just didn't know how to start. All these years that Deeks spent each and every day secretly loving her, it already became a part of his life. And trying to do the opposite now, he was clueless as how to even begin.

"Happy birthday!" He kissed the redhead on the cheek.

"You're late! You made me doubt my convincing power for a second there, Deeks." Eloise kidded.

He grinned and turned to Kensi and Jack.

The three traded hellos. Kensi and Deeks both were doing their best to act nonchalantly to each other.

"I'm pretty sure you're as excited as me that finally, after long years of waiting, we'll get to see these two finally doing it, huh?" Eloise asked.

"Yeah. I'm happy for them."

"How about you? Don't you have special someone right now? Because if you don't, I have few friends I can introduce you with."

Kensi's ears perked up as she gazed at him, waiting for his reply.

"I'm as free as a bird." He answered. First step to moving on.

Eloise's face brightened. "That's good news. I can't wait for you to meet them."

A slow song started playing, Jack was about to take Kensi's hand and lead her to the dance floor when Eloise took his hand instead.

"Come on, you two! You're getting married already, can you at least separate for a while? It's my birthday, dance with me first Jack! Let Deeks take Kensi." She didn't wait for his reply and grab Jack.

Every night,

Every day

You're the one I always dream of

Every line of your face

Is sketched so plain inside my heart

Kensi and Deeks were left standing awkwardly, trying to look anywhere but at each other.

You've grown so deep inside of me

You're everything I feel and see

And you're the one, you're the one I love

Kensi saw him lift his hand and offered it to her. She looked at him in wonder and he smiled encouraging her to take it. His face lightened up when she did. They walked, hands together, towards the dance floor.

All my life,

All my love

I can feel when you're beside me

All that's right,

All that's wrong

Suddenly becomes so clear

Deeks gently placed his hands on her waist while Kensi settled hers on his shoulders. Eyes locked on each other, they began dancing.

My heart has overtaken me

With feelings you awake in me

And you're the one,

You're the one I love

"I'm leaving tomorrow. My flight will be at dawn."

Kensi's eyes widen in surprise. She knew he came back for a vacation but she didn't expect he'll leave that soon. "When… When will you be back?"

Deeks shook his head. "I am not coming back." Second step to moving on.

Only you could move me enough to believe in love one more time

All I need to know for tomorrow is that you're mine

Mine for a lifetime

"W-What do you mean you're not?" Kensi asked in near panic.

"Jack told me your wedding will be in Hawaii, I'll see you there then. But I-I won't be coming back here."

"D-Don't..." Kensi shook her head, her voice cracked when she realized why he was doing it.

"Please, Kensi. I-I have…Let me do this. I need to do this."

If our friends all around

Find it hard to understand us

You and I understand the other one so very well

"H-How about Roberta?"

"My mom can always visit me." He answered, trying his best to smile.

Kensi's eyes watered as she gazed at him. He looked so shattered and she was to blame. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths trying her best not to break. She leaned on him and rested her head in the crook of his neck. "I-I'm so sorry, Deeks."

And that's what I've been looking for

So I keep coming back for more

'Cause you're the one,

You're the one I love

Kensi knew there was no way that they can go back to what they once were. So many things have changed, so many emotions were shown and revealed. And when she thought of it, not seeing Deeks again was perhaps the best for everyone. In the end, it broke her heart that it was him who have to forego so she can be with Jack.

Imagining the next time and most probably the last time she will see him again was the day she was going to marry his best friend, Kensi's heart broke more.

"It'll be okay, Kensi. It'll be okay." Deeks whispered in her ear when he heard her soft sob.

You're the one, you're the one I love

6 months later / Maui, Hawaii

Kensi's face lightened when she sighted the man who was striding towards her. A wide smile formed on her lips as he stopped right in front of her. "Deeks." Without reservations, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Kensalina." He whispered her name, his tone pleased and contented, as he returned her embrace.

"Deeks."

He let go of her to turn to the man standing next to her who called his name. "Jack."

Kensi watched as Deeks and Jack do their brotherly hug, her smile never leaving her face. She was more than glad to see her 2 best friends in one room again.

True to his words, Deeks did not return to their town. According to Roberta, who visited Deeks twice for the past 6 months in LA, the blonde man kept himself busy at work, doing undercover missions more frequently than before. Kensi worried for him, knowing the danger that comes from being a cop. He may never be more than just a friend to her but he was still her best friend, nothing can change that.

Their meeting was cut short by the appearance of a woman they hired to be their wedding coordinator informing them that the rehearsal was about to begin and the couple was needed somewhere else to be.

"We'll talk later again, Deeks." Jack said, giving his best man a pat on his shoulder before leading Kensi to the front of the hotel ballroom.

Before starting to leave with her fiancé, Kensi glanced at Deeks and was about to bid him goodbye but before she can do, she saw him offering her a gentle nod silently assuring her everything is okay, she returned it with a small smile.

The couple left, leaving Deeks alone, his eyes following them.

She was restless, tossing and turning around the bed for the nth time now. She had been trying to sleep lying in the bed for what seemed like an eternity already. When she glanced at the clock on the nightstand, she was surprised to see that it was only 10 in the evening.

The dinner rehearsal ended at 9 and Jack insisted that it was time for her to take a rest and even joked that he didn't want his bride to look like a zombie tomorrow. She would argue but he was adamant. He even escorted her to her room. They were keeping the wedding tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony on so they reserved 2 separate rooms, Jack occupies the room opposite hers.

Realizing sleep won't come anytime soon, she bolted upright in the bed and decided to have a late night walk outside. She changed from her nightwear to what she wore earlier at the rehearsal and left the room.

Tugging the bottom of her long yellow dress with her left hand while the other held her sandals, Kensi strode towards the shore in bare feet. Her hair was billowing following the movements of the gentle breeze. She felt a little cold with the thin straps of her dress only protecting her from the chilled air but she ignored it.

She let out a squeal while shuddering when the water touched her feet. Releasing a deep breath, she closed her eyes and lifted her head up high. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, savoring the calmness her surroundings was bringing her.

She was anxious and she thought it was normal given that this was her last night as a single woman. Tomorrow she will marry Jack and they will build a life together as husband and wife.

With eyes still close, she smiled positively, ignoring how things have changed between her and Jack for the past months. She tried to stay optimistic but knew there was something wrong with her fiancé. He was still the loving and caring Jack she knew but their relationship became more platonic as the wedding neared. Kensi can feel that he still loved her but there was something missing in their relationship that she can't pinpoint.

She shook her head, thinking she was just being paranoid.

Opening her eyes, she saw knee high waves coming near her. She tried to run but the water already caught her legs making her stumble on the ground, wetting her dress and shoes.

She laughed. For the first time in so long, Kensi let out genuine laughs.

"I'm crazy!" She shook her head in between giggles.

She tried pulling herself up but at no expense. Her laughter was making her weak.

Suddenly two arms snaked around her waist helping her to stand up.

"Are you drunk?" The very familiar voice asked her. She hinted amusement in his voice.

As soon as she was vertical, the arms left her body and she felt bereft.

Kensi wrung the hem of her dress, getting rid of the excess water. "I wished. But no, I'm not drunk Deeks." Her reply was followed by her famous eye roll.

It was his turn to laugh. "Well, you look like o- Ouch!" Kensi's fist hit him on the arm.

"I think you could use some help."

"By hitting me?" He asked incredulously.

Kensi just shrugged her shoulders.

"What are you doing here?" Deeks asked her, concern in his voice. He extended his hand for her to take.

Kensi took it with no hesitation and they started walking away from the water to the dry sand. "I can't sleep."

"Where's Jack?"

"In his room, probably." When Kensi saw him gazed at her in question, she explained. "We're not going to see each other until the ceremony tomorrow."

Deeks nodded. "Should I get you back to your room?"

"No. I think I'll stay here for a while." She sat her body on the ground, not caring if all the sand got stuck on it.

"Maybe you want to be alone so I'll get going then. Goodnight, Kensi. See you tomorrow." Before he can take a step, he felt Kensi's hand on his arm as she reached for him.

Deeks eyed her with curiosity, she whispered nervously. "Don't go."

"Kensi?"

Plastering a forced smile, she spoke. "We will not be seeing each other again after tomorrow, right?"

Her best friend slowly nodded.

She cleared her throat, searching the confidence she needed at the moment. "C-Can I spend just a few more minutes with you? I-I missed you."