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 20

Grayson knocked on the guest room door the following morning and whispered, "Hey Amy, are you awake?"

"Just give me a second Gray."

A smile spread across Grayson's face when she heard Abby voice, "Where is my shirt?"

"Try looking on top of the bureau," answered Amy in between giggles.

"Okay, got it."

"Come on in Gray."

Grayson stepped inside and surveyed the two dishevelled women, "You've got a call from a Major Phillips from Pendleton." She passed Amy the phone and winked at Abby before retreating.

Grayson was standing in the kitchen when Amy joined her moments later.

"I'm sorry about that. I hope you don't mind that Abby stayed the night?"

"I'm glad she did and I think you make a wonderful couple."

"Phew, so do I." Placing the handheld phone back into the charger, Amy added, "That was my C.O.; I've been granted another week of liberty, so I can keep an eye on you."

"That's great news and I really do appreciate it. I'm sure a certain Forensics expert will be pleased also."

Grinning madly, Amy replied, "I can only hope and your mother was worried about you being left on your own while Ziva was at work."

"Speaking of which, can you take mom to the airport?"

"Ziva and I already organised that last night."

"Okay, I guess that's everything taken care of."

"You seem a little down, what's wrong?"

"I remember Mason, but not his death."

"Oh sweetie I'm sorry."

Grayson shrugged her shoulders, "At least I've progressed more."

"Have you had any headaches this morning?"

"No."

"I'm pleased to hear that. Is Ziva still sleeping?"

"Yes and as it's only six, I'm going back to bed."

"So am I."

"I suggest you keep the noise down."

"Oh god, you didn't hear us last night, did you?" asked Amy in alarm.

"No, but I bet mom did," taunted Grayson before heading to her bedroom. Climbing under the covers, Grayson arranged her right hand over Ziva's hip.

Ziva stirred and asked, "Are you okay?"

"I had a dream about Mason."

Sitting up, Ziva looked down at Grayson, "You are sad?"

"Yes I am. I loved him and now he is gone."

"I am sorry this is a painful memory for you."

"Can I hold you?"

"You may," replied Ziva while sliding down and snuggling into Grayson's side.

Within minutes both women were sound asleep.

-o-