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...

Author's Note: This chapter is for the anonymus reveiwer Green, who's read and reveiwed from the VERY START! Thanks Green for all your support, and since you wanted a Natalia chapter...here you are pal! ;)

Now on with the story...

Previously on C.S.I Miami:

"I need some advice."

Sighing lightly, Natalia Boa Vista stared at the tiny lit-up circles inside the CSI lab's elevator. Foot tapping impatiently and brow furrowed, the CSI watched as light travelled painfully slow from one numbered circle to the next, the weight in her undamaged arm becoming increasingly heavy.

Cursing herself for taking too many objects at a time, having not wanted to make two trips, Natalia balanced several files alone with a small box containing bags of D.N.A evidence in one hand. The other in a dark blue cast and sling to match.

Finally a light ding was heard, and the steel doors opened onto the almost empty glass-walled lab.

With her eyes focused solely on the sliding files barely within her grip, Natalia jumped when she collided with a petite colleague, still knocked off balance from the sudden contact, sheets slipped from her fingertips and fell scattering to the floor.

Looking up, Natalia immediately began apologising to the filmier face.

"Calleigh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking."

Mouth opened slightly in a small smile, amusement tingling within her eyes, Calleigh Duquesne kneeled down along with her friend, helping the injured CSI collect and stack the collection of data and charts back into order.

"It's fine. Here let me get those."

Indicating to the pile of papers Natalia was obviously struggling to hold, Calleigh watched the slight head shake, an attempt by the injured CSI to brush off her need for help.

Always trying to pull a brave face.

Though admiring her friend's selflessness, the Southern CSI decided it was time to do the right thing and either force her help upon her unwilling colleague or knock some sense into her.

Calleigh thought the former would be kinder.

Easily taking the papers from Natalia's grasp, Calleigh led the way towards D.N.A, assuming this was the tech's destination. Placing the paper pile gently on the glass desk, Calleigh turned and leaned against the glass, watching with a careful eye as her friend mimicked her actions, placing the sheets atop of hers.

Wearing a defeated smile, Natalia looked gratefully to the Ballistics expert.

"Thanks Calleigh."

Returning a smile, Calleigh looked at the large enough grouping of objects the two carried in then back to the younger scientist, emerald eyes searching for any negative emotions from her normally up-beat friend.

Her assessment had only taken seconds, yet she gained so much information.

"Are you okay?"

Receiving a slightly annoyed look from her friend, Calleigh quickly thought to defend her questioning.

"I mean you and Ryan did come back to work rather quickly."

At the mention of Ryan Wolfe, a flicker of hurt flashed across Natalia's face, before Calleigh could try determining what it was, the D.N.A tech spoke lowly, her tone rather harsh.

"It wasn't my first time waking up in a hospital bed Calleigh."

Realising what she had just said, Natalia closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before looking up to see the Ballistics expert's reaction, hoping she could apologise again for her second mistake of the morning. Calleigh simply nodded, understanding the message behind Natalia's statement.

It's not her first time with a broken arm either.

Though wishing to share comforting words, Calleigh didn't want to come off as pitying either. Instead, the Southern CSI decided on a topic change though it held relevance to Natalia's hidden hurting.

"Have you seen Ryan today?"

Natalia instantly looked down, a sign to Calleigh she had struck a nerve. Watching as the brunette shook her head; the Ballistics expert knew she would have to slowly ease into the subject for a positive result.

No jumping the gun Bullet Girl.

Shaking herself mentally, Calleigh listened as Natalia finally answered. "No...I haven't talked to him for a few days now..." Sadness radiated from the D.N.A tech, a vibe Calleigh instantly picked up on.

Keeping a cool face, the Southern CSI pressed for more information.

"Is there something wrong between you two?"

Natalia raised a single eyebrow, questioning the superior CSI, "That would have to mean there was something between us. Is that what you're implying?"

Calleigh shook her head, still keeping eye-contact with the younger technician, "No, not at all." Natalia watched the slight smile appear on the Southerner's face and twinkle appear in her eyes, both a secret message of Calleigh's true thoughts.

Was there?

Natalia smiled too, thinking back on her previous terrifying (yet romantically revealing) ordeal with Ryan, then to the sudden coldness from him, all relations turning strictly professional. Her smile faltered for a moment, but was forcefully put back on.

"Didn't you ever hear curiosity killed the cat?"

Calleigh smiled back, "Well then I guess it's a good thing I'm a Cal." Natalia laughed lightly at the terrible joke but mentally cursed the smart Southerner. She had attempted to move off of the topic of Ryan but the blonde kept the subject alive.

Two can play at this game Calleigh.

Though her thoughts were playful, Natalia's goal was self-preservation; she didn't know how much of him she could hear about and not break (if not her heart then some unfortunate nearby piece of furniture).

"And what about you? I've heard Stetler hasn't been the only Internal Affair happening around here."

Calleigh held back her shocked gasp and settled for an awkward smile, it was now her turn to be under fire.

"Didn't you ever hear curiosity killed the cat Natalia?"

The brunette laughed, deciding to play along in mimicking Calleigh's previous answer. "Well then it's a good thing I'm a Nat or...maybe that's a lil too close to cat for my liking."

Calleigh smiled, though it was a friendly conversation, superiority still overruled, meaning she would not be one under interrogation. After a moment of laughter from the pair, Natalia sobered up, un-sure of how to approach her current idea.

Taking a breath, the D.N.A tech was already blushing with embarrassment, fidgeting nervously with her shirt sleeve. Noticing this, Calleigh gazed lightly into the younger woman's eyes.

"Natalia? What's wrong?"

Looking back up, the brunette couldn't believe she was about to ask Calleigh Duquesne for love-life help.

But she was.

Hmmmm...I struggled to write this chapter, the idea of Nat asking Calleigh for help with Ryan wasn't working within my mind, yet it was important for the next chapter.

I hope it's enjoyable for you all, I hate having to put up work I'm not 100% with but I didn't want to disappear for too long, didn't want you all missing me ;D

So, will Calleigh and Eric's advice help the love-lost pair come together, or will it only result in more heart break?

Find out next time!

Mel out ;P