Trust Me!

Disclaimer—Don't own anything, as usual.

A/N: This is an idea suggested to me by Starclipper01, with some refining from Mychand. None of my previous works infringe on this one, so String and Caitlin are not together romantically as the story begins. Enjoy!—robertwnielsen

Summary—Caitlin takes drastic measures to prove a point to Hawke. What will this do to their friendship, and to the Airwolf team?

Maybe this'll get through his thick skull, Caitlin O'Shannessy thought to herself as she headed out towards the Lair in the patriotically-painted Santini Air Jeep. Besides, I'm fully checked out as an Airwolf backup pilot, and I need some solo time in order to keep my proficiency up. String and Dom do this all the time. And, maybe if I keep tellin' myself that, I'll believe it when it comes time to explain what I've done to them, Caitlin added reluctantly.

There was another reason Caitlin had decided to take Airwolf up for a little solo flying time—her feelings about String, and his refusal to acknowledge them. Maybe, if he sees that I can handle Airwolf just fine by myself, Caitlin thought as she drove, then just maybe he'll figure out that I'm perfectly capable of takin' care of myself, and that it'd be okay if he decided to let himself love me the way I think he wants to, and the way I love him. Caitlin was surprised at the last part of her thought, but realized, it's the truth. I do love String...and I've loved him for a long time. It's just that he can't, or won't, love me back. Well, maybe he'll understand, when I've finished, that I'm perfectly capable of flyin' with him, or flyin' Airwolf by myself. I mean, I've flown Airwolf—in the pilot's seat—with Dom plenty of times. As she approached the spot where String liked to park his Jeep when he came out to the Lair, Caitlin thought over the risks she was taking. Then again, String might never forgive me for what I'm about to do, she thought as she parked the jeep and hiked back to the Lair entrance, disarming the security system when she arrived. Once she was inside, Caitlin took a moment to admire the sleek lines of the Lady, the way she'd seen Dom and String do more than once. She had already changed into her lilac-colored flight suit, so it was simply a matter of getting her flight helmet. Fortunately, I brought my clothes with me, she thought, so I can change back after I land, and before String blows his top at me. Once she had her helmet, she popped the pilot's side door seal and climbed into the commander's chair, pulling her helmet on as she did so. She took a moment to familiarize herself with the instruments, then pushed the Start 2 button to activate Airwolf's main rotors and electronic systems. As she watched the displays come alive, Caitlin realized why Hawke and Dom loved flying Airwolf so much. Now I see why Dom acts the way he does about the Lady. It almost feels like, like this thing's alive, she thought to herself as she felt the rotors come up to liftoff speed. She nervously took hold of the cyclic and throttle, giving herself just enough power to lift Airwolf out of the Lair.

As she felt the helicopter rise out of the cone, Caitlin felt her nerves increasing. Easy, Caity girl. Don't jerk the stick around. She'd only lifted Airwolf out of the Lair a couple of times before, and she was nervous that she might crash against the rocky walls of the Lair. But soon, Cait saw the sky open before her as she brought Airwolf successfully out of the Lair. Phew, she thought as she raised the landing gear, then advanced the throttle, and Airwolf began moving forward. All right! Now, I'm gonna check this mother out! Caitlin thought, grinning under her flight helmet as she felt the helicopter pick up speed.

Santini Air, a few moments later

"String? Where'd Cait disappear to?" Dom asked his younger surrogate son.

"I dunno, Dom," String replied honestly. "I mean, I saw her take off in one of the Jeeps a few minutes ago...I figured she was running an errand for you, or something. Where else would she have gone?"

"That's a good question, String," Dom said, then suddenly got worried. "Aw, wait a sec, String. You don't think she—"

"No," Hawke replied, then turned thoughtful. "At least, I don't think she would've gone to the Lair. She knows not to go near Airwolf unless one of us is with her. But, I guess there's only one way to find out." Grimly, Hawke grabbed another set of keys and climbed into another Jeep with Dom, headed for the Lair.

"Dom," String said, "if she's taken Airwolf up for some kind of joy ride, she's done. Out. Off the crew. And, you're gonna have to decide if you want her to keep workin' for you." Dom turned and glanced at his younger surrogate son, aghast.

"String, why on Earth would we kick Cait off the crew for somethin' we do all the time? And besides, she's fully checked out—you and I did that ourselves. Why do you have so many problems trusting her, anyway?" He sure didn't have any problems trusting her when Michael was captured in East Germany, Dom thought, then realized something. But this is different—she wasn't flyin' Airwolf that time, just running the engineering station like I do. So, I guess I see what's got String so bugged, Dom added, just as Hawke began talking again.

"Dom, you know how valuable the Lady is. She's not somethin' you just take up for a joyride whenever you feel like—" String cut himself off when he realized how many times he and Dom had done exactly that, calling it a "check ride," or a "maintenance flight," or something of that nature.

"String?" Dom asked, noticing how quickly he had cut himself off.

"Okay, okay," Hawke replied, his anger easing somewhat. "Before you say anything—you're right, Dom, we do the same thing, and, Cait does need to take the pilot's seat now and then, especially without there being any chance of combat. I just, wonder why she did it," String finished.

"Maybe she's tryin' to prove a point," Dom mumbled, hoping String wouldn't hear him.

"What point would she be trying to prove, Dominic?"

Aw, nuts, Dom thought. I forgot about that confounded super-hearing of String's. "Oh, just that she's perfectly capable of handling Airwolf," he said out loud. "At least, in a normal situation, without anybody shootin' at her. I mean, let's face it, String, how many times has she actually flown Airwolf?"

String had to stop and think about that for a moment. Yes, she'd flown Airwolf once, when String and Dom were trying to help his friend Greg Stewart's wife, Rainey, rescue her son Greg after his father was killed. Cait had flown Airwolf to get String, who had been chased by some of the cops that Greg's mother had on her payroll. She had even confronted the sheriff, who reminded Hawke of Sheriff Bogan, the one who had given Cait so much trouble in Pope County, in order to pick up Dom, Rainey, and her baby. Other than that, String and Dom had shared the majority of the flying duties.

"I get it, Dom," String said as they continued towards the Lair. Dom wondered what String might be thinking about as they drove.

Aboard Airwolf

Whoo-whee! Caitlin thought as she whipped Airwolf around one of the stone outcroppings around the Lair. Now I see why String loves flyin' her so much! The sheer power she felt as she guided Airwolf through the outcroppings was unlike any she'd ever felt, especially since she was flying at near maximum speed without engaging the turbos. I couldn't handle that, she thought, so this'll have to do. Just then, she suddenly got worried. String must've figured out what I've done, she thought, and he's probably on his way to the Lair right now. What's he gonna think when he finds that Airwolf's gone? Is he gonna put two and two together and figure out that I'm flyin' her, or is he gonna think somebody found the Lair and stole her? I suppose I'll find out, soon enough. She knew that if String and Dom were on their way to the Lair, they'd contact her as soon as they could. We'll see what happens, she thought, knowing that she'd activated the descrambler before she took Airwolf up, and that String had a radio that communicated on the secure channel. I'll just have to take whatever I get, she thought anxiously. She knew that Hawke could very well kick her off the crew for what she'd done, and that Dom might fire her and ship her back home to Texas. Well, whatever happens, I'm ready, she thought. Just then, she heard a voice on the radio: Santini Ground Unit to Airwolf. Airwolf, come in.

String, she thought, recognizing the voice instantly.Well, here goes, Cait thought nervously, swallowing hard to try to clear the lump of fear out of her throat. Aloud, she said, "Santini Ground Unit, go ahead. This is Airwolf."

Thank goodness, String thought when he recognized Caitlin's voice. "Caitlin, this is Hawke. Where are you, and what in the hell are you doing?" he demanded.

Uh-oh, Caitlin thought. He sounds angry. She turned Airwolf back towards the Lair. "I'm headed back your way, Hawke," she said. "You oughta be seein' me in about, oh, five seconds."

Hawke looked up when he heard the distinctive howl of Airwolf's engines and saw the sleek black helicopter pass over his head. "Well, String?" Dom asked. "What are you gonna do?"

String hesitated a moment before he spoke into the radio again. "Caitlin, bring Airwolf down. I'll put her back in the Lair, and then, we need to talk." I have to admit, though, I'm impressed that she got the Lady out of the Lair with no problems, Hawke thought, and noticed Dom's expression. What are you thinking, String? Dom thought.

Aboard Airwolf

"...and then, we need to talk." Caitlin heard String's voice over the radio. He sounds worse than angry, she thought. He sounds furious at me. Not that I blame him. He's got every right to be angry. Well, like I said before; whatever happens, I'll—I'll deal with it. She slowed down as she found the spot where Hawke and Dom stood waiting for her, lowered the landing gear again, and set Airwolf down gracefully a few feet away from them. She quickly pulled off her helmet and climbed out, the look on her face embarrassed as Hawke walked past her towards Airwolf. A moment later, he was in the commander's chair, lifting Airwolf back towards the cone of the Lair. Boy, he is furious, Caitlin thought when she caught Hawke's expression just before he climbed into Airwolf. But, I deserve it, after doin' what I did. I just—I hope he can forgive me, someday, she thought sadly as she walked over to Dom.

"Dom, I'm—I'm sorry," Caitlin stammered as she watched Airwolf descending into the Lair. "I—I just, needed to do this. For a lot of reasons."

"I know, Cait," Dom replied. "I know, you were tryin' to prove a point to that stubborn mule. That you're perfectly capable of flyin' Airwolf, at least in a non-combat, non-threatening situation. But, was that the only point you were tryin' to prove?" Somehow, I doubt it, Dom thought, trying to suppress his smile.

"Not, exactly, Dom," Caitlin said hesitantly. "I guess I was tryin' to show String that I'm perfectly capable of takin' care of myself; even in Airwolf, and that it'd be okay if he decided he could love me the same way I love him." She felt her cheeks turning a bright pink at her last statement, and hoped Dom hadn't noticed.

I knew it, Dom thought, barely able to keep from smiling. "You've loved him for a long time, haven't you?" Dom asked, already knowing the answer. I'm not even gonna mention how embarrassed she looks, Dom thought, 'cause that would just make it worse; and that's the last thing I want to do. But I really hate it when I'm right. I can see I'm gonna have to have a little chat with that boy of mine.

"Yeah," Caitlin replied. "I have. I think I've loved him ever since I met him back in Texas; or maybe it started when I found him workin' on your Stearman outside the hangar, or when I thought he was dead in my arms back in Horn's compound, I dunno. But I know I love him—and I know that I'm in love with him—and that's all that matters," she finished, wiping a few tears out of her eyes.

"That's what I figured, Cait," Dom said, smiling at her. "I tried to tell String not to be too upset at you, 'cause I figured that's what you were doing—trying to prove to that stubborn mule that it'd be okay to love you—but I dunno what he thinks—I never have." He laid a hand comfortingly on Cait's shoulder as she smiled at him.

"I know, Dom," Caitlin said as she stared, worriedly, into the Lair.

"Oh, by the way," Dom said, "Nice job bringin' our Lady out of the Lair, especially since you only did it a couple times before."

"Thanks," Cait said nervously. Dom could tell her mind was on String, and what his reaction was going to be to everything that happened.

As String set Airwolf down in the Lair, his thoughts were turning over a mile a minute in his head. Okay, I get it. I get that Cait's perfectly capable of flying Airwolf; at least, as long as nobody's shootin' at her, but was there some other reason she did this? Something, personal? Of course, I know what she told Dom, when he was insisting that he be the one to deliver Airwolf to Horn.

"Dom, don't do that to me," Caitlin had said. "I care about him, too, you know. Probably more than you know."

What the hell did she mean by that? Hawke asked himself, not entirely sure that he wanted to know the answer. I suppose, I suppose I'll just have to find out, he thought as he finished shutting Airwolf's systems down, then climbed out and sealed her up.

Walking outside a moment later, Hawke said, "Cait, you want to go back and change before we go back to the hangar?" He tried to keep the anger out of his voice, and felt like he'd done a fair job of it. But we'll see what she thinks, Hawke thought.

"Sure, String," Cait replied, turning and walking back into the Lair. While she was gone, Dom turned to String and said, "See, String? She brought our Lady back without a scratch. Not to mention getting her out of the Lair without a scratch. Doesn't that—" Dom was forced to cut himself off when String interrupted him.

"Yeah, Dom," String interrupted. "Whatever you might be thinking, I guess, I guess it does." Dom searched String's face for further explanation, but found none. Just then, Cait walked back out of the hangar in the jeans and T-shirt she'd been wearing when she came in that morning. "Okay, guys," she said nervously, "I'm ready to go. Dom, I think I'll ride back with you, okay?" String didn't fail to notice her tone of voice, which turned decidedly colder when she told Dom she'd ride back to the hangar with him. Ouch, Hawke thought. But, I suppose I deserve it, reacting the way I did.

"Sure, Cait," Dom said as they walked to one of the Jeeps. "We'll see you back at the hangar, String."

"Yeah, Dom," String said as Caitlin and Dom climbed into one Jeep and drove off. String reactivated the Lair's security system, then climbed into the other Jeep and headed back towards the hangar, his thoughts still in turmoil.

I get it, already, String thought as he drove. I get how capable Caitlin is, but was that all she was trying to do? Was she trying to get me to see; something else? Hawke thought back to the time last year when he and Caitlin had been forced to kiss on that movie set, and he remembered how, how right it felt to kiss her that way, especially after the director egged him on to make the kiss more realistic. Then, a few months ago, Caitlin had kissed him after she and Archangel walked off the ship that Sawyer had kept her prisoner on. And Hawke thought there was something, more than just gratitude for Hawke and Dom's saving her life behind Caitlin's kiss. Was she trying to show me that, she was okay? And that it'd be okay if I decided I could love her? Or am I just letting my ego run away with me? I mean, I know what Cait told Dom, but she might not have meant that she loved me that way. And, it's like Dom always told Sinj and me—never assume anything, 'cause it just makes an 'ass' out of 'you,' and 'me.'

I don't like this, Hawke thought as he drove, feeling his anger lessening. I—I need to stay angry, dammit! Cait had no right to do what she did, and she needs to know that!

But, maybe she was tryin' to prove a point, String. Hawke heard a voice in his head talking to him. The question is, can you see her point, and understand it? Think about this, String. You already know she's perfectly capable of defending herself; and you see what kind of pilot she is. You just need to figure out how you feel about her. Hawke had to admit, he wasn't sure how he felt about Caitlin. I mean, I care about her, as a friend and all that, but, is that all? He remembered how Caitlin had kissed him after she came off the ship that Ken Sawyer had been holding her prisoner on. It felt like a smaller version of that kiss on the movie set, he thought. Was she tryin' to tell me something, just like what she did today? Hawke turned those questions over in his mind as he drove, trying to determine what he was going to say to Caitlin when he saw her again. First things first, though—I owe her an apology for the way I acted, because Dom's right. Why should I get mad at Cait for doin' exactly what Dom and I do all the time? That, that was uncalled for.

By the time String had gotten back to the Lair, Cait and Dom were already there, and had begun shutting things down. "Good to see you back, String," Dom said, smiling at him. "You okay?"

The silence that followed made both Dom and Caitlin nervous. Finally, String said, "Yeah, Dom. I'm—I'm okay. And, Cait, I—I owe you an apology for the way I acted earlier. I was angry, concerned, worried, and I took it out on you. I—I'm sorry." He glanced hesitantly at Caitlin, and wondered what she was thinking.

"Apology accepted, String," Caitlin said, and Hawke noticed her use of his first name. "And, thanks. Is, is there anything else you want to say to me?" String couldn't miss the hopeful look in her eyes, and when he turned and looked at Dom, Dom simply shook his head and walked away. You're on your own on this one, kid, Dom thought anxiously. Suddenly, Dom had a vision of Caitlin screaming at String, then telling Dom that she quit—because of whatever String might have said to her—or not said to her, Dom thought worriedly—then, of Cait getting into her car and heading home to her apartment to pack, and then heading back to Texas. If that happens, Dom thought anxiously, Cait'll never forgive you, String. And, neither will I. He stopped walking and turned back towards Cait and String, hoping he'd be able to hear what was going on. Don't blow it, String, Dom thought worriedly.

"String," Cait began hesitantly, "there is another reason I did what I did today. I know it was a dumb thing to do, and like I said, I apologize; but I was tryin' to show you that I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, even in Airwolf, and that it'd be okay if you trusted me with her, the way you do Dom. And also, I was kinda hopin' it would show you it'd be okay if you told me how you feel about me. I hope you feel the same way about me that I do about you, String, but after what I did today, I guess I'd understand if you didn't." She took a deep breath and steeled her heart and mind for String's reaction, whatever it might turn out to be.

"So how do you feel about me, Cait?" String asked her sincerely, after he took off his aviator shades so he could look her in the eyes. Even though I have a feeling I already know the answer, String thought, remembering what he'd thought as he was putting Airwolf back into the Lair.

"String, I—I love you," Caitlin said anxiously. "I don't know when it started; maybe that first day I saw you out there workin' on Dom's Stearman, or maybe after what happened with Horn, when I thought you were dead in my arms; but I have loved you—and I've been in love with you—for a very long time." Caitlin lowered her head, embarrassed, but relieved that her secret had finally come out. Now, we'll see what String thinks, Caitlin thought anxiously.

I knew it, String thought. Hawke's silence after Caitlin's confession made both her and Dom nervous. It isn't just my ego talking. Well, I guess it's time. Finally, String lifted her face so she could look into his eyes, and he said five words that Caitlin had convinced herself she'd never hear, except in her dreams at night. "Caitlin, I—I love you, too." String smiled hesitantly at Caitlin, seeing her expression brighten into the "million-dollar smile" that he had fallen in love with so long ago. "And," he added, his own expression brightening, "I'm in love with you, too. I've just been too stupid, or stubborn, to admit it, until now." Or maybe both, he thought as he waited for Caitlin to respond to him.

"String, I have waited, and prayed, for so long to hear you say that to me," Caitlin said, and String noticed the tears in her eyes.

"Cait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"String was forced to stop talking when Caitlin interrupted him, angrily.

"String, stop it!" Caitlin snapped. "You don't need to apologize to me! Except maybe for takin' so danged long to figure out how you feel! Those tears aren't because I'm sad, for Pete's sake! They're because I'm happy! I'm happy—and relieved—that you finally figured out how you feel about me!" Without another word, she launched herself into his arms, smothering his lips with hers in a passionate kiss.

The longer the kiss went on, the more concerned Dom got. C'mon, you two, breathe! He thought, even though he was cheering them on. Dammit, it's about time those two figured their feelings out! Or at least, it's about time String figured his feelings out, Dom thought as he watched String and Caitlin. He lifted his head and said a prayer of thanks to Saint Jude, the patron saint of all hopeless people, and to Saint Anthony, the saint of miracles. When she said 'I care about him, too, y'know, probably more than you know,' back in Michael's limo that day, I got the feelin' that Cait's known how she felt for a long time; she's just been waiting for String to pull his head out of his behind. Well, Dom added as he watched Cait and String, I guess your wait's over, sweetheart.

Finally, Caitlin and String broke their kiss, gasping for breath due to the length of the kiss. When she finally felt like she could construct a complete sentence, she said, "String, all I ever wanted was for you to trust me. Trust me with Airwolf, and most importantly—trust me with your heart. And, I was hopin' that someday, you'd love me; the way I love you. Dom told me about what you had with Gabrielle, and you deserve that kind of love again. And I want nothing more than to be the one to give that love to you; if you'll let me," she said.

"I, I know, Cait," String said, pulling her body close to his. "And, I'm sorry I've been denying my feelings for so long. But it's not going to be easy. You know how I get sometimes, and of course, Airwolf means there's always going to be danger in our lives, but I promise you—I'll never let anything, or anyone, get in the way of my feelings for you, ever again. And, I'll spend the rest of my—of our lives—making up for my attitude before. And," he said, looking deep into Caitlin's eyes, hoping she could see the love and sincerity in his, "I—I do trust you—with Airwolf, and with everything. Including my heart, and, I do apologize for taking so long to figure out how I feel about you," he said, noticing Caitlin's expression.

"Thank you so much, String," Caitlin said happily. She'd caught the emphasis Hawke had placed on his comment, 'the restof our lives.' God in Heaven! He must be more serious than I thought, Caitlin thought excitedly. Especially when he said 'I trust you with Airwolf, and with everything. Including my heart.' I know what it took for Hawke to say that. "Don't worry, String," Caitlin said as she looked up at him. "I'll keep them both safe. Airwolf, and your heart." She smiled up at him before he kissed her again, and she allowed herself to fully respond to String's kiss. She knew that with String's attitude, she'd have her hands full keeping Hawke from slipping back into his old habits and running back inside himself when things became difficult. But, I'll just have to follow him when he runs to that place—and, I'll enjoy every single minute of it, Caitlin thought excitedly. She walked back into the hangar with String's arm around her, and her arm around him. Right now, I swear I'm the happiest gal on the face of the Earth, she thought as she pondered the future—a future which suddenly looked a whole lot brighter to Caitlin, now that Hawke had admitted his feelings about her. Our future, Caitlin thought as she looked up at String, and saw him smile back at her—our future, together.