24th October, 2016

This time of year was always hard for Tony DiNozzo. This year marked the third year since he left Ziva in Israel. Even after three years it still hit him hard like it was just yesterday.

He groaned at the thought of having to go to work. Last year it was Saturday, and the year before that, they fortunately got the day off. This will be the first time he can't just drink his feelings away. "I could just call in sick...no it's been three years, I need to go to work."

Horns were blasting as he was moving snail pace to work at rush hour. His mind kept wandering to one thing. Her. When he starts to zone out, the radio started playing One and Only by Adele.

"You've been on my mind.

I grow fonder every day,
Lose myself in time.

Just thinking of your face.

God only knows,

Why it's taken me so long,

To let my doubts go.

You're the only one that I want."

He hit the off button with a bit more force than attended. "Even the radio is against me. Why didn't I just take the day off?"

— • — • — • — • — •~• — • — • — • — • –

The elevator ding to announce his arrival.

"Good morning Tony." Bishop says chipperly.

Tony just fakes a smile and sits at his desk.

Bishop glances towards McGee and gives him a "what's with him" look. McGee looks at the date on the computer. Shit! How didn't he notice what today was. Three years ago today was the day McGee found Tony on his apartment couch passed out from jet lag (or so he hopes) clutching Ziva's Star of David necklace with tear streaks on his face. McGee mouths "long story" to Bishop and gave Tony and sympathetic look.

Later that day, Tony and McGee were the only ones in the office. They still didn't have a case, and Tony hadn't spoken a word.

"I'm going to get a coffee, do you want anything Tony?"

"No thanks Tim."

Yep, something was definitely wrong with Tony DiNozzo. Honestly McGee pitied his friend. He saw him fall in love without himself knowing, and the next thing he knows, the love of his life is half way across the world.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"There's nothing to say Tim."

"Oh come on Tony, I know you're still upset and I know why. Ziva. And don't try to tell me that you're over her because you're not and you know you're not. I've seen you fall in love with her. And I've seen you been lost ever since she's left. You can either can either go after her and be happy or you can stay here and be miserable and lonely, and regret it for the rest of your life."

"I'm afraid…that she doesn't want me. Or that's she's moved on. Found someone else and forgotten about me."

"Oh come on Tony! For eight years I had to put up with you two falling in love with each other and refusing to admit it! You said it yourself. You can't live without her."

Slowly nodding, Tony broke out in a smile and got up and started walking towards the director's office.

"Thanks McMotivational!" Tony shouted over his shoulder when climbing the stairs.

— • — • — • — • — •~• — • — • — • — • –

"What is it I can do for you agent DiNozzo?"

"I would like to take some vacation time."

Vance raised a eyebrow, and looks at the date. 24th October. Of course.

"Very well then. Here is the paperwork for it. I'm assuming this will start tomorrow?"

"Yes director. Thank you."

Tony took the sheets of paper and made his way toward the door.

"And DiNozzo?"

"Yes director"

"I heard the olives are especially good at this time of year" Vance said with a knowing smile plastering his face.

Was he really that easy to read?

"Thank you director."

As Tony shut the door behind him, he took out his phone and booked a flight to Tel Aviv.