A/N: And we're back with this self-indulgent story. Hope you all enjoy.
"Mommy, I have to go potty!"
"—and then I jumped so much in the bounce house, and I got so hot that I threw up everywhere!"
"Look, I won a fish. Do you like it, Dad?"
Kensi shook her head, bypassing a family of five as she headed towards a less populated area. The annual St. Bridgets School Fair was in full force, kids and parents milling around the many booths featuring games and food. A small collection of rides was set up across the grounds.
Every year, the school held a 2-day extravaganza in the spring to raise funds. This year, Kensi had helped with setting up the booths and other structures, so she was spared from actually running one. Still, she'd stood in for a few teachers and parents while they took breaks or managed their own kids' various bumps, bruises, and heartbreaks that always seemed to happen during these events.
Two fifth grade girls walked by in matching blue T-shirts emblazoned with the school logo, leaning towards each other as they giggled. They got in line for the cotton candy booth and Kensi overheard the tail end of some story about a boy who was one of the school's class clowns.
As she got in a long line for soft pretzels, she glanced along the small midway and almost did a double take when she saw none other than Marty Deeks manning the balloon pop stall. She hadn't talked to him since the day he was late and only saw him in passing on the days when Caleb was a car rider.
Making a snap decision, she ducked out of the line and headed over. He was currently facing away, demonstrating the proper form for throwing a dart to the boy the counter. Like all the volunteers, he wore a bright purple shirt with fireworks and Ferris wheel graphics with a school building behind it.
Demonstration finished, Marty Deeks moved to the side to let the boy try again. He took his time aiming the dart, but it went wide, catching in a piece of wood.
"Ooh, that was super close! Here, I'll give you a free shot," Mr. Deeks said, handing over another dart. This time, the boy managed to hit a small pink balloon at the bottom.
He gave a whoop, jumping in the air in a celebratory dance.
"I did it! I did it!" he shouted, earning a grin from Mr. Deeks.
"Nice job, Walker. You know what, Buddy, this must be your lucky day, because hitting a pink balloon mean you can pick any prize you want."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh."
Kensi watched Mr. Deeks help him retrieve a large stuffed penguin from the top of the booth, which Walker gleefully carried off, throwing a hasty thanks over his shoulder.
Mr. Deeks chuckled, cleaning up the mess left behind and gathering the darts. Kensi walked up to the front, resting her forearms on the white-painted bar that served as a divider.
"I'm not sure you're supposed to be giving away free throws," she commented. He spun around, eyebrows raised in surprise before he settled on a wry smile. "I may have to tell the events committee about the egregious fraud going on at the balloon booth."
"That kid probably spent a whole month's allowance here," he said, apparently unconcerned by her teasing threat. "It was the least I could do."
"Hi Miss Blye," Caleb said, head popping up from behind the bar. He had a piece of pizza in one hand, traces of sauce decorating his chin. "Did you come to play the game too?"
"Oh my gosh, I didn't even see you there," Kensi exclaimed, pressing her hands to her chest dramatically.
"I was hiding." He grinned at her, revealing a gap between his top teeth that hadn't been there yesterday.
"Caleb is my helper for the night," Mr. Deeks explained. "He's been picking up darts and balloon pieces."
"And when Mr. Beale takes over later, then dad's gonna take me to the rides and buy me cotton candy," Caleb added. The last third of his pizza lay abandoned on a paper plate and he'd managed to wipe most of the sauce from his chin.
"Do you like cotton candy Miss Blye?" The question was asked a little hesitantly, even shyly, like he'd suddenly remembered she was his teacher and not just a friend.
"I do like cotton candy," Kensi informed him in a loud whisper, which made Caleb giggle. "Especially rainbow."
"Well, maybe Daddy can get you some too."
"Oh, Kiddo, I bet Miss Blye wants to pick out her own food," Mr. Deeks interceded quickly. Caleb's head dipped a little and Kensi flashed him a smile to assure him he hadn't done anything wrong.
"Actually, I'd love some cotton candy, but I haven't eaten dinner yet."
Caleb nodded in understanding, sending a quick glance to his unfinished pizza. As he started nibbling on it again, Kensi shifted across the counter.
"So, what do you have against buying me cotton candy, Mr. Deeks?" she asked teasingly. Honestly though, she was curious. He didn't seem to be a particularly harsh parent, so the reprimand felt a little out of character from what she'd witnessed before.
"I thought it might come off as presumptuous," he explained with a shrug. "We're very…affectionate people in general so sometimes we cross boundaries without realizing it."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I'll let you know if you cross any of those lines," Kensi told him. Then, ignoring the voice that told her it was a bad idea, she added, "And you can call me Kensi. At least outside of school hours."
"I think I can manage that. Most people just call me Deeks," he replied. "Mr. Deeks always makes me think of going to the principal's office." He grimaced. "Or my clients. Who I mostly don't need to be reminded of."
He grinned again, the corner of his eyes crinkling. Nicole was right his eyes were very blue, almost startlingly so and right now they seemed especially bright. Realizing she was staring, Kensi cleared her throat, and said the first thing that came to mind.
"So, how did you get roped into game duty?" She snatched up a dart at random, hoping Deeks hadn't noticed her response. He shrugged, bracing his palms on the counter.
"Eh, Ms. Jones cornered me in the office last week and asked if I was planning to come to the fair. She was telling me about how much there was to do, all the open booths, and next thing I knew, she had me choosing between running the balloon pop and dunk tank." He chuckled softly. "Rookie move, right?"
"Don't feel bad, Nell is famous for her coercive skills," Kensi said, amused by Deeks' vaguely perplexed expression. "Two years ago, she convinced Mr. Ruiz to donate a hundred cakes for the bake sale and Jennifer Bagely, who runs a salon, to offer free manicures for teacher appreciation. She's equally feared and loved by the rest of the PTO."
"Well, I don't mind helping out," Deeks assured her quickly. "I want to be involved in Caleb's school and the community. And at least I escaped getting soaked all night."
Kensi's eyes drifted to his chest, which was nicely outlined by a snug black t-shirt. This time, Deeks definitely noticed, and his eyebrows lowered, and his mouth opened slightly.
"Hey Kensi, are you busy?" Someone asked, brushing Kensi's arm, interrupting whatever Deeks was about to say.
"No, not at all Mr. Hanna," she answered, turning towards the Head Principal. "What do you need."
"Elaine Papadakis had to leave early so I need someone to take over at the slime tent."
"Of course, I'll be right over."
"Thanks, Kensi," Mr. Hanna said gratefully, hurrying off to deal with some other minor catastrophe.
"Well, if I don't see you again, have a good rest of your night, Deeks," she said, oddly reluctant to leave.
A/N: Yes, I'm sprinkling other characters in as a supporting cast. Tell me what you think of my decisions.