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 12

After leaving Washington at 1700 hours and enduring a ten hour journey, Grayson pulled into the drive of a low set bungalow styled house and turned off the engine of her black Triumph Rocket III Roadster. Ziva stopped beside her and killed the motor of the black Suzuki Hayabusa. Both woman removed their helmets simultaneously and slid off the bike seats.

Grayson unhooked her duffle bag from the rear of her bike and said, "The guest house is out back, I need a shower."

"So do I and that was an exhilarating ride."

"It was and you handle a bike very well."

"Thank you." Ziva collected her bag and followed Grayson down the side pathway to the backyard.

There was an oval shaped pool next to a large pool house and Grayson unlocked the door, reached inside and switched on the light.

"Bathroom is the second door on the right," clarified Grayson.

"Thanks Grayson."

"Are you hungry?"

"I am famished."

"I'll fix us some breakfast. My mother stocked the refrigerator for us."

"That was very thoughtful of her."

"Go shower Ziva."

Grayson felt more than a tingle of arousal as Ziva walked away. The leather pants were gripping her taut buttocks and Grayson could no longer dismiss the fact she was highly attracted to the stunning Federal Agent. During the ride, she had decided to throw caution to the wind and hoped it didn't turn around and smack her in the face when she conveyed her true feelings towards Ziva. Taking her bag into the bedroom, Grayson returned to the kitchen to prepare sausage, eggs and toast. It was only three in the morning, but both women hadn't eaten since lunch time the day before.

-o-

The blonde was pouring two glasses of fruit juice when Ziva strolled down the hall wearing grey cotton boxers and a white tee shirt.

"Good timing," announced Grayson. "Breakfast is ready."

"It looks and smells wonderful."

The pair sat at the table and ate in comfortable silence. Afterwards, Grayson showered while Ziva took care of the dishes.

Grayson entered the living room wearing a blue USMC tee and black boxers seven minutes later and asked, "You ready for sleep? We will have to share a bed I'm afraid."

A sly smile graced Ziva's face, "Finally."

"Don't be getting ahead of yourself Agent David."

Ziva laughed briefly, "Too late, I have already travelled down that road many times."

Opening the door, Grayson smirked, "We have a few hours until mom will come bursting through the door. She is anxious to meet you."

Ziva pulled back the covers on the left side of the bed, "Why is that?"

"She is under the impression you are my girlfriend."

Easing onto the mattress, Ziva got comfortable on her left side, "One can only hope."

Grayson sneered and got into bed, "That's true."

Ziva's eyebrows arched in question.

"You look good in leathers," admitted Grayson.

"They suit you also."

Grayson inched closer and placed a hand on Ziva's hip, "I'm glad you agreed to make this trip."

"So am I Grayson."

"I like the way you say my name."

"I enjoy saying it," responded Ziva before yawning.

"Get some sleep Ziva."

Long lashed eyelids closed over deep brown eyes as Ziva snuggled into Grayson's chest, "Goodnight."

Kissing the top of Ziva's head, Grayson whispered, "Sleep well."

-o-

Grayson stirred when she heard the bedroom door squeak. She opened her eyes and turned her head, "Hello mom."

"Hi Gray, I'm glad to see you," whispered the five foot seven blonde.

"You are looking well."

"Thank you and sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to let you know I have to attend a meeting at the hospital. I should be home by nine thirty and am looking forward to meeting your Ziva."

"She is not mine mom."

Ashley McCall looked at the brunette cuddled into her daughter's torso and quipped, "It doesn't look that way to me, see you later."

"Bye mom."

As the door closed, Ziva murmured, "I could be yours."

In reply, Grayson gently caressed Ziva's hip, "I'm beginning to think that would be a good idea."

Ziva opened her eyes, "So I have worn you down?"

"I'm ready to surrender, but I need to use the bathroom first."

"Now that I am awake, I do too."

"You can go first," offered Grayson.

Several minutes later, Grayson slipped back into bed and wrapped her arms around Ziva, "We should get some more sleep."

"We should."

"I'm sorry I resisted you for so long."

"I am patient and like where we are now."

Leaning in, Grayson pressed her lips softly to Ziva's. The kiss remained gentle as both women familiarised themselves with each other's lips.

Grayson couldn't help but groan when Ziva's lips parted to allow her access. After exploring and probing gently, Grayson pulled back and kissed down Ziva's throat.

In response, Ziva's hands roamed over Grayson's back and she sighed loudly.

Grayson's soft lips grazed over Ziva's ear, "I don't want to rush with you. I want more than just sex between us. I want a proper relationship and if you want something different, tell me now and I will stop."

Turning her head, Ziva locked onto blue eyes, "Grayson, I want to be with you. You have stolen my heart and I want you to keep it safe."

"Oh Ziva," whispered Grayson before capturing waiting lips.

Minutes passed as the couple exchanged kisses and delicate caresses, both taking turn to dominate the other.

Pulling out of the lip lock, Grayson cupped Ziva's face and confessed, "I want to make you happy."

"I am very happy right this minute."

"I am too, but it's time we got out of bed."

Ziva's voice was smooth and husky, "I would rather stay here and kiss you."

In reply Grayson kissed her soundly for another ten minutes. Reluctantly, they parted and left the bed.

"I require a shower," Ziva said while opening her bag.

Grayson giggled, "Oh really?"

Smiling, Ziva exited the room with a change of clothes, "Yes and you should not be so surprised."

Despite her earlier words, Grayson followed moments later and opened the bathroom door to find Ziva standing under the water stream. Taking her time, Grayson stripped then stepped into the shower stall.

Ziva turned and grinned, "I had a feeling you would join me."

"I wanted to look at you and god, you are so beautiful."

"You are the one who is beautiful."

"We don't have time for me to show you how I feel, but I want you to understand I want to touch you."

"I understand and can wait for a more convenient time."

"In that case, can you please pass me the soap?"

Ziva did and took great pleasure in memorising every inch of Grayson's powerfully build body. She counted each scar and got to ten when her eyes roamed over the six inch thin blemish line on Grayson's left biceps. Reaching out, she lightly traced the raised scar.

"I'll tell you all about it later," offered Grayson. She handed the soap to Ziva then moved under the water briefly before stepping out. "I'll meet you outside."

Ziva nodded and watched Grayson dry off. She shivered with desire as the white towel passed over the neatly trimmed short strip of blonde pubic hair and she moaned quietly when Grayson passed the cloth over taut breasts.

"Don't be long," suggested Grayson as she left the room.

Ziva took twenty seconds to ease the ache that had been simmering and a further two minutes to wash.

-o-

Grayson was dressed in blue camouflage shorts and a white tank top when Ziva appeared in the hallway. She was wearing navy blue cargo shorts and a floral short sleeved shirt.

"You have great pins," declared Grayson with a smile.

"Pins?" queried Ziva with an arched right brow.

"I mean legs sweetheart."

Approaching Grayson, Ziva kissed her, "Thank you and everything about you is great."

"Merci amoureux."

"It is nice when you call me sweetheart in any language. Which hospital does your mother work at?"

"Saint Luke's, she has been head nurse there for five years."

"Is that where she met her doctor?"

"Si novia, Doctor Quaid is a general surgeon there."

Ziva tittered, "You are just showing up with your language skills and can I tell your mother that I am your girlfriend now?"

Grayson ran her hands down Ziva's strongly muscled back, "Sweetheart, that isn't showing off and yes you can."

"I like the sound of that."

"I do too Ziva. We better go to the house; mom will be home any minute."

"Can I have a kiss first?"

"I'm feeling very generous, so you can have two."

-o-

Grayson held Ziva's hand as she took her on a tour of her mother's abode. By the time the couple returned to the kitchen, Ashley McCall was emptying grocery items into the refrigerator.

"Hey mom," said Grayson in greeting.

Ashley turned, closed the door and hugged her daughter, "Hi Gray."

Grayson kissed her mother's cheek then declared, "Mom, this is my girlfriend Ziva David."

Ziva stepped forward with an outstretched hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs McCall."

"The pleasure is all mine," replied the blonde.

"You have a charming home and thank you for having me."

"Oh Gray, I like this woman already," taunted Ashley.

"I do too, so do we get to meet Doctor Quaid this weekend?"

"I'm afraid not, he is at a conference." Ashley linked her arm around Ziva's elbow, "So how long have you known my daughter?"

"Nearly four months."

"Have you dated all that time?"

"No ma'am, we have only been dating a week."

"Please call me Ashley and that is a very exotic accent, Israeli?"

"Yes, I was born in Tel Aviv."

"Gray mentioned you are an NCIS Special Agent."

"That is correct."

Grayson banged her head against the wall as her mother continued to ask Ziva questions.

"So why did it take so long for you and Gray to get together?"

"It was complicated and your daughter was hesitant."

Ashley looked at Grayson, "You told me you were smitten the first time you met Ziva."

"Mom, how embarrassing can you be?"

"I've only just begun and it is time you found a nice girl instead of having those little liaisons of yours without commitment."

"Good grief," whined Grayson. "Is nothing scared?"

"Stop your complaining Gray and make me a cup of tea while I chat with your adorable girlfriend."

-o-

The so called chat lasted for hours and Grayson ended up going to the pool house. She changed into a black bikini and black board shorts and grabbed a beach towel.

Diving into the pool, she swam twenty laps before she felt a hand on her leg. She stopped and was delighted to see Ziva clad in a dark blue bikini.

"Hello Agent David. Sorry about the interrogation."

"I survived querido and your mother is now up to speed on our relationship."

"Good god, I've never seen her so animated and I like you calling me darling."

"She cares greatly for you and wants you to be happy."

Grayson wrapped her arms around Ziva's midriff, "I hope she didn't embarrass you."

"No and she is preparing lunch. She also wishes to take us out for dinner."

"You certainly have won her over sweetheart."

"I like her and she has promised to show me videos of you as a child after we have eaten."

Grayson pecked along Ziva's collar bone, "I think my mother is on drugs."

"She is very proud of you Grayson."

"Did she tell you that?"

"Yes."

Sadness befell Grayson's face, "She has never told me that."

"She also confided she misses you."

"Sweetheart, this is not how my mother usually acts."

"Maybe she has resolved herself to the fact you are a career Marine and doesn't want to be estranged from your life any longer."

"I really like you Ziva."

"I like you more, now kiss me darling."

Grayson did until her mother stepped outside and announced lunch was ready.

-o-

After eating then giggling their way through home movies, Ashley took Ziva sightseeing while Grayson mowed the lawn and repaired the broken fence palings. She was having a drink of cold water when Amy called an hour later.

"Hey Lieutenant George, how's it going?"

"Really well and you sound exceptionally chirpy."

"Ziva and I are together and we're at my mom's in Jacksonville."

"Oh, that is great news. I'm really pleased for you Gray."

"Thanks and how is Doctor Wheaton?"

"She is fabulous and I'm enjoying dating for a change."

Grayson chuckled, "I'm glad to hear that."

"I better go Gray; I'm due at Liz's in twenty."

"It was good to talk to you."

"Same here and we'll talk longer next time, bye."

-o-

After another swim, Grayson decided to take a nap. She woke the instant she heard the front door open.

Ziva tiptoed into the bedroom and undressed. She climbed into bed and Grayson wrapped arms around her naked body.

"I gather you are a light sleeper," guessed Ziva.

"Yes I am. Did you have fun?"

"It was most interesting and we are leaving for dinner at 1900 hours."

Snuggling into Ziva's back, Grayson kissed the nape of the brunette's neck, "Get some sleep honey."

"Uh huh," murmured a nearly asleep Ziva.

Grayson set the alarm on her diver's watch and they both drifted off into dreamtime.

-o-

Ziva turned onto her side and opened her eyes. The mattress was vacant on the other side, so she eased out from under the sheet and made her way to the bathroom. She was disappointed to find it empty, but delighted to find the "post it" square on the mirror.

You looked too pretty to wake.

I'm dressed and waiting over at the house.

Take your time sweetheart,

xxxx

After dressing in black jeans and sky blue buttoned shirt, Ziva strolled across the lawn to the backdoor. Grayson was leaning up against the counter top and laughing with her mother. Ziva stood in the doorway and watched for a moment. Her heart fluttered as strong feelings for the younger blonde washed over her.

"Hello," she finally said. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long?"

"You're right on time Ziva," answered Ashley pleasantly. Handing Grayson a set of keys, she added, "You can drive."

Grayson leaned into Ziva, "You look really nice."

Running her hand over the curve of Grayson's back, Ziva husked, "So do you honey."

Smirking, Grayson took hold of the brunette's hand and led her to the Lexus parked beside their bikes in the drive.

-o-

Three hours passed and Ziva staggered into the pool house then stumbled into the kitchen, "I need water."

Grayson locked the door and went to help a drunken Ziva locate a bottle, "Here sweetheart, let me grab that for you."

"I didn't ... mean to drink ... so much," stuttered Ziva as she swayed back and forth.

Handing over a chilled bottle, Grayson wrapped an arm around Ziva's waist to steady her, "I think it was my mother's influence, she's as bad as you."

Ziva chuckled, "She likes me."

"Yes she does."

Ziva took a long drink then admitted, "I haven't had this much fun for a long time, thank you."

"You're welcome and it was a good night. How about we get you to bed?"

Ziva pressed into Grayson's chest, "I like that idea. I have wanted you from the first time we met."

Shards of pleasure pierced through Grayson, "Oh god Ziva, I can't wait any longer."

"Then don't." Ziva put the empty bottle on the counter then dragged Grayson towards the bedroom.

"Hold on baby," protested Grayson. "I need to use the bathroom."

Letting go, Ziva huskily said, "I'll be in bed waiting chéri."

Grayson's body was in overdrive as she ran down the hall. She hurriedly undressed, used the toilet and brushed her teeth. When she walked into the bedroom, she was confronted with a fully dressed Ziva, who was busy packing her knapsack.

"What's happened?"

"Grayson, I'm sorry about this, but I am required back in D.C. Gibbs just called, there has been a double murder onboard a naval ship in the North Atlantic Ocean."

Grayson went into military mode and quickly dressed, "Okay, I will drive you to the airport. That's the quickest way to get you back."

"Thank you and I have already arranged a flight. It leaves in an hour."

"Don't worry about your bike. I'll organise to have it taken back to D.C."

Ziva looked at Grayson with a disappointed frown, "I really am sorry, I'll just use the bathroom then we better go."

"I'll go grab the keys to mom's car."

"I will meet you in the drive."

-o-

Grayson pulled into the loading zone and withdrew her identification when she alighted from the vehicle. Showing it to the Airport Police Officer, she said, "Captain McCall USMC, official business. I'll be ten minutes."

"You are okay ma'am."

Ziva grabbed her bag and flashed her credentials, "Thank you Officer." She followed Grayson inside to the United Airways counter.

Once she was handed her boarding pass, the couple rushed to the departure gate.

The flight was boarding and Grayson hugged Ziva tightly, "Call me when you can."

"I will and thank your mother for me."

"I will sweetheart, bye."

Pulling away, Ziva headed towards the check-in then disappeared down the tunnel.

Seconds later Grayson's cell sounded with a message alert. She grinned when she saw it was from Ziva. Opening the file, she sighed: "Miss u already."

Grayson text back: "Miss u more, b safe sweetheart."

The reply was instant: "I like it when u call me that. Have 2 turn off now darling."

After driving back to her mother's house, Grayson phoned a local car rental company and arranged a Ford F350 truck for the morning.

-o-

Grayson was securing the last of the ratchet ties on the truck when her mother joined her carrying a large paper bag.

"I've made you some sandwiches and there is frozen juice in there too."

"Thanks mom and I'll stay longer next time."

"I hope that plan includes Ziva?"

"It does."

"She is good for you Gray. I've not seen you this relaxed or content for a long time."

"I can say the same about you. This Doctor Quaid must be treating you well."

"Gary spoils me rotten."

"He sounds like dad."

"Actually, your father was much worse."

Grayson smiled widely, "He is a hard act to follow."

"Gary is a good man and I enjoy his company. We are planning a vacation in August and would love to spend a week with you."

"That would be a first and I'd really like you to visit."

"I was wrong to take out my anger over your father's death on you."

"I understood mom and never resented you. I knew you had to deal with dad's passing in your own time. My career gave me an outlet for my sorrow."

"Your father was very proud of you and so am I. Ziva told me how much she respects you."

Tears welled in Grayson's ears, "I have waited a long time to hear you say that and Ziva is just bias."

Ashley chuckled briefly, "That woman is in love with you."

"I think you've jumped the gun a little."

"Mothers know best and trust me, she is in love."

"I hope you are right."

"Do you want to settle down and have a family?"

"Yes I do mom and I want it to be with Ziva. Since we met I've learnt to relax and enjoy being with someone. She has opened my eyes and my heart."

"I'm so glad to hear that Gray. Now kiss me goodbye and call me the minute you get home."

"I will," promised Grayson while embracing her mother and kissing her cheek, "I love you."

"I love you too and have a safe trip."

-o-

Once the two motorbikes were secured in the garage, Grayson delivered the F350 to the rental company. Returning home by taxi, she called her mother, ate, showered then crawled into bed.

She was asleep in minutes and wide awake again when her phone sounded. Flicking on the light, she grinned when she saw Ziva's name on the screen, "Hey there Agent David."

"Hello my darling. Sorry to call you so late."

"It's never too late to hear your voice, how are you?"

"I am good, but still at sea. We don't have a suspect yet. How was your trip home?"

"Traffic was minimal, so I made excellent time. Your bike is safely secured in my garage."

"Thank you."

"When you get back, I'll make you dinner and you can pick it up then. Is that wind I can hear in the background?"

"Yes, I am topside. It is the only place to receive adequate phone service."

"Mom wants us to visit again."

"I'd like that darling."

"She and Gary are making a trip to Arlington in August."

"It is good your mother is making plans with you."

"Yes it is and we had a nice talk before I left this morning."

"I am glad."

"You better go get some sleep honey."

"Yes, I am tired."

"I miss you Ziva."

"I miss you also, talk to you soon darling."

"Goodnight sweetheart."

Ziva jumped when Tony asked, "Who are you calling darling?"

"That is none of your business."

"Oh, I get it. You were up here making a lovey dovey call to your new boyfriend."

"Again Tony, that is no concern of yours."

Tilting his head, Tony pledged, "I will find out who it is Ziva."

"Grow up Tony and goodnight." Ziva made for the stairs with a bright smile and went to her assigned cabin.

-o-