Chapter 1

The sun awoke him. He yawned, opening his eyes, allowing them to adjust to his surroundings. A smile grew upon his face as he looked beside him, the sight almost more than he could take in. Her hair was splayed across the white pillow, contrasting in color. Her breathing was deep, but quiet, her eyes still closed to the world. The sheet covered everything up to her shoulders, with just a touch of her light skin showing. She was on her side, facing him, and he wanted so badly to touch her, to awaken her, but couldn't bring himself to disturb her. So instead he stared for a while, memorizing her every feature.

He relived the night before in his head, the smile becoming permanent on his face. He loved her. So much. More than he thought was possible. He craved her, every minute, her smile, her laughter, the way she was always there for him. He pulled her to him, disturbing her, but needing her warmth. Her hair sprawled across his bare chest, giving him chills, and he could feel her breath on his skin. He laid his arm across her back, encircling her. She made a sigh, and he grinned, touching his lips to her hair lightly.

"Good morning sailor," she spoke softly, snuggling closer to him.

"Morning." He kissed the top of her head again before she shifted to look at him, their eyes catching.

"How long have you been awake?" She kissed his chest.

"Not long. What do you say about some breakfast?" He asked.

"Yes, but in a minute," she grinned mischeviously and he knew what she was thinking. Rolling her over, he began kissing her, recreating the night before, her laughter making his smile grow.

"So Max, what do we have?"

"Commander McGarret, Detective Williams, it appears our victim has suffered a blow to the head that rendered him unconscious. The killer then tied him up before shooting him twice in the stomach. He dies of blood loss." the ME replied.

"If he was unconscious, why tie him up before shooting him." Danny wondered.

"I do not know that, it is your job to find out", Max stated, earning himself a look from the Jersey detective.

"I know, which is why I was asking Steve and not you."

Steve and Danny went back to HQ after leavind the medical examiner's office.

The call about the murder victim had interrupted, once again, Steve and Catherine's breakfast plans.

Just as they were joining Kono and Chin, Steve's phone rang.