A/N: This one is for Neighborhood Watch and countdown day 11.
"So, what are you doing tonight?" Kensi asked, pausing in the process of packing everything she'd collected over the last few weeks into her go bags. She'd just been tossing it in at random while Deeks took a more methodical route, actually folding his t-shirts into neat squares. He stopped too, a dress shirt hanging from one hand while he held a belt in the other.
"Mm, probably check out what's gone bad in the fridge, walk Monty. I bet here's forgotten who I am by now," Deeks replied with a shrug. "What about you?"
"Well, my plans aren't nearly as exciting as yours. Just me, the biggest burger I can find, some beer, and Tyra Banks."
"Ooh, a burger sounds amazing." He scratched at his chin, glancing around the room. "I guess you'll be glad to have time to yourself again. To starfish in peace."
"Ok, I'm not that bad," Kensi protested. "And you," she waved a bunched-up bra at him without thinking, but surprisingly, he didn't say anything. "You mutter in your sleep sometimes. And hog all the hot water."
"Truly reprehensible," Deeks teased, flashing a grin before he carefully folded the shirt and tucked it in among the jeans he'd already rolled up.
They'd definitely spent way too much time together on this op. Neither of them could hide any of their little faults, or eccentricities. It was all laid bare as they played house.
Honestly, it was kind of terrifying to think about because as close as they'd become in their partnership, there'd still been a certain level of distance. Now, those boundaries were paper thin and Kensi found herself reluctant to build them up again.
She heard Deeks humming under his breath, a habit he was prone to during mindless activities, and she turned to watch him as he worked. A smile crept over her lips.
"Hey, how about you we grab dinner together?" Deeks looked over his shoulder at her suggestion, raising an eyebrow.
"Didn't you just get done agreeing that you'd be glad to get rid of me."
"I did. You were really annoying some of the time, but, uh, this wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Kensi admitted, making Deeks turn around completely. "The companionship was kind of nice."
"Oh my god, that's practically like an 'I love you' coming from you. I'm not sure I can handle this level of adoration."
"You know, if you're going to be a smart ass, I can always rescind the offer."
"No, no, I'm finished," he said, quickly, pausing for a second before he added, "I would love to have a burger with you."
"Alright." Kensi nodded, feeling oddly nervous. "Well, then hurry up. Because I'm starving."
She stuffed the rest of her clothes in the bag, telling herself once again that this was nothing. It was normal. It was just partners sharing a meal.