Author's note: Hi all. I got into NCIS about six months ago and have been reading like crazy ever since! Tony is by far my favorite character, and I am endlessly intrigued by his quirky, unpredicable nature. So, most of my fics will have him at their heart. I like introspection pieces, so be warned: there is no action, no cases - heck, there's not even any dialog! Just me getting into what I think could be in Tony's head! This fic focuses on Tony's feelings toward his teammates and will have six - guess that's obvious:~) - chapters.
Keeping Up With Sixes - Prologue
"On your six, Boss!"
"Go on, McGee, I got your six."
"Don't worry, Ziva. Your six is mine."
"Hey! Watch your six out there."
There were a hundred ways to say it, a hundred ways to let them know that he was watching out for them, protecting them however he could. He hoped they understood that this cliché, this saying muttered amongst jokes and quips and constant insincere teasing, was deadly serious. He did not offer trust easily, and accepted it even less. But, he trusted these people with his life and his heart, and therefore swore an oath to protect them with all that he was.
When Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo thought of the small band of people to whom he pledged protection, he had to laugh at the irony. There were six of them – or at least six who had made their way into the circle over the years. Not all of them had been able to remain, and his failure to protect – to save – haunted him still. But nevertheless, when his warrior's heart had sung with need to protect his own, six hearts had beat in harmony. Each one so different, and needing such unique kinds of protection, but he vowed to be worthy of the challenge. He would give them all what they needed, would protect them from the demons – real, remembered, and imagined – that threatened the small band of soldiers. While they watched over America's soldiers, he would watch over them.