DISCLAIMER: Sadly I do not own CSI Miami. All right belong to CBS but if they would like me to look after Ryan for a while, then I wouldn't mind at all. I also don't own the song 'Crush', it belongs to David Archuleta. Anyway, please don't sue; pretty, pretty please I am but a poor student. I do however, own Emilia.
A/N: This is my first attempt at a Miami fic so please be nice. Thanks for all the reviews so far, they mean a lot.
SUMMARY: A series of one-shots, one for each letter of the alphabet. Wolvista with some Hip Huggers.
TITLE: The A-Z of Wolvista
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
B is for Birthday
'BEEP…BEEP…BEEP…BEE…' The alarm clock was abruptly cut off as Natalia knocked it off the table and onto the floor. Sighing into the pillow, she tried to push herself up so that she could get out of bed and ready for the day ahead. "Cannot believe I have to work on my birthday." Padding into the bathroom, she stopped to look at her reflection in the mirror. "And I look awful." Having worked a double shift the day before, she hadn't gotten much sleep and as she looked at her tired reflection she was very tempted to call Horatio and tell him that she was sick.
Deciding that it would look way too suspicious to call in work on her birthday, she had a quick shower and got dressed before drying her hair and applying her makeup. She then headed into the kitchen to make breakfast. Despite her sleepiness, she couldn't help but hum to herself as she popped the bread into the toaster. "Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Natalia, happy birthday to me."
Still living on her own and single; she had nobody special to spend her day with and the more she thought about it, the better of she knew she would be at work. At least if she was at the crime lab she would be surrounded by friends. The toast popped up and startled her from her thoughts, reminding her that she needed to hurry up if she was going to get to work on time.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
"Good morning Miss Boa Vista." Spinning around, she saw the smiling face of Horatio Caine.
"Mornin' Horatio, you alright?" He nodded politely and she smiled.
"I'm very well thank you, I'll meet you all in the break room in about ten minutes…sort out today's events." She nodded and watched him walk away, feeling slightly disheartened at the fact that he hadn't said anything about her birthday.
Deciding not to take it too personally, she headed for the break room and laughed when she saw Ryan searching through the refrigerator through the small glass pane in the wood. Opening the door, she smirked and leant on the doorframe. Pulling out her cell phone, she set it to video and aimed it at Ryan who was obliviously singing along to the music coming from his iPod. The room was silent apart from his soft voice and Natalia had hoped to catch an embarrassing moment but was shocked when she realised that he was perfectly in tune to one of her favourite songs.
"Do you ever think when you're all alone?
All that we can be…where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away,
But I know this crush ain't going away-ay-ay,
Going away-ay-ay."
She smiled affectionately at him and flipped her phone closed. Walking into the room, she gently closed the door and walked up behind him before ruffling his hair. "Morning."
He jumped slightly and lost his balance, falling backwards and landing on Natalia's feet. He quickly pulled an earphone from one of his ears and looked up with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance, the latter of which faded when he realised it was her. "Hey."
"Nice song." He smiled up at her but she caught sight of the embarrassment still shining in his eyes. Offering a hand to him, she helped him get to his feet and watched as he straightened his blazer jacket.
"You saw nothing." His voice was teasing and she giggled. "I mean it."
She raised an eyebrow and he laughed. "I saw…and heard…everything." He groaned slightly and she winked at him. "Don't worry your secrets safe with me. Besides, you were really good."
"Really?" The surprise in his voice was genuine and she nodded her reassurance. "Thanks."
Looking around the room, her eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Where are Calleigh and Eric this mornin'?"
"They have the day off." Walking over to the window, Ryan looked out at the sun and sighed; wishing he too had the day off.
He was torn from his thoughts by Natalia's suspicious voice. "Both of them?"
"Hmm." Turning to face her, he nodded. "Yeah, they both booked the day off." He could see the suspicion in her eyes so quickly came set her straight. "Delko said something about his neighbour's wedding and Calleigh said she had a dentist appointment and was gonna go shoppin' after." Natalia fell for his excuse and her heart sank as she realised that nobody had remembered her birthday.
"Mr Wolfe, Miss Boa Vista…we have criminals to catch." Horatio's sudden presence in the room only made Natalia feel worse, even her boss had forgotten.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
"Eric, it's slanted." Calleigh sighed as she looked up at the banner then to Eric who was balancing precariously on a ladder.
"You're stood too close, take a couple of steps back and tell me what you think then." She rolled her eyes but obliged anyway and stepped back as Delko had requested. "Well?"
"Still slanted." Sighing, he took another step up the ladder and raised the banner up on one side. "Up a bit…no down a bit…up a tiny bit…no too far."
"Well why don't you try it then?" He offered her a challenging look and she gave a sarcastic laugh. "What?"
"As if I can reach that high." He looked down at her, looking from head-to-toe and laughed. "Would you just fix the banner?"
"Well, hold the ladder for me."
"I can't, I need to direct you otherwise it'll end up even worse." She offered him an innocent smile and he couldn't help but smile back.
"We need another set of hands; we should have brought Wolfe with us." Eric hated to admit it but he could have used Ryan's help and the thought of the younger CSI up a latter made him chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Raising an eyebrow, the blonde's eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"Could you imagine Wolfe up a ladder?" The laugh broke free and Calleigh shook her head and gave him a warning look.
"Don't be horrible, you know he's scared of heights." Delko nodded and smiled.
"I know; the guy would have a heart attack." Calleigh gave him one last warning look before looking up at the banner.
"Would you please just fix the banner Eric?" Exasperation crossed her face and laced her words as Delko stood with one hand gripping the ladder and the other holding up the banner.
"I've told you, I can't…we need another pair of hands otherwise this ladder is gonna go." He wobbled it slightly to prove a point.
"Yeah but we need Ryan at the crime lab to distract Natalia so she doesn't get suspicious."
"Alright, alright…up or down?" Smiling, Calleigh looked up at the banner before instructing him on where to move it to.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
Back at the crime lab, Natalia was working in the DNA lab while Ryan and Horatio were out investigating a mysterious death involving a dead deep-sea diver.
"Hey Natalia." One of the newer lab technicians walked into the DNA lab and smiled at her but the younger woman's grin faded when she saw the slightly dismayed expression on Natalia's face. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." The tone of her voice suggested otherwise.
"No you aren't…what's wrong?" Sitting down at one of the other stools, Emilia raised an eyebrow.
"Do you know what day it is today?" She didn't expect the lab tech to know as she had only worked at the lab for two months.
"Umm…Friday?" She shrugged and Natalia smiled slightly but shook her head.
"That's all my friends thought today was too." Emilia's brows knitted in confusion and Natalia sighed. "Today's my birthday…and nobody's remembered."
"I'm sure that's not true." Emilia's voice was sympathetic as she reached over and rested a hand on Natalia's arm.
"Eric and Calleigh I could kinda understand but Ryan…he's supposed to be my best friend and even he forgot this year." Her voice cracked slightly and she had to blink back tears as the realisation that the only cards she would be getting this year were the ones that her parents and sisters had sent her.
"Are you sure, maybe they're planning a party for you?" Her eyes sparkled and Natalia offered her a thankful smile but shook her head.
"Don't see how, Eric's at a wedding and Calleigh's at the dentist's." Emilia opened her mouth to ask about Ryan but Natalia knew what she was going to ask so interrupted. "Ryan's workin' the diver case with Horatio."
"Well, I'm sure they didn't mean to forget."
"Thanks Em." Her voice was genuinely grateful and Emilia nodded.
"Listen, I didn't know it was so I haven't gotten you anything…"
She was about to suggest something but Natalia cut her off again. "Don't worry about it; you weren't to know…you've only been here two months."
"I know but I was gonna say, how about I take you out for a birthday drink tonight."
"You don't have to do that Emilia."
"I know but I want to, I don't want you spending your birthday on your own." She gave her arm a gentle squeeze and Natalia grabbed her hand.
"Thank you…I'd love to come out with you." Together they set about planning their evening, neither knowing about the secret which Ryan, Horatio, Eric and Calleigh had been planning all month.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
Back at the venue they had hired for the party, Calleigh was still decorating the walls and beams with balloons and streamers.
"Do these look okay?" Calleigh shouted across the room to Eric who was laying out the buffet, carefully arranging the cling-film covered plates of sandwiches.
"Yeah they look great." He looked up at the balloon displays which Calleigh had been putting up and smiled. "You just be careful you don't fall off there." She was cautiously balancing on one of the booth-like seats.
"Relax, I won't." She laughed and he rolled his eyes but automatically reached out in time to catch her as she slipped backwards.
"You were saying." He looked down at her and met her eyes, letting a small smile cross his lips.
"I uh…I…I can't remember." She leant up on tip toes just as he bent down slightly.
"Calleigh…" She shivered as his breath her skin but they jumped apart when a knock on the door startled them.
"I'd better…" Gesturing to the door, she pulled away from him.
"Yeah, yeah I'll finish the buffet."
They had come so close but as usual, they had been interrupted.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
"Ryan, can I have a word with you?" Emilia hurriedly followed him down the corridor towards the break room. "Ryan?" Raising her voice, she got his attention and he turned to face her.
"Sorry Em, miles away." She smiled at him and caught up to him as both of them continued to walk towards the break room. "You wanted me for somethin'?"
"Yeah, I need to…" lowering her voice, she trailed off and pulled him into the break room. "I need to talk to you about Natalia."
"What about her?" Concern filled his voice as he started to panic. "What's happened? Is she okay?"
"No she isn't." His eyes widened in fear and she rested a hand on his arm. "Don't panic, it isn't anything like that."
He sighed in relief and nodded. "Thank God, what is it then?"
"Did you know that today is her birthday?" He nodded and she looked at him with a confused expression. "She thinks you've all forgotten."
"Can you keep a secret?" The younger woman nodded and he smiled. "We're throwing her a surprise party; that's why Calleigh and Delko have the day off."
"But she said Eric was going to a wedding."
"I told her that so she wouldn't get suspicious. Delko and Calleigh are decorating the club we've hired for her party." Emilia groaned and hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy we hadn't forgotten."
"I am but 'cuz I thought you had, I've invited her out for a drink tonight." She sighed and looked at Ryan through pleading eyes, silently begging him to come up with an idea.
Luckily for her, he did. "Well, this could work to our advantage. You can meet her at her place and bring her to the club, call Cal or me when you're on your way over."
"Yeah, that could work." Smiling up at him, she nodded.
"Right then…just don't tell her about it okay, it needs to be a surprise?" She nodded and the two headed back to work.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
Natalia had headed home to get ready an hour earlier when Horatio had told her she could finish early. Horatio was going to the party so he too had managed to get an early finish and had told Ryan that he should leave early to get ready in time as well. Unlike Horatio and Natalia however, Ryan wasn't as lucky. He was just heading to the locker room to collect his jacket when Stetler called him back.
"Sir?" Looking at his boss with as much courtesy as he could muster, this wasn't easy as he hated the man; he raised an eyebrow and waited.
"Where do you think you are going Mr Wolfe?" His voice was emotionless as always.
"I'm going home to get ready for Natalia's birthday party." The honest answer was said simply and Stetler shook his head.
"No you aren't. You are going to go and file those report papers which I left on Horatio's desk for you."
"Look, I really need to go home and get ready for this party." He didn't want to have to beg but if that was what he needed to do, he would.
"It isn't your birthday Mr Wolfe so you will do as you are told." He offered the younger man a smug grin and gestured to Horatio's office with his head.
"Horatio said I could leave early so I could get ready and be there on time." His voice had taken on a pleading tone but he had to force down the urge to wipe the grin of Stetler's face.
"Well I'm not Horatio and I'm not letting you leave early…back to work."
"But…"
He was abruptly cut off when Rick raised a hand to stop him. "Do you value your job Ryan?"
"Of course I do but…"
"Then get back to work, you leave at your normal time and not a second earlier." With one last, cold and calculated smile, Stetler headed back into his own office.
Ryan meanwhile, pulled out his cell phone and dialled Calleigh's number.
"Hello?"
"Cal, I'm gonna be late tonight."
"How late Ryan, 'cuz we can't dot he speeches without you?"
"Stetler won't let me leave early, you'll have to start without me and I'll be as quick as I can finishing up this paper work."
"Alright, make sure you get here as soon as."
"I'll be there, don't worry."
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
"Do you mind if we have a drink here first, this is the only place that does the cocktails I like?" Emilia smiled at Natalia who shook her head.
"No, course not…I might have one too." Smiling back, she pushed open the door to the club and walked in. "You sure this place is open?" The room was dark and Natalia couldn't see a thing.
"Oh I'm sure." Flicking the light switch, brightness flooded the room and Natalia gasped in shock.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The crowd of people shouted and the room was filled with the sound of party poppers being let off.
"Oh my God." Her surprised whisper made Calleigh and Eric laugh as they stepped over to her. "I thought you guys had forgotten."
"Nah, as if we could forget your birthday." Calleigh pulled her into a hug and once Natalia got over the shock, she slid her arms around the blonde woman. "Happy birthday sweetie."
"Thank you." Pulling back, she looked at Calleigh then at Eric then back to Calleigh. "This is amazing; you really didn't need to go to so much trouble though."
"Don't be silly, we wanted to throw you a party. Your presents are over there in the corner." Pointing to a table, Natalia followed her eyes and saw a table full of gifts.
"Wow, this is…thank you so much." Calleigh smiled and Eric laughed at the expression on Natalia's face. "I had no idea; Ryan told me you had a dentist appointment and as for you…" She looked at Eric who raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were at a wedding."
"Nope, been here all day." Walking closer to her, he pulled her into a hug. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks." Pulling back to look at him, she smiled. "I should have known you guys wouldn't really forget." She then looked at Emilia. "Were you in on this too?"
"Kinda…I only found out this afternoon when I went to ask Ryan if he really had forgotten your birthday though."
"Where is Ryan?" She looked around the room and realised that all her friends were there except him.
"I'm sorry Natalia, Stetler wouldn't let him finish early but he's gonna try his best to get here." Calleigh was the one to break the news and Natalia's smile faded slightly.
"Oh, okay...well like you said, he might be here later."
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
The speeches had been made and Natalia had thanked all the guests for coming; she had even danced with Eric and Horatio but as she sat in the corner of the room, sipping at her drink, she knew something was missing. That something was Ryan who still hadn't arrived.
"Hey, having a good time?" Turning, she looked at Emilia and smiled.
"Yeah, are you?" Emilia nodded but could tell that Natalia wasn't telling the whole truth.
"What's wrong? You can tell me…I won't tell anyone." Her voice was sympathetic and truthful and Natalia nodded.
"I'm having an amazing time but I just wish Ryan were here."
"Guess it's your lucky day then isn't it." Natalia offered Emilia a confused expression. "Look over there birthday girl." Following Emilia's eyes, Natalia looked over to the door where Ryan was stood. "Told you he'd make it."
"Thanks Em." Emilia nodded and giggled when Natalia wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug. "Do you mind?"
"Go for it, I'm gonna go talk to Horatio…he looks lonely." Horatio was stood in a corner, smiling at the CSIs who were dancing on the dance floor. He was smiling at Eric in particular who was slightly drunkenly trying to impress Calleigh by doing the 'YMCA' with a very tipsy Maxine Valera.
"Okay, see you later." She gave the younger woman a quick kiss on the cheek and the two headed in separate directions.
Ryan turned just as Natalia was approaching him and smiled. "There's my birthday girl."
"You made it." She smiled the brightest smile he had ever seen and stepped closer to him.
"Course I did. Come here you." He pulled her into a hug and she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Sorry I'm late; Stetler wouldn't let me leave early."
"What an arse. You're here now anyway." Pulling back, she smiled at him. "Calleigh told me this was your idea."
"Sorry we pretended we'd forgotten but we wanted to surprise you. I know this year's been pretty tough for you, with Anya being kidnapped and everythin'."
"Thank you so much Ryan." He had even managed to get all of her family to come to the party.
"You're welcome. I got you a present too." Pulling away from her completely, he held out the two gift bags; one of which contained a bottle of wine and the other of which contained a box.
"You didn't need to get me anything; this party was more than enough." Her eyes were sparkly and soft as she took the gift bags from him. Carefully hanging the bag containing the bottle over her wrist, she took the box out of the other one and opened it. "Oh Ryan, it's beautiful."
"Glad you like it. Do you umm…want me to put it on for you?"
"If you don't mind." Holding out her other wrist, she watched as Ryan put the sterling silver charm bracelet on her wrist and fastened the clasp. "Thank you." Gently setting the wine bag on the floor, she gave Ryan another tight hug.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
The party finally ended at half past one in the morning and after a lot of protesting, Natalia had managed to convince Calleigh that she would do the cleaning up before heading home. Eric had been put into a taxi with Calleigh and Horatio and Emilia and Maxine had gone home together as Maxine had said that Emilia could have her spare room.
It was at quarter past two that Natalia and Ryan headed home after collecting all the rubbish into bin bags and sweeping the wooden floor. The venue wasn't far from Natalia's apartment so Ryan offered to walk her home and help her to carry all the gifts which she had received.
"Do you wanna come in for a drink?" Natalia turned to Ryan with raised eyebrows.
"Sure, thanks." Together they walked up the stairs to her apartment and set the presents down in the hallway. Ryan walked into the living room whilst Natalia poured them both a glass of wine, reflecting on the night's events and the great time she had had. When she walked into the living room, she was surprised to hear music until she realised that Ryan had put a CD on. "Dance with me?"
"I'd love to." Putting the wine glasses down on the coffee table, she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wrapped his around her waist and together they swayed to the music. Natalia let out a giggle as Ryan leant in close to her ear and started to softly sing.
"Do you ever think when you're all alone?
All that we can be…where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away,
But I know this crush ain't going away-ay-ay,
Going away-ay-ay."
"When the song had finished, he pulled back and smiled down at her. "Happy Birthday Sweetheart."
"Thanks for tonight Ryan, it's been amazing." She looked up into his eyes and as emerald met chocolate, she saw something she had never expected to see. Time seemed to stop as his lips met hers in a soft kiss. When they pulled back, he smiled at her and was relieved when she smiled back. "That's the best present I've ever been given."
"What was?" His confusion made her giggle and he tightened his arms around her waist.
"You." She averted her gaze and shyly smiled as he kissed the top of her head.
"Well, I'm glad you've had a nice birthday Talia."
"I have…I certainly have." There was no more room for words as she joined her lips to his again; somehow she didn't think Ryan would be going home tonight.
CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI – CSI MIAMI
A/N: Thanks for reading and please review. Hopefully I will be able to update soon and I am sorry if there are any spelling/grammatical mistakes but I wanted to get this one up ASAP and my spell checker decided to act stupid and die on me towards the middle of the story. Thanks again.
Luffles and huggles
RoxxiSanders
XxoxX
