A/N: Written for Thanksgiving 2022.

Thanksgiving 2022 looks a little different this year. Kensi and Deeks decided to keep things simpler this year, in part because of the general chaos of the last several months.

They're all still sniffling a little from their tangle with the flu, but it's not enough to keep them from looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, they're having the traditional turkey and mashed potatoes-because Rosa has never experienced the feast in its totality-but they're also including a few Guatemalan delicacies amongst sweet potatoes and casseroles.

For once, Roberta had consented to sharing the kitchen, and everyone had chipped in. In between crushing up cranberries and oranges, Kensi snapped not-so-discreet pictures of them in action. Deeks knows there's at least one of Rosa laughing while he sports a dollop of mashed potatoes in his hair which will probably end up hung somewhere around the house.

He doesn't mind too much because everything else aside, he can't remember being this happy before.

"Rosa, you never told us what Thanksgiving is like in Guatemala," Roberta says once they're all grouped around the table. She efficiently adding a healthy serving of turkey to each of their plates before passing them over to Kensi.

"It's not a traditional holiday in Guatemala, but many people do celebrate. Though we usually had tamales and pupusas like I made today," Rosa answers. "And my mom always made a special chicken soup." Her smile is wistful as it always is when she talks about her mother.

"Oh, well you should have told me and we could have made that instead of turkey."

"I don't mind. I'm excited to try out an American thanksgiving dinner. I've never had green bean casserole before. Or sweet potatoes with marshmallows."

"Then you are in for a treat," Deeks says, spooning a large helping of each onto her plate. "Or, conversely, you're going to hate us forever."

"Why would she hate us? Everyone loves green bean casserole," Kensi comments with a frown like he's crazy. "Ooh, give me a pupusa. And a roll."

"This is Kensi's favorite day of the year," Deeks stage-whispers to Rosa, who giggles.

"Hey, enough of you two ganging up on me. You're supposed to be nice on thanksgiving," Kensi protests.

"Sorry, Kensi," Rosa says without a hint of remorse.

Deeks grins, getting up to pour little glasses of sparkling grape juice for each of them. Roberta picks hers up with an unimpressed expression.

"You know, a little vodka would really liven things up," she mutters.

"Mama…"

"I'm just sayin'." She holds up her hands, but makes a face as she takes a sip from her glass. "Oh Marty, Sweetie, you need some more mashed potatoes."

"Mom, I'm not exactly wasting away," he says, but accepts another spoonful of potatoes anyway. It's not like she's going to take no for an answer.

"Oh, like you have to worry about that" Kensi scoffs lightly, pinching at his side. She kisses his cheek, looping her arm around his neck. "Not that I would care either way." With her head leaning on his shoulder, she turns her head towards Rosa and his mom, who is now convincing Rosa to take another roll.

"Even with juggling rides to school, all of us getting sick, and all the other really hard things this year, we have a lot to be thankful for," Kensi says.

Deeks watches Rosa and Roberta for a moment more. Sees Rosa smile at something Roberta says—knowing his mom it's probably incredibly inappropriate. It's everything.

"Yeah," he agrees softly. "I'm beyond thankful for you, for them." He kisses Kensi gently. "Happy Thanksgiving, Kens."