Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now…(Airplanes, B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams)

A/N – Hey guys! I'm still working my ass off, but I have a little more time off so I can really start cranking these out! I hope you enjoy this one – it's a crossover with CSI – albeit just a name mention. Anyway, on to reading! (:

Day 9 – Airplane

Welcome to United Airlines Flight 942, you may now remove your seatbelts. Dinner will be served in an hour. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask one of our friendly, qualified flight attendants. Enjoy your flight.

Pressing the small button, Ziva lets her belt snap back to its original place and stretches as much as she can. She then turns to observe Tony, who has made no move to remove his, staring stoically out of the small window.

She feels Tim lean over to her, lips next to her ear. "Give him a while. He won't be like this forever." Removing her gaze, Ziva looks into the younger man's eyes. His face is a mask, but his pain is clearly visible in the green orbs.

"How can you be sure?" she asks him softly, lacing her fingers with his. "I have never seen him like this."

He thinks for a moment, and then replies, "It's because of who it is." Seeing the woman's confusion, he goes to elaborate, but Tony interrupts them.

Taking a deep breath, he removes his belt and shifts closer to them, eyes red and voice hoarse. "Warrick and I…he's kinda the one that got away." When Tony notices a dawning expression of comprehension on Ziva's face, he smiles slightly. "That would be why I'm such a commitment-phobe."

"One person messed it up for you?" the younger woman asks, eyebrow furrowing.

Tony nods. "Yes, believe it or not. After everything that happened…it took a while for me to get back to normal."

"And you ended up friends after all was said and done." Tim finishes.

"Yeah." the older man says, looking down at his shoes, then back up at the two. "I had told him..no matter what happened between us, I'd always have his back."

"Oh." Ziva says. "Looking after his friends is part of that?" He nods.

She does as well, then leans over to hug him.

"You are a good man, Tony," she tells him softly.

"Do not let anyone tell you different."

(wow, that was…yeah. not what I wanted i feel bad anyway, i haven't updated in so long. work's been kicking my ass. hopefully i can get back into the groove of things soon(: )