DISCLAIMER: I don't own NCIS.
A/N: Well, here's pretty much the epilogue. Whew, this was a lot longer than it was supposed to be. Hope you all have enjoyed it!
***
His feet pounded against the concrete before thudding on grass. Pumping his arms and letting the exhilaration flow through his veins as he chased s suspect. His first chase since his return to active duty. Later, he knows, his lungs will make him wheeze a little uncomfortably, but it didn't matter. He pushed against the ground and tackled the running man.
"Ziva, get the car."
Ziva halted just behind them and gave Tony a glare before sighing. Opening her phone she called McGee.
"McGee, bring the car to the park on… Grain Street."
Tony cuffed the runner and pulled him upright before speaking to Ziva again,
"Who'd of thought the butler really did it."
"I'm not a butler," the suspect exclaimed angrily. "They-"
"Shut up," Tony gave the man a shake.
McGee pulled up moments later and they piled in. As they handed him over to be held in the local precinct, McGee turned to Tony and nervously messed with his cuffs.
"Welcome back Tony, it's good to have you out here with us."
Tony smiled widely and responded, "Oh, McSentimental. I couldn't leave Ziva all alone. With you none the less! You would've been killed days ago!"
As Gibbs watched from the other side of the room, the three got into a squabble. He was about to go over and smack their heads but he kind of missed the banter between his people. Not that they were ever going to find that out. He let his mind wander back over the past months from Tony's breakdown to his abduction to the four months of mental recovery. It had been hard, but enlightening. And if he was honest a pleasurable time spending with his family.
Tony suddenly laughed loudly and touched Ziva's wrist. Gibbs tilted his head; he was proud of Ziva's emotional growth, even more proud she hurt so badly and let him help her. Those two, Gibbs smiled, were good for each other. She kept him grounded and he kept her happy. McGee pointed at Tony, wagging his finger accusatorily.
Deciding they had spent enough time in the station he swept passed them and out to their cars. They followed. Just as he opened his car door, Gibbs heard Tony tell his partners something he would never forget.
"Guys? I've missed being out here with you. You met my father, so you know when I say you guys are my family it means a lot. I, thanks for being here for me. I never would have made it without you McGee and you Ziva."
Gibbs closed his door and started his car. As soon as he flew out of the parking lot, he grinned. His team was back.