Kensi sighed, twining her leg between Deeks'. His arms surrounded her, his chest a perfect cushion as they laid on the living room floor. The lit Christmas tree sent a dreamy glow over the room and added Kensi's general feeling of content.

They'd shared an early dinner with the team before coming home to spend the rest of New Year's Eve together. The remains of a cheese and fruit plate lay abandoned on the coffee table along with a few empty beer bottles. They had the NYC Ball Drop celebration playing in the background with the sound turned low.

"No offense to Rountree, but this is so much better than a late-night party," Kensi said lazily. "Do you think they believed us when we said we already had plans?"

"Not a chance," Deeks answered, chuckling. "But they're all way too smart to ask about it." He kissed her cheek, snuggling closer. "Well, Mrs. Blye-Deeks, since we've only got about 15 minutes left to the year-at least on this coast-any regrets?"

She turned in his arms so she was facing him as she considered his question. Sure, there were certain things she would do differently if given the chance, but now didn't seem the time to air them. Toying with the curls on the back of his neck, Kensi nudged his nose with hers.

"No," she decided. "We survived another year of craziness, we're healthy, headed in the towards the future we want, and I-"

"Have an extremely hot and fit husband?" Deeks finished for her with a grin. He shifted so their bodies aligned and she felt the heat of his skin through his t-shirt.

"Yes, that was exactly what I was about to say. So, no, I don't have any regrets. What about you?"

"Just one." When Kensi frowned, he gave her a tender, almost playful look. "I wish we had more nights like this. Just the two of us, without anything to interrupt."

"Mm, that would be nice," Kensi agreed, leaning closer to tease at his bottom lip. Deeks curled his around her and they kissed for a few minutes until the TV suddenly erupted with an increased burst of noise.

"Ooh, it's almost time," Deeks said, looking past her. "Let me grab the champagne. He scooted out of her arms, dropping a kiss on her nose before he jogged out of the room.

It wasn't real champagne, but Deeks had insisted that they should celebrate in style, which meant a sparkling beverage of some sort in fancy glasses. Especially since they hadn't been able to celebrate much last year.

He came back a couple minutes later with the bottle and two flute glasses crisscrossed in his other hand. They fiddled with cork until it came loose with a small pop and a stream of wine bubbled up.

"Ah, not on my new jeans!" Kensi yelped, scooting out of the way as Deeks hurried to grab a glass. Even though his hands were shaking with laughter, Deeks somehow managed to get a reasonable amount of champagne in each glass.

Sitting with their knees touching, Deeks clinked his glass to hers.

"I know toasting is more traditional, but I, uh, thought we could maybe see our New Year's resolutions instead," Deeks suggested, pausing for a moment before continuing. He cleared his throat, taking a short breath. He didn't seem nervous, it was more like he letting go of something.

"I resolve to be more honest and open about my feelings. Oh, and also, to stop watching so many nature documentaries."

"Those are good resolutions," Kensi said, glancing down at their hands. She tilted her head, observing the man she loved so much. "I resolve to be less…afraid." Deeks nodded his head expectantly and she rolled her eyes. "And to cut down on my taco addiction."

"Oh, Baby, that's going to be a tough one," he teased. He tipped his glass towards hers again, his gaze filled with love and warmth. "To less fear and more honesty."

"To us," Kensi whispered, taking a quick sip and wrapping her arm around Deeks neck to draw him closer. She kissed him, letting the full weight of her body fall into his. She heard Deeks fumbling to set his glass down.

As soon as his hands were free, he grasped her hips, pulling her into his lap. Kensi sighed into the kiss, lightly tugging at Deeks' hair. He moved to her neck and Kensi tossed her head back, catching a quick glimpse of the TV. Confetti floated through the air and couples were in similar lip locks.

"Oh, we missed the ball drop," she said breathily.

"Who cares," Deeks murmured, tugging his shirt over his hand with one hand. Resting her hands on his bare chest, Kensi decided that she most certainly didn't.

It was an excellent start to the new year.