I hope everyone liked the first chapter. Thanx to everyone who read it, especially csimiamifreak92310 and merrymatryoshka for being my very first reviewers ever! I hope you will enjoy the next chapter, and remember, reviews are greatly appreciated.

Previously on CSI Miami

He fired his gun into the back of his target.

Horatio Caine fired his gun into the back of Natalia Boa Vista.

"Clear!" the LT called, before he began to take of his gear. Natalia pushed against the floor and slowly regained her footing.

Having been surprised by her LT, she hadn't been able to prepare herself for the blow, resulting in her being knocked right off her feet."Nice shot!"

Horatio gave her a little nod before he stepped forwards and began to untie the petite DNA analyst, Maxine Valera, from the pole. "Hey, Horatio," she spoke drowsily, slurring her words a little. "Am I allowed to go back to bed now?"

Valera had been woken up from a deep sleep, only so that she could participate in the mock hostage situation. Because of her current state of mind, sleepy and out of it, it was decided that she could play one of the hostages. So far though, she hadn't gotten much sleep.

Last night was so much fun, she thought as she fought her heavy eyelids. I may be tired, but my date with John was worth it.

Natalia swung her body through the hole and dropped, landing like a cat. Passing Eric as he exited the room, she walked towards Ryan. "Hey Nat," he said in a greeting, still rubbing his wrists. "Were you in the army or something, because you tie really tight knots?"

Holding back a laugh she replied, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean for it to be so tight." Natalia couldn't help but gaze into Ryan's adoring hazel eyes. His gaze flickered towards the doorway, making sure no one was there, before he leaned in and gave her a small peck on the cheek.

"If it was anybody but you I would mind, but it wasn't," Ryan said, the gentleness obvious in his tone. He pulled Natalia closer towards him but she resisted.

"Ryan, no. At least not here where everyone can see us," she whispered quietly. Looking around, she made sure that no one had seen Ryan's sudden outburst of emotion. Once she was positive no one had seen, she turned back towards Ryan and continued on. "We can't tell everyone about us. You know what would happen if anyone found out, especially if it was Stetlar..."

"What about Stetlar?"

Both Ryan and Natalia jumped at the sudden voice from the doorway.

"Uuuh... I was just saying how if Stetlar...um...was in charge of the lab then..." Ryan started, not knowing what else to say.

"...we never would have been able to do this practice run." Thinking quickly, Natalia finished his sentence for him.

Eric looked curiously at the two of them before it dawned on him. "Ohh, I see. Ya, all right, I'll buy that for now." He shot them a knowing look before continuing. "Anyways, I came in to tell you that we are leaving. We're going back to the lab to review our actions today." With one last mocking glance at Ryan, he left the room.

Awkwardness hung over the room like a cloud.

"Well," Natalia began, taking a hesitant step towards the door. "We should probably go, ya"

"Ya, right," he followed her out the door, cursing himself for not being smoother.