The bar was dimly lit, its walls adorned with decades of memorabilia that told the story of countless nights like this one. Brody and Lasalle settled into a corner booth, the cozy atmosphere wrapping around them like an old, familiar blanket.

Joe, the bartender, approached with a knowing grin. "What'll it be tonight, folks? The usual?"

Lasalle shook his head. "Not tonight, Joe. Tonight calls for something special. How about a round of shots to start?"

Brody laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, we're doing shots, are we? What are we celebrating?"

Lasalle raised an eyebrow. "How about celebrating your decision to come back to NCIS? That sounds like a good enough reason to me."

Joe nodded approvingly. "Coming right up. What's your poison?"

"Tequila," Brody said decisively. "Let's start with tequila."

Joe quickly lined up the shot glasses, expertly pouring the golden liquid into each one. He slid a tray with lime wedges and a small dish of salt over to them. "Tequila it is. Enjoy."

Lasalle picked up a shot glass and handed one to Brody. "Alright, to you, Brody. Welcome back."

They clinked their glasses together, the sound a satisfying chime amidst the ambient noise of the bar. "To us," Brody added, "and to new beginnings."

With that, they downed their shots in unison. The tequila burned pleasantly as it went down, followed by the tangy bite of lime and salt. Brody winced slightly but smiled, the warmth spreading through her chest.

Lasalle laughed, his eyes bright. "Another round?"

"You're on," Brody replied with a grin. "But let's mix it up. How about whiskey next?"

Joe, already prepared, swapped out the tequila for whiskey, filling their glasses with the amber liquid. "Round two, whiskey."

This time, Lasalle raised his glass first. "To old times and the memories we made."

Brody nodded, her expression serious but fond. "To the team, and to the friendships that last a lifetime."

They drank, the whiskey smooth and rich, leaving a warm, lingering heat. As they set their glasses down, Lasalle leaned back, a contented look on his face. "I've missed this, Brody. Just hanging out, talking about everything and nothing."

"Me too, Chris," Brody said softly. "It's good to be back."

Joe appeared again, sensing the moment. "How about one more for the road? Something fun?"

Lasalle's eyes lit up. "How about a classic? Jägerbombs?"

Brody laughed. "You really want to go all out, don't you? Alright, Jägerbombs it is."

Joe set up the shot glasses and pint glasses, pouring the Jägermeister and Red Bull with practiced ease. He handed them each a setup, and they prepared to drop the shots into the glasses.

"Alright," Lasalle said, holding his glass over the pint. "To the adventures that await us."

Brody mirrored his action. "And to the surprises life throws our way."

They dropped the shots into the glasses, quickly drinking the concoction. The mix of Jägermeister and Red Bull was a shock to the system, but it was a fitting end to their spontaneous celebration.

Lasalle set his glass down with a satisfied sigh. "That was... intense."

Brody laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Definitely. But a good kind of intense."

They sat back, the buzz from the alcohol and the warmth of their reunion making them feel invincible. As the night went on, they continued to share stories and laughter, each shot bringing them closer together, rekindling the bond that had never truly been broken.

Eventually, they decided it was time to call it a night. They stood, slightly unsteady but happy, and made their way to the door.

"Thanks, Joe," Brody said, waving. "We'll be back."

Joe nodded, a smile on his face. "Anytime, Brody. It's good to have you back."

Outside, the cool night air was a welcome relief. They walked down the quiet streets, the city lights casting a soft glow around them.

"You know," Brody said, linking her arm with Lasalle's, "I think this is the start of something great."

Lasalle nodded, his smile matching hers. "I couldn't agree more."