A/N: Written last October, obviously before the wedding. Set in season 10.

"So, we're going with the mango right?" And though Kensi phrased it at as a question, it was more of a statement, a desperate plea that they finally decide on something for the wedding.

"Sure," Deeks said agreeably. He took a bite of baked chicken, Kensi's offering for dinner and silently chewed. She'd been throwing out ideas intermittently for the last hour and he so far his input had maybe been a little less than satisfactory. As far as he was concerned, the cake could come from Costco and he'd be fine with it.

"Sure? I thought it was your favorite. It was the only one you actually ate and didn't just nibble on. Or spit out." Kensi replied, throwing a pointed look at Deeks as she said the last part. He wasn't entirely sure if she was more annoyed with him for not participating or having the audacity to spit out artisan cake.

"It was good."

"Cake donuts are good. Ice cream is good. I want spectacular," Kensi said with what seemed rather disproportionate passion for the given topic, even coming from the Queen of Sweets.

"Why does it have to be spectacular?" Deeks asked, picking up both their plates as Kensi finished her last few pieces of rice. He carried them to the sink, trying to voice why after everything, this still bothered. "Why can't it just be good?"

"Deeks, this is our wedding. I just want it to be perfect." Kensi said earnestly and he sighed. He understood where she was coming from, but he still believed that going bigger wasn't always better. He turned his head, speaking over his shoulder while he scrubbed at some burnt-on chicken residue.

"And I agree. But the things that will make it perfect aren't cake or the most expensive venue available. You know what will make it perfect? Having the team there. Having our moms, our friends and of course, Monty, there to celebrate with us." Kensi rolled her eyes but seemed to consider what he was saying. Eventually she stood up and came to stand behind Deeks, watching as he cleaned.

"I love that's all you need to make it perfect, baby, but I can't help but think that we're going to regret not doing all the things normal people do at their weddings. And if we're not disappointed, then someone else will be," she said.

"Is this what you want, though? Because everyone else, they don't matter. If you really want fancy cake and everything, then yes, let's do it. But only if it makes you happy."

"You don't think I'm happy?" Kensi asked, sounding stunned and maybe a little hurt by his assessment.

"Not about this," he answered honestly. "If you were, I don't think we'd be so stressed about picking stuff and we'd actually have a date and venue picked."

"Then what do you suggest?" Kensi asked, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

"We choose what we really want and trash the rest. Screw what everyone else thinks. Screw normal." Kensi was silent for several seconds and then she threw the question back at him.

"What do you want to do? Other than keeping things simple." Deeks shrugged.

"Keep the guest list below 150 and stop worrying about things like table settings and floral arrangements."

"So basically what you've been saying the whole time we've been engaged," Kensi acknowledged dryly.

"Yeah, but this time we actually do it instead of arguing about it for the next two months," he said, smiling gently to take the sting from his words. Turning so his back faced the front of the sink, Deeks cupped his hand around Kensi's chin.

"Well, I could do without the additional stress," Kensi admitted, leaning into him. "And I've never had a huge interest in color schemes so if you truly do not care I can do without all that too."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, I think so. And I've always liked the idea of a beach wedding since you mentioned it."

"That all sounds great to me," Deeks said while trying not to sound too enthusiastic.

"But, one thing," Kensi added, holding up a finger between them. "that is non-negotiable, is the cake. We have to have cake. I don't care if it's mango or carrot, but we are having a three-tiered, frosting covered cake." Deeks smiled broadly at Kensi's adamant tone and nodded as he dropped his soapy hand around her waist.

"I think I can get down with that as long as we agree I reserve the right to cut you off after four pieces. I really don't want to spend our wedding night in the ER because you've overdosed on sugar."

"Shut up," Kensi said fondly, pressing herself to Deeks' front and snaking her fingers into his hair. She cut off his reply with a firm kiss that made him forget everything but the warm, incredible woman in his arms.

"We'll start making reservations tomorrow, deal?" Deeks asked a few minutes later

"Deal." Kensi agreed, punctuating the words with another kiss.