A/N: Written for densimber day 1, 2022.

"Any more strands of light in there?" Deeks asked, looking down as Kensi handed off the last few feet of the most recent string of Christmas lights. He stood about midway up a ladder, patiently winding the lights in between branches.

Last year they'd been so busy with social worker meetings, house inspections, and everything else leading up to the holidays that they really didn't have time to celebrate. Not that they were in the mindset to do so anyway. So this year they'd gone slightly overboard.

At first, Rosa had seemed bemused by the number of storage containers, boxes, and bags Deeks pulled out the night before in preparation, but she was quickly drawn in by his enthusiasm.

Seeing their happiness warmed Kensi's heart. Deeks brought out a joy in Rosa that no one else could whether it be with a joke, or his unabashed passion for the things, or ones, he loved.

"Just these," Rosa answered, after searching through several plastic storage containers. "But I think they're past hope." She held up a ball of lights, tangled almost beyond recognition.

"Oh sweet! It's the finishing touch." Deeks eagerly reached for them as Kensi groaned and rubbed a hand over her left eye.

"Deeks, we really don't have to—" Deeks ignored her protest, laying the mess on the very top of the tree.

"Do I want to know why you put ruined lights on top of the Christmas tree instead of an Angel?" Rosa asked, peering up at him.

"It's tradition," Deeks explained. He moved down a step and nudged Kensi's shoulder. Sighing, she nodded her head, and gave him an exasperated look.

"Several years ago, when we were putting away the decorations, I was in a rush, so I didn't wind them up according to Deeks' standards," she explained.

"Yeah, what you did to those light violate anyone's standard. It could be considered a criminal act by some people," Deeks interjected. Kensi rolled her eyes, resting a hand on her hip.

"Are you finished?" He nodded, and she turned back to Rosa who as usual, seemed highly amused by their shenanigans. "For the record, it was not that bad. They were totally salvageable, yet Deeks bought brand new ones. He kept one tangled set though and every single year, he digs them out and insists on putting them on top."

"Hey, you think it's cute, admit it." He winked at her.

"That's not exactly the word I would use," Kensi said.

"I think it's sweet," Rosa decided. "I like hearing about your traditions, and memories. Though an Angel would be much prettier."

"You think that now, but wait until you see it all lit up." He hopped down from the ladder, connecting the bottom plug to a power strip.

"Oh, it's beautiful," Rosa breathed as the tree twinkled with hundreds of tiny, multicolored lights.

"And now for the ornaments," Deeks announced, rubbing his hands together. "Time to get out the crazy horse."

"Do I want to know what the crazy horse is?" Rosa leaned towards Kensi, lowering her voice.

"Nope," Kensi confirmed with a definitive shake of her head. "Once you see it, you can't go back." She reached into a green container and handed Rosa a couple of sparkly aqua ornaments.

"Oh, it's truly hideous," Deeks agreed happily. "But we've had it on our Christmas tree every single year since we've been together."

"It's tradition," Kensi added, sharing a grin with him.