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: Brief mention of the nasty business done by Delko.

Chapter 11

Natalia crawled out of bed with possibly the worst hangover she had ever experienced her entire life. Her head was pounding and she wasn't sure if it was from her recent concussion or dehydration.

Stumbling towards the kitchen, she realised some of the thumping was actually coming from the front door. Looking through the peephole, she saw a furious looking Calleigh on the other side. She opened the door then went straight to the refrigerator for a bottle of water without speaking.

Calleigh closed the door and joined her, "You and I need to talk and you look terrible."

"Thanks, I may have drunk a little too much last night."

"It sounded like it when you phoned me early this morning."

"I called you?"

"Yes, at ten past two."

Natalia finished the water and grabbed another, "I don't remember. Can you excuse me for a moment, I need to shower."

"Sure, I'll make myself a cup of tea and you some coffee."

"Thank you."

"Do you realise you are still wearing your dress from yesterday?"

Looking down, Natalia quipped, "No I didn't." Returning to her bedroom, she undressed then entered the ensuite.

Meanwhile outside Calleigh's anger subsided and she turned on the kettle. When it boiled, she made a large mug of black coffee and headed to the main bedroom. The door to the bathroom was open and she stepped inside.

Sitting on the counter, she said, "I have coffee if you want it?"

The frosted screen door slid open to reveal Natalia in all her natural glory along with her bruises, sutures and waterproof dressings. Reaching out, she said, "Bless you."

Jumping off the counter, Calleigh drew closer and handed over the mug. Her eyes roamed over olive skin and she actually moaned as she gazed upon brown nipples and a short, close trimmed strip of light brown hair above the crease of Natalia's vulva. Remembering the photographic evidence of Eric's brutal assault on the beautiful body, Calleigh's eyes filled with tears and she left the room.

She was sitting on the couch when Natalia appeared twelve minutes later. The brunette sat in an armchair and sipped her second cup of coffee.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Calleigh tearfully confessed, "I know what Eric did you to you."

Natalia's brows arched, "Then you understand why I can't be with you?"

"No Talia, I don't. I know he physically hurt you, but that is no reason for our relationship to end."

Natalia was eerily calm as she put down her mug and stood, "It is over Calleigh and I'd like you to leave."

Shock registered on the blonde's face, but she was too heartbroken to respond. Standing up, she went to the door, but stopped when Natalia began to sob. Turning around, she wept to see her in so much agony.

As she moved towards Natalia, she whispered, "We can work through this together baby, just let me in."

"I can't Calleigh, please just go," pleaded a near hysterical Natalia.

Calleigh glanced at the discoloured face one last time, "I love you and that won't ever change." She walked away and never looked back.

Natalia reached out and clung to the back of the chair for support. Her crying increased as she collapsed onto the seat.

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