Kensi and Deeks stood near the rink's edge, their skates resting against the barrier as they watched Callen and Nell move across the ice. Deeks smirked, nudging Kensi with his elbow.

"Would you look at that? I mean, I hate to say 'I told you so'—"

"You love to say 'I told you so,'" Kensi interrupted, rolling her eyes.

"—but I did tell you so," Deeks finished smugly, pointing toward the ice where Callen was currently guiding Nell around with an ease neither of them had expected.

Kensi crossed her arms, shaking her head. "Hold on. You were the one who said Callen would never realize how he felt, that he'd be too stubborn or oblivious to do anything about it."

Deeks scoffed. "I never said never—"

"You definitely said never."

"Fine, I may have underestimated how much of a romantic influence I could have on him." Deeks grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "But you have to admit, my plan was genius."

Kensi arched a brow. "Your plan? Excuse me? Who suggested ice skating in the first place?"

"You suggested everyone go ice skating," Deeks countered. "I was the one who knew this was the perfect opportunity for Callen to finally, you know, get it." He gestured to the ice dramatically. "And look at them! It's happening!"

Kensi huffed a laugh, shaking her head. "It was happening before this, Deeks. You're just looking for a reason to take credit."

"Obviously. It's called branding, Kensi."

Kensi shot him a look before glancing back toward the rink, where Callen had just spun Nell in a slow, careful turn. She yelped, gripping onto him, but instead of looking embarrassed or annoyed, she was laughing. And Callen? He was smiling—not just a small smirk, but a real smile, one Kensi had seen only on rare occasions.

She softened. "Okay… maybe this was a great idea."

"Damn right, it was," Deeks said smugly. "And I think it's only fair that we let them figure it out naturally, without interference from certain people who might want to rush things."

Kensi turned to him slowly, eyes narrowing. "Are you talking about me?"

"Whoa, whoa, I didn't say you specifically—"

"You totally meant me."

Deeks grinned, waggling his brows. "Maybe. But come on, Kensi, you do love playing matchmaker."

Kensi sighed, watching as Callen and Nell skated past them again, laughing together.

"Maybe," she admitted. "But I don't think they need our help anymore."