A/N: Written for the first day of Densimber 2023. As always, we begin with Decoration Day. Thanks to mashmaiden for collaborating on this story.

"Baby, I told you I could get that," Deeks said, hurrying towards Kensi as she toted a storage container of Christmas decorations through the house.

"It's not that heavy," Kensi insisted, shifting the box out of his reach as he attempted to take it. "You've been doing everything around here for weeks. Or at least attempting to. I can manage this."

"I don't want you to strain yourself."

"Baby, I appreciate that, but just because I'm pregnant—"

"32 weeks pregnant," Deeks interjected smoothly. Kensi sighed, accepting his point.

"Yes, I am. I can also squat with a 15-pound dumbbell in each hand," she reminded him gently. "I don't think this is going to strain me."

"Ok, touché." Deeks grinned self-deprecatingly. "Sorry."

"It's ok, I know you mean well." She stretched to lean over the container and kiss him. "And who knows, in a couple weeks, I might change my mind and want you to do everything."

"You just say the word," he said, stealing another kiss.

Rosa arrived home just as they were unwrapping the now dozens of decorations they'd collected over the years. An entire bin is dedicated to various ornaments Roberta had passed down.

"Oh, I'm glad I didn't miss everything," Rosa sighed, hurrying to set her backpack and shoes to the side. She'd woken up early to pick out a tree with Kensi and Deeks before heading out for classes.

"Like we'd start without you," Deeks scoffed. He patted the spot on the couch next to him. "Grab a seat and start unwrapping."

"What is this?" Rosa asked, grimacing at a freshly revealed horse with pink hair and an oddly creepy expression.

"Grandma Deeks' idea of a joke."

"She said it was a family heirloom," Kensi added.

"I don't remember seeing it last year." Rosa turned the ornament from side to side, seeming caught between interest and mild disgust.

"Yeah, that's because we usually never, ever take it out," Deeks explained. He took it from Rosa, tucking it back in with the rest of the unwanted and boring ornaments. "I'm thinking maybe this year it should meet with an unfortunate and tragic end. Do you think a fiery death is plausible?"

"Or we could just pass it on to our beloved oldest child," Kensi suggested with mock innocence. "Keep the tradition going."

"Oh, no thank you," Rosa said quickly, raising her hands as she chuckled nervously. "I'm good. Though I wouldn't say no to that aqua one over there."

"That's one of my—mmm." Stopping mid-thought, Kensi rubbed a hand over her lower ribs, wincing for a few seconds.

"Was it croissant or donut this time?" Deeks asked.

"Donut, I think," Kensi replied, arching her back. "I swear these kids are practicing for a soccer match with how much they kick."

"Are you ok?" Rosa checked.

"Yeah, they're getting stronger, but I'm fine. I guess they just wanted to join in on the fun."

"But maybe hang out for a couple more weeks," Deeks suggested, resting his hand over Kensi's stomach.

"So, do you want to put the outside decorations up when we're done here?" Rosa asked once they had lights strung around the tree.

"Actually, since things are going to be extra crazy this year with all the baby prep, we decided to just decorate inside this year," Deeks explained.

"But you love Decoration Day." While initially bemused by Deeks' excitement last year on December 1st, Rosa had quickly been caught up in the general festivities and greatly enjoyed the entire premise.

"I do, but it's only one year." Deeks couldn't deny he was a little disappointed at the thought of missing out on one of their traditions. He knew they'd barely notice though as everything picked up in the next few weeks.

"You know I'd help," Rosa offered. "I can hold the ladder and even go on the roof if you want."

"I really appreciate that, Rosalind, but you have your classes and finals to study for. It'll be ok."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. It's not the first time it's happened," Kensi said. "The year we moved here, we were so busy packing and going to showings that we never got around to it."

"Next year we'll just have to do something extraordinary to make up for it," Deeks suggested.

"Now, that worries me a little bit." Not sounding worried in the least, Kensi pushed herself off the couch.

"Where are you going?"

"To get those Christmas cookies you guys made," Kensi replied. "You should never decorate on an empty stomach."