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 5

Natalia and Calleigh walked up the Police Department stairs and headed towards the locker room. After donning their lab coats the pair went their separate ways. Natalia joined Maxine Valera in the DNA lab while Calleigh found solace in the ballistics lab.

Calleigh caught up with Natalia in the break room around noon and their private conversation was interrupted when Eric came into the room.

"Hey Talia, Cal, how you two doing?"

"Good Eric and you?" answered Calleigh.

"Great, just got back with Ryan after diving for a submerged vehicle." He grabbed a bottle of juice from the refrigerator then asked, "Did either of you know the cop that got shot?"

"Yes we did," replied Calleigh.

Natalia avoided speaking, she couldn't. The lump in her throat prevented any words from coming out.

"Word is she was a dyke and her girlfriend's crazy brother did it."

Natalia pushed back her chair and got up, "Eric, grow up and have some respect." She exited the room swiftly.

"What did I say?" queried a baffled Eric.

"Eric, you were rude, derogatory and unfeeling towards a work colleague, who I might add, was a terrific officer and a friend of Natalia's."

"Oh I didn't know that, I'll go apologise."

"I'd leave it for a while Eric, she's fairly upset with you right now."

"If you say so Cal."

Calleigh disposed of her rubbish and sought out Natalia. She was in her lab working on a report when the blonde caught up with her.

"How's my favourite CSI?" asked Calleigh as she positioned herself behind the brunette.

"I'm okay. What the hell did I ever see in him?"

"Oh my guess is the brown eyed puppy dog look and the charm," taunted Calleigh.

Rotating her chair, Natalia's knees pressed into Calleigh's thighs, "I prefer beautiful southern belles with soft green eyes."

"I know you do darlin' and I better get out of here before I do something highly inappropriate."

"Uhm, a hug wouldn't be out of place right now."

"No I don't believe it would," retorted Calleigh as she wrapped her arms around the woman who had stolen her heart. "Have dinner at my place tonight."

"Yes please."

"You can sleep over if you like."

Natalia hugged her girlfriend tighter and cried, "Oh Cal, I love you so much."

"I know baby and I'm sorry you are hurting."

Horatio stood in the doorway and said, "Sorry to interrupt ladies, but Calleigh I need you to go with Ryan. We have a DB over in Kendall." The two women parted and Horatio saw they were both crying, "Calleigh, take a moment before finding Ryan."

"Thank you, but I'm doing fine," replied Calleigh as she squeezed Natalia's arm. "I'm only a phone call away."

Wiping the tears away with her sleeve, Natalia nodded.

Stepping outside, Calleigh walked down the hall with Horatio by her side.

The serious looking Lieutenant inquired, "I gather you are lending your support to Miss Boa Vista."

"Yes and quite frankly, she could do without the in-house gossiping."

Horatio stopped walking and turned to his second in command, "I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour in the workplace. Please tell me what happened."

Calleigh related the incident in the break room, but omitted Eric's identity.

"Miss Boa Vista's personal life is not up for discussion," said an annoyed Horatio. "Others need to show restraint when it comes to disparaging remarks. Sergeant Del Marco was a highly respected and decorated officer, who she chose to love, is no one's business."

"I agree."

"While we have a moment Calleigh, have you noticed any more changes in Eric's behaviour?"

"Yes, he is angry a lot more often and seems a little over zealous in regards to his father."

"I've noticed that too and it's also come to my attention that you and Eric are not as close as you were."

"We're not Horatio and I won't insult your intelligence and deny we were in a three month relationship.

Horatio's right eyebrow quirked in its trademark way and he said, "Thank you and let me pass on my best wishes for you and Miss Boa Vista. I think you're good for one another."

Calleigh blushed then smiled, "Talia is very good for me and I suppose you overheard us before."

"No, but I did recognise the emotion in your embrace."

"We don't intend on keeping our relationship a secret Horatio, but we will remain professional."

"I expect no less from two of my favourite ladies and let me know if you think Natalia needs time off."

"I will Horatio and thank you."

"You're welcome and I'll keep that eye on Eric."

Ryan walked down the corridor and joined the pair, "Hey Cal, ready when you are."

"I'm good to go Ryan."

-0-

Calleigh was still out in the field with Ryan when Natalia finished for the day. After going home and showering, she changed into jeans and a cobalt blue buttoned shirt. Picking up her phone, she called her girlfriend.

"Hey hon."

"Hello Cal, I'm just calling to let you know I'm going to visit Angela's family and pay my respects."

"Okay sweetie, I should be home no later than seven."

"I'll see you then."

Calleigh put her Sony back into her trouser pocket and glared at Ryan, "Don't bother asking, because I've got nothing to say."

"No worries Calleigh."

The pair returned to the evidence laid out on the table and Ryan couldn't help himself, "Well, you sound happy that's all I'm going to say on the subject."

"I'm the happiest I've ever been Ryan, now let's get back to work."

-0-

Calleigh was rushing into her apartment when her cell rang, "Hello darlin'."

"Hey babe, are you home?"

"I just walked in."

"I hate to stand you up, but Harriet and Jim have invited me to stay for dinner."

"That's fine baby, I'll see you at work in the morning."

"I was hoping we could take a run before then."

"That would be great; I'll see you at your place at six."

"I love you and thank you for everything."

"That's what you do when you love someone Talia. Have a good night, bye."

"Goodnight babe."

-0-