Sounds of Screaming:

-Chapter Thirteen: I'll Be Your Lover Too

Disclaimer: Just read the past 14 chapters for this bit! ;)

Eric Delko felt oddly out of place outside Miami Dade Crime lab. Though he had served many years here, literally giving blood, sweat and tears to the lab, the young Cuban still felt awkward as he walked up the steps.

It felt even stranger to be searched and giving a visitors pass before being permitted to pass beyond to the main lobby. He felt like a local teacher at a playground, everyone here knew him but no one approached, no one spoke to the deserted CSI.

Guess they weren't that understanding H.

Sighing softly, Eric ignored the wide eyed stares and murmurs of his name and stepped up to the elevator. Luckily when it opened, it was empty. The Cuban sighed again though this time in relief, now he had a few minutes to think.

He didn't have those minutes when he received a mind-disturbing text, one that had him racing like a mad man down the Miamian motorway and wedging his car into the first space he found upon arrival.

He was needed, needed right now.

The second the doors opened, he was out. Eric didn't take the time to stop in and say hi or catch up, he couldn't afford it. He was needed right then and there. He couldn't wait around.

As he paced through the glass maze of the lab, Eric's eye caught some of the work going on; machines beeped, lab techs floated by though still ignored him, samples were being prepared.

Damn I miss it.

He couldn't lie to himself, leaving CSI, though crucial to his recovery was still one of the hardest choices Eric Delko had to make. Though it wasn't the usual on-job choice, those normally involved life and death, to leave or not to leave was even more consequential than to shoot or not.

Eric let out another sigh, that life of guns and bullets was behind him. Not a droplet of his blood would have to spilt to help the city, he had another life now to consider besides his own.

Calleigh's.

Eric had giving countless drops of blood, sweat and tears here at the lab, but by the looks of Calleigh's text message, he was about to shed a few more.

Entering the AV lab, Natalia was surprised to hear the "One Republic" track she was listening to earlier playing softly. Once over her confusion, she feared the beautiful song had been used in another twisted, evil act by the killer.

Tilting her head in curiosity, Natalia stared at the tiny IPod and speakers, confused at what exactly was going on. She turned to ask Aaron when she noticed his stance.

Aaron held out his hand, palm up. He smiled as Natalia laughed nervously but continued to bow his head mannerly.

"May I have this dance ma'am?"

Natalia continued to laugh, the nervousness peaking after each breath as she realised the AV tech was being serious.

"Aaron, you do know we're at work don't you? In the middle of the lab. And I thought we were going to be friends?"

Aaron smiled innocently, looking shock by her accusations and point-outs. "What? Friends can have a joke at work together!"

Noticing her slight resistance, Aaron had no choice by to use his greatest weapon; one he had studied over the years and knew would be effective.

Looking her in the eye, he used the shining hazel of his own to its peak.

Whether it was Aaron's joyful nature or his pleading hazel puppy eyes, Natalia decided against her better judgement and hesitantly placed her hand in his.

Whisked forward, Natalia jumped as she was pressed against Aaron's muscular body. The CSI shivered as they twirled slowly, pushing away the fact she could count each ab and tense muscle under Aaron's teasingly tight shirt.

Catching herself and scolding her mind, Natalia tried talking to distract herself.

"I thought you didn't like music?"

Aaron stopped their slow twirling, his hands hovering over her hips. Looking up, Natalia found herself captivated in those soft golden pools of light.

"You'd be surprised the things I'd do for you Natalia."

Natalia instantly tensed. This is wrong her mind screamed at her, the fun moment was suddenly serious, a serious mistake. Aaron, feeling her unease, felt like slapping his forehead. The wrong emotion had leaked through his mask, he thought quickly how to make amends.

"For our...friendship, I mean."

Deciding to let it go, Natalia was glad the song was almost over. She was already cursing herself for agreeing to such a silly and potential hurtful act but yet, if she pulled away, it would hurt Aaron.

Though she loved Ryan, she still cared for Aaron deeply. In the first few weeks he had become a close friend and asset to the team. She couldn't bear hurt a fellow-team member, a family member.

Glancing over Natalia's shoulder, Aaron smiled at Ryan. The CSI looked on, fists balled in anger and hurt. Walter stood silently by his side, puzzled.

A victorious fire burned in the young AV tech's eyes; his plan was working perfectly.

Beyond the glass, Ryan couldn't take much more, he'd see them standing so close, she had let him hold her...Ryan felt betrayed. Taking one last look at Aaron's smug face with narrowed eyes, Ryan turned to leave.

"Hey man...I thought you two were...you know..."

Ryan paused, looking at the ground. "We are." He didn't know who he was trying to convince, himself or Walter. Walking on alone, Ryan stormed into the locker room for some privacy.

We are! His voice echoed round his quiet mind. Though this time, it couldn't convince him.

We are! His mind's voice sounded feeble, losing the battle.

"Or at least I thought we were."

Oh! RaiN angst! Don't we all love it?

PS, before you get your torches and pitchforks and come after me...just remember...AARON DID IT! He's completely responsible; he and my muse are out to get RaiN!

:O And this time...I don't think I can stop them :(

And yay! Eric returns! I felt so bad not being able to write him in but as I said, this is season 8 (minus Jesse ;)

So...what will happen to RaiN? And EC?

Stay tuned to find out and please review too, I'm an addict!

-Mel out ;D

Title, "I'll be your Lover too" by Robert Patterson...do I need to point out why I chose it? ;)