A/N: Time for some lovely mushiness. Sorry folks, but you knew it was coming, right? And, my apologies to di-elle for borrowing the slogan from your most adorable LJ icon! Hope you don't mind, it just fit so well. Only one more chapter to go after this one...don't worry, I will start writing feverishly tomorrow!

Warnings/Spoilers: The Usual.

Disclaimer: The Usual.

Saturday, July 24, 2010 6:35 a.m.

Pete Penachetti paced back and forth outside the front of Tony's apartment building, anxious to get going on their regular Saturday morning run. Pete was a stickler for punctuality, and sometimes Tony's fluid perception of time drove him nuts.

He glanced once more at his watch, and decided Tony needed a kick in the pants. Taking the initiative, Pete used the key his friend had given him in case of emergency, and made his way quietly up to the 7th floor. He knocked firmly, and waited. He thought he could detect muffled voices behind the door – the TV must be on, he thought to himself.

Eventually, he heard the chain being unlatched, watched the handle turn, and the door open. He expected to see his best friend, in sweat pants, t-shirt and sneakers, energized and eager to get going. That was decidedly not what he saw.

"Lou!" Pete went first white, then red, as he put the pieces together.

"Hi Pete. C'mon in, Tony's running a bit late this morning. Want some coffee? It's fresh." She padded over to the kitchen without waiting for his response.

"Um… no thanks. Uh… what're you doing here, Lou?" She shot him a withering look. "I mean… not that you shouldn't be here, but… uh… it's 6:30 in the morning, and… um… and you're wearing Tony's bathrobe…" he stammered.

"Glad to see your powers of observation are as sharp as ever. What does it look like I'm doing here? Not that it's any of your business, brother dearest." She returned to the living room with her coffee mug, and flopped down on the sofa, riffling through the newspaper to locate the Sudoku puzzle, and pretending to be oblivious to her brother's astonishment.

Saving him from a disastrously embarrassing moment, Tony emerged just then from the bathroom.

"Sorry Pete, be right there." He rummaged through the front hall closet, locating his favourite pair of Reeboks, and bent down on first one knee and then the other to tie the laces. Properly shod, he bounded over to the sofa, giving Louisa a peck on the cheek. "See you in an hour, hon."

"Have fun, boys!" she called back to them, as they jogged out the door. Louisa smiled impishly to herself, imagining the jumble of thoughts that must be going through her brother's head right now.

They jogged for four or five blocks in total silence. Then…

"That was unexpected."

"What?"

"Louisa. Opening the door back there."

"Oh, yeah. That." Tony grinned mischievously.

"So… I guess the therapy is working, huh?" Pete studied Tony's face to see what sort of reaction he'd get. To his surprise, his comment did not engender anything but a pleasant smile and a nod.

"She's doing really well. She hasn't had a flashback in over 3 weeks."

"I'd say you're way beyond 'no flashbacks', Tony." There was an ounce of terseness in Pete's voice that could not be ignored, as far as Tony was concerned. They had reached the edge of the park, whose winding paths formed the bulk of their usual route. Tony stopped at a bench to catch his breath, and looked his friend dead in the eye.

"You have something you wanna say to me, Pete? Spit it out."

Pete had not expected such a visceral reaction, and he was quite taken aback by it. But he felt the need to say his piece, regardless. "Ok. You're sleeping with my sister. I'm not sure how I feel about that..."

Tony scowled. "Geez, Pete, that's too bad," he intoned sarcastically. "She's a grown woman. She's capable of making her own decisions. She doesn't need your permission, or your approval."

"Whoa, buddy. Back up the truck. This isn't about her. It's about you. I would never presume to tell my sister what to do. I'm just concerned…"

"…because of my track record. Is that it?" Now Tony's hackles were well and truly up. "I made a promise to you when this all started, if you'll recall. Don't break her heart, you said. I gave you my word. Have you ever known me to go back on my word, Pete? Have you?"

Pete felt the need to de-escalate the situation; as their voices were rising in pitch, they were beginning to attract unwanted attention. And it had never been his intent to anger his friend.

"Sit, Tony." They flopped down onto the bench, and Pete put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Your 'track record', as you so indelicately put it, is not the issue. Listen... ever since Jeanne, you've been… kinda weird… when it comes to women." His voice softened. "You never admitted it to me, but I know you really loved her. It must've been awful, knowing it could never amount to anything."

Tony started to calm down as his friend spoke. He wasn't sure where he was going with this, but he decided to hear him out.

"I know it took a long time for you to get over that," Pete continued. "And you haven't dated much since then. So, I'm just worried that… maybe you don't know anymore what you're looking for in a woman. It just seems to me you'd be wise to take things a bit slower."

Tony's face lit up. "Pete… I've got news for you. I'm not the one setting the pace here."

Pete studied his friend carefully. "Let me get this straight. You're telling me that… Louisa… made the first move?"

Tony nodded, and smiled serenely. "Uh-huh… and by the way, I do know what I'm looking for in a woman… 'cos I've found it." At this, Pete raised his eyebrows. "It just feels right, Pete."

The Captain rolled his eyes. "Well… let's see if you still feel that way a few months from now. The longest relationship I've ever known you to have was the one with Jeanne, and you weren't exactly free to quit whenever you wanted, so that one doesn't really count. Women are strange creatures, Tony. You think you know her, but… I can guarantee you… you don't know her. Not after a month. Give it 'till Christmas. Then, if you guys are still together, I'll say you've got a shot. Not before."

"Is that a wager? 'Cos I'll take that bet."

Pete grimaced and shook his head. "Not a wager. Just consider it a friendly request for you not to get ahead of yourself, Tony."

DiNozzo grinned. "Don't worry, Pete. I'm not in any hurry. I'm enjoying things just the way they are."

In August, Louisa's trio performed at the retirement party for NCIS Special Agent James Warner (Tony had given their business card to Vance). He never took his eyes off the youngest Penachetti all evening, watching as she skilfully manipulated the bow against the strings of her cello. She made it look effortless, and the music they made provided a perfect backdrop for an elegant evening of cocktails and reminiscences. With pride, he told everyone he encountered that she was his girlfriend. Abby silently cheered.

In September, Tony took Louisa away for a long weekend at a Bed & Breakfast in the Hamptons. He showed her where he'd spent his summer vacations as a young boy, and they drove through the countryside, stopping for a picnic lunch. They made love in a secluded spot under a big oak tree. Tony pulled his knife out of his belt, and carved their initials in the trunk, forgetting for the moment that he was 40 years old rather than 14.

In October, Tony and Louisa dressed as Batman and Cat Woman for Abby's annual Halloween party. Even though the 31st held unpleasant childhood memories for Tony, Louisa cajoled him into it, and he had to admit it was worth it just to see his girl in that cute little outfit with the whiskers and the tail. For her part, Louisa didn't mind seeing him in tights and wearing a cup. With pride, she told everyone she encountered that he was her boyfriend. Abby silently cheered.

And then along came November…

Thursday, November 11, 2010 1:00 p.m. – Navy Memorial

Louisa stood solemnly at attention in the circular outdoor plaza at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in full dress blues. Her father and brother, likewise attired, flanked her on the right, and on her left stood her handsome beau, along with Gibbs, McGee, Ziva, and Director Vance. Hundreds of Naval and civilian personnel were in attendance for the Veterans Day ceremonies.

The assembly watched in reverent silence as a large wreath was laid at the Lone Sailor Statue, in commemoration of fallen Naval Veterans everywhere. The Navy personnel saluted. Speeches were given. Music was played. Friends and family were remembered.

Tears were shed.

Gibbs thought of his buddies in the Corps who hadn't made it home from the Gulf.

Tony thought of his grandfather Giles Paddington, who'd lost his life in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Louisa thought of her great-grandparents on the Penachetti side, who'd spent most of World War II in a concentration camp, as punishment for hiding Jews in the fruit cellar of their home in Sicily when the Nazis had come calling.

After the ceremonies, Tony and Louisa explored the adjacent Naval Heritage Center for a good few hours. They wandered into the Ship's Store, and Tony bought a U.S. Navy sweatshirt.

They ate a leisurely dinner at the nearby Zola Restaurant, then returned to the plaza in the evening for a concert by the "Commodores" jazz ensemble.

At the end of this 'perfect day', as Louisa dubbed it, they returned to her apartment, shared a bottle of red wine, watched 'Galaxy Quest' to get into a playful mood, then had wild, unbridled sex on the sofa, Tony squealing 'Never give up, Never surrender!' as he tried valiantly to stave off the inevitable satiating finale.

"By Grapthar's Hammer!" Louisa giggled, as she slowly came down from the incredible high.

Whiskers sat next to the sofa, carefully washing his face and staring up disdainfully at his mistress and the man who seemed to be gradually insinuating his way into her life.

Stupid humans.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 6:34 p.m.

The Penachetti clan gathered at table for a veritable feast this Thanksgiving day. This was Tony's first 'official' holiday meal with Louisa's family, and the usually unflappable DiNozzo was somewhat nervous about making a good impression. He was subdued and cautious, silently observing everything going on around him.

Hank took his role as patriarch very seriously, and holding out his hands to either side, he invited everyone to join him as he led them in prayer. They all linked hands around the table.

"Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the bountiful blessings you provide us each day. You have given us so much more than what is necessary. Give us generous hearts to share what we have with those less fortunate, and keep us ever mindful of that most precious of all your gifts, the salvation you have offered us through your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray."

There was a chorus of "Amen" around the table. Louisa squeezed Tony's hand, acknowledging that he must be feeling a bit awkward and out of place, with such formality, religion, and ritual. Tony glanced sideways and winked to reassure her.

"Oh boy!" exclaimed Cameron, catching sight of the golden brown turkey being lovingly placed in front of the Admiral by his wife, ready for the ceremonial carving. The aromas were magnificent – basted drippings, savoury stuffing with sage and onions, yams mashed with butter and brown sugar, tender Brussels sprouts, and homemade cranberry sauce. Teresa and Louisa had been working in the kitchen since 8:30 this morning, and everyone delighted at the amazing outcome of their labours.

The food went around the table like a factory assembly line – it reminded Tony of that scene near the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (although he was loath to compare Admiral Penachetti to the Grinch). Little Sarah made the perfect Cindy-Lou Who, sitting in her booster seat and pressing her tiny fingers into the mashed yams, then running them through her hair, much to Julia's dismay.

It was a truly remarkable meal, and it occurred to Tony that he'd probably gained a few pounds since Louisa's arrival in his life five months ago. But she didn't seem to mind, and he wasn't yet at the point where his suits didn't fit, so for now he resolved to simply enjoy the culinary blessings this relationship afforded.

By the time the pumpkin pie landed in front of him, he was feeling perfectly relaxed and at home with 'the family'. This was the life he'd always longed for as a child… unlike the solemn stiffness in the DiNozzo household at meal times, there was laughter, teasing, and plenty of love to go around at the Penachettis' Thanksgiving table. And the kids were a part of it all; not ignored, not made to sit still and be quiet as little Tony had been.

After dinner, the men insisted on clearing the table and doing the dishes, ordering 'the girls' to relax with their coffee in the living room. Tony grabbed a dish towel and assumed his usual position next to the sink – washing up was not his forté, according to Louisa, but he was a master at drying. The Admiral rolled up his shirt sleeves and filled the sink, while Pete finished putting away the leftovers. Once the food was safely stored, Hank sent Pete out to join the women, and Tony braced himself, sensing that a serious conversation was afoot. His instincts were spot-on, as usual.

"Well, Anthony. That was quite a meal, wasn't it?"

"Yes Sir, it sure was."

"My girls certainly know how to cook." Tony nodded, anxious to get past the small talk. "Whoever said, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, was absolutely right… but of course there's more to it than that, isn't there?" Hank looked pointedly at Tony, who swallowed hard.

"Sir?"

"I won't beat around the bush, Anthony. It's been five months now that you've been seeing my daughter. I don't believe I've ever seen her this happy. I still feel quite protective of her, as you can imagine."

Oh boy. DiNozzo braced himself for the talking-to he was certain he was about to receive.

"I'm not naïve. I know that you and Louisa have an... intimate... relationship. Now, I'm sure the last thing you want is to have me preaching at you, so I won't." Thank God. "Louisa already knows how her mother and I feel about that. I'm sure you do as well. But setting that aside for the moment, I want you to know this Thanksgiving day... how very thankful we are for you, Anthony, and for the joy you've brought into our daughter's life."

Tony breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir. She's brought plenty of joy into my life, too... and I appreciate you making me feel so welcome this evening."

The Admiral slapped him on the back and grinned. "Well, of course! You're practically one of the family!"

And that was it. The other shoe DiNozzo expected to drop with a thud, never did. Hank returned to his dishwashing, and Tony continued drying and setting dishes out on the kitchen table, ready to be put away. They finished up within a matter of minutes, joining the rest of the family in the living room. The remainder of the evening was spent in front of a roaring fire, playing board games, chatting, laughing and simply enjoying each other's company.

Later that night, as Tony lay watching Louisa sleeping peacefully beside him in his bed, he pondered the meaning behind her father's words. Hank had obviously thought a great deal about what he wanted to say. The whole thing had been staged. It wasn't just an ordinary expression of gratitude. There must have been some deeper purpose to it. He mulled it over in his mind, this way and that. Gradually, it dawned on him: the Admiral was, in a very subtle way, giving Tony his blessing... anticipating what might be to come.

And in this moment, he couldn't quite imagine his world without Louisa in it – a thought that was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

A/N: For those who have not seen the movie 'Galaxy Quest'... the phrase 'Never give up, Never surrender!' is the slogan/rallying cry used throughout the film by star ship Captain Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen). 'By Grapthar's Hammer' is an expression used by the alien crew member Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman). It's a hilarious movie, a sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious parody of Star Trek - The Original Series. It won a Hugo Award in 2000 and a Nebula Award in 2001. Rent it. Seriously. It's great!