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 14

Grayson held Ziva's hand as they sat in the arrivals lounge waiting for Ashley and Gary to appear.

"Are you nervous?" inquired Ziva while she kissed the side of Grayson's neck.

"Baby, I'm a Marine, I don't get nervous. I do however get extremely turned on when you kiss me like that."

Ziva tittered and smooched the soft skin again, "Didn't I satisfy you this morning my love?"

"You know you did, but that was two hours ago."

"I love the way you melt under my touch."

"I love it too."

With another peck, Ziva giggled when Grayson squirmed in her seat. "I am very aroused," she stated between more kisses.

"Oh dear god honey, can you wait until we get home?"

"I am a highly trained Federal Agent."

"So, that's a no then?" teased Grayson.

Ziva laughed loudly, "No, I can wait."

"Good because there is mom."

Ziva got to her feet and noted, "Doctor Quaid is very handsome."

Grayson stood and waved to her mother. She took in the tall, black haired man with chiselled facial features and commented, "He is honey. Oh good, they've seen us."

Grayson and Ziva both hugged and kissed Ashley in greeting then Grayson offered her hand to Gary, "Pleased to finally met you sir. May I introduce my girlfriend Ziva David?"

Gary shook both proffered hands, "Hello, Ashley had told me all about you and it's a pleasure to be here."

"It is an honour sir," replied Ziva.

"Please call me Gary." He turned to Ashley, "We better go collect our bags honey."

"This way," indicated Grayson with a left hand gesture.

-o-

After leaving the luggage carousel, Grayson led the way to the exit, "I'm parked just out front."

"We presented our credentials," explained Ziva with a smile.

"Nice benefit," acknowledged Gary with a tilt of his head.

Grayson opened the back tray and helped Gary load the bags.

"Is this a new truck?" asked Ashley as Ziva opened the rear cab door for her.

"Yes, I bought it six months ago."

"It's very nice and in your favourite colour too."

When everyone was buckled up, Ziva inquired, "How was your flight?"

"There was a fair bit of turbulence," answered Gary.

"There's a storm front headed this way, so we can expect a deluge tonight," explained Grayson as she pulled away from the kerb. Reaching over, she grasped hands with Ziva.

Ziva squeezed her lover's hand in return, "Gary, I am led to believe you like art."

"That's true."

"Good, we have an excellent exhibit of Impressionism with works by Monet, Renoir and Sisley currently showing at the National Gallery if you would like to go?"

"That sounds awesome."

"We could go tomorrow if you like?" suggested Grayson.

"It's a date," assented Ashley. "Did you manage to organise some time off Gray?"

"The Unit is currently working a case mom, but I've arranged leave for Thursday and Friday."

"Great, Gary and I have decided to change plans and will be staying two weeks, if that is all right with you?"

"Of course it is. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Ziva's cell phone trilled and she said, "Excuse me." Withdrawing the iPhone from her pocket, she answered, "Hello Gibbs."

"Hey Ziva."

"Please don't tell me we have a new case?"

"No we don't, but I just received a call from your father requesting your new phone number."

"Eli is no longer my father and I do not wish to communicate with him now or ever."

"I basically told him the same thing."

"Thank you Gibbs."

"You're welcome and we can discuss the matter tonight."

"We can, see you then."

"Bye Ziva."

While putting her phone away, Ziva said, "I apologise for my stern words."

"Are you okay sweetheart?" asked a concerned Grayson.

"I am fine darling."

Ziva remained quiet for the remainder of the trip and once Ashley and Gary were settled into the guest room, she informed Grayson she had to go home.

"Is this in response to your father?"

"Yes, I will have to talk to him or he will harass me until he gets his way."

Grayson's shoulders slumped, "Don't let him dictate to you Ziva."

"It is not that simple. He will send his people over here just to ensure I have received the message he wishes to have my new phone number."

"You told me he no longer had your respect or loyalty."

"That is true, but I need to stop him before he starts his game of manipulation."

"That's fine and understandable, but why do you have to go home to do it?"

"It is because I do not wish to involve you, your mother or Gary in this unfortunate business."

"I comprehend your desire to shield my mom and Gary, but not me."

"This is none of your concern and my father will only use you to get to me."

"Whoa, hold on a minute, not my concern?"

"It is between Eli and me."

"So you expect me to stand by while you play "Miss Independent" with your only surviving family member?"

"Yes, it is for the best."

"I don't know how they do things in Israel, but when two people are in love and in a committed relationship here, they work together to solve problems."

"Do not be mad with me."

"I'm not angry Ziva, just disappointed. You go talk to him and good luck. If he's half the bastard his file says he is, you'll need it."

Ziva's eyebrows rose in question, "You have accessed his file?"

"Of course I have, he's the Director of Mossad and his name comes up at work from time to time."

"Why did you not tell me this before?" inquired Ziva as her shoulders tensed.

"I work for the Pentagon Ziva, some information is classified."

"I have top level clearance."

"This conversation is not about work," pointed out Grayson calmly.

"No, it is about trust and obviously you do not trust me or think I am capable of handling the situation with Eli."

"Ziva, that's not true. It's about being in a committed partnership and working out the issue of your father's actions together."

"Fuddle sticks."

"That's fiddle sticks and no it's not. Stop being so obstinate and let me help."

"It is my problem," declared Ziva heatedly.

Grayson opened the front door, "Good, then go deal with it on your own terms and I'll stay out of your life."

An expression of shock registered on Ziva's face, "That is not what I mean."

"I don't care Ziva. Clearly you don't need me, so just go and have a good life. We are done."

Grayson tranquilly pushed Ziva out the doorway then closed the door. Going down the hall, she went out back and sat on the stairs. Tears fell from her eyes as her heart ached with an unbearable pain. She wept for several minutes before the back door opened and someone sat beside her.

An arm wrapped around her shoulders and a soft voice full of emotion apologised, "I am sorry for dismissing you, it was wrong of me to treat you without respect. I am still getting used to being in a relationship and leaving behind my stubborn ways."

Grayson lifted her tear streaked face, "Please don't hurt me like that again. I love you so much, but I won't tolerate being anything less than your equal."

"I understand and that is the way it should be."

"Ziva, no one has ever had the ability to break my heart, except you."

"Forgive me darling, I didn't mean to wound you."

With a small smile, Grayson whispered, "You are forgiven."

Ziva's eyes filled with tears before she uttered, "I love you Grayson."

"I love you too."

Ziva wiped the droplets from Grayson's face then kissed her lovingly. When their lips parted, Ziva grabbed her phone, "This is what I should have done in the first place." She pressed in a number and waited with the speaker function activated.

Grayson pulled her phone from her trouser pocket and set it to record.

"Eli David speaking," answered a male voice in Hebrew.

"It is Ziva; you wished to speak to me?"

"Ziva, it is so good to hear your voice."

"What do you want?" asked Ziva in English.

"I have not heard from you for many months and was concerned for you."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, I merely wanted to know how you are doing."

"I am sure you know exactly how I am."

"Ziva, don't be so difficult."

"Are you telling me you have not made regular checks on me?"

"I have not."

"You are still a liar and cannot be trusted. Every time my file is accessed without proper authorisation, it is flagged and NCIS notified. At last count, you or someone from your office has done just that on three separate occasions."

"I should not have attempted to deceive you. Let's end this unfortunate charade and speak openly."

"Please do, I am no longer interested in your games Eli."

"You have grown insolent since we last spoke."

"No, I just learned the truth about you."

"Do you plan on returning home?"

"I do not. My last visit was most memorable and I do not wish a repeat performance. Besides, my home is here now."

"Ahh yes congratulations on your American Citizenship. All that education did not go to waste after all. You may come in handy one day soon."

Ziva reined in her anger, "After this conversation is over, I will have no further contact with you and will never be of any use to you."

"We will see about that daughter."

"Do not threaten me and I am no longer your daughter."

"Tell me, is Agent DiNozzo still lusting after you? Perhaps I should pay him a visit and discuss matters with him?"

"Do you think by hurting him, you hurt me?"

"It would be one way of curbing your disrespect for me."

"You cannot frighten or manipulate me any longer. I am well acquainted with all your tricks."

Grayson pressed an index finger to Ziva's lips. Ziva nodded as her father said, "Maybe I should pay a visit to Agent Gibbs and finish what your brother was ordered to do?"

In perfect Hebrew, Grayson stated, "Director David, this is Captain McCall from the Pentagon Investigations Unit. I must inform you that this conversation is being recorded and an investigation into your threats against three NCIS Agents will be conducted by my office. If any harm befalls any of those Agents you referred to, I will personally see to it that you are held accountable."

"This is an abomination," ranted Eli.

"No Director, you are the abomination and I advise you to seek new employment, good day." Grayson stopped recording and Ziva ended the call.

"To beat a master schemer, you have to play dirty some times," explained Grayson. "Excuse me baby, but I have two calls to make."

In reply, Ziva kissed her girlfriend's neck, "That was most ingenious and thank you."

"It's called team work baby." Grayson made her first call, "Colonel Flack, Captain McCall here."

"Go ahead Captain."

"I'm sending you a sound file that will assist with a certain investigation. I will have a full report for you on Monday."

"I've received the file and thank you Captain."

Grayson made her next call, "Hello Director Vance."

"What can I do for you Captain?"

"You will receive an audio file momentarily that will be of interest to you. My report will be delivered to you on Monday."

"I look forward to that Captain and I have the file now."

"I will talk you on soon, goodbye sir." Grayson turned to a wide eyed Ziva, "Are you okay?"

"I am so aroused by your control and deeply in love with you right now."

Glancing at her watch, Grayson grabbed Ziva by the hand, "We have two hours before mom and Gary will wake for lunch."

With a devilish grin, Ziva suggested, "That will barely be enough time to make it up to you."

"We'll improvise honey," countered Grayson with a giggle.

-o-

Ziva was still recovering in bed while Grayson was in the kitchen preparing a platter of sandwiches and seasonal fruits when Ashley joined her moments later, "I'm glad to hear you and Ziva patched up your differences."

"You heard us arguing?"

"I did and you did the right thing."

Grayson smiled slyly, "It was a huge gamble to make Ziva understand."

"Luckily it paid off. By the way, where is Ziva?"

"Uhm, she is still in bed."

Ashley smiled at the implication, "So is Gary, the jet lag from all our trips finally caught up to him."

"I really like him mom, so does Ziva."

"I'm pleased he has your approval. He was nervous about meeting you, but you and Ziva have given him such a warm welcome."

"You better go wake him, lunch is ready. I thought we'd eat outside."

"Good idea, we'll meet you out there."

Grayson went to her bedroom and pounced on Ziva as she exited the ensuite, "Lunch is ready and you look so yummy."

"You can eat me again later," offered Ziva with a gentle pat on Grayson's left buttock.

"Oh dear god honey, behave."

"Too late, I have been infected by the McCall virus and there is no cure for me."

The next words blurted from Grayson's mouth, "Move in with me."

"What did you say?"

"I asked you to live with me."

"That's a big step, you have never cohabitated before."

"I've never been in love before either."

"I have not lived with anyone either except for the time I stayed with Abby when my apartment burnt down."

"You must tell me that story one day."

"If I move in we will be able to make love more often and wake up together."

"That's the general idea."

"Then it is a yes from me," replied Ziva excitedly.

Grayson grinned then exhaled deeply, "Phew, what a day this has turned out to be."

-o-

After lunch, Grayson went into the study and made several copies of the phone conversation between Ziva and her estranged father then called Gibbs. Once she had informed him of the situation, she comprised a report then joined her mother and Gary on the porch. The couple were watching the approaching storm and cuddling.

"Where's Ziva?" inquired Ashley.

"She went home to pack a few things."

"Is she staying for the weekend?" asked Gary.

"Actually, she is moving in."

"You two really do know how to make up," joked Ashley.

Gary's brows knitted together and Grayson explained, "It was just a little misunderstanding about responsibilities that we had earlier."

"I see, what time is everyone arriving tonight?"

"1900 hours and there will be a surprise for you mom."

"I look forward to it. Would you like some help with the cooking?"

"No thanks, I have it covered and Ziva will be taking you two on a tour of Washington. The storm isn't due to hit until around 2200 hours, so there is plenty of time for you to enjoy the sights."

The trio chatted about Gary's work until Ziva returned with several bags of clothes. Grayson helped her unpack then waved her, Ashley and Gary goodbye before starting on dinner.

-o-

Everything was almost ready when Jethro arrived holding two bottles of red wine.

"Where's Maggie?" inquired Grayson as she closed the front door.

"It didn't work out. We had too many different points of view which didn't leave too much time for fun."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Jethro looked around the living room and asked, "Where is your mother?"

"Ziva took her and Gary for a tour of the city. They should be back any minute."

"So what do you make of your mother's boyfriend?"

"I really like him and he makes her happy."

"I'm glad and I appreciate your call concerning Eli."

"He was so smug with Ziva, but she handled the situation well."

"Do you think he will back off?"

"Hell no and Colonel Flack will be eager to investigate him. He has been a thorn in several people's side for years and now is a good opportunity to close him down."

"My guess is he will put a tail on Ziva and try to get to her."

"I'll be discussing that possibility with Colonel Flack on Monday and I'll also speak with Ziva."

"I'll organise a protective detail on her apartment."

Grayson sniggered, "You better position them here, Ziva moved in this afternoon."

"That's great news Gray, you two are well suited."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Abby.

"I thought you were bringing Madeline?" asked Gibbs once Grayson greeted her guest and closed the door.

"It appears I am single again, she got a little paranoid."

"Oh that's a shame Abby," lamented Gibbs.

"I'm good and thanks for your concern Gibbs."

Ten minutes later the others returned and introductions were made. Ashley cried when she saw Jethro and they shared a brief, private chat before Grayson served dinner.

Ziva poured the wine and the meal was over an hour later.

Grayson had just finished serving dessert when her cell phone rang, "Excuse me everyone. Hello Amy." She moved away from the table.

"Hey Gray, how are you?"

"I'm very well and you?"

"I'm doing okay. Listen, this is just a quick call to ask if you could put me up for few days next week? I have to finalise the rental on my apartment and thought I'd have a break at the same time."

"I'd really like that Amy."

"Thanks, I'll call you Monday with details."

"Okay, goodnight."

"Bye Gray."

Grayson pocketed her phone and returned to the table, "Sorry about that, it was an old friend."

Ziva placed her hand on Grayson's shoulder, "Is everything all right?"

"Yes baby. She is visiting next week and I'll tell you about it later."

-o-

The evening ended a little past eleven thirty after the storm petered out and Ziva snuggled into the crook of Grayson's shoulder when the couple went to bed.

"I had a pleasant night," remarked Ziva.

"I did too and it was Amy who called earlier. She has to complete arrangements for the renting of her apartment."

"I look forward to meeting her."

"Really?"

"Yes darling. I am not jealous of the friendship you have."

"I'm relieved to know that. While we have a quiet moment, I'd like to discuss a potential problem we may encounter as a direct result of the conversation with Director David."

"He will send someone here to try to persuade me to have a change of heart."

"I agree and so does Jethro. Until the matter is resolved, you will be at risk. Your father will be under the impression you set him up."

"I am aware of the ramifications and will be vigilant in keeping you safe. He will come after you too."

"Jethro will assign a detail on you."

"I would expect no less from him and I apologise for involving you in this family dispute."

"You didn't hear this from me, but Eli has been a person of interest with Colonel Flack for some time. He has managed to anger several sections of the government and Federal law enforcement as well as the military hierarchy. What transpired today gives Flack an upper hand with Director David's mistaken belief he is unaccountable for his deceit and actions against this country."

"It is karma that he should pay for his treachery."

"I'll do everything and anything to keep you safe," promised Grayson before kissing Ziva's forehead.

"I am grateful that you love me."

"Semper fi is my way of life Ziva, always faithful to country, family and the Corps. You are part of my family and I will protect you by whatever means are necessary."

Ziva lifted her head and looked with tear filled eyes at Grayson, "You are my family and I love you."

"I love you too Ziva." Grayson pulled Ziva closer and kissed her tenderly. After their lips broke apart, she asked, "Do you think you can have silent sex?"

Ziva smirked, "I will try, but make no promises."

Tittering, Grayson admitted, "I don't think I can."

"Lucky for us, your guests are four rooms down the hall."

"I'm going to be absolutely hopeless at this."

"I will attempt to muffle your sounds."

"That's why I love you so much," joked Grayson while Ziva sat up and removed her tee shirt.

-o-