Hi, Mulderette here. Thanks so much to those who are reading and commenting on this story. We truly appreciate all of you who are doing so, especially during this busy holiday season. Just a note, I will be having knee replacement surgery on Monday. I'm hoping that we still will have a chapter up next weekend, but in case I'm not feeling up to writing, I just wanted to put that out there. Thanks for your understanding.

Hi all, this is Jess. Thanks so much for accompanying us on this journey. It's been a joy for us to write and it makes me happy that you're all enjoying it and hope you continue to do so. We will try very hard to have a chapter up next week. My brother is also coming home tomorrow to visit for the holidays but I'm hoping I still get time to write in between family things. Again, thank you so much for the support, even with the craziness of the holiday season, we really appreciate it.

xxxxx

Morning came sooner than Eric had wanted and he groaned when he read 6:00 am on the simple clock that stood on the nightstand. Not wanting to wake up Deeks, he got out of bed as silently as he could and tiptoed to the bathroom, careful not to hit any furniture or walls as he avoided turning on the lights.

Coming back into the room a few minutes later, sunlight had already began filtering through the thin curtains that covered the room's only window. Eric then rolled his eyes, noticing that Deeks wasn't even in his bed so all his efforts had been for nothing.

Discarding his lounge pants to the side, Eric changed into shorts and a t-shirt and walked out of the room towards the hotel's lobby, or rather its main area, the space too bare to be called a real lobby. Reaching a small lounge area with dining tables and chairs that surrounded the breakfast space, Eric saw Deeks sitting alone at a faraway table. Eyes closed and hair more unruly than usual.

"Tough night?" He asked, setting up a cup of coffee he had just picked up on the table in front of Deeks.

Deeks sighed happily. "Thank you, I woke up even earlier than the lady that gets the breakfast started." He said, ignoring Eric's question.

"I get it. I missed Nell too." Eric nodded and sat down on a chair in front of Deeks.

"I… I didn't say that." Deeks began but seeing Eric disbelieving look, quickly stopped.

Eric put up a hand to stop whatever ramble was coming. "I'm not the boys, you don't have to fake with me. I get you in more ways than one. I'd also rather be in a boat right now." Eric explained simply before moving into more serious topics. "And I also sleep better when Nell is with me." His mind silently remembering the months he had spent in San Francisco and how hard it had been for him to get used to sleeping alone again.

Deeks sighed and smiled. Eric did seem to get him and that made him feel better about being here. Or at least, not as alone. "It's just that… since we moved in together we haven't really spent too many nights apart. And even when one of us ended up at the hospital, the other was there, either on the uncomfortable couch or sharing the bed." A dark shadow crossed Deeks mind as he thought back to all the near misses the last few years but his features eventually settled on a comfortable smile as he thought back to Kensi and the peace that brought him.

Eric nodded again. Not completely used to his teammate opening up to him in this way.

The next few minutes were spent with each man silently drinking his coffee until Eric decided to get up. "I think it's time to take a shower and get this show on the road. I'm sure Sam and Callen will show up soon, and all ready to go." Eric said uncharacteristically cheerful.

Deeks raised his eyebrows as he sipped the last of his coffee and moved to follow Eric. "I don't remember you being this excited about this trip." He said as both men walked towards their room. "Had an epiphany last night?"

"No… It's just that." Eric trailed off. But Deeks trusting, friendly stare prompted him to open up just as his teammate had just done. "It's just that last night I couldn't sleep…" Eric began as he stretched his back, trying to alleviate his sore neck, courtesy of the uncomfortable bed and flat pillow. "So I got to thinking about when I was in high school and my classmates would plan camping trips and things like that. And I was never invited because… well who would have wanted to hang out with a nerd. So now, Sam actually wants to do this and openly invited me, so why resist it? It could be fun." Eric finished shyly.

Now it was time for Deeks to nod. His mind going back to memories of his younger self begging his father to take him camping. The man always having found an excuse not to.

Just before Deeks had a chance to respond, his phone chirped and he turned on the screen to see a text from Sam. "Boys want to meet us in half hour for breakfast before we head out towards the campsite, let's get ready and get this adventure started." Deeks said, sounding more excited than before. Eric's change of mind having rubbed off on him.

xxxxx

After dinner the previous night and thanks to Hetty's exquisite and probably very expensive scotch, both Kensi and Nell had been feeling more than a little bit tipsy. So both analyst and agent had decided to spend the night there. The amount of spaces and guest rooms in the house, making it feel more like a night at the Ritz than a sleepover at their boss's house.

"Oh." Nell grunted, a hand going to her head, the other to the wall to steady herself. She had just woken up and had almost fallen down as soon as she had stepped out of the bed.

Kensi just chuckled, knowing that Hetty's choice of hard liquor was probably too much for her wine-drinking friend. Nonetheless feeling a slight headache herself, but grateful that she had a bigger resistance than Nell.

"Remind me to never again try to keep up with Hetty." Nell said with a tint of amusement in her words, before she moved on to the restroom, door closing behind her.

Kensi snorted again, having learned that lesson a long time ago. She then moved to her go-bag to grab a bottle of ibuprofen before going back to sit at the edge of the bed. A sigh escaping her lips as she thought of Deeks and wondered what the boys were up to. She knew it was silly to miss him so much after a single night apart, but other than his recent LAPD assignment they had spent every night together since they'd gotten married.

Nell coming out of the restroom, drew Kensi's mind back to the present. "Feeling better?" She asked, tossing Nell the bottle of ibuprofen and instantly noticing how her face had softened after her shower.

Nell nodded and gulped down two pills. Knowing the hot shower had helped but that if she wanted to feel normal again, she needed more than that. "Thank you." She added as the smell of bacon began to reach them.

Both Kensi and Nell then sighed in content, remembering how great dinner had been last night and thinking that breakfast could only get better.

"I will be quick." Kensi said knowingly as she moved to the restroom to take a 5-minute shower. All the while fighting the urge to send Deeks a text. He was okay and having fun with the boys, and she deserved to do the same with Nell.

xxxxx

"What are you doing in there?!" Sam bellowed after pounding on the bathroom door. "If you stay in the shower any longer, there won't be any more water for anyone else in the motel!"

A few minutes later, a freshly showered and dressed Callen emerged from the bathroom. "What's your problem?"

"You NEVER take showers that long," Sam said to his partner as he lightly bounced up and down on the bed impatiently.

"Usually we're on a case and I don't have time to take a long shower," Callen explained. "Besides, this is the last shower I'm going to have in who knows how long. I wanted to enjoy it."

"And wrinkle up your skin like a prune?" Sam asked with a grin. "It's not like there won't be water, G. There will be lots of fresh water on the trail."

Callen stared at Sam like he was crazy. "No way in hell am I jumping into one of those ponds or lakes, Sam. Do you know how cold they'll be? I am not an L Street Brownie."

"A what?" Sam asked with a blank look on his face.

"The L Street Brownies. It's a polar bear club in Boston. They swim year round and every year on New Year's Day, they take a plunge into the bay, no matter how cold it is. Crazy if you ask me."

"Oh yeah I've heard of them." Sam looked at Callen in amusement. "I don't think it's as cold here as it is in Boston on New Year's Day, G. Aren't you overreacting a bit?"

Callen picked up his jacket and put it on. "I don't think I'm overreacting at all. It's colder than usual. Maybe you haven't noticed because you're a little bit bulkier than the rest of us."

"Muscular," Sam stated. "And I'm a lot more muscular than the rest of you."

Callen shrugged. "It doesn't matter, Sam. I'm not jumping into a lake and catching pneumonia."

"Those so called lake jumpers think it's good for the immune system to jump into ice cold water."

Callen gave Sam an incredulous look. "Well, I know for a fact it would not be good for my immune system. You can jump into lakes all you want. I will not be joining you."

"Whatever you say, buddy," Sam said, grinning at Callen. "Come on. Let's meet Eric and Deeks to get some breakfast, then we can be on our way."

xxxxx

The restaurant attached to the motel was surprisingly nice. It was a clean and bright colored establishment with a country atmosphere. It wasn't too crowded and they were led by the hostess to a corner table by a window.

"Did you guys sleep well?" Callen asked as he opened the menu on the table in front of him.

"Not too bad," Deeks answered sharing a conspiratorial glance with Eric. "How about you?"

"I slept well," Callen replied.

"He also showered well," Sam said, smirking. "I thought he was never coming out."

Callen rolled his eyes. "Really? Still on that?"

"Well, we won't have much of a chance to take a shower after today," Deeks said.

Callen's expression brightened. "Yes! Exactly what I said. Father Nature here doesn't get that. He wants to swim with the polar bears."

"Father Nature," Eric repeated, chuckling.

"Hello. My name is Lucas. Would you dudes like coffee?" A young man with his dark hair pulled back into a bun, came up to their table with a coffee pot in his hand.

The men nodded with a chorus of yeses and Lucas poured the coffee, then proceeded to recite the specials. His eyes then traveled to Deeks and his gaze settled on him. "I really love your hair. Do you have to go to a lot of trouble to get that tousled, care-free look or is it all natural?"

"It's natural," Deeks said, suddenly uncomfortable as he put his left hand on the table with his wedding ring obviously visible.

"I envy you," Lucas said. "I have to tie my hair back because I just can't do a thing with it. It has no body at all. It's too bad you couldn't give me some hair care tips."

"No, no…" Deeks shook his head. "No tips. All natural. Sorry dude."

"No worries. So, our chef just pulled a fresh batch of cinnamon buns out of the oven. Would you like one to start?"

"Nope. No thanks." Deeks really wished the guy would stop staring at him. Couldn't he have a peaceful meal in a restaurant on this trip?

"I would like a cinnamon bun," Callen stated.

"Are you sure?" Lucas asked Deeks, ignoring Callen. "They are really good. I don't think you'll be sorry."

"Fine, sure," Deeks gave in. "We would all like cinnamon buns, okay?"

"I'll bring them right by," Lucas said, grinning at Deeks. "You won't be sorry."

"You already said that," Deeks said as Lucas turned away to go get the cinnamon buns. He then turned to the boys who were all smirking at him unabashedly. "Don't even start."

"I think he has conditional deafness," Callen stated. "He could only hear you speak."

Sam chuckled. "He sure didn't hear your request for a cinnamon bun, G. I think Deeks' voice must be music to his ears."

"And Deeks' hair," Callen continued the good-natured ribbing. "I think he'd love to run his fingers through it."

"Maybe that's because none of you have any hair to admire." Deeks tried calling back but was ignored by all.

Even Eric couldn't resist contributing. "I think some people are going to be a little bit jealous."

"Are you kidding me?" Deeks asked. "Kensi would think it was as funny as you jokers seem to think it is. She certainly wouldn't be jealous."

"I don't think he was just talking about Kensi," Sam said. "Don't you remember your wedding day?"

Deeks rolled his eyes. "Don't even go there."

"I've never seen such a jealous man." Sam shook his head with mock sadness. "You broke poor Kirkin's heart."

"Enough. You guys have had your fun." Deeks said. "Twice." He added darkly.

"But what is it with the hot buttered rolls and cinnamon buns?" Callen asked, smirking. "It seems wherever we go to eat, it's kind of a theme. The wait staff wants to ply you with buns."

"Ply?" Deeks asked. "Who talks like that?"

"Here we are, hot cinnamon buns, straight from the oven." Lucas placed the plate of buns in the middle of the table. "Let me know how you like them...um what's your name?"

Deeks stared at the plate silently, but Sam answered the question with a smile. "His name is Martin. And Marty's a little shy sometimes."

"Marty! Oh I love that name. It fits you perfectly!" Lucas gushed exuberantly.

"Yes, my wife, Kensi thinks so too," Deeks stated. "As a matter of fact, I forgot to check in with her. I think I'm going to go and call her right now. Be back in a jiff!" With that, he got up from the table and headed outside, suddenly missing Kensi more than he thought possible.

xxxxx

Brushing his hair backwards nervously, Deeks debated whether he should really call Kensi. Originally, he had just meant it as an excuse to get away from the inquisitive stares of his teammates but he really missed her and wanted to at least briefly talk to her over the phone.

So, taking out his cellphone he dialed the number from memory and waited.

"Deeks. Are you okay? Did something happen?" Kensi blurted out from the other end.

"Kens…" Deeks breathed out. A smile on his face just by the sound of her voice. "No, no, everything is fine. We spent the night at an inn and will head into the campground today and set up there. Just wanted to check in before I lose signal." He heard Kensi sigh, and chuckled lightly at her concern.

"That's good to hear, baby. Hope you're enjoying yourself. Thanks for calling." Shuffling was heard on the other end, and then a door being opened and closed. "Sorry, was just having breakfast with Nell and Hetty. We came here for dinner and ended up a bit… tipsy, so we spent the night."

Deeks laughed openly now, the image of Hetty drinking Nell and Kensi under the table never failing to amuse him. "Glad you're also having some fun of your own." Deeks said honestly, ignoring the subject of breakfast as he had no desire to explain what had just happened at his.

Kensi and Deeks then shared some small talk and whispered sweet nothings only for each other to hear. Both of them smiling more in these 5 minutes than in the last 24 hours.

"Well, I should go or the boys will start getting restless." Deeks said eventually, sad to be ending the call but not wanting for his teammates to come looking for him.

"Okay." Kensi agreed. "I miss you." She added after a few seconds of silence. "Make sure Sam doesn't get you guys into any trouble."

Remembering the airport, hospital and morgue he had seen in the town, a dark shadow crossed Deeks' eyes at the comment but he still managed a faint smile. "Don't worry, Fern. I will be back."

"I know, I just hope I don't have to go rescue your asses." Kensi snorted. "But you know I will, if need be." She promised.

"I know, Kens. Thank you. But everything will be fine and I will see you soon." Deeks said, hoping his words wouldn't be proven wrong. "I love you."

"Love you too, Marty. I will see you soon." Deeks shuddered at the name and the recent memories of Sam and the overly enthusiastic waiter. Still, he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

He then sent a long-distance kiss to Kensi before the call was ended, finding himself in silence once again. Sighing, he blew out a long breath before walking back into the breakfast room, desperately wishing that his teammates were too distracted with their food to continue teasing him.

xxxxx

"Is everything alright, Miss Blye?" Hetty asked when Kensi returned after her phone call. She was trying to appear nonchalant, but she still had a bit of uneasiness deep inside regarding this trip. She had yet to put a finger on exactly why she felt this way, but she hadn't been able to shake it. She supposed she would just have to live with it until the boys returned safely home.

Kensi nodded, smiling. "Yes, everything is fine."

"Deeks just misses you, doesn't he?" Nell asked, inwardly a little bit jealous and sad that Deeks had called Kensi, but she hadn't heard from Eric.

"He just wanted to talk to me before they lose their phone signal," Kensi explained. She had to admit, she was very glad he had called.

"It's clear the two of you are still in your honeymoon phase," Hetty said, noting the blissful expression on Kensi's face. It was obvious to all how happy she and Mr. Deeks were and, secretly, she felt very proud to have been a part of that. They were clearly a match made in heaven and she truly hoped that life was good to the young couple.

xxxxx

His three companions appeared solemn when Deeks walked back to the table and took a seat. "Hey man, are you okay?" Sam asked, appearing somewhat guilty. "We were only teasing."

"Yeah, sorry if we went too far," Callen added. "We didn't mean to."

"I'm fine. I just wanted to talk to Kens before our phones lose signal."

"How is she doing?" Sam asked.

"She's good. She had a girls night out with Hetty and Nell or I guess it was more of a girls night in because they stayed at Hetty's overnight after having dinner."

"I bet that was fun," Callen said, with a fond smile, knowing how much Hetty enjoyed a night of fine dining and good company.

Deeks nodded. "It sounds like they definitely had a good time."

"We ordered breakfast for you, the breakfast sampler. It has a little bit of everything," Eric said. "But, the waiter said he can change it for you if that's not what you want."

"I'm sure that will be good," Deeks said with a smile. Secretly, he was a little bit pleased that they were feeling bad over the teasing, but there was no harm done and he didn't want to put a damper on the morning. He was determined to have a good time on this trip.

Lucas was much more subdued when he brought the breakfast to the table. "Let me know if I can get you anything else," he said before scurrying away without a second glance at Deeks.

Deeks watched Lucas' fast exit and looked over at Sam and Callen. "So, what's up with that?" he asked. "Did you threaten that poor guy with bodily harm?"

Sam laughed. "Nothing like that. He actually looked embarrassed when you said you had a wife. I guess he had tunnel vision and really didn't register that you were wearing a wedding ring."

"You're sure that's all it was?" Deeks asked, looking to Eric for confirmation.

"They didn't threaten him," Eric said, putting Deeks at ease.

"Well, he also seemed pretty disappointed that you were spoken for," Callen added, but Deeks ignored him and started in on his meal.

The rest of the breakfast passed without incident. The food was exceptionally good, the conversation pleasant and the boys left Lucas a more than generous tip before heading out of the restaurant to begin their adventure.