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 17

After introductions by Horatio to the rest of the day shift, Jesse Cardoza was partnered with Ryan to attend a murder scene. Before he left, he approached Calleigh and hugged her.

"It's good to see you again."

"It's been twelve years and I'm looking forward to working with you again. Did you get tired of LAPD?" Stepping back, Calleigh noted the look of jealously on Ryan's face, "Relax Mr Wolfe, Jesse and I go way back to when I first arrived in Miami in 1997 and be rest assured; I only have eyes for my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" questioned Ryan in shock.

"You heard me, now you can stop wondering which guy I am involved with."

Jesse laughed, "Same old spitfire Calleigh, let's go Ryan."

"And who is your girlfriend?" asked Natalia from behind.

Calleigh spun around, "Oh, she is just the most beautiful woman in the world and I'm crazy about her."

"She's very lucky."

"No, I'm the fortunate one and what are you doing here?"

"Checking up on my girlfriend, but I can see she is just fine."

Calleigh moved closer, "You look wonderful."

"So do you and I'm actually here to bring you your watch before I head to a session." Handing the watch over, she added, "You left it on the bedside table Saturday morning."

"Thanks baby."

"I better be going or I'll be late."

"Good luck Talia, see you tonight."

Horatio approached the couple with a grin, "It's good to see you Miss Boa Vista."

"Hello Lieutenant Caine, sorry I can't stay, I have an appointment."

"Then I won't keep you, we'll talk again real soon."

"We will bye."

Once Natalia left Horatio commented, "I see you and Miss Boa Vista are still making progress."

"It's slow, but everything is fine between us."

"That makes me very happy. I have spoken to Yelina and engaged her services. She leaves for St Petersburg tomorrow morning."

"Is that a wise move, won't Yelina be in danger if she starts snooping around?"

"She'll be working closely with an FBI Agent assigned over there."

"Well, that's more reassuring. Does Natalia know?"

"No, I thought you'd like to inform her."

"Thank you."

"I'd like you to make yourself available at ten o'clock. Sergeant Rick Stetler will be in my office to discuss the IAB investigation into Eric's actions."

"I've already supplied a statement, so has Natalia."

"I am aware of that, but I think Stetler is only making an appearance to inform us the case against Eric will not be pursued internally."

Calleigh smirked, "That will piss him off. After all these years of trying to find something against the team, he finally gets handed Delko on a silver platter and can't do a damn thing about it."

"That's why I want you there; in case the Sergeant says something he may regret later."

"You can count on me Horatio."

"Thank you Miss Duquesne."

-0-

IAB Sergeant Stetler's visit was brief and to the point. The investigation into Delko was suspended until such a time when and if he returned to the United States, but due to the circumstances of his unlawful fleeing, he was officially dismissed from the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Neither Horatio nor Calleigh were surprised and Stetler left without further conversation.

Calleigh returned to the ballistics lab and continued researching her latest case and when she arrived home that afternoon, there was a note on the hallway table from Natalia.

Hey Cal,

I wanted you to know I had an excellent session with Dr Everett and she has cut them back to once a week.

Thank you for helping me sleep, it's made a big difference to my thought processing.

I'll be thinking of you.

Love Natalia xxxx

Calleigh made her way into the bedroom with a huge grin planted on her face. After showering, she called her father and invited him over for dinner. He arrived an hour later and was gone by ten thirty.

-0-

Calleigh was surprised to find Natalia not in bed when she woke. After a run, she readied for work early and was delighted to find Natalia in the DNA lab.

"Good morning CSI Boa Vista."

Looking up, a drained Natalia smiled, "Well good morning CSI Duquesne."

"I missed you this morning."

"Yeah, I'm waiting on a result from a suspect's swab and you are in early."

"I was up before the alarm, but I think it was because you weren't there snuggling into me."

"That's very charming."

Smiling brilliantly, the blonde continued, "I'm glad I caught you. I have a ballistics seminar to attend at Quantico Thursday and Friday."

"You'll have fun being surrounded by all those weapons."

Just then the computer beeped.

"I'll let you get back to work, see you later," suggested Calleigh.

"I'll drop in and see you before I leave, where are you headed?"

"The vehicle garage, I'll see you there, bye."

"Bye Cal."

-0-

Calleigh was stretching into the rear seat of a Ford Excursion when she felt a hand on her right buttock. She was about to complain when she heard Natalia's voice.

"You have a dirt smear on your coveralls."

"Lucky that's you Natalia. I was about to let fly with some good old fashioned cuss words."

Natalia chuckled and cupped her hand over the taut mound, "You are terribly cute when you swear and your butt is perfect."

"I'm very happy you have an interest in my anatomy, but fair warning, Ryan will be joining me any moment."

As the hand withdrew, Natalia said, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

Calleigh eased out of the SUV and faced her girlfriend, "This is a very nice surprise and don't apologise."

Brown eyes glistened, "I love you and will see you soon."

"I love you too and have a good sleep darlin'."

"I'll dream of you."

Ryan entered the garage just before Calleigh was about to lean in and kiss Natalia.

"Hey there stranger," he cheerfully said in greeting.

"Hi Ryan, it's good to see you. I'll see you guys later."

"Bye," uttered Calleigh who was more than a little aroused by Natalia's unexpected flirting.

"See you," said Ryan.

Calleigh watched Natalia leave then said, "Front has been done if you want to start on the rear compartment?"

"Sure, you got anything yet?"

"Yes, blood drops on the driver's seat, steering wheel and dash. I also collected hair and cloth fibres from the passenger seat."

"It sounds like we have a suspect or two."

"Hopefully."

"Natalia looks a lot better," pointed out Ryan as he gloved up.

"Yes, she is doing remarkably well," replied the blonde with pride in her tone.

The two CSIs worked in silence and by the end of shift, Horatio and Frank had two suspects in custody for the brutal murder of a loan shark.

-0-

Natalia sat in her car for a moment and quelled her shaking hands and images of Eric and Rick. Her desire to touch Calleigh intimately quickly abated. "God damn it," she whispered before crying.

Twelve minutes passed by before she regained control of her composure. Doctor Everett had warned her about conflicting emotions once she began to return to a normal relationship with Calleigh. Natalia had discussed the fact Calleigh was being extremely patient and supportive several times during the past two weeks.

The Psychiatrist was pleased with Natalia's acceptance of Calleigh back into her personal life and saw it as a major stepping stone.

Natalia drove home, showered, ate some breakfast then went to bed. She reached for her cell phone and called her mother. The pair spoke for several minutes before Natalia started to yawn.

"Go to sleep Talia, we'll talk soon."

"Okay mom."

"Oh, your sisters are coming for dinner Saturday night and I'd like you and Calleigh to join us."

"I'll check with Cal and get back to you."

"All right, I'll wait for your call, bye."

"Bye mom."

-0-