A/N: Sadly, after last night's episode, I am done with H5O. Not just because Lori resigned, but because I don't like being jerked around by the writers. The writing is very disjointed, as if they are trying out new writers each episode. For example, we are supposed to accept that Danny has been dating Gabby even though, not three episodes ago, he was love sick over his ex-wife. The story lines take too many impractical liberties that we are supposed to just sit back and believe. If I was a Catherine fan, I wouldn't be happy either. Their goodbye lacked any emotional attachment, yet here she is back from half way around the world (on 48 hour leave?) on Valentine's weekend and Steve has no time for her. Did he really promise to go and spend time with her on her ship? Won't she be working? Plus, the flirting with Lori! I'm just not very happy right now. Even Shelburn was a let down! But, enough ranting... so sorry. My story doesn't exactly skip ep 2x16, it just uses a few features for continuity's sake. Please enjoy!

Chapter 14: Resignation

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you. I just hope I don't lose this dress," she said as she surveyed herself in the mirror.

Steve rested his chin on her shoulder. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't have time to shop so I borrowed this dress from Kono. It's strapless and I don't exactly have a lot to hold it up with," she said pointing to the girls.

"Well, you know what they say". Lori lifted her eyebrows. "More than a handful is just a waste". Lori rolled her eyes at the stupid grin on his face. The truth was, she loved that grin and she loved him, too.

It was a great night, perfect, until the governor interrupted with a dead body. Things pretty much went down hill from there culminating in Chin's detainment at the Russian Consulate and Steve's subsequent run in with a moving vehicle.

"Hey, I was just getting ready to get out of here, you hungry?"

"Yeah, I want to give you something first." She handed him an envelope.

He looked at her curiously and opened it. She watched the scowl form on his face as he realized exactly what he was reading. "This is a resignation letter."

"Yes, it's my resignation letter."

He shook his head. "I don't understand."

"The governor asked me whose side I'm on, Hawaii or FiveO. I said both. He said wrong answer."

"Well, I'll talk to him. You're not leaving the team."

"The governor is right. He put me on this team to be his eyes and ears, but I've let a lot of things slide… mostly because of my feelings for you. That and I also happen to believe in what you're doing here. I understand that you are required to take certain liberties, shall we say, to get things done. I don't have a problem with that, but I feel like I'm spying on you and the others and I don't like it."

"So I'll talk to the governor and we'll get you assigned to the team in a different capacity."

"No, Steve. Listen, there's more to it than that. When I saw you get hit by that car today, I realized two things. One, had you been killed, it would not have been because you're with me. That's a big step for me. You getting hit by that car had everything to do with you and how you do your job. I'm not asking you to change that. It's one of the many reasons I fell in love with you. Two, I also realized that if you're gonna' get hurt or worse in the line of duty, I don't want to be there to see it. Your life is in God's hands, not mine. I am perfectly content sending you out the door in the morning with a kiss and a prayer and welcoming you home at night. I understand the importance of what you do and I understand the risks you're required to take, but I don't want to see it all play out right in front of me."

Steve slowly began to nod in understanding. "So what are you gonna' do?"

"Well, I talked to Jeff Morrison, my friend at the DEA?"

"Yeah, yeah, he helped us with the plane crash case."

"Yes, he said that he could use my help in the Honolulu office."

"Field work?" he said with concern.

"Some, but mostly profiling and research."

"Are you happy with that?"

"Yeah, I am."

"As long as you're happy, we'll tell the others in the morning." She smiled and he hugged her close. "I'll miss you being here everyday."

"Yeah? Maybe you could show me just how much when we get home. It is Valentine's Day, you know."

"It is, isn't it?" He said as they swayed back and forth.

"I have something for you."

"Oh yeah?"

Lori reached in her back pocket and pulled out a red envelope. Steve let go of her and took the envelope. She bounced on her toes excited to see his reaction. "Season tickets?"

"Uhuh. I outbid you and Danny both when you weren't looking."

"You're worse than me."

"Doubtful," she teased. Steve kissed her softly and then spun her around to face the door. Smacking her playfully on her rear, he sent her out the door. "Get you're stuff and I'll meet you at your place with dinner. How does naked pizza sound?"

She snorted as she disappeared around the corner.

TBC?

A/N: Well, there you have it, my short and sweet rewrite. I had tons more planned for these two, but seeing as how my muse "headed back east", I'm not sure if I can continue right now. Perhaps I'll revisit these two in the near future. Thank you so, so much for reading! I really appreciate all the reviews!

God Bless,

Ren