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Story Title: Revenge is a dish best served Russian


Season(s): Mainly set in season 7, timeline may vary.
Pairing(s): Ryan/Natalia, Eric/Calleigh, (other pairings may occur...I'm making the story up as I go along)

Disclaimer: If I did own C.S.I Miami do you think I would be writing this story instead of snuggling in Jonathan Togo's strong, muscled arms? *sigh* Stupid O.S.F.D (Obsessive. Sexy. Fellas. Disorder) I only own the OCs...

AN: If this symbol * appears next to a word the explanation is at the end of chapter. I hope this helps ;)

Now on with the story:

Previously on C.S.I Miami:

Pushing herself up, the CSI lost the fear of a victim and gained the courage of a saviour. Standing up fully, Natalia prepared to rescue her partner.

Fist connecting with his victim below, Demetri Valcross smiled sadistically. Feeling a joyful tingle each time the CSI cried out, the Russian cruelly aimed his blows for each of the bodies weak points, knowledge gained from years of torturing.

Knowledge the Russian used well.

Listening to the CSI's laboured breathing, Demetri continued his attack, punching and kicking into Ryan's beaten body. Swinging his weapon down, Demetri was thrilled to hear a scream follow the sickening sound of steel meeting skin.

Discarding the steel rod behind him, the Russian continued his attack, his own blood from his broken nose dripping down, mingling with the CSI's.

Charged by the adrenaline-filled attack, Demetri felt it was time again for the steel rod to strike. Looking behind him, the Russian was confused; the rod was nowhere near the spot he heard it hit the ground.

Before he knew it, the cold steel connected against his shattered nasal bone, pain shooting through the Russian's nerves.

Watching with wide eyes as the Russian hit the ground, the steel rod slipped through Natalia's shaking hand. Gulping as she realised she just rendered Demetri unconscious, the CSI quickly slid to her partner's side. Nervously she stretched out a shaking hand, placing it on Ryan's shoulder to turn him onto his back gently.

Gasping, Natalia felt nauseous as she examined the extent of her partner's injuries.

Both eyes were swollen, one already a deep black, the other red. His normally grey eyes seemed discoloured, red bloodshot creeping along his sclera*. His face was covered in gashes which oozed blood, surrounded by red and blue-ish marks.

The only un-mark part of his skin was frighteningly pale.

Though not wanting to, Natalia's curiosity drove her to look over the rest of Ryan's body. Thankfully, his sweater vest and shirt covered the injuries that she knew his torso had received.

But his short sleeves allowed his bruised arms to show.

Though feeling panicky, Natalia knew she had to pull herself together. Reining in her emotions, she placed two fingers to Ryan's blood encrusted neck. Relieved to find a pulse, the CSI looked back to Ryan's eyes, hoping he was awake.

She knew she couldn't carry him out of the building and she'd be damned to leave him behind.

Though Ryan was conscious, he seemed un-aware of where he was. In a trance, the CSI stared up to the ceiling dazedly. As Natalia tugged his arm, tears began to form when she received no response. Pulling him into her arms, the CSI thought of one last desperate act.

"Help!...Somebody!"

Anybody please!

"Help!"

Looking around frantically, the CSI continued to call out for help in the empty room, un-aware that above, the bomb's timer ticked down through its final minutes.

With the unconscious Officer Blake draped across his shoulders, Lieutenant Horatio Caine hurried along the second floor corridor, eyes glued to an exit to outdoor stairs mere feet away.

Hearing a floorboard creak inside an office ahead, Horatio froze, eyes narrowing as he focused on the sound.

Drawing his gun whilst placing Officer Blake gently on the ground, Horatio waited for the possible threat or ally to show themselves.

As the floors creaked closer towards the door, Horatio raised his eyebrows in surprise at the figure who appeared.

Standing with both hands resting on her holster, emerald eyes locked on the large Miami Metals factory, Calleigh Duquesne was becoming impatient. Having watched many failed attempts to liberate the Russian control of the factory, the CSI worried for her fellow officers and friends inside.

Standing by her side, Eric Delko felt exactly the same way.

Both CSI's stood near the side entrance, waiting for their trusted Lieutenant to appear, escorting Ryan and Natalia to safety. Every time an officer walked through it, every time the breeze caused it to move, their hearts squeezed painfully.

Eric growled in frustration, if he had to wait any longer, he was going to crack.

Come on Wolfe.

Silently willing his co-worker to survive, Eric knew Ryan would protect Natalia from harm. A counter-thought caused his heart to physically ache. Pushing away that thought, Eric knew Ryan had to be there to keep Natalia safe from harm, there was no way he was...dead.

No, that was not what Eric worried of. His only fear was who would protect Ryan?

* Sclera: the white part of your eye.

Should I go into hiding since I hurt Ryan so badly and 3 out of 4 readers are glaring through their computers at me right now!

*gulp*

Anyway, the annoying questions!

Who has stopped H and Blake's path to freedom and safety?

Will Natalia be able to save Ryan?

Who will be trapped inside as the building burns?

Find out next time ;)

Mel out ;D