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: This chapter mentions the subject of rape.

Chapter 14

Calleigh got into bed and sat up against the pillows. She opened a magazine and commenced reading. A few minutes later her Sony rang. She picked it up from the side table and didn't recognise the number, "Hello."

"Hi."

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"No, I just wanted to talk to you."

"I'm glad you did, I miss our conversations."

"I do too. I'm not interrupting am I?"

"No Talia, I'm in bed reading."

Natalia tittered, "I bet it's a gun journal?"

"You know me too well. How is night shift going?"

"It's good, gives me plenty of time to finish paperwork and look into cold cases without interruption."

"That's definitely a nice bonus."

"I see by the daily reports you guys have been swamped."

"Yes, there's been an influx on crime this week, but the night shift staff have been very helpful with cases."

There was a brief interlude before Natalia spoke again, "I apologise for not speaking to you sooner."

"I fully understand."

"I'm seeing a Psychiatrist twice a week, but not making any startling breakthroughs."

"Oh Talia, I'm so sorry you are going through all this."

"I'm okay Cal and it's really nice to talk to you again."

"You can always chat to me; I'll be here for you any time."

"Thank you and before I go, would you care to have dinner with me tomorrow night?"

Suppressing her urge to scream and shout with excitement, Calleigh remained calm, "I'd like that Natalia."

"If you come over here at six thirty, I'll cook."

"Okay, I'll see you then and thank you for calling."

"Goodnight."

"Bye." Calleigh couldn't hold it in any longer and jumped up on her mattress and danced a happy jig. When she was done, she couldn't concentrate on her reading, so went for a jog instead.

-0-

Natalia opened the door to a smiling Calleigh dressed in black jeans and white blouse. "Hey, come on in. Can I offer you a red wine?"

"Hello and yes you may." Calleigh followed Natalia into the kitchen and declared, "Something smells good."

"I made grilled salmon and creamy pasta, take a seat at the table and I'll serve." Natalia passed Calleigh a glass of Merlot.

The two woman discussed work during the meal and Calleigh's hopes of a reconciliation bolstered.

As the pair moved into the living room, that optimism took a serious nose dive when Natalia started, "I invited you here so I could explain my decision to end our relationship, I feel I owe you that much."

Taking a seat on the couch, Calleigh commented, "Oh okay."

Natalia took a seat on an armchair and lowered her eyes, "Calleigh, you deserve someone stronger than me."

Calleigh got to her feet and protested, "I'm not going to sit here and have you tell me who I deserve. I love you and want to be with you. I haven't stopped loving you because of what that bastard Delko did to you. Do you have any idea how damn guilty I feel about what happened?"

Looking up, Natalia uttered, "It wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was. I knew there was something seriously wrong with him and should have done something about it before he snapped and wounded you."

"You had no idea he was going to do what he did."

"No, but you did and I didn't listen because I was too busy being fucking "Bullet Girl" and thinking I was safe."

Standing up, Natalia focused on blue eyes, "Ryan and Horatio were also privy to that information, so don't blame yourself."

"Why not Natalia, you do?"

"I should have stopped him."

"How the fuck could you have stopped him? He weighs 190 pounds and you are what, 120? He is stronger than you and don't forget you were badly concussed."

"I should have reacted quicker."

"Natalia, he took you by surprise."

"I should have seen the signs."

"Stop blaming yourself, it wasn't your doing."

"I'm ruined Cal."

Calleigh moved closer, "You are nothing of the sort. You are still the woman I love and miss terribly."

"Oh Cal, you don't understand."

"Then explain it to me honey. I want to comprehend how you feel."

Tears rolled down Natalia's face, "He hurt me Calleigh."

Stepping in, the blonde wrapped her arms around Natalia, "I know baby and it breaks my heart."

"He's going to get away with it, just like Nick did."

Pulling back in shock, Calleigh asked, "Did Nick rape you?"

"Yes twice."

"Oh baby, I never knew. Is that why you think you are no good for me and weak?"

"Yes."

Calleigh hugged Natalia to her chest, "I love you so much honey and I want to be with you. We can get through this together."

"I love you too Calleigh, but I've nothing to offer you. I need to find my strength again and for me to do that, I have to be on my own."

Drawing back, Calleigh looked into bottomless pools of brown, "I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

"I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not, I'm offering."

More tears fell before Natalia placed her head on Calleigh's shoulder, "I'm so tired Cal."

"Let me take you to bed and hold you. Maybe you'll be able to sleep."

"I'd like to try."

-0-

Nine minutes later, Calleigh eased into bed wearing a pair of Natalia's boxers and tee shirt. She draped an arm around the brunette and whispered, "I'm right here for you, sweet dreams."

"Thank you Cal and I'm sorry for hurting you."

"Shush, let's just concentrate on you for now. I'm doing fine."

"I'm so messed up," admitted Natalia in a soft voice.

"We'll make it better together."

"I don't know what to say."

"That's okay, just try to sleep darlin'."

Natalia grasped Calleigh's hand and slowly surrendered to her exhaustion.

-0-

Natalia woke to find herself nuzzled into Calleigh's chest and her head tucked up under the blonde's chin. Looking at the clock, she was surprised to see it was ten past eight. She'd managed to sleep through the night for nine hours for the first time in three weeks. Lying still, she listened to Calleigh's soft breaths for several minutes before the blonde stirred.

"Morning Calleigh."

Calleigh hugged Natalia tighter, "Good morning, how do you feel?"

"Much better and that's the best sleep I've had in a while."

"Same here and I've missed waking up beside you."

Natalia rolled out of bed, "I need to use the bathroom."

"That's okay," replied Calleigh as she climbed out from under the covers. "I need to change and get home. I'll use the other bathroom."

Collecting her clothes, she met Natalia in the kitchen a short time later, "If you need me, don't hesitate to call and I'm so happy we are friends again."

"I am too."

Calleigh walked to the front door with a spring in her steps, "Bye Talia."

-0-