Chapter Three
-"He sits down in front of her. You look beautiful, but you always did.
-"Catherine is still in shock. I can't believe you arehere. My Sista Kono got some explaining to do, and she smiled.
-"How he had missed that smile and those beautiful brown eyes. Don't be mad at Kono. I beg her to set this up.
-"Why Steve, why now?
-"He held her hand, and the sparks flew in both of them. I was a fool, Cath; I am so sorry for not treating you like the queen that you deserve. I miss you ever since the day you left, and I tried to pretend and hide it, but here he pointed to his heart, I couldn't.
-"Steve, you move on she said very sadly. I know I am to blame, but I just want you to be happy and safe. That was all I ever wanted.
-"Well, I am not fucking happy, and I have just been going thru the motions ever since you left.
-" Well, you might want to ask your girlfriend because she told me a different story that night.
-" What are you talking about Cath?
-"She said you were getting married and having kids soon. How much fun you had in your bed? How you hate me, and she was so much better than me in bed.
-" Catherine, none of that is true. I never said those things to her. I never say that about you to anyone. I was pretending with Lynn, and I know I was a scoundrel, but I was tired of the poor Steve. Are you okay? Get back up on the horse; there is more than one fish in the sea. Always trying to set me up on dates.
-" I agreed to meet Ellie's friend, and from that first day, I knew I didn't like her; she tried too hard to please me. I wasn't over you or ready to move on with anyone. Danny and Lou didn't let up day and night. You know how I hate to be pitted, so I put on my mask and fool everyone but myself. I took you for granted, never told you I love you to your face or took time for us.
-"What are you saying, Steve?
-" I am saying I still love you and want us to be together again. I don't care about the CIA; I wait forever if I need to. I miss you, Cath, and you it for me. I love you, Lieutenant. He couldn't help but lean over and kiss her. Her kisses always touched his soul. Sorry, he said sheepishly.
-"She looked at him. You are not sorry.
-"No, I am not and did his half cock smile.
-" She loves his smiles and especially the half cock he did for her. Steve, so much has happened. I lied to you, and I know that is something you can never get is a big deal with you.
-"Cath, I also kept secrets from you and took you for granted. I got complacent, and that ruined us.
-"She bit her lip. There is something else I need to tell you. I didn't want to leave you ever, Steve; when I came back for Kono's wedding, I was finally ready to stop running and feeling lost. I left the Navy, and Billy got shot because of me.
-" No, Cath, it wasn't your fault.
-"I know that now, but then I did believe it. I was working with you at Five-O, but for us, it was more like I was a team member and not your girl. Never any alone time at home, Danny was always bargained in; I know that is how he is. I just wanted us to be alone every now and then. She smiles sadly. Let me get this out. Everyone thought you gave me the job because I was your girlfriend. I heard all the HPD officers and others saying it. I know you wouldn't have given me the job if I wasn't qualified. Others didn't think that. The ladies were especially nasty, but I didn't let it get to me and did my job. The one time I hugged you at a crime scene, Danny was mad because I went straight to you. I saw others give me those looks, so I just tried from then on to pretend I was just a team member.
-"No, Cath, you were never just that, and I should have put my foot down with Danny about him doing that to you and him coming over unannounced all the time.
-"Let me continue Steve.
-"Cath, I know this is a private dining room, but I would love to move this to a room, have room service, and finish this privately. There is a lot we need to say, and I want it to be more private for us and no interruptions
-"I have a room here already.
-" Kono never told me where you were staying. We can go there. Then he slips in. Will Dave mind?
-"What? She tilted her head and said Steve, don't even go there; you have no room to talk.
-"Okay, he knew he should drop it because she was right. I let the waiter know on the way out. He put his hand on her back just like old times and walked her out.
-"Catherine was trying not to react but damn, it still sent a shock wave down her body.
-"What floor?
-"She said 18 & he looked at her with that killer McGarrett smile.
-"18, huh? What? She asked.
-" Isn't that the floor we stayed on that time you got the hotel room for that Valentine's weekend leave? She was surprised he remembered.
-"You remember?
-" Yes I did. At first, I was mad you were staying in a hotel room and not at the house.
-" It was only because you told me Danny always came over unannounced, and my time was short, so I want us to be alone. Also, I didn't want to be alone in your house if you got called out on the case. I was tick at you when you didn't text or tell me what was happening. I was so sure you were going to dump me for Lorie.
-"Lori he asks with a confused face.
-"I could tell she was in love with you and not happy you were with me.
-"I told you, Cath, I might have flirted a little with her just to make her feel welcome because I was mean to her initially. When I realized she wanted something more, I stopped and didn't engage. I knew before she told me about having feelings for me because Kono told me she was asking for a lot of info about you when she saw you that time and trying to find info on me. They arrived at her room. Forget Lorie; she is not what I wanted to talk about now and in the past.
-"She opens the door.
-"Damn Rollins, the CIA must pay pretty well. She had a junior suite and a separate living room; he walked around, a nice view, and a balcony. He peeked in the bathroom; it was huge, with a walk-in shower and a big jacuzzi tub. His mind went to what he could do to Catherine in it. He quickly decided to push those thoughts aside for now. They had a lot to talk about.
-" Catherine ask you want wine or beer?
-"I take a beer for now until dinner gets here. He takes her hand and sits on the sofa. Now where were we?
-" I was telling you I was forced to lie and leave you.
-"Yeah, you said were happy we were together when you came back.
-"The CIA called me the morning after Kono's wedding. Remember, we were stinky drunk when we got home. We danced all night and were all over one another. I remember feeling so happy when you kissed me in front of everyone.
-" Yeah, I make you weak in the knees, he smirked.
-" Again, the job called, and you had to leave, but not before we fool around a little bit.
-" I remember, but Danny kept blowing the horn nonstop, so we had to stop before he came in the house.
-"CIA called and said I must get to the local office ASAP. It was urgent and concerned you. I was under orders not to tell you, or it would be very bad for you. I was confused and didn't know what was going on. I went, and they told me they had proof you killed Doris' old boss.
-"Steve yelled. It was self-defense!
-"Catherine said real low. Steve, I didn't know; you never told me. We both agreed after Doris no more secrets. I remember asking you where you were going, and you brushed me off. I thought you didn't trust me or were falling out of love with me at the time.
-" Not true, Catherine.
-" Let me finish. He was furious, and his face was full of rage, but he said okay.
-"They told me if I didn't join the CIA, they would put you in jail and dismantle Five-O. You would be sent to a black ops site. I had to decide right then and there. I could never tell you because they knew you would wage a holy war, but it wouldn't do any good.
-"Damn straight, I would.
-"We both how low they can go. Unfortunately, yes, I do, and he nodded his head. It was no choice but for me to protect your life and our friends. I said yes, but my heart was broken, but you would be safe.
-" You should have told me Catherine.
-" Never because I would never let anything happen to you.
-"Steve couldn't believe it; all this time, he was pissed at her, feeling sorry for himself and playing the victim. He was an idiot.
-"So I figure in time I would find a way to get out and hope you could forgive me and we would be together. She crying now. Joe caught up to me on a mission; he was doing private contracting. He knew something was wrong with me and said he wouldn't let up until I told him. I agree, but with one condition, he could never tell you, and besides, you had moved in with someone else now. He said he didn't believe that for a second. The two of us were made for one another. He knew from day one.
-"Joe, that son of bitch never said a word. He did keep telling me not to give up on you but that was all he would say.
-"Well, yeah, I told him I would knock his head off if he did, and you know how stubborn I am, " she smiled. That I do know. So, he has been working in the background to get me out and to set up a meeting with the director. It is going slow, but we think she will listen and is known to be a straight shooter.
-"Cath, I have proof. What? I record the CIA confessing to blowing up the building and him pulling the gun on me first. I have it documented and dated by the best security firm, and Jerry filmed me putting it in my safe. There is no way they can say it was a doctorate. The director will have no choice but to release you. I am so sorry, Catherine. I should have told you, and none of this would have happened. I thought I was protecting you, and I thought I was protecting you. They both smile.
-"Catherine listen, I know I betrayed you with Lynn. I don't love her, never did. I've just been going through the motions to keep Danny & Lou off my back. The constant badgering day and night. I shouldn't have listened to them and went what was in my heart. I will get you out of this and go with you and Joe to see the director. I miss you so much, Catherine, I tried to pretend I was happy, but I haven't been the same since you left. I am sorry you had to see Lynn at the house.
-"That was hard, Steve; when you went to get your gear, she was truly nasty to me. She also said you delete me from your contacts. You did fun stuff all the time. She was looking for an argument from me. You know, I would never react to anything she said. I just said excuse me and went outside.
-"How come you told me she was a great girl and hope things work out for us? Because I knew I wasn't coming back anytime soon, and if you were safe and happy, then I would set you free.
-" Steve stood up, ran his hands down his face, and sighed. Ihave been a big fool. If my pride and ego didn't get in the way, I would have known you love me and something was wrong.
-"Wehave been together too long and know each other better than ourselves. Can you forgive me, Lieutenant?
-"Steve, so much has happened. You have a girlfriend.
-"She's not my girlfriend.
-" Okay, whatever she is to you, it is clear she isin love with you.
-"Catherine, the truthisI want to break up with her after our first date. She was trying too hard to please me, agreeing with everything I said. Spying and snooping in my house. Telling my business to Melissa and her to Danny.
-"You do know you all over social media. What?
-"Pics of all your outings saying hashtag true love getting married soon.
-"You got to be kidding me. Wait, you've been spying on me, Rollins, and he raised his eyebrows.
-"No, but I might have looked once after finding out about her. I am not on social media.
-"Okay. What do we do now Commander?
-"Uh, he lost his train of thought because she's calling him Commander, always making his body feel like it was on fire. I am going to call Joe and tell him about the tape. I will call the governor and ask for 30 days' leave.
-"You going to do what she asked with shock on her face?
-"Yeah, I am not going to leave your side.
-" Steve, I have to go back to Langley after this training and wait for my next mission.
-" I ask Joe to try and get you 30 days leave; he is good at these things. Hopefully, by then, we have a meeting with the director. Can I stay with you? I could get a hotel room, but I hate to stay in one for 30 days, and he smiled.
-"I might can make that happen, Commander. I have a two-bedroom house, so I am sure we can make it work.
-"What about your boyfriend?
-" He really not a boyfriend per say, and I know he wants more. Once I get back, I will talk with him. I owe him that much because he has really been a good friend.
-"Yeah, I know about him wanting more. What? Adam told me. I am telling you right now, he doesn't stand a chance and I punch his lights out.
-"She couldn't help butsmile brightly at him. You do no such thing, caveman.
-" I called Joe now and tell him about the tape.
-" How areyou going to get the tape without going to Oahu?
-"I get Adam to get it and bring it back. He loves to see Kono again. Those two deserve to be together.
-"Catherine's emotions were all over the place; no doubt she still loved Steve. There was some doubt that the CIA would release her even with the tape. Also, she was still hurt by Lynn even though she was to blame for hurting him so much. She was willing to take 30 days to be with him to see if they could recapture what they once had. She hopes Joe can work some magic.
-" Joe said he could probably call in some favors to get you 30 days of leave. His contact said that he was sure he could get them a meeting with the director but it would take time.
-"That's really great, Steve.
-"He could tell she had some hesitation. What is it, Cath?
-"I just don't want to get my hope up that all. Part of me knows I might have to go back and finish my contract. If that is the case, Steve, as much as I want us to work, I don't want you to wait for me and ruin your happiness with Lynn.
-"He yells; that not going to happen. I don't get a damn if you have to go back. I will wait for an eternity for you. He takes her hand and pulls her toward the bed. I realize that I took you for granted, never showing my true emotions when I love you with every breath I take. There is no life without you. I don't fucking want to be Lynn, and if she were the last woman on earth, I wouldn't go back to her. So Lieutenant, don't ever say that again. You are it for me, Cath, and I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you. He couldn't help but reach in, giving her a passionate kiss that left them both breathless.
-" Phone ring, it Adam. He asked him to get the tape out of his safe and gave him the code. He asked him not to share anything with the group yet until he & Catherine had time to work everything out. He told Adam to say he would say that he needed to take longer to help Kono out with her case. She doesn't want to risk putting you in danger because a lot of people she is working with are connected to Yakuza and know you.
-"I will, Steve; I will bring the tape on Monday. You will still be in Vega then, right?
-"Yeah, Cath's training class is done on Friday. I will travel to VA with her while we wait for Joe. Thanks again, man. You welcome.
-"Adam is bringing the tape on Monday. I am going to call the governor now.
-"Okay, and I am going to change out of this dress.
-" Steve called the governor. Hi, Ma'am. Sorry to bother you at home, but I need to ask for a leave of absence for 30 days.
-"30 days. What going on, Commander? You have never taken time off since you joined the task force.
-"I am helping Kono to work undercover on her trafficking case. She is close to shutting down a major ring. You know how this affected her, and I couldn't say no.
-" Yes, I do, and I miss her being on the task force. I approved it for 30 days. You will get paid because you have about six months of vacation time you never used.
-" Thank you and Danny can lead the team.
-" Yes, he is more than capable.
-" I call him now and explain before you meet with him. He won't take it well if I don't tell him and want to come also.
-"Sure, no problem, and tell Kono good luck.
-" That was done. Now, to prepare for Danny's rant.
-"Danny came back into the office because he had forgotten to get Grace the supplies he purchased for her at lunch. He saw Adam leaving Steve's office and wondered what was going on. He was about to go over when his phone rang, and he saw it was Steve.
-" You having fun in Vegas?
-"No, Daniel, I am not. I am here to help Kono.
-" How is that going?
-"It turns into something a little more difficult.
-" What happened?
-"Look, Danny, I am going to stay here for 30 days.
-"30 days?
-"Yeah, I called the governor, and she approved, and you are to leave the task force.
-"I can come and help you two.
-" I know, but you are needed there.
-"Why is this taking so long?
-" Uh, it's an undercover assignment.
-" Why can't Adam do it?
-"The Yakuza are involved, and they all know Adam.
-"Right, right. Yeah, that makes sense. You better not get yourself killed.
-" I promise I won't.
-" I am going to be out of touch but I text when I can. Kono will know where I am at all times. Tell the team not to worry.
-" I feel better knowing she will know where you are. I just saw Adam leave your office.
-" Yeah, he brought something I need out of my safe to me tomorrow.
-" What is it?
-"Something I need to go undercover.
-"Why can't you just tell me? He waved his arms in frustration.
-" Look, Danny, I got to go. I appreciate you, buddy, and thank you. Bye, and he hung up.
-"Danny had a nagging feeling there wasmore to this story than what Steve was saying. He call Kono later to see if he can get more out of her.
-"Adam will leave on his private jet to deliver the tape to Steve on Monday.
-" Even though he had a room, he asked Cath if he could sleep on the sofa. He just wants to be near her.
-"She said that would be okay, Steve, as long as you behave yourself and wink.
-"The first night it was hard with her being in that king bed and he unable to be there with her. He wanted to make sure he did right by her this time.
-"Catherine had to leave at 08:00 to do her training. Steve said he would gamble a little and work out in the gym. He placed an order for a romantic dinner. He will time the jacuzzi bath just right when she gets home. Lynn was still texting him. He didn't want to do it over Facetime, but he had no choice. He knows Danny will call ranting about it, but he didn't care.
-"Steve called, and Lynn said hey baby, and I can't believe you are Facetime me. You never would when I tried to do it with you in the past.
-"Lynn thinks he really wants to see her face.
-" Uh, Lynn, I am sorry if I misled you.
-"What are saying and her face change to total shock.
-" It's me, not you, and I should have been honest with you a long time ago. I won't be calling or seeing you anymore.
-"Are you fucking serious? You dumping me over Facetime.
-" I am out of town for a mission, and it will be over 30 days before I get back.
-"So on a mission, your first thing is to dump me.
-"Lynn, I am not going to prolong this. I hope you find someone that makes you happy.
-"You bastard, you said you enjoyed sex with me and our time together. I made you forget your ex.
-"That was it for him. It over Lyn and have a nice life, and he hung up.
-" She couldn't fucking believe it. She tried calling him back, but he didn't pick up. She was furious. She called Melissa crying.
-"Lynn, what's wrong?
-" It's Steve.
-" What about Steve?
-"He just calls and dumps me by Facetime?
-"What did he say?
-"He said something about not being honest with me and sorry for leading me on. Can you believe that shit?
-" Lynn, I come over now.
-" Okay, but can you call Danny to see what he knows?
-" Yeah, I do it now and Melissa hung up.
-"Hey Daniel, did you know Steve just broke up with Lynn over Facetime? What?. Yeah, he just did, and Lynn is one giant mess. She said he did it while he was on a mission.
-" I know he is out of town helping Kono, but I had no idea he would break up with his now.
-"What do you mean now?
-" Uh, nothing. He didn't want to tell her that Steve had told him long ago that he wanted to end it with her.
-"Okay, I am going over there now, and your best friend sucks to do it this way, and she hung up.
-"Danny calls Steve.
-" Hi Danny, I figured you would call.
-"What the hell, Steve?
-" Couldn't you at least wait to do it in person?
-"I need to do it now.
-"Why now?
-"Because I need to, and you know I told you over and over I was going to do it and should have done it a long time ago.
-"I know, but you didn't. Lynn, beautiful and crazy about you.
-"I was never into her.
-"Every since you got back from seeing Catherine with rescuing your Mother, you are different. Lyn said you haven't had sex since you've been back.
-" What the fuck?
-" I am just repeating what was told to me.
-" Listen, hear Danno, don't ever say another fucking word about Catherine. I hate Lynn because she can't keep her big mouth shut and is always telling my personal business. It was over, whatever it was, and nothing is going to change that. Now I must focus on this mission, so don't call me. I called you, and he hung up.
-" I can't believe he hung up on me. Something else is going on with him, and I will get to the bottom of it.
-"He was glad that was done with Lynn. He knew he should have done It a long time ago, even before Catherine came to help rescue his mom. He knew he wasn't over Catherine, but his pride was hurt, and let others convince him to move on.
-" Lynn started off okay, talking to her on the phone before they met. After that first date, he knew he could never love her, and she wasn't his type. Enough of thinking about Lynn. He must prove to Catherine how sorry he was for cheating on her and make her remember how much they truly love one another. He showered and got dressed. He placed the order for room service. It was actually the dinner they had on their trip to Mumbai. The only time they left the room.
Flashback Five-O HQ December 2011
-" Danny said I don't understand why you are flying halfway around the world for a short rendezvous with your Ramboette.
-"Danno I told you this is our thing. When we were both in the military, we always flew to see each other when he had a short or long leave.
-" But yet she not your girlfriend.
-"Look Danno, I got to head home to pack, so you're in charge now.
-"He goes out to the bullpen where Kono, Chin, and Lorie are talking. I am going out of town for a couple of days, and Danny is in charge.
-"Lori flash him a big smile. Are you going to visit your sister?
-"No, I am going to visit an old friend, he smirked.
-"Danny rolled his eyes. He is flying half around the world to visit a woman who is not his girlfriend, and he does the hands-finger quotations.
-"Steve rolled his eyes and said shut up Danno.
-" Lori knew immediately he would visit the woman she saw in his office, and he said it was an old friend. She was trying hard to get Steve to notice her other than a team member. She flirts with him, and he sometimes flirts back in a joking kind of way. It was never anything sexual, but he had stopped doing that. Lori's face went sad, and Kono noticed. Kono knew she had the hots for Steve. He was clueless when it came to that.
-" Kono & Chin said to have a good time, boss. Danno said remember to practice safety first and everyone laughed.
-" Lori said he must be really into her to fly half around the world to see her.
-" Kono said; all I can say is the little I've seen of them two; they are a perfect match.
-" Chin said yeah, that day he called her for help, his face lit up to a goofy smile. Nothing I had seen before.
-"Danny said yeah, she has that effect on the animal. He like a different person, almost human, and everyone laughed except Lori.
-" Lori said I got some paperwork to do, and she went to her office with a sad face.
-"Danny said what with her?
-" Kono said. I think she realizes now she doesn't have a chance with Steve. Come on, guys, have you noticed how she always wants to sit next to him when we are out? Blushing at everything he says. Chin & Danny still had a dumb look.
-" Kono shouted. She is in love with Steve.
-"What said Danny and Chin, clearly clueless?
-"Kono said he doesn't have glue because he isin love with Catherine. Mencan be so dense sometimes, and she shakes her head.
-"Lori pulls the blinds in her office and cries. She truly knows now that she doesn't stand a chance with Steve.
-"In the meantime, Steve is on his plane, about 18 hours to get to Catherine. Catherine had texted him that she was on her way. It had been four long months since he last saw her. He didn't realize he would miss her so much. Granted, Five-O kept him busy, but at night, his thoughts go to his beautiful Lieutenant. She was his everything, kept him grounded, and she was the only one he ever let in.
-"They spent more time inside that room and enjoyed every second they could get together. The last night, he wanted to take her out to aspecial romantic dinner. He found the perfect restaurant with all of her Indian food favorites they had both enjoyed on various missions around the world. When they got home, she thanked him over and over again.
-"It was so hard leaving her, but they planned to see each other again for Valentine's weekend. Knowing he would see her in a few months, makes it somewhat bearable. He realized what he couldn't say with words, that he was in love with his Lieutenant. He came out of his thoughts with a smile.
AN: I promise the drama is coming. I like to give them time alone because we never got that much of them in the show. Thanks for the reviews.
