Prompt: I was wondering if I could make a prompt request. In season 2 episode 5, Deeks finds out that Kensi likes first dates at the zoo. Could you write a story where he surprises her with a day at the zoo?
A/N: Random fact, but I have not been to a zoo since I was a baby (which I obviously don't recall).
Since it wasn't specified, I decided to place this in the sixth or seventh season, after Kensi and Deeks got together.
"You better not be taking me for some off-Broadway production of Hair or Cabaret," Kensi warned Deeks as he drove down Route 134. About the minutes into the drive, she's toed off her shoes and propped her socked feet on the dashboard.
"First of all, I'm impressed and touched that you remembered two musicals," he began, lifting a hand off the steering wheel to tick off points. "Secondly, I would never take you to an off-Broadway show." He paused as Kensi settled back in apparent relief. "That's for our next date."
"I can hardly wait." He didn't need to look to know Kensi was rolling her eyes. They were quiet while Kensi scrolled in her phone for a couple minutes. "I've got it! You're taking me to Disney Land."
"Uh-uh. Though that would have been a good one." Deeks smiled to himself, both amused and impressed with Kensi's commitment to discovering where they were headed. Personally, he was pretty proud that he'd successfully kept his plans a secret.
Kensi continued throwing out increasingly ridiculous suggestions (including some kind of kids' fun place) until they were nearly on top of their destination.
"The Los Angeles Zoo," Kensi read, sitting up with a truly surprised expression. Deeks found one of the few parking spots available, which left them with a good little hike to the entrance. "Seriously, we're going to the zoo?" she checked.
"Yeah. I remember it was on your list of things you liked to do on first dates. Charlene St. James," Deeks said, grinning at the blush that rose in her cheeks at the reminder.
"Oh my god, of course you would remember that," she groaned. "You do know I made half of that stuff up, right?"
"Mm, maybe elements, but you do hate back hair—" Kensi shuddered— "unless it belongs to yours truly. And there were other facts that have turned out to be mostly true." He nodded towards the gate. "C'mon, let's go see some baby monkeys."
They purchased tickets and made their way to the reptile section first. The zoo offered a shuttle to get to specific locations more quickly, but they decided to walk, allowing for a more leisurely exploration.
There were several groups of kids in attendance, running around, shrieking at the snakes, and pressing their faces against the glass to get a better look at the grizzly bears.
Deeks caught Kensi grinning at them, her reluctance seeming to evaporate with their enthusiasm and the farther they traveled around the facility. She seemed to have a particular fondness for the tiger enclosure, spending several minutes interacting with a surprisingly adorable tiger cub.
By lunch time, they'd barely made it halfway through the attractions, but they decided to stop for food anyway. Twenty minutes later, they sat side-by-side on a little bench outside one of the food venues, Kensi armed with a slice of pizza in one hand and a churro sundae in the other. Deeks had gone with an Italian sausage and fries. A small stuffed tiger (purchased from the gift shop on their way to get food) perched between them.
"I know I was skeptical at first, but I'm having a really good time," she said, leaning her on Deeks' shoulder. "Thanks for planning this."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it." He kissed the top of her head, feeling content and relaxed. "I know it's not super adventurous."
"Sometimes adventure is overrated." Kensi leaned forward to kiss him, leaving behind the taste of chocolate and cinnamon. "Sometimes adventure is overrated." Leaning back with a satisfied smile, she finished off the rest of her food in record time, and then stood, brushing crumbs of her hands.
"C'mon, we better get going. There are a lot more animals to see and I want to circle back to the tigers before we leave."
"I think I've created a monster," Deeks mused, watching as she got a few steps ahead of him. "Hey, if I see you with a tiger cub sticking out of your bag, I'm calling security!"
Kensi just looked over her shoulder with a grin, holding out her hand for him as he jogged to catch up.