A/N: My fic for this past 4th of July.

"Alright, here's the burgers, chicken, and hotdogs," Deeks announced, coming through the back door with a meat laden tray. The backyard with was nearly filled to capacity with the team and their families for a semi-impromptu Independence Day cookout.

"I'll take that," Admiral Kilbride said. He gave a Sam a pointed look. After, what had been a truly entertaining and mildly concerning debate, Kilbride had earned himself the right of grill master for the day.

Sam pursed his lips, clearly holding back a plethora of comments. As Kilbride carried the tray towards a slightly rusted grill, he couldn't keep himself from calling out,

"Make sure you use enough seasoning!"

Kilbride once again wore his best Florida wear, though this time he'd swapped out his Hawaiian shirt for one with red, white, and blue stripes and a bright red hat. It gave Deeks the distinct feeling that he was in an alternate world.

Seeing that his mom and Julia were deep in conversation with Sam's dad, Deeks headed for one of the tables set up in the middle of the yard.

He sat next to Kensi, wrapping his arm around her waist. Rosa sat on the opposite side, next to Anna and Callen. She seemed to have taken a liking to Anna, and they were over something together.

The next table over, Fatima and Rountree played a card game, using scavenged cookies and m&ms. Based on the large pile of snacks on Fatima's side of the table, she was winning.

"I thought you were going to amaze us with your barbecue skills," Callen spoke up, looking remarkably content with a beer in one hand, and Anna by his side. Their forearms were pressed together, and Deeks would bet anything they were holding hands underneath the table.

"Oh, there's no way I'm coming between that. They can fight it out among themselves," Deeks said.

He craned his neck to see beyond Rosa's head. Sam stood over Kilbride's shoulder now, gesturing towards the grill. Though he couldn't hear them, Kilbride's irritation was obvious.

"At least this should keep them busy for a while," he added.

"Just be glad that Arkady could not come," Anna told Deeks with a significant nod. "I'm sure he would have some very strong opinions on the proper way to cook meat."

"I didn't realize Arkady could cook," Kensi said dubiously.

"Oh, believe me, he can't," Callen grimaced. "If he ever offers to make you a steak, don't accept.

"Why couldn't your father come?" Rosa asked, turning to Anna. "He was very funny at the last party."

"He wanted to come, but then I found out he planned to bring fireworks he purchased from a friend—" At Kensi and Deeks' horrified expressions, she quickly added, "I forbade him, which is why he decided not to come."

"Oh thank god," Deeks sighed as Rosa deflated slightly. "The last thing we need is super shady, not to mention, illegal, fireworks. No offense, Anna."

"None taken. I don't trust Arkady with anything that explodes or involves fire.

"Hey, didn't you buy fireworks when you were younger?" Kensi patted his arm, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Ok, that's not strictly true and I don't really think we need to go into this story—"

"I want to hear it," Rosa interrupted with a mischievous smile.

"Me too." Callen laced his fingers behind his head, sharing a grin with Rosa. Oh, those two were going to be trouble.

"Fine. My friend Ray and I bought some Roman candles and bottle rockets from a guy who sold them at the corner store," Deeks relented.

"Outrageous," Kensi teased, trying and failing to look disappointed.

"Like you never did anything stupid when you were 14."

"You told me you were 15."

"14, and it was Ray's idea," Deeks insisted.

"Uh-huh, and your dog ate your homework too."

"You know Callen, I bet Anna has some stories about you."

"A few," Anna agreed. "Some I don't think he's even told Sam."

"But you wouldn't tell because I'm your fiancé and you love me very much." Callen loosely draped his arm over her shoulder with a satisfied smile.

"Hm, you seem very confident about that," Anna observed, brushing her finger over his bottom lip.

"What if I bribed you?" he asked, voice filled with innuendo. Tilting her head to the side, Anna lowered her eyes, leaning into him.

"I guess that depends on what you're offering."

"What is happening?" Deeks whispered to Kensi, caught between amusement and discomfort. Rosa for her part, merely looked entertained.

"I think we're getting a taste of our own medicine," Kensi whispered back as Callen leaned forward and murmured something that made Anna's eyes light up. Then she leaned in and kissed Callen's neck.

"Ok, you know what, I'm going to go check on that chicken." Pushing up from the table, Deeks gave Kensi and Rosa a pointed look.

"I thought you didn't want to get involved."

"Well, I changed my mind," Deeks said, and he grabbed Kensi's hand and dragged her off her chair. "I'd rather face Sam and Kilbride's bickering than our teammates making out."

"I think it's romantic," Rosa said, following along though she looked far less bothered.

"Well, we know at least two people are having an explosive 4th of July," Kensi said, snorting as Deeks grimaced again.

"Oh my god, why would you say that?" Deeks groaned as Kensi and Rosa giggled.

Shaking his head, Deeks found himself chuckling too. As always, they were a crazy, mismatched jigsaw of a family, but somehow, they made it work. And he wouldn't have it any other way.