A/N: Densimber 2023 Day 5.

"To the second grand opening of The Squid and Dagger. May it be her last," Deeks toasted, raising his glass above his head. Kensi stood next to him, and surrounding him in a semi-circle were their former team. Eric and Nell had even made the flight in to celebrate the occasion.

"Amen!" Nell called out, whistling loudly. Deeks grinned at her enthusiasm. They all drank, Sam pausing to sniff his first.

"Hey, that's actually really good," Eric commented in surprise. He took another drink, as if to double check.

Still looking mistrustful, Sam took a tiny sip, and nodded in reluctant approval. "It's not bad."

"Why on earth would the beer taste bad?" Kilbride wondered, looking bemused and slightly out of place in his three-piece suit.

"You've never heard the saga of Deeks and Callen's microbrew ventures?" Rountree asked in surprise.

"No. And I'm beginning to think that's a good thing."

"It involved a series of increasingly terrible beer," Nell explained. "Squid being a memorable one."

"No, no the seaweed and salmon was definitely the worst," Sam said firmly. "The flavor is ingrained in my brain."

"Three years with this team, and I still fail to understand any of you," Kilbride commented, downing the rest of his beer. "Which means I need something stronger." He wandered off to the bar, muttering to himself.

"Nice to know some things don't change," Kensi said dryly.

The rest of them gravitated towards each other, forming a small group as they sipped at their drinks. Nell had somehow acquired a large red drink with a cocktail umbrella.

"You know, contrary to popular belief, Callen and I are capable of crafting normal beer–remember the orange and nectarine?" Deeks said, nodding to Kensi. "We just choose not to."

"I still maintain that none of our stuff was that bad," Callen insisted. He frowned, holding up his glass, tilting his head to examine the light amber liquid inside. "Though this is kind of bland."

"You're ridiculous, you know that, right?" Sam said in exasperation. He gave Callen a slight shove towards the bar. "C'mon G, let's go get you some more skunky beer."

"Mmm, it almost feels like we never left," Nell said, watching the two fondly bicker.

"It does. Especially with having the bar back," Deeks agreed. "Speaking of which, I can't thank you guys enough for helping buy it back."

"It means a lot to us," Kensi added, sliding her free arm through Deeks'.

"You're welcome, but guys, I told you before, I literally would not be where I am without the money that you loaned me for years. Especially Deeks," Eric replied. "I probably owe you about 10 bars at this point."

"I think we'll call it even with one." She glances at Deeks and he nodded in agreement.

"We've got everything we need."

"Ooh, speaking of needs," Nell paused to take a healthy gulp of her drink, her Christmas themed had shifting precariously. "When do I get to see my nieces and nephews?"

"Well, I'm guessing the sitter already put the twins down for the night, but we're free tomorrow. And I'm sure Rosa would love to see you when she's done with classes," Kensi replied.

"Awesome! That'll give us time to get all their gifts together." Eric nodded enthusiastically. "It's amazing what they're doing with kids toys these days."

"I'm not sure I want to know."

"He's teasing, Deeks." Nell rolled her eyes at Eric, lightly tapping his shoulder with the back of her hand. She giggled, adding in a couple pats lower down on his chest.

Beside him, Kensi hastily stifled a snort, and when Deeks glanced at her, she had her lips tightly pressed together.

"Oh, I love this song," Nell announced, as the playlist running in the background switched to the next selection. "Mr. Beale, may I have this dance?" Bending at the waist, Nell waved her hand in an elaborate flourish.

"My lady awaits," Eric said with a shrug as he let Nell tug him away.

"I missed this," Kensi said wistfully.

"What, Callen and Sam arguing over beer and the Wonder Twins drunkenly dancing on our non-existent dance floor?"

"Yeah."

"Me too."

Kensi swayed into his side, wrapping both arms around his waist. "I'm glad we have this back."

He watched Nell and Eric put on a two-person act to "Santa Baby", giggling the entire time, and couldn't help but agree.

A/N: Once again bringing back the Squid and Dagger as well as Callen and Deeks making beer of dubious quality.