I first tried to get into NCIS: LA back in Season 1. And since I use the word tried, you can probably assume that I failed.

Sure, Chris O’Donnell was mysterious and handsome, LL Cool J was witty, Daniel Ruah was bad-ass, and Linda Hunt was …well, she was Hetty.

But there was something missing.

Maybe it’s just that I wasn’t having fun. Procedurals are meant to be fun. They’re meant to be quick, and simple, but mostly, they’re meant to be fun. And Callen (Chris O’Donell) was too dark to ever be amusing, his banter with partner Sam (LL Cool J) too heavy to fall in love with.

Later on, I heard from a friend that the show had become one of her favorites and that there was this couple on the show she adored.

For a horrible instant, I imagined Callen and Kensi, two similar characters, trying to make a go at it, and I felt a bit sick to the stomach. But then my friend elaborated. She mentioned a new character. She introduced me to the concept of #Densi.

And I was hooked.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we don’t watch TV just for the romances, but romances are a big part of the reason why we do.

I didn’t go back just for the #Densi; the introduction of Deek’s (Eric Christian Olsen) character and the change he brought to the team dynamics would have been enough for me even without the #Densi, but the point is ….#Densi was present pretty much from the start.

Five seasons later, Kensi and Deeks have joined the ever-expanding lists of OTPs actually trying to figure out how to make it through 23 episodes and come out stronger on the other side.

And though we don’t know what the new season has in store for them, before it begins, we’re talking a look back at the defining moments in their relationship.

1. “Are you sure?” (Season 2 Episode 10)

They were partners before, but this is the moment Deeks and Kensi actually became partners. Kensi trusted him earlier in the episode, was sure he’d get her back, but this moment was the ultimate test of not only that newfound trust but the whole idea of being partners.

And they pass with flying colors. Deeks doesn’t lie to her. She still chooses to have faith in him.

2. “I’m just kidding. I remember you, Fern.” (Season Episode 17)

Before this, Deeks was there, and Kensi sort of appreciated him — but she did her best to keep it from the team for reasons that would need about two thousand words to explain.

The point is, this is the first time Kensi allows the world to put a label on her relationship with Deeks. She’s there for him. She’s his partner. It doesn’t mean she’s going to change the way she treats him, but it’s a step forward. Kensi’s a tough nut to crack.

(It helps that he basically re-aggravates his injury because he runs out of his hospital bed to save her at the end of the episode. Of course, it helps.)

3. “I am too your type.” (Season 3 Episode 15)

Being partners is one thing, but before this episode, Deeks had been pretty obvious in his appreciation for Kensi. This is the first clear indication that Kensi not only sees that, but that she’s staring back – and she likes what she sees.

And Sam and Callen are on coms too, so it’s not like it’s a big secret. Everyone sees it.

4. “You’re the only person I trust.” (Season 3 Episode 17)

This is the Kensy Blye equivalent of “I love you,” because Kensi Blye doesn’t trust easily. Notice how she says he’s the only one she trusts, though she’s been working with Sam and Callen for longer.

They’re not in a relationship, no, but at this point in time, being partners doesn’t really exemplify what Kensi and Deeks are to each other. They’re friends. Best friends.

5. “Kensi Blye going all soft on me?” (Season 3 Episode 22)

Maybe this moment doesn’t register on your radar, but for me, this is a pivotal moment for Kensi. Because Deeks is right, she is going soft.

She’s starting to think that maybe she can have it all. Not the kids, and the perfectly manicured lawn, no, but her work, and the man she cares about. Maybe she can have it all. Maybe she can have a future.

6. “You smell like sunshine and gunpowder…two of my favorite things.” (Season 4 Episode 17)

I think Deeks knew before this, but if there’s ever visual moment of realization on TV, this is Deeks. You can see it on his face as he utters these words.

She’s just asked him not to die on her, and for all the growth that shows, this scene is all Deeks. He’s in love with this woman, has probably been in love with her for a while. And now he knows it.

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