Basically, I rewatched 5x09 and the Eric/Ryan scenes really had me. Usually (me being that avid CaRWash shipper, I love anything Calleigh/Ryan) but all I could focus on was them being the cutest of colleagues.

I love Ryan's line about Eric getting to interview all the women. Lmao. The episode's theme is what gave me this idea. But - there's a slight twist that switches out the gambling storyline for something else since I think it would be better.

That's my inspiration for this one shot.

"How'd the interview go?" Ryan asked innocently, entering the break room as he saw Eric stood by the coffee machine.

The Cuban briefly looked over his shoulder at the younger CSI. He turned back around, smirking to himself. Ryan sat down on the couch with a file containing the results that confirmed the presence of heroine on the bedside table. It's not that he didn't respect the job and all, but he knew how often the attempts of seduction were pulled. What Eric received for being awfully attractive.

He made a second coffee, this time with a second sugar, and handed it to Ryan as he sat down beside him. Ryan skeptically profiled his behavior, as if he'd not done that before. His parents worked for the FBI - of course he'd be skilled in the art of psychological profiling. "It went alright. Miss Wilson, if that's even her real name.. she works for Homeland Security. Coffee?"

"Mhm. Everything about her after that listening device screamed fed."

"Yeah.. but you're not fully satisfied with the cover up, are you?" Eric replied, cocking an eyebrow suggestively.

Ryan rolled his eyes. He knew what a good federal agent was, most of his family worked for the federal government. But the listening device was in an obvious spot to those who know where to look, fingerprint on the adhesive provides evidence that the agent was there and blindfolding Rebecca in attempt to hide what was going on with proof would be shaky with the bosses. Even trying to chat Eric up in order to move away from the murder didn't work.

"Anyone who's worked undercover would know that you need to raise as little suspicion as possible." Ryan stated in a matter-of-factly tone.

The older CSI observed Ryan while he sipped his coffee. There was a whole lot that he didn't know, and things that he wished he knew more about. Ryan knew an awful lot about undercover work, street narcotics and the standards of working Vice. Eric knew his Watch Commander favoured him for these off the beat tasks, but Ryan never talked about it.

He always wondered what went on inside that analytical mind of his. Or what Wolfe did infer from the countless times he liked to profile him for no reason in particular. This probably hadn't been the first time he liked to muse out loud with his jealousy. Ryan knew what he wanted to hear, though he wasn't sure that Eric would take it well. Some of the things that took place when he went undercover weren't exactly fairytale-like. Drugs, prostitution, extortion, gambling, dealings, trafficking, murder... The underworld of crime that nobody thinks is as bad as it is.

"How many undercover operations have you worked?" Eric vaguely inquired to break the silence.

"22 undercover assignments over the course of my time at MDPD.." Ryan stood up, taking both empty coffee cups and throwing them in the trash. "I have some reports to catch up on before I interrogate Rebecca's ex boyfriend/fiancé."

The Cuban followed with the file Ryan originally brought to the break room. "Wolfe." Ryan turned around, hazel eyes staring at his brown eyes. It felt like fireworks danced around his heart when the younger man looked at him like that. Eric gave Ryan his file, offering a small smile.

"Thanks for the coffee." Ryan said, smiling back at him before leaving to answer his ringing cellphone.

Eric nodded to himself. Eventually Ryan would open up to him about what those undercover operations included, but until then, they'd be okay. And besides, he knew that Ryan got a little jealous when he had to talk to all those women. This really didn't start and end with him.

Ryan owned his heart, even if he didn't know it.