Chapter 4

Authors notes: I hope you are all enjoying the trip into my little world. Lots of fun stuff to come.

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Steve stood there and watched as Paris jumped off the boat. Once she surfaced he looked down at her.

"You do realize your scaring away all the fish?" Steve stood there with his hands on his hips looking at her.

"Oh come on Commander did you really bring me all the way out here just to fish?" Paris said treading water. Her hair floating around her in the water the sunlight gleaming off the golden strands.

"And what exactly do you think I brought you out here to do?"

Paris only smiled up at him. A few moments later Steve had joined her in the ocean. He swam over to her and laughed when Paris hooked her arms around his neck.

"Enjoying yourself?" asked Steve.

"Yes I am."

"Good." Steve leaned in and kissed her quickly before breaking away.

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It was close to four when Steve turned the boat for home. Paris was stretched out on the deck sunning herself while he drove the boat. It was a good thing she was behind him or he may have driven the boat off course.

Steve took a deep breath and looked over his shoulder. Smiling he turned back to where they were headed. "I owe Danny a case of beer."

"Yeah for what?"

"For insisting I ask you out."

"Better get him the good imported stuff then."

This made Steve laugh. "Ok sure you're worth it."

"Damn Skippy."

Steve smiled again and shook his head. Paris was nothing like Katherine. He had a feeling she was way more complex then she let on. One thing he really liked was that he didn't have to try to impress her. She was happy eating lunch out of his truck or spending the day doing nothing. He just hoped she wouldn't leave. Steve realized he had already gotten attached.

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Paris lay on her back enjoying the sun. She was developing a nice tan for a change and the sun had bleached her hair a shade lighter. Looking to her left Paris let her eyes drift over Steve. The man was hot that was for sure. He was also sweet, caring and very protective.

She had not been looking for a relationship but had ended up in one. The moment when he asked her not to leave still made her heart skip a beat for a moment. No one had ever asked her not to leave. From what Steve and Kono had told him she knew he really needed her to keep that promise.

Paris stood up and walked over to Steve. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek against his back. Steve moved one of his hands up to hold onto hers for a moment. Paris smiled and squeezed him tighter. At that moment she knew she would never leave him. For the first time in her life she had something to stay put for.

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The next day Steve had the grill going and a large cooler of beer and water out on the patio. The entire team was there including their extended family. Even Duke had showed up at the promise of free food and beer.

"Hey Brother I heard there was a party going on." Steve walked over to greet his last guest Dog.

"There is now. Come on I want you to meet someone."

Steve took Dog over to where Paris was standing watch over the grill.

"Explain to me why I'm cooking, I thought I got to sit around and drink beer while you cooked?"

"You can in a moment I want you to meet someone." Steve pulled Paris against him. "Baby this is Dog the Bounty Hunter." Steve laughed when he noticed Paris was standing there with her mouth open. "Dog this is my girlfriend Special Agent Paris Riker NCIS."

"Nice to meet you."

"Um yeah wow, I've watched your show big fan."

"Well your family now. You'll meet the rest of my family at some point."

"Dog has helped out a few times with Five-O cases."

"Maybe I should take your girl out on a few captures sometime."

"I think she would love that." Steve looked at Paris. "But no guns baby."

"No problem. I can kick ass without them."

Dog burst out laughing. "I like her."

"So do I." Said Steve putting a kiss on the top of her head.

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Danny sat drinking a beer on the far side of the yard. He was just watching how Paris acted with Steve. Yes he was happy for his best friend and partner but part of him was still worried that Paris would leave. He watched Steve introduce her to Dog and noticed how Steve pulled her in close. Well Paris didn't pull away that was a good thing. Now he just needed to find time to have a little talk with her.

Paris was having a blast. Everyone treated her like Ohana (family). It meant more to her then they could ever know. Aunt Kay sat there talking to Lou and his wife. She had taken over the cooking saying that Steve didn't know what he was doing. He simply shrugged and let her.

By the end of the night Paris found herself sitting on Steve's lap while he talked to Danny. She snuggled in tightly and closed her eyes just enjoying the sound of the waves and Steve's voice.

"So this is going well I take it?" Danny said pointing his beer at his partner.

"Yes Danny it is."

Steve tightened his grip on Paris a bit.

"You own me one partner."

"Yes I do."

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It was almost two weeks later when Danny got the chance to talk to Paris.

"Paris do you have a minuet?" asked Danny standing in the doorway to Paris's office.

"Sure Danny what's up?"

"I need to ask you something?"

"Ok shoot." Paris sat back in her chair and looked at Danny.

"Look I know you've only been dating Steve for a few weeks but I need to know if you plan on staying."

"I'm not like her Danny, I'm not going to run."

"You know about Katherine?" Danny seemed surprised.

"Kono told me some, Steve filled in a lot more. I know he was ready to marry her and she left. She left a lot didn't she?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not going anywhere Danny. I already told Steve this." Paris leaned forward in her chair. "Look I may not have a lot of experience in real life relationships but I do know a few important things."

"Ok like what?"

"For starters when you find something this good you hold on to it with everything you have." Paris smiled at Danny. "I will promise you this Danny. I will never leave Steve voluntarily."

"Ok." Danny stood. "You know Danny is a nice name for a boy."

Paris rolled her eyes. "Sure Jersey."

"Jersey I like that."

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Paris wasn't sure if she should tell Steve about her little chat with Danny or not. She headed out for lunch by herself to think. Sitting there at the café she was surprised when Chin slid into the booth across from her.

"Chin."

"Have you ordered yet?"

"No."

"Good."

They ordered and Chin got down to business.

"So I couldn't help notice that Steve is now calling you his girlfriend."

Paris sat back in the booth and crossed her arms. "I've already had this conversation one time today."

"Let me guess Danny."

"Yes and I'll tell you the same thing I told him." Paris let her eyes drill into Chin's. "I'm not going anywhere."

"What if NCIS has other ideas."

Paris shrugged. "Easy I turn in my badge."

"Just like that?" Chin asked not sure she was being honest.

"Yes." Paris leaned forward. "Chin this is the first time I have ever felt like I belonged. Being with Steve just feels right."

"So if Hetty called tomorrow and told you to head back to LA you'd turn in your badge?"

"Again yes." Paris was getting mad. "My badge is in my desk along with a signed letter undated all I need to do is write in the date and hand it over." She looked Chin in the eye again. "It's not like I wouldn't have a job." She pointed to her badge that was hooked at her belt. "I'd still be Five-O."

"So if Steve asked you to marry him?"

"For crying out loud." Paris threw her hands up. "I'm not going anywhere, not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

"Ok I get it." Chin laughed.

"What do I need to do get property of Steve McGarrett tattooed on my arm."

"I'm sure Steve would love that." Chin laughed.

"Steve has already asked me not to leave."

"He's been hurt bad before. It wasn't fun to watch."

"I know." Paris gave a weak smile. "I will never do anything to hurt him that way."

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They finished lunch and headed back to the Palace. Danny was out with Steve so Paris went to her desk to finish her paperwork. She sat there for a moment before pulling out the letter she had told Chin about. All it needed was a date. Hetty would not be happy neither would the Director. Hopefully it wouldn't come down to having to turn it in.

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That night Paris headed over to Steve's. They had eaten dinner and were settled onto the couch. Steve was paying attention to what was on the tv so Paris decided to distract him.

"I had two very interesting conversations today."

"Really?"

"Yep. Seems everyone thinks I'm going to cut and run first chance I get."

Steve turned his head to look at her. "I'll talk to them tomorrow."

"Don't worry I set them straight." Paris said and moved to straddle Steve's lap. "Now Commander do you want to explain to me why what's on the tv is more important than I am?"

Steve looked over her shoulder at the sports recap that was playing. Paris was not giving up that easy. She wrapped her arms around his neck and scooted her hips a bit more forward. Steve looked at her his eyes wide.

"Ok Paris don't start something you are not ready to finish."

"Who said I'm not."

"Oh really." Steve gave her a smirk and pulled her in as close as he could. "You sure about this?"

"Yeah I am." Paris leaned her forehead against his. "Never been more sure of anything in my life."

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The moon was shining brightly into Steve's bedroom. He lay there looking up at the ceiling thinking back over the last few hours. He had found the two hidden tattoos that Paris had teased him about. She had told him she was thinking about getting a flower tattooed behind her left ear. In Hawaiian culture that meant she was taken. He of course loved the idea.

Paris shifted a bit in her sleep. Her head rested on the pillow right next to his and her left arm was resting on his chest. Steve lightly ran a finger over the spot he someday hoped to slide a gold band.

"You're thinking too much." Murmured Paris.

"Just thinking about the future."

"The answer is yes."

"You don't even know what I'm thinking about."

"You kept stroking my ring finger so I have a pretty good idea."

Steve froze. "Don't over think it Steve. I'm not expecting a ring anytime soon. Just know when we do get there the answer will be yes."

"We've only been together a few weeks."

"Doesn't matter, when you know you know."

"And you know?"

Paris lifted herself up to look at Steve. "I know."

"Good." Steve slid his fingers thru her hair and pulled her head down for a kiss. "Now go back to sleep Sugar we have to work tomorrow."

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The next day Steve could not wipe the smile off his face.

"Ok give, what's got you so happy?" asked Danny.

"Noting."

Danny studied his partner. "You had sex last night didn't you?"

"Yes. Yes I did."

"And from that smile I'd say this morning too."

Steve laughed.

"Look I'm glad that Paris makes you so happy…"

"But?"

"No but."

"Then do you want to explain to me why you felt you needed to talk to Paris about her intentions?"

"It was just a friendly little chat." Danny said. "And for your information I also had the same conversation with Katherine and she lied to me about leaving."

"I'm sorry she what?" This was news to Steve.

"I wanted her to know how happy you were that she was back and how everyone wanted you to stay that way and asked her if she planned on staying. She said yes, then she left anyways."

"I really don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything."

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Steve spent the rest of the day mulling over what Danny had told him. Katherine never had plans on staying. She came back for Kono's wedding and to what? Mess with him, lead him on, say goodbye. Steve just didn't know anymore.

He pulled into his drive and spotted Paris washing her jeep. She had on cut off shorts and a tank top. He got out of his truck and walked next door.

"Hey." Paris said. She stopped and dropped the hose when she saw the look on his face. "Ok what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Steve what's wrong?"

"Danny just told me something today that bothered me is all."

"What did that man do and do I need to hurt him?" Paris put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. Steve had to laugh.

"Down tiger Danny didn't do anything."

"Fine but you better tell me what he said that's got you in such a mood."

"He had a conversation with Katherine a few days before she left the last time. He told me that she promised she wouldn't leave again but she still did."

"Ok I really don't like this woman."

Steve pulled Paris into a hug.

"I swear if she ever has the nerve to show up on this island again she's not leaving in one piece."

Steve didn't know how to respond to this. He simply stood there holding Paris close.

"Do you want to go get dinner? Kay invited us to the restaurant tonight."

"Ok we can do that."

"Steve if you want to stay here that's fine. I can cook us something?"

"No, no I'm fine. Let's go see what Kay has cooked up tonight." Paris kissed him and pulled away.

"Just let me go get changed."

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Steve was leaning against his truck when Paris walked over. She had changed into a pale peach sun dress and looked amazing.

"You like?" Paris asked as she did a little twirl for him.

"Oh yeah I like."

"Ok flyboy let's get going." She climbed into the truck. "I called Kay and told her we were on our way."

Steve smiled at her but Paris knew his mind was somewhere else.

When they pulled up to the restaurant Paris put her hand on his. "I'm sure she had her reasons. They may not have been what you wanted but at the time Katherine probable thought it was for the best."

Steve nodded.

"Steven Daniel."

"What?"

"Steven Daniel, that's what I want to name our son." Paris looked at him. "We can call him SJ for short instead of the usual Junior."

"SJ I like that." Steve said smiling for the first time. "Wait your on birth control right?"

"Calm down Steve and yes I am."

"Good, I just think we should be married first before we start having kids"

"That's fine but kids tend to happen so you better not freak out on me if one does before we're ready."

"I can't promise I will not freak out at first but I will always be there for you both."

"Good now that you're in a better mood lets go eat."

They walked in to the restaurant and Kay came over to them.

"It's about time. I have a surprise for you two."

Paris did not like surprises and Kay knew this.

They were led to the back of the restaurant and Paris groaned. Her parents were sitting there waiting on her.

"Paris sweat heart how are you?" Her mother said as she stood up to hug Paris.

"I'm fine." She turned and looked at Steve. "Steve this is my stepmother Janet.

"Nice to meet you mam."

"It's nice to meet you too Steve."

"Commander." Her father said.

"Yes sir."

"I spoke you your Commanding Officer and several of your Seal Team."

"Yes sir."

"They all spoke very highly of you. Not to mention what the Governor had to say."

"Yes sir."

"Steve your set on repeat." Joked Kay.

Steve really wanted to turn and run but he knew that the Admiral would not allow that.

"Calm down boy you have our blessing as long as you promise to treat our girl right."

"Thank you sir."

They took their seats and Kay brought out wine. "Steve would you rather have a beer?"

"No Kay this is fine."

"So Paris, I'm surprised Hetty let you out of her clutches."

"Dad really?"

"I've been trying to get her to transfer you home for years."

"Steve you better make sure our girl stays home."

"Yes sir I plan on it."

"Good. Now tell me about working for Five-O."

For the next hour Steve learned a lot about Paris. She grew up speaking multiple languages, English, Hawaiian, French, German and Russian. She had her pilot's license and motorcycle license. He also found out she took dance as a kid and had been in a few pageants.

"Oh I'll have to find the photos of when she won Grand Supreme when she was twelve."

"Please don't." muttered Paris.

"Oh no please do I have to see these." Said Steve.

"Keep it up and you're sleeping alone the rest of the week."

Steve shut up and the Admiral burst out laughing. "That's my girl."

By the time they left the restaurant Steve felt like one of the family.

"I like your parents."

"They like you too. If my dad didn't approve he would let you know right away."

"Good to know."

"Come on Commander lets go home."

"I like the sound of that."