OK here is the sequel to empty chairs as per requested by meilea2010 and azzi turner, this is for you…

Tony had been following Alejandro for the past couple of hours, and it's beginning to annoy the heck out of him.

Yesterday Director Vance had asked him to tail Alejandro, and he had wanted to do it not because it was an order but because he had wanted to be the one to catch him. After what he did to Gibbs, but he was torn between his need for revenge and justice. But at the same time he had wanted to go to Ziva's oath taking.

Yes, he knows that he had been tormenting her for the past couple of months about her continuous struggle with studying of the constitution and the bill of rights. But it is out of concern for her, for he knows that Ziva needs something stable, something that would make her feel that nothing has change.

And delinquency is what he knows best that would make her feel comfortable. He also knows this is one of the most important days in her life. And she had expected that everyone including himself would be there. She had even voiced it out, which something that Ziva would rarely do under normal circumstances.

And another reason is that he feels guilty…

For he had been pushing her away, like when they handle the case of the TV reporter that he had been obsessing with. She had been there for him, watching his six, trying to get some sense into him. But in the end, it had hurt him for the woman he was obsessing on was nearing her death and yet Ziva is still there. Watching him, he had looked at her once after when they were informed of the TV reporter impending death. He had seen the flash of pain in her eyes, one in which he could not bear. He knows that he had hurt Ziva, but for some strange reason he just couldn't stop.

In a way Tony remembers, almost the same circumstance. It was 3 years ago… another case in which Ziva had fallen in love with the dead man walking. Yes he had helped her then, trying to give them time. But at the same time he had qualms about how long Roy Sanders is gong to last in the end he died.

He had seen the change in Ziva, the way she holds on to the memory of Roy through the orange beanie hat. And even at that time he had manage to hurt her, by keeping secrets from her.

Tony couldn't help but wonder, on to how the extent of Ziva's understanding towards him. She had forgiven him countless times. And had watched his back even through it all.

Now watching Alejandro, Tony can't help but feel like a total loser. He should have said no. But he has no choice, and right now he is praying that she would forgive him for hurting her again.

He knows that he had disappointed her yet again; he also knows that if he can turn back the hands of time that he would be there. Sitting beside her, watching proudly as she makes the oath to be an American citizen. She deserves it for she had worked so hard, and she deserves another chance in life. Away from constant danger, with her family who loves her.

Smiling to himself, at least Gibbs is there along with Abby, McGee, Vance, Palmer and Ducky. It's comforting to know that they would be there.

Alejandro was moving again so he follows him, suddenly he saw mike franks. He was still alive,

"I'd take care of this"

" You go back, I can still shoot with my thumb"

Hearing this, a hopeful glint… he can still make it to the oath taking, he knows Mike can handle himself…

Tony looks at Alejandro retreating back….

Should he?

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Thanks for reading

Xiatien