A/N: For the final time for this story, thank you so much to everyone who has shown an interest in this story. I've appreciated every comment I've received. I can't believe that this story is coming to a close, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished with this one.
9 Months Later
Deeks walks into the precinct, juggling two coffees and a bag of doughnuts from Kensi's favorite bakery.
Two months after the hearing, Deeks had found a nice apartment that wouldn't require him to get a second job to pay rent, was within 25 minutes of work, and officially moved out of Kensi's place. It's been a big adjustment; living alone, starting from square one again. It was simultaneously invigorating and terrifying to rebuild his life in a way that he wanted without pressure from anyone else.
It hasn't been always been an easy transition. He's more cautious and reserved, a protective response, his therapist had explained. He'd also dealt with a certain amount of push back from a few cops who either didn't appreciate his return or still found the situation with Sylvia humorous.
Fortunately, he hasn't had any further attempts at contact from Sylvia, which has helped significantly with his progress. It's allowed him the time to work through his trauma without constant fear.
Through it all, Nell, Sam, and Kensi have remained unwaveringly supportive. Whether it's helping him move his new couch up three flights of stairs or glaring menacingly at Perkins when his "jokes" go a step too far. Or lending a sympathetic ear when he needs to talk things through.
He meets Kensi now as she leaves the women's locker room, chatting with one of the newer recruits, Namazi. When Kensi spots him, her face brightens, and she quickly ends the conversation, heading towards him.
"Ooh, what did you get me today?" she asks, happily taking the bag from him.
"Iced coffee and one of those s'mores donuts you wanted to try," Deeks responds, watching her reach into the bag.
"These things sell out in an hour." She gives him a mock severe look. "How early did you get up to buy this?"
"Don't worry about it. It's the least I could do after you gave up your whole evening yesterday to help me paint my apartment."
"I mean, it would have been cruel to leave you with walls that shade of yellow any longer," Kensi says around a healthy bite of pastry. "Is there anything else you need help with? I don't have any plans tomorrow."
They've spent almost every night off-duty together, which gives him the courage to voice an idea he's been pondering for the last couple months.
"Actually, I was thinking maybe we could get dinner," he suggests, words rushing together slightly even though he's going for casual. "I'm friends with the maƮtre de at that new Mexican restaurant and he saved a table for me." They've shared hundreds of meals at this point, but never made set plans, certainly not reservations.
Kensi stills, eyeing him carefully before she responds. "Are you asking me on a date?"
"It can be whatever you want it to be." He knows it's a bit of a cop out. Maybe a little cowardly, but he doesn't want to push too hard or too fast.
Kensi dips her head, idly brushing specks of powder sugar off the top of the doughnut. When she raises her head, there's a quirk to her lips.
"Well, you know how much I like tacos," she says, reaching out to brush her fingers over his sleeve. "And I like spending with you even more. Doesn't matter if it's painting or eating at ridiculously fancy restaurants."
"Is that a 'yes'?" he asks it teasingly, but waits for Kensi to confirm as she rolls her eyes, drifting a little closer.
"Yes, Deeks. Let's have dinner."
They continue on their way, teasing each other as usual. He's relieved his proposal hasn't changed anything between them. As they stop by to see Nell, he takes a step back, watching Kensi hop onto the edge of Nell's desk, and snort at something, working her way through the rest of the doughnut.
Kensi catches his eye, gesturing him over with a quick wave of her hand. His life is far from perfect, and he still needs a hell of a lot of work to before he's anything close to normal, but for the first time in a very long time, he can honestly say he's happy.
A/N: I decided to leave the exact nature of Kensi and Deeks' "date" open-ended, which allows for them to head towards something romantic or stay platonic, depending on each reader's preference.
