A/N: This one takes place around season 4, either completely AU or if they got back home in time for the 26th. For Densimber Day 24.
"Hey, do you want to the Jameson Center with me the day after Christmas?" Deeks asked Kensi one day early in December.
"I thought you volunteered at the soup kitchen," Kensi commented, referencing the Christmas they spent serving food to the less fortunate.
"I do, but they had an entire high school class volunteer this year, so I checked in with some other places I've worked with before," Deeks explained. "Jameson's is a center for struggling kids who don't really have a lot or good support at home. A big part of their outreach is to bring in adults and peers from the community to help out."
"So, you just go and hang out?" Kensi asked.
"Sometimes." Deeks shrugged. Sometimes it was really that simple, although the conversations that tended to occur were anything but simple. "On holidays or special events they usually have games, food, the usual stuff. Most of the kids seem to enjoy it. And if they don't, at least it's a place where they won't get in trouble…or anything else."
Kensi mulled it over for a few moments, then nodded. "Ok. Let's do it."
Deeks was good at this. Kensi had seen Deeks with kids countless times on cases, whether it be angsty teens or a kid who just needed someone to pay attention to them, Deeks fell into whatever role needed with ease. Somehow, Kensi always forgot that detail.
Today gave her a sharp reminder of those skills as he effortlessly wrangled a few dozen kids between 3 and roughly 20 years of age into the various planned activities. Technically, the center was supposed to be for minors, but Deeks held a rather liberal open-door policy.
When Kensi questioned if he'd get in trouble, Deeks had shrugged and said,
"Look, most of the supplies are either donated by patrons or the volunteers, so it's not like we're blowing through funds or something. And, as long as no one causes any problems, I think we'd all like to see them here than hanging out at a bar or the gas station that sells cigarettes to anybody with the money."
The few times she'd visited a center like this when she was on the streets, she'd always felt like an outsider. Looking back, she didn't know if was real or imagined, but she'd felt judged by the mentors and other kids. It was the reason she'd only gone back a couple times. To see these kids so cared for, was oddly healing.
They'd started out with lunch ("Feed the gremlins first, Kensi. Only way to maintain order.") and then moved on to a few Christmas–themed games, which were a huge hit with most of the kids. At first, she found the thought of managing so many kids with only three other adults in addition to her and Deeks, intimidating. However, by the time they were Rudolph themed version of pin the tail, started having fun and forgot to worry.
"Hey Mateo, JC! This tree isn't going to decorate itself," Deeks called out in a throaty voice a couple hours into the evening. Two older boys probably somewhere in the range of 14-16 years old rolled their eyes and scoffed.
Kensi had noticed them skulking in the back, refusing to participate in most of the activities, yet not leaving either. They so clearly wanted to project an air of superiority, but couldn't fully conceal their interest in the fun.
"Yeah, like I wanna make a crappy ornament," JC replied, jutting his chin out towards Deeks. Deeks nodded, completely unaffected by JC's disrespect.
"That's absolutely fine, but you should know that there's prizes for the best decorated ornament from each age range."
Mateo considered this information for a moment, then pushed off the wall he'd been leaning against, joining a table lined with other teens.
"Traitor!" JC called after him.
"What, I like prizes, man," Mateo defended himself.
Deeks hid his grin at their antics while he showed a little blonde girl how to thread beads on a string. After a few minutes, and muttered words that Kensi didn't catch, JC reluctantly situated himself beside his friend, and grabbed a pile of supplies.
Kensi stood on Deeks' left side, teaching a group kids how to tie a sliding knot. While they chattered among themselves, she took a moment, to watch Deeks in his element.
"How did you learn to do this?" she wondered, nodding around the room when Deeks looked up in apparent confusion. "You seem to know exactly what to say or do with everybody, no matter their age or baggage."
Glancing down at the little girl still working at her beads, he nudged her to the side with an encouraging smile. "Hey kiddo, I'll be right back, ok?"
She nodded without looking up, her tongue sandwiched between her teeth as she concentrated.
Walking a little way off, he led Kensi to the snack table. He offered her a cup of coffee, but she shook her head.
"So, what's your secret to being the kid whisper?" she prompted.
"I'm hardly a magician. I guess…I just learned to listen to kids. Even when they're not talking, they say a whole lot," he explained. "Other than that, I try not to have too many expectations. Especially in these kinds of situations. Cause the harder you push, the more they're going to buckle down and resist." He chuckled. "I might know a thing or two about that from personal experience."
"I could have used you when I was 17," Kensi mused softly. The before she could ruin the mood, she added, "They're really lucky to have a role model like you."
Deeks' eyes widened, slight surprise, followed by embarrassment all flashing across his face. Then he dipped his head, and she swore his cheeks took on a faint rosy tinge.
He cleared his throat, rubbing his thumb along his bottom lip. "That's uh…thanks." Something in front of them caught his eye, and he craned his head slightly, corners of his mouth lowering. "I should probably wrap up the ornaments. Looks like they're getting a little restless."
As he'd guessed, some of the younger kids had begun finding other uses for their beads while others were beginning to look a little bored.
"All right guys, everybody gathered around. It's time to go caroling," Deeks announced, clapping his hands together a couple of times.
"Oh hell no!" Mateo said emphatically, ripping off the Santa he'd acquired at some point.
"Relax, Mattie. I'm just kidding. We're having hot chocolate and Christmas cookies."
"Ok then. But I'm still not singing," Mateo warned him with a raised finger.
Kensi snorted, sharing a smirk with Deeks.
"Five bucks says he's humming "Frosty the Snowman" in less than ten minutes," he said to her in an undertone.
"Yeah, not taking that bet," Kensi whispered back. She turned her attention to the kids lining up to get their doses of sugar.
Surprisingly, Mateo and JC had taken it upon themselves to help the little kids. A quick glance in Deeks' direction confirmed he was watching them too, a proud smile twitching at his lips.
"Thanks for inviting me," she said, drifting closer to Deeks so their shoulders brush. "It's been oddly fun."
"Good. I'm having fun too," Deeks told her. "Now let's get some cookies before these guys eat them all."