Hey, guys. It's been a really long week for me. I found out on Friday the 13th, I have high-frequency hearing loss... I can still hear conversations, can still hear to sing, etc., for the most part, but it was really upsetting to find out. I haven't told a lot of people and I'm not going to (including my dad and stepmom, though my mom and stepdad knows). On a much brighter note, I'm done with my full-time summer job, YAY! I will really miss one of my coworkers, but we'll hopefully keep in touch during the school year and maybe go out and have a drink, as friends, sometime (Tiff, you know who I mean... lol.) I am REALLY anxious to finish my additional part-time job for the year, especially since I don't anticipate going back there next summer, though I might go back to my full-time city job, training before European Choir Tour and my cousin's wedding, then going overseas for the tour, then come back and work like a dog, like I have this summer, to earn just about as much. Yeah...

I probably meant to update this yesterday, but I had a really busy day and completely forgot until today, which has also been a busy workday. Yesterday was really busy: lots of shopping, I got to see Celtic Women in concert (they were amazing! No pictures allowed, though, except the bagpiper, post-concert, came out to the lobby area and played for us, he was amazing), got a facial, had dinner at my favorite restaurant in the entire world, Red Lobster, etc. I've also got some family stuff going on, so yeah, it's been a little nuts, and it's not gonna slow down yet.

Anyway, my thanks go out to Tiffany331, my WONDERFUL beta, for helping me out with writing this chapter. I couldn't have done it without you and the RP. Really. You will see a lot of similarities to HookEmHornTX's wedding chapter in Ab Initio, because it was my main inspiration for the idea of this chapter. Had to give her credit, though, especially since she has reviewed for me before. Don't sue me. :) Happy Reading.

Chapter 9— Next Step In Life


In all his roughly 9,000 days of being a father, this was one particular day Anthony DiNozzo did not want to face. Ever.

Gibbs shook his head as he watched Tony pace across the narthex of the church. It was spring 2025, the day of Fiona's wedding, and her father was clearly nervous.

"DiNozzo."

Tony spun around. "Yeah, Boss?" Then he made a face; though Gibbs had been permanently retired from N.C.I.S. for 11 years now, and Tony was trying to break the "boss" habit, it was practically impossible.

Tension lined his face more than usual, and he looked as though he had barely slept the previous night.

"Are you ready for this?"

"Ready?" Tony asked, a little confused. Gibbs nodded. Then Tony took a deep breath and launched into a rant.

"Ready? Are you kidding? Of course I'm ready. Why wouldn't I be?" Gibbs' eyebrows rose. "I mean, just because I'm pacing and sweating and just about ready to freak out or pass out or something, does not mean that I'm not ready!" Gibbs stared at him, as he sat down on a bench. "Yeah, OK, maybe I'm just a little bit anxious."

"A little?" Gibbs raised a skeptical eyebrow at him.

"I mean, this is my little girl we're talking about here," Tony said. "It seems like yesterday, the accident happened, then Emmy told me she was pregnant with her. Then she was born. Then I was rocking her to sleep. Then helping her ride her first two-wheeled bike through the puddles. And now she's getting married? Seriously, Boss, it doesn't feel like this is real. For the past 25 years, I was her Number One. Now, I'm... nothing."

Gibbs waited until he was done ranting, then asked, "That it?"

Tony paused for a second, thinking. "Yes." Then he flinched, as Gibbs head-slapped him. "Thank you, Boss." Gibbs nodded.

"You are not nothing to her now, DiNozzo," he said firmly. "You will always be her old man, her protector, her confidante, her dad. Her being married to Seth will not change that one bit."

"Are you sure?" Tony asked him nervously.

"Ya think, DiNozzo? Who is she gonna go to when she's confused about something or just needs to get away for a while, or when she feels like she can't do it anymore? You."

Tony nodded silently. "I'm just gonna miss her, that's all."

"Of course you are," Gibbs said. "But she's changing street addresses, not solar systems. It's understandable that you want what's best for her. Well, obviously she thinks this is. And I agree; Seth is a great guy."

"Yeah, he is," Tony agreed. Seth had been the one guy in Fiona's life he had ever truly liked and approved of.

At that moment, Abby came bouncing up to Gibbs and Tony. Abby and Ziva were bridesmaids; Fiona's best friend, her college roommate, Charlotte, was her Maid of Honor. Seth's three best friends, Charlie, Trent, and Craig were groomsmen.

"Gibbs," she said automatically. Then she paused awkwardly for a moment, then amended, "Er... Tony. You're needed at Fiona's dressing room, pronto."

"What's wrong? Is she OK?" Tony asked, walking off immediately.

"She's fine. I think," Abby said. "It's just that she's locked herself in and won't come out and won't let us in; Emmy, either. We thought maybe if either of you came to see her, she'd give in."

Though Gibbs had no official part to play in the wedding, everyone joked he was the bridal consultant, as whenever something went wrong, Fiona went to him first and no one else. He had gotten used to being everyone's go-to guy, but particularly Fiona's, for a long time now.

Tony frowned and sighed. "Alright," he said, "I'm coming."

Abby turned and walked with them.

Then Tony hesitated.

"Boss," he said, "maybe you should talk to her first."

"You want me to?" Gibbs asked.

"Yes."

"Alright." Gibbs went up to the door. "Fi, it's Gibbs." He knocked gently on the door. "Talk to me."

After a few moments, Gibbs heard the lock click, then the door opened a crack. He was in.

Gibbs went in and found Fiona sitting on the floor, crying.

"What's up, kiddo?" he asked.

"What do you think?" Fiona asked him.

"I'm thinking you're dead if you wrinkle your dress, after your mom just ironed it for you yesterday."

"At the moment, I don't care."

"What's wrong, kiddo?" Gibbs asked, moving her to a chair and pulling another up beside her and sitting in it.

"I'm afraid I'm breaking my dad's heart."

"Why?"

"Because of the way he acts every time the topic of the wedding, and all that it entails, comes up. He gets this sad look on his face, like he's losing me, and tends to avoid the subject and walk away."

"Well... in reality, kiddo, I think that's a pretty standard reaction. If Kelly was still alive and getting married, if I hadn't killed the groom by this point... I'd be the same way."

Fiona looked up at him. "Really?" Gibbs nodded. "So why am I doing this to him?"

"Because it's the next step in life you want," Gibbs said. "It's very normal. Graduate high school, go to college, find someone you love, graduate college, get married, get started in a career, start a family... I won't lie, he is upset. But it's a good upset. He's sad to see you go, but he's happiest in the world that you will be with Seth. He wouldn't have you be with anyone else."

Fiona nodded. "I wouldn't, either."

"So there's no problem, then."

"Where is he?" Fiona asked.

"Outside, waiting for you to let him in, so you two can talk. Want me to send him in?"

"I can't let him see me before the wedding."

"Sure you can," Gibbs said, smiling. "You aren't marrying him. Only Seth can't see you."

Fiona nodded. "Alright, send him in, please."

"OK. Oh and, by the way... you look beautiful, kiddo." Fiona smiled. Gibbs hugged her, then left the room.

Tony slowly entered the room. "Hey, kiddo."

She didn't turn around or look up at him. Her arms remained wrapped around herself and she remained sitting on the floor. "Hey."

"What's up?"

More tears ensued, and Tony, alarmed, sat in the chair where Gibbs had been beside her, and held her close to him. "Fi..."

"I don't wanna upset you."

Tony sighed. "Fi, I'm not... upset."

"You hesitated. You're lying, Dad," Fiona pointed out.

"OK... you caught me. I am upset. But it's a good upset. I'm happy for you and Seth. I'm just sad to see you go. You know, pretty Daddy standard," Tony said. Fiona looked up at him and pressed her head against his chest. "Now, stop crying and go out there and have Abby finish your make-up. I don't want you to be upset on your big, beautiful day. You look beautiful. And Seth is ready."

"So you're not angry?"

"Of course not," Tony said, surprised. "You're changing addresses and houses, not solar systems."

"That's pretty much what Gibbs said."

"So we will still see each other. Often."

"Promise?"

"Promise." Tony kissed the top of her head; her hair, today, was not in its usual ponytail, but in an elegant classic French twist, courtesy of Ziva. "I love you, kiddo."

Fiona smiled. "I love you, too." As they stood up, she asked, "Are you gonna cry today?"

Tony blushed and smirked. "Yeah, probably," he admitted. "Rule Number 25: Never be ashamed of tears."

Tony had taught Fiona all Gibbs' rules over her lifetime. "That rule has a number?" she asked.

"No, it actually doesn't, but I thought I'd pick one for today that wasn't taken," Tony said.

Fiona smiled.

"And today, I am very, very proud of you."

"You keep talking like that, Dad, you're gonna make me cry again," she pointed out.

Tony smiled and held her close, as they walked out of the dressing room. Fiona and her mom shared a brief exchange, before Fiona went over to Abby to get her make-up finished.

Before the wedding march was to begin, everyone got into place, including Fiona and Tony, at the back of the church. She found her place beside him and linked her arm through his, resting her elbow in the crook of his arm.

She was shaking with nerves, but her father's presence calmed her slightly.

As the wedding march began, Fiona looked up at her father. "You look so handsome, Dad."

Tony smiled. "Thank you, kiddo. You look so beautiful. Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Fiona walked slowly down the aisle, on her father's arm, when the wedding march began. Her dress was new. Her best friend, Charlotte's little brother, Christopher, was the ring-bearer, and carried the rings on a pillow with an old Aladdin and Abu pillowcase of Fiona's. Fiona had borrowed sunscreen from Abby to protect her skin from burning, while taking photographs outside in the beautiful sunshine. As for blue, all wedding attendants held little bags of blue confetti, instead of rice, to throw at the bride and groom, upon the new couple exiting the church.

Fiona couldn't help herself, and she let a few tears silently escape. Tony pulled her slightly closer to him, a gesture that let her know he knew she was crying and was trying to comfort her and continue down the aisle in the meantime. She held her head high and kept her composure the rest of the way, quickly turning her head and wiping away her tears as she met a smiling Seth at the altar.

The ceremony began and went off without a hitch. Granted, the bride was a little choked up, but she was also beautiful and got through her vows in one piece. Tony managed to give her away without breaking down completely, but it was hard, and he still let a few bittersweet tears fall.

When the ceremony was over and pictures were completed, Tony watched as the new couple walked out of the church together, arm-in-arm. The wedding party moved to the reception hall, being led by the bride and groom's car, shoes attached to the rear, courtesy of Abby.


Everyone enjoyed champagne and food at the reception. Ziva came over to Tony, noticing he was looking nervous again.

"Tony?"

He looked up at her. "Ziva?"

"Is there something you want to talk about?"

"Not really. I'm just getting anxious for the father/daughter dance."

"Do you not dance?"

"I can, I just don't. I haven't danced since college, except at Emmy's and my wedding. I taught her, though, and she's good."

"So it will be fine."

"It will. I'm just anxious."

"Don't be. You will be fine."

"I know."

One of Tony's favorite songs, Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are", ended, and Alison Krauss' "When You Say Nothing At All" came on. Tony went over to Fiona and held out his hand.

"May I have this dance?" he asked her, smiling.

Fiona smiled, nodded, and took his hand and he led her out to the dance floor.

"One of my favorite songs," she noted. Tony smiled. "Hey, Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for being the best father ever."

Tony smiled sadly. "It was nothing at all, kiddo."

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying dancing with him to the rest of the song.

"I love you, kiddo."

"I love you, too, Dad. Forever and always."

The song ended and Fiona kissed her father's cheek, then walked back to sit next to Seth.

Tony went over and sat next to Ziva. "Ziva?"

"Yes, Tony?"

"You and McGee still have my six, right?"

"Of course we do, Tony," McGee assured him.

"Why?" Ziva asked suspiciously.

"Because I need someone to make sure I don't get drunk out of my mind tonight."

"You would get drunk after your daughter's wedding?" Ziva asked, surprised.

"Not intentionally. It's just... I'm sad. I don't know what to do, now that I've given her away. My responsibilities have ended, a little."

"Well, Tony, if you wanna hear it, I have an alternative."

"Speak, Probie."

"Well, Fiona will be joining the team soon. You can still protect her on it, if that makes you feel better. She will have your six and you've always got hers."

"Of course."

"So what are you worried about?"

"Whatever has yet to come."


Later that night, Tony could be found in the oddest of all places. The smell of sawdust filled the air and his nostrils. Mason jar of bourbon in hand, Tony looked up as he heard a familiar voice.

"DiNozzo?"

"Hey, Boss."

"What are you doing here?"

"Thinking."

"About what?"

"About whether or not I'm ever gonna forgive myself for what I did today."

"You mean before, or this now?"

"Before. Don't worry, I won't touch the boat."

"Don't lie to me, DiNozzo."

Tony couldn't help himself; an impish grin crept over his face. "OK, so I might have touched it once. The feel of wood under my hands is oddly comforting. I get why you spend so much time down here now."

"I know the feeling."

Oh God, Tony thought, I'm turning into Gibbs.

"Does Emmy know you're here?"

"Yup. She doesn't know I'm drunk, though. She wouldn't approve."

"Ah. What's up, Tony?"

"Just thinking, Boss."

"That can be a dangerous pastime. You about done?"

Tony looked up at him, a little stung at the words. "I know, Boss. I just couldn't be at home right now."

"And why is that?"

"Cuz Fiona won't be there. It won't be the same without her."

"Maybe not, but change is a part of life."

Tony deliberately, drunkenly changed the topic. Looking around absent-mindedly, he asked, "Boss, how did you ever get your boats out of your house in D.C., when you lived there? I mean, here, you've got an actual huge door and pulley system you built yourself."

"I've said it before, DiNozzo. Break the bottle. Now quit changing the subject."

"Fine. I can see just how well breaking the bottle is working for you. What do you want me to say?"

"Well, for starters, I think you need to just get it all out. You usually don't need any sort of other persuasion when you've had the liquid kind."

"I'm just gonna miss her, Boss. Seth is a great guy, but no guy will ever be good enough for my little girl. It's just gonna take some time for the shock to wear off, til I stop freaking out internally about her not walking through my front door every night."

"Yeah. It'll take some time, but it'll get better."

Tony looked up again. "Will you give me a ride home later, Boss? I wanna stay for a while yet, so I don't go home completely trashed. And I get why you spend a lot of time down here. It's kinda comforting."

"Sure," Gibbs said. "And you know you're welcome to crash on the couch, if you want."

"Thanks. But I should get home eventually. Or Emmy will worry," Tony said.

"Yeah, you should probably be with her. This isn't easy for her, either," Gibbs pointed out.

"Yeah," Tony agreed. "I should quit being selfish and get back there." He made to stand up, but staggered drunkenly. "Erm... eventually."

Gibbs nodded, satisfied. "Good," he said, steadying his former senior field agent. "Get your head on straight, and when you're ready, I'll take you home."

"Thanks, Boss."

"Anytime."

With Gibbs' help, Tony made his way slowly up the stairs and over to the living room couch. Tony lay down and Gibbs laid a blanket over the agent's shoulders, and Tony soon fell asleep, thinking about the day's events and the days to come.


Here is the link to Fiona's wedding dress: http:/

www.

alfredangelo

.com

/Collections

/ProductDisplay

.aspx?productID

=abc39670-32e3-4409-8c35-a1ed553552ee&categoryID

=32e5a88c-cbf1-498f-afcf-dbfca138c5d3&pg=1&colorId1=

Add in the second hyphen after the http, or else the link won't work. It should. If that link becomes broken or doesn't work, let me know and I'll search for and find an alternative one.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering...

Something old: the Aladdin/Abu pillowcase (I had one when I was growing up, Abu's tail curled into a C, and my name begins with a C, so you can see why I positively adored it)

Something borrowed: Sunscreen from Abby

Something blue: Blue bags filled with blue confetti, to throw when the bride and groom exit the church, instead of rice

Something new: Fiona's dress

Tiffany331 asked for me to clarify that in the parent story, so as I didn't, except in a review reply (sorry, it honestly didn't occur to me at all), I figured I'd do it now, in the author note. :)

THANK YOU, Tiffany331, again, for helping me out with this chapter, particularly the ending Tony/Gibbs conversation. The RP was EXTREMELY helpful! Thank you so much! YOU ROCK!

I'm anticipating chapter 10 to be the epilogue, unless you guys want to see more to follow it. Let me know in reviews.

As always, if you read it, please review to tell me what you thought! Thanks.

Renthead07