A/N: This is for today's prompt: Kensi and Deeks plus a Secret Santa/gift exchange. Set in season 4, so it could probably be considered AU. Densimber Day 6.
"Well, you've certainly outdone yourself this year, Nell," Callen complimented her, taking a sip from his glass of spiced rum.
The bullpen was decorated with approximately a hundred strands of garland, twinkle lights, and a multitude of Christmas ornaments. Since they didn't have a chance to fully celebrate on the actual holiday, they'd decided to hold a small team get together.
Of course, Nell had interpreted "small" very loosely and with Eric's help, transformed the area into a temporary winter paradise. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, though that might have been partially due to the large bowls of egg nog, Christmas punch, and spiced rum that they all indulged in.
"Why thank you," Nell said, straightening the sparkly green elf hat she wore. Eric stood next to her in a tree sweater which matched her sequined dress.
"Yeah, thanks for setting this all up, you guys," Kensi added, leaning over to give both Nell and Eric a hug.
"You're welcome." He hugged Kensi, then quickly clarified, "Though I don't take any responsibility for the beverages. That is all on our resident mixologist."
"Well, I think the booze worked, cause you got even Sam feeling jolly." Deek grinned, glancing at Sam. His cheeks were possibly just the tiniest bit rosy and his Santa was slightly lopsided.
"Hey, I am always jolly," he protested. "I'm just more stoic about it than most people."
"I don't really think stoicism and jolliness go together," Callen pointed out. "You're definitely grumpy most days."
"This coming from the man who has a single red candle in his house for decorations."
"You know I like to keep it simple."
"I could lend you some ornaments," Deeks offered helpfully. "I've got a whole box of puppies, surfboards, and reindeer." He couldn't hold back a grin at Callen's look of distaste.
"I think I'll pass," he said dryly.
"Hey, your loss. Monty and I always have a fantastic time putting them up."
"It's kind of sad that you have to decorate with your dog," Kensi teased him.
"Hey, you know you're welcome anytime you want to come over," Deeks offered, sounding more suggestive than he intended to. Kensi held his gaze for a few seconds before suddenly finding the pattern on her glass extremely fascinating.
"Alright, I think it's gift time," Nell announced loudly into the awkward silence that followed. She clapped her hands together as she walked to the small tree just outside the bullpen and retrieved a present. It was perfectly rectangle, wrapped in shiny green and red paper and she handed it to Callen with a flourish.
"Merry Christmas, Agent Callen."
Deeks grabbed a package from his desk as the others scrambled to grab theirs. He'd pulled Eric's name in the gift draw and although he'd been hoping to get Kensi, it wasn't too difficult to figure out a gift for their resident shorts-wearing geek.
As he passed the gift to Eric, Callen pulled out a pair of fluffy red socks with black polka-dots out of a nest of white tissue paper.
"Ah. Just what I always wanted," he said, making Nell snort.
"Well, you always say you don't want anything so I figured I go with something practical," she reminded him reasonably. Then, taking pity on him, she reached over and plucked out a second, gift card shaped present. "I also got you this."
"Ooh, this is that collectors edition I've been eyeing," Eric interrupted, holding up a comic book with mild reverence in his eyes. "This is awesome, Deeks. Thanks!"
"It was either that or a candle," Deeks joked, accepting a hug from Eric.
Kensi gave Sam a gift card for a nice restaurant while she opened a card from Callen with a donut of the month subscription. Eric gave Nell something a necklace with a red pendant, which she immediately handed to him to help her put on.
Sam handed Deeks his package last, which was in a neatly wrapped and plain silver box.
He gave it a shake, raising one eyebrow when the contents gave a dull thud.
"Sam Hanna, did you give me a book?" he asked, sliding the wrapping paper off and lid off. Sure enough, there was a woodworking book inside along with a gift card for a hardware store.
"It's practical, educational, and by the end you'll have a new piece of furniture," Sam defended easily, ticking off each point on a finger.
"Well, I certainly can't argue with that. Thanks, Man."
As everyone headed back to the refreshments table, Deeks grabbed a second present from inside his desk drawer, tucked it into his pocket, and wandered over to Kensi.
"You gotta second?" he asked, gesturing to down the hall with his head. Kensi eyed him suspiciously, but followed him readily enough until they reached the burn room.
"Ok, if you're going to pull out a piece of mistletoe, Deeks-" she started, crossing her arms. He noticed that she didn't back away though, leaning against a file cabinet just a foot or two from him.
"I promise it's nothing nefarious, Kens. Which might I add, it's very hurtful that you would assume such things about me."
Before she could comment on that, he revealed the small box wrapped in blue paper. The bow was a little crumpled now from being tucked away in his pocket.
"I just want to give you your present and figured it would be better away from prying eyes," he explicated. Kensi frowned, hesitantly taking the box.
"But I wasn't your person," she said, looking confusion. "You already gave Eric his gift."
"Hence the hiding in a fiery closet. I didn't want to make anyone jealous. Plus, as my partner, you're always my person."
He swore Kensi blushed just a tiny bit at that, hastily untying the ribbon as he watched. She lifted the lid and carefully removed an intricately carved wooden bracelet.
"Oh my god, Deeks..." She ran her fingers over the warm brown stain, feeling the tiny whorls of miniature wooden flowers.
"You like it?" He'd been a little unsure if it was too much or just weird ever since he bought it.
"It's beautiful. Where did you find this?" she asked, her tone slightly hushed.
"There's this guy I surf with sometimes. He makes carves all kinds of things in spare time for stress relief and sells them on the weekends," Deeks explained with a shrug. "When I saw this one, it reminded me of you."
"Wow, thank you." She slipped it on, the bracelet encircling her wrist perfectly. "It's such a thoughtful gift and I didn't get you anything."
Deeks made a dismissive sound and shook his head slightly.
"That's not what this is about. I just wanted to get you something nice." He paused a beat. "Although, if you insist, I have been eyeing this sick board."
Kensi rolled her eyes, expression fondly amused. And possibly something else he couldn't quite interpret. She set the box on top of a cabinet, closing the half-foot of space between them, and hugged him. His arms came up reflexively, hovering at her waist before loosely settling on her mid-back.
"Thank you, Deeks," she repeated in his ear. The soft whisper made him shiver pleasantly. "I really do appreciate it."
"Anytime," he said, relishing having Kensi in his arm for a few more seconds. She pulled back way too soon and patted his arm, urging him towards the door.
"C'mon, we better get back before Nell drinks anymore egg nog and does something truly ridiculous."
"Anything you say Partner."