Deeks arrived at Kensi's house around 5:30 and by 6:00 he had prepped a salad, had chicken marinating, and had prepped Kensi's bedroom for her surprise. Around 6:15 Kensi walked in the door looking tired and irritated. Her mood improved a bit when she looked up to see a smiling Deeks standing by the small dining room table, which was already set.

Kensi was able to work up a small smile for him. "Smells really good. What's for dinner?"

"Grilled chicken salad. Why don't you sit down and I'll go get the chicken out of the oven and slice it up."

"Deeks, this is really sweet, but I think I really just want to go take a shower."

"NO! I mean, please don't. I have a bit of a surprise for you in the bedroom, but I know you won't be able to enjoy it if you have an empty stomach." Seeing Kensi's doubtful look, he added "Please, just trust me to take care of you. I know you had an awful day and you feel like crap, but trust me to know how to make you feel better?"

Kensi couldn't help but be touched by his pleading and the look of a little boy pleading for something he desperately wants answered. "Alright, have it your way."

"Thanks! You won't regret it. Now, sit."

As Kensi took her seat at the table she took a drink of the sweet tea that was in front of her and then asked "So how is it grilled chicken salad if it's coming out of the oven?"

"Well, I had to broil it since someone didn't have any propane for the grill, and broiled chicken salad doesn't have quite the same ring to it." Deeks quickly plated the food and brought the food to the table. "Eat up sunshine, and I'll have you forgetting about your day in no time." He said with a wink.

Kensi, who had a bite of food ready to go into her mouth, quickly put her fork down and took a deep breath before looking and Deeks. "Look Deeks, I don't know what you have planned, but I'm really not in the mood for any hanky-panky. I'm feeling anything but sexy tonight."

Deeks had to laugh at her word choice, but then he reached over and grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. "Trust me, tonight is all about you, and even though I hope you are feeling loved, beautiful, and sexy by the time we walk out the door, sex is not part of the plan."

"Thank you. I just….when you winked at me….I thought you…sometimes you do that when….I'm sorry." Kensi said and then she dropped her head into the hand that Deeks wasn't holding, letting her hair fall around her face to hide her embarrassment.

"Hey, hey, hey, it's ok." Deeks quickly stood and went over next to Kensi's chair and squatting down next to her and pulling her hair behind her ear so he could see her face. He quickly kissed her on the cheek. "No, you have nothing to be sorry about. That was my bad. I shouldn't have been being playful when you are hurting. I'm happy that you felt like you could tell me how you are feeling and set those boundaries. We're both working on our communication skills and that was amazing. That was huge progress for us, and I'm proud of you."

Kensi moved her hand, which was coving her eyes, so that she could peek at Deeks out of the corner of her eye. "Really?"

"Really. There is no embarrassment in being clear about what you want or need."

Kensi quickly turned and threw her arms around Deeks' neck and buried her head in his neck. "Thank you."

Deeks returned the embrace and marveled at how insecure his kick-ass Kensi could be. The fact that she was willing to be so vulnerable with him was not something he took lightly either.

After staying like this for a minute or so Kensi's stomach growled and they both laughed and separated. Deeks gave Kensi a quick kiss and then returned to his seat. Throughout dinner they talked about this and that, but never touched on the case. Deeks was admittedly very curious about how the case ended, but he wasn't going to push. He could always ask one of the guys later at the bar. When they finished Deeks collected the dishes and put them in the sink. He then told Kensi to stay put until he called her. A few minutes later he opened the bedroom door and called her in.

When Kensi walked into the bedroom she was blown away. There were candles lit all around the room, rose pedals scattered around on the floor and around the edges of the bed. There was also a plain white sheet spread out on top of her comforter and instrumental music playing. "What's all this?"

"This, my darling, is your own personal massage parlor. You are about to receive a head to toe massage from yours truly, who happens to be quite a skilled masseuse. Now, I'm going to go get a glass of water while you undress. When Deeks returned Kensi was laying on her stomach on the bed in nothing but her panties. Deeks quickly reminded himself that this was about making Kensi feel better and that Marty Jr. was going to have to stay behind closed doors for the evening before walking over and putting the glass of water on the night stand and picking up the massage oil. Deeks started on her back, and then moved to her arms, hands and then legs. About an hour later he was done and wasn't sure whether or not Kensi was even awake. "Baby? Are you awake?"

"Mmhm"

"Well, we're supposed to meet everyone at the bar in half an hour. You may want to get in the shower."

"Mmhm" She said as she continued to lay there.

"I'll just text the guys and let them know we'll be a little late."

"Mmmm"

I'll just tell them that you wouldn't get your naked ass out of bed."

Kensi suddenly jumped up "Don't you dare! I swear I will kill you if you tell then any such thing!"

Deeks just admired the view he was now presented with and laughed. "I was just messing with you Fern, but you really should get into the shower."

Kensi just rolled her eyes and marched into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her before she allowed herself to smile at Deeks' antics.

Deeks and Kensi were about 10 minutes late arriving at the bar, so when they walked in everyone turned to watch their entrance. Callen and Sam smiled in relief at the picture of Kensi and Deeks laughing while Deeks had his arm around Kensi, his hand resting on his shoulder. The guys had been pretty concerned after seeing the affect the perv had on Kensi. Talia, on the other hand, was instantly jealous and devised a plan to get Marty's hands off of Kensi.

As they approached the table Talia jumped up and greeted them. "Hey guys! I'm glad you could make it! Marty, Sam and Callen already told me what they want. Would you come with me to the bar to put in our order and help me carry everything?"

"Ummm…..sure." Deeks answered. He didn't miss for a second that Talia had completely ignored Kensi. He turned and gave Kensi a crooked smile while pulling her chair out for her. He then placed his jacket on the chair next to her in order to make sure Talia didn't attempt to take the seat in order to keep him away from Kensi. "What are you drinking tonight Kensalina?"

"I'll just have a ginger ale. I think I ate too fast or something. My stomach is a little on edge."

Deeks suddenly became concerned "Are you ok? Do you need to go home?"

Kensi could tell that Deeks would much rather be home right now than be dealing with Talia's excessive attention, but she knew that Talia would just keep pestering them until they did this thing, so she smiled and said "I'll be fine. Just need to let my food settle."

Deeks, who had decided to be gentle with Talia but not hide his relationship from her, leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered "I love you" into her ear before heading off to the bar with Talia.

Talia decided that since ignoring Kensi only made Marty give her more attention, she would try the opposite and act interested in her. "So how is Kensi doing? Did they get that guy that was saying those horrible things to her?"

Deeks turned and looked at Talia questioningly. He didn't understand this hot and cold treatment of Kensi, but he figured he'd go with it for now. "I don't know. She didn't seem to want to talk about. She'll tell me what happened when she's ready."

"Hmmm…you two are pretty close, huh?"

"Yep, we've been partners and best friends for years now." Deeks answered, happy to see the bartender finally approaching them for their order.

Talia gave the bartender their order and thought about Deeks' words while he filled it. Friends, best friends. That's what he said. That could pretty much explain everything. Shopping together, eating at together, even all the touchy feely stuff could be explained that way. Besides Kensi said herself that she had a boyfriend. Then why does she keep getting the feeling that she's missing something? Oh well, what she needs to do is stop thinking about Kensi and start making sure Marty knows that she is available and very willing to be more than friends and associates.

When they got back to their table Talia and Deeks took their seats. Deeks sat next to Kensi and Talia took the seat on the other side of Deeks. Deeks put his arm around Kensi's shoulders and she placed her hand on his thigh. Everyone began to talk shop and tell some of their more entertaining stories. Talia flirted relentlessly. Throwing her head back to laugh at anything Deeks said that was remotely funny and finding any excuse to touch his arm, despite the fact that he was leaning away from her, and into Kensi.

After about an hour of this Kensi stroked Deeks' leg in order to get his attention. When he looked over at her she quietly told him she was going to go use the restroom before turning to the rest of the group and asking if anyone wanted another drink. After getting everyone's orders she excused herself and headed to the restroom.

When Kensi left the table Deeks took the opportunity to ask the guys about the case they had that day and to make sure it was over.

"Yeah, we nailed him." Callen said. "He was pretty nasty to Kensi though. You know how she gets sometimes. The perverts seem to really get under her skin."

"She was pretty upset when she got home."

"I'm amazed at how good she seems already." Sam commented. "Don't know how you do it man, she used to get in those funks and stay there for days."

"She just has to be reminded that she is an amazing person and there is good to be had in the world too."

"Speaking of your girl, she looks like she could use a little assistance before we get kicked out of another bar." Callen said while gesturing with his head over to the bar where Kensi was being hit on by a rather dorky looking guy with a bit of a pot belly.

"Oh geez. She probably has a pretty short fuse tonight too." Deeks said as he stood up. "Wish me luck!"

"Why would Kensi getting hit on get you kicked out of the bar?" Talia asked.

"It's not Kensi getting hit on that gets us kicked out. It's the broken nose and aching groin the guy gets if he doesn't take no for an answer and leave her alone." Sam answered

"That happens often?" Talia asked, still rather confused.

"Not as often as it used to. In the old days she wouldn't let us help her, but she lets Deeks help now." Callen said as they watched Deeks slide up next to Kensi, putting his arm around her waist before leaning in for a quick kiss on the lips. They both turned and smiled at the pudgy dork and smiled as he turned and walked away. Deeks then stayed where he was, rubbing Kensi's back, while waiting for their drinks.

When they brought Talia, Sam, and Callen their drinks Sam noticed they didn't get anything for themselves and gave them a confused look. "We're going to head out guys." Deeks announced. "Thanks for the invite Talia. See you tomorrow."

Kensi then gave everyone a little wave and told the guys she would see them in the morning before turning and walking out with Deeks right beside her, his hand resting on the small of her back. When they got out to the parking lot Deeks asked Kensi if she was sure she was feeling all right.

"I'm fine. I just wanted to go to bed early tonight." Kensi said.

When they got to the car Deeks turned and leaned his back against the driver's side door while pulling Kensi in between his legs. "You want to go to bed early, huh? Any particular reason?" Deeks asked before pulling her in for a quick kiss.

"Oh, yes, there's a reason."

"There is, is there? Are you tired?"

"Nope." Kensi then leaned in so that her entire torso was pressed against Deeks, and whispered into his ear exactly why she wanted to go to bed early tonight.

Deeks quickly moved one hand from where it rested at Kensi's waist in order to grab the back of her head and pull her in for searing, passionate, kiss while his other hand drifted lower, rubbing and squeezing her ass. Then, just as quickly as he attacked her, he pushed her away, opening the car door and helping her in. "You better drive fast." He said before running over to the other side of the car and jumping in.

Meanwhile, Talia decided to take this opportunity to question Sam and Callen about Kensi. She could really use some assurance that Kensi really was in a relationship after the little display she just watched.

"Doesn't Kensi have a boyfriend?"

"Yes" Sam answered.

"Have you met him?"

Callen chuckled "Oh yeah."

"What's he like?"

"He's a good guy." Sam said "Why the third degree about Kensi's boyfriend?" He asked

"Oh, sorry. It's just that I'm really curious about a guy who doesn't seem to mind Marty kissing her and being so….touchy-feely with her."

"Well, I think he understands the unique relationship they have and he doesn't feel threatened by it."

"Huh." Talia quickly finished off her drink before saying her goodbyes and heading out.

After she was gone Callen turned to Sam and said "Maybe you should have been a politician rather than an agent."

"I'll keep that in mind for later. Maybe if I keep practicing I'll be able to apply for the Granger's position."

The next morning Deeks and Kensi went their separate ways again. Kensi to OSP and Deeks to the beach. It was around 11:00 and Deeks and Talia were just talking about grabbing something to eat at the taco stand nearby when Deeks phone rang. He grabbed it quickly, hoping it would be Kensi since he had tried to contact her several times already and hadn't received a reply. When he saw that it was Sabatino he answered it, thinking maybe he had news about Jack. "Hey man! What's up?"

"Deeks?"

"Yeah, it's me. Everything OK?"

"No, man. I'm sorry."

"Is it Kensi? Is she in trouble?" Deeks asked as he jumped up, not caring that he sent sand flying all over Talia.

"Look man, she was chasing a suspect and something went wrong. I wasn't there. I was in ops. It sounded like she was in a struggle and then nothing. When the guys got to her they ordered an ambulance. They said there was a lot of blood, but they couldn't tell where it was coming from. There weren't any obvious wounds. They're taking her to Huntington."

"Oh God. I'm on my way. Have them tell her I'm on my way!"

"Sure, man."

Deeks disconnected the call and then looked at Talia. "I gotta go. Something happened to Kensi. They're taking her to the hospital."

"Go. I'll hold down the fort here."

"Thanks" Deeks said. Then he ran to his truck and took off, tires screeching.

A/N: Sorry to do that to you guys. I'm running out of writing time and it seemed like a good place to end it for now. I would also like to apologize for the insanely long wait on this chapter. I promise the next one won't take that long. What can I say? Life threw me an unexpected (but good) curveball that really limits my writing time.