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 6

Natalia crossed her threshold wearing black running shorts, red training shirt and white runners. Her hair was up in a ponytail and Calleigh openly gawked at her.

The blonde was similarly attired except for a yellow shirt. "Good morning Talia," she mumbled, distracted by how fit her girlfriend looked.

Natalia didn't miss Calleigh's distraction and moved into her embrace, "You look fabulous and I think we should get going." Lowering her lips to Calleigh's, she kissed her quickly, "Loser has to make breakfast."

"Oh, I am up for the challenge."

After securing the door, the couple took off at a slow pace to warm up and once they reached the running track, Natalia increased the length of her stride, but Calleigh kept up with her.

When the pair arrived back to the house, Natalia made it up the steps first. She turned and inhaled deeply, "That was very invigorating babe, you really pushed me." Retrieving a key from her pocket, she opened the door and allowed Calleigh to enter first.

"Wait until tomorrow, I won't hold back darlin'," vowed Calleigh with a smirk. "Go have a shower while I start breakfast."

Reaching for the blonde, Natalia suggested, "You could always join me."

"I could, but I don't intend on rushing our first time. I plan on taking hours to get to know every inch of your wonderful body."

"Oh god Calleigh, that is so sweet."

"I want to do this right Talia."

"So do I, but I want you to know how much I desire you."

Calleigh playfully swatted Natalia's butt, "Go now or we'll be late for work."

"Okay you win," taunted Natalia before heading for her bedroom.

Ten minutes elapsed before she rejoined Calleigh in the kitchen wearing a beige pants suit and white silk shirt. Her hair was still damp and pulled back into a bun.

Calleigh had prepared a platter of seasonal fruits and set it on the counter, "Would you like juice or water?"

"Water please," answered Natalia while taking a seat.

Sitting down, Calleigh asked Natalia about her visit with the Del Marco family. Natalia was upbeat with her reply and admitted it was therapeutic to have spent time with them. Calleigh rested her hand on Natalia's thigh the entire time and listened intently as the brunette recounted tales of her friendship and romantic involvement with Angela.

"So you were her rebound girl?" inquired Calleigh.

"Yes and once she'd told me about how Tori faltered when she proposed and eventually ended things, I knew Ange still loved her."

"It's such a tragedy," lamented Calleigh sadly as she collected the empty dishes.

"I like to think they are together some place peaceful."

"That's a nice idea darlin'. Excuse me while I go grab my gear from my truck and get ready."

"No worries Cal and I'll take care of the dishes."

"I won't be long hon."

Calleigh took fifteen minutes to shower and don a pair of black slacks topped with a sky blue oxford shirt, "Do you want to ride in with me Talia?"

"You know that will only start the rumour mill."

"I don't care and Horatio will put a stop to it."

"He will?"

"Yes, we spoke about it yesterday along with Eric's behaviour. Horatio is aware of our relationship."

"There isn't too much that gets by him."

"No there isn't and he said we were good for each other and wished us luck."

Natalia wrapped her arms around Calleigh, "He is a good man."

"I agree and we better make a move."

"Do we get to have a date tonight?"

"Yes, I bought extra clothes with me."

"Good and you look nice."

"So do you and I adore that perfume you're wearing."

"It was a birthday present from my mother."

"It really suits you."

"Are you wearing smear proof lipstick?"

"Yes."

"That's great, because I need some of your kisses to get me through the day."

"Oh so do I."

It was another ten minutes before the couple left the house fuelled by their mutual arousal and love for each other."

-0-

Natalia and Calleigh spent the entire shift in their labs and managed to lunch together at noon. As they headed for Calleigh's Wrangler at the completion of shift, Natalia's cell phone rang.

Withdrawing it from her belt, she answered, "Boa Vista."

"Hello Natalia, Jim Del Marco here."

"Oh hello Jim."

"I'm calling to let you know the service is at 2pm Friday at Plymouth Congregational Church over on Devon Road and afterwards at the Cabana One Lounge and Pool Club. It will be a combined service with Tori's family."

"All right and thank you for calling."

"I'll see you Friday."

"Bye." Natalia put away her phone and looked at Calleigh with tear filled eyes, "Funeral is on Friday at two, it's a double service."

Calleigh reached out and took hold of Natalia's hand, "Let's get you home."

As they turned, Eric approached, "Hey Talia, I wanted to apologise for being a jerk yesterday."

"It's okay Eric."

Calleigh unlocked the doors and opened the passenger door then Natalia climbed onto the seat.

"You girls car pooling?" asked Eric.

"Yes," replied Calleigh sharply. "See you in the morning."

"Yeah sure, have a good night."

"You too Eric," countered Natalia.

Ryan joined Eric as Calleigh drove out of the lot, "Hey Delko, want to crab a drink?"

"Yeah sure, but only one, I've got a date with Sally later on."

"Sally Otis from Admin?"

"Yep."

"Jesus man, how do you do it?"

"Charm my friend," boasted Eric.

"Calleigh is dating again."

"What?" exclaimed the other man in surprise.

"She was talking to him on the phone yesterday and sounded real happy."

"Well she deserves it, she's dated some losers."

"Does that include you?"

"Yeah it does, I treated her like crap and lost her."

"Ohm, so she was impervious to the Delko charm and you bounced back pretty quickly."

"Yeah, you could say that and I didn't make her happy."

"Come on, let's go."

-0-

After changing plans to stay at Calleigh's instead, Natalia collected a change of clothes, sleepwear and an outfit for work. As she left her house, she grabbed a bottle of wine from the rack on the kitchen bench top.

Calleigh was on her phone talking to Horatio when Natalia opened the rear door and placed her bag and clothes on the seat. Calleigh ended her call and turned the ignition, "I was just letting Horatio know about Friday's service."

"Thanks babe, that saves me a call," responded Natalia before yawning.

"Tired hon?" asked Calleigh while reversing out the drive.

"Yeah, I didn't get much sleep last night."

"What time did you get in?"

"It was after one."

"No wonder you're weary. How about you take a nap when we get home?"

"That sounds good Cal."

-o-

Calleigh received a call from her father as Natalia slipped into the shower, "Hey dad, how's it going?"

"I'm good and just calling to ask if you and Natalia are still okay for dinner Saturday night. I heard about Sergeant Del Marco's service and thought you girls might want a quiet weekend instead."

"Thanks daddy, I appreciate the thought and I think under the circumstances a quiet break would be good for Natalia."

"Let me know when another times suits you."

"I will, so how are your meetings going?"

"I'm happy to announce it's now been 83 days sober."

"Oh, I'm so proud of you."

"Well hopefully it will be third time lucky."

"This is the best you've ever done, so congratulations."

"I have to tell you, I certainly do feel better. I've even started using the gym again."

"Way to go and the women of Miami better look out," taunted Calleigh playfully.

Duke chuckled, "I don't think they need to worry just yet. How are you and Natalia doing?"

"We're just great."

"So I should be expecting grandchildren soon?"

"Oh god no, not yet anyway. Although, I do hope there will be in the future."

"That's the first time you have gotten excited about the prospect of children."

"How I feel about Natalia is brand new for me and I really do want a future with her."

"It's sound to me like you have found your true love."

"I have daddy and couldn't be happier."

"Then I look forward to spending some quality time with you both."

"I do too."

"Talk to you soon honey."

"Bye."

Natalia pressed into Calleigh's back and wrapped her arms around the slim midriff, "Do you realise your accent is more pronounced when you speak with your father?"

"I know," answered Calleigh as she placed hands over Natalia's.

"How is he?"

"He is doing really well and made it to day 83."

"Oh Cal, that is terrific. He is going great."

"I'm very proud of him, now how about you take that nap while I prepare dinner?"

"All right."

"Dinner with dad has been postponed."

"That's a good idea, I doubt I'd be good company," reasoned Natalia as she made for the bedroom.

Calleigh suppressed her urge to follow and went to the refrigerator instead.

-0-