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.

Chapter 13

Maxine glanced up from her monitor as the Assistant Supervisor walked into the lab.

"Good morning Max, have you seen Natalia?"

Brown eyes grew wide, "Haven't you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Natalia returned to work last night on the graveyard shift."

Calleigh kept the surprise from her face, "No, I wasn't aware of the change. After a week off I was under the impression she was back today."

"Apparently she made the transfer request to Horatio last week."

"Oh, okay then. Thanks for the information and do you have a result on the Fletcher sample?"

Maxine picked up a file and handed it over, "All done and it is a match to your suspect."

"Excellent work and thanks Max."

"You're welcome."

Going to Horatio's office, Calleigh tapped on the open door, "Hey, do you have a moment?"

With a grin, the redhead answered, "For you, always."

"Is it true Natalia asked to work the night shift?"

"Yes, she feels she is not ready to face the day shift yet. I sent you an e-mail Friday afternoon."

"Oh that explains it, I haven't checked my in-box this morning."

"I gather you have not spoken to Natalia since the last time."

"No I haven't, how is she doing?"

"She is withdrawn, but making slow progress."

Calleigh's eyes gilled with tears, "I miss her."

"Then I suggest you fight for her."

"I don't know how to when she won't even talk to me."

"I'm sure you can find a way."

"Thank you Horatio, I'll give it some thought."

-0-

Two weeks went by after Natalia's return to work and she was gradually making inroads to a recovery. Mentally, she was still harbouring feelings of guilt and the sadness of losing Calleigh kept her company every waking moment. The scars left behind by Eric were proving hard to heal and each day was a struggle. Even with twice weekly sessions with Doctor Everett, Natalia could not shed her shame.

As Natalia took a seat in the doctor's office for her latest appointment, the brunette remained quiet.

"How was work this week?" inquired the bespectacled Psychiatrist.

"Busy."

"Have your sleep patterns improved?"

"They are still the same."

"So you are surviving on three or four hours?"

"It's still the same old story. I get home from work, go for a run or use the gym, eat then go to bed. I'm tired, but only sleep for a few hours."

"Are you still woken by nightmares?"

"Some of the time, but this week it was a different dream?"

"Tell me about that."

"I dreamt of Calleigh and how devastated she looked the last time I saw her."

"How do you feel when you wake?"

"I'm crying and full of remorse."

"Where does the guilt come from?"

"I miss her and know I hurt her badly."

"Is that why you chose to work nights?"

"Yes, I don't think I could handle seeing her."

"Why is that?"

"It's the culpability issue."

"Let's talk about that for a moment. I think it's time we got to the real source of your depression."

Natalia began to weep, "I'll try."

-0-