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 4

Grayson stepped into the lift and noticed the tall attractive Goth attired woman standing to the rear of the compartment. The raven haired beauty was dressed in a black tee shirt, black jeans and the chunkiest heeled Doc Martins the blonde had ever seen. She smiled politely when she caught the woman's light green eyes roaming over her frame draped in a black pants suit and white Oxford shirt.

Pressing the door button, Grayson waited until the lift came to a stop on the first floor. She stood to the side and said, "After you ma'am."

Abby giggled shamelessly and stepped out into the lobby. Racing to the MCRT area, she took a deep breath then blurted, "Oh my god! I think I have just met the Goddess of Love in the lift." Abby scanned the startled faces of the Agents staring at her and calmly asked, "She is standing right behind me, isn't she?"

Everyone nodded and Grayson introduced herself, "Grayson McCall, Goddess of Love. I've just taken over the position because Aphrodite has finally retired and moved to Crete. I apologise for not greeting you all yesterday."

Abby stuttered and waved her hands, "Uh hum ... sorry about that Captain McCall. I'm Abigail Sciuto, Forensics Specialist and long-time admirer of strong beautiful women. Oh god, I can't believe I just said that out loud, my apologies."

With a wide grin, Grayson retorted, "Don't apologise ma'am, I didn't hear too many compliments where I was."

DiNozzo jumped to his feet and extended his hand, "Tony DiNozzo ma'am, Senior Field Agent and if you stick around here, you are sure to receive more flattering comments."

Shaking the offered hand, Grayson asked, "You catch many women with that silver tongue Agent DiNozzo?"

"Works every time ma'am, it's the DiNozzo family curse."

Grayson shook her head, "I am here to take your Supervisor to lunch."

"He is currently in a meeting upstairs with Director Vance." Tony motioned towards McGee as the younger Agent stood, "Special Agent Timothy McGee."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Captain."

"No need for rank Agent, I'm not in uniform," responded Grayson as she gripped his hand firmly.

"Yes ma'am."

Ziva approached and held out her hand, "Special Agent Ziva David ma'am."

"That's Probationary Special Agent," quipped Tony.

"Wrong again Tony, I received my citizenship yesterday," countered Ziva smartly.

Smiling, Grayson shook Ziva's hand, "Congratulations Agent David."

"Great, who do I get to call Probie now?" whined Tony dramatically.

"No one DiNozzo," answered Gibbs as he walked up to the group. "I see you have met the team Grayson?"

"I have Jethro, are you ready to eat?"

"I am, David you are in charge." Gibbs placed his hand on the small of Grayson's back and ushered her to the lift.

"Thank you Gibbs," replied Ziva before poking out her tongue at Tony.

"How childish!" exclaimed the disgruntled Agent.

"No, it's payback for all the times you shoved it into McGee and my face when Gibbs left you in charge."

McGee interrupted the banter, "They are holding hands."

"Must have been some hell of a dinner last night," reckoned Tony.

"I thought he preferred red-heads?" added Tim.

"My friend," said Tony. "You would toss out your playbook for her."

"So would I," murmured a dreamy-eyed Abby.

The comment made Tony's day, "Oh thank you for that wonderful vision Abby Sciuto."

"It is not uncommon for friends to hold hands," reasoned the voice of logic.

"David, do not ruin it for me," snapped Tony.

Ziva smiled and asked Abby, "Would you really, how do men say it, tap that if given the chance?"

"In a heartbeat, wouldn't you?"

With a coy grin, Ziva answered, "Oh definitely."

Tony cleared his throat, "Excuse me, personal business to attend to." He rushed off towards the restroom and didn't look back.

Both Abby and Ziva laughed raucously then Ziva remarked, "Men, they are way too easy to manipulate."

High fiving her friend, Abby retorted, "Especially dirty minded ones like Tony."

"The power of suggestion is a wonderful tool."

"That's where you are stronger than DiNozzo McGee," commented Abby.

"Thank you for the observation and compliment Abby."

-o-

Grayson squeezed Jethro's hand as they stepped into the lift, "Thank you for occupying my time."

"You are welcome Gray, how did you sleep last night?"

"Like a rock, I've missed my bed."

"You get to go home to it every night for a year, you may go soft. How is Ashley?"

"That will never happen and mom is still enjoying the Florida sunshine. She has just started dating a doctor from the hospital where she works."

"I'm glad to hear she has finally moved on."

Walking to her truck, Grayson asked, "You seeing anyone?"

"An attorney I've locked horns with a few times, but it's nothing serious."

"Another red-head?" taunted Grayson as they climbed into the vehicle.

"Ahh no as a matter of fact, I don't seem to have much luck with them. Maggie is a brunette."

"I'll have to meet her someday," suggested Grayson as she pulled out of the parking space.

"What about you? Any plans to find Miss Right?"

"Miss Right?" repeated Grayson with a hint of surprise.

"Gray, I have known you for nearly twenty years, I've always known you are gay."

"I always suspected you did. Did dad ever discuss it with you?"

"A few times and he didn't care. He was proud of you no matter your sexuality."

"He told me the same thing when I came out to him and mom when I was fourteen."

"So, you still haven't answered my question."

"I haven't had a girlfriend since I signed up."

"Eleven years?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I was dateless during my downtime." Grayson pulled up at the boom gate and handed in her visitor's pass, "Hopefully, Miss Right is out there somewhere."

"Never give up on the chance for love."

They both laughed at the statement as the truck exited the base.

-o-

In the bullpen, a shout came from across the room, "HEY DAVID!"

"What is it Tony?"

"Have you read all of Mrs Gibbs the fifth's service record?"

"If you are referring to Captain McCall, then yes I have?"

"She is a Marine Poster Child and that is kind of sexy."

"Tony, I do not wish to discuss your sexual daydreams in the work place."

"You're no fun Ziva."

"Under the right circumstances, I can be a whole lot of fun and that is something you will never experience, now get back to work."

"Yes, right away "Miss Bossy Boots"."

"You are so juvenile. No wonder you don't have a steady girlfriend, just those bimbos you call dates."

"You can talk David. Every man you have been involved with was either a killer, a terrorist or ended up dead."

"May I remind you that it was you who killed one of those men?"

"Oh no you don't David, get over it. I have apologised a million times for killing your Mossad assassin boyfriend Michael Rivkin in self-defence. It was either him or me."

"I sometimes think you made a poor choice. Now be quiet and do some work."

"Do what she says DiNozzo," instructed Gibbs as he took the seat behind his desk.

Tony dared to ask, "How was lunch Boss?"

"Aren't you supposed to shut up and work?"

"Yes Boss, right on it."

Tim and Ziva both suppressed a laugh and continued with their paperwork.

-o-