These are some thoughts of what could have happened after the events occurred in 09 x 10. Remembering that I don't own the characters, it's just a fan-to-fan story.
Steve was devastated by Joe's death. It was as if a Tsunami had invaded his life, dragging everything that was important to him. It wasn't easy to see his mentor, friend and almost father being buried.
Steve, it's over. Let's go? Catherine told him, waking him from her thoughts.
I want to stay here a little longer, Catherine.
It's all right. I'll be there waiting for you. Catherine said, pointing to a tree a little distant.
OK.
Steve watched her walk away.
The day before...
He was lost the day Joe died. He needs to talk to someone. He phoned Danny and the team, to tell them what had happened, but asked them not to come to him. The team decided to respect his decision, although they didn't agree with him. But talking to the team wasn't enough. Anguish continued to suffocate him. He needed his safe haven.
Though they were no longer together she was the only one who could see him through the soul, the only one who would understand him and soothe his heart.
Then he called her.
Catherine was having dinner at a restaurant when he called her.
Steve heard a romantic song in the background and wondered if she was with anyone.
Steve?
Yes, Catherine. It's me. You can talk?
Catherine felt the urgency in his voice.
Yes I Can, Steve.
I hear a song. Are you alone? He asked.
Yes, I'm in a restaurant. It's just the ambient sound. What happened, Steve?
Steve started to cry and Catherine was worried.
Steve, tell me what happened. Has anything happened to Danny, to Doris or to Mary?
With Joe. He died in my arms, Cath. Steve said, through tears.
Oh my God! Catherine said, feeling tears stream down her face.
Steve didn't tell her that he needed her there, but she knew that call was a cry for help.
Where are you, Steve?
I'm at Joe's Ranch in Montana. I'm separating his papers to organize the funeral.
I'm not far, Steve. I'll find you. Give me the address. Catherine said, taking paper and pen in her purse.
No, Catherine. It's dangerous! I couldn't protect Joe and I lost him. I don't want to lose you too.
It's not up to you to decide that, Steve. Give me the address.
Steve hesitated, but he knew he needed her a lot.
OK.
Catherine wrote down the address.
I'll be there tomorrow morning. Catherine said.
Ok. I'll be waiting for you.
Bye, Steve. Catherine said.
Love you. She thought.
Bye, Cath.
Catherine was worried about him.
How many more losses can Steve handle? She thought.
Catherine arrived at the ranch in the morning as she promised.
Steve heard the sound of the car coming and was relieved when he saw her.
Catherine got out of the car and saw him coming toward her.
Catherine ran to him and hugged him.
He's gone, Catherine. I can't believe he's gone.
I'm so sorry, Steve! I'm really sorry! How are you feeling? Catherine asked, holding his face with both hands.
I feel like a storm is throwing me at the pier.
Both cried embraced.
I'm going to avenge his death, Catherine. I told him I'd do it.
Catherine shook her head, affirmatively.
I'll help you with this. We'll do it together.
I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Steve told her.
Will not happen. We'll be together in this to the end. It doesn't matter if you're close or far, what I feel won't change. She said, looking him in the eye.