#densimber 2022

[densi-mber]

Never Let You Go

***

“Hey, I was thinking we could go skating after dinner,” Kensi suggested as they finished up a meal of leftover Christmas ham and sides on Thursday evening. “They’re supposed have free hot chocolate and live music.”

Kensi paused, looking to Rosa, but she remained silent, focused on the food she wasn’t eating.

“You know I love a good cup of hot chocolate. It’s been a while since I broke out my double axle,” Deeks commented, hoping to get some reaction from Rosa.

In the last few days, she’d been oddly quiet, even taking her reserved personality into consideration. She’d seemed irritated by any attempt to cheer her up or initiate a discussion.

Deeks told himself that it was typical teenage behavior, but every day she shut down a little more.

“Babe, I’ve never seen you do a double axle.”

“Which is why I need to practice.” Deeks caught Kensi’s eye, and raised his voice a little. “What do you think, Rose?”

“I don’t really feel like going out,” she murmured, nudging a piece of broccoli to the side with her fork.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun,” Kensi coaxed. “We’ve cooped up inside too much recently.”

“I don’t want to. Why can’t you just accept that?” Rosa snapped. She glanced up for the briefest of seconds, eyes flashing. Deeks had seen her disappointed, worried, scared, and dejected, but this was the first time he’d seen true anger.

Deeks glanced to Kensi, having a wordless conversation. She nodded, indicating he should take the lead.

“Ok, what’s going on, kiddo?” he asked gently. “I know you keep saying you want space, but something is clearly going on.”

“I’m sorry that I raised my voice,” she apologized, once again staring down, though she didn’t make anymore pretense of eating.

“We’re more worried about the why.”

“We know that it’s been a difficult transition the last year, and it’s probably a lot different than what you imagined—”

“That’s not it at all,” Rosa interrupted. “I’ve been so happy, and grateful to live here and have you and Kensi as my parents. I couldn’t have asked for more.” Her voice hitched on the last word.

“Then what’s wrong?” Kensi asked, and Rosa finally looked up, so much sorrow in her eyes, it left Deeks’ breathless.

“I heard you talking the other day,” she admitted. “I know about the baby.”

“I’m sorry you had to find out that way.” For some reason Deeks hadn’t considered that as a possibility.

“We weren’t hiding it from you,” Kensi added, reaching to cover Rosa’s hand. “But I understand why you’re angry with us.”

“I’m not angry, I’m just going to miss you,” Rosa whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

“Whoa, hold on a second, we’re not going anywhere,” Deeks said, confusion taking over concern for a moment.

“You’ve wanted a baby though, and when that didn’t happen, you got me instead. And now I’ll have to go back…” her face crumpled and she couldn’t go on as sobs overwhelmed her.

“Oh my god,” Deeks muttered, horrified as he realized what been thinking for the last four days. Simultaneously, he and Kensi moved around the table to either side of Rosa.

Crouching down in front of her, Kensi gripped Rosa’s hands. “Rosa, sweetie, we would never, ever give you up.” Her voice shook with barely contained emotion. “We love you so, so much.”

“More than anything,” Deeks added, laying his hand on Rosa’s shoulder. “You couldn’t make us give you up if you tried. And nothing’s going to change that. Yeah, things are going to get a lot crazier in a few months, but we will not stop wanting or loving you.”

“Really?” Rosa asked with so much hope and blind trust that it was a little terrifying. Deeks gently turned her chin to look her directly in the eye.

“Yes.”

Cupping her hands over her mouth, she let out another sob, shoulders caving with relief. Kensi wrapped her arms around her, tucking Rosa’s head into her chest. Blindly, Rosa reached out and tugged Deeks into the embrace, and he rested his cheek on top of her head.

Tears silently streamed down Kensi’s cheeks as she stared back at him with an anguished expression. He found her hand and squeezed it. They would be ok.

“Although, you might change your mind about leaving after the crying starts,” he added. Rosa chuckled wetly, rubbing her hand under her eyes.

“I’ve always wanted a little sister or brother, so I don’t think I’ll mind too much.”

“And you’ll make the best older sister,” Kensi told her.

As they stayed huddled together for several more minutes, Deeks knew that they would need to make sure they never broke their promise.

***

A/N: I usually write Rosa as fairly even-tempered, but even the most reserved people lose it now and then. Also, while I think Rosa is pretty mature and reasonable, teenagers can convince themselves of the worse case scenario when panicked.

[ejzah]

First Line Tag Game

Rules: Post the first lines of your last 10 posted to ao3 ff.net. If you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics.

Thanks for tagging me @chicgeekgirl89!

1. If I Could Change One Thing

"You gotta cut me loose."

Those words haunt her. She remembers the terror in his eyes, the little hitch in his voice as he forced the plea out, his eyes glazed with fear, and so much pain.

2. The Other Shoe - Chapter 6

The next couple weeks saw an improvement for Deeks, at least in terms of normalcy. He still had his dialysis treatments and other appointments, but he'd taken on a more active role in the team again.

3. Gone Too Far, Chapter 4

"Mom, did they hurt you?" Kensi asked Julia while Deeks wrestled with his boot. She didn't see any obvious injuries but the lighting wasn't good, and anything could be hiding beneath her mom's loose blouse.

4. Type A, from Family

"So, how was your math test?" Deeks asked, trailing Rosa into the house. She'd more quiet than usual on the drive home, which he presumed had something to do with the results of said test. Overall, she was doing amazingly well academically, but he knew Rosa would be upset with anything less than a B.

5. One Minute to Midnight, from Densimber Drabbles

"Wait a second, why is there a mannequin?" Callen asked, frowning at the TV screen in Kensi and Deeks' darkened living room.

6. Never Let You Go, from Densimber Drabbles

"Hey, I was thinking we could go skating after dinner," Kensi suggested as they finished up a meal of leftover Christmas ham and sides on Thursday evening. "They're supposed have free hot chocolate and live music."

7. The Bruises That Never Fade, from How Far We’ve Come

"You look like you could use this," Kensi said, coming up behind Deeks on the back patio. A cookie appeared in his field of vision, and he chuckled, accepting the offering.

"Thanks." He turned it slowly between his fingers instead of taking a bite. Kensi looped her arms around his upper chest, kissing the back of his neck.

8. Thankful Indeed, from Family

Thanksgiving 2022 looks a little different this year. Kensi and Deeks decided to keep things simpler this year, in part because of the general chaos of the last several months.

9. A Friendly Competition, from Densimber Drabbles

"Ah, the returning hero!" Sam said grandly, standing like he was announcing the entrance of royalty.

Deeks accepted the teasing with good grace, pausing in the middle of the bullpen with Kensi by his side while the rest of the team applauded. It was his first, official day back from FLETC.

Grinning, Sam gave him a firm hug, squeezing his shoulder.

10. Looking out for a Friend, from How Far We’ve Come

After Deeks signed off, Sam immediately grabbed his cell, and tapped Rountree's square in his contacts.

"Hey, Sam what's up?" Rountree answered after two rings.

"Devin, what's Deeks doing in OPS?" Sam demanded, crossing one arm over his chest as he glared at the now dark computer screen where Deeks had been a minute ago.

Tagging whoever wants to play!

[densi-mber]

The Shards of Me

A/N: Set during episode 5x01, Ascension. I’m not sure this is the most angsty thing I’ve ever written, but I’m partial to writing about this storyline. Given the episode, it’s also quite whumpy. Enjoy!

***

People surround him, roughly transferring him to a bed. Deeks inhales sharply and he inadvertently clenches his teeth, resulting in a sharper spike of pain throughout his jaw and head amidst the constant agony. The noises and sound of people shouting around him are reduced to a faint buzz, then flare as loud as if someone is using a bullhorn.

Everything is pain.

He’s aware of Kensi and Granger in the room, Sam beside him on another narrow bed.

A doctor demands he open his mouth, rough and matter-of-fact in his urgency, and Deeks refuses, clenching his jaw even tighter. He hits at the hands that try to restrain him, acting on instinct, fighting back now that he can.

He spits out another mouthful of blood. Everything smells and tastes of it. It makes his stomach heave.

“Back off, give him a minute,” Sam says and they finally stop touching him.

Then suddenly Kensi’s next to him, gripping his hand. His savior and distraction during Sidorov’s endless torture. He wants her to never let go, and can barely stand her touch.

He inhales shallowly, teeth still clenched despite the overwhelming pain.

“Deeks, you have to listen to the doctor.” He barely hears her plea, can’t look at her, can’t focus on anything beyond ensuring no one else hurts him.

For a second, he hears Sidorov’s taunts in his head, and swears the man is here in the room with him. Glancing around wildly, Deeks catches Sam’s eyes and sees the pain, the fear, but above all else, understanding.

It’s just the two of them for a moment, recognizing the other’s pain, the absolute horror of it all. He thinks he sees Sam nod, reassuring him, even as he struggles for breath.

Then someone grabs his arm, he feels a sharp jab, and no amount of struggling can keep him from slipping into darkness. He fights itthough. He fights to stay awake, to have some semblance of control, right until the last moment of consciousness.

***

“Tell me the truth, Detective. Who is Quinn working for?”

The drill whirs again, descending towards Deeks’ mouth again and there’s nothing he can do to stop it. Deeks flinches, even though there’s no where to go. Sidorov has made sure of that. The brief reprieve was not nearly long enough, and it’s almost worse as the metal bites into flesh and tooth again.

And he screams.

Deeks wakes in a hazy state of confusion, not sure what’s real. His throat is raw from screaming and he can’t breathe. He closes his eyes, Sidorov, Sam, Michelle…Kensi, all of it coming back in sharp fragments that make him shake.

When he opens his eyes again, he’s aware enough to realize he’s alone and in a hospital room.

Right, the emergency room. His hands quake, and he grabs onto the tiny tray in front of him in a desperate search for stability. He notices the IV in his right hand then, and briefly considers pulling it out. The thought of anything sharp right now makes his heart pound, threatens to send him back over the edge into the waking nightmare of his memories.

In desperation, Deeks feels for his face, for anything to ground him, to distract from those memories. His cheek is swollen; he follows it down to his jaw, hissing at the pain caused by the lightest of touches. His mouth still has the tang of blood. At least he isn’t nearly drowning in it anymore, thanks to the cotton pads he feels jammed inside his cheeks.

Whatever they gave him must have worn off because everything hurts.

Something outside his door crashes, and he scrambles backwards, heartbeat instantly racing, the smell of motor oil in his nose, a drill whirring in his ear as the machines around him sound off in alarm.

Head falling back, Deeks gasps, each breath bringing a fresh wave of pain.

He has never felt so broken.

[densi-mber]

Bring out the Holly

“Hey, how are we doing on snacks?” Kensi asked, turning to Deeks as he popped in the kitchen with a load of empty bowls. She was currently wrist deep in a bowl of cheese dip. Her stomach turned slightly at the squelching sound as it mixed, but so far, she’d done pretty well by sipping on 7UP.

“Uh, we need more chips. And if Arkady keep going at his current rate, way more vodka,” Deeks responded. He dumped the rest of a bag of potato chips and then tortilla strips into bowls.

“Well, it’s a good thing we stocked up.”

Deeks grinned, making a detour to kiss her firmly while they had a moment. They’d been going pretty much non-stop since this morning, and the pace had only picked up once guests started arriving.

Kensi heard a loud cheer, which she assumed had something to do with Arkady, and possibly Roberta. She could only imagine what they were getting up to.

Deeks dragged in a deep breath. “Ok, I’m headed back into the wild. Keep me in your prayers. Kensi snorted, watching him balance the bowls of snacks before she turned back to the dip.

Deciding it was as mixed as it would get, she transferred it to a cut glass dish Roberta had insisted giving them during her recent move, washed up, and fortified herself with another sip of fizzy pop.

When she made it out to the living room and few minutes later, she found everyone spread out in little groups. Fatima and Rountree were talking with Rosa by the Christmas tree. Sam, Callen, and Anna appeared to be in a lively conversation with Arkady. Meanwhile, Nell and Eric were sandwiched between Julia and Roberta on the couch. Deeks was circling the room making sure everyone had enough to drink and eat.

When Nell caught sight of her, she hurried over, enveloping Kensi in a massive hug.

“Hey you!”

“Hey. You know, we did see each other less than 20 minutes ago,” Kensi reminded her teasingly.

“I know, but I really missed you,” Nell said, reaching up to straighten her Christmas inspired headband. Miniature ornaments hung from her earlobes and she wore a piece of sparkly garland as a necklace. Looking over her shoulder, she added, “Plus, I needed a minute. Your moms are grilling us about out relationship.”

“Oh, do tell?”

“Uh, you know everything thing there is to know, and I am not delving into that very complicated can of worms on Christmas.”

“Fair enough,” Kensi agreed. “But, once the holidays are over, be prepared to be grilled.”

A pair of arms wrapped around Kensi’s waist, followed by the familiar and reassuring presence of Deeks’ chest.

“Just so you know, Fatima and Rountree are trying to convince our daughter to move out of state for college,” he murmured.

“How dare they.”

“Ooh, I didn’t get a Shaggy hug yet,” Nell realized, reaching around Kensi to give Deeks a very big hug.

“I missed you too, Velma,” Deeks said, grinning as he pulled a couple pieces of tinsel from Nell’s outfit out of his mouth. “Maybe we should go rescue your partner in crime, he’s looking a little suffocated.”

“Yeah, I’m going to need at least one more drink before that happens.”

“Fair enough.”

Sam, Callen, and Anna wandered over then, making a pit stop for snacks on the way.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve been here since you two completed all the renovations. It looks good,” Sam commented. Kensi had no doubt that he’d been discreetly examining the drywall and flooring.

“Thanks. We had a lot of help from good friends,” Deeks said.

“Mostly thanks to Deeks’ surfing connections.”

“So, your first Christmas as parents in your new home. How’s that feel?” Sam asked, grinning when Deeks groaned.

“Terrifying,” Kensi answered. “Amazing, but terrifying.” Anna reached out to squeeze her hand.

“Alright, time for a new topic before we stress out our hosts,” Nell decided. Kensi sent her a grateful look.

“Ok, how about Arkady’s taken command of your kitchen?” Callen suggested. “His words, not mine.”

“Do I want to know what he’s doing in there?”

“According to him, making a famous Russian drink that only our family know,” Anna answered with a raised brow for emphasis. “I would not go in there right now.”

“Fantastic,” Deeks said, shaking his head. “But, It’s Christmas, so we’re not going to worry about it.”

“What are we not worrying about?” Eric asked, positioning himself between Nell and Deeks.

Kensi noticed that he automatically wrapped his arm around Nell’s waist. She pressed her lips together, holding back a litany of pointed comments. That could wait for later.

“Whatever weird and wonderful things Arkady is currently doing in our kitchen. How’d you escape the terrifying duo that are our mothers?” Deeks glanced over to the couch, but Julia and Roberta had moved on to join Rosa’s little group.

“Uh, with my extremely agile way with words,” Eric answered. “I learned from the master after all.” He bowed to Deeks and then casually added, “By the way, we’re having a June wedding.”

“Great, we can make it a double wedding.” Callen grinned and raised his glass of egg nog in a mock toast, ignoring Nell and Anna’s twin glares.

“It’s been nice knowing you, brother,” Sam said, slapping Callen on the back,

Fortunately, Rosa, Fatima, and Rountree came over before things could get too out of control.

Kensi noticed Rosa wore the birthstone necklace they’d given her that morning. She’d worried it was a little too personal, or Rosa might find it cheesy, so seeing her with it now warmed Kensi’s heart.

She took a quick sip of ginger ale before her hormones got completely out of control and she started crying.

“So there’s this Christmas game going around. I thought it would be fun to play,” Rosa said, more animated than usual. Kensi wondered just what she’d been talking about with Rountree and Fatima. “Basically, you put a bunch of gift bows on the table, and each person takes a turn trying to scoop them into a basket while blindfolded.”

“You want to blindfold a bunch of highly competitive people, at least half of whom know multiple fighting styles,” Deeks summed up, pulling a face. “I see absolutely nothing going wrong here.”

“Hush, we can behave ourselves,” Sam protested with a smirk.

“We’re also going to need a lot of dollar bills,” Fatima added. “It’s part of the game.”

“Well, I don’t have any ones, but I got a stack of 20s,” Eric offered.

“Why the hell do you have a bunch of 20s, Eric?”

“He likes to be prepared.” Nell patted his shoulder, looking up at her not-fiancé with a happy smile.

“Oh, this is a going to be a massive disaster,” Deeks commented with a chuckle as everyone headed off to gather bows and spatulas. Callen was making side bets on who would collect the most bows.

“Definitely,” Kensi agreed. She took advantage of the relative privacy to pull Deeks in for a deep kiss. “But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

***

A/N: I would describe this as the happy chaos that develops when you gather a bunch of different people together for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[densi-mber]

Miracles of Miracles

“Mmm, good morning,” Deeks greeted Kensi sleepily, grinning as she leaned over to kiss him. His eyes were still hazy and soft, almost dreamy.

“Merry Christmas.” She kissed him again, resting her hands on his solid chest. God, she loved him so much. Tucking her hands behind his neck, Kensi settled her head just above his heart, relishing the steady, solid beat.

After an unknown amount of time, Deeks sighed. “I should probably get breakfast started. Christmas pancakes and waffles coming right up.”

“Before we do that, I have a present for you,” Kensi said quickly.

“Pre-breakfast presents? Now I’m super curious. Is it something unmentionable?” he asked with a playful grin.

Pushing off his chest, Kensi pressed a finger to his lips. “You’ll just have to see.” She slid out of bed, noting Deeks’ eyes following her bare legs as she walked to the door. “Stay right there.”

For the first time in many, many years, Kensi felt as giddy about Christmas morning as she had when she was a little kid. She also felt incredibly nervous, which didn’t exactly help with her chronic nausea.

She’d wanted to tell Deeks almost immediately, but then doubt had set in. So, she took a couple more tests, and sure enough, the lines grew slightly darker each time. Even now, she found it a little incredible to believe. After everything, she was finally pregnant.

Waking early, Kensi had left a sleepy Deeks in their warm bed, and snuck into the spare room they used for office work and storage. She reached to the very back of a small cabinet where she stored most of her keepsakes over the years. Hidden beneath a collection of jelly bracelets and a t-shirt sat a little blue box with a perfectly tied ribbon, courtesy of Walmart.

She carried it back to the bedroom where Deeks was waiting for her in bed, the covers pooled around his waist. Kensi placed it on his lap, curling up next to him.

“Open it.” Kensi nudged his arm.

“Ooh, looks fancy,” Deeks commented, lifting the lid with a flick of his wrist. His brows furrowed, and he pulled out one of the strips out.

Kensi watched in anticipation as his expression switched from confusion, to disbelief, and then cautious excitement.

“Kens, this is a pregnancy test. A lot of pregnancy tests.” He dumped the rest out, studying each for a second.

“I know,” Kensi said, pressing her lips together as he turned to her with barely concealed hope in his eyes. Kensi felt a surge of love for him, tears forming behind her eyes.

“Are-are you pregnant?” he croaked out, and she could only nod in response. “But I thought we couldn’t…” He broke off and laughed a little hysterically.

“I know, baby. It’s insane, but I’ve been nauseous for the last week, I’m really late, even for me, and, we’ve got five positive tests.” She cupped Deeks’ cheeks, framing his jaw with her palms. “It’s real. I’m pregnant.”

“Oh my god.” He shook his head, kissing her through a mixture of tears and laughter as they kneeled on the bed together. The feel of his grin against her lips, the way he clung to her silenced the tiny thread of doubt that still lingered.

“Surprise,” she murmured, which made Deeks snort. He gently gathered her hands between his, and brought them to his mouth.

“It’s the best Christmas present ever,” he said, and Kensi couldn’t have agreed more.

***

A/N: Oh yes, I’m continuing with this storyline. Kensi and Deeks are having a surprise baby and I neither regret nor apologize for any of it.

[densi-mber]

A Friendly Competition

A/N: Now for some pure silliness. Set post Deeks’ time at FLETC.

***

“Ah, the returning hero!” Sam said grandly, standing like he was announcing the entrance of royalty.

Deeks accepted the the teasing with good grace, pausing in the middle of the bullpen with Kensi by his side while the rest of the team applauded. It was his first, official day back from FLETC.

Grinning, Sam gave him a firm hug, squeezing his shoulder.

“So, how’s it feel, Investigator Deeks?”

“A little surreal, difficult at times. Glad I don’t have to take anymore tests,” Deeks summed up, and Nell scoffed.

“Oh, please. Deeks, you were gone for weeks. We need more than that!”

“He’s been surprisingly reticent,” Kensi spoke up. She patted his shoulder. “But I’ve been able to weasel a few things out of him. From all accounts, his performance was very impressive.”

“Kens.” Deeks dipped his head in embarrassment, but Kensi ignored his protest.

“From what I heard, he was at the top in all his classes, he tutored some of the other candidates, and, they even asked him to present one time,” Kensi filled in proudly.

“Wow, that is impressive,” Callen commented. “Especially from a guy of your advanced age.”

“G, you’re older than Deeks.” Sam game him a perturbed look.

“True, but I was not the one who had to pass FLETC. Because I’m not a glutton for punishment.”

“Well, congratulations, Deeks,” Eric offered, speaking over Sam and a Callen as they continued to bicker. “It sounds like you did really well.”

“Thanks, man.”

“I’m just sad I wasn’t there to see it all,” Nell said mournfully. “Especially your final run.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention that Deeks also had the fastest time for his last run.” Kensi grinned up at Deeks. “He’s going to get a little plaque and everything.”

“Nice. I was very much middle of the pack during my training.” Making a face, Nell made a gesture to her body as a whole. “I can’t keep up with you people and freaking long legs.”

“You know, I think I could still keep up if I had to do it all over again,” Sam mused. “I’ve kept in shape.”

“I seem to recall that you had issues with speed. Something to do with being too bulky, wasn’t it?” Callen said. Sam’s expression turned truly menacing, but Callen just grinned, completely unbothered.

“I tripped over a root. My speed was fine.”

“Yeah, I think I ran into that root a couple times, too,” Deeks said, chuckling.

“What about you, Kensi?”

“For sure.” She answered without hesitation. “I bet I could even beat Deeks.”

He raised his brows in surprise, not sure when she had gone from supportive to competitive.

“Oh, really?” He crossed his arms, staring his down. “Would you like to put a wager on that?”

“What did you have in mind?”

Deeks considered the possibilities for a second.

“If I win, you have to fill out my expense reports for a week.”

“And if I win, which I will, you wash my laundry for a week,” Kensi decided. He chuckled, because of course after all this time, she’d still do anything to get out of housework.

“I accept your bet.”

“I’ll put two weeks of coffee runs on Sam,” Callen added.

“Why the hell are you bringing me into this?” Sam asked, quickly switching from amusement to disbelief and annoyance.

“Are you saying you can’t compete?” Callen raised one eyebrow in an obvious taunt.

“Of course not. I’m in.” Sam scowled at everyone, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Now let's get this over with.”

“Anyone else want to join in?”

“Oh no, I am completely fine just keeping everyone time,” Nell said, naturally appointing herself as racing secretary. “I’ll grab my stopwatch, you guys better change.”

***

Half an hour later, they’d gathered outside behind the mission. While the participants changed into running clothes, Nell and Eric marked off a mile-long track.

Kensi was performing a series of stretches while Sam paced angrily. Deeks decided on a set of warmup squats, in part because it helped loosen up his joints, but mostly because every time he sank towards the ground, Sam muttered under his breath.

“Alright, runners, on your marks!” Eric called out. They lined up, Sam on the far left, Kensi in the middle, and Deeks on her other side. “Set, go!”

They all took off, staying pretty even for the first quarter mile. Then Kensi pulled ahead, lengthening her stride to its full limits, and Sam put on a burst of speed to keep up. Deeks kept the same pace, the same way he’d learned in high school track, and then relearned at FLETC.

He blocked out the sound of Nell and Eric’s cheers, as well as Callen’s playful taunts directed at each of them in turn. He kept sight of Sam and Kensi, to make sure they didn’t get too far ahead.

At the quarter mile marker, Sam began to flag. He growled, pumping his arms even faster, as though it would increase his speed. Deeks easily passed him, then caught up to Kensi.

He really should have warmed up more; his muscles were beginning to tighten up a little, but he pushed on. As they approached the last tenth of a mile, Deeks extended his stride to its full limit, bringing him in line with one another.

For several seconds, they were neck and neck. Kensi growled, desperately trying to force her legs a little faster. It wasn’t enough though, and Deeks crossed the finish line a couple strides ahead of her to the sounds of cheers.

Kensi followed him a few seconds later as Deeks bent in half, hands on his knees, and dragged in deep breaths. Sam brought up the rear, sweat dripping down his temples.

“Damn it!” Kensi gasped out, looking at him in disbelief. “You didn’t used to be this fast.”

“Well, something about having the equivalent of a very large drill shouting at you puts the fear of God into you. Plus, I don’t have the energy to run like that every day.”

“I want a rematch,” Sam said.

“I’m afraid not, the times stand as they are. Deeks is the winner,” Nell decided, and no one had the nerve to argue with her. “Congrats, Deeks.” She them at the finish line and hugged him.

“Don’t you think that’s a little biased for the grandmaster of the race?” Kensi asked.

“Oh, the grandmaster always congratulates the winner.”

“Don’t be jealous I’m the favorite,” Deeks teased, winking at Kensi.

“Don’t worry big guy, maybe you’ll win next time.” Callen stood up with a massive grin and gave Sam a conciliatory pat on the shoulder.

“Why are you so happy?” Eric asked. “You lost your bet.”

“I don’t care, it was worth it,” Callen decided happily.

“This is all your fault,” Sam grumbled.

“You’re welcome.”

“Congrats babe,” Kensi said reluctantly.

“Thanks. You know, I think I’ll have that plaque framed. Maybe put it up on behind my desk.” He spread his hands out like he was describing a marquee. “Marty Deeks, Office of Special Projects Fastest Runner.”

He ignored Sam and Kensi’s groans, addressing an amused Nell.

“I’m thinking gold plate is absolutely necessary.

[densi-mber]

Tattoos and Sexy Pirates

A/N: Today’s prompt and story idea provided by @mashmaiden. As usual, I flipped the idea a little bit from the original. Set in the last couple of seasons.

***

Kensi sighed as she walked into the airport terminal, dragging her luggage behind her, a carryon bag hung over her right shoulder. After a month away for a series of specialized trainings, she was glad to be back home. Sure, she’d learned a lot, and more importantly, increased her job security, but hopefully this would be the last long trip for a while.

As much as Kensi appreciated the opportunity, she’d missed working with the team, missed the warmth and familiarity of LA, and most importantly, missed Deeks. They’d both been so busy most days that they only managed short calls, or texts if they were lucky.

Speaking of Deeks, he had arranged to pick her up today. Kensi glanced around the terminal, anticipation running through her as she searched for his familiar frame and blond hair.

Deeks saw her first, stepping forward, and Kensi barely recognized him. “Kensi, I’m so glad you’re back home,” he said, enveloping her in a tight hug. He picked her up, twirling her around a few times.

When he set her down Kensi could only gape for several seconds.

“Oh my god, baby, what did you do?!” she gasped, pressing her hands over her mouth. She walked around him in a slow circle, taking in his appearance in disbelief. Hair longer and pulled back with a hair band, an earring—she reached out to touch a flower within a skull on his forearm, but dropped her hand at the last moment.

She’d known he was feeling a little weird about his age the last couple years, but she didn’t think that it was this bad.

Deeks watched her with a raised eyebrow and a look of bemusement.

“Ok, I was expecting a little bit more of a warm welcome,” he drawled.

“Deeks, you got tattoos while I was gone. What am I supposed to say? I was only gone for a few weeks. If you were feeling this bad, you should have called me.” She inhaled deeply, realizing she was almost shouting when Deeks’ eyes widened. Then she caught sight of the tattoos again, which covered him from bicep to wrist. Something red peaked out from the collar of his t-shirt.

Oh god.

“Kens, what the hell are you talking about? I got called in on a joint undercover job the day after you left. Didn’t you get my text?”

“Yeah, you said you were going undercover, but I thought it was something simple. So this is…?”

“Oh babe, I’m sorry. Yeah, they’re just temporary,” he said, running his finger over a spider near his elbow. “I had to look the part of a longtime gang member.”

“So naturally you let your hair grow out, got fake tattoos, and a fake earring.”

He fingered the small hoop in his left ear and cleared his throat. “Uh, actually, this is real.”

Kensi’s mouth fell open, and he quickly rushed to explain.

“Listen, it had to be believable, and I figured just getting one piercing would be a lot easier than having to deal with one that could fall off at any moment. I’ve had that happen before, and believe me, it kind of ruins the vibe.”

“Ok, I can deal with an earring,” Kensi decided, pinching them bridge of her nose between her index finger and thumb. “I’m sorry I basically attacked you. That wasn’t the best greeting ever.”

“It’s ok. I probably should have warned you,” he said with a shrug. Then he grinned. “I surprised Sam too.”

“Now that I would have loved to see.” She kissed Deeks’ cheek, looping her arm through his, and they started making their way to the exit. “How was your undercover? Sounds like it was kind of dangerous.”

“Things got a little tricky. But I was spectacular as usual, and everything ran fairly smoothly.”

“Oh, I bet you were.”

He chuckled softly, drawing her closer. “What about you? How were your classes?” he asked.

“Pretty amazing. But also really long.” She paused, and added more softly. “I’m glad to be back.”

Deeks’ response was another, lingering kiss that probably tested the boundaries of propriety for their current location.

“So, what were you talking about me feeling bad before?”

Kensi flushed, suddenly feeling embarrassed about her massive leap.

“Oh, well you know, recently you’ve been a little down about your hair, and aging and—”

“You thought this was the result of a mid-life crisis,” Deeks surmised with a raised eyebrow.

“Not because I think you’re actually middle-aged,” she defended herself quickly. “But kind of.”

“Well rest assured, I am feeling very secure about myself right now, so you don’t have to worry about me doing anything crazy.”

“Good. Speaking of crazy, how long before these wear off?” Kensi poked a surprisingly accurate rendition of a dagger.

“Uh, about three weeks, give or take,” he answered. Kensi closed her eyes, holding back a groan. “We didn’t know how long I’d be under so we had to make sure they’d last a while.”

“Right. We’re going to need to buy you more long sleeve shirts,” Kensi said.

“Ok, but I think I might keep my hair this way for a while. And the earring.

I’ll be like a sexy pirate.”

Kensi inclined her head, considering.

“Oddly enough, I don’t completely hate that idea,” she decided.

[densi-mber]

One Minute to Midnight

A/N: I can’t believe it’s the last day of Densimber! I hope you guys enjoyed the festivities, had nice holidays if you celebrated any, and have a great new year. Thanks for joining in and for all your lovely thoughts and contributions.

And of course, thanks to @mashmaiden for creating and running densimber and being and all around great friend. ❤️

***

“Wait a second, why is there a mannequin?” Callen asked, frowning at the TV screen in Kensi and Deeks’ darkened living room.

“There’s a store across from his workshop,” Deeks said in a hushed whisper.

“I thought they were having dinner and discussing the 5th dimension.”

“That’s because you keep checking your phone,” Sam muttered, grabbing Callen’s phone like a perturbed parent and tucking it next to his leg. “He’s traveling through time. Now pay attention.”

Callen didn’t seem that bothered, and Deeks predicted he’d have his phone back in a matter of minutes.

Sharing a grin with Kensi, Deeks pressed his cheek against hers, offering her the open end of his box of milk duds. She shook a few candies into her hand, and kissed his cheek in thanks.

Deciding to forgo yet another party, they’d decided to get together for snacks and every New Year related movie Deeks could find. The commentary was entertaining, to say the least.

“Ew, what are those blue things?” Rosa asked, looking up from her spot near Kensi and Deeks’ end of the couch.

“Morlocks,” Deeks answered with relish.

“This doesn’t seem like a very festive movie,” Rountree commented, taking a handful of popcorn, and passing the bucket back to Fatima.

“It starts out on New Year’s Eve,” Deeks explained patiently, just the way he had the first time he showed it to Kensi. “I eight the first time I watched it with my mom.”

“You say that like it’s a good thing,” Sam muttered. “Oh come on, how has she never heard of fire before?”

“I thought you read the book,” Callen said.

“Well, it was a lot different that this film adaption. Besides, I read it in high school.”

“Which we all know was roughly a millennium ago.”

“Are you done? I’m trying to watch the movie.”

“Hey, quit hogging all the popcorn, Devin!” Fatima and Rountree tussled briefly over the dwindling popcorn.

“This probably wasn’t what you pictured when you suggested movie night,” Kensi whispered in Deeks’ ear. Between the arguing and Callen’s continued ridiculous commentary, no one was paying attention to them.

“Uh, this is pretty much exactly how chaotic I imagined it,” Deeks said. He nodded to Rosa, who was yawning widely, her head leant against Kensi’s knee. “Totally worth it though.”

“Yeah.” She held up a milk dud, and Deeks grabbed one from the box for a modified cheers. “To a good, and hopefully less chaotic year.”

“Amen to that.” Grinning playfully, he tipped Kensi over the arm of the couch, kissing her.

***

A/N: This story features a tradition borrowed from my own family. Also, beware the Morlocks.

The movie referenced is the 1960 Time Machine movie based on the book of the same name by H.G. Wells.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 27 Creative Prompt:

Write the angstiest Kensi, Deeks, or Densi fic you can.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 25 Creative Prompt:

Christmas Day in the Deeks-Blye household!

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 31 Creative Prompt:

It’s the last day of Densimber! Kensi and Deeks reflect on the past year and plan for 2023.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 30 Creative Prompt:

Kensi and Deeks handle a crisis with Rosa.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 29 Creative Prompt:

Kensi and Deeks let their competitiveness get the better of them

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 28 Creative Prompt:

Write about Deeks working out/his muscles.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 26 Creative Prompt:

Either Kensi or Deeks have a midlife crisis.

[densi-mber]

Densimber Day 24 Creative Prompt:

Christmas Eve with Densi/the team.