I've had major writers block with Steve & Sophia, but think I may finally have dome ideas where their story can go. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Thanks to all of you who have commented and asked me to continue. I hope you like where we're going with this one!

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After a long, 'eventful' shower together, Sophia was convinced she would never be able to shower again without thinking about Steve. In fact, there were quite a few things she would never be able to do again without thinking of Steve. The man had an extremely talented tongue and very talented fingers, and hands, and….well everything else too.

He was just….talented.

She was pretty certain she would have a permanent grin on her face from now on.

Breakfast was next followed by a surprise from Steve. He remembered that Sophia used to like riding horses. He had a friend who owned horses, so they borrowed a couple for the afternoon and went on a long ride including a picnic lunch at a waterfall that his friend's wife had provided for them. It was a wonderful afternoon and Sophie felt completely content by the time they returned the horses to the barn.

They said their goodbyes before Steve drove Sophia to a secluded beach. Sophie looked at him questioningly.

"This is one of my favorite places on the island," he answered her unspoken question. "I brought a bottle of wine and thought maybe we could end the day by watching the sunset together."

A smile slowly crossed Sophia's mouth as she stared at him.

"What?" Steve asked innocently.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking…Who knew Steve McGarrett had a romantic side?"

Steve actually blushed which warmed Sophie head to toe…..and all her parts in between.

He tried to shrug it off even though he was smiling too, "Yeah, well….I'm full of surprises."

"Yes, you certainly are, Commander."

Steve put the truck into park and helped Sophia out before grabbing the cooler and a blanket he'd brought along.

Steve settled in the sand and worked on opening the wine while Sophia sat between his legs with her back resting against his chest. She took the glass Steve offered her and took a sip before leaning back against his shoulder as they watched the sun setting over the ocean. It had been a perfect day. Steve ran his fingers up and down her arms and smiled when he felt goose bumps raise on her skin. He was happy to have that affect on her since she did the same to him with merely a look or a smile.

"So I remember that you use to love photography. Whenever you sent picture to Gio, he'd show them around to all of us. You did fantastic work and he was really proud of you.," Sophie tipped her head to look up at Steve. He smiled softly at her but she remained quiet.

"Do you still do it?" he asked curiously.

"What?"

"Take pictures." Steve answered.

She shook her head negatively.

"Why not?"

He felt her exhale a slow breath before speaking very softly, " I loved it. Actually took a few classes in college and had a couple of showings of some of my work that went pretty well."

"But…." Steve urged her to continue.

She shrugged against him, "I don't know. Life got in the way, I guess. Photography isn't exactly a practical or lucrative way to make a living."

Her voice sounded sad. Distant. Steve found his heart ache for her.

"Well, I guess that depends on how good you are." Steve said matter of factly. "And you….." he turned her to look at him….. "Youare really good. I'd bet others would think the same thing too if you decided to try it again."

"Maybe." she said skeptically.

"So maybe its time to try a new career." Steve said.

"You make it sound so easy."

"It can be that easy, Soph. You need a change…..Maybe this is the time to go for it."

"Why do you think I need a change?" she sounded a little defensive as she pouted at him.

She looked adorable and Steve couldn't resist leaning down to give her a quick kiss.

"I know this may not make sense to you, but doing something you love is so much more important than staying at a job you don't like. Trust me on this. When you find your passion…some may even say it's a 'calling'….and can make a living at it, it makes all the difference."

Sophia scoffed. "Are you seriously trying to tell me that being a SEAL was your 'calling'? That you love the 'shoot 'em up and ask questions later' life that you lived when you were in? And what about now? Do you 'love' what you do now? " She asked sarcastically.

Steve would have called her on the sass had he not heard the pain in her voice too. He had never doubted his dedication or love for the job, but he knew it wasn't for every one. A couple of his SEAL brothers, including Gio, had eventually given up under the weight of the memories they carried around. No doubt Sophia was thinking about Gio as she said it.

He took a deep breath before letting it out, "Actually it was…..and is….. a 'calling' for me….Or at least that's what I believe. Not everyone can do this job, but I'm good at it….and it gives me purpose. "

She looked at him skeptically.

"Listen…..There are a lot of men and women who go into the Navy as well as the other branches of service. A lot of them may also be inspired to go through training to be a SEAL, or a Green Beret, or an Army Ranger….but only the ones who are extremely dedicated make it through. And those who do make it do so because they feel a 'pull' that tells them it's their destiny, so to speak. Gio and I both felt like it was something we were born to do which is why we stuck with it. And even though it sounds crazy, I felt a sense of purpose being a SEAL. We may not have had the easiest or most desirable assignments in the world, but I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do."

"I like my job, too." she countered defensively.

Sophia heard Steve's soft chuckle and felt her temper rising.

"Don't lie to me, sweetie."

She moved out of his lap and turned towards him with fire in her eyes. "Who says I'm lying? I do like my job! I work with great people and find a lot of satisfaction in what I do!"

She stood up, crossed her arms, started pacing in the sand and began uttering a string of Italian phrases Steve was fairly certain were not singing his praises.

And damn but he found it adorable. Everything she did seemed to endear her more to him…..even when she was pissed off. Steve stood and walked towards her. She glared up at him and tried her best to stay mad, but it was no use. Steve knew her as well as anyone and she knew he wasn't buying her lies. Her anger softened at the look on his face.

"Okay, so maybe that's not entirely true….." she began and Steve offered her a small smile.

"But that doesn't mean I can just quit my job and start a new career. I have responsibilities….bills to pay…..helping take care of Momma…..and other things. Photography was a hobby, nothing else."

Steve reached out to take her hand. "Okay," was all he said as he pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head.

Something told her this would not be the end of the conversation, but for now she would take it.

Steve told her briefly that his sister and niece would be flying in from L.A. the next day for a visit. Sophia felt a little nervous about meeting Steve's family, but he assured her everything would be great. After easing her fears somewhat, he packed everything up and grabbed her hand in his.

"Let's go home." Steve said. "I have some other plans for you."

She looked up at him shyly, "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Steve didn't answer. His mouth lifted into the half grin she found sexy as hell and she felt her insides turn to goo.

"Come with me and I'll show you."

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The following morning…

Sophia woke and began to stretch languidly as she reached for Steve before remembering he had left for work earlier. Before leaving, he had awakened her long enough to kiss and caress her before promising to pick up where they left off later. A smile crossed her face and she sighed contentedly as she snuggled into his pillow instead and breathed in the scent that was purely Steve. It was then she noticed a card sitting conspicuously on the dresser with her name written in Steve's script on the front. She moved off the bed and started making her way to pick up the note before noticing the rose petals on the floor. She was definitely curious now. She picked up the note and read:

Good morning, bella.

She smiled in spite of herself at the endearment and continued to read.

There is plenty of food in the kitchen and fresh towels outside if you want to enjoy the surf (which I would highly suggest since it's going to be a beautiful day.)

Make yourself at home.

I'll be home as soon as I can.

P.S. Follow the rose petals for a surprise on the dining room table. J

Enjoy your day….

Steve

Sophie's heart was racing with excitement as she finished reading and wondered what kind of surprise he'd left for her. She quickly followed the path he had left her and gasped as she saw what was on the table.

A brand new camera.

Very expensive from the looks of it.

She also noticed another note.

A belated birthday present.

Its time to follow your passion.

This should help you get started.

Have fun, babe.

Can't wait to see what you capture.

Sophia's heart melted. It was such a thoughtful gift and totally unexpected. She felt the creativity inside of her soul start to bubble up inside as she eagerly picked the camera up to start getting accustomed to it's features. She wondered if it was already charged and ready to go. She was not surprised when she found that to be fact.

Of course it is, she thought. Steve would have thought of everything.

With camera in hand, she stepped outside and it wasn't long before she was finding the beauty in her surroundings and taking shots of the landscape and sea in her view.

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The Five-0 task force had a fairly uneventful morning which was a relief to Steve. He had hoped for a quiet day so he could get back home to Sophia as well as Mary and Joannie who were due to arrive by late afternoon.

It was nearing 3 o'clock and he found himself watching the minutes click by. Since when had time started to go by so slowly?

A "ding" on his phone indicated a new text message, so he picked it up. Danny picked that moment to walk into the office and find a smile on Steve's face.

"What's up?" Danny asked as he took the seat in front of Steve's desk.

Steve turned his phone towards Danny so he could see the picture on the screen. It was a silhouette of a little girl with golden curls surrounding her face as she looked mesmerized at a butterfly sitting on a hibiscus flower. Sophia had captured the moment perfectly: Beauty and innocence wrapped up together in a perfect shot.

"Is that Joannie?" Danny asked as he admired the picture.

"Yeah. Apparently, she and Mary got here earlier than expected and went straight to the house."

"And…..Sophie's still there?" Danny asked curiously.

"Yes. And if I know Mary, she came EARLY on purpose so she could meet Sophia without me being there." Steve shook his head but he was smiling as well. "And yes…Sophia called me earlier to thank me for the camera, so she has apparently been using it today. Thanks for helping me with it, by the way."

"No problem, buddy. I'll just add it to your tab," Danny said teasingly before looking at the picture again, "She definitely has an eye for photography. This is a beautiful picture."

"I know. Which is why I'm going to talk her into working on this some more and trying to sell some of her shots."

"Woah….You know you can't PUSH her, right? If she wants to do this….great! She's obviously talented, but you can't push her into it."

"I know that, Danny. But a little friendly encouragement never hurt. Right? I'll be subtle."

Steve offered Danny his most innocent smile and Danny knew it would be an interesting ride to see what happened. Steve didn't know the meaning of the word "subtle".