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 17

Ziva woke to find Grayson missing. After dressing in black shorts and white polo, she went into the study and read the report. She cried when Grayson detailed her injury and her attempt to remove the bullet.

When she finished, Ziva wiped her tears and went out to the porch to join the others for breakfast. She walked over to Grayson and kissed her soundly before saying, "I love you." Sitting down, she added, "Good morning Ashley and Gary."

The couple countered simultaneously, "Morning."

"This looks good and I am starved."

Grayson finally found her vocal cords, "Good morning Ziva."

The raven haired woman turned her head, "It's a wonderful day. How is your shoulder darling?"

"Good, mom redressed it for me after Gary examined it. Oh, I forgot to tell you I am on leave until next Monday."

"That is good news. Can you excuse me for a moment?" Standing, Ziva walked inside and collected her phone. She called Gibbs and he answered after three rings.

"Hey Ziva."

"Hello Gibbs, I know this is short notice, but can I have leave for this week?"

"Is everything all right?"

"You will probably find out tomorrow, but Grayson has been shot."

"Say what?"

"Grayson received a bullet to her left shoulder two days ago."

"What hospital is she in?"

"None, she is here at home."

"Okay, your leave is approved and I'll drop by tomorrow night to visit."

"Thank you so much Gibbs."

"Give Gray my love and a hug."

"I will, bye."

Ziva returned outside and filled a plate, "I am also on leave and Gibbs will visit tomorrow night and I will give you his love and hug later."

"I look forward to that."

"What time do we have to leave for the airport?" asked Ziva between mouthfuls of egg.

"Considering Gray's condition, we've decided to catch a cab," answered Ashley. "And there will be no argument."

"That's fine by me mom."

"We'll depart around one thirty," added Gary.

Ziva ran her hand along Grayson's thigh, "Are you going to tell them?"

"Tell us what?" queried Ashley.

"What are you talking about baby?"

Leaning over, Ziva whispered into Grayson's ear, "You are going to ask me to marry you and I accept. I love you and now you have no reason to delay."

Grayson chuckled, "Nice move David." Getting to her feet slowly, she went inside.

"What's going on with you two?" asked Ashley.

"Your daughter has a plan that she has put off several times and I have merely forced her hand."

"Oh I get it," uttered Gary.

"Well I don't," admitted Ashley freely.

Grayson returned and sat down. She took hold of Ziva's left hand and said, "Ziva, will you marry me?"

With a brilliant smile, Ziva answered, "I certainly will darling."

Ashley screamed and congratulated the couple with hugs and kisses.

Gary followed her then said, "This moment deserves champagne."

"Bottom shelf of the fridge," remarked Grayson. "I've been prepared for weeks."

"I'm so happy," cried Ashley.

"I guess I better give you this," said Grayson as she handed Ziva a ring box.

Ziva opened it and gasped, "Oh my, this is beautiful."

"So are you, now let me put it on you before mom faints."

Gary returned in time to witness Grayson slip a Princess cut diamond encrusted gold band onto a beaming Ziva's ring finger. "Wow that is a stunning ring."

Ziva wrapped her arms around Grayson neck, "Not as stunning as my fiancée." She pressed her lips to Grayson's and kissed her slowly.

Gary filled the four flutes and waited for the smacker to end before saying, "To Grayson and Ziva, a match definitely made in heaven. I wish you everlasting love and happiness."

"Cheers," bawled Ashley. "I wish you both a lifetime of love and joy and maybe a child or two."

Grayson hugged Ziva closely, "Thank you both, but Mom hold onto that request for grandchildren for a little while."

Ziva kissed Grayson's neck, "Oh I think a mini version of you running around in the not too distant future is very appealing."

"See what you've started," whined Grayson playfully.

Ashley laughed, "I knew I loved Ziva for a reason."

Gary handed the couple a glass each.

"Should you mix alcohol with your medication?" inquired Ziva.

"I'll be fine honey; it's not every day I get engaged."

"Uhm, you have been engaged before," Ziva reminded her.

"Sweetheart, that was not official and there was no celebration or ring."

"I can vouch for that," confirmed Ashley. "I think Grayson can have just one sip."

"Mom, I'll be okay."

She wasn't, after one glass, Grayson excused herself and Ziva found her passed out on their bed snoring like a big old brown bear hibernating.

-o-

Thirty minutes after Ziva farewelled Ashley and Gary, a silver BMW sedan pulled into the drive. Ziva was sitting on the porch and watched the tall, athletically built long haired blonde get out of the car. She stood and approached the attractive woman, "Hello, you must be Amy."

The green eyed blonde turned to her, "Hi and yes I am. I gather you are Ziva."

"I am and can I help you with your bags?"

Flipping open the trunk, Amy replied, "That would be nice, where is Gray?"

"In bed sound asleep."

Ziva went on to inform Amy of Grayson's injury as they entered the house.

"So she was on a case?"

"Yes and it will be good you are here. She can have her own private doctor."

Amy smiled, "No wonder Gray fell in love with you, you are so cute."

Ziva chuckled, "Thank you, I'll leave you to settle into your room. I will be on the back porch with a beer waiting for you."

-o-

Several minutes later, Amy stepped onto the deck and sat at the table. Ziva handed her a chilled bottle, "I hope your drive was pleasant?"

"It was and thanks for the beer."

"Would you like something to eat?"

"No thanks, I ate before I left Hagerstown."

"Grayson told me you are a surgeon at Camp Pendleton."

"That's correct. I was stationed at Camp Dwyer when I met Gray."

"Yes, she told me everything."

Amy's brows rose, "Everything?"

"Yes and I do not have issue with your previous relationship. I was in a similar one myself. You will meet her tonight at dinner."

"Ahh Abigail Sciuto, Grayson told me."

Ziva smiled crookedly, "You and Grayson share everything?"

"We are close and by the ring on your finger, an offer of congratulations is in order."

"Thank you and that is the reason behind Grayson's current condition. She proposed at breakfast and drank too much champagne with her meds."

Amy chuckled, "She bought your ring a month ago and was waiting for the right moment. It's a magnificent band by the way."

Looking at her left hand, Ziva agreed, "It certainly is."

"I'm really happy for you both and I know how much Gray loves you."

"She proves that to me every day and I adore her."

"I can see that."

"Grayson mentioned you were dating a doctor."

"I was for a few weeks, but it was nothing serious and ended some time ago."

After swallowing a mouthful of beer, Ziva asked, "Do you wish to settle down one day?"

"I didn't think I was ready, but after Elizabeth, I've come to realise I would prefer to have someone to come home to and share my life with."

"I understand how you feel."

Amy giggled briefly, "It has to be the right woman though."

"I have been most fortunate in finding Grayson."

"She is one of the good ones that's for sure."

"Were you aware of Grayson's relationship with Lieutenant Harris?"

"I was and it kept the pressure off us."

"Do you love Grayson?"

"Yes, but only as a friend. The sex between us was purely physical and that was the way we wanted it. At first neither of us needed a relationship, but then two months before Gray came home, I could sense she wanted more."

"Did she discuss that with you?"

"Yes she did and I ended our liaisons before she started to view me in a different light."

"So you didn't want more?"

"No. Grayson was like a drug to me and the more we were together, the harder the sex became."

"I do not understand."

"I'll leave that for you to discuss with your fiancée." Amy stretched out her legs. "It's been a long day, do you mind if I take a nap before dinner?"

"Of course not, go ahead and thank you for your honesty."

Both women stood and went inside. Amy entered the guest room while Ziva headed for the main bedroom.

-o-

Grayson was curled up on her right side and breathing evenly. With over three hours before Ziva needed to start cooking, she undressed and spooned into Grayson's back. The blonde groaned and Ziva kissed the back of her neck several times.

"Love you Ziva," mumbled Grayson.

"I love you too darling, I always will," responded Ziva between gentle pecks.

"Mmm baby that feels very nice."

"Amy is here and I like her."

"I better get up then."

"No honey, it is all right. She is having a rest."

"Oh okay," Grayson reached for her lover's hand and pulled it around to the front of her belly.

"We had a very nice chat. How are you feeling?"

"My shoulder is starting to ache a little."

"I will get your pills."

"Thank you baby."

Ziva got up and went around to the other side of the bed. Handing Grayson two pills then a bottle of water, she stood and waited for her to finish.

Grayson passed the empty bottle back to Ziva and smiled broadly, "God, you are so beautiful and that ring looks so good on you."

Ziva returned to bed and draped her arm over Grayson's hip, "Maybe we should invite our friends over as well and celebrate our engagement?"

"That sounds like a splendid idea." Grayson carefully rolled onto her back, "I wish I wasn't incapacitated, I'd really like to make love with you."

"I too would like that," agreed Ziva as she slipped her hand under the hem of Grayson's tank top and proceeded to make tiny circles on the warm skin. "When I was talking to Amy she mentioned I should ask you about why she stopped your sexual encounters. She said you were like a drug and the sex became harder."

Grayson's body was reacting to Ziva's soft touch and she squirmed, "Amy would find excuses to come over to my office and try to initiate sex. Most of the time it was an inappropriate moment, but she became demanding and forceful. Amy can be very persuasive with the way she talks."

"So by harder, she meant rougher?"

"Yes, but she noticed I wanted more than just a physical release and backed off then finally ended our meetings."

"Do you like it rough?"

"No, not usually and it was Amy who instigated dirty talk during our trysts. I was content with just straight up fast sex, but Amy likes being dominated by a partner."

"You are the gentlest lover I have ever had."

"It's different with you Ziva. With Amy all I wanted was an outlet for sexual frustration with no emotional attachments. With you I feel everything physically and emotionally. It's not about sex, it's making a connection and I don't want to rush with you."

"It was the same with Abby for me."

"Being in love with you makes the difference. I just have to look at you and I want you. I want to make love to you in a hundred different ways and see that look of complete joy on your face."

"When your shoulder no longer hurts, we can commence that list again. You are very skilled in the art of love making."

"You are pretty darn good yourself honey and I've never craved someone's touch as much as yours."

"We have much in common."

"We do baby and I love that about us."

"Your mother mentioned grandchildren this morning. Do you wish to discuss that?"

"I would like two, one each."

"That sounds reasonable," replied Ziva with a chuckle.

"We can think about it in a couple of years. I want to be selfish and have you all to myself for at least two or three years before our lives change."

"I like your plan darling. When do you wish to marry?"

"We will have to travel to a State where it is legal or we could have a civil union ceremony here. You're the blushing bride, so I'll let you decide."

"A union will be legal, so I am content with that. Are you not entitled to a Military wedding?"

"Only to a man remember, that is unless the President hurries up and changes the law. Maybe we can have the whole uniform affair when the laws allow it?"

"I like the idea of two ceremonies," husked Ziva as her hand caressed the ridges of Grayson's stomach muscles.

"We have to pick a date," suggested Grayson while trying to concentrate, she failed hopelessly. "Do you realise you are driving me to distraction?"

"Yes, I am aware."

"Can you please stop what you are doing before I scream and pop my interior sutures?"

"Is that a good or bad scream?" teased Ziva.

"Bad because I am not supposed to engage in any physical activity for ten days and I happen to be extremely turned on right now."

"I know you are; I could tell by the way you fidgeted before."

"We need to swap sides of the bed. I can't touch you when you are on my left."

"So you wish to touch me?"

"Yes, I want to hold you Ziva."

"I would like that, I have missed our contact."

Once Grayson had moved over and Ziva was curled up against her uninjured shoulder, the brunette made tiny nips along her girlfriend's neck.

"Oh dear god, that feels really good," murmured Grayson.

"I adore the taste of your skin, but I should stop before I cause you pain."

"Mmm, yes please baby."

Ziva didn't and then uttered, "November sixth."

"I beg your pardon?"

"That is the date I wish to become your wife."

"Uhm ... okay, sounds good to me."

Ziva pulled back, "I will cease torturing you and make those phone calls."

"I need to get up and shower, you've created a mess."

"My work is done," quipped Ziva arrogantly as she slid off the bed. "Do you require help?"

"No baby, you've done quite enough as it is thank you."

Putting hands on hips, Ziva playfully pointed out, "I am already naked, it would be no bother."

"I'd really love to take up that offer, but I don't intend on pushing myself. I hate hospitals and don't want to return."

"Oh okay, I will just get back into bed and let my fingers do the walking."

With raised eyebrows, Grayson taunted, "I thought you were a highly trained Agent who can control her emotions? I would assume you could restrain yourself?"

"If I was out in the field I could, but this is our bedroom and I wish to make love."

The sides of Grayson's mouth arched upwards, "Don't pout Ziva and I want you too."

"I will not beg and you are correct in protecting your shoulder. I am being selfish."

"I'm sorry."

Grayson went into the bathroom while Ziva returned to bed.

-o-

After taking her time in the shower, Grayson painfully dried herself then walked into the bedroom. Ziva was lying on her back and snoring loudly. Grayson smiled at her before gradually dressing in a loose fitting tee shirt accompanied with a pair of baggy cargo shorts.

Going into the kitchen, she prepared the marinated chicken pieces and vegetables to allow Ziva to sleep a little longer. Her girlfriend didn't sleep on her back too often and it was the only time she sounded like a freight train. Having slept in combat zones, Grayson had no trouble adapting to the noise and hadn't complained when they started sleeping together.

Once she had finished in the kitchen, Grayson tidied up the living room then set the table. "Damn it!" she said out loud when she realised Ziva hadn't called the others with an invitation to dinner. Knowing it was probably too late, she phoned with the off chance they had no other plans. Jethro was happy to accept as were Doctor Mallard, Tim and Tony. Director Vance and Jimmy both had prior arrangements, but Vance did mention he was looking forward to reading her report and wished her a speedy recovery.

Grayson watched the news for an hour before going to wake Ziva. She eased onto the bed and softly pulled the hair off Ziva's neck. Carefully she leaned in and kissed the exposed flesh.

"Unless you want me to do you harm, I suggest you stop," said Ziva quietly.

"It's time to get ready baby. I've prepared everything, so all you have to do is put it in the oven."

"Oh damn, I forgot to phone the others."

"All taken care of, so relax."

Ziva rolled over to face Grayson, "Thank you."

"You are welcome mon chéri."

"Je t'ame."

Grayson was about to kiss Ziva when she heard to door of the guest room open, "I better go say hello to Amy."

"I will go shower."

-o-

After tossing on an oversized Senator's jersey, Grayson made her way into the living room and said, "Hey stranger."

Amy looked up from the couch and beamed, "Hey Gray, I hope you haven't managed to undo all the good work I did on you?" She stood and carefully kissed her friend on the cheek.

"No, your handiwork is still intact I'm happy to announce. You are looking well."

Taking a step back, Amy took a hard long look at Grayson, "I wish I could say the same for you, but you look like you've gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson."

Grayson tittered, "That about sums it up, sit down and tell me all about Doctor Wheaton."

"We broke up a couple of weeks ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."

Amy grinned, "I was a little too much for her."

With a nod of the head, Grayson understood, "Got you."

"By the way congratulations on your engagement and Ziva is simply wonderful."

"Thank you Amy. I'm very much in love with her."

"It's about time my friend and I envy you."

As blonde brows arched, Grayson retorted, "That doesn't sound like you."

"Maybe you settling down has managed to rub off on me."

"I highly recommend it. Is the base hospital keeping you busy still?"

"Yeah, that's why it's nice to get away for a break?"

"Ziva and I are both on leave for the week."

"Excellent, I'm going to enjoy getting to know Ziva more."

"Just keep your hands to yourself," teased Grayson with a grin.

"Of course I will, now can I help with dinner?"

"Thanks, but it has all been taken care of and you are a guest."

"Okay, but can I grab a beer?"

"You can and I'll have water."

-o-

Abby stepped through the doorway and kissed Ziva, "Hello, where is the patient?"

"Out on the porch with the others, you are the last to arrive."

Ziva closed the door and Abby linked arms with her, "How is she doing?"

"She is in considerable pain, but trying to hide it."

The two women walked down the hall then outside.

Abby put her hands on her hips and glared at Grayson, "I swear, if I keep going to Crazy Town every time one of you guys gets hurt, U.S. Mail will have to start forwarding my mail."

Everyone laughed and Grayson apologised, "I'm sorry Abby, but I can assure you it wasn't my idea."

"Yeah well, you better practice your ducking and weaving a little bit more."

"I promise and it's good to see you."

"Oh sorry, hello everyone," said Abby as she started to hug and kiss her friends. She stopped when Amy stood and offered her hand.

"I'm Amy George, pleased to meet you Miss Sciuto."

Abby smiled sweetly at the stranger, "Oh hello there."

"You can sit beside me," offered Amy with a wry grin.

"I'd like that and please call me Abby." Sitting down, she added, "I thought this was going to be a quiet night?"

Ziva handed her friend a glass of red wine, "Our plans changed somewhat." She went and stood behind Grayson's chair and placed her hand on the blonde's shoulder, "Grayson and I have an announcement to make."

Grayson put her hand over Ziva's and interlocked their fingers, "We wanted our friends here to help celebrate our engagement."

Abby sprang to her feet, "You guys are getting married?"

"Yes we are," answered Ziva. "November sixth, Grayson proposed this morning."

"Oh wow!" exclaimed Abby, "That is just the best news. Congratulations." She raced over to the couple and hugged them, "I am so excited for you guys."

The other guests stood and offered their best wishes then Ziva retrieved two bottles of champagne from inside and handed Grayson a bottle of water.

Once everyone had a drink in hand, Gibbs raised his, "I don't know of two people who are more suited to each other than Ziva and Grayson. I wish them years of joy and love."

The others joined in the toast as Ziva leaned down and kissed Grayson.

Ducky was next and after he recited an old Scottish blessing, Ziva organised dinner and once the dishes were cleared away two hours later, Grayson went into the kitchen to talk to Ziva.

"Have you noticed how well Amy and Abby are getting on?" she asked while wrapping her arm around her lover's tummy.

"I have and maybe Amy is just the right woman for Abby."

Grayson chuckled softly against Ziva's neck, "They have a lot in common."

"Amy will appeal to Abby's darker side."

Both women laughed before Ziva returned outside with a pot of coffee and cups.

Grayson was fetching a bottle of water from the refrigerator when Tony joined her a minute later.

"You need a hand with the lid?" he asked.

"No thanks, I've got it covered."

"I've come to say goodnight and thank you for a great evening. You have a nice home and good luck with Ziva."

The comment got Grayson's hackles up, "What does that mean?"

Tony rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulder, "Well we both know how bad Ziva snores."

"We do?"

"Yeah, when Ziva and I were in Pairs together in December last year, her god awful snoring kept me awake all night long. I nearly kicked her out of bed, but who in their right mind would do that to such a beautiful woman. It was just after she rejoined the team. She'd been working undercover for Mossad in a smoky Moroccan bar when the club exploded. Gibbs saw her on the news and we tracked her down. I have a picture of her singing." He pulled his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and showed it to a dumbstruck Grayson.

Grayson's mind went blank and her heart stopped beating as she absorbed the words coming from Tony and the image before her eyes displaying the dimples above Ziva's buttocks along with the length of her bare back in a dark blue dress.

Tony in turn casually pointed out, "Ziva certainly has a body that never quits. I'll let myself out, see you."

When the meaning behind the comment infiltrated her brain, Grayson was overcome with rage and raised her fists, "You fucking bastard."

In reply, he smirked at her and before he spoke, Grayson punched him plush on the nose than nailed him with a left hook to the jaw. As he toppled to the floor, she grabbed her motorbike keys from the rack on the wall and stormed off towards the garage.

With trembling hands, she pulled on her helmet then opened the roller door with the remote. Putting the bike into gear, Grayson gunned the engine and sped off down the deserted street.

-o-

Everyone seated at the table heard the roar of the bike motor and looked towards the garage.

Gibbs spoke first, "What the hell?"

"That's Grayson's bike," snapped Ziva as she stood. "She's in no condition to ride."

"Where is Tony?" inquired Ducky with concern.

The others rose to their feet and followed Ziva into the house. They found Tony sitting on the floor and leaning up against the kitchen counter nursing a bloodied nose.

"What happened DiNozzo?" demanded Gibbs harshly.

"It seems the good Captain can't take a joke."

Ziva knelt down and handed him a hand towel, "What kind of joke?"

"I told her about your snoring when we were in Paris and showed her a snap of you singing in Morocco."

Anger rose within Ziva and she asked, "What exactly did you say?"

Tony sheepishly reencountered the conversation then Ziva yelled at him once he finished, "YOU IDIOT TONY, YOU IMPLIED WE SLEPT TOGETHER AND HAD SEX. YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT WHAT OCCURRED."

"I'm sorry Ziva; I don't know why I said it."

"You're jealous," answered Tim. "Where would Grayson go Ziva?"

Standing, Ziva looked to Amy, "She has no other friends to go to so my guess is she is headed to her mother's."

"I'll call Ashley and let her know what has happened," offered Gibbs.

Amy put a comforting hand on Ziva's shoulder, "Gray just needs to cool down then she'll be back."

"She will be hurting."

Tony got to his feet and Gibbs inquired, "Duck, can you take DiNozzo to hospital?"

"Leave it to me Jethro and the nose is definitely broken. You're lucky that's all she broke young man."

"Yeah I know Doc."

"When will you ever grow up dear boy?"

"I don't know and I'm real sorry about this Ziva."

"Just go Tony," replied a smouldering Ziva. "Do we wait until she returns or reaches Jacksonville? She has not taken her phone."

"We wait," suggested Gibbs. "If we put out a BOLO, it will only raise questions. I agree with Amy, Gray will cool her heels then return."

They were both wrong. By eleven, Grayson had not returned and Ziva sent Gibbs and Tim home. She sat on the couch and waited with Amy and Abby by her side.

-o-