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 21

The month of July flew by and Natalia finished her sessions with Doctor Everett on August the third. To celebrate, Calleigh took her to dinner and presented her with a gold and diamond horse shoe charm for her bracelet.

"It's beautiful honey and it's been a while since you have been riding."

"I've been a little distracted."

"How about we go this Saturday?" suggested a smiling Natalia.

"That would be great, but I am on-call this weekend."

"Well, with my lucky horse shoe, you won't be called in."

Natalia's prediction proved correct and the couple enjoyed a full day of riding without interruption. Calleigh wasn't so lucky on Sunday and was called to a murder/suicide at lunch time.

The following Saturday the pair went riding again and later that night in bed, Natalia asked, "Do you have any requests for your anniversary. It's only six days before you celebrate your twelfth year with Miami-Dade Police Department."

Calleigh pecked along her lover's throat, "I'll be happy with a quiet dinner for four, followed by you for dessert."

"I can arrange that and I assume the other two are Horatio and Yelina."

"Correct, but I guess we should invite dad and your parents."

"So that makes it seven then?"

"No, better include your sisters, brother in-laws and nieces."

"Okay, that's dinner for thirteen plus us."

"Yes and that is my final offer."

Natalia laughed, "Maybe we could go out on your father's boat the next day and finish what we started all those months ago?"

"Oh god, what a brilliant idea."

"You were so hot that day."

"I nearly fainted when I saw your gorgeous breasts for the first time."

"Honey, I just about fell off your lap when I touched yours."

"Would you like to touch them now?"

"Of course I would Cal."

"They're getting old baby."

"Cal, you turned thirty five not eighty five in February, so stop your whining. Besides I'll still want to touch them then too."

"Lordy, I hope so."

"You can count on it."

-0-

Calleigh's anniversary as an officer in Miami was celebrated with twenty close friends and family. Natalia rebooked the final numbers at the last moment when Calleigh thought of a few more names to add.

The next day the couple went out on the boat and were exhausted when they arrived home. The couple went to bed early and slept in the next morning.

On Monday, Calleigh was processing a scene with Ryan when the younger man noted her long gold chain and diamond pendant.

"Is that necklace an anniversary present?"

"Yes it is."

"So can I expect an invite to the wedding?"

"It's a little too soon for that kind of talk."

"Come on Cal, you've been the happiest I've even seen you these last four months. Don't tell me the thought of marriage hasn't crossed your mind."

"Maybe, but we are very content with living together."

"Ah ha, so you share a house."

"Actually, it's an apartment and we have crazy monkey sex all the time."

Ryan chuckled and rolled his eyes, "Now you are just messing with me."

"Yes I am Mr Nosey Parker, now get back to work."

"I asked Maxine out."

"Well, that took you long enough. How did it go?"

"Now who's nosey?"

"You still owe me Mister."

"Yeah I guess so. We've been out to lunch a couple of times and dinner last night. I really like her Cal."

"I'm happy to hear that, but you still owe me."

Ryan chortled, "I have a feeling it may take years before payback will be finalised."

"You got that right."

-0-