A/N: Based on my most recent suggestion for the premiere. Totally ignores how NCIS and FLETC operates for this particular situation. I think I've written similar things before, but you can never have too many Deeks FLETC stories, right?

"Are you going you to tell me where going?" Deeks asked Kensi, eyeing her as she drove to an unknown location.

"Nope," she answered cheerfully. He tugged at the sleeves of the suit Kensi had insisted he wear. Kensi wore a knee-length capped sleeves and a heart-shapes neckline.

Glancing at him, she brushed his hands away from his suit jacket. "Stop messing with that, you look great."

"Now if only I knew why I look so amazing and dashing." Kensi shook her head but didn't give any hints.

"Don't worry, we're almost there."

Despite himself, Deeks felt unusually nervous. As much as he liked to bestow surprises, he was a big fan of being on the receiving end. Especially when formal dress was required.

Eventually Kensi exited the interstate and and pulled into what appeared an elite banquet hall of some sort. It was dark out, but he could other people arriving, similarly dressed in evening wear.

"Here we are," Kensi announced, turning to him with a smile, as she squeezed his hand. "It's going to be fine," she promised. Deeks reluctantly allowed her to guide him into the building.

"Kens, what is going on?" he muttered as they walked into a small foyer and were handed name tags by a woman in military looking attire and directed to a banquet room.

"A couple months ago I heard that several FLETC graduations were cancelled last year." Deeks looked at her sharply as she continued explaining, "I convinced Hetty to use her considerable persuasive skills to have one of the make-ups scheduled here."

"But I already received my badge."

"Your accomplishments were never officially recognized though," Kensi responded. "As much as Hetty might like to think that her presence was enough of an honor, I happen to think you deserve a lot more."

"I don't know…" Deeks trailed off, shaking his head slightly as he hesitated a few yards from the double doors standing between them and what sounded like a few hundred people. "I'm still not sure that I actually passed everything. It doesn't feel right."

Kensi grabbed both his hands, bringing them to her chest as she looked up at him sincerely.

"Listen to me, Deeks. You worked so incredibly hard and surpassed everyone's expectations at FLETC. Everyone in that room who came to watch you today is just as proud of as I am."

His throat tightened at Kensi's passionate words, slightly overwhelmed by the sincerity in her voice. She pressed his hand to her lips and then started tugging him to towards the banquet room again.

"C'mon, the ceremony is going to start soon," she said.

As the back two-thirds of the room was filled with rows of chairs where a couple hundred guests and graduates already sat. Kensi gave him a gentle push towards the front where the first few rows were reserved.

Several FLETC instructors and the Deputy Director of the Glynco campus gave speeches before they started calling names. It felt slightly surreal when they his was finally called and he walked to the podium.

"The title of NCIS Special Investigator is awarded to Martin Atticus Deeks," the Deputy Director announced, smiling as he handed Deeks his certificate and shook his head.

Deeks glanced out into the audience and saw the team in the middle of the crowd, all clapping enthusiastically. He sought Kensi's eyes, a feeling of warmth running through him at the obvious pride in her gaze.

As he thanked the Deputy Director and walked back to his seat, Deeks finally allowed himself to smile.