Waves crashed upon the beach shore, a warm breeze dancing in the air. A lone figure made her way along the beach, carrying a small picnic basket with her. The breeze ruffled her dress and hair as her blue eyes searched for the perfect spot.

Finally she spotted one and withdrew the picnic blanket from under the handles, laying it out. Grabbing her phone, she found an all-too-familiar contact. 'You haven't forgotten about our evening picnic, have you? (; I've found the perfect spot...' Sending the text, she lay back on the blanket, gazing up at the diamond stars in the cobalt sky, a small smile on her face.

Ryan managed to smoothly get into shower without any incidents, which was rare occasion. He just hoped his sis won't play tricks while he was in.

Just as he was coming out a text message lit up the screen of his phone.
His lips curled up in a smile as he saw what it is.

'Of course I'm not;) Where you want me to meet?' he sent reply, feeling his heart start beating faster.
Quickly he ran back to his room. He needed to find his clothes before someone else does.

Maya couldn't stop the grin that lit up her face as she received Ryan's text. She was really looking forward to tonight. She really enjoyed spending time with him and getting to know him. And a picnic with him, with such beautiful scenery all around sounded like a perfect way to spend the evening.

'I found the most perfect spot. You know the bridge? Well if you're facing towards the sea, turn left and just meander along till you find me,' she texted back, hoping that Ryan would understand her directions. Normally she was rather good with directions, but of course the beach seemed to drain her direction-skills completely.

Just when he stepped out of the closet (more a whole room full of clothes than an tiny wooden hut stacked up til ceiling with stuff) dressed up decently when the next message arrived.
He grinned after reading it.
'Yeah, I know which place you mean. Will be soon.' he sent back.
Once again checking himself over at mirror he smiled at his reflection.

As he exited his room there was a bucket of flowers standing on a table at the wall, beside his door. There was a small note next to it saying 'Enjoy the night'. Ryan stared at it for a moment, frowning. Appearantly walls indeed had ears and eyes in this house.

He quickly scribbled 'I'm buying next round' on the back of the paper, leaving it on the table, and went to his car.

But outside he found only Jane's car in the driveway. This at least had no note but obviously somebody had washed it and made it clear it was meant for him. Inside was cleaned up and whoever prepared it meant it by heart, predicting long night outside and wished them using it later.
He even found Skyla neatly packed inside what appeared thick, soft cashmere blanket, black and warm.

Obviously everybody but him had known it coming.
With a grin he hopped in and drove off towards beach.

Odd how life seems to close one door and open the next. She'd been heartbroken over being sent to Miami; only thing that cheered her up was the fact that she'd get to see her sister. The heartbreak was not only due to the fact that she'd grown accustomed to London and loved everything there, but the fact that she'd just met an amazing guy (an Irishman too, just like she'd always dreamed) when her boss announced that she was moving. Obviously the pair had called it quits on the relationship, especially since Maya had had no idea when she'd be returning.

So she'd come to Miami, miserable and alone. But she got to see Madison. And in time her sister had introduced her to Ryan and the gang. Maya had seen them around the lab, but before the introduction she'd never really spoken to any of them.

She blushed, thinking of Ryan. She was really glad to have met him and gotten to know him. He was charming, but sweet too. Plus he was intelligent and interesting to talk to, and that appealed to her the most. She enjoyed chatting him, enjoyed spending time with him.

Propping herself up on her elbows, she stared at the restless seas, watching as the waves broke onto the shore. There seemed to be something in the air tonight. She grinned; seemed like something right out of a Disney film.

Still fighting down the suddenly arised butterflies in his stomach Ryan parked his/Jane's car from where he could already see a figure on the sand near water. It seemed silly for an adult to feel like teen again but it was how he felt now, like a teenage boy sneaking out of his room's window to meet the girl just behind that huge bush by his garden fence. Well, he didn't need to hide anymore, he was grown man now and didn't need to feel like that boy anymore. In spite he felt exactly like that.

A last glance in the small mirror and assuring sigh accompanied by cheerful smile and he hopped out of tiny car (miraculously maiden just for his short height) and with that gorgeous bucket of flowers and his scope in hand walked over to where his amazing date (he dared to think that way) was waiting.

Hearing someone approaching, Maya looked around and a joyous smile lit up her face. Butterflies arose, though she tried to ignore them. The butterflies had been missing for quite a long time, and this was rather pleasant. Calm, Lewis. Calm, she told herself silently.

"Ryan," she greeted him, the smile not leaving her lips. "Good to see you."


~
OOC: Oh dear Tardis; Ev, I'm really sorry it's so short. I really don't know what else to write...

The closer Ryan got the higher his butterflies rose. It's been some time since he actually went out with someone not either his sister or Patrick, so it was something that made his inner butterflies dance.
"Hey Maya." Ryan greeted the beautiful woman. "For you." he said slightly hoarsely, giving the bucket of flowers to Maya. Why he was feeling like schoolboy again? He was an adult but now he felt like back at teenage years.

------

OOC: apology accepted. muse leaves us at better moments.
i'm sure next time it'll get better.
though i wasn't much longer this time as well

Maya's eyes lit up as he handed her the flowers. She brought them to her face, sniffing the gorgeous blooms. "These are beautiful, thank you," she told him softly, a smile on her lips. That was so sweet of him

"Come sit down," she told him, patting the space next to her. "Maddy and Lexie packed a whole feast in here, so there's plenty of everything if you're hungry," she said with a giggle. Yeah, the two had packed as if she was going away for two days. Or as if she was being shipped off to the army.

Pulling out some tealight-looking lights, setting them about. Maddy had found them a while ago and they were rather perfect. They looked like tealight candles, but in actual fact were run by batteries. They gave a nice soft glow around the place. The smile grew wider as she looked at him. So handsome; she was surprised that he had been single and didn't already have some bimbo hanging off his arm. "How was work?"

"Just like you." he murmured just above whisper. "Thanks." Ryan plopped down where Maya patted her hand on.

He didn't feel surprised when she told about food. It sorta confirmed his previous suspicions.
"You know what? I think we have a secret alliance behind this. They obviously packed you up knowingly. And now I know why Patrick had let me take his precious car and why it was geared up like I'm off to woods for week or so.
I just knew there had to be something going on when my sister didn't try locking me up anywhere or replace my shampoo with hair dye." he said grinning. Hunger hadn't made itself known but at mention he felt a small twinge.


The small lights were creating beautiful glow which light made things look so... he couldn't find the right thought. Maya's beauty was all his mind could register.

"Well, work was less boring than couple shifts ago. Strangely enough my sister didn't try to make it uber-chipper.
Most fun was when suspect thought I'm punch bag." Ryan told, trying to sound indifferent. "And how about you?"

Hearing that, the female couldn't help but blush. "Thank you," she replied softly, a warm smile playing on her lips. How long it had been since she'd heard someone say that to her. And Ryan sounded sincere saying it, which made it even more lovely.

Maya gave a chuckle, shaking her head. "Moral of the story: there's not a single secret that can be kept between your family and mine. Seems everyone knows everything about everyone." Taking out a container of strawberries, she picked out one and nibbled on it, savouring the sweetness. "Well, since they're obviously not expecting us home, we could always head somewhere. And actually give them something to talk about," she joked. And yet if he asked her to come with her, chances are she wouldn't be able to say no. "Strawberry?" she asked, holding up the proffered fruit.

With a laugh, Maya shook her head. "You know it's a good week when a suspect mistakes you for a punching bag. Do you enjoy it though? Being a CSI?" she asked curiously. She'd met plenty of people who despised their jobs and only stayed in them because there was either nothing better or they didn't want to go through the hassle of changing careers. And that was just plain sad.

"As for me, work is meh. Rather boring at the moment," the female confessed with a shrug. "Technically I'm still working with MDPD. But there's currently not a lot for me to do, since you don't really seem to need a forensic anthropologist." She was silent for a moment, munching on the rest of her strawberry. "I want to talk to Horatio, to see if he can get me a transfer to the Science Museum. Or maybe I could guest-lecture at the university. Or something. I'm bored not having anything to do," she confessed, pulling a face.

Ryan smiled at her sheepishly. He really felt like shy schoolboy, but didn't mind that. She was one of rare who could make him feel like this, and that was something that meant something.

"That's what I suspected. And somebody had definately packed the car up for at least weekend's trip or camp out." Ryan grinned. "I'd take you on that. Actually I've been having an idea. And I can predict heaps of whispers when we're back." a mischievous smirk took a place on Ryan's lips. Oh how he'll get teased later, but it was so worth.

"Mhm." Ryan murmured with a nod at offered berry. So somebody had really packed them up with necessary things.

Ryan chuckled, "It happens awful lot lately." well, maybe more than that. Either he has gotten clumsier or criminals sneakier.
"I do enjoy. Used to be patrol but at first chance got myself hired as CSI. It was my goal for ages and, yes, I do enjoy being CSI." he answered seriously. And lately things had gotten much better than it was before.

"Well, I think there's always something Samanta needs a hand for. She's still journalist but also assists on cases. At least bit closer to her old spot and I know she so misses being a real cop. Besides Al usually needs someone to help her with skating thing. And if you like horses I can ask around for something to make it less boring." Ryan suggested bit eagerly. He knew people around that could always arrange something.

"You're cute when you smile," the female told him. "You have a wonderful smile. Anyone tell you that?" Being stuck in Miami was finally growing some perks. Now she doubted she'd ever want to go back.

The female's eyes sparkled at his mention of having an idea, mischief dancing in them. This could be fun. "Ooh, do share. What're you thinking of?" she asked, munching on yet another strawberries. The things were rather irresistible. Quite like her current company, actually. In any case, they could always head up to Orlando for the weekend, check out all the fun theme-parks there.

"I'm pretty sure that the criminals are just getting stronger yet stupider," she told him with a comforting smile. "And it's always nice to see someone who enjoys their job," she said with a smile. "I've met so many people who don't, which is rather disheartening. Why do a job if you don't like it?"

At Ryan's suggestions, she gave an eager nod. "That would be wonderful!" she replied, blue eyes glittering at the prospect. It would definitely be wonderful to actually work for a change, instead of moping around MDPD with nothing to do. Sure, there was the occasional case that required her, but nothing that really warranted her even getting out of bed in the morning. "And if they need me, they know where to call me," she added with a shrug.

Ryan blushed slightly. "Thanks. Well, I keep hearing my sister telling it to whole world so they just stare at me, but from you it sounds so lovely." he told, pink taking over his cheeks.

He grinned, taking another strawberry, and said, " Well, how about taking a trip for couple days? I'm sure we're not expected anytime soon anyways. And I think I spotted my skates somewhere in that car of Jane's, besides someone forgot to take stall keys from me so I have access to horses." He smiled hopefully. They were really determined to their goals, he thought.

"I'm sure about that. Hope my sis will be careful when she joins fully." he sighed. After a moment he added, "I know that twins don't quite enjoy. They used to be one great lab tech-cop combo and I've heard from NY that they were good. Sam definately misses her cop days. Good that H lets her assist. As of Al, not sure, she's not so happy. Couldn't get a job so mops around lab. I'll try to put a word around to help her." He really got worried at times, but knew they were strong persons and one day will bring light. "Yeah, agree, I've met people too that aren't happy. Guess sometimes you just can't get all the cookies in a jar." now he sounded like Sam.

"I'm sure they'll be looking for you rather often. And if Michi's in it then prepare for snooping around bushes and spying around for people. I better not suggest them throw up some detective agency, beware being recruited." Ryan laughed. Although he actually had thought about such option for the twins. Throwing in Patrick and Mich...

"Y'know, back when I was growing up in New Zealand, I'd hear that word all the time. 'Lovely this, and lovely that'. The Kiwi's had a real love from that word. But from you it actually sounds nice and sincere and well, lovely," she told him with a laugh. "And I don't for a minute doubt that Michi would broadcast that quality of yours. She really loves broadcasting," she kindly joked.

At his suggestion and his hopeful look, her grin widened and her eyes sparkled excitedly. "A trip sounds absolutely wonderful. Guess someone from your fam is psychic and knew that this evening would be going well," she giggled. Not just from his family, hers too - after all, Lexie and Maddy had prepared her with so much food that it was if she was being sent away to a convent. And I did seem to spot a change of clothes, conveniently hidden away in the boot...

"And why not, a detective agency sounds like a brilliant idea! We could call it 'Sherlock and Co.' or something witty like that. Because the Gang certainly is like a hybrid-Sherlock. Michi can sleuth as well as him, Patrick can read people as well as the detective could. I think it's a brilliant idea, really," she told him with an enthusiastic nod.

Ryan felt heat climbing up his neck and knew his cheeks probably looked like those delicious strawberries. "Why, thank you. I'm sure that word was invented for a reason." he smiled, twirling the red berry in his fingers. "Definately she enjoys that. My sister is quite lovely when she's intended to make something happen." Sure the energetic girl was more like an fireworks but she could really do magic when she wants.

Ryan laughed at Maya's next words. "I think you hit that nail straight. One's there sure a psychic, only keeps insisting they don't exist. But guess his allies made sure he does the magic anyways." Ryan knew how Jane hated being called psychic but sometimes he told things he doubted could be spotted on his shoes or sat in his pockets.

"That's great. You'd make excellent private detective. I've seen Sam's articles and way she works..." he trailed off then continued. "And we get couple lock pickers and con artists too. I think I should call it in officially, Mich will be more that excited." Ryan felt the idea was one that could become true. Well Sam was quite determined to get it rolling since twins and both consultants longed more action.

"Didn't you ever get told to not play with your food?" she teased him with a giggle. "And it's not just your sister that's lovely. Your whole family is. They're brilliant. I'm really glad that Maddy introduced me to you guys," she added softly.

Grinning from ear to ear, Maya leaned back on the picnic blankets, looking up at the stars. What a beautiful sight. And what a wonderful night it was turning out to be... "Well, Jane's always denying something or other, so I'm not that surprised," she joked. "But do you believe in that?" she asked, looking up at him curiously. "Like, the occult and psychics and all that...?"

At his praise, she couldn't help but blush slightly. "Thank you. From what I hear you're an amazing detective yourself. I think that Sam, Patrick and I would make a brilliant team. Watch out Miami, here we come!" She paused to take a breath, the giant grin on her face now a permanent fixture. "Right, so it's official - we're going to create 'Sherlock and Co.'. I promise to save you a job, if ever you get bored of MDPD and want to switch to the dark side. Which you totally will - we have cookies. And cocktails," she added with a suggestive grin.

Ryan smiled shyly. "Actually once, the keeper at Children Home. But I was only trying to arrange food-fight. Next time she didn't caught me." the smile grew mischievous. And he finally popped the berry in his mouth. "That's really cute to hear. Bet their ears are burning up now." he smirked.

"That he does. But we mostly manage to catch his denial of things. At least to that bats in attic are just regular animals, Mich made him believe they're trained to race and will be shipped off to Las Vegas for LVPD Crime Lab's insect race. Guess Grissom left quite an impression on her after all." he laughed. "Oh remember you talk to a guy who's seen flying hats." Ryan laughed, his cheeks taking up the color change. "I'm actually quite superstitious. They tease me for that but I've seen cases.. The one with that mysterious coffin. I freaked out when my hands got numb once, and guy at morgue suddenly came to life. The psychic woman once told me how to solve money problems and that by the end of the day I'll get money. Decided to try. And then later vending machine threw up all the coins when I pushed a button." he told about some of most highlights. "But completely seriously, I believe higher powers. After all I survived, twice." not at all showing off, Ryan heard his brain going all rational. Shut up brain.

"Well, can't complain. Someone always patts on my shoulder when I solve a case. And they trust me to train my own sister." as always modest. "Yeah, we have all bases covered now. Alleged thief and ex-felon, former psychic and Sherlock version himself along ex-cop and beaming journalist, actual lab rat-turning-CSI and generally sneaky persona, and one who's profile we're still guessing, then Lewis-power and few more extras... Sounds like most powerful detective agency I've ever heard of. We should thrive and drive." Ryan laughed. "I'm sure for extra buck I'm quite willing to join. Maybe that psychic was right and her receipt works."

The sweetest of smiles came onto Maya's lips as she listened to him. Normally, she got bored when people talked lots and simply wouldn't shut up. Ryan was not one of those cases. She enjoyed listening to him, enjoyed learning more about him. Maybe that was simply the anthropologist side of her coming through, but regardless, she found this man interesting and she was enjoying spending the night with him.

The female was silent for a moment, thinking. Absent-mindedly her fingers brought out another container of fruit - cherries this time. Jeez, what is with you and grazing tonight, Lewis...?!

Shut it, brain.

"See, I don't know if I believe in all that. Mum believes in it, and Maddy, the weirdo that she is, is quite into the occult. At least she used to be. Not so sure now, but since it's never come up, I've never really thought to ask again. And me - well, I'm kind of sitting on the fence. Every once in a while, something will happen that makes me think that a higher power exists and yet..." She shrugged, giving a slightly sheepish chuckle to keep the topic from getting too darkly-serious. "I dunno. I don't really think about it much. Life is what it is." Something always battled inside her when stuff like this was brought up. Something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was as if the scientist in her was trying to battle with her brain; rationale versus beliefs.

Then she grinned at him, the grin playful yet sweet. "I do believe in fate though And after all, it brought me to you, didn't it?" she said, her tone light as if it wasn't that big a deal, and yet distinctly happy. It was nice when fate got it right, especially after so many upsets. Well, the sun's gotta come out and shine eventually, don't it?

"Anyways, I didn't know that you were in a children's home. Our Grandpa was in one when he was young - didn't sound like the most pleasant of experiences. I've got quite a lot of respect for you, for going through that, gotta say," she told him, blue eyes both sad and respectful. Never could she imagine what foster kids went through, though as an anthropologist she tried. It was just something one didn't seem to understand fully unless they'd been through that.

Ryan wasn't the most talkative person but there always were moments when he actually felt at ease when rambling off.
He enjoyed the company at fullest and was glad that Maya seemed genuinely interested in him.

Ryan noticed more berries. Wow, he thought. He wanted to slap his own mind for starting to act weird.

"Almost sounds like the scientist in you is trying to win the fight with the other part." Ryan noted, feeling his cheeks warming up again.
He smiled shyly. "Fate and couple determined people. And I'm really glad it turned out this good." Ryan said. His own fingers seemed taking up the time to sneak after another berry. It felt like his body started parting and each limb suddenly having their own mind. 'Calm it Wolfe', he wanted to slap his subconscious.

Ryan blushed again. "Thank you." he slipped the cherry in his mouth. "Yeah, I don't tend to say it to people. And mostly I don't even. Mich does it for me. She's kinda proud of it. Can't blame her. Our biological parents weren't squeaky clean and our foster parents mostly didn't care as long as we kept hanging around long enough to be noticed. We all grew up together- Mich, me, Sam and Al. My first girlfriend, Allisson, too. She was foster kid too but she had been lucky with her family. Her family too lived on same street so we were like big happy family. Even at Children Home we were all together." Ryan let his tongue work. Talking felt good. Sometimes even bunch of ears around couldn't make it feel so good.