A/N: I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record but I really do appreciate all the reviews, favourites and follows and am amazed that they continue to grow even this far into the story. Also I know there are a few people who only just found the story so welcome and thanks for the epic catch up you've been doing. So for those of you wanting to know where Deeks has gotten to...

She quickly climbs the stairs and heads for his room. She knows she shouldn't worry but she just can't help it. Her concern for him gnawing at her she knocks on his door as she opens it and steps inside. The door to the bathroom is open and there is no immediate sign of him except for the damp towels that lie abandoned at the end of the bed. "Deeks?" she calls out looking around her. She pokes her head through the open door and finds the bathroom empty. "Deeks?" she calls once more as she heads for the only other place he can be without leaving the room. As she steps out onto the balcony she finds him off to one side, sitting on one of the chairs, arms folded, leaning on the railing with his head rested on his arms. He's facing away from her and she wonders if he's asleep. "Deeks?"she calls softly this time.

Slowly his head turns and her eyes meet his. He looks deep in thought but his eyes shine with joy. "Hey," he gives her his trademark lazy grin.

She moves toward him. "I was worried about you. Everything okay?"

"Better than okay." He pulls the other chair from around the table and guides it into position next to his. "Come sit with me," he requests patting the seat. She does as asked and reaches for his arm. Squeezing his bicep she raises her eyebrows in silent question. "I was just enjoying the view. Sunset won't be long," he tells her and she realises for the first time it is already starting to get dark. The sky is starting to get that pinky orange hue as the sun lowers. She lets him take his time. He obviously has something he wants to say and so she gives him space to think.

"I came out here just to admire the view I guess I lost track of time." She nods confirmation. "I could hear you guys talking." He looks down over the balcony railing and she follows his gaze. They are directly over the seating area and she can see all their friends chatting away, laughing about something or other. "I couldn't hear everything but I heard my name."

"We weren't..."

He waves a hand cutting her off . "It doesn't matter. But I was just watching you all and I realised something." He stopped to smile again and weigh up how to say what he's been thinking. "I got lucky meeting you guys. The past couple of years have been amazing, the things we've done, the people we've helped. What we do is really something."

"I'm sure you've done great things with LAPD too,"she tries to reassure him.

"I guess so. But the people there aren't the same. I know things were awkward at first when I joined the team, that Hetty kinda forced me on you. But I really do love working with you guys. You've all become really great friends."

He looks a little melancholy. "So what's up?"

"Nothing, I just... I was just taking a moment to reflect. My life is so much better now. Not just at work but outside too." He can see she looks confused. How can he explain? "Before NCIS, before I met you and Hetty and the others, I went to work, I came home, I slept, maybe went out for drinks. Maybe picked someone up," he sort of mumbles the last part almost ashamed. She rubs his arm encouragingly. "I surfed on the weekends, sometimes I'd do something else, but for the most part I was alone. That's one of the reasons I got Monty."

She gets what he's saying. Her life was pretty similar at times.

"Some of the work, the ops LAPD would send me on were awful. Some of my aliases...Well you know Max." She nods again. "I hated them, but it needed to be done, you know, for the greater good." He laughs mockingly. "Some of them were hard to come back from, to readjust after. Hell, some of them I very nearly didn't come back from." She moves her hand from his arm and finds his hand making him turn toward her and sit back in his chair. He won't make eye contact though and she gets that he has more to say. "No one would have missed me if I hadn't."

She's a little lost and then it dawns on her and she can't help the tiny gasp that escapes as she puts the pieces together. "You know that's not how it is now? You know..."

Once more he cuts her off. "I know, I know. I mean I guess I've known for a while. I go months without seeing you all and yet when the brown stuff hits the whirlie thing, with Lazik back at the warehouse, there you are bailing me out. But it's more than that. I know if I've had a crappy day I can show up with beers and you won't send me away. Even if you seem mad, you still let me in. I know I can call you or Callen or well, any of you. I never really had that before. So I just had this moment, this moment of clarity and I realised how much you all mean to me and well, yeah..." He trails off suddenly feeling nervous. Rubbing at the back of his neck he looks at his partner waiting for her to say something.

"Hey!" she waits for him to look at her. "You may not be one of us on paper but you are in every other way. I'm pleased you realised how much we mean to you, and I can assure you the feeling is mutual. For all of us. I know Sam and Callen aren't big on the touchie feelies but they do care. They wouldn't tease you half as much if they didn't." That gets a chuckle from him. "Last week," she starts and then pauses stopping to think about what she's about to say. "There was a point where I thought I'd lost you." Her voice is full of emotion. "I... I'm not sure how I'd have coped if you hadn't... hadn't been... you know."

This time she's the one who doesn't get to finish as he pulls her into a hug. His arms wrap around her so tightly it's hard to breath but she doesn't care. Her head rests on his shoulder and she finds herself turning into him and he smells so good. She wants to nuzzle his neck and breathe in his scent. That wonderful clean smell, a mix of shampoo, shower gel and cologne is amazing and under it all lies a smell that is just Deeks. She fights the urge to move in closer, to press her nose into the crook of his neck. She relaxes into the hug and her arms find their way around his waist.

He turns his head into her and he can smell her shampoo as her hair tickles his nose, but it's comforting and he would be quite happy to spend the rest of the evening just holding her.

The only problem with the whole scenario is the way they are sitting. The angle is awkward and after a couple of minutes they both can feel the muscles pulling as they lean into one another. Kensi is the first to move she can feel her ribs protesting. She knows he must be feeling similar discomfort too. She rubs his back and whispers into his neck, "We should get going before the others think something is up." She slowly pulls away from him.

The feel of her breath on his skin sends a pleasant tingle down his neck and he tries to stifle a rather girly giggle that in turn makes her laugh too. They head down stairs and out to the deck. The others have shuffled seats and the two-seater they had occupied earlier is suspiciously free again. Kensi looks at Nell who shrugs as Deeks pans over Sam and Callen who as always look positively indifferent causing Deeks to shake his head. Still they take a seat as Callen asks, "Where have you been?"

"Sorry, fell asleep again," Deeks answers smoothly having come up with the excuse just a moment earlier knowing the question would be asked. If he was honest he was quite surprised he hadn't fallen asleep anyway. The earlier activity and subsequent warm shower had left him feeling a little drowsy.

"Well, you're here now and just in time for the light show," Eric tells him, pointing at the horizon where the sun is just starting to dip below, leaving a trail of pretty colors across the evening sky scattered with clouds.

"It's something isn't it?" Nell asks them admiring the scene.

"And Sam's playing barkeep so if you want something to drink..." Callen looks at his partner.

"Hey, I'm not running around after everyone just because I made the ladies some cocktails."

"That's okay Sam, you've done more than enough today. I can grab my own drinks," Deeks grins.

"I didn't mean I wouldn't. Just didn't want G. giving everyone ideas. I don't mind fetching something for you since you're injured and all. And speaking of cocktails, Kens, here is your Iced Tea." He holds out his palm toward the oversized glass of brown liquid that sits on the table. There's even a straw in it.

"Thanks Sam," Kensi beams, picking up the drink and sipping through the straw. "Mmmmm."

"What'cha got there?" Deeks asks watching her closely. To his surprise she holds the glass out to him, turning the straw for him to use. The gesture makes him smile like an idiot before he takes the offered straw. Keeping his eyes on hers, he takes a sip. "Wow, that's..."

"Awesome," Kensi offers.

"Strong," he counters.

"Lightweight," she teases.

"That a challenge?"

"What! No. No getting drunk and falling down okay? You're damaged enough as it is."

"Damaged huh!" he says with a faux pout. "Probably just as well though. You'd wipe the floor with me, as usual."

"You know it."

"Deeks, you want a drink or not?" Sam interrupts.

"Yeah sorry." He looks around at the others. They all seem to have moved onto something a little stronger except Eric who still has a bottle of beer in front of him. "JD and Coke if you have it."

"Coming right up."

The others watch the sunset in relative silence. Deeks is debating taking some pictures and looks around for the bags. Someone has piled them by the back door. Kensi spies him looking toward the pile. "What have you lost?"

"Camera," he tells her quietly.

"Ah! You want me to grab it for you?" She asks, also keeping her voice low. He looks unsure. "What's the problem?" He looks slightly embarrassed and she looks at their friends then back at him. "You don't want the others to know?"

He shrugs, "I don't know. I just... It's just something I'd rather keep for me."

"But you showed me."

"I did. But you're special."

"I am?" she asks leaning into him slightly. He nods and smiles. She pats his leg, "I'm gonna get your camera. If the others ask I'll just threaten them with bodily harm, okay?" He laughs and shakes his head at her. Her departure causes the others to turn to watch her. When they see her rummaging through the bags they go back to watching the light show. They don't see her return and hand over the camera.

He fiddles with the camera and adjusts the settings. When he thinks the others aren't looking,` he takes a handful of pictures of the scenery. He then turns the camera and snaps a couple of pictures of Kensi who's now talking to Nell. Knowing full well Nell will have seen him he takes a few snaps of the rest of the team. No one asks any questions much to his relief and Sam and Callen both playfully give the camera the finger when he turns it on them. He gets a couple of cute shots of Eric and Nell laughing at something together and then turns the camera back on his partner. He manages one snap and is setting up for another when she turns and catches him. He still gets a shot though and she rolls her eyes at him before quickly making a face which he also snaps a picture of.

She points at the camera, "Can I take a picture of you?" She laughs as he screws up his face. "Deeks, you are not camera shy, hand it over." She curls her fingers at him in a 'gimme' gesture. He looks at the camera and then at her. "I won't break it, promise. Oh, I know, how about a picture of you and Monty?"

That makes him perk up and he lets out a shrill whistle. Seconds later Monty trots out and goes straight to his master's side. "Neat trick," Callen calls across.

Kensi stands and pats the seat for Monty to jump up next to Deeks. "The settings are all fine, you just need to point and shoot." Deeks points out the button she needs. Monty lolls up against his master and Deeks puts an arm round the dog as Kensi clicks the button to operate the shutter. Monty tries to climb into Deeks' lap and Kensi continues to take pictures of them.

When Nell taps her on the shoulder it makes her jump and Deeks fights not to laugh at someone actually scaring her. "You want me to take a picture of the two of you?" Nell asks, pointing between Deeks and Kensi.

"You mean three of us?" Deeks replies.

"Two, three. You want a picture or not?"

Kensi looks at Deeks for confirmation. He shrugs as if to say whatever. "Okay, why not?" she says with a smile. Deeks pats the empty space next to him. Kensi hands the camera carefully to Nell and then sits down next to him and shuffles up close. He tries to hide his surprise when her hand comes around his shoulders and she leans into him. Monty takes that as his cue and sprawls across the two of them. They're laughing at the attention seeking mutt when Nell takes the first snap. She gets a few more like this before Monty decides they're not comfy enough and wedges himself into the space the pair is not occupying on the seat. He stretches out, forcing them closer together but neither seem to mind and Nell takes a couple more photos before handing the camera back to Deeks with a smile.

They all enjoy the final moments of the sunset. It's almost six now, the sun is down and the temperature is dropping more rapidly. Nell suggests they put they put the heat lamps on low. Callen does the honors while Nell finds some matches to light the hurricane lamps that are scattered around. Eric puts the music back on after turning it off when they'd all gone to the beach earlier. It's just background music for now but Nell has already told him she wants something to dance to later and he suspects, even though she's being bossy, she's already a little drunk. Eric himself is not a big drinker and is quite happy with his beer and is pacing himself.

They spend the next hour or so drinking and talking. Sam makes the ladies more cocktails and then at a little after seven Kensi decides they need some kind of food if they all plan to keep drinking. She and Nell head in to see what they can rustle up while the boys chat more.

They start digging out some of the leftovers from lunch. Nell makes up a plate full of sandwiches while Kensi empties various snacks into bowls and opens the dips they'd also bought.

"So, I know I said I wouldn't say anything this weekend, but you're killing me," Nell confesses.

Kensi smiles at her friend's inability to keep things to herself. "Okay I'll bite, what are we talking about?"

"Oh come on Kensi." Nell turns toward the taller woman, butter knife in hand. "You and Deeks, you've practically been inseparable all day. What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Kensi says trying a little too hard to sound innocent.

"Oh, no you don't." Nell waves the knife around as she gestures. "Nope, not buying it. Something is going on." She finally stills the knife and levels it at Kensi.

Eyeing the knife, then Nell, Kensi shrugs. "Okay, you want the truth?"

"Yes." Nell sounds exasperated and Kensi starts to realize that the younger woman is definitely past 'tipsy town' and well on the way to 'drunksville'.

"I'm not really sure." Nell goes to protest. "Let me finish," Kensi holds her hands up in a calming manner. "I was thinking about what you said, some of it anyway. I'm not sure I can really explain my reasoning but..." Kensi twiddles a strand of hair nervously. "It's not all me. I think this..." she gestures at their surroundings, "has really helped. I think we are both just relaxing a little and maybe not pushing as hard as we usually do. You know, going with the flow."

"And?"

"And maybe I realised that I really do like him."

"I knew it." Nell all but squeals making Kensi clamp a hand over her mouth.

"Shhh," Kensi laughs at her friend's enthusiasm. "If I take my hand away will you be able to contain yourself?"

Nell nods her compliance and slowly Kensi removes her hand. "So?"

"I still don't know. But I'm willing to go along for the ride." It's the truth. Kensi really hasn't thought about this too much, for once deciding that sometimes thinking about relationships is where her issue lies. She is putting her trust in Deeks' and hers partnership and knowing that between them, it will work itself out. What she doesn't tell Nell is the fact that for the first time in what seems like forever she's feeling quite confident about something happening between them and doesn't mind in the slightest. Not so long ago she would have completely freaked out and she likes that this part of her has changed. She knows that meeting Deeks is part of the reason for that.

"Good enough." The answer seems to placate Nell and she turns back to the task of making sandwiches.

"So umm..." Kensi sidles up to Nell and leans down a little so Nell can hear her when she whispers "That crush that you have on Eric..." She pauses and looks at Nell waiting for her reaction. The petite woman's lips clamp firmly shut in a thin line and a pink tint appears on her cheeks. "Interesting!" Kensi comments smiling a little smugly.

It's Nell's turn to shrug. "What can I say? He's cute."

"How long?"

"Probably since I've known him, but it's getting worse."

Kensi chuckles a little at the statement. "Worse?"

"Ever since I started I've kind of admired him, but it was awkward. You remember what I was like when I started?" Kensi nods and thinks back to Nell's first few weeks. "And then eventually that passed and then the next thing I know, I find myself thinking about him. Not all the time like some obsessive freak but just, certain things would happen and it would make me think of him." She places the last of the sandwiches on a plate. "Does that make sense?"

"Yeah, yeah it does." If Kensi thinks about it, it's what she's been doing too.

"It's just..."

"What?"

"I'm not sure the feeling is mutual, you know?"

Kensi knows the feeling but she doesn't know why Nell does. "You're joking right?" Nell shakes her head and for a minute Kensi worries that she's is going to start crying. These conversations are never good if you're an emotional drunk and Nell is the kind of person that starts telling everyone she loves them after a few too many. "Look at us," Kensi says in what she hopes is a light tone. "We're a pair aren't we?" Nell looks at her and sighs. "Come on, let's get back to our men," Kensi winks at her.

They carry the food outside and find the guys talking basketball. Nell and Kensi take their seats next to their partners and exchange a smile as they do.

"Everything okay?" Deeks asks, catching the exchange.

"Just peachy," Kensi answers full of confidence and reaching for a handful of potato chips then settling back into the seat. Happy with her answer he reaches for a sandwich. The others soon follow suit and dig in.

With a majority of the food gone and only snacks left, Nell asks Eric to put on some more upbeat music. When a tune she loves comes on, she promptly drags Kensi to her feet. They find an open area of the deck to dance and the others watch amused. Eric, seeing how much the two are enjoying themselves cranks up the music and sets the program to play other similar music. Despite his earlier protests, Sam continues to play barkeep and makes the two women more cocktails as well as drinks for everyone else.

This is how the evening continues. At some point, in an attempt to play matchmaker, Kensi hauls Eric up to dance, making Nell blush when she pushes the two together. She then vanishes to the seating area under the pretence of needing another drink. She sits on the arm of the chair so that she's right next to Deeks. The seat next to him is now occupied by Sam. He smirks at her when her arm snakes around his shoulders. "How's it going partner?" she asks.

"They were just telling me about your little phase of damaging cars."

"My what?" she asks, looking between her partner and then the ex Navy SEAL slightly confused.

"Come on Kens, don't you remember? Hetty threatened to take the cost out of your pay if you kept it up."

"What have they told you?"

"Well, Callen was telling me about you smashing in the headlight of one of the pool cars so you could get a camera placed. Then Sam here starts telling me how you scratched up some poor unsuspecting member of the public's car in order to keep your cover of 'psycho ex.'"

"Oh, and let's not forget you took a battering ram to the front of that car. Remember, from that security group that was tailing you and Dom?"

"Oh yeah." A wicked smile appeared on Kensi's face.

"What did you do?" Deeks asked, seeing the amused smile on her face.

"Set their air bags off when I rammed the fender which made the engine cut out so they couldn't tail us." He was sure he detected a hint of smugness.

"Nice."`

"I thought so."

Callen started to chuckle, making them look to see what was the subject of his amusement. "Eric's a really awful dancer," he pointed at the pair dancing. Nell was holding her own, but Kensi was reminded of seeing one of her distant uncles dance at a family wedding when she was younger.

"Why don't you show us how it's done then?" Deeks challenges.

"Okay, I will." Sam and Deeks exchanged a look of shock as Callen places his glass on the table and stands full of confidence. "Kensi?" he gestures at the make shift dance floor.

Her eyes flick quickly down to Deeks' and that one look tells him she'd much rather it were him asking her to dance. "Go show them how it's done." He reaches up to find the hand draped over his shoulder and gives it a quick re assuring squeeze. In turn she pats him on the shoulder and follows Callen over to the others.

Sam and Deeks take great joy in heckling Callen's dance moves for the next couple of songs. Deeks, using the excuse to watch Kensi as she moves to the music in an almost hypnotizing manner. Every now and then she glances over to him and flashes a cute little smile. After the first couple of times Sam catches Deeks' eye, telling the detective he's seen what was going on.

After three songs Callen escapes. Eric makes his excuses too and the men returned to the seating area. After another couple of songs Nell and Kensi join them too.

"Having fun?" Sam asks as they come back.

"Yeah, just need a drink." Nell brushes some hair off her face.

"Another cocktail?"

"Not for me Sam," Kensi holds up a hand "I'm just gonna grab a beer." She fans herself like she's a little hot.

"Nell?" Sam asks.

"Actually a beer sounds good."

"I'll grab them, anyone else?" Kensi starts toward the house.

"Please," Eric holds up a nearly empty bottle.

"Um..." Deeks gestures to his nearly empty glass. "Actually, I'll take a beer too."

Moments later she's back with beers, handing off one to Eric and then Nell as she moves back around to Deeks. Sam is still occupying the seat next to him and Callen is in the single seat to his left, so she takes the arm once again before removing the cap from a bottle and handing it to him. As she does so his fingers brush hers and she can't help but shiver at his touch.

"Cold?" Deeks asks, suspecting that she's reacting to him as much as temperature but trying to cover for her.

"I guess a little. I think the dancing was keeping me warm."

"My hoodie is over there if you want it," Deeks points to the back of Nell's seat where the top is draped. Nell turning to see the aforementioned item pulls it down and holds it out for Kensi.

"Ah, thanks." She reaches across and takes it from her. "You sure you don't want it?" Kensi asks noting her partner's short sleeves.

"Actually, Eric and I were debating heading indoors for a few games of something." Taking that for a no she slips the jacket on and tugs the zipper up under her chin.

The team talks for a few more minutes before Eric, Deeks and Callen head indoors. Sam and the ladies talk about music for a little while before following them in to find Callen and Eric playing head to head at Mario Kart. Deeks is laughing his head off at Callen's poor effort. Kensi doesn't waste any time claiming the free seat next to her partner and shuffles up next to him to leave room for either Sam or Nell at the other end of the couch. It's Sam who claims the free seat as Nell moves to stand behind Eric and join in mocking Callen.

Kensi sits cross legged, her knee resting on Deeks' thigh. She leans into him slightly under the pretence of getting a better view of the TV screen. Sam's eyes keep sliding across to the pair to see what they're doing and he can't help but smile a little at the way they gravitate to each other. He catches Callen's eye and nods his head at them. They share a knowing grin. When Callen loses the game Nell pushes him out the way. "Let me show you how it's done."

Even drunk she puts him to shame and manages to beat Eric. Winner stays on and Sam's up next. He swaps seats with Callen so he can see the screen better. Nell wins hands down again. Kensi waves off a turn, but Deeks takes up the challenge. Although it's a close game Nell still wins and Deeks declares her Queen of Mario Kart.

"Okay man time for Sonic," Deeks rubs his hands together. "Who's up first?"

"Wait, is Nell staying on as the winner?" Callen asks. Deeks and Eric nod in unison. "Okay, let me at it then." Callen says full of confidence standing and swapping back places with Sam. Deeks gives Eric a knowing look and Callen looks back and forth between the two. "What?"

"Nothing," Eric says while Deeks just shrugs.

"What's going on?" Kensi whispers to Deeks.

"Just watch. This should be good." He pats her leg and leaves his hand there. Minutes later Kensi realises what's going on when the game screen loads up.

"What the hell is this?" Callen asks, waving at the split screen.

"Sonic," Deeks, Eric and Nell all answer together.

Kensi laughs, "Were you expecting the original?"

Callen scowls and Sam laughs, "G. you need to get out from under that rock once in a while."

"No backing out now," Deeks tells him so off they go and unsurprisingly Nell wins by a long shot. She runs round the room shouting 'loser' at Callen.

"Nell!" Eric yells at her, interrupting her celebratory dance.

"Eric," she stops what she's doing.

"Why don't you try Deeks next?" Eric suggests.

Nell squares up Deeks. "Ready to lose?" she taunts.

Deeks shrugs, but Eric tosses him a controller anyway.

"I thought you said this was your game," Kensi whispers.

"It is," he smiles back at her.

Nell goes up against Deeks and much to everyone but Eric's and Kensi's surprise, he beats her. Nell is not a happy bunny and starts to sulk. Eric tries to tell her that Deeks is really that good but she's not having it and declares it a fluke. All the same, winner stays on and Sam goes next. He too loses and the challenge falls to Eric. It's a close game throughout as Kensi and Nell cheer on their respective partners. At one point it looks like Eric is winning but Deeks pulls ahead at the last minute to claim victory. Despite the win,` Nell is still is convinced Deeks is just lucky. Eric tries his best to calm her down and mutters something to Deeks about not even trying. Since she is the only one to have not played, Eric offers the controller to Kensi but again she waves him off.

"Come on Nell you take Kensi's turn," Deeks offers and Nell jumps at the chance. This time Deeks doesn't hold back and Nell loses by a much wider margin. She concedes that maybe he is actually really good at the game. After Sonic they all take turns picking a game to play and continue the tradition of the winner staying on. Kensi continues to opt out and no one says anything.

"What's up Kens?" Deeks finally asks.

"Nothing, why?"

"You're not joining in. It's not like you."

"I'm fine really, just don't feel like playing. Besides..." she leans in and whispers, "I don't feel much like moving." That gets her his special little smile, one he doesn't use very often but tells her that he's genuinely happy. She cuddles up to his arm and rests her head on his shoulder and relaxes into his body. Before long she's yawning. "I'm not sure I can stay awake much longer."

Sam, who's sitting back beside them again checks his watch. "Wow, look at the time." It's fast approaching one a.m. "You know I have to leave about nine. I should really head to bed, don't want to be too tired for the drive or fall asleep in the afternoon."

Eric checks his watch too. "Wow, where did the time go?"

"That's good company for you," Callen chips in.

"Or the alcohol," Deeks mutters as Sam knocks back the last of his drink.

"Guys, it's been a pleasure, but I'm out."

"No problem." Kensi tells him. "Thanks for taking some time out from your family for us."

"Hey, you guys are family too." He leans over and gently squeezes her shoulder. He leaves to a chorus of good nights and before vanishing up the stairs he mimics Hetty's earlier comment telling them to behave.

Deeks is the next to start yawning and Kensi smirks. "Can't hack the pace?" she teases.

"Hey, I'm injured," he pouts.

"I know. I'll let you off this time." She traces her fingers down his forearm. "But you won't be able to use that excuse forever."

With that he yawns again. "I should take Monty out before I get any more tired."

"I could do that for you."

"I know but I could do with a little air." She releases her hold of his arm and he stands and heads out to the deck calling Monty after him.

"We calling it a night?" Eric asks.

"That's up to you. We're currently in your bedroom for want of a better word. But I think Deeks is done. And I'm tempted to agree with him for once."

Eric looks at Callen, "Don't look at me, I'm not team leader here, you do what you want... although you do have to drive at some point tomorrow, so sleep might not be the worst idea."

"Good point. Nell you okay with that?"

She's curled up on the couch and her eyes look heavy "Hmm?" she asks having not being paying attention.

"I think that's your answer right there," Kensi says, dropping her feet to the floor and stretching out. After hours of inactivity she's feeling a little stiff. "I'll go tell Deeks and bring in our gear from the deck."

"Great," Callen replies. "Eric and I will clean up in here. I'm not sure Nell's up to it."

"Hey," Kensi calls out, stepping onto the deck. It's much colder now and the wind has really picked up. She wraps her arms around her as she moves over to Deeks.

"Hey," he answers back.

"The others are cleaning up, we're calling it a night."

"Great, I wasn't sure I could last much longer." She comes to stand next to him and he notices her arms. "Come here." He pulls her into a sideways hug but she moves and positions herself between him and the balcony where he's standing watching Monty walk patterns into the sand. His arms wrap around her shoulders and hers find his waist. "Are you just trying to steal my body heat?"

"Maybe." She looks up at him, but he's watching Monty. She tucks her head back down and savours the heat of his body for a few more seconds. He makes no attempt to move or say anything but when she starts to yawn she figures it's time to get her butt in gear. She tightens the hug for a second and then releases him. He follows her lead and they step away from each other. Kensi blows out the lamps and gathers the teams' various belongings, placing them just inside the sliding patio doors.

Deeks calls Monty back and they head indoors to find Nell helping Eric make up the sofa bed. "Callen went to use the bathroom," Nell tells them.

Monty trots up to Eric who fusses with him before the dog jumps up on his freshly made bed and circles for a second before flopping down and getting comfy. "Looks like Monty wants to stay with me tonight," Eric laughs at the mutt's cheekiness.

"You sure?" Deeks asks.

"Yeah it's fine. Besides, I can let him out first thing and save you from having to haul your slow poke butt down here."

"Cheers man. Right, well I'm gonna head up. Thanks for today guys." He gives Eric a friendly shoulder slap and Nell a quick hug that's a bit awkward because of the height difference.

"Hey, wait up. I'm coming too," Nell calls after them. She briefly turns back to Eric, "Night partner." She flashes him a drunk smile and Eric shakes his head.

The three are saying 'goodnight' when Callen emerges from the bathroom, wash bag under his arm and smelling of very minty toothpaste. He joins in the 'goodnights' and then they all stand there feeling a little awkward. Deeks wants to say goodnight to his partner without prying eyes. He knows full well he'll be sleeping alone tonight, just to keep up appearances, but he wants to tell her he missed her last night. He's surprised when Kensi makes the first move, saying she needs to brush her teeth and braid her hair for bed. Nell offers to help her with the braid and the two head off together leaving Callen and himself to exchange a quick 'see you tomorrow' and head in opposite directions.

It doesn't take Deeks long to clean up for bed and slip into something more comfortable. Climbing into the big bed he suddenly feels lonely after a day surrounded by friends. He's also still miffed at not being able to say a proper goodnight to Kensi. Locating his phone from the night stand he fires off a quick text, 'Night and thanks again for all of this. Sweet dreams, x.' He lies awake, listening to the others come and go in the hallway as they use the bathroom. Eventually the light shining under the door goes out and the house goes silent. He guesses Kensi hasn't heard her phone as no text has come back. With a sigh he shuffles onto his side and tries to get comfy. Listening to the wind outside, it doesn't take long before his eyes begin to close and he's drifting off.