A/N: Despite some faults, there are many possible episodes I could have chosen for season 9. I considered Silo, and the final two episodes, however, I've written for those quite a bit. In the end, I went with "Where Everybody Knows Your Name", which I've always loved for the final scene. For countdown day 5.

"Congrats, Deeks. I'm happy for you," Sam said, offering Deeks a one-armed hug as he headed for the door with the rest of the group. The bar was littered with a collection of bottles—Eric had run out to the nearest store for a pack of Modelo—and everyone was in a fairly good mood.

"Thanks, man."

"Just get better beer because I am not drinking whatever that crap is again."

"I still don't think it was that bad," Callen insisted with a shrug. "Sure, it was a little musty at first-"

"I think the word you're looking for is skunky," Nell inserted.

"But after a couple sips, it's tolerable."

"It's official, you have no tastebuds," Hidoko decided. "Remind me not to have you pick out where we eat." She gave a full body shudder. "Like I put a dead rat in my mouth."

"Don't worry, we're throwing out the rest of that stuff tonight," Kensi assured them with an exaggerated expression.

"Let us know if you need any help with renovations," Eric offered as they went through another round of hugs before filing out. He gave Deeks a fist bump, automatically searching for Nell's hand as they lingered for a couple more minutes.

"Thanks, Eric. We might take you up on that when it comes to the tech stuff. Cause I'm pretty sure it's going to take some work to get this up to par."

"Absolutely. You just let me know."

"And on that note, we're going to bid you adieu," Nell said, giving a theatrical bow. "We have, ahem, things to do at home."

"As my lady wishes." Eric offered her his elbow, and pushed the door open. Just in case they didn't take the hint, Nell flashed them an exaggerated wink on her way out

Kensi closed and locked the door behind them, lips pressed together to hold back a laugh.

"Oh my god, she is so drunk," she said with a snort.

"So drunk," Deeks agreed, snagging Kensi hand as she made a move towards the messy bar. He slid his hands down her back, settling them on her waist. "I know I shouldn't say this since we just left a funeral, but you look beautiful."

"And you look very handsome." Kensi brushed his hair back, caressing his cheek with the side of her thumb. He sighed, relishing her touch.

"I'm sorry." Kensi's eyes narrowed in a frown, and he elaborated, "I should have told you what I had planned tonight instead of springing this on you. It wasn't fair."

"Well, I wasn't super supportive of the idea when you first mentioned it, so I get it," she told him with a shrug. "Besides, it's not like you actually bought a bar. Like you said, it's just on loan so far."

He tilted his head, chuckling softly. Sometimes he didn't know what he did to deserve this amazing woman.

"Still, I should have given you a heads up. I promise to tell you next time before I make another harebrained decision."

Kensi giggles, resting her forehead against his. She looped her arms around his neck, drifting closer.

"That sounds like a good plan. And I will try to be more supportive of your extracurricular activities in the future."

"Thank you," he murmured, kissing softly. "So, what do you really think of this place? And yes, I know it needs a ton of work before it's even close to ready for customers."

"I think…" Kensi paused, fiddling with the curls on his neck above his collar. "I think the community you want to build here is amazing. Even with the most disgusting beer in the world," he rolled her eyes as she pulled another face. "Everyone still had an amazing time. I can't believe that we are going to have a bar of our very own. And, I am so very, very proud of you."

He was lost for words for a moment, and settled on kissing her instead. He poured all his gratitude and love into the gesture, gathering her against his chest.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

A/N: I think this is our first team countdown fic. Rest In Peace Hidoko, and we still miss Eric and Nell.