A/N: This was written for Deek's birthday and the scenario supplied by mashmaiden on Tumblr.
"Ooh, Deeks got mail!" Charlie called across the common room as Deeks sat down with a small mound of packages he'd picked up from the main lobby. He peered over his shoulder as Deeks slid the ribbon off a small white box with a blue label on the top. The words had been partially obscured so all he could read was, "Nut Con".
Hopefully it wasn't a gag gift from Eric. He'd already sent Deeks a Star Wars themed email card-something he hadn't realized still existed. It was a lucky thing no one had been around at the time to hear the blaring John Williams' theme. Deeks appreciated the intent, if not the actual card.
"If it's anything edible, you have to share," Jake added, joining Charlie to crowd around Deeks. "Homemade desserts are the best."
"Ok, I'm pretty sure you just made that up," Deeks said, shaking his head, oddly amused. He'd been prepared to mope around for his birthday, but his classmates hadn't allowed that. Just like every day since he'd been at FLETC, they sought him out for a variety of reasons. Sometimes for help, sometimes to chat, and often just to hang out.
"It's a well established rule. It's just plain rude not to share."
"You sound remarkably like my wife." Deeks flicked a gaze at Jake. "But don't get your hopes up because baking is not her hobby of choice and my mom doesn't have this address. Thank god, cause that would be a disaster.
"Leave him alone, guys," Omar said, but couldn't seem to stop himself from joining the little group.
Deeks pulled opened the box finally, raising an eyebrow at the single, sugar dusted cronut inside, laying on a nest of tissue paper. There was a small card tucked inside and he plucked it out with his thumb and index finger.
"Happy Birthday, Babe. Enjoy your pastry baby. Love, Kensi," was written in an elegant script. He looked back down at the fried pastry, feeling his throat tighten a little.
"Huh, I was expecting something a little more substantial," Jake commented.
"Oh man, you shoulda told us it was your birthday," Charlie said ignoring Jake and knocking Deeks' shoulder. "We would have bought you a cake."
"It's really not a big deal," Deeks insisted.
"Sure it is. All birthdays are important. How old are you again?"
"Definitely not answering that question."
"How else are we going to know how many candles to put on the cake?" Jake asked reasonably.
"Eh, I'm pretty sure at Deeks' age they stop counting and just use those number ones." Deeks laughed despite himself.
"You guys are hilarious," he said, shaking his head. "Still not telling you."
"I bet with enough time we can get it out of you," Charlie decided, trying to look menacing. His slight baby face, despite his valiant effort to grow some facial hair, made it all the more ridiculous.
"I think you're forgetting that I'm married to a woman who has made marines cry and the rest of my team is just as insane. I will not break."
"I thought we were friends, man," Jake said, shaking his head in apparent disappointment.
"I just need to know, what's a pastry baby?" Omar asked with a raised eyebrow, looking vaguely disturbed.
"Mm, it's part of a love story," Deeks murmured with a smile. He slipped the card back into the box and carefully closed it. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Where are you going?" Deeks grinned.
"I got a call to make."