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...
Now on with the story...
Previously on C.S.I Miami:
The CSI was already slumbering before the steel had pierced his skin.
Nose twitching in itchiness, Ryan Wolfe slowly became aware of himself, control of his limbs finally returning.
Eyes still closed, the CSI listened around him, still moving his facial features in an attempt to ease the annoying prickle running from his brow to lower lip.
"Eric, leave him alone!"
"What-...Hey, he's waking up!"
Hearing his two friends whisper excitedly, Ryan peeked through one eye first, then opening both an inch.
Blinking once...twice...three times... Ryan finally opened his eyes fully, taking in the crowded white room.
Standing next to his shoulder, suspiciously placing a flower petal back in a glass vase on the bedside table, Eric Delko grinned down at his friend. By his side, Calleigh Duquesne smiled down at Ryan too, whispering a greeting.
Ryan smiled back, but continued to look for the face he most wanted to see.
Looking past Calleigh's dust covered shoulder, Ryan watched curiously as Alexx Woods spoke to someone hidden from view by Calleigh and Eric, one hand outstretched. Noticing his eyes on her, Alexx turned to face Ryan, her hand still hidden mysteriously.
A moving figure broke through Ryan's suspicious mind, one that immediately took his focus; His father-figure. "H."
"Good evening Mr. Wolfe."
Ryan nodded, then realised what Horatio said. Evening? Looking from his bedside clock to the dim-orange Miami sky outside his window, the evidence told him the day was almost over. Shocked, the CSI searched his mind, the last Ryan remembered was seeing a clear afternoon blue sky.
"How long was I out?"
"Just 4 hours." Hearing a filmier voice from behind his Lieutenant, Ryan tilted his head to the right, realising his mistake as pain rippled down through his side, different blotches of bruises throbbing.
"This is quite the switch-a-roo." Stepping forward, Maxine Valera waved softly to Ryan, standing at the end of his bed. Smiling as he looked around at his family, Ryan's mind could only focus on the one who wasn't present.
Smile faltering, he swallowed once before speaking.
"Where's Natalia?"
Ryan immediately picked up on the sudden stiffness in the room, bodies tensing as eyes darted away. Eric looked at the headboard above Ryan's head, not able to meet the younger man's eyes.
He's not going to tell me.
Shifting his gaze, Ryan's eyes interrogated Calleigh next. She didn't look at him but rather at the spot Alexx's hand had remained, now both women looking down.
Moving on, Ryan saw no sign of help from Valera so looked lastly to his Lieutenant. After a determent stare off between the two men, Horatio realised his CSI wouldn't back down.
Receiving a nod from their Lieutenant, Calleigh and Eric slowly walked to his side, leaving only Alexx to stand at Ryan's side.
But another face held the CSI's un-divided attention.
Natalia lay un-moving under the sheets, right arm exposed but hidden under a thick white bandage and sling. Her face was tilted towards him, eyes closed, breathing in slow, deep breaths. White strips of stitches covered two inches of her forehead.
Ryan looked worryingly to Alexx, seeking soothing words from the mothering doctor.
"Don't worry baby, she's just taken more of an effect to the anaesthetic than you, she'll wake soon."
As though hearing the comforting words meant for Ryan, thick lashes fluttered furiously, chocolate eyes blinking rapidly before opening fully. Becoming aware of her surroundings, Natalia smiled at the grouping of friends.
But her eyes focused immediately on Ryan.
The pair smiled, just revelling in the sight of the other. Forgetting where they were or who was there, the two silently communicated, no words needed to be spoken, everything they needed to say was shown in their eyes.
A nervous cough interrupted them.
Raising his eyebrows in a knowing manner, Eric fakery rubbed his throat. Seeing the embarrassment on both of her bedridden "children's" faces, Alexx decided to save them, clearing her throat, she immediately had everyone's attention.
"I pulled a few strings up in Housing...I wanted my babies together." Having heard their motherly doctor's explanation, the two CSI's looked to each other again.
The message they subconsciously radiated was loud and clear to their visitors; Alone time.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Eric thought quickly on his feet. "We should get back to the lab, Cal." Receiving a wink from her tan partner, Calleigh nodded, waving a goodbye to her two friends before leading the way out.
Standing up from Natalia's bed, Alexx was next to try slip out slyly.
"Well I have to get back to work, I'll drop in at the end of my shift." Taking both CSI's hands Alexx looked from one to the other, making sure they knew she was serious about her promise.
"Horatio, would you care to join me for a cup of coffee first?"
The Lieutenant nodded, holding the door for his friend to exit. Taking one long last look at his CSIs, he left with a promising drawl.
"Take care Mr. Wolfe...you too Ms. Boa Vista."
Smiling at her friends, Valera was now the last visitor. "I better go too, a classic Dan Brown is just calling to me from home."
Ryan smiled back, remembering their previous conversation on the subject.
"Valera, you know lead based paint is toxic." Valera smiled wider, a challenging glint in her eyes. "Ryan, if I can survive a potentially lethal drug attack, I think a harmless book is going to be a walk-over."
Stopping at the doorway, she turned once more, but this time looking to her DNA partner.
"And Nat, get better soon...DNA is gonna be swamped."
Natalia smiled at her friend as she left, then turned to look at Ryan. He looked too, once again staring into her eyes.
The silence returned, but this time it was awkward, both waiting for the other to speak first.
Ryan decided the best way to speak was from his heart, to pour his feelings out for the world and more importantly Natalia to hear.
...The silence continued.
Oooooooh, now our favourite couple is alone...
Is that a good or bad thing?
Find out next time!
Mel out ;D