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 7

"NCIS, Agent Gibbs."

"Hey Jethro, it's Gray."

"Good morning and how came I didn't recognise your number?"

"Different phone, mine is out of juice and I don't have a charger on me."

"Fair enough, so what can I do for you?"

"I'm in Hagerstown until Sunday and thought we could have dinner when I get back."

"Sounds good to me and I hope you are cooking?"

"I am and I'll see you at 1800 hours."

"Bye Gray."

Tony's eyebrows rose when the telephone conversation ended, "How is the lovely Captain McCall Boss?"

"She is in Hagerstown and definitely not missing you."

Ziva looked up from her computer screen and smiled with the knowledge Grayson had not lied Saturday night.

"Ooh Boss, you wound me," retorted Tony as he clutched at his chest.

"I doubt that is possible DiNozzo and where is your field report from yesterday?"

"Right here, ready to be e-mailed to you."

"Then send it DiNozzo and quit the theatrics."

Tony pressed his mouse button, "On the way. Hey Probie, it's your turn to get coffee."

Ziva looked across her desk and gave him the Israeli death glare. "Tony, in no language is the word "Probie" translated into "get Tony a latte". If you want coffee, that's your problem."

Gibbs grinned and looked at Tony, "Ziva is no longer a Probationary DiNozzo remember?"

"Yes Boss, but who will be my lackey now?"

"You don't get to have one," answered the senior Agent.

Ziva got up from behind her desk and went to the lift. She returned ten minutes later carrying a tray of coffees. Handing one to Gibbs, she smiled then passed another to Tim. Seating down at her desk, she picked up the last cup.

"Oh, I see how it's going to be," whined Tony. "You didn't get me one as payback."

"No Tony that is incorrect. Unlike you, Gibbs and Tim don't order me around for their own amusement."

Tony stood in a gruff and headed to the lift.

"Good one Ziva," praised Gibbs.

"I learnt from the best."

-o-

Grayson put down the phone and rolled onto her left side. With delicate strokes, she ran her fingertips over the strong jaw line of her lover. Her contact brought a smile to the now stretching naval doctor lying beside her.

Deep green eyes peeked out from half opened lids, "Good morning Gray."

"Hey there sleepy head."

"I'm on liberty, so am entitled to catch up on all the sleep I lost the past nine months."

Running an index finger over her bed mate's bottom lip, Grayson countered, "At least some of that was due to me."

"I'm glad you decided to visit before I take up my post at Camp Pendleton."

"So am I Amy and thank you for keeping me sane this last tour."

"We both benefitted Gray and I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too and will keep in contact."

"You better, so tell me what happened last night. I thought you had a date?"

"I thought I did too. All the indications were there, but when I arrived, her work colleague was there and it was pretty evident from their closeness they are lovers. I was a fool not to see the signs earlier."

"Gray, you are far from being a fool and didn't this Ziva person kiss you Friday night?"

"Affirmative, but when I thought about it on the way here, it was just a friendly peck."

"Oops, I'm sorry."

"Don't be Amy I had a better night with you."

"I did too and I'm glad you and I got to be together again."

"And I'm pleased you are out of a combat zone for a while."

"So am I and it will be an adjustment working on a base hospital without the daily emergencies and casualties of war."

"You'll cruise through all those orthopaedic procedures."

"I'll get to listen to music in theatre instead of bombs and artillery constantly going off in the background," joked Amy.

"Best of all, you will be checking out all those bikini clad babes on the beach."

"That's a definite bonus."

Grayson laughed, "You'll forget all about me in no time."

"Gray, that's impossible. You are a wonderful woman and I've had a soft spot for you ever since they wheeled you into the camp hospital two years ago."

"Yeah, I was at my best that day with my left biceps hanging down around my elbow and the humerus snapped in two."'

"You captured my attention because you didn't cry. You were calm and clear headed even when you were in so much pain."

"I blocked it out. I was too busy staring at your beautiful face."

Amy chuckled, "You were stoic amongst all the chaos and I found that very settling."

"I missed you while I was in Germany recovering."

"I couldn't believe it when you walked back into the hospital two months later."

Grayson sniggered, "We had a date and I'll never forget your welcome."

"I never realised how tiny the linen room with until then."

"We certainly made the most of our time together."

"Indeed we did and I'm delighted I get to say goodbye to you for an entire week without interruption."

"So am I Amy," replied Grayson with a frown. "I hate goodbyes."

-o-

Ziva kissed along the length of Abby's spine and nipped at the outline of the huge tattoo of a crucifix on her lower back, "Aren't you pleased you accepted my dinner invitation?"

Abby moaned deeply, "Right this moment I am very glad." She rolled over and pulled Ziva onto her chest, "This is definitely the last night I stay over though."

Ziva chuckled, "You have said that every night this week."

"Seriously Ziv, we can't keep falling into bed."

"I know and it would just be easier if you could love me."

"I'm not ready for a commitment and you know that."

"Abby, it's been five years since Caitlin passed."

"Yes, and I miss her every single day. My heart still belongs to her."

"I hope one day you can love again."

"Speaking of love, have you done anything about Grayson?"

"No, her phone is turned off and I believe that is for the best."

"So you've given up on the idea?"

"I have."

"All right, but you and I can only be friends from now on without the benefits."

"I understand Abby."

-o-