I was very upset at the fact that they killed off Ziva. Based on that, I figured to write a story about how I think it should have ended. I don't own anything NCIS, obviously. I made Tony Catholic because I figured he would reach for a crutch, and since I'm Catholic, I figured why not. Don't like it, tough luck. If you enjoy it, feel free to let me know. Enjoy.

He smiled as he bent over and kissed her goodnight. "Goodnight Tali, sleep well."

"Goodnight Abba. Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart."

Tony closed the door and made his way back into the kitchen. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey and poured two drinks, sliding one over to the priest standing on the other side of the counter. Tasting the whiskey, the priest smiled and gave a whistle of approval. "You only buy the best."

"Well Father, I rarely drink anymore, so when I do it's only the good stuff."

Father Danielson grinned. "Remind me to drink more often with you."

They settled in the living room, enjoying the whiskey and the hockey game. So far, the Penguins were ripping the Capitals apart, much to Father Danielson's delight. In time though, the priest looked over at Tony and noted the small, sad smile on his face. "Want to talk?"

Tony took a deep breath. "Two years since she died. To the day, Father."

Father Danielson nodded. He made it a point to be there for his flock when they needed it. Tony had joined his parish just under two years ago and had eventually opened up to him about how Tali was his. The love of his life left him four years ago promising to return, then died two years ago without ever telling him about his child, which was left in his care. Father Danielson made sure to stop over at least two nights each year for a drink and to talk: the anniversary when she left him, and the anniversary when she died.

"Father, how long do you have to fight each day with the pain of losing the one you loved?"

This time, it was Father Danielson who smiled sadly. "Tony, the pain never goes away. It changes, and God grants the grace to deal with it each day a little better. You pray for them, offer your pain and sacrifices for them, and trust. Even after 15 years I miss her and my children. Yet, in that loss, God opened me to my vocation, and the source of great joy in my life."

Tony glanced over at him, seeing the sadness, yet peace in the priest's eyes. Father Danielson had been happily married at 21, totally smitten and in love with his beautiful wife. Four years later, with three lovely children, disaster struck in the form of a tractor trailer. He woke in the hospital to the sight of a priest and his brother, when they told him that his family was dead. It took a minute to understand what he was being told, and he said through his tears "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Lord." And completely broke down. It took him six months and counseling before he recovered enough to start doing more than getting by. After three more years of intense prayer, he joined the seminary, and was ordained after six years.

"You will have great joy in your life, Tony. Just remain open to it."

Tony's eyes went to Tali's room and said "I already do." He laughed. "You know, she threw a fit about eating supper tonight. Didn't like the hamburgers. I had to take away her stuffed dog until she would eat." He sighed. "She's my life now, and I wouldn't trade her for the world."

They watched the rest of the 2nd period of the game in silence, when Father Danielson started moving to the door.

"Unfortunately Tony, it is getting late and I have the 7am mass tomorrow. Thank you very much for the drink. I don't usually get the good stuff." He laughed with a wink.

"Not a problem Father. Thank you for coming out. Makes it easier to handle everything."

"Always, my son. If you ever need anything, don't be afraid to call, day or night. Take care of yourself Tony."

They shook hands, and the priest left. Tony made his way to Tali's room and looked in, smiling to himself. She looked so much like her mom. Snores like her too, he chuckled. He quietly shut the door behind him, and slowly walked out to collapsed on the couch to finish the game. The Penguins finished destroying the Capitals 6-1. He was just turning off the TV when he heard a quiet knock on the door.

"It's 11 at night, who the heck is that?"

He walked over to the door, unlocked and opened it, and froze.

"No." The word came from his numbed lips. It wasn't possible.

"Tony?" Quietly. Vulnerably. A question.

"Z...Ziva?"