Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 10

Grayson opened her front door to a smiling Jethro, "Hey there, this is a nice surprise."

"I was passing by and felt like dropping in."

After hugging him, Grayson said, "Come on through."

Jethro closed the door and followed the blonde into the living room. Sitting down on the couch, he smirked at Grayson as she sat in an armchair.

"How is David?"

"She was discharged this morning. Abby picked her up and took her home."

"That's good."

"So how long have you been harbouring feelings for Ziva?"

Grayson scrunched up her facial features, "I'm not."

"I saw the expression on your face last night when Abby showed up."

"I was just tired and concerned for a past colleague's welfare."

"Bull, you couldn't get out of there quick enough."

Grayson gave into the truth, "Okay, I like her a lot, but nothing is going to happen."

"If you're concerned about Abby, don't be."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I know about Ziva's and Abby's previous arrangement."

"Oh," managed a stunned Grayson.

"I gather from your reaction, you do too."

"Apparently it's over, but I don't think it is."

"Abs and Ziva are only friends now. Abby fell apart last night and confessed all to me. I figured it was in response to Ziva being hurt."

"I'm sure it was, but as I said, nothing will happen between Ziva and me."

"She asked for you several times last night."

"So you said before, it was probably only to thank me."

"I doubt that was her only motive."

Grayson rose out of the chair and changed the subject, "You want to stay for dinner?"

"You know I do."

"Okay, pepperoni and onion pizza and beer coming right up."

-o-

The month of May found Grayson, Jason, Christine and Peter investigating an illegal fight club in Louisiana. The club was mobile and moved around the state every weekend. Several Army and Navy personnel had been suspected of being involved and Peter went undercover into a Naval Unit while Jason joined an Army outfit.

It took three weeks to infiltrate the club and another week to make arrests and tie up the operation and hand the evidence over to a prosecutor.

Grayson arrived back at the Pentagon on the third of June and immediately reported to Colonel Flack. She was congratulated on the result then drove home and fell into bed worn out.

Six minutes elapsed before her cell rang and she begrudgingly grabbed it off the side table, "What?"

"Did I wake you?"

"Yes you did Agent David, is there something I can help you with?"

"My apologies, I did not mean to disturb you. I merely called to ask how you were."

"I'm tired and overly cranky."

"I will leave you alone then."

"It's fine, I'm awake now. I just got back from an undercover Op and after pretending to be someone's wife for a month, I'm a little testy. So how are you?"

"I have recovered and am permitted to go out into the field again."

"So your leg has fully healed?"

"Yes it has and it was remiss of me not to thank you for your assistance earlier. I also owe you for the cost of the new lock."

"It was Abby who was worried about you. I just followed her request and don't worry about the lock."

"I would like to cook you dinner nevertheless."

"That's a bad idea."

"And why is that?"

Grayson sighed heavily, "Ziva, we have been over this before."

"Maybe I do not care for your dismissal."

Grayson laughed softly, "You are way too stubborn."

"I have been told this on many occasions."

"I'm far too tired to argue, I'll be at your place 1830 hours Saturday night, bye."

"Goodnight."

-o-