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 11

Ziva's eyes widened as she looked at Grayson standing in her doorway. The blonde was wearing low waisted black trousers, boots and a white with blue stripe long sleeved shirt.

"I am glad you made it, you look nice."

"I'm still in two minds about this whole situation," replied Grayson while she admired Ziva's beige linen pants and white tank top. "You have great arms," she suddenly blurted out without thinking.

"Thank you." Ziva led her guest into the kitchen and inquired, "Would you like a drink?"

"Water would be fine and dinner smells delicious," replied Grayson while looking around expecting to see Abby.

Ziva noticed the inspection, "Abby is not here, she is out on a date."

"A date?"

"Yes, with a nice Lieutenant from MTAC. It is new and Abby appears content with the way things are progressing." Ziva passed a bottle of chilled water to Grayson then checked on the casserole dish in the oven.

"I'm glad you've fully recovered," admitted Grayson truthfully before taking a sip.

"So am I, it has not been easy sitting behind a desk all this time."

"How are Tony and Tim?"

"Tony is annoying as usual and Tim is still sweet."

"Nothing has changed then?"

"Only the number of Tony's insults and he is quite infatuated with you."

"He asked me out a while back."

"He told me and I was not happy with the news."

"Why is that?"

"I was jealous of his attraction to you."

Grayson grinned sheepishly, "You knew it would not be returned."

"Yes, but nevertheless he would have been considered an acceptable suitor by others."

"Ziva, I don't go around deliberately trying to hide my sexuality, I just don't flaunt it."

Ziva removed the oven dish and plated two servings, "Is that why you choose not to date?"

She directed Grayson to the dining table and both women sat down.

"No, I just don't have relationships."

Black eyebrows arched in question, "Never?"

"My last girlfriend was when I was eighteen and just before I signed up. Since then I have never gotten close to anyone until two years ago."

"Was this while you were stationed overseas?"

"Yes, but it was purely a physical relationship and suited us both."

"Do you regret not having a stable relationship?"

"No, my life doesn't allow for it. I don't want the distraction of knowing someone is waiting for me at home and I don't need to feel the guilt."

"It sounds like you live a lonely life."

"It can be at times and the same can be said of you Ziva."

"The reason for Abby and me choosing to cease the sexual aspect of our relationship was because she wants me to find a partner. I want someone to come home to and not hide them away."

"You shouldn't have snuck around with Abby," reflected Grayson. "The others would have accepted it."

"It is a moot point now, we are just friends and have adapted accordingly."

"You fell in love with her, didn't you?"

Ziva's eyes lowered, "Yes, but those feelings have changed. Since my time in hospital, I have let go of Abby and have moved on."

"Is that why you invited me over?"

"Yes and before you begin telling me why it is a dreadful idea, I want you to know I am not going to stalk you. I just wanted to spend some time with you away from the office. I truly enjoy our conversations."

Grayson smiled broadly, "I do too Ziva."

The pair discussed Grayson's case in Louisiana during the meal then settled in the living room. Ziva put on some soft jazz music then sat beside Grayson on the couch.

"What is your opinion of Maggie Hart?" asked Grayson once Ziva was comfortable.

"I do not like her and she is all wrong for Gibbs."

"At least she is not a fiery red-head."

They both laughed at the joke then Grayson added, "I met her at the hospital and she seemed awfully serious."

"She is and you are less staid tonight," noted Ziva with a grin.

"I'm more relaxed away from combat. It takes a little time for me to unwind."

"Do you miss it?"

"Strangely enough I don't. I'm enjoying the fact I'm busy investigating without the added stress of dodging bullets and bombs. I guess I really did need the break to catch up on sleep."

Ziva smiled, "I am sure your mother is happy you are at the Pentagon?"

"I spoke to her last week and she is relieved. I plan on visiting her next weekend. I'm dusting off my motorbike and riding up there."

Despite her best efforts, Ziva lost herself in the image of Grayson in figure hugging bike attire.

"Are you okay?" asked Grayson after several moments of silence.

"Ahh ... yes, I have a bike also."

"We must go for a ride together some time."

"Oh yes we must," agreed Ziva enthusiastically.

Grayson tittered at her exuberance, "You were just thinking about me in bike leathers, weren't you?"

Ziva masked her embarrassment and answered, "Yes I was."

An idea came to Grayson and she asked, "Are you on-call next weekend?"

"No, Tony and Gibbs are."

"How about you ride up with me to Florida?"

Quelling the butterfly feeling in her tummy, Ziva replied, "I would enjoy that, it has been some time since I have been on a long trip."

"We can leave as early as possible after work Friday."

The couple spent the next two hours making plans and talking about their previous excursions taken on bikes. Grayson left after thanking Ziva for a wonderful evening.

-o-