Thank you to all of you that have reviewed.

It is a shame she cheated, but that was the only way I was going to be able to break them up. In my book marriage is forever, so I wanted Tony to marry her because I wanted Ziva to lose him, I mean really lose him, which she did. They didn't talk for 2 years. It had to be Mairin to break it off by cheating b/c I was never going to have Tony leave her, especially not for another woman. Like I said, marriage is forever in my book and cheating is the only reason to leave (that or abuse and I wasn't going to go that rout). Ziva realized that she was losing him on the day of the wedding and she had come to terms with it in New York. We'll see if she decides to go after him now or if he has to come to terms with losing her. All I can say is that the ball is definitely in her court. It's her move. Will she move on or will she fight for Tony? We will see. :)

Friday, May 19th 2017 – Ziva's Graduation

Their plane landed at 8 pm. Ziva anxiously waited by the outside the terminal for her family to arrive. She spotted Gibbs silver head first. She ran to meet them, stopping just short of plowing into Gibbs. She threw her arms around his neck. "I am so glad you have come!" she exclaimed in to his ear.

"Whoa Ziver, its good to see you too." He said with a smile and a chuckle.

She released Gibbs as the rest of the group began to pull her in for a hug. Taking turns enveloping her and warmly shaking Tristan's hand. Everyone was there excluding Palmer and the director, Palmer not able to leave due to his wife who was expecting a baby any day now, and the director had to manage the ship while his team was away. They had to call a cab in addition to Ziva's car because they couldn't all fit, and headed to Ziva's apartment. The rest of the evening was passed laughing, talking, and excitedly discussing the following day's activities.

The night ended early because of the big day that would be tomorrow. Abby and McGee would be staying in the spare bedroom while the three men went to a nearby hotel.

The next morning the sun rose to a beautiful day. The sky was blue and clear. They met at a diner not far from Ziva's for breakfast at 8, graduation started at 10 and Ziva had to be there by 9.

Soon it was time for Ziva to line up with the graduates and they made their way to the campus of Columbia University. After the waiting, the processions, and the speeches were all finished, it was time for the reason they were all there to begin. Soon it was Ziva's turn. She climbed the stairs in a surreal trance. She walked across the stage, her legs feeling like they belonged to someone else. She reached out her hand and took the diploma from the chancellor, shook his hand, and turned to look out at the crowd. She could see her family from where she stood. They were clapping excitedly. Tristan smiled up at her, beaming. McGee had an excited look on his face. Ducky looked like a very proud grandfather. The look on Gibbs face was one of joy and pride. He looked like the proudest father in the room. If she was not mistaken, his eyes shone with unshed tears. The look on Tony's face was all too familiar. It was that same look that she had known from the beginning, the look she was beginning to get use to seeing again. This time it was mixed with something else, adoration. Ziva made her way off the stage to see Abby down front in the picture-taking area with a camera in her hands. She smiled at her as she snapped another picture.

After the ceremony ended, Abby insisted on getting some group shots. She got a few with them all together, then one with just Ziva and Gibbs, Ziva and Tristan, and then just Tony and Ziva. She then had Tristan take a picture of the team including her and then one of just her and Ziva. The rest of the day was spent together, sightseeing and enjoying each other's company. That night they went to an upscale bar and restaurant to celebrate properly. It was during that time that Tony and Ziva found a moment to themselves. Abby had drug Tim out to the dance floor and Gibbs and Ducky were at the bar. Tristan was in the restroom.

"So," Tony broke the ice after a few seconds of silence, "how does it feel to be a college graduate? Is it everything you hoped it would be?"

"Yes and no," she said, turning to meet his eyes with a smile, "I thought I would feel more relieved or accomplished, but really I just feel like I did yesterday. I mean, I am excited sure, but it feels like nothing has changed."

"Except everything has changed. Look at us. You're a college graduate and engaged, I'm a divorcee and have my own team, Gibbs is a couple of years away from retirement, Abby and McGee are… well, Abby and McGee…"

"True. I know it will not be the same if I move back to Washington."

"I thought that Tristan wanted to stay in New York."

"It is a discussion. I think maybe he is coming around. Did I tell you I got an offer from NCIS and the Pentagon in their linguistics departments?"

Tony looked at her with a bright smile. "No you didn't. I'm not surprised though, you are the best."

Ziva smiled and looked down. "Thank you," she quietly whispered to her lap. She looked up and locked eyes with him. Just then Tristan returned from the restroom. They sat in silence for a few moments before Tony turned to Tristan and asked, "May I steal your girl for a dance." Tristan hesitated for a brief moment before smiling and responding, "sure."

Ziva followed him out onto the dance floor as a slow, sweeping melody began to fill the air. He pulled her close, just like he had in Berlin. Ziva had noticed that Tony had taken her as far away from the others as possible. She looked up in to his eyes and smiled, finding that look once again in his eyes. She let her self melt into him just a bit and reveled in the feeling of their hands clasped, his hand securely on her waist and her hand resting on his shoulder. She thought to herself of how she could get use to the feeling of Tony's arms around her. If she would have looked around she would have noticed all of their friends watching them. She would have noticed Gibbs knowing look. She would have also noticed the look on Tristan's face, a look of a mixture of jealousy and something else not quite peaceable. But no, she noticed none of these things; she only noticed the feel of Tony, the looks they shared, and how she wanted to stay in his arms, forever and always.

I'm trying to wrap this story up. I don't think I would want to keep writing it after the premier, i'll probably be too depressed lol. This is the beginning of the end my friends. Only 3 more chapters, which are all written already, accept the next to last one. Feedback is welcome.