HUGE THANKS to all who has read this story. I love hearing and seeing how you like it (or am I just imagining it?) Anyway this chapter (and it's pretty long…sorry) will be the catalyst for moving onto the next new story…sneaky huh?

Disclaimer: in case you hadn't noticed…NCISLA is not mine. Shame really.

CHOICES

CHAPTER 13

"So who gets to choose where we go and what we do for our little dancing tonight Kensi?" Deeks asked as they headed out to the car to finish with the last few people involved in the suicide case at the boatshed.

"I don't know…I agreed to go on this dancing thing with you…"

"No you didn't agree Kens, you promised and dancing thing? Really?"

"Okay yes I promised, so I'm thinking that I get to pick and choose" Kensi smirked as she started the car.

"It was my desire to go dancing with you so maybe I should be the one to choose" Deeks grinned back.

"Well I have high expectations so are you sure you're ready, willing and able to impress me?"

"Hey how could you not be impressed, with the all awesomeness of Marty Deeks?"

"I'll reserve judgement on that until I've actually seen the all awesomeness in all its glory thanks" Kensi snickered.

"Oh ye of little faith Kensi Blye. Okay I'm going to show you exactly what the Marty Deeks awesomeness is all about. I promise you are going to think so much differently about your partner"

"You have no idea what I think of you partner" Kensi wiggled her eyebrow.

"I have a hunch"

"Pfft, yeah right" Kensi snorted as she parked the car.

"I'm a detective…I detect remember" Deeks smiled.

"You couldn't detect where you left your keys this morning Einstein"

Deeks stopped and pulled Kensi's arm, twirling her around to face him, "How about this? I pick the restaurant you pick the dancing"

"Fine"

"Fine"

"So can we go finish this case up now?" Kensi huffed.

"Lead the way Princess" Deeks waved his arm.

They entered the boatshed where Sam and Callen were already in the interview room with the pharmacist who was being questioned over his dealings with the drug dealers. As the two junior agents sat outside watching the monitors, they stole silent glances at each other, neither daring to speak a word. A few minutes later, Callen and Sam stood, pulling the pharmacist to his feet as Sam crudely hooked his arms behind his back and handcuffing him. He was to be handed over to police for later sentencing and Sam and Callen looked pleased as they walked back outside to where Kensi and Deeks were waiting.

"Another case bites the dust" Deeks smiled.

"Yep, Holly's father has been found, killed by Namirea as it turned out and this guy will be going to prison for a very long time" Callen nodded.

"What about the suicide drugs?" Kensi asked.

"Being taken care of as we speak. Hetty's organising teams to go around making sure the navy takes a lot more care with such a dangerous drug that it never leaves the navy" Sam replied.

"And we're liaising with LAPD to try to minimise the danger that some may get out on the street" Callen added.

"So the navy is still prepared to use it on our hostiles then?" asked Kensi.

"Not our call Kens, that's up to those in far more illustrious positions than us" Callen shrugged.

"Huh, so we're putting our trust in the government and navy that this is a good decision" Kensi frowned.

"Ironic huh?" Deeks smirked, "We vote them in and most of the time we never get told what they are doing in secret but that it is all for "the good of the country" he gestured air quotes.

"Yep democracy can be funny sometimes" Sam smiled, "Let's get out of here"

All four team members drove back to the Ops to inform Hetty and start on paperwork before the day finished. As Sam and Callen headed to Hetty's desk, Kensi and Deeks went to their desks and sat down, Deeks letting out a dramatic sigh in the process.

"Damn paperwork, this is the worst part of a case"

"The quicker we do it the quicker the night begins" Kensi smiled, "and I've thought of the perfect place for dancing"

"Oh really? Well it so happens that I have thought of the perfect place for dinner so I believe this night is gonna be all sorts of awesomeness" Deeks grinned, as he opened his drawer and pulled out a caramel toffee and tossed it onto Kensi's desk.

"Ooooh thanks Deeks" Kensi grinned, quickly opening the lolly.

"That's all you're allowed to have. Can't have you gorging on rubbish before having a beautiful dinner" Deeks warned.

"Well, all in all a job well done on solving the case Miss Blye, Mr Deeks, Mr Callen and Mr Hanna. Since Kensi and Deeks have made a good head start on their reports they have my permission to leave early tonight", Hetty smiled, walking into the bullpen.

"Why them Hetty? We're getting to ours now" Sam whined.

"So I see Mr Hanna, but I haven't had to push Kensi and Deeks to finish their reports on time as much as before but I have had to threaten both you and Mr Callen several times as I recall"

"Well I guess we'll see you boys tomorrow then", Deeks grinned, "You ready Kensi?"

"All set" Kensi picked up her bag, "See ya guys"

"Oh Mr Deeks a word first please" Hetty called, "and Miss Blye I would like to see you after Mr Deeks".

Deeks followed Hetty to her office and sat opposite her as she stirred her tea, "I have something for you" she said as she opened her top drawer and pulled out an envelope.

"What is it Hetty?" Deeks grasped the paper from her hand.

"Why don't you open it and find out?"

He opened the envelope to find a letter confirming a reservation for two at LA's finest seafood restaurant for 7.30 that evening. He gasped and looked up at the smiling Hetty, "How did you know we were going out….never mind"

"Enjoy Mr Deeks. As I said at the hospital, you have my blessings"

Deeks nodded, "I hope it works Hetty".

"Unfortunately whether it works is something out of my control. That is up to the both of you. Now would you send in Kensi?"

Deeks nodded and stood before turning and heading towards his partner, "Kens, you're up now"

"Is it bad?" Kensi eyed Hetty warily.

"Fake a seizure if you need to" Deeks smirked.

A well-aimed punch to his shoulder soon wiped his dopey grin off his face as he headed to the door. He waited by his car for Kensi to come out, which she did a few minutes later.

"All good?" Deeks casually asked.

"All good" Kensi nodded, "You picking me up or am I picking you up?"

"I'll go home feed Monty, shower and change first. How 'bout I pick you up…say 6.30?"

"I'll be ready. See you then Deeks" Kensi opened her car door.

"See you then" Deeks replied as he turned on the ignition.

Deeks raced home and flew in the door as Monty came bounding up to him wagging his tail, "Sorry bud, I can't stop tonight. I got a hot date", he patted the scruffy mutt behind his ear and headed for the kitchen to feed his loyal companion. After filling his bowls and making sure Monty had water, Deeks headed for the bathroom to shower. Usually he liked to spend a long time under the steaming hot water but he knew tonight he had to be right on time to collect Kensi. He rifled through his wardrobe and finally settled on a light purple shirt, dark jacket and pants. Checking the time on his watch he grabbed his keys, gun and phone and giving Monty one final pat goodbye, he walked down to his car with a grin on his face, hoping that tonight would be a special one.

Kensi meanwhile, was literally running from room to room in her little house. First she jumped in the shower before standing in front of her closet and started pulling clothes out, looking them over and either tossing the ones she thought might be good on her bed and the ones she didn't think were good enough on the floor. By the end of her disagreement with her clothes, her closet was empty and she had small heap on her bed to choose from. Finally deciding on an emerald green jersey dress with high heels and her hair down and wavy, she sprayed on her favourite perfume and by the time she heard Deeks softly rap at her door she was ready.

"Hey" Kensi smiled as she saw her partner standing before her.

"Hey yourself. Wow Kensi you look beautiful" he grinned.

"You scrub up pretty nice too Deeks. So shall we get this show on the road?"

"Let's do it. First stop, dinner" Deeks offered his arm for Kensi to loop her own arm through.

Kensi nodded and grabbed her handbag off the couch and locked the door behind her, before taking Deeks' offer of his arm.

"You drive to the restaurant and I'll drive to the dancing, Deeks" said Kensi as she got in the passenger seat.

"What you drive my car in high heels? Are you crazy?" Deeks asked surprised.

"No I'm not crazy. Besides, I can run in high heels so driving in them is no big deal"

"You may be able to run in heels, but you forget I know how you drive. It's not pretty"

"I am a great driver Deeks, if I do say so myself", Kensi smirked, "So what restaurant are we going to anyway?"

"Not telling, it's a surprise" Deeks smiled, "and we are almost there, it's just the next corner"

Kensi's eyes widened in surprise as she read the name 'Pesce Lina' on the front door of the small restaurant, "We are eating at the best seafood restaurant in LA? Really?"

"Yep. Surprise!" Deeks exclaimed, "We have reservations for two"

Deeks parked the car and together they walked side by side to the door and Deeks stood aside to let Kensi go in first. The head waiter, Bernie greeted them warmly, "Welcome to Pesce Lina, we are pleased to have you here tonight. How may I help you?"

"Reservations for two under the name of Deeks" Deeks answered.

"Ah yes Mister Deeks, right this way. My name is Bernie and I'll be your waiter for this evening. We have one of our best seats for you and your beautiful wife" Bernie smiled.

"Thank you Bernie" Deeks smiled, "After you princess"

They headed to a small quiet table near the back of the restaurant and as they sat down and were handed their menus, they both took the opportunity to glance around the room in awe at their surroundings.

"Really Deeks this is too much. This will blow your pay cheque for the next month! How did you manage this?"

"I guess I should own up at this point", Deeks sighed, "Actually it was Hetty that made the reservations. I'm not saying I wouldn't have brought you here myself, it's just Hetty already planned our dinner"

"Hetty", Kensi started laughing.

"What? What's funny Kens?" Deeks frowned.

"Hetty gave me two admission tickets to the best nightclub in LA for tonight after dinner"

"Good old Hetty" Deeks grinned, as he saw Bernie walking to them with arms full of their meals, "Our meal has arrived"

"Ooooh this looks really good" Kensi cooed.

"Bon Appetite partner" Deeks offered his glass of wine to clink.

The meal was delicious and the easy conversation relaxed them both as the hours passed by. After a small dessert, Deeks asked Bernie for the bill, "No need Mister Deeks, your meals have all been paid for" Bernie shook his head.

Kensi and Deeks both looked at each other and grinned, "Hetty".

"I hope you both enjoyed your meal with us tonight?" Bernie asked.

"Absolutely. Thank you for a wonderful meal" Deeks smiled and shook his hand.

As he led Kensi out the door, she gently grabbed his arm and sighing she placed he head on his shoulder as they walked to the car, "That was amazing. Thanks Deeks"

"Thank Hetty. She gave us the reservations" Deeks shrugged.

"Yes but I didn't spend this evening with just anyone, I spent it with my partner" said Kensi.

"The night's not over yet though" Deeks suddenly remembered, "We still have dancing"

"Exactly. Now hand over your keys" Kensi grinned.

Kensi did take off her heels as she drove Deeks' car to the nightclub twenty minutes away from the restaurant. She secured a parking spot close by and they both walked up the steps to the entrance where the security guard was standing.

"Two admission tickets" Kensi showed the guard as he nodded and opened the door. Instantly they were met with the loud rhythmic beats of the music emanating from the DJ in the corner.

"So Miss Blye can I offer you a dance?" Deeks bowed in front of her.

"You can Mister Deeks. I would be honoured" Kensi grinned as she yanked his arm to the wooden crowded dance floor.

The fast paced music had them dancing around crazily, both showing their goofy side as they jumped and bopped in time. After a solid fifteen minutes of fast pace, the DJ slowed things down with a ballad giving Kensi and Deeks a chance to catch their breath.

"Now this is a better pace. Phew" Deeks puffed.

"The slower the better" Kensi nodded, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and moved her hips in close to his. The intoxicating aroma of her perfume invaded his nose, titillating his senses.

"Kensi?" he murmured.

"Uh huh?" Kensi mumbled.

"I…I love dancing with you" Deeks sighed, growling at himself for not telling the truth.

"Deeks do you feel like a coffee at my place?" Kensi broke away from him.

"Now?" Deeks looked surprised.

"Now" Kensi nodded.

"You know me I'm always up for a coffee" he smiled and took her hand, leading her to the exit.

They spent the drive back to Kensi's house in silence, stealing occasional glances at each other as Deeks drove. He parked in the driveway and Kensi unlocked her door, with Deeks following in behind. She headed straight for the kitchen, switching on her kettle, as Deeks turned on her TV.

"Oh when you said coffee you actually meant coffee" Deeks came to the kitchen.

"Did you think coffee meant…" Kensi swivelled around to face him.

"Well…yes I was hoping" he admitted which immediately earned him a punch, "Ouch! No that came out wrong…I meant to say…"

"Yes?" Kensi huffed.

"I…I'm in love with you Kensi. And I know you don't want to hear that but I can't keep denying it or telling myself that I'm wrong to think that way about you. I know without any doubt how I feel…I guess now I want to know how you feel about me?"

Kensi looked deeply in his blue eyes and took a step towards him. She didn't hesitate and reached up to bring his head down so she could reach up to kiss him deeply.

"I am in love with you too Deeks. I guess I'm just scared of love"

"I'm not Jack"

"I know"

"I want to be with you Kens. You jump, I jump"

"I want to be with you too Deeks. Come on let's have our coffee on the sofa and we'll go from there" Kensi smiled.

Flopping on the sofa, they sipped their coffee, Kensi grabbing the remote and channel surfed around on the TV. She grinned as her favourite show; Top Model came on as she relaxed her body against Deeks'.

"Now this is heaven" she sighed contentedly.

"I couldn't agree more" Deeks chuckled as he leant down to kiss her.

"We apologise for this interruption", the newsreader said on the TV, "We have breaking news. A major fire has broken out at the Crescent St Health Facility. We understand several patients have been killed as a result of the fire. Many more are injured. Several fire crews are on the scene".

Instantly Deeks sat upright staring intently at the pictures showing on the screen. His face was turning paler by the second as he gasped.

"Deeks? What is it?"

"I gotta go Kens" he shakily answered.

"Deeks, tell me!" Kensi cried.

Deeks turned and walked out the door, leaving Kensi confused.

So this is the end of Choices. Which leads to a brand new story for Deeks and Kensi following on from this story…Coming your way soon!

REVIEWS WOULD BE AWESOME! Much love and thanks for your support for Choices, hopefully you will like the next one just as much (if not more!) – Tanya xxx