Title: CSI: Miami - Realisations

Author: D M Harper

Summary: Sometimes the things you really need in your life are right under your nose. A/U

Pairing: Calleigh Duquesne & Natalia Boa Vista

Rating: M for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of CSI: Miami they belong to creators Anna Donahue, Carol Mendelsohn & Anthony E. Zuiker. I only use them for the purposes of entertainment and do so for no financial gain. I do stake a claim on all original characters that make an appearance in this story. No copyright infringement is intended towards CBS Paramount Network Television or Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

Author's Note: Later chapters deal with the subject of rape, please be warned!

Chapter 2

Calleigh helped the staggering Natalia inside her home and closed the door with her boot heel.

"God, I'm so sorry Cal," apologised a yawning brunette.

Calleigh couldn't help but yawn too, she was beat.

"Why don't you crash here for a while?" suggested Natalia.

"I think that may be a wise move."

"I need a shower. I'll grab you some clothes to sleep in and the spare bed is ready to go."

Nodding, Calleigh followed Natalia down the hall. The older women slipped off her boots just inside the bedroom door then retrieved a pair of silk boxers and white tee shirt from the chest of drawers for Calleigh.

"Thanks and I never pegged you as a boxer kind of girl," admitted Calleigh.

Natalia giggled, "There's a lot you don't know about me "Bullet Girl"."

"Oh I'm too tired to spar with you."

"Bathroom is two doors down on your left and the guest room one door down. Fresh towels are already in there. If you need anything, just holler. Oh, there are new toothbrushes in the cabinet under the basin."

"I like the fact you are so well organised Boa Vista."

Natalia blushed at the compliment as she made for the ensuite in the main bedroom.

-0-

Natalia heard her name being called and tried to open her heavy eyelids. She groaned and gave it one more try and was glad she did. Calleigh was crouched down beside the bed and smiling, "Hey Cal."

"Hey yourself, I just wanted you to know I'm heading off home. I don't feel like putting on my dirty clothes back on, so I'll drop yours off tomorrow."

Still half asleep, Natalia reached out for Calleigh's arm, "Stay Cal, unless you've got plans with Eric."

Calleigh's blonde brows crawled upwards, "Eric, how do you know about him?"

"When you were in that coma after you suffered smoke inhalation, I went to Dade General to sit with you and I nearly walked in on you and Eric. I saw how much closer you were so I backed away."

"Backed away?" queried Calleigh in confusion at the choice of words.

"I wanted to warn you."

Blonde brows rose in question, "Warn me?"

"When I first joined the Crime Lab in 2005 Eric was very suave and asked me out. We dated for a short time then I accidently found out he was seeing someone else."

"Oh Natalia, I never knew."

"No one did except for Horatio. Eric wanted to keep it secret then when I thought I was pregnant, he went ballistic."

"I had no idea."

"Needless to say we broke up after that then he accused me of using him to extract information to discredit the team." Her tiredness lowered her defences and she began to cry.

Calleigh inched closer and wrapped her arms around her friend, "Honey, no one blamed you for what happened."

"They did at first and Eric seemed to have gotten over it quickly. He flirts with me on occasion, but I don't reciprocate."

"I ended it with him this morning," confessed the blonde.

"You did?"

"Yes, he's not who or what I want in my personal life."

Natalia dried her eyes and pulled back. Sliding over, she made room for Calleigh, "Get comfortable and talk to me."

Calleigh stood then got into the bed and settled on her side, "I told Eric he was too secretive and I was tired of finding out things about his life from others. I was fed up with his crap."

"Eric's an idiot at the best of times when it comes to women. He makes such a song and dance to win you over then boom, he is withdrawn then the lies start."

"You know, I really had no idea about you two."

"I know Calleigh and I should have told you. Maybe I could have saved you from the Delko bullshit."

Calleigh smiled, "Maybe or maybe I should have read between the lines. I really think I should cut my losses and give up on the idea of finding someone who will love me unconditionally."

"Someone as beautiful and compassionate as you deserves to be loved Calleigh."

"I think I should just go back to dating women."

"Say what!" exclaimed a wide eyed Natalia.

"I used to date women exclusively when I was at Tulane University and working for the New Orleans' Police Department."

"So you are bi-sexual then?"

"You could say that, but I'm seriously considering women only, they are far less complicated."

Exhaustion crept up on Natalia once again, her eyelids closed and she mumbled, "Yeah they certainly are."

Calleigh's jaw dropped at the admission then she smiled devilishly before surrendering to the call of slumber.

-0-

Natalia slowly crept towards wakefulness and groaned. Calleigh was snuggled into her back with an arm draped across her waist and gentle breaths were caressing the nape of the brunette's exposed neck. "Oh dear lord," thought Natalia. "How the hell do I get out of this mess without making a complete fool of myself?"

Easing slowly across to the edge of the mattress, Natalia held her inhalation while she padded into the shower. Turning on the cold water, she waited for the heat of desire to ebb. It was a long time in coming and by the time she exited the ensuite wearing a white cotton robe, Calleigh was no longer in bed.

Natalia expected to find her guest in the kitchen making a pot of tea, she wasn't, but Natalia did locate a departmental memo pad on the counter with Calleigh's letter perfect writing.

Good morning Talia,

Sorry I've had to leave, but I have to drop off my car for a service.

Thank you for last night, best sleep I have had in ages.

I will call you later. Enjoy your days off.

Love Cal xo

Natalia re-read the last line twice before going to get dressed and taking a cab to pick up her truck from work.

-0-

After making a few purchases at the grocery store, Natalia drove home and was surprised to find a bouquet of red roses sitting up against her front door. Picking them up, she unlocked the front door and stepped inside.

Once everything was placed on the kitchen bench top, Natalia reached for the attached card. Her progress was interrupted by Calleigh's ringtone. Flipping open her cell, Natalia answered cheerfully, "Hey Cal, how are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm just fine, but more importantly, how are you?"

"I feel great and thank you for the flowers."

Calleigh took a second to respond, "Sweetie, I didn't send you any."

"Ah, okay sorry."

Hearing the disappointment in the other women's voice, Calleigh knew she wasn't wrong in assuming Natalia was interested in her as more that just a friend. "Is there anything written on a card?"

"Yes, I'm reading it now. No, no, no, you have got to be kidding me."

"What is it?" asked a concerned Calleigh.

"They're from Eric."

"Oh dear."

"It seems he is over you Cal. He's asked me out for dinner tonight?"

"Damn, he's got some nerve."

"Excuse me Calleigh, but I have a call to make."

"You okay?"

"I'm fine and will call you later."

"All right, bye."

Natalia ended the call and quickly keyed in Eric's contact number.

"Afternoon Talia."

"Hey Eric, listen thanks for the roses, but we have been down that road before I took a wrong turn."

"So I gather that's a no then?"

"Correct and it's really impolite to ask someone's friend out twenty four hours after breaking up with them."

"Oh you know about that?"

"Of course I know your moves Eric. You're a good friend, but that's all you'll ever be and I suggest you broaden your dating pool. You've gone out with just about all the females at work."

Eric chuckled, "Yeah, I think you're right Talia. No hard feelings then?"

"No Eric, we're okay."

"See you on Monday."

"Bye." Natalia laughed as she closed her phone. Eric really did behave like a school boy and she couldn't understand what she ever saw in him.

-o-

Once the groceries were put away into the pantry, Natalia made a late lunch and was about to settle on the couch when there was a knock on the front door. Putting a sandwich on the coffee table, she went to see who it was.

Peeking through the spy hole, Natalia was surprised to see another delivery of flowers. After taking them from the delivery guy, she secured the door and read the typed words on the card.

Natalia,

I thought I'd steal I great idea.

Have dinner with me tonight.

Love Cal xo

Natalia's heart was doing little cartwheels in her chest and her nether regions were riding a rollercoaster of arousal. Looking at the arrangement of lilies, roses and carnations, she called Calleigh again.

"So did you get the right flowers this time?"

"I certainly did and thank you."

"How was Eric?"

"He was fairly blasé and understands he was out of line. I advised him to look elsewhere besides work for a date."

"Well I hope he does."

"I take it you are making your intentions known Miss Duquesne?"

"You could say that, are you okay with that?"

"I am, but I want to take it slow Cal. You have just ended a relationship and it's been a while since I dated."

"Your point is noted Talia and I apologise for rushing you."

"Thank you for understanding."

"You know, I've seen you checking me out at work."

"Oh god, I'm so sorry."

Calleigh laughed delightfully, "It's okay, I found it exciting and flattering."

"Oh Detective Duquesne, you are bad."

"You have no idea Detective Boa Vista."

"Why don't you come over here tonight and I'll cook dinner?"

"That sounds perfect."

"Slow remember and I'd like to talk."

"You got it Natalia."

"Good, how is six thirty?"

"I'll see you then and I'll bring the wine."

"Bye." Checking the time, Natalia saw she had three hours to prepare her best dish and find something appropriate to wear for a first date.

-0-

Calleigh picked up her phone and called her hairdresser for a trim. She wanted to make a good impression for her first date with Natalia. A new outfit was needed and after speaking with Anton at the salon, she raced into town.

-0-