"Ok, what else do we need?" Deeks asks, surveying the spread in front of him. There's a meat and cheese tray (he refuses to call it a charcuterie board), fruit, desserts, a variety of snacks, and drinks.

"A kitchen sink?" Kensi suggests wryly, peering over his shoulder. A tiny hand grabs ahold of his shirt, and he turns his head, grinning up into Caleb's round face.

"What do you think? Should we add some peanut butter and jelly, maybe some spaghetti?"

"Tootie," Caleb whispers with a grin that shows two tiny, perfect teeth. It's pretty much Deeks' favorite thing ever. Sophia has an almost identical set.

"Oh, you're totally right. We definitely need more cookies," Deeks says, leaning in to give Caleb a smacking kiss on the cheek. "How's everyone doing out there?"

"Great. Your mom is entertaining Kilbride with scandalous stories from her past. I'm not sure if he's amused or horrified," Kensi reports.

"Hey, it's got to be better than Arkady."

"Kady," Caleb repeats solemnly, looking around the room expectantly.

"Otherwise, everyone has drinks and food. They seem pretty happy."

"Are we crazy to host a Christmas party when we've got twin one-year olds running around?" Deeks asks.

"Probably," Kensi confirms lightly.

"Speaking of twins, where's Soph?"

"Oh, I left her with Eric and Nell." Deeks purses his lips at that revelation, and she quickly adds, "Don't worry. Sam's on standby."

"Good. I trust them. But they also are slightly insane," Deeks says.

Smiling, he turns, bracing his back against the counter. He settles his hands on Kensi's hips. "Hey, did I mention that you look fantastic?" he asks, smoothing a thumb over the soft fabric of her dress.

"If you like this, wait until you see tonight's wardrobe," she murmurs, leaning forward to brush her nose over his. Deeks' breath catches, and he chuckles softly.

"Can't wait."

"Mm." Kensi stays pressed against him for a few more seconds until Caleb decides he wants to be included and smushes his face between them. "Ok, ok, time to rejoin the party," she says, snatching a mini quiche off the counter and popping it in her mouth.

Together, they head out into the living room, which is at capacity with the tree, manger, and guests packed inside. Said guests are gathered in a semi-circle, their attention focused on something in the center of the room.

The reason behind that focus becomes obvious when Deeks sees Sam toss Sophia above his head, and Nell says,

"Ok, ok, enough of that. Kensi left her in my charge and I'm not gonna let anything happen to Sophie."

"Like I'd drop her," Sam scoffs.

"All right, quit hogging the baby," Rountree's voice filters through.

"Oh no, it's my turn," Fatima protests.

"Looks like we didn't need to provide any entertainment after all," Deeks drawls, watching Sophia unwittingly participate in a round of musical baby. "Small children are sufficient."

"Just so long as we get them back at the end of the night," Kensi comments, stretching her neck to follow Sophia's progress around the room.

"Ca down!" Caleb requests, kicking his legs as Kensi crouches to set him down. As soon as he hits the floor, he's off running on his chubby legs, towards his sister, and the guests.

"Caleb!" Nell shouts out, squatting and holding her arms out. He runs towards her willingly, letting her scoop him up into her arms. "I call dibs."

"Nell, it's not a contest," Callen reminds her, but she ignores him in favor of taking Caleb to a clear space and spinning him in tight circles.

The next few hours are spent enjoying food and drinks while the twins keep them entertained. Everyone has brought a gift of some type as well, and soon the room is littered with little strips of wrapping paper and tissue.

"Best Christmas party we've ever had," Deeks sighs. Kensi's curled up against his side, Sophia and Caleb settled on his lap. Most of the guests have left by now, but Eric and Nell are passed out on a chair together.

"It was." Kensi lifts her head, pressing her lips to his for a lingering kiss. "How about we open that present?"

"Now?" Deeks asks in surprise.

"Yeah, the twins are asleep," Kensi says.

"With Eric and Nell in the house.".

"Eric sleeps like the dead and Nell drank a lot of egg nog," Kensi reasons. "They're not going to be waking up for a while."

"I don't know…"

"C'mon let's be risky." Pulling away from him, Kensi gives him that look he can't resist.

"You are a menace," he says with a grin.

A/N: Perhaps not the most traditional Christmas Party, but I hope you enjoyed it.