After all these years, years and years that Arik was with Kadeer, what was the point of letting Kadeer live? Arik could have killed him years ago and no one else would've suffered.

Promises abound! But none that I'm scared won't be kept. ) What a beautiful epilogue and beautiful story. I'm pretty sure I had a smile this whole chapter.

Loved the playful, sexiness at the beginning. And yep, Tony is definitely and old romantic at heart. So appreciate the little callbacks to the show: Ziva's face when she showed McGee her passport on the show. It's one of her expressions that I won't forget; the DiNozzo family heirloom, loved the idea that Ziva fought for it for Tony, the quiet words Gibbs whispered in Ziva's ear. I do love that we never learned what was said, but sometimes I am a tad bit curious. ;) And the mentions of Tony's mother's love for movies. Also the twist with Ziva not believing in happy endings is amazing.

I love that they had written their vows/promises a long time ago and that there was no need to change anything. Even with its brevity, still encompasses their struggles and their paths that they took separately and together and the devotion that they have towards their family.

It's been a treat to have read and reread your stories. Especially during a time when I was still quite embittered by Ziva's departure and the story-telling thereafter. Our little discussions have also been insightful and a joy to read your thoughts. I can only hope that Cote can come back to wrap up Ziva's story that would hopefully resemble this in some way, in that she leaves her ghosts and demons behind and move forward with Tony. All the best to you and your future endeavors!

The way you have the David-DiNozzo household getting that peaceful calmness again now that things are right again is lovely. Just with a little addition of a picture allows Ziva to openly share her own childhood a bit more as well. And the end with making a bed in the living room and the sounds of Tony and Tali playing and laughing. I remember my parents, my sister and I staying up late and sleeping in the living room together when I was younger, so that made me nostalgic. Warmth all over!

The talk with Gibbs and Tony is brief but wonderful. The acknowledgement that Tony doesn't need Gibbs' explicit approval for everything, that though Gibbs' has been a great guide and father figure, he, as you put it nicely, didn't always do right by Tony either. I think that one's experience in life can only give advice to a certain extent and certain perspective. Some things you learn for yourself, (which is something that Gibbs tries to show his kids to do, even if his methods aren't always fitting), and you apply what you learn in your own ways.

Loved the way Tali put it! "A year old together" - adorable! The short Tony and David shopping bonding was cute as well. I had a laugh at Tony mentally trying to find an excuse for his 3 bags. Also loved the line of thought that David had, that when Tony meant something, it more serious than serious, because I believe that that's such a big part of Tony's character.

Whewww! A load of burden and stress unloaded now that the case is over. As well as putting the past where it belongs.

I love that though Vance is not as integral to the team as a whole, he's still wholly accommodating and supportive, with the help of Jackie. *sighs* The show could've done something great with Jackie, if they'd cared to...

The talk outside with Tony and Ziva was beautiful. It was nice to see the thoughts going on in Ziva's head after the case was closed, the doubts that were roaming. I'm glad to see that Ziva's trying to let go of certain what ifs, because sometimes, they don't do much good. And Tony is just precious. I adore how, even if Tony and Ziva might lack some confidence in themselves, they have total confidence in the other, and that really makes up for a lot. "Hands in mine" - *hearts flutters*

Loved the glimpse of Eliana storing details of her grandchildren with the Tali not eating cucumbers. Interesting that of all vegetables, she doesn't like cucumbers. I find it one of the more easier ones to eat. :P

And that's reason why it's nice to have Eliana around a bit. She talks about the stories of Ziva when she was young, some of which Ziva doesn't even remember. Climbing a tree, definitely Ziva-like! Ha!

I also got a laugh with Tony when Ziva admitted that she was partly irritated that once upon a time, she would've done the same thing. While mother and daughter still need some time to fully sort things out, but Ziva's worry still shined through, and no matter what, she's relieved that Eliana was okay.

I was feeling the need to reread your stories, and it made me feel guilty that I hadn't find the time to review your last few chapters. xD Don't know if you'll read this, but I still want to leave a mark for my appreciation of your writing.

Loved the little convo with Tony and Abby about Tony's proposal years ago, as well as your explanation in your reply. It's not just a kind of leap of faith with Tony and Ziva, but it's a permanent faith and trust and love that they have built over the years for each other. And you're right, for them, especially Tony, being able to know with all your heart, without the need for a wedding, signifies so much more. Similar to the Abby and Tony scene, I really like how McGee and Ziva were casually talking about their kids and the end of Nolan.

It's amazing how much we can believe that Ducky and Ziva often have tea time together when we've only seen it once on the show. It's really one of those things that just works, and fits so well with their characters. And I love that little bit of Ziva patting Ducky's tie knot; I think she did something similar on the show too, very sweet.

The heart-to-heart talk between mother and son warms my heart. And the way in which you can see how Ziva's experience of motherhood kind of paves the way for a better understanding and as you said, moving on, with Eliana, is crafted so nicely.

So I was looking at the list of stories I was following once upon a time and came into this story's prequel. I don't think I had finished it back in the day.. I read it and found out about this, I read this in 2 days... Well done on both stories. Your writing style is amazing and characters are so truw to canon. Pity you retired from fanfiction.. but I can only imagine the dedication required to finish these. Well done once more!

I don't know if you still receive these alerts, but I decided to come back once again and retread both stories while I'm on vacation. This chapter never fails to impress me with the way you transition back and forth between tony and zivas evaluations. As sad as I was when this story was completed, I enjoy it more each time I come back to reread this and it's predecessor. I sure do miss your updates, but thankful for your contribution to fanfic ;) hope all is well.

Just finished reading. Absolutely fantastic! Only sorry you won't be writing more. Thank you for writing both stories.

Thank you for a wonderful, 'real' story; it's too bad that we won't get any more stories from you. I'll have to make do w what you've already written.

You do realize that I'm not okay with that, don't you? The ff retirement, that is! There are sooo many things and scenes left to write for this, and you WILL write them! They've appeared in your imagination, and if you dont let them out, they'll fester and eat you up from the inside! :D

So I totally TOTALLY love all of the beginning... now the actual 'ceremony' and promises thing? It's good and all.. but sooooo fluffy and cheesy! And I know most people LOVE that... just... much to cheesy for me! hehe :P
(And I knew it would be... to be honest, I've had the story open for a few days but havent gotten around to reading it.. partly because I know it's the last chapter (and I dont want it to end)... and partly because I expected the cheesiness! As weird as it sounds, then things like that ceremony.. I dont get the 'aww, cute' feeling... I literally find it awkward and uncomfortable or something... enough for me to actually skip those sections! - although in this case I did skim through their speeches really quickly).
Sorry.. long ramble! (guess I was trying to explain that it's not your story that there's something wrong with, but just me who is all weird! hehe)

LOVE the Ziva/Eliana moment! Its a very nice way of rounding it off... cause that's exactly how it is! Ziva understands, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt etc...

Okay... so the last part was very sweet, without being cheesy! :D

Now, dont think I didnt love this chapter... I totally DID! :D Just like I absolutely loved the entire thing! So sad to see it ending :(

It has truly been an amazing honor to read your fanfic series! It has definitely filled the depressed and anxiety TIVA hole that was created with the unfinished story between them on the show and is one of the only things that has truly made that situation more bearable for me! I'm sad to here that this is your last story, but I will never get tired of re-reading it. All I can say is well done; from start to finish this story has been incredibly realistic to the characters while also having an enticing plot one chapter after the next. Absolutely perfect! Congrats!

So it ends.

Congratulations on finishing this fantastic story, i especially liked that everything felt so in character.

I enjoyed each and every chapter of this great piece, thank you very much for writing it.

I have loved every work of this story... I'm so sad that it's over and that you won't be writing anymore. I'm going to miss this little family so much... I might miss Tali most of all, but really, I'd love to see where they all are ten years on... thanks so much for this!

Devastated. Devastated this story is over. And that you're now retired. That said, I absolutely loved this story. And its prequel. Forever thankful to Jae for recommending it. This epilogue was perfect in every way. I don't really have words. So I'll just say thank you. Thank you for sharing your talent, your words, your love for Tony and Ziva and an alternate reality for their love. I can see myself re-reading these stories over and over. And if you ever have the urge to unretire and write a little more Tiva, you won't find many here upset. :-)

All the best to you,
Rox