Chapter Two
-"Alex was in love with Catherine. He knew how long she was with the Commander. Her best friend had introduced them and told him he would have to work hard if he wanted the relationship to work. She just got out of a long relationship. He also was Navy, and it didn't take him long to find out it was McGarrett. He was up to the challenge. Catherine was everything he had been looking for. Beautiful, smart, funny, and a kick-ass.
-" She started working as a civilian again at Pearl, training cadets and teaching cryptology. He was over the Mission Controls for Seals and Navy Intelligence. Her best friend Sarah was a supervisor under him. She was married to a Seal who was currently on a mission. After the first date for him, it was love at first sight. He knew she had reservations about the relationship, but he had been pulling out all the stops to woo her. He feared his progress had been derailed by her seeing McGarrett tonight. He says Catherine, I am so sorry about getting into a fight with McGarrett, but he started it.
-" I know Alex, he can be a bit overbearing when he feels threatened. He didn't know I was back and I lied to him the last time I saw him.
-"It wasn't your fault. Let's call it a night, and I see you tomorrow at work. She kissed him on the cheek when she arrived at his house. Good night beautiful lady.
-" She was thinking, old god, it hurt so much to see him, and part of her knew she would always love him; she sacrificed so much for him, but it was over now; tears were flowing down her eyes as she opened her door.
-"To her surprise, Steve was sitting on her sofa. Steve, what the hell are you doing here?
-"You never answer my question, Catherine, at the restaurant.
-"I didn't see your truck. I parked it down the street, and I still had my key.
-"How did you even know I was staying here? I tracked your phone and saw you have been here for about three months. Three months, Catherine, and not one word from you !
-"You bastard, you had no right. What if I was bringing Alex home with me? She was pissed now.
-" Well, we probably had round two. There be no Danny to stop me.
-" What do you want me from Steve? You said you couldn't wait for me and I know you moved on.
-"What?
-"Yes, Steve, I saw your pics all over social media with the blonde. Day trip, fancy Valentine's dinner, and her bragging about waking up next to you in your bed.
-"He was shocked. He had no idea Lynn put all that on social media.
-"So, you don't get to come over and question me about who I am dating or anything else.
-"I am sorry you had to see that on social media. It is not what you think.
-" Well, it clearly is.
-"Will you at least tell me why you came back and didn't tell me?
-" Why would I, according to your girlfriend, you delete my number. That meant you never wanted to hear from me again.
-"She's not my girlfriend. Whatever Steve. Why did you join the CIA?
-"She yelled. It doesn't matter now because it and she stopped. What were you going to say? Nothing. Look, it's late, and I have to be at Pearl early tomorrow, Are You working at Pearl? Yes. Doing what. It is none of your business anymore, and I am none of your business, so please leave Steve. He knew she was upset, and he had gone too far with his early antics. Okay, I leave, but we are not done talking.
-"He left, and she sat on the sofa and cried her eyes out. It hurt so much just to see him and be in the same room, knowing he had a new love in his life. She has to accept that it is over, or she will never get on with her life. That is not an option for her, so she will force herself to let go. She will never tell him why she was forced to join the CIA. She doesn't want his pity, and it doesn't matter now.
-"Steve goes home, gets some ice to put on his eye, and sits in the recliner. He is furious at Catherine, but just seeing her after a year and a half stirred up the feeling he tried to fool himself, he had tried to bury. Just seeing those beautiful brown eyes and her gorgeous body made him realize he would never stop loving her.
-" Even the way she held her head when she was angry gave him goosebumps; he wondered what she would say when she said it didn't matter why she joined the CIA, and she stopped just after saying all she did. He needs to find out what that means. He knows she is stubborn as hell and won't tell him now, especially since she thinks he is in love with someone else. How do I find out?
-"He calls Joe first thing in the morning. Now he needs to take some pain pills for his throbbing head and eyes. His phone rang, it was Danny. Thank God it wasn't Lynn again.
-"Hi Danny. Have you come to your senses now? Not now, Danny. What the hell got into you tonight?
-" I already told you it was Catherine.
-" Yeah, I get that. Did you find out how long she has been back and if she is still in the CIA?
-"She has been back for three months and is now working at Pearl.
-"WOW, so she told you this over the phone.
-" No, Danno, I went to her house and waited for her to come home.
-"You did what, you idiot? You heard me. Look, Danny, I fill you in tomorrow. My head and eyes hurt, and I am heading to bed. I see you tomorrow at work. Okay, later.
-"Steve thought he would try her best friend Sarah first but didn't hold out any hope she gives him any info. His next call would be to Joe. He needs to talk to her at home and not on the base. He tracks her tomorrow to find out when she is at home.
-"He did a morning swim so the water could calm him. He gets dressed and goes to the office.
-"Chin, Kono, Lou, and Danny are in the bullpen. He walked in, and they all started laughing.
-"What happened to you said Chin? That is a nice shiner you got there? Lou said did Lynn hit you in the eye with a shoe again.
-"Danny said this animal decided to get in a bar fight last night. Bar fight, they all said. What happens?
-"He saw Catherine with another man.
-"Danno, you can never keep your big mouth shut.
-"When did Catherine get back? About three months ago, said Danny.
-" They all said I don't believe it, and she didn't let Steve know.
-" Kono demander change and Steve notices it
-". Kono, did you know Catherine was back?
-" Yes, I did, boss, and I promise not to tell you.
-"Why would you keep this from me?
-" The last time I told you to get off your ass and go find her, you did nothing and start dating Lynn. So no, I didn't tell you, and I am happy my Sista's is back.
-"Steve just turned and went to his office.
-" Man, we are in for a very unbearable McGarrett again. I hope not because he went off the deep rail when she first left, doing crazy stuff and taking unnecessary risks. Yeah, it took us months to get him to be somewhat calmer.
-"Danny said I am going to go talk to him. You look like a raccoon buddy, and he laughs like a woody woodpecker.
-" You are a real comedian, you know that, Danno.
-"Really, Steve, I get you are upset that Catherine is back and has a new man in her life. He rolled his eyes. You got a new girlfriend.
-" She's not my girlfriend.
-"For the love of God, when will you be able to say the word?
-"Danny, I got some calls to make so excuse me.
-"Danny left and said don't do anything stupid.
-"He first tracks Sarah's phone, and she is at home. He calls Pearl and pretends he needs to set up a meeting with her today. She won't be in till the afternoon. He said thanks, but that won't work for him, and he will call back some other time.
-" Perfect, now off to Sarah. He leaves and says he has an errand to take care of. Danny said don't forget what I told you, Steven, don't do anything stupid. They all wonder where he was going.
-" Steve checked again to make sure Sarah was still at home. Good, she was still there. He knocks on the door and sees him.
-"She opened the door; I wondered how long it would take for you to come here. Come in.
-" You know you deserve that black eye for acting an ass last night in the restaurant.
-" Catherine told you. Of course, we are besties and tell each other everything, even the hard truths; what do you want, McGarrett?
-"Uh, I figure you know why she joined the CIA and didn't tell me she was back.
-"Yes, I do, but I am sure as hell not going to tell you. The man who replaced her so quickly after she left. The man she has loved for over half her life and doing nothing but risk everything for your sorry ass. The man who never took a day off for her or took her out to eat fancy. What she gets. Burnt steak?
-"We had our own way of showing we love one another by action.
-"You know what? A woman sometimes likes to hear the words and be chased and swooned. I know she said the same thing you showed her by action instead of words. I don't doubt you two love each other deeply; any fool could see that. You, my friend, got complacent.
-" Why do you say that?
-"She said once she started working with you at Five-0, it was more like she was a team member and never had any alone time. Your best friend Danny was always barging in whenever you wanted to be alone. You never stop him, so she just went along with it because she says that is how he was.
-" Steve began to think and realize she was right. He knew he was to blame. Look, you move on, and he is a great guy.
-" Yeah, Al.
-" You know it, Alex, and he is also my boss.
-"Uh, that's how they made the connections.
-" You should know he plans on asking her to marry him on Sat. I know because I helped him pick out the ring.
-" Steve's face is one of disbelief and hurt.
-" Yeah, you see, it didn't take him over 14 years to realize what an awesome woman she was, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
-" He said I was going to ask her to marry me, but she left me for the CIA.
-" You see that the things you didn't and you didn't chase her to find out why. The McGarrett I knew would have known there was something wrong and more to her leaving. Damn, I said too much. I have to get ready for work and no I will not tell you anything. I owe it to my bestie.
-" Steve knew she meant it and said I am sorry for showing up like this, and I hate to admit, but what you said is the truth. Bye, Sarah, and he left.
-"Sarah felt bad for him because she knew Steve still loved her, and Catherine still loved him. They both are too stubborn to admit it to one another. She knows how Catherine suffered by leaving him and that he found a new love so soon. She was surprised he admitted he was going to ask her to marry him. Catherine didn't know this, and she was wondering if she could tell him or let it be.
-"Steve is beside himself. Someone else was going to marry his Catherine. Not on his watch. He pulls out his phone to call Joe, but it rings, and he hits answer before he sees it is Lynn.
-" Hey Steve, sorry you missed dinner last night. The new place is great.
-" Look, Lynn, I am still working on the governor's case, and I am really busy. I talked to you later, and he hung up.
-"Lynn thought that was strange but chalked it up to him being overworked. She goes over tomorrow and surprises him. She had fallen in love with him and believed he was with her but was having trouble expressing his feelings. She had no doubts he was over the EX after she found the engagement ring and threw it at him. He quickly said she wasn't a rebound and took her out to a fancy expensive restaurant. Sure, he never showed her any affection, called her his ex-name a couple of times, and it was more like an act to him. She knew in time she could change all that, and they would marry. Since she knows he is the marrying kind. She had been able to find very little about his EX online. All she knew was that she was in the Navy and now in the CIA. She lied to Steve and he would never go back to her.
-"Steve called Joe. Hey Steve, no, I haven't found Doris.
-"I am not calling you about Doris. I need you to find out why Catherine joined the CIA.
-"Uh, why, son? I thought you two broke up.
-" We did, but she is back on the island now, and I think there is more to her leaving.
-" Did you ask her? I did, but she was so pissed that I got into a fight with her date.
-" You did what?
-" Never mind all that. There was something about how she refused to tell me and stopped after saying all, and her best friend Sarah also let it slip there might be more to the story. She refuses to tell me anything else except to tell my ass off. Will you help me, Joe?
-" Steve, she has been through a lot, and she knows you have moved on and you are happy, and that's all she ever wanted for you. Joe knows he is leading breadcrumbs.
-"How do you know this? Let's just say I might have run into her doing one of my private contractor jobs.
-" You never told me?
-"She begged me not to.
-" Joe, you know something, so you better tell me now, or I am coming to Montana and beating it out of you. I like to see you try.
-" I might be older but don't forget I train you, and I am still a tough son of a bitch.
-" Steve was getting frustrated.
-"I tell you what I get on the next military hop to Oahu and I tell you what I know. I think it is best that way.
-" Steve didn't like it but said okay, I should be there by noon tomorrow. Bye, Joe.
-"Steve had no choice but to return to work and wait for Joe tomorrow.
-" Kono went into his office. I am really sorry, boss, about keeping that Catherine was back from you. I just didn't want you to think I had betrayed you.
-"It's okay, Kono. Do you know why she joined the CIA?
-"All she said was she had no choice. She asked me to look after you.
-" She did. Why didn't she want me to know she was back?
-" She saw all pics of you and Lynn on social media. You had moved on, but she hoped you hadn't and thought it was best she didn't interfere in your life. If you were happy, then she would be happy for you.
-"I didn't know Lynn posted my business on social media.
-" I figured you didn't, but after telling you off, I decided to stay out of your business. What happened last night?
-" I get up to go to the bathroom, and she sits there with AL, and he frowns.
-" Al, I thought his name was Alex. She did mention it to me.
-" It is, but he looks like an Al to me. She got upset and told me to leave when I asked why she joined the CIA. Then Al says it's okay, baby, and touches her arm. I might have punched him in the face then.
-"Kono started to laugh; you didn't boss.
-" Before I knew we were in a full-blown fight, Danny had to stop it.
-"Wait, wasn't you on a double date with Lyn, Danny, and Melissa?
-" Yeah.
-"What did Lynn say?
-"She doesn't know I had Danny to cover for me and said it was work-related. I then went to Catherine's old place and waited for her.
-"How did you get in?
-" I still have my key.
-"Kono said you boss, you are crazy.
-" We argued, and she told me to get out; I had to move on, and it didn't matter why she joined the CIA, and she stopped. I could tell there was more, but she refused to tell me. Stubborn as hell.
-"Like you, and that is why you are perfect for one another.
-"Kono this stays between us. I was a fool, and I should have known something was wrong because she never would have lied to me and made me think she would stay. I was so into my feelings and felt like a fool. I should never have gotten involved with Lynn. I don't love her, and if Dany and Lou weren't on me day and night, I wouldn't have.
-"All the time I was supposed to be with her, I was sleeping around. I became a person I never thought I would be a player. Catherine leaving me broke me inside. I did anything not to feel the pain of her being gone. I was only fooling myself. I tried, but even now, I still love her. After seeing her after a year and a half, all the emotions and feelings returned just like that. I was happier in our few minutes together than I had been since she left.
-"She got up and hugged him. For the record I knew you were pretending with Lynn. You did? Yeah, I watched you for 6 years with Catherine and how you had a sparkle in your eyes. I never saw it when you started dating Lynn.
-"How are you going to get your girl back, boss?
-"I am working on it. That Al, he frowns again, doesn't stand a chance. Let me know if you need my help. Just try to remind her that I am still the same Steve she fell in love with. Okay, and she leaves.
-"Steve does some paperwork for a couple of hours. He goes out and tells the Team he is taking tomorrow off and to call him for anything urgent.
-"Lou said. Steve looked like he had been run over by a truck. Chin said for sure he was in a funk. I hope he and Catherine find their way back to one another. Why do you say that? She lied and left him. He loves being with Lynn. Kono, you know nothing, Lou. That man has been pretending, and you and Danny were so busy trying to get him to move on that you didn't have glue. He wasn't happy with her. Danny had left early to pick up Grace from school. Chin said she was right, and it is clear he still loves her, and I think Catherine still loves him.
-"Steve tried to focus on the paperwork he needed to do and only managed to do about half of what he needed to do. His mind is on Catherine. It's time to call a day and head home. Put on green cargo shorts and a gray T-shirt. He grabbed some beers and headed to the water. He goes for only a short swim.
-"He takes a couple of sips. He had the girls of his dreams, and he let her slip away. He thinking clearly now and finally admits what he tried to deny. She was always there for him, no matter the risk for her. All the favors he asks her. She never denies him. She was there for him when no one else was telling him he was a good man. He could be anything he wants to do in life. He never would have made it through Seal without her. Sending him words of encouragement when he wanted to quit. She opens his heart how to love.
-"After his Dad sent him and Mary away when he thought his mom died. He was mad at the world and became a shut-off and the baddest and best soldier he could be. He never had any long-term relationship before he met Catherine. Being a Seal didn't allow it, and he wasn't looking for anything serious. Then, Ensign Catherine Rollins walked into his life that faithful day aboard the USS Enterprise.
AN: I hope you all are enjoying it. Coming up is my first flashback. Thanks for reading