Sisters for Life - Tiva

***Saying Goodbye***

The DiNozzo car rolled out of the driveway the next morning. With two bags in the trunk, the family was silent on the whole way to the launch pad, where Tony would be taking a helicopter to a destination he couldn't share. Sam had her headphones on, trying not to think about the fact that in just over an hour, she would be saying goodbye to her dad. Cassie stared out the window, wanting to say something but not knowing what. Ziva held Tony's hand as he drove.

Ziva glanced over at Tony. He had been going through the file this morning. She watched him as he remembered all the details, and she didn't like what she saw... fear. Tony was afraid of this mission he was being sent on. It was dangerous.

An hour later, they arrived at a helicopter pad on the base. It was decently sized, but they had to stop at a gate. The car couldn't come any closer, so Tony would have to walk from there. Everyone got out and went to the trunk. Tony grabbed his bags and put them on the ground, then closed the trunk and turned to his family.

Cassie hugged him first, whispering, "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too," he said. Then Cassie stayed for a moment longer, then backed away.

When Sam didn't move, Ziva stepped up. She kissed Tony, then held his face looking at her.

"You come back to me," she said firmly. "Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Tony said softly. His blue-green eyes flashed with love as he kissed her one more time, holding her close.

She went to Cassie's side. Tony looked at Sam, who wasn't even looking at him. He held out his arms for a hug, and she came up and hugged him quickly. As soon as she could, she went around the car and got in the back seat.

Tony looked at Ziva a little worried, then he followed her. He opened the door, and Sam looked away.

"Don't I get a proper hug?" he asked.

Sam didn't move for a moment, then slowly got back out of the car. When she turned to Tony, he saw a sight he'd rarely seen before. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms as high around his neck as she could. Tony knelt to help her out with the height issue.

"Be good for your mom, okay? I'll be back soon."

She nodded, but didn't let go. "You sure?"

Tony slightly laughed. "Yeah. I'm positive."

She nodded again, this time she let go. He winked at her, then grabbed his things. That was the last thing Sam could stand to see. She got back in the car and slammed the door. Tony said goodbye one more time to Ziva, then made the walk out to the awaiting helicopter.