A/N: Here comes my annual contribution to Densi-mber. Set between Seasons 3-5.
Day 11: Kensi/Deeks trying to cheer up or take care of the other after a rough day.
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The outcome of their last op took them to San Francisco. Well, not the outcome but Callen and Sam’ statement, ‘we are the senior agents, we choose who gets a 382 miles drive’. After nine days working on their last case, the team recovered weapons and classified intel that were stolen in a Freemont’s precinct, which had to be delivered safely along with the NCIS agent that joined them to coordinate the operation.
Unfortunately, the military plane that took Kensi, Deeks and Special Agent Heck to San Francisco was not available for a return trip, as any other commercial flight for the next 3 days. December 24th could be a bit of a problem for making last minute reservations, being a car trip the only option to return to LA in time for Christmas. Deeks loved the idea of spending a six hours drive with Kensi, annoying her with games, questions and Christmas songs, but alone in the car he could sense that something was bothering her.
‘’Little Saint Nick’ is by far the best song for the holidays, it has nice background music, it’s cheerful and it has history. It’s really important to know Santa’s routine on his big night. What do you say?’ He had rambled about Christmas songs and their contribution to the “merry spirit” for five minutes now. She was still silent.
‘If you say so.’ Kensi said as she watched the sunset in the passenger seat. She was distracted and distant, exhaustion taking over her as they were finally alone. Their partnership didn’t begin as peaceful and joyous as Hetty expected, but they were slowly becoming comfortable with each other and learning to relax as friends during the day brakes.
‘Hey, I get that you’re tired, but you haven’t complained about my non-stopping talk yet and you look like the girl in sad movies that stares at the old house while moving out, are you okay?’
She turned to him, surprised at his worried tone. ‘Yeah, I’m just…tired, that’s all.’
‘Sure…you’re sad because everyone is having a feast at OPS while you’re stuck with protein bars and old peanuts until our next stop. Come on partner, what’s wrong?’
Kensi sighted, she hoped their long trip would make him less persistent in his eagerness to know everything that was passing through her mind. Of course he couldn’t just let it go.
‘I told you, just tired.’
‘If you tell me I’ll be quiet for the next fifteen minutes. That’s a great offer.’ He smiled, then looked at her trying to lighten her mood just a bit.
She glanced at him, ‘As if I was listening to you…’ Cocky remark, better than silence.
‘Hurtful, Kens…hey, you can’t expect me to share a long tedious ride with you like this. Besides, it’s almost Christmas, you have to spread love and happiness. Just tell me, I’ll give you a great piece of advice and all your problems will be solved, magic deal.’ She could tell he was really trying to have an honest conversation. He was willing to offer her some peace of mind, but her habit of keeping feelings to herself was solid.
‘Why do you want to know so badly?’ Once again, her voice had a different tone.
‘You’re obviously upset. I just want to cheer you up, that’s all.’ No jokes, no teasing, he meant it. ‘But you know what? It doesn’t matter, I wa-’
‘Deeks…’ She cut him, afraid that she bothered him. He was nice and friendly, and she was being harsh to him in return, great. ‘I’m sorry, I’m…I’m not used to this. I appreciate it, I really do, but talking and sharing is not my thing.’ She looked at him, wishing to express more than she could with words.
‘Okay, not sharing then. Plan B.’
A wide smile appeared on his face and as he turned up the music he proudly announced his plan, ‘Bribing you with food it is, my little sad companion.’
They stopped for pizza at a service area. As they shared a large Carbonara Special he began a light chat about abandoning their life as federal agents and travelling all over the State, discovering forgotten places and rescuing every dog they would come across. They talked about the countries they would like to visit and about their favorite TV shows; after that, they bet the last piece of pizza at rock, paper, scissor. She obviously won, west coast rules could be tricky. Deeks’ carefree attitude and the food made her relax, and maybe even smile a bit when they fought like eight years old kids about their dream car and which one was better.
They returned to the car to fill up the gas before leaving when ‘Take on me’ began playing on the radio. Deeks danced and singed with great delight as if nobody was watching while she was crying from laughter at his total lack of shyness. She thought she was about to die of laughter when an old lady smiled and approached to him, dancing at the end of the song. Satisfied with his performance, he paid, congratulated Louise for her great moves and joined Kensi to continue with their trip. He was really something.
‘Thank you.’ She smiled softly at him. He made her laugh, forget and changed completely her mood. Kensi realized that no one had never put so much effort to know her. Deeks could be prying, but he was respectful and patient, making her comfortable enough to share untold stories or information that either Callen or Sam knew, she slowly opened up to him. She trusted him with her safety, sure she could trust him with her friendship.
‘Christmas is always a hard time, kind of a painful reminder that I failed my Dad and that I couldn’t fight hard enough for Jack. Since my Dad left, I’ve never really celebrated it.’ Looking shyly at her hands, she ate the last protein bar waiting for his reaction.
‘Like the Grinch but sexier?’ Her laugh filled the car once again. Deeks searched for her eyes, smiling softly, almost whispering. ‘If you want I can dance for you in the middle of a gas station as a new tradition for Christmas.’
‘Weren’t you even the slightest embarrassed?’ Kensi couldn’t believe he would share such an over-the-top performance in front of three families and an astonished cashier without even blushing.
‘It made you laugh, didn’t it?’ And for that, it was worth all the effort.
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Merry Christmas to all the NCIS: LA Familia¡
@densi-mber thank you for planning (as every year) such an amazing month full of Densi goodness and inspiring ideas, you’re all great¡
