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 15

Calleigh was preparing for bed when Natalia called, "Hey Talia."

"Hi Calleigh, I hope I haven't disturbed you?"

"No, you're fine. I was just getting ready to settle down for the evening."

"I was wondering if I could drop in after work and sleep in your bed. I didn't sleep so well today."

Calleigh smiled broadly, "That would be more than okay. You still have a key, so just let yourself in and reset the alarm."

"Thank you Cal."

"You're welcome, have a good night, bye."

"Goodnight."

So set the pattern for the remainder of the week. Calleigh left Natalia sleeping while she went to work and the brunette would call every night before Calleigh went to sleep.

On Wednesday June 17th, Natalia spent her 37th birthday lunching with her family. Calleigh had left her a gift that morning; it was a certificate for two days at a heath spa and Natalia had called her at work to thank her for the thoughtful present.

-o-

When Calleigh arrived home early Friday night, she was pleasantly surprised to find dinner was cooked and Natalia waiting for her.

"Hello, this is a nice welcome home."

"It's the least I can do in return for your hospitality."

"I'll just go shower then join you."

Calleigh went to her bedroom and secured her weapon in the gun safe along with her vast collection of firearms before showering. She returned to the kitchen and noticed Natalia appeared more relaxed than usual, "How did your session go?"

Natalia's smile widened and Calleigh's heart raced, "It went really well and I had a breakthrough. Doctor Everett is pleased I'm sleeping better and she is impressed I've re-established communication with you."

A blonde eyebrow arched in surprise, "So you talk about me?"

"Yes, quite a bit in fact." Natalia busied herself with serving dinner.

"Oh, I hope I'm not seen as a problem or detrimental to your recovery?"

Natalia giggled then handed Calleigh a plate, "No, the complete opposite."

"Well that makes me feel a whole lot better."

The couple moved to the dinning table and sat down.

"You know," said Calleigh. "If you need me to attend a session with you, I am more than willing to go."

Natalia stopped eating, "That's very sweet of you to say so, but unnecessary for the time being."

"Okay, I just wanted to put the offer out there and this is really good."

"I got the recipe from my mother when I called her today."

"How is your family?"

"They are good, but still concerned about me. I think my mom is still a little mad at me for not calling when I was in hospital, but I explained I didn't want them cutting their holiday short by flying home."

"I can understand both sides of that story."

"I do too and I'd like to take you out for dinner tomorrow."

"You don't have to repay me Talia."

"It's not a repayment Calleigh; I'd like it to be a date."

Calleigh's eyes nearly bulged out of the sockets, "You mean a real date?"

Natalia's mouth upturned into a smile, "Yes Cal."

"Oh then that's different and I'd really like to."

"I though we could go dancing afterwards."

"That would be fun."

"I think it's time we both had some enjoyment."

Calleigh reached across the table and took Natalia's hand, "I'm actually having fun right this very moment."

Light brown eyebrows rose, "How do you feel right now?"

"I'm happy my friend is recovering and looking towards a future date that includes me."

"Are you still angry?"

"Sometimes, especially at work when I'm reminded of Delko. I have this rage inside and I just want to extract revenge and hurt him for what he did to you and to us."

Natalia lifted Calleigh's hand to her lips and kissed along the fingers, "I love you."

Calleigh cupped her hand around Natalia cheek and cried, "I hate him for hurting you so badly."

"I detest him for what he took from the two of us."

Calleigh stood and pulled Natalia against her torso, "We'll work at it baby and bring it back."

Natalia wept onto Calleigh's shirt, "I know how frustrating it must be for you."

"Don't you worry about that, I can control my urges."

"I'm so sorry Cal, I have none."

"Shush baby, it will be all right."

"What if I don't get my sex drive back?"

"We'll face that problem together if we have to Talia, that's not the reason I love you."

"I love your heart Calleigh."

Calleigh held Natalia for a few more minutes before they returned to their dinner.

"Would you like to go to the movies?" asked Calleigh.

"Sure, it would be nice to get out and I'll even buy you an ice cream afterwards."

"Who could resist that offer, just let me get changed?"

-o-

Later that night, Calleigh nestled into Natalia's neck, "I had a fun time."

"So did I and thank you. Horatio called me while you were in the bathroom."

"Was he checking up on you?"

"Yes and to tell me there has been no sign of Delko."

"I didn't expect there would be."

"Me either honey."

Calleigh smiled at Natalia's use of a term of endearment.

"You have a wonderful smile Cal and I'm glad I get to see it more often."

"Thank you," replied the blonde before moving in and kissing Natalia's warm throat, "Goodnight baby."

"Goodnight honey."

-0-