A/N:(Sam)... Last Thursday I had a fun conversation with my friend Cokie when I told her 'one day I will write a one-shot where nothing happens and Steve will have a good time and not get hurt'. I could hear her laughter right across the Atlantic. Totally hurt my feelings. :-)
(Cokie)... Ah, yes, those feelings were hurt, I could tell.
(Sam)... Of course that was a challenge I couldn't let go unanswered. I think that made her laugh even more. Darn it.
(Cokie)... Laughter is good… and the minute I sent the email I *knew* she would consider it a challenge. Not that I'm complaining… SEE… Maybe it was all in my diabolical scheme to get another story from you… You never know how my mind works At least *I* never know how it works…
(Sam)... But I showed her.
(Cokie)... You most certainly did!
(Sam)... I wrote my one-shot-non-whump-Steve-story.
(Cokie)... and it is quite nice!
(Sam)... Unfortunately, Cokie was not happy with me, and thought this should be a two-chapter-story.
(Cokie)... OK, here's the problem… this was supposed to be about what Steve was giving Catherine for a Christmas gift, and you didn't get past the bed… Granted that was a mighty nice gift (both for Cath and us), but she needs something else for Christmas. Hence, the request for Chapter 2. Now, when I said that it needed a Chapter 2, I didn't realize *I* would be writing it…
(Sam)... I'm telling you, she is never satisfied. Sigh.
(Cokie) Of course I'm never satisfied, you silly girl!
(Sam)... But for the record, I did win my challenge.
(Cokie) You did win, fair and square and made both Steve and Catherine quite happy.
(Sam)... What will happen in chapter two, well, that is totally up to her.
(Cokie) So, since you kept your challenge to a non-whump, I guess I have to bite the bullet and see what I can come up with for chapter 2. And can you tell me again why everyone is screaming for whump? Wasn't this a non-whumper? I take it no one understands that concept.
(Sam)... The second and last chapter, courtesy of Cokie316, will be posted sometime next week.
(Cokie) And if you got past all of the above bickering between two authors, I hope you enjoy it!
OK, there are times when we all need smarmy and fluffy writing. I guess this was ours. If that isn't your cup of tea, you have been warned. You can turn back now. But if you choose to read, please understand that there is NO plot. Whatsoever. And I hope the sugar doesn't kill you.
My wish for each of you is to have a wonderful, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! … Cokie
I can only add my wishes to that. Enjoy our fluffy silly fun ride. ... Sam
Christmas Fireworks, part 2
By Sym64 and Cokie
Wednesday morning, January 1, 2014
The first thin rays of sunlight were sneaking through the closed window blinds when Catherine opened her eyes. She lay still, not wanting to 'break the spell' of the morning. Steve was asleep, lying half on his side, half on his stomach, facing her. Cath could feel his breath on her bare shoulder with each exhale. And she knew he was still sound asleep because the arm and hand draped on her stomach felt like dead weight against her skin.
Catherine knew his slumber had something to do with the Tylenol with codeine she had managed to get him to swallow sometime around four this morning. But after sleeping fitfully for the first four hours of the night, he had finally conceded and took the pill. Not without comment, but he took it. And she didn't care that he didn't like it… all that mattered was that he was no longer in pain.
Cath threaded her fingers through his and closed her eyes once again. She didn't care if she went back to sleep or not because lying there next to Steve in the quiet hours of morning, she had time to think back over the events from the last week. Her thoughts alone brought a satisfied smile to her face.
Besides, sleep was so overrated.
They had planned an early work-release on Christmas Eve, but unfortunately their day hadn't turned out anything like they had planned. Still, even with all the action and after getting Chin released from the emergency room, they had managed to celebrate.
Steve took Chin to the hospital after releasing the crime scene into the FBI's capable hands. The perp was dead, so there was nothing he could do any differently than the agents could. Once they were clear, Danny raced to pick up Grace and she came home to finalize the preparations for their Christmas Eve party.
Catherine couldn't wait to host Christmas Eve in Steve's house. While she had lived there with him for months, she still considered it 'his' house. She was comfortable there and it felt like home, but other than her clothing, she hadn't changed anything. It was like the house still belonged to Steve's dad more than it did to him.
Although as she stared at the kitchen she wished Santa would bring her some upgrades. Sometimes she felt like she walked right into the 1960s when she was in there. But it didn't bother Steve so she would never mention the fact that the kitchen could have been more functional. It was home to him and he apparently liked it the way it was.
After work on Monday, the 23rd, they had worked on the appetizers until 1 a.m. … which had technically made it Christmas Eve. Well… she had worked. Steve mostly had grazed on what she was fixing in between his attempts of trying to get her into bed. Once everything she could prep was completed, to his surprise, she had grabbed his hand and raced up the stairs.
Never let it be said that Christmas Eve in the McGarrett household was dull.
But here she was an hour and a half before people were scheduled to arrive and she couldn't wait to be the perfect hostess. Of course they had had people over numerous times, but that was mainly for beer and burgers. This was Christmas and everything had to be perfect. Chin and Leilani were bringing a dish and Danny was bringing wine. Grace had called and was bringing cookies she had decorated for the occasion. Kamekona was providing shrimp and Max said he would bring his "masterpiece". Steve had looked a little frightened, so she would wait and see on that one.
The lights on the tree were twinkling and scented candles were burning. She came down the stairs to the wonderful sights and smells of Christmas in Hawaii and wistfully thought of her parents celebrating with her brothers in Chicago. She knew they would Skype in the morning and open their presents via computer. She had seen her parents earlier in the year so this holiday she decided to stay here with Steve instead of making the trek back to cold Chicago. Hawaii could spoil a girl pretty quickly and Chicago winters, while beautiful, were way too frigid for her after living in the sun for so long!
The guests had begun to arrive but there was no Steve. She didn't bother to call, assuming he was still with Chin at the hospital. She worried over the fact that Chin might not be able to attend tonight, but that fear was unfounded when he and Leilani walked through the door. Chin looked wonderful for someone who had been beaten a mere hours before. Butterflies closed the wound on his forehead and his bruises were in glorious color, but considering what their perp had been capable of, Chin looked great!
"Where's Steve?" Catherine asked while taking the tray with assorted cheeses, grapes and crackers from Leilani.
"Leilani drove me home. Steve said he had an errand to run," Chin explained.
"Oh, OK. Hope he gets here soon," Cath muttered. "Everyone will be waiting."
"Don't worry," Leilani told her, a twinkle in her eye. "I'm sure he will be soon." Whispering, she leaned in closer, "I think he's picking up a last minute gift."
Cath shook her head and smiled. "Well, good thing he didn't wait until the last minute."
Leilani followed her into the kitchen. "Be patient. He'll be here."
"OK, so what's he buying?" Cath asked.
"He didn't tell me, but he was happy about his choice, I do know that," she admitted. "He was on the phone and told the person he would be right over. So… just act surprised. I didn't say a word."
Catherine laughed. "Well, you didn't say much," she assured her new-found friend. "And I think he will like what I got him, too."
More hellos came from the living room and Grace quickly bounced into the kitchen, a tray of decorated cookies in her hands.
"Ooh, girl, give me those," Catherine squealed at the young girl. "These look yummy!"
"They are and I had to keep smacking Danno's hand in the car because he kept trying to steal one. Guess what?" she excitedly asked.
"I don't know, what?"
"We just opened presents and Danno got me inline skates so I can learn to play hockey! It's not the same as Danno's ice hockey, but it will be fun."
"That sounds good," Catherine told her. "You know, I grew up with two brothers who played ice hockey, but my sport was ice skating."
"Really? That sounds totally cool. Were you good at it?"
"I did OK," Cath admitted to both her guests. "But if you ask my dad, I was the absolute best. He still has all my trophies in his office."
"Yeah, that sounds like a dad," Grace grumbled.
"So, you were good?" Leilani asked.
"I held my own. I competed until I went to college. I think my mom was heartbroken because she liked it, too."
"Ho, ho, ho," Danny said, coming into the kitchen. "Where's my wayward partner?"
"He's not here yet," Cath told him.
"What's he doing, last minute shopping?"
"If you must know, yes," Leilani told him. "But not to worry, I'm sure he's on his way."
"Oh, no doubt. I hope he doesn't forget anything!" He opened the refrigerator. "Like beer."
"Hey, it's on the lanai already iced down in the cooler. Why don't you open the doors and invite people outside. We'll get the food out in a few minutes."
"Sounds like a plan," Danny agreed. "Monkey why don't you get the door open and I'll go get the guests."
"Sure, Danno. Leilani, why don't you go get Uncle Chin?"
"I believe I will," she told her and headed toward the living room.
"Hey, Grace, there are bottles of juice and soda in the refrigerator, so help yourself to what you want."
"Thanks, Catherine!" She turned to get the door and ran smack into a rock-hard object in her path.
"Uncle Steve! You're here!"
"Sure I'm here," he said, planting a kiss on the top of her head. "Where else would I be?" He glanced up at Catherine, a twinkle in his eye.
"You were just late, that's all," Grace explained. "Now the party can really start!" She raced off and opened the door for the guests who were beginning to head that direction.
Steve smiled at Leilani and pulled Catherine into a one-armed hug. With Grace out of earshot, he whispered, "I picked up the bike and it's in the garage."
"I thought that's what you were up to," Catherine said. "Now, why don't you go change clothes. By the time you get back down, everything will be ready to eat."
"Sounds like a plan," he said, getting his hand slapped when he reached for a cookie. "Ouch! What was that for?"
"For eating dessert before your dinner!" Cath retorted. "Now, go."
"It all looks great," he told her. "Thank you for making Christmas special this year." He pulled her into a hug and kissed her while snaring a cookie from behind her back.
"Put it back," she warned.
"Put what back?" he asked as he stuffed the stocking-shaped cookie into his mouth.
"You are such a child," she said with a grin.
"Speaking of, Mary called a few minutes ago," he told her. "She and Joan made it to Aunt Deb's house just fine."
"That's good. I think it is great that she wanted to spend the holiday with her aunt."
"Yeah," Steve agreed. "It actually showed growth."
"Don't start that, Big Brother. Mary is trying really hard to be an adult."
"I know," he said with a grin. "So I'll shut up." He quickly kissed her again before she grabbed his hands to keep him from reaching for another cookie.
"Out!" she ordered, pushing him toward the door.
~~~H50~~~
Catherine smiled remembering the surprised expression on Steve's face when she stopped him from snagging another cookie. But he then startled her when he began to mumble in his sleep. She held her breath, watching him and waiting for him to wake up, but he only moved a bit closer and burrowed his face between their pillows before relaxing once again. She noticed that his ankle had slid off the pillow she had propped it on during the night, but as long as he didn't wake, she wasn't going to bother him.
Her thoughts returned to Christmas Eve…
Grace had been ecstatic over the bicycle. Steve and Danny had gone into the garage and returned with the bright yellow bike and she couldn't begin to thank everyone enough for their part in making her dream possible. It was exactly the one she wanted.
As for Danny's gift from Grace… Catherine had to smile once again at the stunned expression on his face when he opened the book. Grace had explained that she found it online and then saw it in the store but that she had help in buying it.
He took one look at his partner and said, "Help, huh? I can't imagine who from."
"Danno, I begged Uncle Steve to buy the book for me. But I paid him back and it was wrapped in the store and then Uncle Steve kept it here… I think he thought I would peek at it, but I wouldn't have, I just wanted you to have it. I… I thought you would like it." She finished her statement and then took a deep breath, anxiously looking at her father for his reaction.
He didn't disappoint her. She was pulled into a bear hug and thanked with smoochy kisses. "Thank you, thank you, Gracie. I can't believe you remembered those old calendars. You were really small when I would take you to the precinct."
"Yes, speaking of," Steve began with a smirk, "We would love to hear all about those calendars sometime."
"Bite me, Steven."
"Danno, be nice to Uncle Steve. It's Christmas."
"Yes, ma'am, I will."
"Hey, there's a couple more packages way back in the back of the tree," Grace said, looking beneath the tree.
"Um, don't get those," Steve quickly said and then blushed. "That red one is for later."
"So is the box wrapped in blue and silver," Catherine told them.
"Does anyone get the idea that that is our cue to leave?" Chin asked. He stood up and reached for Leilani's hand. "I, for one, am looking forward to heading home."
"No, wait, you don't have to go," Steve told his guests, although his plea was a bit weak.
"No worries, Bruddah," Kamekona said while walking toward the door. "Looks like you and your beautiful Ipo there have another Christmas party to attend if you know what I mean." He grinned and wagged his bushy eyebrows for emphasis causing everyone to laugh.
It didn't take long before everyone had left, and truthfully, Catherine was glad. She couldn't wait to give Steve his gift. And she also wanted to know what was in the cute little red bag tucked behind the tree!
They had cleaned up the lanai and kitchen before heading back to the living room and the Christmas tree. Steve led her to the couch and told her to have a seat while he crawled underneath the tree and pulled out the red bag.
"Hey, get your present, too," she asked. "Pretty please."
He came out with the two gifts and settled on the couch at her side. "Merry Christmas," Steve said, glancing at the clock. He set the bag on her lap, adding, "It's 12:02."
Catherine looked at her gift and then at him. "Merry Christmas, Steve. But I want you to open your gift first. Please?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I need to explain part of it," she told him. She pointed to the package which was actually a small one setting on top of a larger box. "Open the big one first."
"OK," he said, ripping through the paper in nothing flat.
"Wow."
"What? You told me to open it."
"Yeah, I just don't think I've ever seen anyone open a gift so quickly."
Steve grinned at her. "You gave me permission, so why mess around?" He pulled the paper away and found the box set of the TV show TOUR OF DUTY. "Wow. I tried to find this one time and it wasn't even on DVD. How did you find this?"
"I've kept track of the release date and pre-ordered it. I'm just glad it got here in time for Christmas."
"Wow. Thanks, Cath. I love it. It's perfect." He turned to her and kissed her.
"You're welcome. Now open the small one. This is what I need to explain."
"OK… it feels like a CD or DVD. What's to explain?" he asked, taking off the paper. Inside was a CD with the Kukui High colors and mascot on the front. Steve stared at it for a moment, then asked, "Guess I was wrong… you do need to explain."
"Well, Chin told me a few weeks ago that all of the Kukui High games were on DVD so I contacted the school and got all the games you played in."
"No kidding?" Steve asked with a grin. "That's really cool."
"There's more," Cath admitted. "While going through the footage, I found several shots of the stands and there are several shots of your Dad. And there is no doubt about it, he was your biggest fan." Catherine placed her hand on Steve's shoulder. "Wait until you get a look at his face. It's so sweet to watch."
Steve swallowed thickly. "Um…" He blinked, then looked at her, his eyes watery. "I don't know what to say."
"I hope you like it."
"Of course I like it. I love it. But… I don't think I'm ready to watch it tonight," he admitted.
"You watch whenever you are ready, with or without me," she told him. "Or, if you want, put it away and keep it. I just wanted you to have it if you ever did want to see it."
"Oh, I definitely want to see it," he assured her. "But only with you by my side. Cath, this is a perfect gift. Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, is it my turn?"
Steve dipped his head and whispered, "In a minute," before capturing her lips with his. When he decided to come up for air, she added, "Now you can open it."
Catherine took a deep breath. "I'm not sure I have the strength," she said with a wicked grin. "I sort of like what we were doing."
"Open it!"
"Aye, aye, Commander, Sir."
"You are definitely insubordinate, Lieutenant."
"Not any more, I'm not," she reminded him while reaching into the white tissue which was sprinkled with red and silver foil stars. She felt a small box inside and pulled it out. "OK, what's this?" The black velvet box was approximately 3x3 inches and was tied with a thin red cord.
"Guess you'll have to open it to find out."
She removed the cord and opened the lid.
And she stopped and stared at what was inside.
A pair of square-cut emerald dangles surrounded with diamonds stared back at her. And she couldn't think of a single coherent thought.
Finally, she squeaked out, "Steve?"
"You don't like them," he said.
"No, I mean yes, I mean, of course I like them. They are beautiful. Steve, you shouldn't have. This is too much."
"No, it's not. Besides now that you aren't in uniform all the time, I thought you might like some jewelry to wear. If you really don't like them—"
"Hush!" She put three fingers on his mouth to shush him. "You're not taking them back. I love them." She removed her fingers and replaced them with her lips. "Thank you, thank you."
"Um… you're welcome," he told her between kisses. "But there's something else in that bag."
"What?" she asked, pulling out the tissue paper to find an envelope inside. "What's this?"
"Well, open it and find out."
"Now who's being a smart ass?"
"Not me," he said with a smirk.
She pulled what looked to be a hotel confirmation out of the envelope and read, "This is the Ho'ononea Villa at the Four Seasons. Steve… how? I mean, we can't—"
"Yes, we can. This is your Christmas present and you've earned it. It is a spa/vacation at the resort on the Big Island. I know you were there this summer with your parents and loved it… only you had to cut short your stay… my fault… so I wanted you to be able to enjoy the spa."
"But the Villa? I saw the photos of that while we were there and it is… it's magnificent. Steve, this is too much."
"No, it isn't. Besides, I want a vacation, too. I'm not sending you by yourself."
"You'd better not, Commander!" She was looking through the brochure. "This place is magnificent. Look! A private pool. And beach access. And the bedroom wall opens up and it's like we are outside. Oh, Steve," she threw her arms around his neck. "This is perfect!"
"Good. There's just one catch."
Catherine drew back and glared at him. "What?"
"Hey, now, don't get hostile. We can't leave until Friday after work. You see… Danny is surprising Grace with a trip tomorrow morning. They found the owner of that box he's been carrying around and they are going to return it to the little girl's dad."
"Oh, that's so sweet."
"Yeah, I guess, but a trip to Japan on Christmas Day? I think he should wait, but he said he had to do it now. Anyway, he will be back late Thursday night, so we won't leave until Friday. I've already arranged to rent a plane and we can leave around four on Friday night and return New Year's Eve."
"Wow, that's four days. Whatever will we do to for four full days?"
Steve leered at her and pushed her down on the couch. "Want a preview?" he asked, moving in for the strike.
~~~H50~~~
Catherine couldn't help but smile at the memory. They had made out on the couch until Steve almost slid off. Amidst his laughter and her giggling, they managed to make it upstairs and onto the bed where they continued their Christmas presents to each other.
"Hmmmnh."
The rumbling growl came from the vicinity of her pillow.
"Steve?" she whispered.
"Unh."
She smiled. "Are you awake?"
"Un unh."
"OK, sweet dreams."
"M'wake. Tink um hung over."
"No, that's the pill you took earlier. How does your ankle feel?"
His head rolled onto his pillow and he tried to stare at her, but whatever look he was going for wasn't happening. "Huh?"
"Your ankle. How does it feel?"
He thought for a moment, then closed his eyes, snuggling against her arm. "Don't feel anything. Think you roofied me."
"Yes, I did, just because I couldn't have mind-numbing sex any other way. Go back to sleep, my silly commander."
"Ummm…"
He wrapped his arm around her once again and did just as she asked while Catherine's thoughts turned back to their past week.
She stood in the middle of the living area of the Ho'ononea Villa and did a 360. Words just couldn't describe the furnishings or the view out the walls of windows. They had arrived at the hotel right at sunset on the North Kona coast and had stood, watching the sunset before they had ventured inside. As soon as they walked into the lobby, they were offered mai tais and fruit and they were given leis.
Inside the room, Catherine just stared while Steve paid the bell hop who had driven them to the Villa in a cart. Candles had been lit in their rooms and tiki torches were lit on the lanai. Outside, a lap pool and a jacuzi awaited them. Once the bell hop left, she turned to Steve, a look of wonder on her face.
"This is…" she waved her arm in the air. "This is indescribable," she finally said. "It's beautiful."
He smiled and placed both hands on her waist. "So are you. Merry-belated-Christmas."
She kissed him thoroughly. "Oh, Commander, it will be," she promised.
The next morning they slept late. Or late for Steve, that is. It was 0815 before he rolled over and stretched, which quickly woke Catherine, too. She glanced at the bedside clock and couldn't believe the time. The bed was absolutely one of the best she had ever slept in in her entire life.
But then, they had been up rather late partaking in extra-curricular activities until the wee hours of the morning. She stretched and yawned loudly, ending with a smile on her face.
"Are you OK?" Steve asked with a grin, his head propped on his hand.
"I'm wonderful," she said and burrowed back into the stack of down pillows beneath her. "But I am starving!" she admitted.
"Room service?" he asked.
"Sounds good," she replied. "You can order."
"What do you want?" Steve asked.
"Surprise me."
He nuzzled her neck and said "I can do that" between nipping kisses.
"I meant with food," she laughingly told him, pushing his head back.
"You're no fun," he pouted.
"That's not what you said last night," she reminded him.
It was a tough call whether to eat breakfast in bed or on the lanai overlooking the ocean, but the lanai soon won out. Even though they lived on the same ocean, each view was different and spectacular in its own way. Catherine couldn't get enough of it, and she knew Steve felt the same way. The Villa they were in had four units, each strategically placed so that each came with a section of private beach. They were secluded, enjoying their own little piece of the world.
"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Catherine asked, leaning back in her chair to soak up the sun.
"The concierge made an itinerary for us," Steve told her. "If you want to follow it." He accessed the email on his phone and read off the day's activities.
"Well, I guess we can cross off the first item," he said with a grin. "Romantic breakfast on your own private lanai, ordered through in-room dining."
"Check."
"Um, this isn't right," Steve said, a look of confusion on his face. "I booked you for a massage at eleven, but this has us both down for massages in the Couples' Hale."
"I saw the pictures when we came in last night," Cath replied. "And you are going with me."
"I don't do massages."
"Well, Commander, after today, that statement will no longer be true!"
"But, I—"
"Give up, Steve. We're in this together."
At 12:10 that afternoon, Steve was more than impressed with the spa. "Wakey, wakey,"Catherine said in his ear. Their masseuses had left the room and Steve had yet to make a sound.
"Hmmm?"
"Are you OK?" she asked him, placing he hand on the back of his head.
"That was… pretty amazing," Steve admitted, opening his eyes while grabbing his sheet and rolling over on the table.
"Told you!"
"Think the governor would pay for team massages once a month? I'm sure it would raise morale."
"No doubt," she agreed. "They suggested we go to the sauna next door. How does that sound? Just wrap the towel around you and we can come back and change when we are finished."
"Will I have to move?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
Steve dramatically sighed and sat up on the table. "Knew there had to be a catch."
Their weekend went according to the concierge's plan with drinks in the Lava Lounge at sunset and dinners either in the room or at the Beach Tree on the resort's property. Sunday evening, they took a private catamaran tour at sunset; just the two of them and the nearly-invisible boat captain.
On Monday, they had planned to venture out early but Catherine found it exceedingly difficult to get out of bed. Steve reminded her of the time and she mumbled, rolling over and burying herself beneath the down comforter.
With a gleam in his eye, Steve decided to help her wake. In a flash, she was up and out of bed, chasing him out onto the lanai. In hindsight, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to wake her abruptly.
They had enjoyed the lava rock outdoor shower after another in-house breakfast and then took a bike ride to view the active volcanos on the Big Island, stopping for a lunch at a small, un-touristy place on their way back. The afternoon was spent snorkeling off the coast near the resort followed by another massage, this one proclaimed as the "Hualalai Island Stone Massage for Two".
Catherine smiled at the memory. She knows Steve would highly recommend that massage!
Since they had to leave the next day, they dressed for dinner out at Pahui'a. Catherine chose a blouse that would complement her new emerald earrings and moved her head sideways to catch the light as the stones sparkled on her ears. Steve McGarrett, you did good," she thought to herself.
Sea Shell Crescent, Ho'ononea Villa – shortly after 1 in the morning
"Steve, we can't do it here," Cath whispered.
"Why not? Nobody's here," Steve whispered back and continued kissing his way down her neckline.
"Steve!" Cath hissed into his ear.
"What?" Steve called back, irritated by his girlfriend's behavior. "You started this," he told her, remembering how she had been teasing him mercilessly for the last hour. Driving him crazy with desire and arousal. If he waited until they were behind closed doors, he was sure he would suffer irreparable damage.
"Down, Boy," Cath said and pushed him back a little.
"Too late," Steve grumbled.
An hour earlier
Pahui'aRestaurant, table for two
Steve looked over the small table at his companion and had to admit the spa treatment today had relaxed not only her but also him on a level he had never experienced. "You look beautiful tonight," Steve said softly to her.
"Thank you. I love the earrings you gave me," Catherine said and gently touched the jewelry Steve had given her with the spa package.
Steve smiled at her and knew he had to thank Danny again for his advice.
They had come to the hotel beach restaurant very late, but it would be open for another few hours, so there was no need to rush things. It was already almost midnight, but the night was unusually warm with a clear sky and almost no moon. Steve had planned a walk on the beach after their late dinner and hoped to not only get satisfied with food tonight.
"Can I bring you anything else?" The waiter who had served their three course dinner asked while serving them glasses of wine.
"No, thank... uh," Steve almost choked on his words by the sudden sensation of Catherine's foot between his legs. He glared at his girlfriend, and tried to smile at the waiter. "No, thank you, we're fine," Steve said with what he thought was a normal voice.
"Very well," the waiter said and turned to leave, not before grinning knowingly at Steve. Which made him blush furiously.
"Steve, are you alright?" Cath asked with a sweet voice.
"What are you doing?" Steve hissed in a strained voice. Trying to ignore the pressure Cath just put on him.
"What do you mean? Just stretching my legs," Cath told him with a grin. "Wouldn't want my muscles to cramp."
"Is this payback for this morning?" Steve asked and closed his eyes when the foot gently moved. "Cath," Steve whined but the sensation was simply too good to move away from it.
"Payback's a bitch, isn't it?" Cath said with her sweetest voice and couldn't quite keep the laughter in.
Steve looked at his girlfriend and conceded defeat. "Okay, I'm sorry for this morning. It was not nice to wake you with the cold water," Steve said with a strained voice. "God, Cath, please stop." He almost sagged in relief when the movement halted, but he could still feel her keeping the pressure on.
"Just remember this lecture before you try something like that again," Cath said still smiling and underlined her words with a tiny little kick that made Steve's breath hitch.
" 'kay," was all Steve was able to say. But he had a matching smile on his face, already sure this would develop into a sensational night.
Back to the beach
Steve glared at Cath for a second longer, but then sighed and let go of her. He adjusted his now too tight pants and motioned for her to lead the way.
Catherine only laughed again and after taking off her shoes, turned to walk the rest of the way to their little stretch of private beach in front of their villa. She stopped in her tracks when she saw what was in front of her.
Steve almost bumped into his girlfriend when she suddenly stopped.
"Steve?" Cath whispered and looked up at him.
"Surprise?" Steve said with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face.
She had ruined his little scheme when she had stopped his advances, but none the less now they were where he had planned to end up earlier.
"I... wow... when did you get so romantic?" Cath asked with an obvious thrill in her voice.
Steve only smiled and led her the rest of the way down to the prepared part of beach. Steve had laid out a blanket and "borrowed" a few candles from their room to place around it. They were in tall glass cylinders set in the sand to make sure the wind wouldn't blow them out. He had asked one of the maids to light the candles after midnight. Even he had to admit it looked great.
"You like it?" Steve whispered in her ear. He grinned when he could feel her taking a shuddering breath.
"I love it," Catherine said and turned to face him. "Thank you," she whispered and added, "I'm sorry for earlier."
Steve wasn't sure what she was apologizing for exactly. Maybe for teasing him like that at the restaurant without any mercy in a situation that had gotten to the point of being painfully uncomfortable after an hour with no relief. He didn't blame her, but did blame his treacherous body for that. She had him going in about a second flat, but it was Steve who had not been able to stop his lower half from going almost all the way.
Steve chuckled at the thought of how he had squirmed in his seat like a high school boy who couldn't wait for dinner to be over so that he could get his way with his girlfriend.
"What are you laughing about?" Cath asked between kisses.
"About the way you can turn me on by just looking at me," Steve admitted softly and engaged in another sweet kiss. He pressed his still very noticeable arousal against her body to make his point.
"I... think... I did... a bit more... than looking," Cath laughed between kisses.
"That you did," Steve answered with a chuckle and grinned when he felt Cath opening his pants.
They were still standing on the beach with the blanket a few feet away when Steve felt his knees go weak as Cath's hand found their way into his boxer-briefs, making his breath hitch for the umpteenth time this night.
Steve had had enough foreplay by now and made a move to walk to the blanket, to get to the real business. Unfortunately she had dropped his pants. Steve was completely involved in kissing Cath andhis brain had turned off the second Cath's hand made landfall. Too late he realized that walking with your pants around your ankles was not a good idea.
Cath shrieked when they suddenly lost their balance and gravity took over. Steve managed to turn and land half on the blanket and half in the sand with a rather loud umpfh. Cath landed on top of him with a squeal. He wasn't sure if the impact on his back or Cath's elbow in his stomach made the air leave his lungs with a whoosh.
Steve heard Cath giggle and couldn't help but laugh. This was really so them. They were simply different than other couples and Steve loved Cath for that. Ups. There's that "L" word again. That reminded him that he had heeded Danny's advice of wrapping Cath's Christmas gift with jewelry attached to it. But the trip and the jewelry hadn't been the gift Danny had suggested. Maybe it was time to tell her now, Steve thought but his thoughts were interrupted when Cath pushed herself off his body and settled on his thighs.
Her hands were roaming down his chest, gently squeezing the part of him that desperately wanted to be set free of any remaining clothes.
Steve watched while she opened the buttons on her blouse. He was sure his pupils were blown and dark; his desire for the woman in front of him was slowly killing him.
"I think we're way overdressed," Cath whispered as she opened the last button and got rid of her blouse. "Want some help?" she asked and pushed her warm smooth hands under his shirt, circling his belly button.
The contact made Steve involuntarily move his hips and nod his head like a puppet. All speech had obviously left him.
Catherine smiled at him and moved higher up, nearer to her goal, making Steve moan and close his eyes at the sensation. His eyes snapped open when her lips suddenly descended on him with a vengeance.
Steve didn't care anymore for any romantic settings or sand in unimaginable places; he had to feel her body against his flesh now, and feeling her desire, he knew she was right with him.
The rest of their clothes flew left and right without a care where they landed. A moment later they were both naked and Steve marveled at the beauty his girlfriend was. In his eyes she was the most perfect person. And looking into her dark eyes he knew she was thinking along similar ways.
During their preview on Christmas, Steve had been in charge, so now it was Catherine's turn to decide. A moment later it was clear that she wanted him to lead the way, and Steve didn't need to be told twice. He flipped them, so that Cath was lying beneath him. Steve made sure to level on his elbows to not put his full weight onto her body.
"Steve, now... no more foreplay," Cath panted between kisses Steve set around her neck, avoiding her mouth altogether.
He knew that was driving her crazy. Crazy in a really good way. Steve grinned to himself, a little payback for torturing him for over an hour had to be retaliated at least a little bit... "Ow," Steve called out whenhis lovely girlfriend retreated to drastic measures to make her point.
"Stop fooling around," she whispered in his ear, keeping her hand around his very eager member, ready to squeeze some sense into her lover.
" 'kay," Steve mumbled with a suddenly high voice.
Steve moved in position and taking one last look, asking permission, only seeing love and a bit of impatience he gently pushed into her, halting all movement when the sensation of her around him almost overwhelmed him. He breathed in and out and looked down at Catherine. She was looking back to him with such love that he almost choked up.
"You okay?" Cath whispered suddenly in concern.
"I love you." It felt like the most natural thing to say. "I love you," Steve whispered again.
Steve couldn't remember much after this sudden declaration, only that they were later lying on the beach arm in arm, completely spent, barely able to breathe.
"Steve?"
"Hmm?" He wasn't sure if he was yet able to form coherent words. His world still felt like fireworks were exploding and the aftermath was roaming around his body.
"This was the most amazing experience ever," Cath softly said.
"Hmm."
"Steve? You okay?"
"Uh huh. I... I'm just overwhelmed I guess," Steve finally admitted.
"Yeah... me too," Cath said and snuggled up to her lover.
"You know I mean it, don't you?"
Catherine smiled at him. "I've known for a long, long time" she said. "You tell me every day with your actions. And for the record, I am totally, insanely in love with you."
Steve lifted his head and looked at Cath, her eyes drooping but with an immense smile on her face. He knew he had put that smile there and he thought that she never looked sexier than right now. He felt a stirring in his belly and had to laugh, despite the exhaustion that held his body prisoner.
"You will be the death of me," Steve mumbled and willed his growing arousal to stand down.
"Huh?"
"Nothing," Steve told her when she looked at him with what he was sure was a knowing smile.
~~~H50~~
Catherine came back to the present, the smile once again on her face. Steve was again stirring and this time she wanted to make sure he was really OK. She was so proud of her boyfriend. Of course, she was always proud of the man she loved, but after last night, he really was a hero.
They had landed the plane late afternoon and Steve was filling out the final checklist, going over the plane with his friend Dave who owned the private airstrip and several planes. She was waiting for them, scrolling through pictures on her phone, remembering the fun they had had this weekend… one that she knew she would never forget.
"Oh No! Stevie!" A loud pitched scream was heard across the parking lot.
They all turned that direction, where a car with the driver's door open was moving toward the corner of the hanger. Inside, standing in the driver's seat was a young boy, no more than three years old. The quite pregnant woman turned, looking for her husband's help and seeing him still on the plane. "Help! Please, somebody."
Steve and Dave ran that direction, followed by Catherine who stopped by the woman. Steve raced toward the open door and dove onto the seat, pushing the toddler aside. He managed to cut the wheel with his left and hit the break with his right at the same time trying to maneuver his body to keep the boy from flying forward.
Once the car had stopped, he climbed back out, bringing a now-crying Stevie with him. The boy held tight to Steve's neck, his head held in the crook, still sobbing.
"I had him in his car seat," his mother said, rushing forward to take her son. Her husband came up behind her and took him from Steve. "I've got him," he told his wife. "Remember the doctor said you shouldn't lift him while standing."
"Thank you so much," she told Steve. "Stevie, Honey, we've told you that you have to stay in your car seat."
The youngster sniffled and explained, "But Stevie wants to drive."
After the tension of the last couple of minutes, they all laughed, Steve ruffling the boy's hair. "Maybe you need to wait a few years, Buddy. At least until your feet reach the floor."
The dad held out his hand. "Keo Martin. I can't thank you enough for saving my boy."
"Steve McGarrett," Steve replied with a shake of the man's hand. "Just glad I was around. When I heard your wife yell 'Stevie' it was automatic to look up."
"Are you all right?" Catherine asked Mrs. Martin.
"I'm fine, she assured them, one hand on her swollen belly. "I don't know what I'll do with two of them once Danny arrives."
"Who?" Cath asked, a confused look on her face."
The woman smiled, patting her tummy. "Danny is our new baby. I have a feeling that he and Stevie will be quite a handful."
Catherine smiled and looked at Steve. "I have no doubt," she said. "And while I foresee several arguments in your future, I'm sure they will become best of friends."
"Thank you so much," she told them.
~~~H50~~~
"Hey, Sleepy Head, how do you feel?" she asked, feeling him move against her side.
Hooded blue eyes opened to look at her. "'Mornin'," he said, a goofy grin on his face. "Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year to you, too. How's the ankle?"
When they had left the Martins at the airport last night, Steve had winced when he took a step. She had immediately noticed and asked what was wrong, to which he had tried to blow it off as nothing. But once they had gotten ready for bed, she noticed he was really favoring it, while trying not to be obvious. After three hours of him tossing in bed, she had gotten up, turned on the lights and checked it out to find it swollen and mottled. Much to his chagrin, Catherine had propped his foot and brought him a Tylenol #3 and a bottle of water, warning that a doctor's visit was on the docket for New Year's Day.
"Huh? Oh… yeah, my ankle." He wiggled it a bit and then shrugged. "Feels OK. A little stiff but I think it is fine."
"And I think it probably still needs to be checked out by a doctor," she told him.
Steve pulled her closer. "I'm fine," he assured her. He pushed down the comforter and began placing kisses on her stomach. "And I will show you just how fine I can be."
Catherine relaxed, and placed her hand on the back of his head. "Oh!"
She smiled, thinking that 2014 couldn't get off to a better start!
~~~H50~~~
A/N: (Cokie)... just want to say that the gratuitous whumping at the end is for those of you who felt there couldn't be a Sam and Cokie story without whumpage. I started to prove you wrong but decided I like whump too much myself!
Stay tuned next week for another story co-written by the two of us!
(Sam)... I hope you enjoyed our joined effort to give Steve and Cath a few fun days.