A/N: Yet another story for another claim table. This was written for the prompt 'greed'. I could only think to when Ryan first joined the team, and territorial males.
Disclaimer: CSI: Miami and all related characters are property of CBS.
He hated that most of the lab had glass partitions. It kept away all possibilities of privacy. Or all instances of a peaceful workday without jealousy. Eric Delko was seething. Most of the team had been keeping an eye out for the new guy on the block, the one that thought he was going to replace Speed. He swore that the newbie followed his partner and closest friend, Calleigh Duquense, around like a little puppy dog. And of course she chose to defend him even if he screwed up. What ever happened to loyalty between friends?
Calleigh always smiled and told him that she did the same for him when he was the newbie, but he swore up and down she was babying Ryan more than she ever babied him. If he screwed up when he first started he had to get it from her and Speed. There were no pats on the shoulder saying 'do better next time', or 'it was just an honest mistake'. No sir. He even got hazed. Did Ryan get hazed? Did he get chastised every other step? And why the hell was he touching Calleigh?
Eric held his anger so he didn't slam down the delicate piece of evidence he was holding. Trying to keep himself as calm as possible, he walked out into the hallway where Calleigh and Ryan were talking and sidled up to her, all the while sending a wicked look at Ryan.
"So, we still on for tonight?" He resisted the urge to wrap an arm around her and really drive the point home for Ryan.
She gave him a megawatt smile. "It's tradition, why wouldn't I be?"
He returned her smile. "Awesome. Pizza or take out this time?"
"Pizza, definitely. The Chinese made me sick last week."
"Perfect. See you after work." He gave her a wink and strutted off, feeling as if he had won a great battle. He would be spending his evening with his Calleigh in his house on his couch. Take that, newbie.