A/N: Written for Deeks' 44th birthday Marty Deeks!

"So, I hear it's someone's very special birthday coming up," Kensi murmured, wrapping her arms around Deeks from behind as he sat at the dining table. She pressed a smacking kiss to his cheek, then more gently kissed behind his ear. Tipping his chin up, he pulled a face.

"Oh yeah, that thing."

"Yeah that thing. We're three weeks out."

"Thanks for rubbing it in," he joked. Kensi playfully tugged at the the longer bit of beard on his chin, speckled with a little gray.

"Seriously though, what do you want for your birthday?"

"I've got everything I want right here," he replied, testing his neck enough to see her. "Well, one part is currently at book club, but the point still stands."

Kensi could tell he meant it, but ever since that awful birthday years ago when she'd gotten the dates mixed up, she couldn't let the day go without some form of celebration.

"Baby," she wheedled, twining her fingers through his curls. "We finally aren't running around like crazy trying to get the house in shape, or worried about money. Let's celebrate in style."

"I appreciate it, Kens, but all I really want is to spend time with my family."

"If you're sure."

"Yep." He stretched up to kiss her, smiling against her lips. "Just family and some good food. That's all I need."

"Ok," Kensi agreed, leaving him to his work. She started scheming a few minutes later.

"This has been the perfect morning," Deeks sighed, leaning back with a satisfied smile. The remnants of an omelet and French toast spread out in front of him. His hair was still just the slightest bit damp from their morning surfing, and was naturally starting to curl around his ears.

"Well, you said you wanted spend the day with family, so you're stuck with us all day long," Kensi said, popping a bite of syrup-soaked pancake into her mouth. "No take backs."

"Wouldn't dream of it." He nodded to Rosa, who was making her way through a waffle. "So, what did you think of your first winter surf?"

"It wasn't as cold as I expected. It was nice that there weren't as many people around," Rosa answered. "I think I am finally getting more comfortable and not like I might fall over every single time."

"Uh, you killed it out there, Rose," Deeks told her with enough enthusiasm to earn a grin from Rosa. "In a few more months, you'll be better than me."

"You see, he never gives me these kinds of compliments," Kensi joked, nudging Deeks' shoulder. He immediately turned with a would-be sincerity.

"Babe, your surfing is amazing, and I would watch you surf every day for the rest of my life. But you also try to knock me off my board at least once every time we go out."

"It's tradition," she defended herself. "And we know how much you love tradition."

"Uh-huh. I feel so loved."

"I promise I won't knock you over next time we surf," Rosa offered, thought her giant grin took something away from the sentiment.

"I appreciate that, Rosa." He grabbed the receipt their waiter had left on the table a few minutes ago, and made to stand. "I'll go pay the bill—"

"Ah-ah-ah, the birthday boy does not pay for his own breakfast," Kensi interrupted, snatching the slip of paper out of his hand. "I'll pay this, and then we're going shopping, because you my dear hubby, have not bought any new clothes in way too long.

She shared a smile with Rosa over Deeks' head, pleased with how well things were coming together.

Deeks went along with Kensi and Rosa's makeover with minimal complaint. It wasn't that he hated dressing up per se, it was just easier, and a lot more comfortable to wear jeans and t-shirt.

Of course, those didn't inspire the special gleam that tailored pants and a dress shirt did.

"You know, I don't think I really need a tie with this," he said as Kensi pulled into their driveway.

"But that blue one you have would look perfect," Kensi insisted again.

"The sushi place has seen me in flip flops and three-day hoodie. I don't think they'll care if I show a bit of collar bone."

"I have to get my purse anyway," Rosa added, and between them they chivvied him up to the door. He had just enough time to notice that the curtains were drawn with light peeking through when Kensi swung the door open, and he was greeted with a chorus of,

"Happy Birthday!"

Deeks jerked back ever so slightly, stunned by the dozen or so people crowded in their living room.

"Get in here, man," Sam said, tugging Deeks into the melee.

20 minutes later, he was loaded down with a plate of his favorite food, and surrounded by Kensi, Rosa, Callen, and Sam. Large shiny balloons decorated one of the walls, spelling out "Happy 44th Birthday".

Everyone had given their well-wishes, hugs, and so forth. Across the room, he saw his mom holding court with Julia, Rountree, and Fatima. He'd bet his brand-new shirt that she was currently telling every embarrassing story she could recall.

"Ok, how exactly did you pull this off?" he asked, wrapping his free arm around Kensi's waist.

"It wasn't easy," Kensi said. "Planning a surprise birthday party is a

lot harder than you make it look. But Rosa is a pretty good coconspirator. She picked up supplies with Roberta and invited most of the guests."

"It was fun," Rosa said with a shrug. "I kind of like the…cloak and dagger?"

"I'm both impressed and concerned." Deeks held up a Swedish meatball on his fork. "What I want to know is when you found time to do all—" he used the meatball to gesture at the decorations, which were pretty extensive—"this? And spend all day with me."

"We have our ways," Kensi said mysteriously.

"Does Kip's somewhat sudden offer to catch up and play basketball with his old team yesterday have anything to do with?"

"Hey, we needed you out of the house for a solid 8 hours, and Kip was more than happy to help his good friend, Marty-Mar out."

"We cooked everything at Roberta's house so you wouldn't get any ideas."

"Your mother's insane, Deeks," Sam added, shaking his head. "Made me shred 8 chickens. You know how long that takes?"

"Wait, my mom had you guys cooking too?" Deeks started laughing, imagining his mom ordering Sam Hanna around her kitchen.

"Oh no, I was on balloon duty," Callen said. "It takes a long time to blow them all up. A special technique you might say."

"I'm sure it does." Sam glowered at him briefly, then allowed a tiny smile. "It was worth it for a friend. Just don't ask me to do anything else with chickens."

"Fair enough. Thanks for all of this." Deeks dropped his gaze momentarily, suddenly embarrassed. "I truly did not expect any of it."

"Hey, there's only one Marty Deeks," Callen said, raising his beer. "Long may he live."

"You're ridiculous," Sam muttered, but took a drink along with the rest of the group.

"Ooh, I'm going to get your present." Rosa jumped up from the table, hurrying off to her room.

"You know, I just have one question." Deeks lowered his voice so only Kensi could hear. "If we were just coming home, why did I need a makeover?"

"Oh, that was all for me," Kensi informed him with a sly grin. "And, it plays into your present from me. Which you'll get after everybody's gone."

"Happy birthday to me," Deeks said, leaning over to kiss Kensi, and tuning out the sound of Sam and Callen's combined groans.