"His Salvation"

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Title: "His Salvation"

Author: Michelle Heath

Rating: MA for adult language and situations

Summary: He had saved her. Will she be his salvation?

Date Written: November 21, 2010

(While Sam and Kono are talking, Steve and Tony have a little talk of their own. Steve has already seen for himself how animated Kono is and how Tony's eyes are watching her with admiration and respect and . . something more.)

"Kono told me about Chin and Danny giving her the third degree about me this morning. This isn't going to be a problem, is it, Boss? I mean, I know how important team dynamics are to the success of any op, and I wouldn't want to be the cause of anything that's going to disrupt the harmony of your team. I know you have each other's backs and I do not want anything to happen to put Kono or any of the rest of you in danger."

"One, that's not going to happen, and two, once Danny and Chin realize that you're the best thing that's happened to our girl since we've been together as a team, they'll come around. You really like her, don't you, Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Sir, I do. When I gave her the speech I always give women I'm interested in, you know, the one about how being a SEAL demanded most of my time, the sudden disappearances, being gone for days or weeks at a time, no phone calls, not being able to talk about where I've been or what I've been doing, she just looked me straight in the eye and proceeded to tell me virtually the same things about her job. I even told her twice, and she didn't so much as blink. I could fall hard and fast for her."

"Kono's tough. A lot of people are fooled by her appearance, but she can more than hold her own and she doesn't scare easily. Just be very careful, Lieutenant, because if you do hurt her, you won't have to worry about Danny and Chin."

(The implication that Steve himself will take care of Tony is not lost on the young man and he and Steve exchange a look that leaves no doubt that they both understand the consequences of Tony hurting Kono.)

"I swear to you, Boss, I have no intention of doing anything to hurt her. I really, really want this to work between us and I'm going to do everything I can to see that it does."

"Well, then, Lieutenant, like I told Kono, I've got your back."

"I appreciate that, Boss."

(Caroline and Danny are watching a movie at her apartment but Caroline notices Danny is distracted. She's tried to start three different conversations and his responses are basically the same for all of them so she knows his mind is elsewhere.)

"Ok, Romeo, what's got you so distracted you haven't heard a word I've said?"

"Kono's dating a guy who's got her giggling at the office. Giggling, Caroline, like a sixteen year old."

"Really? Good for her."

"Chin and I are worried. What if this guy turns out to be a total jerk? What if he hurts her?"

"In the first place, it's none of your business, or Chin's either, even if he is her cousin, and secondly, Kono's a big girl; she can take care of herself."

"Yeah, yeah, all the same, we don't want to see her get hurt."

"What does Steve have to say about this?"

"He says he knows the guy she's dating and that he's a good guy."

"Well there you go. Problem solved. You know that Steve isn't about to let Kono, or any of you, for that matter, do anything foolish."

"Damn! Why didn't I figure this out sooner? It's got to be one of Steve's SEALS. Question is, which one?"

"Danny, you and Chin really need to stay out of this. Kono will tell you all about it when she's ready for you to know. If you two keep pushing this issue before then, all you're going to do is piss her off and create problems between the three of you. She's a highly intelligent young lady and I'm pretty sure she'd bust this guy's balls if he did something he shouldn't, so let it go."

"Family sticks together, Caroline, and we're a family."

"You won't be if you and Chin pursue this. Trust me. I've got an idea, why don't you pursue me instead? Right on into the bedroom."

(When Tony takes Kono home after the cookout, he pulls her into his arms and kisses her at the door to her apartment. Kono, however, is having none of it and pulls him inside. He looks down at her in surprise for a moment but then the expression in his beautiful blue eyes changes and his eyes darken even more. Being the highly intelligent SEAL that he is, he secures their location by locking the door behind them and follows her to her bedroom. . . .

When Sam and Steve get home and are getting ready for bed, Sam decides to "put in a good word" for Tony Montgomery although she's fairly certain she doesn't need to, at least with Steve.)

"I think Tony Montgomery is really smitten with Kono, and they look soooo, yes, I am going to say it, adorable together."

"He is and they do, but if you ever tell anyone that I used the word 'adorable' in connection with another SEAL . . ."

"You'll what?"

"Take you to bed and keep you there for a solid week."

"Oh my God, let me get my cellular phone and call everyone I know."

"Sam."

"Steve."

"Never mind. We have a honeymoon coming up in a few days, and I can keep you in bed for a solid week then."