Well...this one took a while. THANK YOU to bookdiva and moresassythanclassy for the encouragement to get past the writer's block I had.

Disclaimer - yet again, not mine. (Shocking, I know)

The Monday after their first date, both were beaming. Kensi had tracked everyone down and freely given hugs, thanking them numerous times for their help. Each of them told her they were proud to be asked to do something, no matter how small the task. You could tell just by looking at them that it had been a huge success. The happiness that radiated off them was contagious, making anyone who was in the room with them smile.

Weeks passed before their first true test as a couple came up. They had done a pretty good job at leaving their feelings at the door when they walked in to the Mission. Of course there was still comments and blushing, innuendos and the answering threats. But it really wasn't any different now than it was before they got together.

Everyone was sitting at their desks, discussing old cases and aliases. Sam was in the middle of telling them about Callen going undercover as a hair dresser when Eric whistled, signaling another round of save-the-world was beginning. When the doors opened and they walked in the command center, Nell looked at Kensi, giving her a sad smile.

What the hell?

Listening as the details of the case unfolded, Kensi felt knots in her stomach that intensified tenfold when Hetty came in the room, explaining everyone's roll in the mission. When the pictures were put up on the screen, she inwardly cringed.

This was it, what she and Deeks had been dreading since taking the next step from partnership to relationship.

Of all places, their suspect just had to have a stake in a bikini bar. And not just any bikini bar. The one with the rooms in back where, for the right price, you got more than just a look at their…assets. It was decided by Hetty that Deeks would go in as a customer looking to sample the goods in order to gain access to the back rooms and the suspect's office/computer. Callen would be his backup at the bar. Deeks had tried protesting, stating Callen - being the single one and all - would be the better person for this, but Hetty had disagreed. The waitress that Deeks was supposed to get close to, one Mindy Steele, had shown favoritism to blondes in the past, giving Deeks the distinct advantage. And it certainly didn't hurt that Deeks was, well, gorgeous.

Deeks was inside the dressing room, putting on the suit Hetty had picked out for him. He's still not sure how he managed it, but he was able convince her he didn't need a tie. He walked out and was admiring himself in the mirror when his better half walked up.

"You ready for this partner?" She was doing everything she could to keep her voice steady.

"Yeah, I'm good." His answer caused her to snort. He turned and looked at her.

"What?"

"That phrase. It's never really worked out well for us."

"Well, neither does 'I'm fine' but that doesn't seem to stop you." His voice had taken a hard edge.

"Deeks, I…"

"Kens, we can't do this right now, okay? I need to get my head in the game so I can get the job done. We can finish this later." His eyes, usually full of laughter, were now void of any emotion. Before she could say anything, he turned and walked off.

Just then, her mind seemed to have caught up with his words. We can finish this later. What the hell does that mean? Finish what? The conversation? There won't be a need for the conversation later. He wasn't leaving her, was he? They hit their first bump in the road and he decides he can't do this anymore?

Oh God.

No… no there is no way that's what he meant. He had never given up on her, not once, and he wasn't going to start now. And he needed to know that she wasn't going to give up either.

Scribbling something on a piece of paper, she walked back to the bullpen, noticing he was talking to Callen and not paying her any attention. Perfect.

She walked past him silently and slipped the paper in his pocket. She knew he was aware of her being there, so she made sure to lightly run her hand across his back as she walked away. She could feel him relax slightly at her touch, and she knew they would be okay.

She was sitting in the car with Sam and comms were up and running. Kensi watched as Deeks entered the building. Both had been uncharacteristically quiet for the last hour. Callen and Sam knew it was because of the mission, and they were both bound and determined not to let their personal feelings interfere in their professional lives. But they didn't like it, and it wasn't as easy as either had thought. Both Kensi and Deeks had been extremely jealous and possessive of the other before they became a couple. However, how they would act now that it was 'official' was really anyone's guess.

Deeks walked in first, knowing Callen would saunter in behind him five minutes later. He put his hand in his pocket and felt a piece of paper there. Pulling it out, he instantly recognized his partner's handwriting.

No matter what, I love you. Be safe and Smile Sunshine. xoxo – K

Wow, he thought. She seemed to know exactly what he needed to hear and when. But when did she put that in his pocket? His mind flashed back to the bullpen when he was talking to Callen and realized that it would have been the perfect time to slip something in without being noticed. He could still feel her hand on him, reassuring him silently that she was there and she would have his back.

"How you doing over there Kens?" Sam asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Fine." How the hell did he think she was doing? She was going to have to sit here and listen as her boyfriend seduced someone else. Yeah, she was freakin' dandy right now.

Before Sam could respond, she heard said boyfriend's voice in her ear.

"Don't let her fool you Sam. That answer means anything but fine."

"I think you need to focus Deeks." Kensi couldn't help but remember the wardrobe incident and the way he had gone cold when he talked about her use of 'fine.' She was going to have to work on that.

"Oh, I'm focused."

"Yeah, focused on…"

Callen's voice came interrupted them. "Enough you two. Let's just get this done so we can go home." Try as he might, he couldn't keep the smile out of his voice.

Sam decided to turn their attention away from the lovers quarrel.

"I think you're losing your touch G. I could hear your smile over here."

"I'm not going to…"

"I think our favorite waitress has spotted yours truly." Deeks stood up, acting like he was about to leave. At this, everyone went into agent mode. Kensi shifted in her seat, dreading what she was about to hear.

Inside the bar, he kept his cool but played her words over and over in his head. No matter what, I love you. That's all he needed to know - they would be okay.

"Well, aren't you handsome. Hope you aren't leaving yet."

Deeks turned to see the blonde haired, blue eyed Mindy standing next to him, giving him the best smile she had and making sure her assets were displayed. Oh boy were they displayed, he thought. He wasn't entirely sure how the bikini top was staying in place, well, what was left of the top.

He coughed, feeling very uncomfortable about this, but knowing he needed to make it believable. He put his winning smile on his face as he acted like he was eyeing her with interest, when actually it was disgust.

"No, no I don't think I am. Not as long as you'll be the one serving me." He winked at her.

"Whatever you want, I can get you." She let the implication lay there, trailing her finger down his arm.

Kensi sat there, listening to the exchange and not moving a muscle. In fact, she was so tense her jaw was clenched and she was starting to get a headache. Sam nudged her arm, gaining her attention. He put his finger up to his lips, indicating silence, as he handed her a pale purple piece of paper. Her eyes widened at the sight of it, her body relaxing ever so slightly. She took the paper slowly and Sam looked away, giving her as much privacy as he could.

Beautiful, strong, determined, stubborn Kensi. I want you to know I love you so much. I hate this as much as you, believe me, but it's part of our job. One day, the situation will be reversed and I will have to listen to you flirt and seduce a suspect. I will be as professional as possible, but it will be hard. I love you sweetheart. You are my life now. And no matter what, we will go home to each other at the end of the night. So think of me - playing with your hair, whispering in your ear, kissing you - and Smile Sunshine. –D

She stared at the paper, knowing he was right. At the end of the day, not matter what, they would be going home to each other. Thinking about his words, she could almost feel his breath on her skin. Sam cleared his throat then, bringing her back to the present. She snapped her head over to look at him, thinking he was going to have some smart ass comment to make, but he just smiled at her.

He would know better than anyone how hard this is. And in his own strong and silent way, he let her know this was normal, and they would be okay. She gave him a grateful smile, placing her hand on his forearm and squeezing, telling him thank you. He just nodded, knowing no words were needed right now.

Hearing Deeks voice, both straightened, ready to get this over with but knowing the worst had yet to come.

Back inside, Callen watched as Mindy straddled Deeks' lap, making sure her too small bikini top was as close to his face as possible. Deeks had put his hand on her back, laughing at something she had said. If Deeks had been single and not on an op, Callen would never look twice at the scene unfolding in front him, the natural way he smiled and used his hands to touch her every now and then. He seemed to know when to lead her on and when the back off, making her want more.

He's definitely a natural with the ladies, he thought.

Deeks pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, leaning in to whisper "So, when's your next break?" He could feel her shiver as his breath hit her, and he suppressed his own, but for a very different reason. The only person he wanted to have this effect on was currently outside.

Mindy rubbed against him again, making her intentions very clear. "Come on lover boy. I know a more… private place we can talk." He smiled at her and she stood up, taking his hand and sending him the best flirty look she could over her shoulder.

As soon as they walked to that back, she pushed him into a private room, shoving his jacket to the floor and running her hands up and down his chest, toying with the buttons on his shirt. He avoided the kiss she was trying to place on his lips by moving his hands to her back and kissing her jaw down to her neck. The noises she was making were familiar to him, but not quite right.

Kensi had heard enough of it but had no choice in tuning it out. She needed to be ready to go if he said the distress word. She knew just how effective his mouth was, and she hated Mindy for getting a small taste of it.

"Get her to leave the room Deeks so you can get to the computer. It's in the next room over." Callen's voice broke through the silence.

"Oh baby, that feels SO good," she moaned into his ear, licking it. He jumped a little, and she mistakenly took the action for excitement, not disgust.

"You like that huh? Wait until I do this." She went to move her hand down to his pants when he stepped back. She cocked her head to the side, questioningly look on her face.

"I think uh, I think I need some water. I'm really hot. And parched. Yeah, I am really thirsty right now."

"Wow Deeks, really? That's the best you got?" He heard the smile in Kensi's voice, hating that she was right. Silently cursing her, he stepped up to Mindy, sliding his hands up and down her arms very slowly. She seemed to melt at his touch, and he used it to his advantage.

"A little water and I'll be good to go. Wouldn't want me to work with a dry mouth, now would we?" He nipped her ear, hoping she would get the damn water now.

"No, we wouldn't want that at all. You stay right here and get comfortable, okay? I'll be right back." As soon as Callen saw her come back through the door, he told Deeks to go while he ran interference with Mindy, hoping to buy Deeks some time to get the information.

While Mindy was getting a glass down off the shelf, he walked up.

"You know, it takes a certain kind of girl to wear that bikini."

Hearing this, Kensi snorted with laughter, almost choking on her own spit.

"Hey Sam, can you get my girl something to drink before she kills herself with spit? I'd hate to risk my life with no hope for an end reward."

Sam was openly laughing now as Kensi caught her breath.

"Oh, you think there's a reward for you seducing some bimbo?"

"Nope. I think there's a reward for me for keeping my cute ass alive AND for not actually locking lips with wanna-be Barbie in there." He made his way into the room next door, silently slipping in and putting the thumb drive into the computer. He could hear Callen talking to Mindy, keeping her occupied as long as he could.

"The man has a point, Kens."

"Shut up Sam. I thought you were on my side."

"I don't take sides. You should know that."

"I call bullshit. Sam, you are never on my side." Why was this taking so long?

"Eric, how much longer?" Deeks' voice was a little strained.

"One minute. Almost done."

Callen must have been getting desperate to give him the time he needed because all of a sudden they heard a loud whack that sounded distinctly like a slap.

"What the hell? You just spilled your drink on me! Lousy ass drunk." Mindy stormed off back towards the room.

"Incoming Deeks."

"Done." He pulled the thumb drive out, slipped out and back into the room just shy of Mindy coming in. And boy did she look pissed.

When she walked in the room, he raised his eyebrows at her.

"Some asshole just spilled his drink on me. Give me two minutes to clean up and I'll be right back."

"Don't leave me waiting too long."

He could hear Kensi making gagging noises in his ear and it took everything he had not to laugh.

As soon as Mindy walked out, he told Callen to go. Going into stealth mode, he grabbed the jacket that was on the floor, left the room and made is way out the back. As silently as he could, he closed the door.

"Well, Mindy's going to be disappointed when she goes back in there only to find her entertainment for the evening has left."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, having been so intent on closing the door as silently as he could, he never heard his partner sidle up beside him.

"Well, I figured I had better things to do tonight." He went to put his arm around her and she backed up.

"You reek of cheap perfume lover boy. You aren't getting near me until you have a shower. Maybe two."

He started walking towards her, eyes shining, arms out.

"Come on Sugarbear. You know you want some of this."

Kensi turned and ran, laughing, as her partner chased after her. Yeah, they were going to be okay.

They made is back to the mission, and as promised, Deeks took two showers. Kensi wasn't the only one who couldn't stand the smell of cheap perfume. Getting back into his jeans and dark blue t-shirt, he went back into the bullpen. Sam and Callen were filling out the paperwork but there was no sign of his Kensi. He was just about to ask when Sam spoke up.

"She's in the firing range. Give her a minute and she'll be okay."

Callen had something to say, too. Looking Deeks in the eye, he told him, "Look Deeks. I really wasn't sure how tonight was going to go down. I would be lying if I said I didn't think one of you was going to mess it up."

Deeks took a step forward, mouth opened to speak but Callen wasn't done yet.

"Whatever you both did tonight to calm the other down, it worked."

Sam decided to interject.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Kensi that wound up. I gave her your letter and immediately saw her relax. Whatever you wrote in there, it cut through the bullshit and brought her back to where she needed to be. You two did it. You made it."

"Now, go make her smile Deeks." Callen smirked at him, sending him on his way. Deeks just stood there, almost shocked, and then seemed to gather his senses.

"Well, that's what I do best." Sending a mock salute, he turned on his heel and made is way to the range.

He stood outside the door while she fired her gun, hitting every target she aimed for.

Damn she's beautiful. Beautiful and deadly. I wouldn't want her any other way.

Noticing she was done, he opened the door and walked in. She hadn't turned around, standing there with her back to him, trying to even her breathing. He stood behind her and put his arms out, hands against the sides of the divider, effectively trapping her.

"I love you Kensi. We made it passed our first hurdle. I have no doubt there will be many more – some big, some small – but we will come out on top. As long as I have you, I have everything I need. We can do this. We did do this."

She was quiet for a few minutes. She had relaxed her stance a little, letting herself lean back against him. He brought his hands to her shoulders and rubbed them, hoping to get some of the tension out as he waited for her to speak.

"It's not easy what we do. But we do it for the greater good and I can't imagine either one of us doing something different. I love you, and we will make this work, but if you ever try to walk away from me to go on an op and leave me with emotionless eyes and empty words of talking later, I will kill you before you make it three steps. This was our first test, and I have no doubt there will be many more, but from here on out, the last words we say to each other is 'I love you' not 'we can finish this later.' Got it?"

She turned then, hoping to get her point across.

"I got it. But on that same note, don't try to act like you're okay when you're not. I know it sucks, but I'd rather you be pissed off then act like nothing's wrong. Maybe most people would rather have their partner act like everything is okay, but I have worked too damn hard to pull those walls down for you just to try and put that back up."

He kissed her nose and took a step back, knowing they were still at work and didn't want to get caught doing anything.

"We still have a long ways to go on that communication thing, huh?"

He laughed. "Yeah, we do. But I think we're starting to get the hang of it."

"Well then, come on sweet cheeks, let's get out of here."

"Wow, so now you're going to start using cheesy nicknames? That's cool. I'm down for that." She grabbed her gun and headed for the door, Deeks following her. Before she opened it, she turned, and much as Mindy had earlier, she put her hands on his chest, taking her time as she rubbed them first up, then down. His pupils dilated, and she chuckled.

She leaned up, whispering in his ear, "What do you say we take this somewhere a little more… private." All he could do was nod. Placing her lips on his, he eagerly responded, putting his hands on her hips to steady himself. She pulled back, remembering where they were.

"If you get dinner, I think I can take care of dessert." She winked at him as she walked away, leaving him with his mouth open. He quickly recovered, racing after her.

Yeah, he thought, they were more than okay.

AN - Sooo...there is it. Worth the wait? Let me know!