28 Seconds: Strength & Honor Chapter 38: Into that Goodnight, a ncis fanfic

Chapter 38

Into that Goodnight

Previously on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-

The next morning, Tali Colleton awoke with a smile on her face. She found herself entangled in Deeks' arms, and was quite content to stay there all day. That was until, there was a loud knocking on the front door. the knocking continued, so Tali unwillingly detangled herself from Deeks' arms and quickly slipped on a fresh bra and panties from her dresser. She threw on her white silk, floral print robe and made her way downstairs. She made her way to the front door, and what she fought, took her breath away, and made her heart skip a beat all at one time.

"Well, well, well, longtime no see Miss Colleton"

"Malachi?" Tali replied.

5 minutes earlier- 0725 hours, 15 November 2001, Marshlands- Colleton Family Estate, St. Matthews, South Carolina.

Tony loved the Carolinas in the winter. It was the perfect mix of warm & cool air. He also loved spending time at Marshlands. Every time he would spend the night here, he would always be up at 0500 to do his morning PT. he would spend a good 2 ½ hours, nearly double his usual run, running the grounds at Marshlands. Anne Colleton, Tom's younger sister and President of the family company, Colleton American Exports, spared no expense when it came to the grounds keeping at Marshlands.

On this particular morning, Tony was at the end of the final leg of his run, making his way up the path to the main house, when a black 2001 Chevy Yukon turned down the path after towards the house. Even at a distance, Tony could tell from the plates that is was a rental. Tony, in the mood for a challenge, decided to beat out the SUV to the house. Tony's jogging pace quickly accelerated into a run, before he broke out into an all-out sprint. Tony prided himself on keeping in peek physical condition, and having achieved a perfect score on 300 on every APFT he had ever taken. Despite his sister Robin's warning, Tony wasn't going to change his life style and start living life more carefully, he was going to continue taking risks, living his life to the fullest.

Tony made it to the front porch just as the black Yukon pulled up. Tony's shirt was drenched in sweat as he pulled in off, revealing his sculpted chest and 8-pack abs, the only imperfections being the various scars and bullet holes he had attained in battle. He leaned up against the wooden railing of the porch as the driver of the Yukon killed the engine and stepped out. He was dressed in a black t-shirt and dark navy blue jeans, as well as black urban warfare commando boots. "Well look what the cat dragged in" Tony said with a smile as he straightened himself upright.

"What the cat dragged in, is you" the driver joked as he ran his hand through his black hair. "Nice to see the place hasn't changed" he commented.

"Welcome back to Marshlands, Blue Star" Tony said as he shook Malachi's hand and gave him a bro hug.

"Good to be back Movie Buff" Malachi replied.

"I hope you didn't come alone" Tony said.

"I may have brought some lady friends with me" Mal smiled. Tony turned his attention to the SUV, as the driver side rear door open and his daughter, Liat, stepped out. Dressed in a blue t-shirt and a black leather jacket, and with her hair tied back in a ponytail, Liat walked over and gave her father a loving hug.

"Oh Abba, how I have missed you" Liat said as she gave her father a kiss on the cheek.

"And I you, my wonderful daughter" Tony replied. As the Father/Daughter reunion continued, another women, a brunette, stepped out of the passenger side of the SUV. "Well, I'll be damned" Tony said with a smile. "Dana David" he observed. "Still

"Tony DiNozzo" Dana replied as she approached him. She looked him up and down, taking him in. She could see instantly that he had seen years of combat. Evidence of the abuse he had put his body through could easily be seen. Scars that had once been bullet would were scattered across his torso, including one over his heart.

"It's good to see you again" Tony said as he extended his hand, breaking the awkward silence.

"You too" Dana replied.

"You 2 have met before?" Liat asked.

"A very long time ago" Dana said. "In Baghdad" Dana said. "Tony was placing IR Beacons for US Airstrikes. I was doing tracking down foreign nationals being held as hostages by the Republican Guard" Dana explains. "Tony helped get me out of the country after the bombings began".

"How?" Liat asked.

"We impersonated a CNN News crew" Tony said.

"As much as I love this trip down memory lane, there is a lovely young women I came to see" Malachi said as he made his way up the front porch and knocked on the front door.

"This should make for an interesting wedding" Tony observed as he walked Malachi wait impatiently in front of the door. After a few minutes, the door finally opened when Tali answered.

"Well, well, well, longtime no see Miss Colleton" Malachi said. For a few moments, Tali was speechless.

"Malachi?" Tali said. She was absolutely shocked. It was just the previous night that Tali had finally decided to move on with her life and take her relationship with Marty to the next level. It was Marty, not Malachi, who had taken her virginity. For years she had been hung up on Malachi; pining after him, waiting for him to make his move. It the end, he never did. The only thing she got out of the whole thing was one kiss as he was departing for Israel. Sure, it was the most phenomenal kiss she had ever had, but still. She had moved on from him. She was with Marty now and she intended to keep it that way. Not to mention, Liat had told her about Malachi's relationship with Ziva. How could Malachi still love her if he was sleeping with her sister? That left Tali with only one option: she slammed the door right in his face.

Malachi was absolutely stunned. It had been over a year since he'd seen her. The last thing he told her was that he loved her. He had hoped that she would at the very least be glad to see him. But his, getting the door slammed in his face? He certainly never saw that coming. His jaw dropped in awe. How could she do this to him? He thought to himself. He turned around and saw Tony nearly collapsed over from laughter. Malachi stepped back from the door, and walked back towards the SUV, Tony still bursting with laughter. "Was that fun?" Tony said as he continued to laugh. Malachi replied with a single fingered hand gesture. "That was so worth the wait" he added as Malachi remained speechless.

"You ok?" Dana asked.

"I don't know" Malachi finally spoke up. Tony, who had finally gotten his laughter under control, decided Malachi needed a few words of encouragement.

"It ain't over, till it's over" Tony said. "You haven't lost her yet" he told him. "Come on, let's go get some breakfast"

Once Tony had invaded the kitchen, the sweet smell of eggs & bacon eventually drew everyone down stairs. The 1st one down was Tali, who was accompanied by Deeks. There were an awkward few moments when Deeks and Malachi locked eyes. "Sergeant Major Ben-Gidon" Mal said as he extended his hand.

"Sergeant 1st Class Martin Deeks" Deeks said as he shook Mal's hand. "So you're the infamous 'Blue Star'" Deeks said.

"So they tell me" Mal said with a small smile.

"Sergeant Major?" Tali asked.

"Got promoted over the summer. I back with the Commandos" Malachi said as he shoveled a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

"Believe it or not, Blue Star's manners have actually improved" Tony said as he continued to cook more eggs & bacon.

"Scary thought" said Bridget as she entered the room, dressed in a white sun dress. "Long time no see Ben-Gidon" Bridget said as she and Mal exchanged kisses on the cheek.

"You too Sullivan" Mal said with a smile.

"There are too many people in the kitchen!" Tony yelled. "Get food and get out!" he ordered.

"Why are you yelling!" yelled Mal, who was laughing.

"Out!" Tony yelled. The room quickly cleared as Colonel Colleton, dressed in a red robe, entered. "Out!" Tony yelled again.

"This is my kitchen, Jackass" Tom yelled at him.

"Sorry Sir" Tony said.

"You're in piss pour mood this morning" Tom observed as he poured himself a cup of black coffee. Tony decided to not mention what had transpired the night before between himself and Bridget.

While Tony and Tom discussed the wedding in the kitchen, Malachi and Bridget made their way out to the front porch. "So, Tony tells me your with Ziva" Bridget said as she and Mal took a seat on the porch swing.

"Ehh" Mal said as he sipped his coffee. "After I got back, I hated my life. I hated going to Mossad HQ every day. I missed Tali so much. So I tried to compensate"

"With Ziva" Bridget concluded.

"Yeah" Mal said. "So, still head over heels for DiNozzo?" Mal asked.

"Is it that obvious?" Bridget asked.

"To everyone but DiNozzo himself" Mal said. "Don't worry, tonight is Billy's bachelor party. Plenty of booze. Hopefully enough to pry his tongue loose" he told her.

"Thanks Mal" Bridget said.

1900 hours, 15 November 2001, Observation Deck, Empire State Building, Manhattan Island, New York City, New York.

"Wow, this is incoyable" Karine said as she looked out at the greatest city in the world. "Thank you so much, Trois" she said. No matter how many times he corrected her, Karine insisted on calling him by the French translation of his name.

"You're welcome" Three said as he stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Karine smiled and leaned back into him. "Karine, I have to tell you something" he began. "I'm falling in love with you" Three whispered into her ear. Karine smiled as tears came to her eyes. Karine turned in Three's arms until she was facing him. Karine smiled brightly as she leaned up and gave Three a kiss.

"I love you too" she told him.

1930 hours, 15 November 2001, St. Matthews Tavern, St. Matthews, South Carolina.

To say that St. Matthew's was a small town would be an understatement. With a population of under 100, Deeks was lucky to find a bar to host Billy's bachelor party. While the rest of the boys (Deeks, Billy, Cole, Weston, Gardocki and Garris) all enjoyed their 1st round of beer, Malachi & Chester joined Tony at the bar. "Gentlemen" Tony said as he sipped his Budweiser.

"Top" both men replied.

"So, honestly Top, what are Billy's chances when the Court Martial resumes?" Chester asked.

"He'll get off scot free on the more serious of the charges, but he won't get out on some of the lesser ones" Tony told them.

"You've known the whole time haven't you?" Malachi asked, who had been filled in by Meg earlier in the day.

"Yeah" Tony said.

"Hitman's out, isn't he?" Chester asked.

"Yes" Tony said. "After the Court Martial, I'm gonna hand him his walking papers. That is, if the Army doesn't do it first" he said.

"You ask me, he never should've been in to begin with" Malachi said. "I told you, back in 97' when you recruited him" he said.

"Yes, Malachi, you did" Tony conceded. "But that doesn't change the situation we are in now" he told them.

"And what if, Billy beats all the charges? Kicking him out could hurt the Unit" Chester asked.

"Meg has standing orders to throw Billy to the wolves" Tony said. "Billy screwed himself over when he took Colonel Barrett up on his offer. He's liability, and he's finished" Tony told them.

"That's cold Top" Chester said.

"You think I'm wrong?" Tony asked.

"No" Chester replied.

"Then keep your mouth shut till it's over" Tony ordered.

"On it" Chester said. "I think I'll join the boys" he said as he grabbed his beer and made his way over to the table.

"A lot's changed since I've been gone" Malachi observed.

"Too much. it used to be so much simpler" Tony said. "So, how long do we have this time?" he asked.

"Indefinite period" Malachi said.

"Good, we could use you" Tony said. "So, you and Ziva?" Malachi asked with a smile.

"So you know?" Malachi asked.

"Oh come on, like you didn't know Dana has been feeding me intel for over a decade" Tony said. "So why Ziva?" Tony asked.

"Because I figured you wouldn't mind, seeing as how you're married, and in love with Bridget" Mal told him. "Although I will admit, you're a great actor. You even had me going there, for a while. Like back in Peru"

The mere mention of Rivkin's name was enough to piss off Tony. Michael Rivkin. Michael fucking Rivkin. Scum of the earth. He killed John and laughed about it. And he raped that girl Ziva. Ziva he thought, as the mention of her name was more than enough to brighten his day. Tony loved his wife Kate very much, and would never, ever cheat on her. But goddamn, he had fallen head over heals for Ziva the first time he ever saw her. Not that it really matters, I'll probably never see Ziva David ever again anyway he thought. Then he looked up, a in an extremely low voice said "Ziva, I know you can't possibly hear this, but I want you to know, I will kill Michael Rivkin for what he did to you. I promise". He looked around to see if anyone heard him. Both Chester and Malachi seemed to have been pre-occupied with watching the compound.

However, unbeknownst to Tony, Malachi had heard every word. Remaining silent, Malachi smiled.

"You actually had me believing you had the hots for Ziva" Malachi said.

"To be fair, Rivkin will die, for what he did Johnny and Jordan" Tony said.

"No doubt" Mal replied with nod. "Rivkin and Eli David will die for the crimes they have committed" he added. "Anyway, you had me going, for a very long time, especially when you faked that slip of the tongue a couple of years ago.

"Oh really" countered Mal. "Tony, how many women have you slept with?" Mal asked him.

"One. I've only slept with the women I love." Replied Tony.

"And who is that?" asked Mal quickly, hoping his plan would work.

"Ziva" answered Tony just as quickly. A look of shocked appeared on his face once he had realized what he had said. "Kate, I mean Kate, I mean Kate, I mean Kate" Tony repeated.

"I knew it" Mal said as he jumped out of his seat. "I knew it, I knew it. You are in love with another woman. You are in love with Ziva David" said Malachi with a humongous smile on his face.

"You were good, really good. He'll if it hadn't been for that one thing, you'd still be pulling off the scam of a lifetime" Mal told him.

"And, hypothetically, what might that one thing be?" Tony asked.

"We'll ya see, I'm "Cool Uncle Mal" so your kids tell me all the cool stuff they can't or won't tell you" he began. "But really it was Billy, who gave you away" he confessed. Tony did some quick thinking and realized what Mal was talking about.

"New York, the reservoir" Tony said. Mal gave him an affirming nod.

Tony reached across the table and took Bridget's hand in his, giving her a comforting smile.

"I'm so sorry about this Bridget" Tony said with a tear in his eye.

"He's not gonna let us go. So what are we going to do?" Bridget asked.

"When I give the word, I want you to get down behind me" Tony instructed.

"You were willing to do anything to get her back safe, even if it meant you didn't make it yourself" Mal surmised.

"Damn" Tony said when he realized that Mal had figured it all out.

"It's not too late" Mal told him.

"Not too late for what?" Tony asked.

"To be with her" he said. "Your kids are all grown up, there's nothing tying you back. Not to mention Kate has been sleeping around with that Marine Corp Major for a good long while" Mal added.

"Jesus Christ, does everyone know about that?" Tony said, taking the Lord's name in vein.

"Pretty much" Mal nodded. "You and Bridget should be together"

"I could say the same for you and Tali" Tony said.

"That's different" Mal replied.

"Yeah, you 2 have it easier, neither of you are married" Tony said with a smile as he tapped his wedding band. "But honestly, I think you may have missed the boat with Tali" he told him. "She's moved on with Deeks"

"I told her I'd come back" Mal said.

"You just forgot to tell her you were gonna fuck her sister in the meantime" Tony joked.

"Do you really think she would hold that against me?" Mal asked honestly.

"Yes" Tony replied as he finished his beer and signaled the barkeeper for another.

"She moved on too" Mal protested.

"Yes, but only long after she found out you and Ziva were hooking up" he explained. "Oh, shit, I almost forgot" Tony said as he took a swig of his next beer. He reached over to the bar and handed a wooden box. "Happy belated Birthday" Tony said. Malachi opened the box and inside where 2 Magnum 44. Caliber Revolvers tucked into 2 cowhide holsters.

"These the one's that Hellfire gave you?" Mal asked.

"They are indeed" Tony said. "He gave em to me after I killed Clark Palmer" Tony told him.

"Ah, the psycho with a smile" Mal recalled as he raised his beer. "May he rot in hell"

"Amen, brother" Tony said as he and Mal knocked glasses. "So, what do you think?" he asked Mal.

"Are these back holsters?" Mal asked.

"They are indeed" Tony smiled.

"I like it" Mal said as he strapped on the belt, the holsters resting atop his lower back. "But what about you?" Mal asked.

"I got my friend right here" Tony said as he slapped the holster that hung low off his belt, over his right hip.

"Alright then" Mal smiled.

"All right, come on. Time for a little fun with the groom" Tony said with a smile. Both he and Mal grabbed their beers and made their way over to the table with the rest of their men. "Gentlemen" Tony said as he and Mal took a seat.

"Top" everyone replied.

"So, you're probably all wondering, why only Billy is dressed in his best and most expensive tuxedo… well, at least Billy is anyway" Tony said with a smile. "Well ya see, Billy, as Chester can vouch for, We can't let you get married just yet" Tony said with an evil smile.

"What do you mean?" asked a very confused Captain Billy Hazard.

"Ya see" Malachi interjected. "Before you can get married, ya need something"

"What?"

"A shower" Tony said as everyone around the table upended their beers and poured them onto Billy's head. Billy was so shocked, he could only laugh.

The next 2 hours were spent telling stories and tails, and of course, drinking beer. By 2300 hours, with the boys good n drunk, Tony & Mal exited the bar. Tony had had a few in him, but he was still quite coherent. "Make sure Billy gets home safe ok?" Tony ordered Mal.

"Me and Chester will take care of it" Mal told him. "Can I give you a bit of advice Top?"

"Shoot" Tony replied.

"I will bet you 'dollars to donuts' that right now, Kate is sleeping with that Marine Major" Mal began.

"You're just beggin for a headslap aren't ya?" Tony said, in a none-to-thrilled tone of voice.

"Top, when you say that you love Kate, I believe you" Mal said. "But when it comes to Kate, you're not 'In Love' with her. You're in love with someone else. Go Tony. Go to her, the woman you love" Mal encouraged. Before either of them could say anything else, Tony jumped in his Mustang and sped off into the night. Malachi smiled as he watched Tony drive off. He reached into his pocket, grabbed his cell phone, and he quickly dialed Bridget's number. "Red Cap, this Blue Star, the package in en-route" Mal said as he hung up.

2315 hours, 15 November 2001, Marshlands- Colleton Family Estate, St. Matthews, South Carolina.

Once she had hung up with Malachi, Bridget bit her lip with eager anticipation as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a flimsy pink negligée over a matching set of pink bra and panties. If everything when right, tonight would be the night that she finally got to be with the man of her dreams. The man she had been in love with for nearly 8 years. She smiled brightly as he heard of the sound of Tony's Mustang thundering down the main drive towards the main house. "Here we go" Bridget said softly.

Tony parked his Mustang off to the side of the house and killed the engine. He stepped out and looked up towards the house itself, seeing the light in Bridget's window. Suddenly, in one great flood, every moment of happiness he had shared with Bridget came flooding back to him.

Tony all of a sudden felt cold. He felt numb and alone. Seeing this, Bridget did something she never thought she would have the courage to do. As Tony's hand rested on their shared arm rest, Bridget slowly but surely, inched her hand towards his. She gently laid her hand on top of Tony's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. For just a moment, she could feel the heat radiating through her body. She felt Tony's hand turning over beneath her own. It was then she knew the brief moment was over. But then, as if by fate, something unexpected happened. She felt Tony squeeze her had back. She was shocked and yet utterly pleased at the same time. She looked up and her bright blue eyes met Tony's green ones. For just a moment, both of them felt a spark, or a "Thunderbolt" as Michael Corleone once said in "The Godfather" (MGM, 1972). They spark, however, was extinguished when both of them realized where they were and what they were about to do. Using only his eyes to apologize, Tony slowly leaned back into his chair and released Bridget's hand. Bridget, in turn, turned away from Tony, as she did not want him to see her blushing bright red

"Because I wondered who the hell would be knocking on my door at 2230. I had no idea it would be a wild stallion" said Bridget as she watched Tony pick up her gun. As he did, his hand started to shake a little. "How long are you planning on hiding it?" she asked him.

"Hiding what?" he countered. Bridget reached forward and took the gun from his hand, placing it back on the table. Bridget took each of Tony's hands in hers, "Tony you have nerve damage" she said urgently.

"So" said Tony. "If I tell EJ, he'll have me benched before I can say "apple jack" Tony said urgently. "I can still do my job Brig" he assured her. Bridget pushed Tony's hands together and interlaced his fingers with her own. Then she lifted up their conjoined hands and placed a kiss to his knuckles. She kissed each of the scares that lay on his hands from years of fighting.

"You can't keep hiding this forever" she pleaded.

"I can, and I will. Not even Kate knows about this, but then again, how could see, when I only see once every few months" Tony complained.

"You'll always have me" Bridget said.

"I know, my sweet Georgia Peach" Tony said as he placed a kiss on her cheek. Only Tony knew that Bridget was originally from Georgia, not Texas, where she grew up.

I love you Tony Bridget thought as she pulled Tony into a tight hug.

"Tigger?" Bridget asked.

"Not another syllable" Tony ordered her as he held up his finger.

"There's a story there" Bridget guessed.

"Not enough booze in the world to loosen my tough that much" Tony smiled. Tony took one more sip of his beer, before placing it down. By now, the music had begun to play, and the guests were beginning to dance. "Wanna Dance, my sweet Georgia Peach?" Tony asked with a smile as he held out his arm.

"I thought you'd never ask" Bridget said as she interlocked her arm with his. They made their way out onto the dance floor in Marshlands' Grand Ball room as the music changed to "Into the Night" by Santana. Tony quickly spun Bridget around, as the right hand clasped her left, and his left hand made its way to the small of her back.

Like a gift from the heavens, it was easy to tell,
It was love from above, that could save me from hell,
She had fire in her soul it was easy to see,
how the devil himself could be pulled out of me,
There were drums in the air as she started to dance,
Every soul in the room keeping time with there hands,
And we sang...

Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And the voices rang like the angels sing,
We're singing...
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And we danced on into the night,
Ay oh ay oh,
Ay oh ay oh,
And we danced on into the night,

Tony brought Bridget closer, their chests pressed together, their lips less than inch apart.

Like a piece to the puzzle that falls into place,
You could tell how we felt from the look on our faces,
we was spinning in circles with the moon in our eyes,
The room left them moving between you and I,
We forgot where we were and we lost track of time,
And we sang to the wind as we danced through the night,
And we sang...

Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And the voices rang like the angels sing,
We're singing...
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And we danced on into the night,
Ay oh ay oh,
Ay oh ay oh,
And we danced on into the night,
Ay oh ay oh,
Ay oh ay oh,
And we danced on into the night,

Tony spun Bridget around again, this time, bring her even closer. So close, you couldn't see light between them.

Bridget heart was beating so fast she thought it was going to burst through her chest. She ever so slowly but surely, began inching her lips closer to Tony's, having every intention of kissing him.

Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And the voices rang like the angels sing,
We're singing...
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
And we danced on into the night,
Ay oh ay oh,
Ay oh ay oh,
And we danced on into the night,
(And the voices rang like the angels sing),
Ay oh ay oh,
Ay oh ay oh,
And we danced on into the night,
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
(Ay oh ay oh),
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
(Ay oh ay oh),
Singing ay oh ay oh ay oh ay,
(Ay oh ay oh),
And we danced on into the night...

Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the song ended. Bridget's and Tony's lips, mere micrometers apart.

It was then, in that very moment, that Tony decided to act. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he walked confidently inside. He quickly bound his way up the stairs, and made it all the way to Bridget's door. He ball a fist to knock on the door, until something stopped him. it was the same thing that always stopped him when it came to Bridget. He remembered something, his father, Sonny, had once told him.

"A man's character is what he does when no one else is around"

A tear slid down Tony's cheek as he unballed his fist and slowly backed away from the door. "I'm so sorry" he said softly as slowly backed away from the door.

Inside her room, Bridget's heart sank as she heard Tony's whisper. Her eye's quickly welled up with tears as cried herself to sleep.

1730 hours, 16 November 2001, Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan, New York City, New York.

Tonight was the night for Three & Karine. Three and Lieutenant Galtier had been assigned by Colonel Colleton to be extra security for a New York Catholic Arch-Diocese Charity event. Both US President McCain and the Premiere of Quebec would be in attendance. Also present would be Tony's parents, Sonny Corinthos and Olivia Falconeri, as Sonny was currently serving as President McCain's interm White House Chief of Staff.

Three, who was freshly shaven and in his Class-A dress uniform, walked up to the theatre with Karine, who was dressed in a beautiful red dress, and a thin red silk wrap over it.

After introducing Karine to the President and his Grandparents, Three ran into someone he most certainly wasn't expecting. "Uncle Rick" Three called out. "Uncle Rick" he called again. The man he was yelling to turned and smiled.

"Three" he called back. Three and Karine made their way over to Three's uncle and the small redhead standing next to him.

"Uncle Rick" Three said as he shook the man who was dressed in a black tuxedo. "Richard Castle, I would like to introduce you to GIGN Sergeant, Ms. Karine Christelle DuBois" he said. He then turned to Karine and said "This is my uncle, Richard Castle" Three said.

"Nice to me you Sergeant DuBois" Rick said as he gave her a bow.

"And you, Monsieur Castle" Karine replied as she curtsied.

"Three, what about me" said the tiny redhead as she tugged at Three's pant leg. Three smiled as he bend down and scoped up the girl.

"Oh course, how could I forget my favorite little munchkin" he said as he showed her his cheek. The little girl smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Three smiled again as he placed the girl down to his side. "Just like I taught you" Three whispered in her ear.

"Hello, my name is Alexis Castle" the young girl smiled as she extended her small hand. Karine smiled brightly as she bent down to shake Alexis' hand.

"Very nice to meet you, my name is Karine Christelle DuBois" she said in her heavily accented English.

"That's a pretty name" Alexis said as she shook Karine's hand. After releasing Karine's hand, Alexis looked up at her father. "Daddy, can I sit with Three? Please?" she begged him.

"If it's ok with him" Rick replied.

"Please Three?" Alexis asked as she turned to her older cousin.

"Ok" Three smiled as he scoped her up once again as the group made their way inside the theater. As they did, they bumped into another group. "Excuse us" Three said not looking at who the man was. As he tried to keep moving, Alexis sneezed on the man's jacket.

"Are you fucking kidding me, that little brat!" the man yelled at Alexis. Alexis quickly got scared and buried her face in Three's shoulder. Three's jaw clenched as he filled with rag. He quickly handed Alexis to Karine as he quickly got in the man's face. It was then that he realized that it was John Gotti Jr., the son of the man who used to run Sonny's New York operation.

"Problem Gotti?" Three asked as he got in his face.

"This is a 6,000 dollar suit" he yelled back.

"Get over it" Three said. "And don't ever use foul language in front of my little cousin again" Three said.

"Or what?" Gotti replied. Three balled up his fist and landed a haymaker across Gotti's face, knocking him to the floor.

"Stay away from my family" Three told. "Or I swear you'll regret it" he added.

0605 hours, 16 November 2001, Marshlands- Colleton Family Estate, St. Matthews, South Carolina.

Thanks to Anne, everything was set. The main barn had been converted into a chapel and the Grand Ballroom was all setup for the reception. The guests had begun to filter in as Billy stood at the alter, with Deeks standing behind him. The Wedding March began as Tali made her way down the aisle.

Izzy half smiled as she watched Tali go up the aisle while checking her appearance in the mirror one more time. Today was her wedding day, the happiest of her life. And yet, once again, her father wasn't there. It wasn't like she was counting on him to show up, but it was still disappointing none the less. But know she had to face facts. "Looks like I'll be walking down the aisle, alone" she sighed.

"I wouldn't count on that" said a voice from behind her. Izzy quickly turned around to see Tony standing there. He was dressed in his blue Class-A dress uniform. Clasped around his neck was his medal of honor and his tan Ranger beret on his head. He was even wearing his sabre.

"Colonel?" asked a shocked Izzy.

"I heard you needed a ride down the aisle" Tony said as he offered her his arm.

- The Following events occur simultaneously-

Everyone stood as Tony & Izzy made their way down the aisle. Deeks and Tali smiled at each other. They had now spent 2 nights together. As far as Deeks was concerned, Tali was the one. Deeks was falling for her, hard and fast.

Meanwhile, back in NYC, the event was in full swing. However, it was now intermission, and Alexis was getting fidgety. "Three, I'm hungry" Alexis complained for the umpteenth time.

"Ok, ok" Three said as he handed Alexis over to Rick. "I'm gonna go get her a candy bar, or something" Three said as he exited the theater into the hall. He was about to leave the building when a secret service agent stopped him.

"Staff Sergeant DiNozzo, your mother needs to see you upstairs" the agent said.

"Um, ok" Three said. He quickly made his way back up the hall when he ran into Karine. "Babe, my mom needs to speak with me. Can you run out and get a candy bar for Alexis?" he asked as he pulled out his wallet.

"Sure" Karine said as Three handed her a 5 dollar bill.

"Get me one too please, a Milky Way?" Three asked.

"Ok" Karine said as she leaned in for a kiss. Three smiled and gave her one.

Once they reached the alter, Tony leaned over and gave Izzy a kiss on the cheek as he took a seat next to Bridget in the front row. Billy took Izzy's hand as they as she stepped up. "Dearly Beloved" The reverend began, we are gathered here today, to join this man, and this women in holy matrimony. Should anyone feel they have just cause, for why these 2 should not be joined in wedlock"

"Or headlock" joked Chester from the 1st row, earning himself a headslap from Tony.

"Let them speak now, or forever hold their peace". When no one spoke up, the reverend continued. "Now then, Billy" he began. "Do you William Henry Hazard, take Izabella Freya Gibbs, to be your wife; to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better or for worse, for richer, or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and worship her, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?" the reverend asked.

"I do" Billy replied with a smile.

"Izzy" he said as he turned to her. "Do you, Izabella Freya Gibbs, take William Henry Hazard, to be your husband; to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better or for worse, for richer, or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and obey him, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do" Izzy replied.

"Then by the power vested in me, by the State of South Carolina, I now pronounce you, husband and wife"

Karine had exited the building and headed over to a small convenience store down the street. She went inside and quickly grabbed 2 Milky Way candy bars. She walked up to the counter and placed them down. "How much?" she asked the clerk, but the clerk didn't answer. At 1st, Izzy thought it might be her heavily accented English, but then she noticed something: the clerk's hands were trembling. Then she noticed that the cash register's draw was opened and it had been emptied. She then realized that other than herself and the clerk, there was only one other person in the store. Thinking quickly, Izzy quickly drew her Walther PPK from her purse and spun around to confront the man. "US Army!" she yelled, knowing that yelling "GIGN" would probably get her nowhere. The man tried to reach behind his back, but Karine was quick to catch on. Ever since she had joined the Unit back in June, Three had been teaching her as much as he could. "Don't reach, I'm French GIGN, you'll never get there" she barked at him. "Put your hands in the air!" she ordered. "That's it" she said once the man complied. "On the floor, face down! Move!" she yelled as she inched closer to him, her gun aimed at his chest. Once the man was on the ground, Karine continued to do just as Three had taught her. She placed her knee down in between the man's shoulder blades and pressed down with all her weight. Then, with her gun in one hand, she used her other to quickly frisk the man. She pulled the man's gun, a 38. snubnose, from his waist band and tossed it away. "You shouldn't get down on yourself, I was trained by the best" Karine bragged about Three. "Me walking into the middle of your armed robbery, c'est la vie" she told him. "You stay right here" she ordered as she used her wrap to quickly bind the man's hands behind his back. She stood up and smiled. "Now, I just need to phone the proper authorities" she said proudly. "Monsieur, I hate to be a troubling customer, but if I do not get those Milky Way bars soon" she said as gun shots erupted from behind the counter. It was once said that, training is useful, but nothing is better than experience. Karine had been so focused on the one man, she had failed to notice his partner. The 3 bullets struck Karine's chest with a thunderous impact, knocking the young women off her feet. The 2 would be robbers made a mad dash for the door, splashing through Karine's blood, which was now pooling on the tile floor.

A/N- (Bridget's voice)- Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-

In the wake of Karine's shooting, Three's life begins to spiral out of control. With the Unit needed elsewhere, Liat joins forces with an unlikely source find answers. At the wedding, sparks fly between Mal and Tali. Finally, Tony and the Unit return to Afghanistan, where Tony clashes with a politically motivated 3-star General.

A/N2- Who do you think Tony should end up with? Be sure to vote in the poll on my profile page.