Alright folks...longest chapter by far, AND it's got the date. Hope you like it. THANK YOU bookdiva for looking it over. You are amazing!

Disclaimer stands.

Deeks had some planning to do. He wanted to make the first real date with Kensi to be one they would never forget. They had been practically inseparable since he returned from his assignment. Most nights were spent at his apartment, just hanging out. They both respected his wish that they wait to take that final, intimate step in their relationship, but that didn't mean that they hadn't tried to push the envelope. There were a few nights he wasn't sure how his self-control had stood up. Kensi could tempt him with just a look, and that was one of the many things he loved about her.

They had made it through the week without any more incidents. Deeks had managed to get the Mission pretty clean with the help of his partner in crime. Granted she couldn't clean to save her life, but she had stayed with him while he did it, and he couldn't ask for more. Sam had started on his training and while he had a long way to go, he had surprised the big man with his moves. But that hadn't stopped Sam from kicking his ass. Over and over and over again.

So here they were, Thursday afternoon. They had taken down a terrorist cell that morning and now he was doing his and Callen's reports on it. Sam had just finished and the two were now in a heated game of paper basketball. They had set the goal up between the desks and were hootin' and hollerin', trying to distract the other and cheer when a basket was made. They were also making a mess with missed shots, and he knew he was the one who would be cleaning it up later.

Kensi had decided to go to the shooting range for a while. Seeing this as their chance, Sam cleared his throat.

"I think it's time we had a little talk Deeks. If I were you, I'd be in the locker room in 5 minutes." Deeks looked up, knowing this was coming but dreading it all the same. Yes, these were Kensi's big brothers, and he knew they wouldn't be doing their job if it didn't happen, but he also felt it was unnecessary.

Callen and Sam got up and walked off. Instead of putting it off, he immediately followed. He decided to take action and get in control of this. He already knew exactly what they were going to say. Walking into the locker room, he put his hand up to stop the onslaught of threats, but was stopped short.

"We could do the whole cliché big brother you-hurt-her-and-you-die bit, but we know that you already know that. If we had any questions as to your feelings for her, they were laid to rest while you were on the last assignment with LAPD, and you still made sure to make her smile. Always keep in mind we can kill you 157 ways without leaving evidence behind, but nothing we could do would compare to what Kensi can do. And will do, if you hurt her." Sam looked over at his partner, giving him the floor now.

"Deeks, you're a good guy. She's our baby sister, but we know you love her and would rather die than hurt her. That being said, make sure it stays out of the office. We want to know that you two can be professional on the job. If one of you has to go undercover and seduce a target, we can't worry that the other will go off the deep end. If that happens, you will be split

up faster than you can blink. And I know neither one of you want that. So, leave it at the door when you show up and keep your heads in the game. Got it?" Callen lifted his eyebrow at him.

Deeks brought his hand up behind his neck. "Yeah, got it. Don't worry Callen. We are going to make this work. That woman out there, she deserves all the happiness in the world. I know I am not good enough for her, hell I don't know that such a man exists, but I am going to make damn sure that never a day goes by that she doesn't know how much I love her. We will keep it professional at work. I can't promise there won't be jealousy, because that was there before we became a couple, but we won't let it get in the way of the mission."

Deeks was pacing at this point, knowing what they were telling him, but unable to keep his mouth shut. Which, really, wasn't anything new to them. The guys just stood there, arms crossed over their chests, waiting to see what else would come out.

"I mean, sure, there was that one time, but no one noticed. But don't worry, we definitely won't let it come between us at work. Wait, she is going to be so pissed if I have to flirt with someone to get information. And who can blame her? I know when the situation is reversed, it's going to kill me to see some random douche bag touch her, pretending to be on a date and letting him whisper in her ear and put his hands on her. Oh hell. Speaking of dates."

The pacing stopped and he looked at them, eyes almost panicked.

"What in the hell am I going to do for her for our first date?" He started pacing again, running his hand through his hair.

"I told her we weren't sleeping together until at least the first date. I'm hanging on by a thread here guys. The first date has to be soon, and it has to be good. I mean, I am hoping this is the last first date we will ever go on. I want her to remember it, hopefully fondly. Which she won't if I don't figure something out. I've impressed lots of ladies in the past, but this is Kensi. She's not just any girl, she's the girl. Oh God, this is going to be a total failure." Hanging his head, he sat on the bench. He didn't even look up when Callen started talking again.

"Ok, first of all, never again bring up your extracurricular activities in front of us. Ever. Don't forget who we are. Two, don't worry about it. Whatever you decide to do, it will be great. You could take her to the beach and watch the sunset or make her dinner at your place and she would be happy. Stop freaking out. Nothing good ever comes out of it. You know her better than anyone, it shouldn't be that hard to think of something. And if you need anything, you know you can ask us."

At the last part, Sam shot his partner a look. "Don't start putting words in my mouth, G." Callen just smirked at him, knowing Sam was just making big talk. He would help Deeks out if he needed it.

Deeks looked between the two of them. "You're right. I do know her better than anyone. Thanks, guys, good talk." Slapping them both on the back, he strode out of the room. Damn, he really was good. He was going to need the guys help with what he had planned, but he hadn't wanted to come right out and ask. Using the situation to his advantage, he had gotten them to offer it instead, which was so much better.

Just let them think it's their idea. Operation Date Night underway. Containing his laughter, he walked back to his desk where his partner was waiting for him.

"Hey, where did everyone go?"

"Oh, we were in the gym. Sam and Callen were going to face off on the wall and I couldn't miss it."

She was smiling at this. "Oh yeah, who won?"

"Oh, you see, they didn't actually climb it. Both started whining about one thing or another. Forfeit. Gonna try it again another day."

She narrowed her eyes at him, knowing he wasn't telling the truth.

"I don't know why you're lying to me right now, but when I find out, be prepared for hurt."

"Whoa, hey, Fern, it's nothing like that. Really. Everything is fine. I mean good, everything is good. Just forget about it, okay?"

She studied him for a minute longer. He might know her better than anyone, but that was definitely reciprocated. She knew every mannerism he had. He might be lying about something, but she could see in his eyes it wasn't something that was going to hurt her.

"Alright Deeks. I'll forget about it. For now." She went back to her computer, determined to get her mountains of paperwork completed by the weekend.

"Sweet cheeks, you want some help?"

"You ever call me sweet cheeks again and you won't be able to have kids." Her glare was almost enough to do that.

"Nope, no way, I know you don't mean it. You love this, and while you may do a lot of threatening, I know it means you love me." His smile almost faltered as an empty bottle was hurled towards his head. Instead, he got up, laughing, and walked to her desk.

"You'll thank me for this later," he whispered in her ear. She blushed furiously, refusing to look up. He chuckled, knowing what was going on in her head. As he turned back to his desk, he grabbed half of her files.

"Hey, I thought you were doing Callen's paperwork this week?"

"I am. I'm already done with it, so I thought I'd help you. You gonna change my mind?"

A huge smile lit up her face. "Nope. But no bitching about it. I don't want to hear you in 30 minutes complaining about it, okay?"

"Anything for you Princess." He winked at her, opening his laptop and got started.

Friday morning was upon them. He had a lot to do before tonight. He had texted Sam and Callen and asked if they would get there early and meet him outside, without alerting Kensi. She had wanted to get in early to work out, so he had dropped her off and acted like he was leaving to go get the agreed upon coffee and doughnuts. He watched in the rear view mirror as she headed inside. Five minutes later, Sam and Callen appeared. He was standing there waiting for them.

"What's up Deeks? How come you're here empty handed?" Sam's voice held a twinge of irritation. It was early and he was hungry.

"Yeah yeah, I am about to go get the goods. First, I wanted to see if that offer to help me with the date thing was still on the table." Both men looked at each other and then back at him. Getting the nod from Callen, he explained his plan and what he needed from them. With smiles in place, they agreed.

Operation Date Night was under way. But he had one thing to do first and he was going to hate it.

Armed with coffee, doughnuts and a breakfast burrito for his truly, he walked in and set everything down. Noticing the guys had followed instructions and were out of sight at the moment, he got down to business.

"Hey Beautiful. I know we were supposed to have a date tonight, but LAPD just called and asked me to come down to the station to clear up some paperwork. I don't know how long it's going to take, so can we reschedule to tomorrow night?"

He watched her face fall. Yep, this was just as hard as he thought it would be.

"We can't tomorrow. We are having dinner with my mom, remember?" Yeah, he remembered, but he sure as hell wasn't telling her that right now.

"No, yeah, of course I remember. Dinner with your mom. How could I forget? Okay, well, we can do our date next Friday. I'll make it up to you babe. I promise." He tried smiling at her, but the hurt on her face was almost too much. He almost broke down right then and told her, but he knew that this was worth it in the long run. Or at least he hoped it was, or she was going to kill him.

She gave him a sad smile, trying and failing to keep the disappointment out of her voice. "Yeah, okay Deeks. Next Friday is fine."

Fine. God how he hated that word, but he wasn't going to say anything right now. He just cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrows, but she pretended not to notice, staring intently at her computer screen. He sighed inwardly and opened up his own computer, trying to convince himself this was part of the plan.

In the meantime, Kensi was trying and failing to get her work done. She had been looking forward to their date all week. Being with him, well, it was so much more than she ever thought it would be. She loved holding hands while they walked Monty and going to the grocery store. It was so normal and so them.

But she had wanted to go on an actual date with him, and not just because of his date rule (which she was really ready to get out of the way just because it was getting harder and harder to restrain herself with him), but it had been so long since she had gone out with someone who had more than sex on his mind. Of course he thought about it… wanted it—so did she—but he also loved and respected her. It would be so much more than just dinner and drinks, only leading to other things. It would be about love and dreams and laughter, knowing he only had eyes for her. So yes, she was disappointed.

She heard Callen and Sam coming back, and was quick to school her features to show nothing more than mild annoyance.

Callen plopped down next to her, propping his feet on the desk.

"So, you crazy kids have any plans tonight? Wasn't there talk of a date planned?" Kensi just glanced at him.

"Nope."

Deeks looked at Callen and winked, making sure Kensi wasn't looking his way.

"What? Why not?"

"Deeks got called back to LAPD to finish up some paperwork for them. Hopefully after that he can wash his hands of that mess." She still wasn't looking up from her computer. She was not happy.

"Well, while he does that we should go out for drinks. Sam's buying." They all waited with baited breath. Deeks was 98% sure she would decline, but on the off chance she didn't, they would have to go to plan B.

"I think I'll pass tonight guys, but thanks anyway. It's been a while since I've been home for more than a few minutes. I'm just gonna take a bubble bath and park myself on the couch with a tub of ice cream and catch up on my shows." Yep, she was super pissed. Skipping drinks? Tub of ice cream? He was really hoping this didn't backfire on him.

"Your loss Kens. Sam doesn't offer to pay every day." This statement obviously offended Sam.

"Hey, I offer to pay plenty."

"Yeah, when that one bar offers $1.00 longnecks. No one likes a cheap ass."

"At least I back up my offers. Last time you offered to pay for dinner, you acted like you forgot your wallet when the check came."

"Hey now…."

"Then, as soon as I hand over my credit card, you bring back your 'illusionist' alias and magically the missing wallet returns, telling me you got the tip. Really G? Don't talk to me about cheap ass."

This had everyone laughing, easing some of the tension.

3:00pm came around and Deeks headed out. He saw Kensi watching him.

"I'll call you when I get done. If it's not too late, maybe I can come over?"

"We'll see. I may just go home and go to bed. It's been a long week." She was having trouble meeting his eyes. She didn't want him to see the hurt that would be there. She knew in her head that he couldn't help this, but her heart hadn't caught up yet. It was silly to be this upset about it, it was just a date. It wasn't like they were breaking up or anything. But damn it, she had been waiting all week for it.

He put his finger under her chin, making her look up at him.

"Are we okay?" He held his breath as he waited for her answer.

"We're good Deeks. Really. I'm just tired tonight." She wasn't as convincing as she wanted to be, but she was saved from having to say anything.

"If I could have put this off I would have sweetheart. But I want to get it finished so I can be done with them."

"I know. Go, get your paperwork done. I'll wait up for you, okay?"

He nodded and mouthed 'I love you' to her. She smiled, mouthing it back. Turning, she headed back to the gym, wanting to let out some aggression. When she got back to her desk, there was a post-it on her computer screen. She let out a chuckle when she saw 143 written on it. It was their thing. Not everyone knew what it meant, and he could tell her his feelings without putting it out there so blatantly. She picked up her bag, hoping to sneak out a little early when Nell came down the stairs.

"Hey Kensi, I know you are about to leave, but do you think you can help me with something real quick?"

"Oh, yeah, sure." She put her bag back down and headed up the stairs, following her friend.

"What do you need me to do?"

"If you could look over these files for me that would be awesome."

"Sure. Hey, where are you going?"

"Oh, I need to go do something for Hetty real quick. I will be right back." She watched her walk out of the room. Picking up the first file, she started looking through it. Hmmm…this was a file from a case they worked a few weeks ago. I thought this was already finished. She made it through the third page before she saw it, a pale purple piece of paper. So, that's why she left, she thought to herself.

Hey Princess. Looks like LAPD had already completed the paperwork. Crazy, huh? So here's the deal. You sent me on a little scavenger hunt that lead me to you. Well, to commemorate our first date, here's a hunt that will lead you to me. If you can figure it out, that is. You're not a Detective, but you are a super special agent. I know you can do it. Now, go to wardrobe. Your next instructions will be waiting for you. I love you. Smile Sunshine! – D

She wanted to kill him and kiss him right now, and she wasn't sure which feeling was stronger. He hadn't ditched their date, and for that, she was going to kiss him senseless. But he had made her feel like shit all day, hence the killing. Taking her paper, she made her way to wardrobe.

"Hey Eric, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, you know, apparently Hetty wants me to wear pants more. Just trying on different ones, you know, seeing if there's any out there will work for me. There's not. Okay, I'm just gonna…you know, I'm leaving."

For as smart as he is, he could be incredibly awkward sometimes. She looked around, wondering what she was supposed to find down here. She started walking through the rows of clothes, looking for clues when she happened to see the purple paper attached to a hanger.

Good job Kens! You get a point. You can collect your prize IF you get all the points. On this hanger is the outfit for you to wear tonight. Don't ask questions. Just change. Wow, I didn't think this through very well or I would have been there to help you. *wink* While you are changing, think about your next clue. Smile Sunshine! -D

I can be brown, plastic, or cloth. I come in all sizes and shapes and have infinite use.

She looked at the outfit she was going to wear. It was a pair of dark wash jeans and a black sequence sleeveless shirt. She remembered telling him one day that she loved this shirt.

I wonder if that's why he chose it?

There was a pair of black boots under it, so she slid those on, too. She thought about putting her hair up in a ponytail, but then thought back to when they were Justin and Melissa and remembered the way his eyes had lit up. "Hair down, wavy." So, that's what he was going to get.

Sitting on the bench, she got back to the clue. Brown…plastic…cloth. Different uses. Bag! Getting up quickly, grabbing her notes, she walked to the area that had the bags in them, wondering which one she was supposed to use. Taking a quick glance over all of them, she saw one with the paper sticking out of it. Grabbing it, she pulled it out.

Well, look at you! On a roll are we? Another point Kensalina. Well done! Time for the next clue. Smile Sunshine! -D

Every time I see you in one of these, all I can think about it taking it off you. I wear one, you usually wear two.

Laughing, she knew immediately what it was. She had come out of the bathroom the other night with a towel around her and the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

She headed for the showers, knowing that's where most of the towels were kept. Instead of seeing the normal white ones on the rack, she noticed two bright colored beach towels as well. She picked them up and searched for her next clue. Shaking out the second towel, her paper fell to the floor.

You are on FIRE! Another point my hot little Sugarbear. Now, put the towels in the bag and you are ready for your next clue. Smile Sunshine! -D

The first day I was gone, you became irate about something.

His parking spot. The anger she had at something so trivial was a turning point for her. She stuffed the towels in the bag and walked outside. Seeing Callen standing next to his car, in Deeks spot, she knew immediately he was in on this.

"Don't say anything Kens. I'm trained for this kind of stuff. You won't be getting anything out of me." He smirked at her, opening the passenger door for her. Laying on the seat was a Twinkie. And a post-it attached to it.

Here's a snack to hold you over. Don't get it all over your face. Or do, because then I can lick it off.

Blushing, she opened her treat and ate it, making sure to be clean about it this time. She tried to make small talk with Callen, but he wasn't answering anything. Sighing, she turned to look out the window, contemplating where they were going. 15 minutes later, they pulled up. Before Callen let her go, he nodded to the glove compartment. She opened it and pulled out another note.

"Thank you Callen. This means a lot."

"Anything for you Kens. I hope you have a good time tonight." He leaned over and gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

She got her bag and got out of the car. As Callen pulled away, she opened the note.

Go to the entrance and ask for Kim.

Looking around, she noticed the people milling about, a large park behind them. There were couples and families, all looking like they were having a good time. Kids ran by her laughing, making her smile. She walked up to the entrance.

"Hi, I'm looking for a Kim?" The girl behind the counter smiled at her and asked her to wait right there.

Kensi started looking around, noticing posters for different movies that were coming up. So, movies in the park huh? Perfect.

Kim came around the corner. She was an older lady who had greying hair and kind green eyes. Kensi smiled as she introduced herself.

"Hi, you must be Kensi. Marty has told me so much about you. All good, don't worry. Here is your ticket, and he asked me to give you this." Thanking the woman once again, Kensi took the ticket and the note.

So close Princess. Another point for you! Now, let's see if you can find me. I love you. Hope you are smiling! -D

Wax on, Wax off

He was giving her movie quotes as clues? Well, she had done it for him, so she couldn't really say anything. She walked in, giving her ticket to the girl at the counter.

She stood there, looking around, wondering where the clue was leading her. She watched as families brought food in and set up blankets on the ground. It was starting to get dark, so she knew she had to find him soon. Walking with the current of people, she noticed some of the trees had posters of movies on them. Understanding washed through her. She immediately perked up, looking for the Karate Kid poster. After a few minutes of aimless wandering, she found it. Rushing over to it, she looked around but didn't see her missing date anywhere. Suddenly, she felt his hands cover her eyes. She tensed for half a second, ready to go on the defensive, but before she could make a move she felt his breath on her ear.

"Don't worry. It's just me."

Turning, she put her arms around and hugged him. His arms went around her waist, pulling her closer. If it weren't for the awkward way she was holding the bag, she wasn't convinced they would have let go. Pulling away, leaving him a quick peck on the lips, she looked at him.

"So, LAPD didn't really need you huh?" She raised her eyebrows at him.

"Don't hate me Kens. I just wanted to surprise you. I'm sorry. I won't do that again."

"You better not or you won't be able to sit for a week because of the beating I will hand to you." She watched as fear went into his eyes. Not wanting to ruin the evening, she softened her gaze.

"Now, where are we sitting? And I hope you brought dinner. That Twinkie was only to hold me over."

Seeing the sparkle come back in his eyes, she smiled. He led her over near a tree, midway between the large screen set up in front of them and the back. He knew from past experience you had to get here early to get the good spots, and he had a few favors to call in with the people who ran this.

He took the bag from her and set it on the blanket he already had set out, a box of pizza, two shakes and three cupcakes next to it. Sitting down, she immediately started eating. He just started laughing.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Just enjoying the view Princess. I haven't even sat down yet and you are attacking the pizza. If you could save me at least 2 pieces, it would be greatly appreciated." The pout she sent him had him laughing all over again.

"Well, seeing as this may be the most perfect first date ever, I guess the least I can do is save you some pizza." He laughed at that and sat down, grabbing a slice. The lawn was getting crowded as people started getting comfy, ready for the movie to start.

"So, what are we watching tonight?"

"Wax on, wax off. I figured Karate Kid was kinda perfect, watching how a kid learns to kick ass." He smiled at her, eyes shining.

"Yeah, it's pretty perfect. Thank you Deeks."

They polished off the pizza and moved on to the cupcakes. He had gotten her two of her favorites. Both started out as regular chocolate, but one had peanut butter and chocolate filling and the other strawberry. Moaning in delight, she took a bite of the one with the peanut butter.

"Deeks. These are SO good." He was now sitting with his back against the tree, using one of the beach towels as a pillow/buffer and she had moved to sit between his legs. She felt a shiver as he whispered in her ear.

"Keep those noises up Princess and we won't actually stay to see the movie." He kissed her neck and picked up his cupcake. She laughed and snuggled against him, making it somewhat difficult for him to eat the tasty treat, but that was just fine. He had his girl with him, laughing and happy. What else could he possibly want?

"Hey, I figured out my clues. You promised a prize if I got all my points. Where is it?"

"Ha! I thought you were smarter than that. I am the prize." She scoffed at that but smiled at him, knowing he was right. He was exactly the prize she wanted.

Polishing off the cupcakes, and being slightly embarrassed she had finished both of hers and very nearly wrestled him for the last two bites of his (which he conceded to her, because really, he had been lucky to get that much), they got comfortable. They sat like that, her back pressed to his chest, head laying on his shoulder, and watched the movie.

As the credits were rolling, they packed up their stuff, threw the trash away and followed the crowds out. Hand in hand, they walked to his car. It was nearing 10pm, but the night was still young.

"Hope you aren't tired. I've still got lots planned for tonight." She just smiled and leaned in, kissing him, letting every feeling of love and admiration and thanks show in it. Pulling back before they got arrested for indecent exposure and lewd behavior, she got in the car.

"So, what's next?"

He pulled out into traffic, expertly maneuvering the car, being mindful of the pedestrians and other vehicles trying to leave the park.

"So glad you asked. I was thinking, the first part of the date was for you: the notes, the food, cupcakes, movie. So for the next portion, I wanted to take you and do something I haven't done in years. When I was a kid, Ray and I would do this every once in a while, when we had some extra cash to spare, but after the thing with my dad, well, childhood just wasn't the same after that." His face had become serious at the end and she grabbed his hand, squeezing.

"Whatever this is, I can't wait. I know I'm going to love it." She gave him a huge smile and leaned over, kissing his cheek.

Ten minutes later, they pulled up outside of a huge arcade/bowling alley. Her eyes lit up. If there was one thing she loved, it was going head to head with hers truly. Before she could get her seat belt undone, he was out and around the car, opening her door.

"Alright Princess. Let's do this!" Laughing like kids, they almost ran to the door, eager to get started. He pulled his wallet out, getting them both set up with the special coins. And for the next hour and half, they let their inner kid come out.

They battled it out on air hockey, Deeks barely winning. Next up, they tried one of the many racing games, choosing one with motorcycles you could actually ride to control. Kensi got so into it she almost fell off, which caused Deeks to start laughing uncontrollably and crash near the end, Kensi's motorcycle cruising past him to the finish line.

They tried their hand at Skee Ball, but trying to roll the ball and get it into the circles was a little more challenging than they originally thought.

A shooting game was next, and even though he knew he would lose, the look of pure, uninhibited joy on her face was worth the beating he was going to take. Grabbing the guns, they shot their targets, with Kensi coming out on top hands down.

After a few more games, with him letting Kensi win (he was nothing if not a smart man), they decided to end it with a game of putt-putt golf they had set up inside. Kensi had decided to up the ante, and when he tried to make his shot, she grabbed his butt, which took him by surprise and he missed by a long shot.

"Oh, I see how it is. We're going to play dirty, huh?" The look of amusement on his face was all she needed.

"Bring it on Shaggy."

The rest of the game went on
like that, each trying to make the other lose their concentration. Deeks would blow in her ear or stroke her arm as she was taking the shot, making her miss. She would respond with caresses to his hair or, her personal favorite, standing next to the hole and licking her lips. He would become so fixated on her, he missed every time. It was seduction at its finest. Anyone who looked at them instantly saw a couple madly in love.

Somehow managing to finish the game and keep it PG-13-ish, they strolled out and headed back to the car. It was now nearing midnight. He took his phone out and shot off a quick text. She looked at him questioningly, but he spoke before she could ask about it.

"So Fern, did you have fun?"

"You know Shaggy, this was absolutely incredible. I haven't done that in years. The movie in the park and then getting to kick your ass at the games. It was perfect. You are perfect."

"Well, we have one more stop to make."

"Really? Deeks, this was more than perfect. What else is there?" He just grabbed her hand and turned up the radio, serenading her as they drove through the streets. She laughed as he missed words and sang off key, but joined in on the songs she knew. Windows down, driving along, singing together and holding hands. She hadn't been kidding when she said it was perfect.

They pulled up at the beach. He took his shoes and socks off and she followed suit. He hurried around and opened the door for her again. She climbed out and put her arm through his. He led her to a small cove a ways from the main beach area. She gasped at what she saw. There were flameless candles making a circle and a blanket in the middle with a picnic basket sitting there. He led her over to it, chuckling at the look of shock on her face.

"What… how…" Apparently actual coherent sentences weren't happening right now.

"Well, you saw Nell and Eric at OPS. Callen drove you to the park. Sam and probably Callen set this up. It was a group effort. I wanted to make this something you would never forget, and because we are a family, I wanted to include everyone somehow in this. Hetty picked out the clothes by the way. Even she had a small hand in it."

Kensi was speechless. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined something so amazing as this. He hadn't taken her to some fancy restaurant like most men would. He had made it uniquely them, putting thought and effort into the date and including their family in it, even if it was in these small ways.

They sat on the blanket, and he pulled out some beers and the chocolate covered strawberries.

"You would never have guessed that Eric made these, huh? Apparently, this creative food thing is a hobby for him."

"Eric, as in awkward-can-barely-make-sentences-and-is-always-the-last-one-to-catch-onto-things Eric? Damn, he is a man of many talents, huh?"

"Ten bucks says he called Nell over and she helped make these."

"Nope, not taking that bet. Those two spend a lot more time together than they let on. They need to just get on with it already."

"I wonder how many times people said that about us."

She almost looked sad when he said that. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Hey, what matters is we finally got our shit together. We are here, right now, together. That's what matters. It may have taken us a long time to get to this point, but the road here was worth it. I wouldn't change a single thing."

That's exactly what she needed to hear. They sat there talking, looking at the stars and gently caressing each other, neither of them able to keep their hands to themselves. Silence filled the night as they listened to waves crashing against the shore. Turning to him, she kissed him with a passion that almost surprised her, and he laid her down on the blanket. After a few… heated minutes, he pulled back.

"As much as I want to, I am not making love to you for the first time on the beach. I suggest we pack up and head home. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds perfect."

She helped him put everything away and headed back to the car. Both of them anticipating what would happen when they got back to his place. It was a quiet drive, each lost in their thoughts. As he parked the car and got their things out, he was nervous, almost to the point of sweating.

This isn't my first time. I am not some teenager who doesn't know what to do. Come on Deeks.

He looked over at his almost lover, noting the blush on her cheeks. She's just as nervous as you are, he thought. He unlocked the door and after setting everything down, he took her hand and led her to his bedroom, knowing this was a night neither would ever forget.

AN - y'all know the plan. Tell me your thoughts! Also, let me know what else you would like to see. Thank you EVERYONE who has taken the time to read the story. You all are amazing!