Chapter 25: Revelations and Concerns
It was a sunny afternoon when Catherine and Steve met again, this time at a quiet café near the beach. Catherine, or "Cat" as Steve had taken to calling her, was excited for another afternoon of laughter and conversation with the sailor who was quickly becoming someone special to her.
"Cat, you're getting prettier by the minute. How do you do it?" Steve asked with a mischievous smile as he held out the chair for her to sit in.
"Thanks, sailor. I could ask the same about you," she replied, amused, as she settled in.
Steve ordered two coffees and something to snack on, while Catherine told a few funny stories about her time on the Enterprise. They laughed together, creating a light and relaxed atmosphere.
"So, Cat," Steve said, leaning in a little closer, "I have to admit that I enjoyed our last meeting. I hope you're as excited as I am for today."
Catherine laughed. "Of course I am. It's not every day that an intelligence analyst dates a SEAL from Team Three."
After a few minutes of conversation, Steve became curious about Catherine's family.
"So, Cat, tell me more about your family. I know your father was a Navy officer and that you were inspired by your brother, but what's his name? I might know him."
Catherine took a sip of her coffee, smiling. "My brother is Lieutenant Aaron Rollins."
Steve's face went white immediately. He choked slightly on his coffee and was silent for a few seconds, trying to process the information.
"Aaron Rollins?" he asked, his voice slightly hesitant.
"Yes, why? Do you know him?" Catherine tilted her head, confused by Steve's reaction.
Steve ran a hand over his face, clearly uncomfortable. "Yes, I do. He was one of the instructors when I was in BUD/S. One of the best, without a doubt, but… now he's in DEVGRU, right?"
Catherine nodded proudly. "Exactly. He's incredible. Not just as a brother, but as an officer. Why the panicked look on your face, Steve?"
Steve looked at her, trying to choose the right words. "Cat… your brother is legendary among the SEALs. He has a reputation for being exceptionally good at what he does. But he's also very… protective?"
Catherine laughed. "You have no idea. Aaron treats me like I'm still 12."
"That explains a lot," Steve muttered, more to himself than to her.
"Explains what?" Catherine insisted, crossing her arms.
Steve sighed. "Well, if Aaron finds out I'm dating you… let's just say it won't be the best news for him. I respect him a lot, but I can't help but feel like he'll want to have… a talk with me."
Catherine laughed loudly. "So you're scared of my brother? The great SEAL of Team Three is scared to face my brother?"
"Scared is a strong word," Steve said, raising his hands in a defensive gesture. "It's more like… deep respect mixed with a sense of self-preservation."
Catherine laughed even harder. "You're hilarious, sailor. But honestly, Aaron will understand. He just wants me to be happy."
"I hope you're right, Cat," Steve said, relaxing a little. "Because if he doesn't, I'm going to have to start running now to get away from him."
Despite the slight initial tension, the meeting continued smoothly. Steve shared more stories about his experiences as a SEAL, while Catherine talked about the challenges and rewards of being an intelligence analyst.
"So, sailor," Catherine began, looking at him with a mischievous smile, "what else are you hiding from me?"
Steve looked at her, feigning indignation. "Me? Hiding something? Never."
"Oh, sure. A man who turns pale at the mention of my brother's name certainly isn't hiding anything," she teased.
"Okay, I'll admit it," Steve said, leaning in closer. "I've been hiding the fact that despite all the missions and challenges I've faced, being here with you is one of the scariest things I've ever done."
Catherine arched an eyebrow. "And why?"
"Because you're amazing, Cat. And I really want to keep seeing you, but I know your brother is going to be a barrier that I'm going to have to face at some point."
Catherine smiled softly. "Steve, Aaron may be protective, but he trusts me. And if you keep treating me like that, with respect and care, he won't have any reason to worry."
Later, as Steve drove back to his base, he couldn't get Catherine out of his head. She was smart, funny, and had a strength that he deeply admired. But the thought of facing Aaron still made him uneasy.
While Catherine was at home, she felt that something special was developing between her and Steve. She knew Aaron could be an obstacle, but she also trusted that he wanted the best for her.
A great challenge would be to introduce Steve to Aaron and watch the older, protective brother's reaction.
Chapter 26: An Older Brother's Protection
It was a quiet morning in the Rollins home in Virginia Beach. Sunlight streamed through the living room windows, where Catherine, or Cathy as everyone called her, sat on the couch with a radiant smile.
Her mother, Elizabeth, was in the kitchen preparing something for breakfast, while her father, Joseph, read the newspaper at the table. Aaron was leaning against the doorframe, watching his sister with a curious expression.
"Cathy, what's going on?" Elizabeth asked, coming out of the kitchen with a tray. "You've been looking radiant lately."
"That's right, daughter," Joseph added, looking up from the newspaper. "It seems like there's something special going on."
Aaron, in his uniform, crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "Yes, Cathy, it's time to tell you what's making you so happy. It's not like you to be like this for days."
Catherine looked away, trying to hide her smile, but her family already knew something was up. Finally, she sighed and decided to tell him.
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you," Catherine began, still smiling. "I… met someone. He's a SEAL."
Elizabeth smiled in surprise and pride, while Joseph just nodded, satisfied. Aaron, however, narrowed his eyes.
"A SEAL?" he asked, his voice calm, but with an undertone that only a protective brother could have.
"Yes," Catherine replied, tilting her head. "Steve McGarrett, from Team 3."
Aaron immediately sobered at the name. He uncrossed his arms and took a few steps closer, staring at Catherine.
"McGarrett?" he repeated. "I remember him. I trained that guy in BUD/S. He did well, but now he's trying to get close to you?"
Catherine laughed. "Yes, Aaron. We met by chance and started talking. He's amazing, very kind and funny."
Aaron snorted, crossing his arms again. "Hmm… interesting. And does he know who you are?"
"Of course he does," Catherine replied, still laughing. "He's scared to death of you, Aaron. I don't think the idea of facing my older brother, the legendary Red of DEVGRU, is high on his list of things to do."
Aaron let out a loud laugh that echoed through the room, even catching the attention of Elizabeth and Joseph. "Well, he better be scared. He's going to need it."
"Aaron!" Elizabeth exclaimed, scolding him with a look.
"No, Mom," Aaron said, still laughing. "I'm serious. I need to protect my beautiful little sister. After all, someone has to make sure these guys don't take advantage of her."
"Don't be so dramatic, Aaron," Catherine replied, crossing her arms. "Steve is different."
"Different or not, he's going to have to pass my scrutiny," Aaron replied, with a mischievous smile.
Joseph, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up. "Aaron, it's natural for you to be protective of your sister. But trust her judgment. Catherine is smart and knows what she's doing."
"I know, Dad," Aaron said, turning his gaze to Catherine. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to make it easy for him. He's still going to have to prove himself worthy of my little princess."
Catherine rolled her eyes. "You're acting like I'm a little girl, Aaron. I'm a grown woman."
"You'll always be my little sister, Cathy. And that's never going to change," Aaron replied with a fond smile.
Despite Aaron's protective tone, Catherine knew he only acted this way because he cared deeply for her. The rest of the day was filled with teasing and laughter, as Aaron teased Catherine about McGarrett.
Late in the afternoon, Aaron, Joseph, and Catherine sat together on the porch to watch the sunset. Elizabeth brought a tray of drinks and joined them.
"So, Cathy," Joseph began, looking at his daughter. "This Steve... does he know what kind of test he'll face if he gets close to you?"
Catherine laughed. "I think he has an idea, Dad. But I'll let him figure it out for himself."
"I just hope he's an honorable man," Elizabeth said, placing her hand over Catherine's.
"He is, Mom. I wouldn't be seeing him if he wasn't," Catherine replied confidently.
Aaron sighed and looked off into the distance. "Well, I hope you're right, Cathy. Because if he does anything to hurt you, he'll regret joining the SEALs."
Catherine just laughed, while Elizabeth shook her head, accustomed to Aaron's overprotective behavior.
The evening ended with the family together, reminiscing about the past and celebrating the future that unfolded before them. Despite Aaron's concerns, he knew Catherine was capable of making her own decisions.
Still, he couldn't wait to have a talk with Steve McGarrett, to make sure he knew exactly what it meant to date his sister. After all, being a older brother came with responsibilities and Aaron Rollins always took his responsibilities seriously.
Chapter 27: Family Dinner
It was a sunny morning in Virginia Beach, and Catherine was sitting on the Rollins' porch, typing something on her phone with a smile on her face. Aaron was nearby, doing some push-ups on the grass while Elizabeth prepared lunch in the kitchen.
"You look excited," Aaron commented, not stopping his exercise. "You're talking to McGarrett again, aren't you?"
Catherine rolled her eyes, but the smile didn't disappear. "Yes, I am. And for your information, I'm going to invite him to dinner with the family."
Aaron stopped abruptly and stood up, wiping the sweat off with the towel around his neck. "Are you sure? I mean, he knows what he's getting into, right? You and I aren't exactly a normal family."
Catherine laughed. "Yes, Aaron. He does. And as nervous as he is, I think he'll do just fine. He's strong and determined, remember? You said so yourself when you trained him."
"Determined, maybe." But that doesn't mean he'll escape my scrutiny," Aaron replied with a mischievous smile.
Later, Catherine finally sent the message she'd been planning:
"Steve, my family wants to meet you. How about dinner? Don't worry, I promise Aaron will behave."
Steve's reply came a few minutes later:
"Sure, Cat. I just hope I survive the experience. Let me know when and where."
Catherine smiled, pleased. She knew Steve was nervous, but she also knew he wanted to be a part of her life and was willing to face any challenge even if that challenge was her fearsome older brother.
The night of the dinner, Steve parked his car in front of the Rollins' house. He was wearing a light blue dress shirt and black pants, with a look of determination mixed with anxiety. He took a deep breath before getting out of the car, adjusting the collar of his shirt.
Catherine opened the door before he could even knock. She looked stunning in a casual dress, and her smile lit up Steve's face.
"Hey," she said, pulling him inside. "Relax, you'll be fine."
"If you say so," Steve replied, trying to smile but clearly strained.
Elizabeth was the first to greet him, with a warm smile. "Steve, it's a pleasure to meet you. Catherine speaks highly of you."
"It's my pleasure, Mrs. Rollins," Steve said, shaking her hand.
Joseph was next. With a firm stance and an appraising look, he extended his hand to Steve. "Welcome, McGarrett. I hope you're ready for tonight."
"Yes, sir. Thank you for having me," Steve replied, shaking his hand firmly.
Finally, it was Aaron's turn. The SEAL officer rose from his chair in the living room and walked toward Steve with a neutral expression but an amused glint in his eyes.
"McGarrett," he said, crossing his arms.
"Lieutenant Rollins," Steve replied, straightening up and trying not to show his nervousness.
Aaron studied the man for a moment before extending his hand. "I'll only say this once: take care of my sister and don't make her suffer. If you can do that, everything will be fine between us."
Steve shook his hand firmly. "Understood, sir. I won't let you down."
"Good. Now that that's out of the way, let's go to dinner," Aaron said, with a smile that put Steve a little more at ease.
The table was laden with delicious food prepared by Elizabeth. As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally, and Steve began to relax. He told stories about his time with SEAL Team Three, though he avoided specific details for obvious reasons.
Joseph asked about Steve's family, and his expression changed slightly.
"I'm not very close to my father and my sister," Steve confessed. "My father was a police officer in Honolulu, but he was very strict. After my mother died, our relationship became even more difficult. As for my sister, she's younger and chose to live with our aunt after our family split up."
"That must have been hard for you," Elizabeth said sympathetically.
"It was, but the Navy gave me purpose," Steve said. "I found myself in it, and it helped me get through a lot."
Aaron, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "That's something I respect, McGarrett. The Navy shapes us, but it also demands a lot of us. It's good to know you found your strength in it."
"Thank you, sir," Steve replied sincerely.
As dinner progressed, the tensions eased, and Steve began to feel part of the Rollins dynamic. Catherine was beaming, clearly happy to have him there and that her family was accepting of him.
At the end of the evening, as Steve was saying goodbye, Aaron approached him at the door.
"McGarrett," he called.
"Yes, sir?" Steve replied, turning around.
"You did well today. Keep it up and you might survive a few more years." Aaron said, with a smirk.
Steve laughed, relieved. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."
Catherine appeared beside Steve, smiling at her brother. "Thanks for not scaring him too much, Aaron."
"For now," Aaron replied, winking at her.
As Steve drove home, he couldn't help the smile that formed on his face. He knew there was still a long way to go to fully earn Aaron's trust, but he felt like he had taken a big step that night.
As for Catherine, she was happier than she had ever been. To her, the night had been perfect; her family was starting to accept Steve, and that meant the world to her.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: " I won a Oscar when I was 19 " and " NCIS HAWAII: The Captain "
This story is already complete there
p@treon.com/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a