Bird in Paradise

Summary: Steven has something very special in mind for Paulina on their latest trip to a tropical island.

Characters: Steve (OC) x Paulina

Originally Written: March 2014

Hiking wasn't exactly an activity that Paulina did very often. She kept in shape, a necessity in her line of work where the photographers expected her to be the image of perfection. But her workout usually included jogging on flat terrain or weight lifting or even yoga. Hiking up a trail on unsteady ground and climbing over large boulders left her feeling winded the farther they walked was beyond - way beyond - what she was normally used to for exercise.

And she was sweaty! Ugh! She didn't want to be sweaty when they were supposed to be on a romantic date.

Their trip to the tropical island was mainly for work. Paulina spent most of her days on the beach under the hot sun while wearing skimpy bikinis for advertisements. Sometimes she was lucky and she got wear regular clothing like Capri pants and a loose, light shirt, most often sleeveless. Steven, meanwhile, spoke to the locals, chatting to them about the legends of ghosts in the area, as he did whenever they traveled to the various shoot locations for Paulina's work, which usually meant exotic settings. Their nights, they spent together. They enjoyed a dinner at the local restaurants, as they had done that night, tasting new foods. They would walk along the beach and look at the ocean and the stars or explore the local village. Paulina loved having someone with whom to enjoy these moments and experiences.

More and more, Paulina found herself asking him about his work, her curiosity in ghosts increasing after discovering the truth about him and Desiree and Danny and his son Lex. She asked about everything he knew and the things he learned from the people that lived wherever they visited.

"Where exactly are we going?" Paulina asked, trying not to show that she was having difficulty breathing. Steven seemed to have an easier time hiking, and a competitive part of her was frustrated with that fact.

"It's a surprise," Steven answered and turned his head to grin over his shoulder at her. "The locals told me about it, and I wanted to show it to you."

The response didn't make her feel very happy. With a huff, Paulina pushed herself to keep up with him while praying that they would reach whatever magical sight he wanted to show her soon. After what felt like another twenty minutes of grueling hiking with only the crunch of leaves and rocks beneath their feet, the rustle of leaves in the trees, and the soft sounds of the jungle wildlife, Steven finally came to a halt at the edge of a tall cliff. Paulina glared at him, ready to grumble about the long uphill climb, but then her emerald gaze took in the sight from the cliff. She could see the island jungle extending to the west and the ocean beyond it. At the horizon, the sun had almost disappeared, the lingering pinks and oranges blending into violet and steadily darkening blue. It was a beautiful sight that they had nearly missed, but she imagined the starry night sky would be worth seeing from this vantage point too.

"Wow," Paulina breathed out as she sank down to sit on a log conveniently laid out near the edge. Other couples probably came up here in the past and moved the log there so that they could sit comfortably and enjoy the sight. "This is amazing. Definitely worth the hike. But oh!" She rubbed at her thighs as she stretched her legs out before her. "I'm definitely going to be feeling that in the morning."

"I thought you might appreciate the beauty of it." Steven joined her on the log.

They watched silently as the sun faded, hiding beyond the horizon and casting darkness over the ocean and island. Paulina now understood why he had acquired a flashlight for both of them. The jungle would be too terribly dark to walk back down the path to the village without a light to show them the way and prevent them from tripping and falling over upturn roots and large rocks.

"There was," Steven said, hesitancy in his voice as Paulina turned to stare at him, "another reason for wanting to bring you up here. Other than the sight." He leaned forward, balancing one elbow on his knee as he rubbed his other hand at the back of his neck. "There was something I wanted to give you."

As if by some cue, a bird suddenly appeared, flying up from below the edge of the cliff. It glowed with a faint green aura as it flew over to Paulina and perched gently upon her shoulder. She had enough experience now to recognize a ghost when she saw one, and though there were plenty of scary ones, this bird looked peaceful and beautiful.

"I do hope that's not supposed to be some sort of metaphor." Paulina stared at Steven with one elegant eyebrow raised.

Steven's mouth hung open before he shook his head with a light laugh. "No, what the bird is carrying."

Paulina blinked as she glanced back to the bird. From its peak dangled a little basket with a ring nestled into it. After plucking the ring out of the basket, she stared at it: a silver band with a butterfly made of small cut pink diamonds. "But," she snapped her gaze back to Steven, "this must have cost you a fortune."

Steven shook his head as he took the ring from her. "It was worth it. I remember seeing you staring at it when we passed that jewelry store." He took her hand, lifting his gaze to her. "You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You are smart and talented and beautiful. You are kind and compassionate. If, somewhere down the line, we decide to have children, totally your choice, of course, I know that you'll be a wonderful mother. I've seen the way you are with Xander and Lex, and even Hunter. And I just want to spend the rest of my life with you." He held the ring poised over her ring finger, and Paulina forgot how to breathe in that moment. "Will you marry me?"

Paulina struggled for words, too shocked by the proposal to think of how to even speak. For the longest time, she had never imagined herself falling in love with someone. She had dated plenty, but it didn't take those men long before showing their true colors. Then, thanks to Desiree, Steven came into her life, and everything seemed so much better. She was happy and loved, and he treated her like no other man she dated ever had. It was like a dream for her.

"Yes!" she gasped out and watched as Steven smiled fondly at her, slipping the ring onto her finger. She leaned over and kissed him. The bird left her shoulder, fluttering down to land on her knee. "So," she said when she pulled back, a tiny grin tugging at her mouth, "how long did it take you to train the ghost bird?"

"Not very long." Steven turned his head to the bird. "Nuru is a very bright bird, and she seemed eager to help me with this little proposal idea."

"Well, thank you for helping, Nuru." Paulina said, reaching down to run her finger over the crest of the bird's head. Nuru nudged her head into the touch, chest puffing out somewhat like she was proud to have helped. Paulina thought for a moment before she grinned. "Say, Nuru. Would you like to come home with us? You'd be free to come and go as you please, but if you like, you can always call our home your home too."

"Are you okay with that?" Steven asked, sounding surprised as Nuru gave a happy little trill. Nuru was apparently pleased with the idea of going home with them.

"Of course." Paulina rolled her eyes. "She seems like a sweet bird, after all."

Steven sighed happily. "You make me love you more and more every day." He leaned over, kissing her on the cheek as Paulina blushed.

animevampLlover: 8D Thanks~

Hoytti: Then imagine all the ghosts reactions to learning about it. XD;;; Poor Danny~ XD The ghosts would probably all laugh at his misfortune.

Sakural7865: *tries to revive with more fluff* Wait. Can fluff counter fluff?

mk94: I should probably write something about that. XD;; The jerk definitely deserves some scaring, and Dan is very good at being scary. XD;

simplegay me: Aw~ Thanks! 8D I'm glad you liked it! Dan just wants to give the world to Kwan. 8D;;

midnight: Their child is coming! 8D Haha, that's okay! Aw~ Sorry to hear that your internet went down. D: I would have been going nuts.