A/N: Hey all. First NCIS fic. I just had a craving for Tony/Kort frienemy, side-by-side, fight-to-the-end reluctant brotherhood. Not sure if this came through.
Anyway, enjoy.
Tony glanced at the clock. 01:47.
He hadn't had a chance to check the time before bolting to his feet and pressing the tip of his Sig Sauer into the intruder's chest, and growling out a warning of how this story would end if he didn't explain himself right now, whoever the hell he was, and use little words while he's at it 'cause it's too early in the morning for this shit. He kind of got lost in the process.
He peered into the shadows, meeting the cold grey eyes that had woken him by staring intently at his face, just inches from his nose.
"Kort?"
The pair skidded to a halt, diving into a roll at the very last second. Gunfire blazed around them, the heat of bullets speeding past searing their skin.
Shouting over the din, Tony asked, "Why do you even need this guy, anyway? He look at you the wrong way in a bar?"
"No. This man threatened my family."
"Family?" Tony said irritably. "You have family?"
Kort rolled his eyes. "I'm not you, you realise. I can actually hold down a relationship."
"And you probably have to hold her down to get anything done, too."
Kort chuckled. "Only if she wants it..."
Tony made a face. "Ew. Too much information, thanks."
"You're welcome."
They both dropped to the ground.
Kort and Tony stared each other down, unblinkingly.
Finally, Tony cleared his throat awkwardly. He knows it is a little embarrassing, but he is simply incapable of staying quiet, no matter the reason. But, he allowed, this reason was pretty good.
"Your family consists of a cat and her four kittens," he said blankly.
Kort nodded slowly, equally blankly.
"And you thought this was an acceptable reason for which to risk your, and most importantly, my life?"
"Yes. You do what you have to for family."
Tony sighed and shut his eyes. He knew better than to let the sly bastard out of his sight, but this had been a long day.
Fucking catnappers.