Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Kensi’s Journal 3/22/2020

3/22/20

Even though I supported Deeks’ desire to own a bar from the moment he told us we were about to own one (okay, maybe it took me a few seconds to come to terms with it after I realized he was serious), I admit it’s taken me a while to fully recognize what it could really be, other than a stressor on our relationship.  Deeks said he wanted the bar to be a place for people, including us, to see familiar faces.  Where people could feel connected to others, especially those who have few connections elsewhere.  I can’t deny it’s been nice having somewhere outside of work we could all get together more frequently.  I remember how hard it was to come up with ideas for team bonding nights back in the day and I don’t think I’ve seen Callen and Sam outside of work this much since…well, ever.  Not to mention all the time with Mama B.  I would appreciate The Squid & Dagger even if that was the limit of its specialness.  But tonight kind of elevated it for me.

Maybe it’s weird that Arkady played a part in my finally seeing TS&D as that kind of place, but I saw it tonight.  Hell, I felt it. Watching Anna and Arkady reunite was lovely, and the impromptu celebration of Anna’s newly-found freedom that followed is exactly the type of get-together and sense of family I know Deeks wants to develop there (having Arkady spend a small fortune on vodka didn’t hurt either).  Now that I’ve seen it firsthand, as well as Deeks’ response to it (don’t think I missed your moist eyes, my love), I need to help him find a way to foster more of those moments at the bar.

Considering the rest of the day, I never would have expected the emotional way it ended.  I’m so glad Deeks and Beale didn’t work together on this case; they’d be off trying to sneak into Area 51 right now (and damn Deeks for tricking me into saying “alien abduction” so easily–you’d really think I’d have beenmore careful!).  Not sure if learning Anna wrote that review will mean I get to hear about it more or less, but it really was nice of her.  And speaking of surprises, it was a great one to finally tell Callen that we knew Anna never left last month.  If they continue to live there together, I don’t think Deeks or I would complain if Arkady and his penchant for the expensive “wodka”spend more time at the bar as well.  As long as he doesn’t bring his criminal-minded friends with him, what’s the worst that could happen?