5 Years Later

It was always an event when the members of Dagger Squad got together outside of work. 

Yes, they were an official squad. After the mission went off successfully (even with a few hiccups) the Navy decided to keep the detachment together. They had the highest success rate of any team in the Navy, with a few new members being added here and there for specific missions. 

But the core group stayed together, meaning they were all located fairly close to one another. 

Today, however, was a very special day. Maribel Gonzales had graduated college! The fresh graduate left school with a Major in Photography and a Minor in Business. Malina had really inspired the girl. Mari was never quite sure what she wanted to do with her future. But seeing the world through Mal's eyes when they met and every day since opened Mari's own eyes. 

The two were even planning to do some work together, in hopes of possibly publishing them or creating a gallery. 

Before the Floyd Family could arrive at the Seresin-Gonzalez house, they had an important person to pick up. 

Looking into the back seat of the car, Mal cooed, "Ready to see Aunty Nat?" 

The two year old clapped his hands happily before chanting, "Aunty Nat, Aunty Nat." (It was safe to say Natasha was the boy's favorite of the Squad.) 

Bob shook his head from the driver's seat. "Now look what you've started. He won't stop until we pick her up." 

Malina shrugged her shoulders. They both knew Bob was just messing around. He loved that his son loved his squad so much. They literally held each other's lives in their hands, so the bond between them all was strong. 

Soon enough, the family of three pulled up to a familiar house. Natasha was already outside, waiting with a large bag in hand. As soon as she saw the car, a smile appeared on her face. And without any prompting, she went straight for the back seat where she could greet her godson. 

(That's right. Natasha got the Favorite bragging rights AND the Godmother bragging rights. Carter was jealous. He only got Godfather bragging rights.) 

"How's my favorite boy doing?" She asks the toddler, tickling his stomach. He giggles before giving her a sloppy kiss to the cheek. 

Natasha gets settled in the car before they continue on their way to the party. 

And a party it is. 

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

Now, the Seresin-Gonzalez home had always had a pool. But they had somehow managed to transform a simple pool into a wonderland. 

Mari had her friends, both high school and college at the party, as well as her Navy family. Jake was making his mom's famous barbecue ribs on the grill as Reyna was dishing out some massive amounts of chips and salsa. 

(Seriously, where did these people put all that food? Literally every single person there either had a six-pack or worked out on a regular basis.) 

Mari, despite being dripping wet from the pool, hopped out and all but ran to the Newly arrived group of 4. 

"Hi!" she yelled out as she got to them. Mal gave the young woman a hug, not caring about the pool water but Bob and Nat gave her a high five, wanting to stay dry for the moment. 

"Congratulations college grad! We're so proud of you. You made it through 4 years of hell!" Malina exclaimed before Bob slapped his forehead. Their son had been picking up on their language a lot more and was prone to repeating them. Mal was the most repeat offender when it came to bad words. 

Mari laughed and was quick to grab the toddler, always happy to see him. The boy was just happy with all the extra attention. She bounced him a bit before he started grabbing for some food. "That's your cue, Momma Mal." She handed him back to Mal, who promptly handed him to Bob, who just sighed. (This was a normal occurrence.)

Before any more words could be spoken, Eli appeared behind his girlfriend, throwing her over his shoulder and tossing her into the deep end of the pool. "Eli! You asshole!" 

He simply laughed before jumping back in himself where he was subjected to a splash war by his girlfriend. 

The celebration went on for the entire day, with people coming and going to congratulate the graduate. (They also had mini celebrations for all the other young adults who had also just graduated.) 

The day was winding down as Malina and Bob made their way to the Woman of Honor. The remaining people had moved into the house to enjoy the night inside. 

"Mari, it's time for your gift. Now, we ran this by your sister and she agreed," Mal handed her a card. 

Mari opened it only for a photo to fall out. Picking it up, Mari let out a scream. She even started jumping in her spot. "Is this legit? For real? You're not joking right now?!" 

Her friends were already curious but now they had to know. Reyna and Jake were smiling at the woman, as they had anticipated this reaction. 

Mal and Bob nodded, smiles on their faces. "She's all yours in two weeks. And, if you decide you want to put her in training classes, we will help you out with that too." 

You see, Risky had passed about a year prior, so the Floyd Family was in the business for a new puppy. It just so happened the litter they were looking at had another puppy still up for adoption. 

So after much discussion between Mal and Reyna, they came to an agreement. 

Mari was finally getting her puppy. 

"Carter also sent us his gift, along with his apology, again. He's gotten you a bunch of the starter items you'll need, like bowls, leashes, and toys. But he also talked with a friend of his who works with the K-9 unit at FBI Quantico. There are some classes and techniques he can get you into, if you want, so your dog has some guard and alert training." 

Mari was about to have one of the most protective dogs on the planet. 

"I literally can't thank you all enough. And I'll have to yell at Carter because he's already apologized in every form possible. It's not his fault a case came up." Mari just hugged Mal tight, the woman swaying them slightly. 

Mari had given Malina a little sister to look out for and Reyna had given her a twin to love. 

The rest of the gifts had been given out, although not many could top the puppy. 

But there was still a surprise or two left in store for the night. 

Somehow, Reyna and Jake had managed to keep their gift to Mari a secret, from even their friends. While Mari believed she had already gotten their gift (help with her new apartment), they had one more up their sleeve. 

"Today is all about Maribel, as it should be with what she has just accomplished. But, now that we are all together, we have one more gift for you," Reyna began, holding out a bag to her sister. Jake was behind his wife, holding her at the waist. 

"Go ahead and open it, Mar." 

She was quick to tear out the tissue paper before she froze. Her hands were shaking slightly as she pulled out a piece of paper. 

Suddenly, Mari looked at her sister and brother-in-law, tears in her eyes. "Really?" The two nod at her question, small smiles on their faces. 

"You're pregnant?!" 

With that exclamation, the entire room exploded in cheers and congratulations. The couple had been busy, finally having their wedding after a long engagement and putting Mari through college. The newly minted Seresin family was finally adding a new member. 

Or should I say, members? 

"Twins to be exact. I'm four months along. They should be here before Halloween," Reyna said as she hugged her sister. 

Javy looked to his best friend. "You just can't do anything half-assed, can you? Always have to be the overachiever." Jake shrugged with a look of 'what can you do' on his face. 

"You can't change perfection." 

That got groans out of the room. But Malina and Bob looked at each other before nodding. 

They stepped forward to congratulate the couple before Mal said, "it's destiny, I guess. You and Mari gave me sisters five years ago and now you're giving me nieces or nephews." She hugged Reyna. 

"It only makes sense that I give you a few more too." 

The room becomes silent. Hell, Fanboy dropped his empty cup. 

Jake regains his breath first. "You're pregnant too? Again?" 

Now it's Bob's turn to smirk. Something so unusual to see on his face. Due around the same time as you, apparently." 

Mari was practically crying with joy. She would have so many nieces and nephews to spoil in a few months. 

Mal had a wicked smile on her face. "And guess what?" 

She waited until she got inquisitive stares. 

"It's twins." 

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Word count: 1,518

THAT'S IT!!! THAT'S THE END OF REVERIE!! 

Or at least, of the main story. Some bonus chapters are coming your way soon, with some flashes of the future and the past just waiting for discovery. 

I hope you enjoyed this story. I had so much fun writing and creating all of these characters and moments. 

I'm also thankful for you all allowing me to share my own Photography and art. It's something I've only fairly recently started and I never thought I could make something of my photography. My photography professor gave me the confidence to share them and I will forever be grateful to him for his push. 

So stay tuned for some more Reverie, because we've still got some story to read! 

Love you all, see you soon. Bye!!