Chapter Nine Devastation

Ziva watched Tony as he rested a little on the quick flight home. He was enduring so much pain but he was dealing with it well. She just wanted to be home so doctors could take care of him. Especially since the marines had doubted he would make it.

"A few more moments and we'll have you home. We're about to land at the hospital Agent David." A marine informed her.

"Thank you." Ziva nodded her thanks and when he left she stood and gently put a hand on Tony's shoulder, "Tony. We're about to land."

Tony's eyes flickered opened and he looked disorientated. "Where am I? Is that Ziva or Abby?"

Ziva's heart tore as she watched him. She knew the marines were right. She just didn't want to admit it. "It's Ziva, Tony." She took his warm, calloused hand into her rougher calloused hand. "We're landing in D.C right now to get you to the V.A and get you fixed up. You got shot in the chest."

"Why?" He didn't remember. Maybe it was a good thing.

"You were undercover and your cover got compromised. That's why I'm here. Gibbs and Director Shepard wanted me to get you home safely."

"You did Zee." Tony looked at her. Pain filled his eyes. "You did it my ninja."

Ziva tried to fight back tears. She never knew there was something she would fight that would take everything out of her. "I did, yes?"

Tony gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Yes. Let the team know." He whispered as the medics began to lift him out.

Ziva followed and saw Gibbs, McGee, and Abby standing a few feet away from the landing pad. "They know."

Tony visibly relaxed and let her hand go, "see you in a moment Zee." He smiled lightly and let the medics wheel him into the hospital.

Ziva watched for a moment, tears filling her brown eyes. She glanced at Gibbs who looked at her, a sympathetic look reflecting in his eyes. It was enough to let her break down a little. She walked over, a tear rolling down her cheek slowly. "I tried."

Gibbs wrapped his arms around her, "I know Zivers. It was all I asked of you." He kissed her forehead and held her for a moment. Letting her have a moment. Then he let her go and looked at McGee and Abby, "go ahead and wait for news. Me and Ziva will follow in a moment."

McGee nodded and went inside. Abby followed after laying a gentle hand on Ziva's arm and giving her a comforting smile.

"Tell me what happened." Gibbs said softly. He wanted to know and he knew learning from Tony was not an option.

Ziva explained, tears filling, and re-filling her eyes. Even though she was trying, the tears wouldn't stop. "I am so sorry Gibbs." She sobbed, "it is all my fault. I should have seen it happening."

Gibbs looked into his agent's eyes and realized how important Tony was to her. "It's okay Zivers. I know you tried, I know these things just happen. Right now lets go inside." And say goodbye. He didn't add the last part but the thought hung in their air, heavy over the two agents.

Ziva nodded and walked inside with him.

They were just in time as a doctor came out in a white coat, a solemn expression on his face and in his eyes. He looked at the sad team who's hope he would break. "He's not going to make it. Go ahead and say your goodbyes. He won't make it through the night."

Gibbs nodded a sad thank you. "Alright." He lead his team to Tony's room and walked in. "DiNozzo."

"Hey-Boss." Tony fought the words out, he was just waking up from the medicine they had given him.

"You made it home alive." Gibbs walked over. "Good job."

"But not good enough. Huh?" his voice was slightly stronger.

"No." Gibbs gave a small smile. "Nice try though."

Tony laughed the best he could. "Figures." He looked at Abby, "come on Abs. I need my hug."

Abby walked over and gently wrapped him in a hug. "I'll miss you Tony."

Tony tried to smile, "hey, I'm still gonna be here. Just imagine its me making you those Caf-Pows that you love so much."

Abby let a tear roll down her cheek. "I will. Goodbye Tony."

"Bye Abs. Remember, goodbyes don't last forever." Tony smiled and kissed her forehead.

Abby nodded and walked over to Gibbs, tears rolling down her cheeks.

McGee looked at Tony. "Bye Tony. I'll do what you want me to."

"Thanks Probie. And let the new Probie know who's boss. Like I did." Tony grinned mischievously.

McGee chuckled lightly. The best he could do at that point. "Yeah. I will."

Ziva looked at Gibbs asking him with her eyes a small request.

Gibbs nodded and looked at McGee and wrapped an arm around Abby. The three walked out of the room, to let Ziva have a little time alone with the agent who laid in bed, dying.

"Zee." Tony looked at the woman he was in love with. It was a shame it took him this long to realize it. "Come here."

Ziva walked over and began to cry softly as she sat in the chair by the bed. She laid her head on the bed by his chest, "Tony. Please do not die. I need you. The team needs you."

Tony brushed her wavy locks gently. His heart hurting from the goodbyes and knowing this was the last time he'd see them. "Ziva, I can't keep going."

"Yes! Yes you can!" Ziva lifted her head and looked into his eyes, tears filling her eyes again and slowly rolling down her cheeks.

"Zee, I'm hurt. There's nothing the doctor's can do. They did their best. I'm dying."

"You cannot! You have to stay Tony! We need you." Her voice lowered, "please Tony. I love you."

Tony looked into her eyes. "I love you Zee. I was an idiot and it took me this long to realize it. But I'll always be with you. I'm not going to leave you completely." He took her hand into his and gently pulled her closer to him. He met his lips against hers.

Ziva put her free hand on the bed to hold her up as they kissed. Slowly she pulled away and looked at him. "Please, do not leave."

"I have to Zee-vah." Tony knew the moment wasn't going to last. His time was coming, quick. His breathing became more shallow. "Ziva, remember one thing."

"Anything." She held his hand looking into his green eyes.

"No matter what happens, who comes into the team, or what happens with the team," he paused, long enough to catch his breath. It was harder to breath. "I love you. I always will, and I always have. You're the reason I loved work so much. The reason I wanted to go to work."

Ziva let the fresh tears fall, "oh Tony. I love you."

"I love you to Ziva. Goodbye." He kissed her hand then laid his head back looking at her. Then he closed his eyes and his breathing stopped. It took a moment for his heart to catch up. Then the room was quiet except for the low whine of the heart monitor and the gentle sobs from the agent who had lost her partner.

Death had taken Tony in. A painful one, but it was gracious. Giving him time to say goodbye. The last memories he had of the team were the ones he had been given at the last moment. Now he was gone. A spot would be filled, but in the hearts of the team, it'd stay empty. For no one could replace the very dear and special Agent Anthony DiNozzo.

A/N: So this is a sobering chapter. I didn't honestly think I'd kill off a character in this until now. It just seems different for me to do. The next few chapters will consist of the team grieving, and a new probie. I hope you enjoyed, even though it's sad. Please tell me what you think.