Prompt: After last night's episode could you please PLEASE do a fanfic where Densi tell everyone the news about Deeks going to FLETC and selling the bar.
A/N: It seems like maybe I should have written this before the yesterday's fic, but it's all out of canon, so who cares?
"So, you hear anything new from LAPD," Sam asked, turning an unopened bottle between his palms. He along with Callen, Eric, Nell, Fatima, and Rountree took up the majority of the seating along the bar. It didn't really matter since there was only one other patron seated by himself and nursing the same drink from an hour ago.
Kensi stood beside him behind the bar, resting her hand on his back as he served up the few drinks they needed. Even though it was fairly early, Deeks had sent the evening bartender home a couple hours ago.
"No, uh, they're still reconfiguring so I'm furloughed until further notice," Deeks answered. He paused, glancing at Kensi, and she gave him the smallest nod of support. "But we did get some good news from Hetty the other day." He rubbed his upper lip, suddenly feeling weirdly self-conscious with everyone's eyes on him. "She, uh, she told me I'm going to FLETC."
Nell was the first to react, rushing around the bar and hugging Deeks' firmly. He laughed a little as he bent to return the gesture.
"Oh my god, this is fantastic news!"
"Yeah, it's pretty great." Nell turned to hug Kensi too and Callen took the opportunity to give Deeks a slightly awkward arm hug. Eric offered a modified fist bump.
"Nice work, Deeks," Sam said with just a hint of a smile as he nodded with clear pride.
"It was all Hetty," Deeks replied, not sure how he could ever repay her for that.
"Yeah, but even she wouldn't be able to get you in if your credentials weren't any good." Deeks wasn't so sure about that so he didn't say anything, but Kensi squeezed his arm, wearing that same smile filled with pride.
"So, when do you start?" Rountree asked.
"Well, first I have to go through the interview process and officially be accepted into the program." Deeks grimaced at that though and Rountree nodded, making a face.
"Oh yeah. Those were awful. They interviewed my parents. I had nightmares for weeks."
"Devin!" Fatima hissed, smacking his shoulder, then turning a hasty smile on Deeks. "I swear, it's not that bad."
"No, definitely not that bad at all," Rountree backtracked.
"Thanks, I feel much better now," Deeks said wryly.
"Well, I think this definitely calls for a toast," Callen suggested. When the toast was finished, Deeks sighed. He didn't want to ruin the good mood, but he didn't feel right not bringing up the other decision he'd made.
"There's something else that I need to tell you guys. After this month‒" Kensi squeezed his hand, glancing up at him with a sympathetic expression.
"Baby, you really don't have to do this," she murmured, maintaining her position about the bar. Since he was mostly likely going to FLETC, Kensi was certain they could manage the financial strain of a house, IVF, and a struggling bar.
"No, I do." He took another deep breath as everyone stared at him with varying levels of concern. "We're selling the bar."
Everyone was silent for a moment and then Sam said,
"I know the last year has be rough, but I didn't think it was that bad."
"It is," Deeks confirmed grimly.
"I still think we can manage it for a little while longer," Kensi said quietly. "But I respect Deeks' decision. It's been a huge strain and as much as I love it here, I know that it will make things a lot easier."
"Well, we could chip in," Nell said, looking between everyone for support. "We love it here too. And we love you guys."
"Of course we can," Sam agreed.
"No, there's no guarantee that we would make it past a couple months and I don't want to waste anybody's money." Deeks was beyond touched that they would even offer. "This is for the best."
"How soon are you selling?" Eric asked quietly. He looked fairly stunned and Deeks felt a little bad for him. A lot had changed since he'd left.
"Probably a few months. I want to give the staff enough time find new jobs and settle all our accounts," Deeks answered. There was a somber air now, especially after the excitement of his first announcement.
"I'm sorry that this is happening all so sudden," Kensi apologized.
"Hey, this is not your fault," Sam said firmly. "Neither of you. A lot of places have struggled and you shouldn't blame yourselves. And don't worry about what we think."
"And who knows, maybe things will turn around in the next couple months," Callen added. Deeks thought that was highly doubtful, but didn't have the heart to ruin the moment of hope.
"In the meantime, let's celebrate Deeks' tonight." Kensi raised her bottle again. "I am so incredibly proud of you."
Deeks swallowed harshly, more grateful than he ever could express.