Family First (NCIS)

18. Graduation Day

Tony's POV

Since the announcement of our son a month and a half ago things have been going great. Boss had sent me out on an undercover op the day after we shared our news and today's my first day back in Washington. I'm happy that I get to see my girls, I love my job, but I hate having to be apart from my family.

Their not expecting me back for another two weeks, but since the case was wrapped up early I get to surprise my two loves. I took a cab home and used my key to get inside, but before I set my bag down tali spotted me and yelled out "Abba!" While running into my arms, this in return caught the attention of my ninja who stood before me with a smile on her face. She came into my embrace and the three of us just stood there hugging one another for a while

Ziva: I've missed you ahava

"And I've missed you three so very much" I stated while placing my hand on her 14 week bump "how's my little guy going in there?" I asked

Ziva: he's doing great, we actually just returned home from my check up with doctor gates. We are definitely having a boy, Tali got to have a better look at her baby brother and she loved it

"I'm so sorry I missed it, I promised that I'd be here for everything and I wasn't" I stated sadly. The last thing I wanted was to break that promise

Ziva: Tony it's okay, and I know you'd want a look so doctor gates recorded it and I was able to get pictures and the DVD

"Thank you sweet cheeks, I can't wait to watch" I told her before capturing her lips with mine "I love you sweet cheeks" I told her

Ziva: I love you too mon peti poi

"How about we watch this ultrasound together? I can pop some popcorn and order pizza🍕 if you'd like" I offered

Ziva: that sounds like fun, but we were actually headed to the park to celebrate Dani's graduation today. She's the valedictorian of her class

"That's impressive, is there enough time for me to take a quick shower?" I asked

Ziva: sure, just don't be too long

I headed upstairs undressing myself and stepping into the shower where I lathered up and rinsed off then quickly changed and headed back down to my girls "so where's her school located?" I asked ziva

Ziva: Maryland. It's about an hour and a half drive if traffic is limited

We all got into the car and I drove us out to Maryland where I spent another thirty minutes trying to find her school, but luckily she hasn't given her speech yet, we were just in time to hear the words of our valedictorian
Dani: good afternoon faculty staff, fellow graduates, family and friends. I'm honored to be standing here beside these brilliant group of people as this years valedictorian. The extraordinary poet william Shakespeare once said 'be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.' I believe that we were born great. Mr Shakespeare aslo once said "it is not in the stars that hold our destiny, but in ourselves" I take that to mean that with the right amount of perseverance and determination we'll be able to achieve anything we desire. He said to "go wisely and slowly. Those who rush stumble and fall" Fellow graduates, I didn't come here to recite a long and boring speech, I'm here to let you all know that there's greatness in all of us, it's up to us to either push ourselves for success, or limit ourselves for failure. I do t know about you guys, but for me failure is not an option. Today we end a chapter, but the end of our story is far from near. Thank you all

She got a standing ovation from her fellow graduates and the audience as she stepped down from the stage joining us in the crowd, the service was done and we all went to congratulate the graduate who wore the brightest smile

Gibbs: I'm proud of you kid, you did good

Dani: thank you

Jenny: Daniela is something wrong?

Dani: nothing, I just thought I saw someone I used to know. Do you guys mind if I went out with a few friends to celebrate?

Gibbs: Jen? You okay with that?

Jenny: it's fine and she deservs it, go have fin kiddo. I just wanted you to know that I'm very proud of you and I love you

Dani: I may have lost mamma, but gained a mom and dad. You two have been the best parents ever and I love you both too. I'll be home by seven

Jenny: see you at seven sweetheart

Dani picked up her backpack and headed off with a group of kids

It was nice seeing that kid in such a cheerful mood and I never thought she'd ever call another woman mom, but I guess I was wrong

Tali: Abba let's get ice cream

"That sounds like the best idea ever, let's go get you ice cream, then you and I are going to the playground for some fun" I told her and her eyes gleamed with excitement

Ziva: I haven't seen that smile in a while, you really missed your Abba didn't you?

Tali: yes Abba went away and I don't want him to go anymore

"You don't have to worry about that because even if another case comes up where I have to leave you I'll always come back because your my favorite girl and I love you so much" I assured her while kneeling down to her and she immediately wrapped her arms around my neck

Tali: I love you Abba

"I love you more baby girl" I told her before picking her up in my arms. I noticed ziva looking at us with tears in her eyes "what's wrong?" I asked

Ziva: nothing. This is just very sweet, I don't know why I get so emotional

"You are four and a half months pregnant, being emotional is expected" I told her "let's go get you two that ice cream I promised" I told them as we headed off together. I'm happy to be back home with my girls. This is where I belong