Once again, thank you all for the kind words and for the amazing views, it means so much to me ! Here's chapter 10 ! Let me know what you think about it and what you think will happen ! Xoxo Vanou
1 month later
It's been 2 months since Catherine had come back to Hawaii. She had learnt that the man she loved had radiation sickness and she saw him being sick only once, it was a night and she woke up by the sound of him in the toilet, vomiting. The rest of the time, Steve was just being Steve, the indestructible man she knew. They had spent lot of great moments together, and communication had become an essential point in their relationship, which was perfect. The only negative point was that her job as a dispatcher in the HPD was very boring for her. Catherine still had that will to be on the spot, to fight with the bad guys, to go undercover. She thought she wanted to work with children or animals, but she had changed her mind quickly when she realized how much she missed working on cases. She was really lost professionally and it made her feel sad sometimes. She didn't know how she could tell this to Steve, as she knew he would think she wanted to leave again. She didn't want to. Never. Being in Hawaii with Steve was the best thing ever. But yes, she felt alone sometimes, especially since Kono decided to spend more and more time in Carson City, Nevada, trying to help with the child sex trafficking across the Us, and Carson City is one of the aforementioned hubs. And she couldn't help but always think about Steve's health.
As Catherine arrived into the frontdoor of Steve's house, well, their house, she saw Steve's car was already here, which means he had come home earlier than what he said to her. He wasn't suppose to be here before an hour or two. As Catherine opened the door, she saw he was on the couch, playing with Peanut, the cat they adopted a month ago, as the television was on.
« Hey pretty lady ! » Steve said, as he stood up from the couch to give her a hug.
« Hi » she smiled « You're done with the paperwork ? You told me you wouldn't be here before 8!».
« Lou and Chin helped me with the papers actually, and of course Danny found an excuse to go ! »
« That's great news, that you're home already » she said while taking her shoes off.
« You're alright ? » Steve asked, as he saw she looked tired
« Yeah...yeah..long day...10 hours on a chair in front of a computer is really exhausting... » she replied, while making her way to the kitchen. She took a bottle of water and drank it as Steve had followed her.
« Yeah..I understand... ». Steve nodded. He knew that deep down, Catherine was bored at work. He recognized the boredom in her eyes or in her voice when she talked about her job. He wanted to ask her to come back to 5-0, but he wasn't sure if it was something she wanted to do again. He also knew that the fact that Catherine had no real female presence in her life made her feel alone sometimes. This was definitely something they should talk about later.
Steve had never been so happy since Catherine was back. He knew that this time, nothing will tear them apart. There were some days when he couldn't wrap his mind around what he had done in his life to deserve what he had now. He was happy, there was no doubt about it, he was immensely happy. So much that sometimes, he was afraid to go to sleep because of the possibility of waking up to find that it all had been a dream. Getting here certainly had been a difficult task, with the lies, the secrets, the fights. Steve wasn't proud of these things, but they managed to make it and were in the best place they had been in. Ever.
Steve looked over as Catherine was now looking for some biscuits, he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. He found himself doing that a lot. Smiling like an idiot for no reason other than he was a man completely and totally in love. Danny was the first one who would make fun of these smiles. But that wasn't a problem. He was proud to be in love. And it was just a matter of days before he would finally propose to her. He still didn't know how to do it, what to say, all Steve knew was that he was 100% sure of himself.
« Why are you smiling like this ? » Catherine asked gently, smiling as well « Are you making fun of me because I almost ate all the biscuits ? »
Steve laughed as he realized she indeed ate the whole box. This girl could eat like a man and not take a single pound.
« I'm smiling because you make me happy »
Catherine's heart melted. « Awww...you're such a romantic sometimes » she said as she approached him and put her hands behind his neck. « You make me happy too Commander. ». Catherine pulled him to her and they kissed in a very loving way. They both found so much comfort in that kiss.
They were stopped by Steve's phone ringtone. They both hoped it wasn't work...the caller ID was 'Unknown'
« Hello ? » Steve asked, but there was no answer « Hello ? » he said again. He could hear someone breathing but nobody was talking. « HELLO ?! » he said louder, as the person hang up, leaving him puzzled.
« Who was this ? » Catherine asked, innocently
« Well I don't know...no one talked, wrong number maybe ! » Steve said, not sounding scared or anything. He didn't want to scare Catherine but this had been a strange call, he had clearly heard someone breathing. Or maybe he was just being too paranoid...
A few hours after, they were at the Wang Chung's Karaoke Bar. Jerry had called all the team to know if they wanted to go out for a drink and they all said yes. Steve, Cath, Jerry, Danny, Chin, Abby, Lou, Eric, Noelani, Kamekona and Flippa were on a big table, talking loudly, drinking beers and watching people on the stage, singing. Jerry, Eric and Flippa weren't shy as they often went on the stage.
As Catherine was busy talking to Noelani and Abby, Steve was at the bar ordering a few more drinks for him and the team. Danny decided to go at the bar and touched Steve's forehead with the back of his hand.
« You don't feel well ? You really have a wallet ? Did I actually see you pay some drinks ? » Danny teased.
« How many time will you keep doing that joke ? » Steve rolled his eyes « Stop thinking I'm stingy ! »
« So...why do Cath still have no ring on her finger ? »
« Because I haven't propose yet »
« When are you going to propose ? The day of your 70's birthday ? When pigs would fly ? »
« Soon...but I won't give you more details as you can never shut this big mouth of yours ! » Steve added.
« What do you mean ? I already said that I was sorry I said it to Chin and Lou last week, I couldn't keep it to myself, I'm way too excited ! Am I going to be your main wedding witness ? Can I wear a white suit ? Can I organize your bachelor party ? What about a release of pigeons for the big day! »
Steve couldn't help but laugh at his friend's clumsiness. « A release of pigeons Danny ? I hope you mean a release of doves ! But please now is not the right time to speak about it ! » Steve declared as they went back to the table .
Catherine smiled at Steve when she saw him. He was wearing a dark grey shirt with a pair of black jeans. She could see how women looked at him in the bar and was happy when he kissed her in front of everybody, so they will know he was far from available. She was very beautiful as well, her long straight hair released on a short white dress. She loved evenings like this one, feeling so special in Steve's eyes.
« So...how is Grace, I haven't see her for a while ? » Catherine asked to Danny a few minutes later, as Steve went to the toilet.
« Well..right now is not an easy time for her, with Rachel and Stan's divorce...and you know she just turned 15 and is in a « my parents are so boring » mood...so... »
« Everybody had this time in its life when you think your parents aren't cool but don't worry, once she'll get older, she will become a daddy's girl again ! » Catherine reassured him
« Yeah...what about you...do you want kids one day ? » Danny asked, trying not to sound too curious.
Catherine giggled and admitted « Well, one day maybe, just not now...I'd like to be married first but again, everything in its own time » she said innocently as Danny's face went red, he wanted so deeply to tell her Steve's plan but he would be a dead man if he did so. Catherine had no idea Steve would propose soon. She knew how hard it was the last time, when he bought the ring and didn't even had the time to ask her, because she left.
As she went to speak to Chin, Steve came back and saw that Danny had a grin on his face.
« What is it this time Danny ? »
« I talked to Catherine. She can't wait to be married and to have babies ! » Danny overstating.
« What ? Did you say something ? Please don't tell me you said anything ? » Steve eyes were huge.
« Hey hey hey relax ! We talked about Grace and I just asked her if she wanted kids one day, she told me yes, but that before she wanted to get married ! »
« Why are you always exaggerating ? Don't ever talk to her about these things before I propose Danny, seriously ! You know how clumsy you are ! »
« My lips are sealed Steve ! But hurry then ! » Danny teased him again, as Steve sighed and laughed in the same time.
As they went back home, showered and went to bed, Catherine and Steve kept talking about the good evening they had with their friends. This was the strongest group of friend they ever had and nothing would ever break this amazing friendship.
« I'm so glad it's Saturday tomorrow ! » Catherine said as she on her side in the bed, looking at Steve.
« Yeah me too...hopefully it will be a quiet weekend with no crime on the island ! »
« Yeah...you know I miss it so much, working...working in the field... » she said quietly, staring into space, as she told him about how she didn't like her job.
Steve knew it since she began her work in the HPD.
« You should really come back to 5-0 you know... » he said sincerely, as he caressed her right cheek.
« I don't know...you know I have lots of ideas like a job in the Criminal Investigation Division, or the Antiterrorism Intelligence Unit...but I don't know, I feel like one day I want this, the other day I want this... »
« Are you happy here ? » Steve interrupted her
« Of course I'm happy Steve. I wouldn't change my life for nothing in the whole world...just because I don't find the perfect job doesn't mean I'm not happy here with you... » she reassured him.
« So...maybe you should think again about going back to 5-0...you know the work, you know the team... » he smiled softly
« Yeah...I will think about it..thank you Steve » she leant to kiss him tenderly.
His hands on her lower back were a welcome sensation.
« I want more moments like this... » Steve said after a brief period of silence.
« More kissing moments ? » she inquired with a smirk, loving the sound of that
Steve smiled. « Definitely more of that but I mean something else... »
« What's that ? »
« This amount of vulnarability you are allowing me to see is amazing. I know that takes a lot for you to do and it's not easy. But I really love this side of you. »
« Steve, you make it easy for me to do it...I'm so good with you..I'm so good with you.. » Catherine repeated.
Steve brushed his nose against hers before kissing her passionately. Then he pulled back and started to laugh « You're driving me crazy right now. »
« I am ? » Catherine asked innocently. « I wasn't aware that I was capable of doing that »
Steve grinned and they kissed even harder. He really loved this woman more than anything. Tomorrow, I'll propose to her for sure...
Catherine's eyes fluttered open, blinking furiously at the harsh sunlight streaming in through the large window in their bedroom. She burrowed down pulling the covers up over her head. The bed was warm and she didn't want to get up yet. A warm deep laugh filled the room and she rolled over to face the source.
Perched up on his elbow watching her was Steve.
« Good morning » he said as his eyes sparkled mischievously
« Morning... » she said, sleep filling her voice.
Steve pulled her up into his arms with a smirk and kissed her softly « Thank you for last night... »
Catherine happily took this opportunity to snuggle up into his arms. « No..thank YOU », she mumbled against his chest.
They laid in each others embrace for awhile, enjoying the warmth of their bodies and the sounds of their breathing. It was quiet moments like these that made all of the drama of the past worth it...
A few hours later, as Catherine was in town buying some groceries, Steve was in his garden, mowing the lawn. It was a beautiful sunny day, with a soft wind, which was just perfect. Steve knew since last night that he wanted to propose today, so he decided to make his garden perfect, because later, they would eat there and he would propose there.
Steve looked at his garden, at the beach, at the sea...He wondered where he should put the small garden table. Maybe the beach will be more romantic ? As he was thinking, his cell phone rang. « Unknown » appeared of the screen.
« Hello ? » he said, but like last time, had no replies« Who is this ? », he could hear a loud breathing but that was it. « If this is a joke this is not funny ! » he said, before hanging up the call himself.
Who was that ? Maybe was it his mom ? But this was weird...the breathing was even a little bit scary. That must be a mistake...anyway...I should put the table on the sand...some lights in the trees, candles on the table...
Steve was soon way too busy to organize this perfect evening to think about anything else, and these unknown calls were soon at the back of his head.
The evening arrived fast and Steve had told Catherine that he will prepare a romantic dinner for her. She was so happy. She made herself more than beautiful. She took a long shower, put on high black heels with a beautiful short black dress with red flowers on it and went outside, where Steve was waiting for her.
It was 9 pm and as she went downstairs, she could see the lights in the back of the garder, close to the beach. She made her way out and saw that Steve was waiting for her, sitting on a chair, in the sand.
« That is...that's beautiful Steve... ». There were little lights in the trees, a beautiful table with the whole dinner on it, the sound of the waves. It was perfect. He was perfect. He looked so handsome in his suit. God do I love you Steve...
« Thank you...you look beautiful Cath... » he said as he kissed her right cheek and gave her a bunch of red roses.
« Aww...that is so sweet of you ! » Catherine smiled widely. She could count on one single hand the times when Steve bought her flowers.
Steve was more than nervous, his heart was racing so fast, even in some hard situations at work, he wouldn't feel that way. This was going to be a huge step in his life.
« Thank you Miss Rollins for being here » he said as he poured two glasses with sparkling wine.
« Thank you for the invitation Mr McGarrett », she replied as he invited her to sit.
They looked at each other as none of them knew what to say. This was so perfect.
« I really like the efforts you put in all of this Steve, really... » Catherine said, her voice full of love
« I should have done this before... » he smiled, happy to see how joyful she was. « To us... », he said while raising his glass to her.
« To us... »
The dinner was excellent, they couldn't stop talking, laughing, remembering things, this was just pure happiness. Pure bliss.
« This place is so beautiful Steve...it's just perfect..when I'm here I feel like...like...in peace with myself... » Catherine said, not waiting for an answer, as she looked at the sea and the waves, lost in her thoughts.
Steve heart beat faster and faster. Now...Do it...Now !
As she looked back at him, she could see he was going to do something. She could see he was anxious. Steve stood up from his chair and went towards her with a nervous but sincere smile on his face, making Catherine's heart beat faster and faster as well. She knew exactly what this was. This wasn't happening right now ? Or was it ?
« Steve ? »
He got down on one knee and pulled out the box from the pocket inside his jacket and opened it. A beautiful, over-the-top, huge diamond ring.
« Cath... » he began
Catherine shook her head, tears filling her beautiful eyes. She couldn't believe this was happening.
« You are everything to me...you're my lover, my confident, my biggest supporter, my...my best friend. We've been through...well through hell and high water these past years...but our love has always prevailed...we're meant to be together..you..you make me feel alive and important...you're the love of my life Cath and...and I belong to you...we're in this together..so...Catherine Rollins...will...will you marry me ? »
Catherine couldn't believe that this was real. She had tears of emotion rolling down her cheeks. That was the most amazing, beautiful thing anyone had ever said to her.
« I...I... » she felt stupid as she couldn't even say the word YES. She was way too moved to tears by his words « Yes...Yes..of course yes ! » she said as the tears became more and more important. She couldn't even see properly. Steve smiled harder than he ever had before and slipped the ring onto her finger. They both laughed as he picked her up and swung her around. Catherine then looked up and kissed him more passionately than she ever had. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. She slowly backed out of it, watching the ring on her finger.
« It's beautiful Steve, it's...I don't even have words...I can't believe it...I...»
« I can't believe I finally ask you..it was about time right ?!... » he smiled softly
« Yeah... » she chuckled « we're getting married ? »
« We're getting married... » Steve said. Right now he was the happiest man on earth. She would have say yes. She said yes.
« Is it the...is it the same ring as when... » Catherine asked, wanting to know if he bought a new ring or if it was the same that he bought more than 2 years ago.
« It's the only one and single ring I've ever bought...I knew it was for you and...I just...I just always kept it... »
Catherine looked at it again, it was like the ring was made just for her. « I love you Steve... »
« I love you too Catherine... »
Their eyes were locked together, full of love. Steve caressed Catherine's face before his lips came crashing down on hers. She deepened the kiss and run her hands through Steve's hair. They both wanted this moment to never end. Catherine felt like she was the heroine of one of these dramatic-romantic movies. Steve felt so relieved that she said yes. Now was the start of another brand new chapter.
An hour later, they were both inside the house again, still on their cloud nine, already wondering how they would announce it to their families and friends. Catherine was already dreaming of her dress. There wasn't another feeling inside them except from happiness.
« Now...will you meet me upstairs Sailor ? I think we should keep celebrating this wonderful moment» Catherine asked, as she wrapped her arms around him and looked at Steve with a look full of several feelings : love, desire, passion.
« Of course I'll meet you upstairs...I just have to turn off the lights outside..but I'll be there in a minute » he said, then kissed her neck tenderly.
« I'll wait for you »
Steve went out to turn off the little lights he put on the trees near the beach. The love he felt for her that night was stronger than ever. He will finally be able to marry the only girl he ever loved. He was proud at him as he remained calm during the proposal. Steve turned off the lights and as he walked back, heard his cellphone. « Unknown ». What the hell is this ?
« Who is this ? » he said, loudly, but once again, heard no one, just someone's breathing. « Look, I don't have any time for your bullsh*i ! What the hell do you want ? I have ressources ! I can find who you are son of b*tch! » He was so mad that this person was ruining this perfect moment. That's when he heard something. A deep hoarse voice, frightening, he couldn't say if it was a man or a woman, if it was someone young or someone old.
-You...will...die...of...sorrow... said the voice.
Steve didn't know if he heard well, he frowned « I can't hear you ! » he shouted
-You...will...die...of...sorrow... said the voice once again, the person was obviously someone who didn't want anything good.
« I don't know what you're talking about ! »
-I...will...take...her...away...from...you...You...will...die...of...sorrow...
Steve stood still. He will take her away from me, I will die of sorrow...this person wants to hurt Catherine...He began to freak out. Before he could reply, the person hung up.
To be continued...