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: Thank you so much Emily Blake, you practically wrote this chapter aswell as last with your completely helpful advice! Readers, give her a round of applause, and read some of her brilliant work!

Now on with the story...

Previously on C.S.I Miami:

Both women smiled, the seriousness of their previous conversation was fading rapidly, a humorous mood setting in as the deep connection they had just gained led the way for lighter topics.

Laughing again along with her colleague, Calleigh Duquesne smiled as the past surrounding tension had left. Having listened to Natalia's seeking of wisdom and explanation behind her feeling for Ryan Wolfe, the Southern CSI came to one conclusion only moments into the younger woman's speech.

She really loves Ryan.

Now filled with a joyful confidence, Natalia Boa Vista looked away from the smiling blonde before her around the glass walled lab, when her eyes failed to find the one she desperately desired; she turned her attention back to her friend.

"Em...do you know where Ryan is?"

Calleigh's laughter died down lightly, emerald eyes examining Natalia's expression and body language. Realising the younger woman was readying herself for the ultimate confrontation, the Southerner spoke warmly.

"I saw him heading towards the break room awhile ago, maybe he's still there."

Natalia smiled thankfully to the older blonde. Though she once feared Calleigh's reaction to her plea for advice, the Ballistics expert understood her shyness straight away and spared her any further embarrassment.

Then the conversation flowed naturally, as only that of two great friends' would.

As she stood to leave, Natalia looked back at her encouraging colleague, a previous thought causing a smile to bubble back to her lips.

"You better go bring curiosity in for the cat murder."

Calleigh laughed once more, "its okay, I was never much of a cat person, I prefer dogs." Out of the corner of her eye, Calleigh noticed Eric walking her direction, a smile greeting her.

Naturally, his smile caused hers to glow brighter.

Natalia looked to their approaching friend, then back to Calleigh. Smiling she held the door open for herself, an amused smirk from her gaining the Ballistics expert's attention.

Humour-lit eyes indicating to Eric, the D.N.A tech spoke lowly, "Woof, woof!"

Calleigh just watched in slight shock as the brunette left cheekily, Eric taking her place seconds later. Though her cheekbones hurt from the amount of laughter and smiling she had been doing, the Southerner smile stretched further at his arrival.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself."

The Cuban breathed a small laugh before walking closer to Calleigh. "You'll never believe what Wolfe asked me." This intrigued her, eyebrows quirking as they waited for him to continue.

Leaning down, Eric whispered lightly into her ear.

Walking alone towards the CSI break room, Natalia Boa Vista thought over her previous talk with colleague Calleigh Duquesne and took a deep breath. Though the conversation was in theory, a success, the thought of her current task still sent shivers down her spine.

Though she didn't want to be a coward, Natalia wished she could just run the opposite direction from Ryan Wolfe and hide.

Calleigh had given her a lot to think about, and though she was thankful for the Southern CSI's open honesty, Natalia began to think she was just making one big mistake.

"You should be sure your feelings aren't just a side effect of being in such a traumatic experience with him."

Thanks Cal...

Grumbling to herself, the DNA tech stopped outside the break room, hearing only silence within. She smiled, hoping she was lucky enough that Ryan had already left, giving her time to think things over more.

And yet...her heart squeezed painfully at the thought of Ryan ever leaving.

Frozen by her internal battle, mind arguing against her heart, Natalia breathed deeply. Her decision was made, the war was over, the victor decided her next move.

Daring to risk her safe hiding spot outside the door, Natalia stepped through the doorframe.

Damn it!

Not only was Ryan there in the room, back turned to her as he sat on the old staff sofa, but other than for the lone, quiet CSI, there was no one else in the room.

Other than for the silent DNA tech watching him, unsure how to approach.

Should she launch right into the issue, or lightly lead in with meaningless chatter?

Neither, I shouldn't be doing this!

Though her mouth opened, Natalia remained quiet, her fear muting whatever choice she was going to go with. Instead she stood alone, watching silently.

Gulping once, with her past confidence depleting dramatically, the brunette CSI had never felt so fearfully frozen to the floor in her entire life. The last shred of positivity she possessed seemed to call out to her from the darks of her mind.

She wasn't stuck, she could move if she wanted to! Natalia smiled, all she had to do was walk over to him.

Or run the opposite way...

Smile faltering, Natalia sighed, her hopes defeated as running away seemed to become more tempting to the frozen CSI.

Ooooooh...will Natalia chicken out? Is their relationship toast?

Find out next time

PS. Once again, thank you Emily Blake who's genius ideas helped me out of one hell of a writer's block!

Seriously guys, check out her work!

- Mel out ;)