Three Years Ago

They all came bearing house-warming gifts – planters full of bright flowers for the terrace; coffee mugs with 'Densi' painted across them, strings of tiny lights, powered by solar chargers that were soon strung around the terrace. Some people brought pizza, chips and dips and of course everyone came with alcohol. The apartment was full of people chatting and drinking and as the noise levels started to rise, Kensi began to wonder what the neighbours would think.

"They'll think we're having a housewarming party," Marty reassured her. And then reached round and pulled off a wad of packing tape that had somehow got stuck to her butt – probably due to their improntu session in the bedroom. There was a knock at the door and he went to open it, still continuing to talk. "You could go down and have a word, if you're that worried."

"Or I could send Sam. No-one's going to argue with him." Kensi beamed happily at the new arrivals.

"Why would people be arguing anyway?" Callen asked curiously.

"Kensi's worried that we're making too much noise." Marty smiled at Callen's date. "Nice to see you again, by the way."

"You're looking a lot better since the last time I saw you." Jenny looked at him with what might charitably be described as a professional eye. At least Callen hoped it was only that. Surely she couldn't be checking Deeks out? Hadn't she seen enough of him in the hospital?

"The door is open, but the beast is asleep." Sam fixed Deeks with a stare. "We can't take you anywhere, can we? Nobody wants to know if you're opening a hotdog stand."

"You're not taking him anywhere, Sam. You'd probably bring him back worse for wear. I know you. And just be thankful he's actually wearing underwear for once. But do us all a favour and stop advertising, will you? It'll just make Sam and Callen jealous." Kensi watched as Marty hastily did up his flies.

Sam looked offended. "I wasn't the one who shot him in the butt, was I?"

Jenny looked interested. "I wondered how you got that scar."

"She shot me. It's a long story, but basically Kensi was pissed off with me." Marty managed to look aggrieved, innocent and abused at the same time.

"And she shot you?" Jenny thought she would definitely keep her distance from this woman and wondered if it was entirely safe to allow her to carry a gun and shoot people with what amounted to state sanction.

"It didn't happen like that," Kensi protested. "Well, not exactly, anyway."

"The end result was the same though - Deeks in hospital with a bullet in his butt."

"Whoever did the surgery did a nice job," Jenny mused. "A very nice job indeed. They clearly took their time over it. And I can see why. Speaking purely professionally, of course."

By now, Callen was starting to wonder exactly why Jenny had felt the need to study Deeks' butt in such minute detail, considering she had actually been looking after his broken arm. His only comfort was that Deeks look as embarrassed as Callen himself felt. Kensi, on the other hand, was actively disliking the doctor, while Sam was 100% sure this particular relationship was not going to threaten Callen's 'six week' rule, as Jenny seemed to have even more commitment issues than he did.

"So, what entertainment have you got laid on for us?" he asked, more to break the awkward silence than anything else.

"Beer," Marty said succinctly. "That should pretty much do it, don't you think?"

"Under normal circumstances, I'd probably agree with you. But this isn't just any party – this is an NCIS party. And that makes it different."

"Technically, it's an NCIS/LAPD party," Kensi said, with more than a little pedantry.

"Little Miss Picky, aren't we? Okay – that just raises the stakes that much higher. We need to show these guys how to party properly." Callen placed his hand proprietorially around Jenny's waist, well-aware that several cops were already eyeing her up – and that she was returning their looks threefold. "Luckily, we come prepared for all eventualities."

"Why does that not fill me with unalloyed joy?" Marty had seen his share of partying over the years, but there was something about the look on Sam's face that vaguely unsettled him.

"All will be revealed in due course, young Grasshopper. You can't rush these things – we have to wait for exactly the right moment."

Jenny was losing interest in the conversation, mainly because she had spotted the bar. "Wow – jello shots!"

"Don't look at me. Guess whose idea that was?"

Kensi felt she had to defend herself. "Jello and alcohol – what could be better? If it was left up to you, all we'd have been serving was beer."

"And the problem with that is?"

"Beer works for me." Sam reached out and snagged himself a bottle.

"And you, in turn, work for me. I do hope you won't be reporting for duty hung-over, Mr Hannah?"

"Of course not." Sam felt quite safe in making the pronouncement, mainly because they were all scheduled to be off-duty the following day. That gave him almost 36 hours to metabolise the alcohol

"Then you have my permission to drink deep, ere you depart. Excellent fuzzy navel shot, by the way." Hetty nodded genially and then went back to help herself to another.

It was almost eleven when Sam realised that he hadn't seen Jenny for quite some time. Callen was deep in conversation with Nell, so it wasn't as if they had slipped off for some privacy. "G? Where's your lady?"

Struggling to hide his annoyance, Callen pulled his partner over to one side. "She left. An hour ago. No need to make a big deal about it."

"She left with that tall LAPD sergeant," Nell said helpfully. "You know the one – has to be over six foot four and with the most fabulous wavy hair?" She looked at Callen and shrugged. "Sorry about that."

"I'll live. You want to get started on the entertainment?" it was definitely time to change the subject and this was as good a way as any. Few people would remember Jenny had ever been here once Sam got started on his musical tributes.

"Sounds like a plan." Sam handed over his IPod and left his partner to go in search of a sound system while he checked his notes. They'd spent the past week making up rap lyrics about Kensi and Deeks – or Wonder Woman and Shaggy, as they were being referred to – pointing out all their little foibles and making liberal references to the fact they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Deeks' unfortunate shooting by his partner also featured prominently. However, what Callen didn't know was that Sam had also composed some new riffs on his partner. He just hoped he'd be in the right frame of mind to enjoy them. Maybe it had been a bit cheeky to choose 'Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue' as the backing track though? Still, judging from thethe glassy look in Callen's eyes and the way he was swaying as he made his way across the room, he was feeling no pain, so with any luck he'd forget about it in the morning. The only song Sam hadany real doubts about was the one dedicated to Hetty; 'Secret Agent Ninja'. But what was the worst thing that could happen – getting challenged to the climbing wall? Heck, he'd been a SEAL and Sam could still shin up there in twenty second, with a full pack on his back, a knife between his teeth and whistling 'The Star Spangled Banner' at the same time. The only thing he had to fear was fear itself. And he had a wholesome and very well-founded fear of Hetty. Still, it was a good song and it would be a shame not to share it.

Their First Thanksgiving

"So – Thanksgiving?" Kensi said.

"Why the question mark? It happens every year – and always on a Thursday, to boot. It's one of these things we like to call 'a tradition', you know."

"You want me to spell it out for you, Marty? What are we doing for Thanksgiving? We as in 'you and me'. Seeing it's our first Thanksgiving together."

"Not actually. Last year we spent Thanksgiving together – at work."

"But we weren't together last year. And that makes it different. This is our first Thanksgiving as a couple and I want to do something special."

"How about we spend the day in bed – eating turkey sandwiches and watching TV? That special enough for you? I could make it special – I'll dress up as an Indian and you can be some poor pilgrim woman?" And then I can watch the football and drink beer. That's my kind of tradition.

"That's not quite what I had in mind. I was more thinking along the lines of inviting everyone over for dinner." Knowing you, I bet you'll want to lie around all day and watch TV. And moan about the fact we gave Callen that vibrating porn chair.

"That's certainly an idea." That's a terrible idea. Really, really bad. I don't actually see Hetty and Nell as football fans. Eric, I'm not so sure about – he could go either way. And why does 'special' have to involve other people? I can make it special for you all by myself.

"It's a great idea." Kensi sounded offended. "You're just jealous because you didn't think of it first."

"I'm just worried because I'm going to get lumbered with the cooking, that's all. Face it, Kensi -if it can't go in a microwave, then you can't cook it. And before you say anything, we are not giving our guests frozen turkey dinners."

"So you agree we should invite them over? That's great, I knew you'd love the idea. And Nell's already said she'll bring a pumpkin pie."

"You've already asked them, haven't you?" Marty said wearily.

Kensi nodded happily. "Yesterday. And everyone said yes."

"What if I'd said no?"

"But you didn't, did you? And don't worry, I'll cook the turkey. How hard can it be?"

Marty decided not to say anything. It seemed wiser that way. She'd learn. And hopefully she wouldn't disturb the football too much as she did so.