I was going to post this tomorrow, but I changed my mind.
I received the same exact review from a reader on here from another story, who complained about my pairing. If you have a problem with Tiva, don't read the story. Everyone is entitled to their own preference of pairings. Just thought I'd throw that out there to the "Guest" who complained. I appreciate any review, though. You did make my day.
ANYWAY, to everyone who gave me feedback...please enjoy this next chapter.
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own them. Dammit! :)
"The End of One Life"
3 Weeks Later
"TONY!" He heard his female partner yell in the distance, or what sounded like distance. It was too late for him to move. The piercing rip in his chest stopped him from pursuing their suspect. He heard the sound just seconds after it hit him, ricocheting off different surfaces.
His wild green eyes stared straight ahead as he dropped his gun and slowly dropped to the summer green grass-covered ground below his feet. This wasn't how he was supposed to die; this wasn't how he pictured himself leaving this world. His hopes had been to be old and either married or dating a woman with his children before he died.
Unfortunately, it didn't look like that was going to happen.
With his movements slow, he eventually reached with his right hand over to where his heart was and touched the bullet hole. Blood was coming out freely like a water balloon does when it gets popped. It hurt like hell. His heart still insisted to beat, but like the rest of his body it was losing faith. He tried taking in deep breaths, but they hurt so he converted to shallow, quick breaths. Finally, his hand slipped off his body.
Noah had told him his prearranged death would be painful and unexpected, but hell, it was excruciating. Why, he thought, didn't I prepare myself for this?
Because you had no clue when Noah planned this. A voice in the back of his head answered.
"TONY!" He heard his partner yell again. Her voice was closer. The minute her hand pressed over his bullet wound, putting painful pressure on it. In reaction, he winced. Her chocolate brown eyes locked with his green ones. "Sorry." She apologized, withdrawing some of the pressure. "Just stay with me." She stressed.
"I-I can't, Zee-vah." He managed to say, wanting to say so much. Suddenly, he heard a strong, fast heartbeat mismatching with his partner's. She's pregnant? He thought, chastising himself for knowing the end of this life was coming soon. It's my baby, and it won't ever get to see me. Uncharacteristic tears fell at the corners of his eyes. "I-I...love you...Zi."
Her frantic expression softened momentarily with a surge of warmth and love. "I love you too. Try not to speak." Gibbs and McGee made their way to them.
He smiled, a wave of peace settled in his bones. Although he accepted his fate, he wasn't quite finished. Tony looked up at his boss, who was looking down at him from above. "S-sorry, Boss."
"No! You stay with us!" Gibbs stressed. Tears brimmed at the corner of his crystal blue eyes. Sadness and worry uncharacteristically conveyed in his eyes. Tony was touched. "You don't have permission to die."
"Too late, Boss." Tony whispered.
"Where's that bus, McGee!" Gibbs looked away.
"A few minutes out." He reported, pressing the END button on his cell. The younger agent kneeled on the ground opposite Ziva. "Hang on, Tony."
"Proud...of...you, Probie." Tony managed to say. His breathing started slowing. "Take...care...of...Abs."
"You know I will." McGee assured.
"I'm...sorry." He mumbled as his life slipped from him.
His world darkened, only stillness remained.
TBC...