Author's note: "A lot of people" had said I had been very mean to Steve in my last story (which is true) and asked if I can't write something nice. So, I did. Firstly, because he deserves to be treated nicely and secondly because I need something nice too right now. It is probably the shortest one shot ever. There is no plot and it is just fluff. I will be mean again next time - maybe next week.
Steve came home around 4 am. He felt tired and beat up and all he wanted was sleep. He dragged himself up the stairs, just changed into a shirt and shorts and went to bed.
"Hey, finally. You are very late. Is everything okay?"
"I am sorry, Cath. I didn't want to wake you." Steve said, feeling guilty for waking her up.
"No, it is okay. Actually, I had wanted to stay awake until you come home, but it looks like I've fallen asleep. Are you okay?" Catherine asked again, sounding a little concerned by his late arrival and the fatigue in his voice.
"Yes, I am. I am just tired. It was a long day. But we've wrapped everything up and have tomorrow off," he mumbled not really in the mood for conversation.
Noticing his exhaustion Catherine replied "That is good. Then get some sleep and rest now. You can tell me everything tomorrow."
She snuggled up to him and kissed his cheek and forehead.
"We can continue that tomorrow as well. Now, sleep well," she kissed him again.
They both fell asleep soon after.
Steve had turned a few times, so Catherine had to let go of the embrace, but then he got a bit restless and moaned in his sleep, so she closed the gap again. They were spooning now and she took one of his hands in hers, stroking it with her thumb. Then she kissed his neck and whispered "It's fine. You are safe. Nothing to worry about."
She continued to do so for a few more minutes until he stilled, breathing deeply and evenly again.
She fell asleep as well and woke four hours later still in the same position. She needed the bathroom, but knew he would wake up if she got up now, so she held out for another hour. When she finally moved, Steve held her by her hand and mumbled "don't go."
"I'll be back in a minute. I just really need the bathroom."
He let go of her hand and said "'kay."
She was back a minute later and moved behind him again.
"That good?" she asked wrapping her arm around his chest.
"Yeah, very," he answered, enjoying the touch, the warmth and the comfort she provided. He breathed deeply and sighed.
"Hey, are you really okay? Or did something happen?" Catherine asked concerned interpreting the sigh wrongly.
"No, everything is fine. I just love being home and having you here again. I missed this. And it is just what I need after a day like yesterday." The last few days had been very long and stressful and he meant what he just said. It felt really good to come home to a house that wasn't empty and getting some comfort out of her presence and love.
"I missed that too. I missed you. I love you Steven J. McGarrett." Catherine kissed his neck again.
"I love you too Catherine Rollins." He smiled broadly and kissed her hands.
Six hours later they were still holding each other, having dozed off a few times, but never let go.
"Are you hungry?" Catherine asked.
"Yes, I am – for hours, but I didn't want to end this."
"Yeah, me neither. I think you should have more days off in the future."
"Would love to. Just tell that to the criminals out there. Maybe they listen to you."
When they finally got up, they just took enough time to shower, eat and drink before the bed was theirs again.
They cuddled up to each other, both feeling comfortable, loved and save in the other one's arms. Knowing that their hearts had always belonged together but had finally found their way home they were waiting for the sleep to claim them and for waking up "to another day in paradise".