So I've been reading all your reviews and they have been so helpful because you guys have reminded me of things that are important like finding Steve's body and that so I'll try and clear some of things you pointed out up. All your reviews are so kind and helpful and I've been striving to improve my writing massively. Please keep reviewing and favouring and stuff, I know I say this every chapter but I really appreciate it.
"We'll get through this Cath. Together. For Steve."
It was dawn when Chin left the hospital with Catherine in the passenger seat of Catherine's car. The sun was just poking up over the horizon and casting a pinky orange glow across the Hawaiian landscape. It was a cool morning, fresh morning dew settled on the grass and a soft breeze was gently flowing in through the half-open window. Chin fought off a yawn, rubbing his sore eyes dejectedly and glancing over at Catherine. Catherine was staring out the window with a blank expression, her eyes cold and empty as she watched the green trees and rows of houses roll past. With a frown, Chin coughed quietly and wondered whether he should just leave her alone.
Finally he built up the courage to say something "Are you okay?"
Catherine looked at him, and she seemed to take a few seconds to recognise him and register what he had said. She paused feebly, sliding a stray lock of hair from his face and her eyes remained clouded.
"Have they found Steve's…"her voice caught and finally she managed to push it out "…body...yet?"
"I called the coast guard before we left, they said that they're in the process of bringing the wreck up but they're almost certain the bottom decks were completely flooded quite soon after the explosion."
She nodded slowly, as if acknowledging his words before once again turning away and returning to the window. There was dead silence in the car for another few more minutes and there was a strange, unnatural tension between them. Chin sighed deeply, bowing his head slightly as he tried to find words to say.
"I'm sorry Catherine; I should have gone back for him." Chin whispered wearily.
Catherine's head snapped toward him and she had a strange mix of anger and sadness on her face.
"Don't blame yourself Chin, if you had gone back, we would have lost both you and Danny as well. Steve would never blame you for something like this so just don't." she paused and her voice became softer "Anyway, Steve's not dead."
Chin looked up at her in surprise and waited for her to continue. Seeing his puzzled expression Catherine gave a small smile.
"He's still alive; I can feel it and nothing will prove otherwise until we find him."
Chin smiled back and breathed deeply, pondering on what she had said and feeling a strange hope well up within him. To be honest, he had been feeling the same way, like nothing would prove Steve was dead save his body. This was Steve. He was an entirely new league of human being; even Grace recognised him as 'Super'SEAL. If anyone could be lucky-or unlucky-enough to survive all the torture and explosions, it was Steve McGarrett. The logical part of Chin's brain was telling him he was being naïve and just setting himself up for a huge fall of disappointment and emotional trauma. Hope could be dangerous thing if trust in it was misplaced. But Chin wasn't misplacing his trust in Steve, Steve had never given him reason too and no matter how perilous or terrible the situation, Steve always pulled through. Chin knew he'd never be able to recover as well as Steve did-though to be fair Steve had been trained to deal with serious trauma-despite the odd times Steve would have to take a moment to himself during a particularly hard case.
Suddenly there was an angry buzzing in Chin's pocket and he jumped in fright. With a quick gasp of breath and a sympathetic pat on the leg by Catherine he answered .
"Kelly."
"Lieutenant Kelly, we just pulled the New Hope from the water and got it to dock." the familiar voice of Max drifted down the phone.
"And?" Chin asked nervously, afraid for what he was about to hear. He had half a mind to pull up and stop the car just in case but decided he was strong enough to control his emotions whatever the outcome.
"After the CSU's preliminary search of the ship, they have yet to uncover any bodies and after careful investigation of the engine room we have determined the origin of the explosion."
Chin sighed in relief "So there's no sign of Steve?"
"Affirmative," Max said coolly, his voice still monotonous "However there was evidence that Commander McGarrett was alive after the explosion but it is still possible that he was pulled through one of the breaks in the hulls surface, therefore meaning he is now adrift in the ocean; though that does not determine his physical state."
"You mean he still could be dead?" Chin asked quietly, trying to maintain his optimism that was gradually dwindling.
Max paused, his voice becoming more concerned "Indeed, however there is a probability that Commander McGarrett has survived and the coast guard should find him soon."
Chin lowered his head and sighed, watching Catherine's worried expression as she listened intently to his conversation.
"We have found some interesting information about the explosive device used though. As soon as you get the chance you should visit Fong for his analysis."
"Thanks Max, I'll drop off Catherine and see if I can meet you at the docks." Chin replied calmly, thumbing the red button before Max could reply.
Catherine put a hand on Chin's shoulder and he smiled at her gently, before returning his thoughts to the winding road.
