AU part VI
Title: Explorations CSI Miami AU Part VI
Rating: G
Pairing: Natalia Lindsay friendship
Disclaimer: Most of the names aren’t mine but the world is, no taking without permission
A/N: Picks up where part V left off. I’m hoping to have actual plot one of these days, but oh well. Here we go. Un beta'd I apologize for any mistakes.


Steeling herself for a repeat of last night, Natalia was shocked to find Lindsay had been right – the Lab as they seemed to call it, was quiet. In the daylight, the injured woman could see just how large the stockade really was and found herself awed by it. This was no mere fort.

As they walked Natalia caught a glimpse of the walls they had entered last night – the massive stone structures silent and imposing adorned at intervals by guards standing or walking. The gates – tree trunks on hinges really – stood open today and here and there a person moved about their business. Distantly, the sound of a hammer striking an anvil reached her ears and Natalia could see smoke rising from the occasional building.

Lindsay led her across the massive courtyard they had entered last night, toward a smaller building located between two large, longer buildings. “That’s the communal kitchens in between the unmarried fighter’s barracks on either side. In the winter, they have a system so the heat from the ovens goes into the barracks and in the summer, it just gets shunted outside. All the houses have their own places to cook, but the kitchen is open to everyone. All active duty member except officers take turns helping out with cleaning and stuff, be we employ full time cooks.” Lindsay’s voice held gratitude and after tasting breakfast, Natalia had to agree. There was a lot to be said for having experienced people in the kitchen.

Once inside, the older woman realized the kitchen actually seemed to be two kitchens, one on either side with trestle tables in between. Lindsay took the tray back from Natalia and dumped it through a window labeled ‘Dishes’ where Natalia heard it splash.

“Ok, so that’s done. We can do whatever we like. Calleigh said she’d be by later, but she has to meet with the other officers about supplies, requisition and well, boring stuff.”

Lindsay’s obvious distaste for paperwork made Natalia’s lips quirk, and the knowledge that Calleigh hadn’t simply abandoned her again eased something small in the injured woman.

A sense of calm blanketed the compound and the older woman found she was more curious about her new – if perhaps temporary home - than nervous.

“I’d like to check on my horse, if that’s possible,” she asked hesitantly and Lindsay flashed her a smile.

“Of course, did you want to go out for a ride?”

Natalia’s confusion must have been evident because the young archer continued. “Outside the stockade. We have a whole obstacle course for training the horses but there are also some really nice trails just for hacking and the woods are lovely.”

Trying to come to grips with the realization that she could apparently go anywhere, Natalia could only manage, “I think I’d just like to see Ben.”

If Lindsay sensed her sudden emotional turmoil, the young archer was silent, merely leading the way and letting Natalia compose herself.

Their path took them past the massive stockade gates and then a smaller building Natalia dimly recognized from last night. “That’s Captain Horatio’s office. The officers are probably in there now.” The young woman chuckled at something. “Yep, there’s Smith and Wesson. If you ever need to find Calleigh when she’s in the Lab, just go looking for those two. They’re like her big hairy grey shadows.”

Natalia remembered the wolf-hounds from the previous night – their massive barks of greeting nearly sending her into flight. In the day however, she had no fear of them. They were beautiful dogs and the injured woman momentarily felt a sharp pang of loss: she’d had wolf hounds growing up.

Shying away from the memory however, Natalia was further distracted as one of the hounds lifted to his feet and trotted over. “Wesson!” Lindsay called in greeting and the iron grey hound paused to receive her affections like a prince receiving his tribute. The air he carried made Natalia grin fondly.

It seemed the big dog wasn’t just here to socialize however, as after a moment he moved from Lindsay and padded slowly over to Natalia. Although the injured woman hadn’t feared him earlier, she couldn’t help the sudden jump of her heart as wise eyes regarded her intently.

Just as Natalia was about to ask Lindsay what was going on, the dog dropped to his haunches and pushed his head under her hand. The brunette’s reaction was automatic and her fingers scratched behind Wesson’s ears before she could give it a second thought. It was apparently the appropriate response because the massive hound promptly closed his eyes in bliss and leaned against her hand, tongue lolling out the side his mouth.

The sight was so at odds with the wolf-hound’s noble expression that it startled a single note of laughter from Natalia, who was now wholly engaged in petting Wesson. Indeed, she might have stood there all day if Lindsay hadn’t failed to contain her own laughter.

“Oh you are such a sap, Wesson,” the archer said fondly. “Looks like you’ve got a new friend.”

Natalia meant to deny it, but as she straightened and the two women resumed their walk to the stables, the massive hound seemed perfectly content to pace along at Natalia’s heel.

Lindsay’s eyes widened. “Wow.”

Natalia looked up in question.

“They don’t usually take to people that quick. I mean they’re perfectly kind, just usually a little standoffish.”

Natalia was unable to come up with any kind of reply, but Lindsay – as usual – didn’t seem to need one.

~*~

The stables were actually almost a town unto themselves. The main barns formed a giant ‘U’ shape around a central area that housed the smithy and several training rings. “This is where all the main mounts are kept. Pastures are out that way and the remounts are kept in herds there,” the young archer gestured. “The entire company is mounted – so even though we aren’t the largest Mercenary Company in the guild, we have an advantage in speed and mobility,” she explained.

Walking through doors that could obviously be shut in bad weather, the younger woman led them down an airy breezeway and Natalia noticed that one side of the barns held stalls – each with its own run attached – and the other held rows and rows of lockers. Each storage area had a place for two names on it and it quickly became obvious that the owner’s was on the top, the horses on the bottom – unless names like ‘Killer’ ‘Bunny’ ‘Hell’s Own’ or Natalia’s favorite, ‘Useless Bastard’ belonged to the mercenaries.

They rounded a corner – past another set of large doors – and Natalia instantly recognized the small, elegant black head resting over a stall door. And just on the other side of B’Ellana was Ben. At her voice, the rangy gelding nickered and shoved his head into Natalia’s chest for attention. Acquiescing gladly, the brunette lost a few moments scratching his withers and enjoying the simple connection with her horse.

“He’s well built, racing blood?” came a smoky, masculine voice, and Natalia whirled.

Standing behind Lindsay with his hand at the head of a stocky, champagne colored buckskin whose name plate read ‘Hummer’ was a lean, weathered man with bright red hair and even brighter, kind blue eyes.

Lindsay whirled and sketched a salute. “Sorry Captain, we didn’t hear you. Natalia Boa Vista, this is Captain Horatio Caine.”

The leader of the most powerful mercenary company in the country merely smiled gently and offered his hand, surprising Natalia by bowing formally over hers. His touch was gentle and there was a quiet, contained aura about him that the injured woman found calming. Despite his well made clothing – all black, from well kept riding boots to linen shirt – there was no outward sign of rank on the man and Lindsay had saluted out of respect, not fear. Overall it made for an unexpected, if pleasing, impression.

“Welcome to Miami Dade,” he said with what appeared to be genuine warmth in his rich voice.

“Thank you, sir,” Natalia managed, unsure of how to address him.

The Captain just smiled, ducking his head. “You’re not one of my hard headed fighters milady, please call me Horatio; Captain if you must.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

The red head gave his horse a last pat and nodded to the two women. “Milady, Ms. Monroe,” then turned and left.

Before Natalia had a chance to fully process the encounter, a much more familiar voice floated into the silence.

“Ah, so that’s whose stolen the affections of my favorite boy away from me,” the soft accent was teasing and Natalia turned to find Calleigh smiling at her, a glint of humor dancing in her eyes. “I see he’s already got you well trained.”

Natalia followed the blonde’s eyes to realize with a start she’d been scratching the massive hound without even thinking about it. It made the brunette shake her head ruefully.

For a moment the two women just stood, taking in the sleepy peace of the stables. Calleigh had moved to B’Ellana’s head and was stroking her mare’s nose and Natalia was perfectly content to bury her fingers in Wesson’s wiry coat. Though she did note Smith looked rather put out at not receiving the same attention, apparently moving from his place at the doors was beneath his dignity for now.

Neither woman noticed when Lindsay quietly slipped out.

~*~

Natalia’s attention was firmly fixed on Wesson (who was eating it up) but though Calleigh was scratching her mare’s neck, the mercenary’s attention was firmly fixed on the woman in front of her.

As if sensing the scrutiny, Natalia looked up, and Calleigh looked dropped her gaze, embarrassed to be caught staring. “I spoke to Horatio; he’s given formal acceptance of my oath of protection. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like,” she said, pulling the first thing that came to mind.

The brunette’s response was a hesitant nod and the silence became somewhat strained as neither woman quite knew how to continue from this point. Calleigh was reluctant to push the injured woman and Natalia had no idea where her place was or what she could expect. As much as she had felt a small thrill at Calleigh’s appearance earlier, the brunette almost longed for Lindsay’s careless enthusiasm. Fortunately however, the young archer gave her a safe topic of conversation.

“Thank you, for sending Lindsay this morning,” Natalia started quietly and Calleigh nodded.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, Horatio wanted to discuss the state of the Company now that my regiment is back.”

“I understand, I wouldn’t expect you to…” Natalia was cut off by a gentle touch to her hand where it rested on Wesson’s head. Looking up, she saw compassion in the green eyes in front of her.

“I know you feel out of place Natalia, but it will pass I promise. You are free now, to make the Lab your home, or go where you will. I would be happy to have you stay here, but you don’t owe me anything. Your life is your own now.”

At hearing the one, single thing she had hoped for since the day the tiny, gleaming shackle of the Baron’s ring had slipped over her finger, Natalia felt tears sting her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered again, her voice laden with emotion she couldn’t articulate, words being too fragile to hold the depth of the gratitude that swelled her heart.

The mercenary simply nodded in response and, sensing Natalia needed time to regroup and that topics of a lighter nature might be a good idea.

“Did Lindsay talk to you about finding a place to live?”

“Yes, she also…she also mentioned a bath?” Natalia queried hopefully, and Calleigh’s laugh was golden.

~*~

The bathing house was actually a structure built over a natural hot spring and divided into a huge communal soaking area with a multitude of smaller chambers where one could run the hot water into a tub or shower to clean up or soak privately. After so long on the road, it felt like heaven to Natalia and after Calleigh showed her what to do with her used towels, the blonde left the injured woman alone. Natalia moved to one of the smaller wash rooms, filled the tub to the brim, dropped her clothes on the small cedar bench, sank into the blissful embrace of steaming hot water and didn’t move until she started to prune.

“Natalia?” Calleigh’s voice interrupted her heat induced daze and the brunette just ‘hmmm’d’ a response.

The door opened just a crack and a pile of clothes dropped to the ground. “I thought you might like a change of clothes. When you’re done come find me.” And then she was gone and Natalia levered herself up. Taking the jar of soap crystals, she washed, drained the tub and stepped out, using the thick towel to dry off before examining the offered clothes.

It was a simple light wool skirt and matching linen shirt with matching leather vest, all in a deep, rich brown. The soft fabrics felt wonderful against her now mostly healed skin and Natalia stretched, enjoying the unfamiliar sensation of being warm, clean and – except for her still aching ribs – nearly free of pain and safe. Savoring it for a moment, the brunette then disposed of the towel and left to find Calleigh, finding that she was almost looking forward to whatever might come.

~*~

Locating the blonde hadn’t been hard. Lindsay was right; Smith and Wesson were useful shadows. She was just approaching the kitchen when the mercenary appeared carrying a familiar tray. Natalia could hear the din of many people in a room coming from the kitchen and when Calleigh suggested they eat in the infirmary, the brunette agreed quickly.

So as the sun sank toward the horizon, Natalia found herself eating her second meal in the infirmary, this time accompanied by Calleigh’s wolf hounds and feeling –if not sure of herself- than at least more centered and able to face the future.

It soon became clear however, that the injured woman’s body was still weak and she grew increasingly tired as she ate, her body beginning to ache not with injury, but simple fatigue.

Her condition did not escape Calleigh’s notice and as soon as they finished, the blonde gathered the dishes and lit a candle lamp beside Natalia’s bed, even though it was sill light out, dusk was approaching.

“You should rest. It’s going to take time to get your strength back,” the mercenary said softly and Natalia nodded, stifling a yawn. She had no strength to argue and as Calleigh moved toward the door, the brunette changed into a sleeping shift and crawled under the covers, exhaustion overtaking her and plunging her mind into darkness before Calleigh’s whispered “goodnight” reached her ears.

~*~

It was clear that Natalia hadn’t heard her and a gentle smile edged the blonde’s lips at the sight the woman presented. Shaking her head, she motioned for Smith and Wesson to move out the door, only to be surprised as only Smith followed her. Wesson very deliberately laid his massive head over his paws and looked up at her.

The mercenary shook her head. “Great, she got to you too huh? Fine. Stay,” she ordered with a pathetic attempt at exasperation and the hound thumped his tail on the floor, grinning at her as if to say she was full of shit. Still, the mercenary was smiling as she shut the door behind her.

~*~

Rubbing her neck Calleigh sat back. She technically didn’t have to look over the intelligence reports from their network of contacts, but she was still used to being out on patrol, and if she was working, the blonde could avoid thinking about how much she wanted to go and slip into bed next to Natalia.

The lamps had burned low and Calleigh looked out the window of her office that sat adjacent to Horatio’s. It was full dark now and her body was complaining that it was bed time, thank you.

From the floor, Smith gave a pitiful whine and the mercenary knew she was outmaneuvered. “Ok boy, lets go check on Natalia and go to bed.” Just check on her, that’s it.

Just outside the infirmary however, Smith whined, his hackles rising, and a sense of foreboding filled the blonde. Grabbing a lamp off the wall, she pushed hurriedly through the door and was greeted by a loud bark and a strangled cry. Flinging open the door, Calleigh took in the sight of Natalia, sitting with up, the lamplight giving her eyes a feral look as Wesson whined softly and pushed his nose on the bed.

Taking a breath and forcing herself to calm now that she knew what happened, Calleigh set the lamp on the dresser and crossed quickly to Natalia, not hesitating as she once again slipped in behind the woman and wrapped arms around her. The mercenary could feel the tremors that shook the brunette, and elegant hands fisted in Calleigh’s shirt as the injured woman struggled to control her ragged breathing. There were no tears however, and so the blonde kept silent, just holding Natalia and waiting for her to quiet.

She felt the moment the shaken woman relaxed, taking a deep, if shaky breath and sitting back. “Thank you, again,” the words held a bitterness that Calleigh knew was directed inward as Natalia wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“It’s alright,” she replied simply.

The brunette swallowed hard. “I’m fine, you can go.”

“I know you are, but I’m not leaving. Lie down, I’ll be right her,” Calleigh replied, echoing their conversation last night.

Natalia hesitated, but the mercenary, firmly ignoring the warning bells in her head, didn’t give her any choice. Kicking off her shoes, the smaller woman blew out the lamp and slid under the covers. For a moment Natalia didn’t move, and then Calleigh felt the bed shift and her head was resting again on Calleigh’s shoulder. Silence blanketed the room gently and once again, Calleigh lay in the darkness as the woman in her arms slowly drifted off to sleep. The smell of the soap she’d used in her hair teased the blonde’s senses and it was an effort not to let her hands roam the planes of Natalia’s cotton covered back.

More than that however, she didn’t get think about. Whatever turmoil her mind faced, the moment she’d wrapped her arms around Natalia, her body had felt only a contentment that the mercenary was unable to deny. As if a switch had been flipped, Calleigh’s body happily gave in to exhaustion and her mind drifted off into welcoming oblivion.

End Part VI