A/N: This one takes place a while post Kulinda, in season 8. Following Sam and Deeks' conversation about Kensi not wanting to do things they used to do together, with him (my heart breaks for Deeks there. Poor guy.). Written for countdown day 6.

"Hey Kens, you got plans tomorrow?" Sam asked, stopping in front of her desk. He rapped his knuckles lightly on the surface, casting a casual glance around. Good, Deeks wasn't around. That would make things easier.

"No, I don't think so," Kensi answered, eyes narrowing with immediate concern. "What do you need?"

She seemed mostly likely her old self, but there was still a touch more guardedness lingering. It would come with time. For now, Sam was more focused on speeding other things along.

"Nothing. I've got a gift certificate for the Water Grill we received as a gift a while back and never got around to using. Wondered if you and Deeks would be interested."

"Oh, that's really sweet, but we couldn't."

"Why not? Michelle and I can't make it out there in the next few days, and if you don't take it, the certificate will expire," Sam told her. "I'd feel better about you two having a night out than it going to waste."

"Well…"

"C'mon, when's the last time you and Deeks went out on a date?" Sam continued, not giving her time to back out of it.

"It has been a while," Kensi admitted, biting her bottom lip. He could see she was wavering, running out of excuses for why she couldn't accept. "Are you sure Michelle won't mind?"

"Believe me, she'll be thrilled it's being put to good use," he assured her.

"Ok. Thank you, Sam."

Grinning, he handed over a black gift card. "No problem. When you go, make sure you tell Deeks to comb his hair for once."

"I'll try," Kensi said with a hint of a smile. "Deeks'll love this."

A minute later, she got a text from Nell to go up to Ops. Sam watched her go, settling in at his desk with a pleased smile.

"Well, well, well," Callen said, speaking up for the first time. He swung his legs up onto his desk, regarding Sam with a smirk. "I never knew my partner doubled as a matchmaker."

"What, I'm just making sure that the gift card gets used," Sam explained innocently.

"Sure you are. What's Michelle going to think when she finds out you gave away one of your gifts?"

"You think I'm an amateur? I bought that one myself and got a voucher for Michelle's favorite restaurant the same day," he explained.

"Ah, so it was all planned after all," Callen observed. Sighing, Sam nodded reluctantly. "What happened to not getting involved in your coworkers' love life?"

"I know it's been a little difficult to get back into the swing of things for Kensi and Deeks. Figured it would hurt to give 'em a little nudge." He shook his head. "Besides, they're far less annoying when they're in domestic bliss."

"Aw, that's sweet."

Sam held up a finger in warning. "Don't you start," he said. "And don't even think about saying anything to Kensi and Deeks. I've done my part, now it's up to them to figure the rest out."

Callen was silent for a moment, his eyes shifting between Kensi and Deeks' desks.

"You're a good man, Sam Hanna. They'll appreciate your help one day," Callen finally said, surprising Sam.

"Thanks, G."

"Now I just have one question. What are your rates if I want to find a tall brunette without any homicidal tendencies?"

"Oh my god, that was some of the best lobster I've ever had," Deeks sighed, with a look of true bliss.

Thanks to Sam's very generous donation, they'd had a massive seafood dinner, complete with drinks and dessert. Afterwards, they'd driven down to the beach, and kicked off their shoes for a evening walk.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Kensi said, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked along the shore, feet sinking into the wet sand. It was lucky she'd decided on a knee length dress for tonight. Deeks was slightly less fortunate in his long dress pants, but she had a feeling he wouldn't care.

She'd almost forgotten what it was like to have a night free of appointments, exercise, and worrying about her recovery. It also made her realize she and Deeks hadn't spent much time together like this, just the two of them, in even longer. Like Sam had said, she couldn't remember the last time they'd been on a real date.

"I did. This was a perfect night." Sliding his hand down her arm until he reached her fingers. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm, lips soft and warm on her skin. "What about you?"

"Sushi, lobster," Kensi paused to kiss his cheek, then his neck, lowering her voice to whisper in his ear, "And the man I adore all in one night. Amazing."

Deeks tilted his head back, grin visible in the light while. It was a beautiful sight. Especially after the last several months. It made her want to kiss him even more.

"Wow, you really are a lightweight right now, aren't you?" he teased. "I should have cut you off after one Mezcalero."

"Hush, I'm not drunk," she insisted with a soft laugh. She turned and looped her arms around his neck, drawing them to a stop. Deeks braced his hands on her hips as she stretched up against him, flicking her tongue over his bottom lip.

He made a sound between a gasp and a sigh, fingers briefly tightening, then slipping slightly lower. Kensi pressed several kisses around his mouth while his hands roamed up and down her torso, teasing him before she finally sucked his lip between hers.

Deeks groaned this time, cupping the back of her head as he returned her kiss enthusiastically. Kensi pulled away sometime later, breathless, and filled with the warmth of Deeks' touch.

"Take me home," she murmured, not resisting when Deeks swung her up into his arms and carried her back to the truck.

A/N: Obviously this takes place after 767. I was originally going to make this another angsty one, but realized it worked better with Kensi and Deeks having a happy moment.