Disclaimers disclaimed.
Chapter XL - Not Easily Broken
. Epilogue .
While the backyard was buzzing with laughter and chatter from people setting up for the party, Tali sat in her room partly sad as she finished up applying her makeup. She let out a deep sigh looking over at the photo of her and Hunter from the night of her prom. It was hard to believe that four years had passed by and now a new chapter of life was starting. In two weeks she'd be graduating from Juilliard with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance then, following summer vacation, she would be moving to Paris to begin performing in her first major ballet. It was even harder to believe that the same day she was set to graduate would be the same day that she had been kidnapped four years ago. The thought of which still sent a chill down her spine but, regardless, she had grown to live as a survivor and found a way to see the beauty in her scars ... just like Ima taught me.
A familiar knock at her door brought her out of her thoughts. She knew immediately who it was by the annoying cadence of the beat from the person still banging. Rolling her eyes and laughing she called, "Come in III!"
Anthony came in with a smile, bearing a large gift box in his hands. The now 16 year old dropped the box on Tali's bed as he plopped down on it as well. "Hey birthday girl!"
"Hey twerp!" Her eyes fell on the large box beside her little brother, "what's that?"
"That", he pointed, "is your birthday gift! Totally had to save my allowance for a month which was NOT easy, but I think it was worth it."
"Sooo, can I open it now?"
"Duh! That's why I brought it here."
Tali laughed and walked over to the bed. Ripping open the wrapping paper like a little kid on Christmas, she chuckled when she finally got the box opened and removed the tissue paper. Inside held a gift basket with all the essentials she would need for a proper birthday celebration.
"Figured since you're 21 now, you'd want to get wasted! That is your first official 'Oh Shit! Kit'", Anthony laughed.
"Shot glasses, small trash can, mixology kit ... but how did you manage to buy liquor?"
"Shhh, don't tell mom and dad but one of my teammates has a fake ID and hooked me up."
Tali shook her head, "it's our little secret."
"So, how do you feel? Can't believe my annoying face sister is 21 now and about to move to Paris! I might actually miss you for real. At least New York isn't far, but Paris? Seriously, that's a long flight to get you here to save my ass when Ima and Abba are pissed at me.""
"You will survive, don't worry. And I feel normal I guess", she shrugged. "21 is a major milestone but I'm not quite as excited about today as I thought I would be."
Anthony nodded knowingly, "Because Spy Boy is off on a mission instead of here to celebrate with you?"
After four years, the nickname still annoyed her but, Hunter seemed to love when her father and brother called him that. She rolled her eyes as she always did at hearing it then answered, "Yeah. I get he has a job to do, but I still wish he was able to be here. I haven't spoken to him in three and a half weeks. I hate these undercover missions."
"I get it. But, you shouldn't stress it. He loves him some Tali and he should be back soon. Dad even said that he'd be going with us to Maldives, so at least you know you'll see him next month."
"Unless I see him tonight, I'm going to keep stressing it."
Anthony just smiled and raised his eyebrow, knowing more than he was actually letting on. You have no idea what's coming big sis!
A few hours later, Tali's birthday party was in full swing. Despite how she felt earlier, she was managing to have a good time with close friends and even closer family. Tony and Ziva watched with proud smiles as Tali and Anthony danced in the yard in the middle of a crowd cheering them on.
"I cannot believe we have a 21 year old, soon to be college graduate", Ziva said in awe.
Tony held her from behind and kissed her cheek softly. Leaning his chin on her shoulder he spoke, "Seems like only yesterday she was running around in diapers and still trying to master the art of eating without getting more food on her shirt than in her mouth."
They both chuckled then Tony pulled back slightly to pull his ringing phone from his pocket. He showed Ziva the caller ID and they both smiled before he answered, "DiNozzo."
"I'm pulling up in the driveway now Sir. Just need to change my clothes."
"Great, front door's open, go change then meet us in the backyard. The party is getting good!"
There was a chuckle then the caller responded, "Yes, Sir."
Tony hung up and returned his phone to his pocket.
"Is he here already?" Ziva asked.
"Yup, flight from LA must have been on time. He told me last night he wanted to wear his dress uniforms for the surprise so he's going to go change now. Always the dutiful soldier that guy."
"And quite the romantic", Ziva added. "What do you think Tali will say?"
"As if you don't already know the answer to that Mrs. DiNozzzo", Tony smiled and gave another quick kiss to his wife.
After 15 minutes, the surprise guest emerged through the French doors and stepped out to the backyard being greeted by Tony, "Hey Spy Boy! Welcome back! Good job on finishing that mission early."
Hunter laughed, "Director, good to be back." He looked across the lawn and his eyes landed on an unknowing Tali who was chatting with one of her friends. "I had plenty of motivation to get the job done as quickly as possible."
Tony followed his eyes, "Mmhmm, I bet. You ready for this?"
"Absolutely", Hunter spoke confidently without hesitation.
Ziva walked over to hug Hunter, "Good to see you Agent Amadi. Whenever you're ready."
"Thanks!" He took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm ready now. Wish me luck!"
"You won't need it", Ziva said reassuringly.
They signaled for the music to be lowered and Tony began speaking loudly to the crowd of people, "If I can have everyone's attention please! As a surprise for my baby girl's 21st birthday, my wife and I have called in a very special person who would like to give a very special gift to Tali. If you'd all gather around we'd appreciate it. And Talikins, you come stand in the middle here." Everyone did as ordered and looked on with excitement.
"Thank you", Ziva chimed in. "Before we reveal our surprise guest, we just want to thank you all for being here and celebrating our amazing daughter. All of you have been instrumental in helping shape her into the woman she has become. Tali, we are so proud of you! Words cannot even begin to express how much we love you. And, we pray, that life continues to be one of joy and prosperity for you. Happy birthday Motek!"
Tali smiled through tears of joy and gave both parents a hug.
"As part of our little surprise, we wanted to give you these", Tony handed Tali two sets of keys. "Since you're moving to Paris at the end of the summer, we wanted to make sure you live and get around in style. So, the first set of keys is to your brand new Parisian apartment and that second key is to your brand new car. I believe you will notice the emblem on that key. You did say you wanted a Benz, correct?"
Tali gasped with wide eyes and gave them both another hug as everyone clapped. "Oh my God! You guys are so amazing! Thank you so much!"
"Just no crashing", Ziva joked and they all laughed.
"Now, onto our surprise guest", Tony spoke again. "Spy Boy, get over here!"
Tali dropped the keys in shock as Hunter came from behind the wall of the DiNozzo's NCIS family that had been in on the surprise and blocking Tali's view of him. McGee pat him on the back with pride and Abby pulled out a few tissues from her pocket that she knew she was about to need. Palmer and Bishop just smiled, faces matching the excitement of the rest of the crowd.
When Hunter was halfway to her, Tali closed the gap between them with a light jog and jumped in his arms. The world around them disappeared as they kissed and silently spoke how much they'd missed each other since Hunter had gone on his latest mission. It took Tony dramatically clearing his throat for either of them to breakaway and come back to reality. Hunter chuckled and lowered Tali back down so she was standing on the ground again.
With their foreheads touching, Tali whispered, "I thought you weren't going to make it."
"Finished my mission early. I couldn't miss my lady's birthday could I?" He gave her a peck on the lips then stepped back. After looking over to Tony to get a final nod of approval, Hunter continued so everyone could hear.
"Four years ago, our lives collided together. In the darkness, you became my light. When we tell our story, you always say that I saved you. But really, it was you who saved me. I wouldn't be the man I am without knowing your love and kindness. I wouldn't be the man I am without knowing your strength and courage. I would have never survived my darkest hour had it not been for your beautiful soul. You are my lifeline. And, even though we met under the worst circumstances, I would go through it all again just because I know that in the end WE made it out ... together."
He paused and retrieved a small box for his pocket as he went down on one knee. The gesture eliciting more joyous tears from Tali as she let out a small gasp. He opened the box, revealing a beautiful gold engagement ring with a large diamond in the center which was surrounded by smaller ones that ran down the side of the ring and sparkled brightly under the rays of the setting sun. Grabbing her hand gently, he winked before speaking on.
"They wanted so badly to break us but, instead, they forged the tempered steel that would become our love. For that, I am most thankful. I love you, Tals. Past my heart and beyond my soul. I don't remember what my life was without you but I know what it has become since I've known you. And I am sure, with Allah's grace, that it will only continue to get better with time. That is why I kneel before you now. In front of your parents, ours families, and our friends to ask you to spend eternity with me. My world, Tali DiNozzo, hatinasyi li?"
There was no delay. No hesitation. No need to think it over. Her smile and kiss was enough. It had already spoken the answer before she said, "Yes! Yes I'll marry you!"
Everyone erupted in applause and cheers as Hunter slid the ring on her finger and stood back up, kissing her again softly as they now both shed happy tears. "Perfect fit", he whispered just as he pulled away slightly.
"I love you so much."
"I love you too Tals." He pulled her in for a tight hug and whispered in her ear, "By the way, your abba is transferring me to Paris after our summer vacation. I'll head up the new offices opening so, no more long distance!"
Tali pulled back with the biggest grin. She had no words, only more kisses and sighs of relief.
As they danced the night away and talked about the future, everyone had random moments of thinking about what life could have been had things not turned out the way it did four years ago. In a way, they were all thankful for that case. For the kidnapping and the terrorist attacks. It had brought them all closer together. And even brought in a new family member to love. Life had become better, more than they had ever imagined. Who knew that such pain could eventually produce such joy? Certainly not them ... but then again ... maybe they did know. After all, wasn't it always the hardest, most convoluted cases, that always made them better? Stronger? Wiser? Closer?
Yeah, all of the above. Because, in the end, when you have a team ... no, a family like that ... it's impossible to bring them down. No matter how hard you try, the fact still remains, they will always win. Why? It's simple. They never stop fighting. Never give up searching. Never ones to turn away from those who matter. Never ones to backdown from a challenge. Not scared to risk their lives. They always survive. It's who they are. It's what they do. Even when the vicissitudes of life try to break them down. They pull through with their heads held high because utimately they all carry the same truth: No matter what anyone tries to do to them, they are Not Easily Broken.
Well my peeps ... that's all for this story.
I just want to say thank you for sticking with me! For all your reviews and support ... it's just been AMAZING!
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QUICK TRUTHS
1. This was my first fanfic and I enjoyed every moment of it.
2. With #1 being said, there is a prequel AND sequel to this story. I will begin posting the prequel tomorrow!
3. I just love ya'll! And I hope you read the next story! By the way .. REVIEW!
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SERIOUSLY, It's been fun peeps!
Later!
