Ziva and McGee came into the office.

"Tony?" Ziva asked.

"Yeah?"

"Er… why are you here?" McGee asked.

"Because I work here." Tony answered sharply.

"You're never in before us." Ziva said.

"And? That's so great you have to bug me?"

"Sorry, Mr. Starchy." Ziva said.

"It's snappy." Tony corrected.

"Whatever." She mumbled.

"Grab your gear, we're heading out." Gibbs said joining the group.

Everyone waited for the 'Let's roll' from Tony, but he said nothing. He grabbed his gun and his badge and then walked to the elevator.

The drove to an old factory.

"Where is the body?" Gibbs asked the officer.

"Inside. In the back of the factory." The woman replied.

It was a large factory. Quiet dark.

Everyone was bored. Tony still didn't talk.

"Okay. McGee sketch. Ziva –"

A shot fell and Tony jumped at Gibbs. They fell to the ground.

Ziva reacted quickly and took off after the man.

Gibbs still laid under Tony and wondered why he didn't move.

"Tony?" He asked. He crawled out from underneath Tony and turned him on his back. There was blood. A lot of blood. And Gibbs covered the wound with his hand. "McGee! Call an ambulance!"

"Is… is he… alive?" McGee asked.

"Yes, McGee! And now call the ambulance!" Gibbs yelled and turned back to his bleeding agent. "Tony, can you hear me? Come on, open your eyes."

Tony stirred and moaned. But then he opened his eyes a bit.

"Hey. You're okay?" Gibbs asked.

Tony nodded slightly.

"Help's coming soon. Just hold on."

"I'm… sorry, boss." Tony managed to get out.

"There's nothing to be sorry for. Just hold on, Tony. I need you to stay awake." Gibbs answered.

"Can't."

"You can, Tony. You're strong. Everything's going to be okay."

"Got your… six, boss." Tony whispered and let a smiled tug on his lips.

The smile on your face
When lets me know that you need me
there's a truth in your eyes
You saying you'll never leave me
the touch of your hand says
Say you'll catch me wherever I fall
you say it best
Nothing when you say nothing at all

"I know, Tony. I know." Gibbs took Tony's cold hand in his. "Don't you dare dying on me. You hear?"

"Gotcha…"

Gibbs moved a bit and Tony pressed his hand. "Don't leave me… please." Tony whimpered.

"I'm not leaving you, Tony. I'll stay with you." Gibbs kneeled next to Tony, shrugged out off his NCIS jacket and covered Tony with it.

Tony let his head roll against Gibbs knee. He was thankful that Gibbs stayed with him. He was scared. He didn't want to die. But if he'd die, he'd be glad to save his boss´ life.

"You hurt…" Tony slurred as if drunk again.

"No, Tony, I'm not. I'm not and that's why the bullet caught you! Damn it!"

"I'm sorry…"

"It wasn't your fault. You saved my life, Tony. But if you're even thinking about dying, I'll kill you." Gibbs said. "Let's bring you in a more comfortable position." Gibbs manoeuvred Tony's head on his legs. He pressed his left hand back on Tony wound and with his other hand he took Tony's hand and stroked it softly.