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 owns the OCs...

Now on with the story...

Previously on C.S.I Miami:

Ryan nodded, his mind agreed with Eric but deep down...his heart was shouting that his friend's words were blasphemy.

Remaining unnaturally still, Ryan Wolfe's eyes remained locked on Eric Delko's abandoned coffee cup. He was un-sure of how long he stared; the steam had long since stopped swirling lightly out of the top, the contents no longer swished from side to side.

The cold coffee remained as still as he did, frozen for many minutes.

Though his physical state was still, mentally he was racing. He struggled internally; his mind and heart were at war; constantly firing attacking thoughts back and forward.

Their gun-fire droned on and on within Ryan's ears.

His faces crinkled in emotional pain, waiting for the victor to decide his next move. Both sides fought viciously, trying to destroy the other's reasoning and plea to Ryan to choose their ideas.

His heart and mind were at war...and Ryan Wolfe didn't know whose side he was on.

Though he wanted for cheer his heart's desires, to follow his own happiness, Ryan had to think of the un-selfish questions both his mind and Eric brought to surface.

Is this right?

Does she want this?

Do I deserve her?

Ryan shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. They were questions he couldn't possibly answer but his mind still used them as ammo to fire at his heart.

He had just giving the negative voice a nuclear bomb to use.

I'm such a coward...

You're also an idiot.

Ryan growled silently at the mental voice. Sighing, he realised he must be going crazy if he was answering back to internal voices...but they were right in his mind view.

Ryan Wolfe was no coward.

Raking a hand through his hair, the young CSI felt incredibly tired though it was only the afternoon. Thankfully, Horatio had giving him and Natalia permission to leave or take a break if needed since they had come back to work so quickly.

Though he thought he would be able to last through the day, an early trip home was becoming even more tempting to the injured CSI.

I can talk to Natalia tomorrow...with a clear head.

Heaving himself off of the couch, Ryan turned to doorway, seizing his walking cane as he did. Suddenly he froze, stiffening like a deer-caught-in-car headlights. A lump rose in his throat, sweat tingling his palms.

Standing in the doorway, smiling weakly to him, Natalia Boa Vista stood as his divine demon, bringing out his best yet worst qualities he hated to posses:

Happiness & Cowardliness emerged within him hand in hand.

And he had to decide which one to act on today...right now.

"Wait...you gave Ryan some tips?"

Calleigh Duquesne smiled slightly, taking by surprise by Eric's previous talk with Ryan.

"Hey, you did the same with Natalia. What's the big deal?"

Calleigh sighed, thankful the morning's work load was light. The Southern CSI needed to be able to focus on the matter on hand; it involved something important to her;

Her friends.

"My case was different, I was helping." Eric frowned slightly, nodding his head before he had even started to speak.

"So was I-"

"Not by giving Ryan a reason to doubt, honestly Eric you know how he is. He'll back out of it because he's scared."

The Cuban's frown grew, realising his mistake. Though he took Calleigh's thoughts into consideration the CSI still felt it was right to tell his honesty seeking friend the truth.

"They're not kids Cal; they can make their own choices regardless of what we tell them."

Calleigh looked away for a moment, taking in what Eric said. When she looked back he too was looking another direction. She followed his stare and when she caught his fixation she smiled hopefully.

The two CSI's looked on to the break room down the long corridor, grim smiles copied on both their faces.

Natalia Boa Vista stepped further into the room, Ryan Wolfe visible though mostly hidden by the closing door.

Both CSI's turned to face each other, grim smiles still in place.

"I'm sure it'll work out." Eric took Calleigh's sentence with small hope. He felt guilty; after all he had teased Ryan constantly, and then gave him terrible advice when he needed him most.

Tearing himself from Calleigh's gaze, Eric prayed he could sneak down to the break room and silently tell Ryan not to take his advice. Once his eyes glanced down the corridor, the Cuban CSI frowned.

The door was closed...it was too late.

Whatever happens now happens.

Smiling nervously, Natalia Boa Vista slowly turned away from the closed break room door.

Glancing up, her lips twitched slightly as she looked into a pair of equally awkward grey eyes.

"Hey."

Once he heard her whisper a greeting, Ryan Wolfe's throat seemed to clog. Palms sweating furiously, lips suddenly dry, the CSI tried in vain to respond.

With a deep breath, his throat cleared, a relieved breath escaping him carried his response.

"Hey."

Both CSIs could only stand, glancing from the floor then back, nerves tingling as a thick, heavy silence took over.

Ryan looked up, but Natalia seemed in-fixed with a spot at his feet. When she didn't glance back up again, he became confused.

A sudden slow intake of breath caught his attention. Ryan looked up, gasping slightly as light grey eyes locking with chocolate brown.

"Ryan...we need to talk."

Oooooooh What will happen next?

And just to tease you all...a well-known character is going to go...painfully!

Any guesses?

So will it RaiN in Miami, or will their only be floods of crimson?

Find out next time ;)

-Mel out ;)

PS: For all RaiN (romantic and friendship alike) fans, I reccomend a inspiring, amazing story by Emily Blake. It's titled "Don't Let Go" and have a packet of tissues at hand while reading.

It's awesome guys, defiantly check it out!