The love boat chapters 1 to 4

[siriala]

Chapter 1 - Three weeks before the cruise

"Stan ? Long time no hear, buddy."

Steve's surprise wasn't feigned. Stan and he were just schoolmates. They had lost contact shortly after each of them had gone their own way towards very different careers, crossing paths only twice in the next fifteen years when chance had put them in the same place on the same day. The fact that they had both left Hawaii hadn't helped, even after Steve came back for good.

"I know. Time flies, doesn’t it ? How are you, man ?"

"I'm doing pretty good. Still captaining the most beautiful liner, cruising through our gorgeous islands, constantly meeting new people. Life's never dull and it all keeps me on my toes. What about you ?

"Good," Stan answered, "very good. Better, even. I got married less than a year ago."

"Really ? That's great ! Who's the lucky lady ? Anyone I know ?"

"No. Sorry I didn't send you an invite to the wedding, but it all happened far from Hawaii."

"No need for excuses, we didn't see each other in a long while. In fact, I'm rather surprised by your call."

There was a short silence on the other end of the line, as if Stan was considering his next words carefully.

"Listen, I'm gonna be honest here. I need a favor."

"Sure. What can I do for you ?"

"I've got to explain something first. My wife, Rachel, she's a divorcee. She's got two kids with her previous husband, and she shares custody with him. Now Rachel and I, we want to relocate to Hawaii, but Danny, Rachel's ex, he loves it here in New Jersey, and we want to convince him to at least give Hawaii a chance. I already feel bad enough that I took his wife and half the time with his children. I really want him to agree to come with us to Hawaii."

Steve snorted.

"You're something else, you know ? I haven't met many men caring about the feelings of the guys they replaced in their wives' affection."

"Well, Danny isn't your average guy either. You'd have to meet him to know what I mean, but believe me when I say he deserves better than ending up alone and miserable."

"You sure you married the right person ?" Steve laughed. "Maybe you should have chosen him instead of Rachel ?"

"Maybe in another life," Stan laughed in reply, not the least bit offended. "But I love Rachel and the kids, and I want them all happy, Danny included. And that's where you can help me."

"You have me intrigued here. What's your idea to achieve complete happiness ?"

Steve's voice wasn't scathing, just a tiny little bit acerbic. Not that he didn't believe in love and happiness, nor was he jealous of his friend's marital bliss but, in his experience, goodness didn't last long in the face of personal interest, and love didn't fare any better. Hence why the women of his own life didn't stay for long, quickly tired of seeing so little of him as he went his way through the islands and didn't make it home as often as they'd like.

So he didn't hold much hope for Stan's will to make everyone happy, but he would help anyway.

"I plan to bring Rachel and the kids soon for a cruise," Stan finally replied, "on your boat…"

"Ship," Steve cut him off immediately.

"… on your ship, sorry. And I'm going to invite Danny too, to show him the islands, Oahu and Honolulu in particular."

"Good idea, but I still fail to see where I come in and help in this plan of yours."

"I wanted to make sure you'd be there, to begin with. But I also know captains like you have a way with special guests, to make them feel even more special. You can show him a good time while Rachel, the kids and I show him what kind of life he'd get by living here."

"Are you saying you want me to seduce him ?!"

"Not really," Stan said, but he didn't sound very convincing. "Look, I know how charming you can be when you put your mind to it. All I ask is that you do that, invite him to your table once, show him your boat, maybe even one of those secret places you surely know on the islands that tourists never get to see, get him to meet with friendly locals who won't call him haole every two sentences. Make him feel welcomed and appreciated, instead of being the mainlander who sticks out. Do you think you could do that for me ?"

Steve sighed.

"I suppose I can. After all, I still owe you for helping me out with Cindy Kalaka."

"You're right, you totally do !" Stan grabbed the reminder and ran with it. "You stood no chance without me back then. Now it's my turn to need you, and your turn to pay up."

-------------

Chapter 2 - Day 1

"Stan, welcome aboard."

Steve shook hands with his old buddy. The man had aged nicely, broader than when Steve had last seen him, but still very recognizable even after all those years apart.

"Chin, this is my old school buddy Stan Edwards and his family. Stan, this is Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly, my first mate."

The men shook hands amiably as Steve turned towards the other people accompanying Stan.

"And you must be Stan's wife, right ?" Steve shook the woman's hand too, a pretty thirty-something brunette. "Happy to meet you, Mrs. Edwards."

"Rachel, please. Happy to meet you too, Captain McGarrett."

Stan had failed to mention his wife wasn't born in the USA but Rachel's English accent quickly gave it away.

"Steve," he offered in his turn with a warm smile.

"Steve," Stan intervened, "this is Grace, and here's Charlie, Rachel's children."

"And incidentally mine," a sarcastic male voice suddenly sounded behind Rachel.

Everyone turned towards the last newcomer, clearing the view for Steve to take in the last member of this party. Grace smiled lovingly at her father and Charlie went to him to ask for a lift up in his arms.

"Danny," Stan said, "this is the ship's captain, my old school buddy Steve McGarrett."

Steve studied the man for a long while. He looked nothing like he had imagined. A lot shorter, maybe shorter than Rachel even without her heels, shock of blond hair skillfully coiffed, wearing a tie in the heat of Hawaii, the rest of his clothes better suited for work than a cruise. Rachel's ex-husband was definitely not your average tourist.

"Captain," Williams saluted him before offering his hand once he had made sure Charlie was secure on his other arm. "Danny Williams, the fifth wheel."

"Don't say that !" Rachel chastised him, annoyed.

Williams gratified his ex-wife with a very fake smile.

"Rachel, did I ever tell you that dying your hair so dark was a genius idea ?"

"You already did, Danno," Grace giggled, "last time Mom was annoyed with you."

"Yes, monkey, I think you're right," Williams said, and this time his smile was genuine.

Steve inferred a lot of information from the short exchange.

All was not right and fluffy between the former spouses. Stan was very much acting as the buffer between them, and so did the kids. The kids who loved their father and at first sight didn't seem overly distressed by the separation or resenting of Stan's place in their new lives.

Steve finally realized he was still holding Williams' hand as if he never planned to give it back. He scrambled for a witty rejoinder that would make Williams potentially glad for his invitation later today.

"I've lived long enough to realize fifth wheels are sometimes indispensable," was all he could find.

"Spoken as a true politician," Williams snorted, not the least mollified or appreciative of Steve's efforts on his behalf, before he turned towards Chin to shake his hand at last.

"Daniel," Rachel fumed, "would it kill you to be polite ?"

"I don’t think so, Rach. If anything, surviving your lawyers proved nothing can kill me and I might be half-cockroach."

"What a lovely image," Rachel berated him, but her words were covered by Charlie's giggles.

"You love that, don't you," Williams grinned to the kid still in his arms, gently tickling his tummy to make him laugh some more, and Steve couldn't help smiling too at the father/son duo.

No doubt Williams was a prickly kind of guy, but this disposition didn't extend to his children who probably got to see the best of him. Whenever they were allowed to see him, which was probably another point of contention between former husband and wife.

"Steve," Stan interrupted his musing, "we're not going to take more of your time right now but I hope to be able to catch up with you soon. And your advice regarding what to do on this cruise would be quite helpful. The flyer I got to read makes me think there's far more to see or do that one can experience in two weeks."

"Absolutely. I'll see you all later to plan for the cruise, decide what you want to visit and when you prefer to enjoy the lazy tourists' routine."

"Thanks, Captain," Rachel said. "I'm sure your advice will be greatly appreciated."

Steve watched them all retreat to the elevators in search of their rooms, the kids running in front of the adults. As usual, Danny Williams brought up the rear.

What a lovely rear that made for, Steve thought, watching as long as he could before Chin alerted him about the next visitors he needed to welcome.

The liner often hosted minor celebrities who got to enjoy a two-week, all-expenses-paid cruise among the idyllic islands, in exchange for a few shows and/or workshops, as well as a few photo sessions with the passengers, all evenly spaced out through the duration of the vacation.

This cruise's special guest was one Eddie Diaz, whose PR rep purported to be the best new dancing talent of America. Two years ago, the guy had made top place on some contest show Steve didn't even remember the name of, only that Diaz taking his shirt off had girls screaming for more - he would have many opportunities to do that on the Pearl of Hawaii.

Steve could already see a small group of teenagers - it was by no means a girl-only affair, Steve realized with an amused smile - forming on the other side of the hall, giggling and watching with hungry eyes the man stopping in front of him and Chin.

"Mr. Diaz," Steve greeted him, "welcome aboard. I'm Captain Steve McGarrett, and this is my first mate, Chin Ho Kelly."

"Thank you, Captain. Allow me to introduce my son, Christopher, and my friend Evan Buckley."

The kid was young, probably no more than seven or eight years old, and he was using crutches to walk around. He looked used to them, and there was no cast to be seen, which meant his condition had to be more or less permanent. No doubt Christopher was used to it anyway, enough that he was smiling when he looked up to Steve.

"Is this your ship, Mr. Captain ?" the kid asked.

Steve kneeled in front of him and offered his hand.

"I don't own her," he answered, "but I'm the man who says where she goes and who's allowed on board. I'm glad you joined us and I hope you'll have a great time here. There's plenty of things to do, and many kids to play with."

He had made sure his ship was as disability-friendly as possible and he knew from past experiences with previous passengers that Christopher wouldn't find it hard to enjoy himself on the Pearl.

"I know," the kid replied, "Buck has done his research and he said we're going to have a lot of fun, especially when Dad will be working."

"Buck ?" Steve asked, following the kid's eyes to the very tall man standing next to Diaz.

As he stood back up, Steve saw Diaz turn to his friend and share a look with him that had Buckley grinning wide, not in the least guilty-looking for his assertion.

"Guilty as charged," he said anyway before offering his hand in turn for Steve to shake, "and I'm looking forward to enjoying your ship too, Captain. Sorry for the name confusion, everybody calls me Buck. Eddie just likes to yank my chain with my unused first name. He's lucky I'm a good friend."

"The best," Diaz confirmed with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes that had Steve wondering about the true nature of their relationship.

Or maybe the true nature of their feelings, whether they admitted to them or not, to themselves just as to anybody else. Which was none of his business so Steve veered this exchange back into safer territory.

"I'll send Meka, my cruise director, to your cabin in a short while," he said to Diaz, "to get everything ready for the first session this afternoon. But please, don't hesitate to come to me or Lieutenant Kelly for anything that might make your time on the Pearl easier, both personally and professionally."

"Thank you, Captain, I'll remember that."

The three men walked away at Christopher's pace, leaving Steve free to welcome more passengers.

-------------

Chapter 3 - Day 1

It was still early in the afternoon when Steve spotted an already familiar silhouette looking at the below deck, leaning over the balustrade. Steve quickly glossed over the fact that he had memorized this body, and it was not because of the man's shortness. He gave even less thought to the admiration he felt. Danny was beautiful, his ass especially in this position. Steve had never been one to shy away from beauty.

It took him a solid minute to realize the man stuck out, still dressed like he was ready to leave for work - not even Steve’s crew or Steve himself looked like that and they were working. It didn't make the view any less delectable but there was something about this that isolated the guy, like he didn't belong here, maybe didn't want to. Or maybe it was simply the fact that Danny Williams was clearly brooding in a place many would call paradise. It was unsettling, and probably not very charming, and yet Steve couldn't help approaching at some point.

"Everything’s all right, Mr. Williams ?" he asked as he took place right next to him, ignoring the vibes of loneliness he could feel coming in waves from the guy and his silent order not to be disturbed.

Steve took in the display Williams was looking at. For his very first lesson, Eddie Diaz was entertaining kids of various ages to the sound of joyful Latino music and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. Amongst the children, Steve was able to spot Williams' kids as well as Christopher Diaz.

Steve finally felt Williams turn his head towards him to take in the captain's appearance, but it wasn't long before he turned back.

"Please, call me Danny. And yes, it’s all good."

Steve was pretty sure he had just been brushed off but he had charmed more difficult people in his career. It was part of the job after all, making sure people were happy and relaxed during the cruise.

"Excuse me if I’m a bit forward but you don’t seem to enjoy yourself very much."

This time, Williams let a small, not very pleasant chuckle escape.

"Really ? What gave it away ?"

"Your attire, for starters. You need to change and join the others, go to the pool, or to the casino."

"Do you know what a detective's salary is, Captain ? A detective with two kids to provide for ? I'm not going anywhere close to your casino."

Steve laughed.

"Fair enough, I can respect that. But there are so many other ways to spend a good time on this ship. Why would you stay here on your lonesome, hiding, when you could enjoy the sun by the pool, show off a little bit of that strong back I was able to detect even under your formal shirt, and chat up as many good-looking women as you want ?"

There was no immediate answer, no move from Williams, and Steve thought his question would be ignored. But then Williams spoke.

"Did you ever feel like you're being coerced ? Like you don't want to change your life any more than you already had to, deviate once more from that road you thought you would be traveling for as long as you wished to, and then something happens and you feel you're not going to have much of a choice. Not if you want to stay close to the two persons you love most in the world."

The conversation had veered with alarming speed into psycho-messy territory and Steve felt so ill equipped to deal with that kind of questioning. He was the first surprised when he heard himself answering just as thoughtfully.

"I have been coerced. I was in the Navy for a while, and of course I had to deal with many situations you'd probably think fitting if I was at liberty to speak about it. But I don't have kids and I'm in no position to tell you what you should do with your life. I guess whatever feels right and makes your kids happy is probably the best way to look at this moment."

Williams closed his eyes for a second.

"It almost hurts me to say it, but you might be right."

"Ah !" Steve exclaimed. "Told you so !"

He was supposed to be on the bridge, yet Danny Williams's face, when he looked at Steve like that, crinkled eyes and restrained smile, made Steve forget about a lot of things. Made him want to spend more time with him and discover the real Danny behind the bitter mask.

"I need to go back to work but I’d like to invite you for dinner, Danny. Please join me at the captain’s table tonight. Six sharp."

"Isn’t it an honor or something to be invited at your table ? You should invite your old buddy Stan and his wife."

"Don’t worry about them, I will, at some point. Right now, I’m more interested in getting to know you."

Danny looked taken aback, surprised to be of interest for someone like a ship’s captain. The divorce had really taken a toll on him and his confidence, that was plain to see.

"And my name is Steve," he reminded Danny before taking his leave with a smart salute that brought another smile to Danny’s lips.

Such a handsome smile that Steve had to remind himself people were waiting for him elsewhere.

-------------

Steve's tiredness lifted when he saw that Danny had arrived before him. The man was chatting away with a pretty woman, one of the single travelers Steve had asked Chin to find to keep the numbers even at his table.

He was glad to see that Danny had heeded his advice and changed into something that didn't make him look like he was leaving for work right after dinner. He was still dressed enough to sit at the captain's table, and Steve's eyes remained for a moment too long on the v of the open shirt revealing enough skin to make him want to see more. He didn't miss either the way Danny looked at him, taking in his uniform - to be honest, he had gone with the complete attire in the hope of getting a certain divorcee's attention. Maybe he’d been extra careful to look as good as possible tonight.

"Captain," the pretty woman sitting left of Danny interrupted his musing, "I'm Gabrielle Asano, and I want to thank you for the invitation. I didn't know this kind of custom was still observed. It makes me feel like I'm back to some ancient times."

"Gabby was just telling me her domain of expertise includes ancient times and old things," Danny added. "You just made her day."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Steve smiled his captain's smile at Ms. Asano, the one that didn't mean much beyond 'you're a guest and I need to be nice to you.' For some reason, seeing her hand landing over Danny's as if they were already such good buddies that they were allowed to touch each other after only a few minutes didn't go well with him.

"I see you found something more casual to wear," he commanded Danny's attention back to himself.

"I did, and then wondered if I needed to wear something better to sit at your table. I hope I'm good enough."

"You're perfect," Steve said before he could stop himself but he was happy with the blunder when it earned him a thankful grin from Danny.

He was spared the need to find another rejoinder by the arrival of the cruise's star, more handsome than ever in his charcoal suit. Just like Danny, the man's shirt was open to show off his tanned chest and many passengers were watching him walking up to the table.

"Everyone," Steve said to get his guests' attention, "please allow me to introduce Eddie Diaz, winner of Strut Your Stuff, who was kind enough to agree to teach any of us on this ship who wishes to learn a few moves."

Diaz thanked Kono, the assistant to the cruise director who had accompanied him to show the way to the Captain's table, before he answered.

"I'd be delighted to see you at one of these lessons, Captain."

"Trust me," Steve replied pleasantly, "you wouldn't be. I can dance for fun but I have two left feet when it comes to the real thing."

Diaz politely laughed and then took his seat, offering a smile to every other guest at the table. He was definitely charming, in an easy, confident way that made him approachable but yet discouraged people from being too familiar.

"Captain, I think you're exactly the kind of public I'm aiming for. Those who enjoy dancing and would appreciate the opportunity to learn a few more moves. Maybe you just need to find the right partner."

Diaz cast a look far into the dining room but Steve couldn't see if he was looking at someone in particular or just thinking of someone he had left at home.

"And where's your son tonight ?" Steve asked.

He was pretty sure the kid had been invited at the captain's table, just like his father. It wasn't like Chin to make that kind of mistake.

"With Buck. My best friend and personal assistant," Diaz added for the other people at the table, his face lighting up once again at the mention of his little family. "They went for dinner before us, saying they had big plans for the evening. I swear if Buck wasn't taking as good care of me as he does Chris, I would have to feel jealous that my own son prefers to spend time with him rather than me or that so many people think Buck is his father."

It really didn't look like he felt bad about it, maybe relieved that his friend didn't have to spend the first night on board alone. Steve would have to tell Chin to invite them all another time.

"I hope to get to know both of them better before the end of the cruise."

"I'm sure they'd like that, too. If I'm not being too forward, a tour of your ship would go a long way to make them both happy. Under all his muscles, Buck is a nerd who delights in learning new things and Chris happily follows in his footsteps."

"I'm sure we'll be able to arrange for something."

Seeing that all his guests' glasses were now filled, Steve raised his own and made a toast.

"To a great cruise among our beautiful islands !"

Variations of his words were repeated by each person sitting at the table, glasses clanging as his guests clinked them against their neighbors'. Steve turned to Danny and pushed his glass at him, willing him to forget about Ms. Asano.

"Danny, you're invited too, of course, to tour the ship."

Danny sent him a suspicious look for a second, that morphed into a smile when Steve added that he was welcome to bring his kids.

"Thanks, I appreciate it, Steve."

It was becoming clear that the way to Danny Williams' heart was through his children and Steve stored that fact for the time it would be needed. He saw Gabrielle Asano ready to command Danny's attention again and found a way to stop her immediately, addressing Eddie Diaz once again to introduce the men.

"It's decided, then. Eddie, this is Danny Williams. He's a detective in New Jersey, and he's here with his two children. They will accompany us on our tour of the ship."

"Okay. The more, the merrier. At least that's what Buck reminds me when we have guests at home on my few days off."

Once again, Steve wondered if those two were more than they let on, and it seemed Danny had gotten the same feeling.

"You live together ?" Danny asked in a casual way he had probably perfected as part of his job.

"Yes and no. Buck has his own place but we spend most of our time together. It makes work easier, and our lives too, if Buck is close to deal with any problem that might arise."

"And what does being the PA of a professional dancer entail ?" Danny wondered.

"A lot of running around, and even more talking. Being ready to say no when I tell him I won't do some show, or to cajole the people I want to work with, so that we can find some way to make it okay. I'm very aware of the strain I put on him, and how gracious he remains through it all. But I'm sure Buck would tell you being my PA means first and foremost boosting my ego every time I feel I'm not good enough," Diaz joked candidly.

"I saw you from afar this afternoon. From someone who really can't dance, I don't think you have anything to worry about. My own daughter couldn't stop talking about your class afterwards. She said she wants to go to the next one and dance with you. You made a fan for life."

"What's her name ? I'll make sure Buck knows."

"Grace. She's 8, light brown hair."

"I think I know who you mean. She danced with a young boy using crutches, right ?"

"That's right. She said she had a great time, that they want to do it again."

"That boy, it was my Christopher."

"It looked like he was having a blast."

"He sure did. This kid loves life like nobody else I know. Or maybe Buck. Maybe that’s why they get on so well."

"It's great you taught him not to let his handicap stop him from having fun."

"Honestly, I'm not sure I have anything to do with it. I feel more like the yin to his yang, I'm all angst where he's carefree. It's just the way he is, happy and full of love."

Steve felt it was time to get back into the conversation.

"I don't really know them, but your kids looked the same to me, Danny."

Talking about his kids was a sure way to get Danny to look pleased.

"Ah yes, they're still young and innocent enough that they're thrilled with every experience they get to live. I'm more like Eddie, doom and gloom are my area of expertise."

"I'm sure you're exaggerating," Gabby said. "If you're able to see the light and happiness in your children, it means you feel them too."

Not for the first time, Steve wondered why he was so upset that the woman seemed to appreciate Danny as much as he did.

Not finding a ready explanation didn't stop him anyway, by the time dinner was over, from taking Danny away for a drink without waiting for his answer or for Gabby to follow them.

-------------

Chapter 4 - Day 2

Danny was the first to meet Steve on the Oahu hall, possibly because Steve had texted him an earlier meeting time, hoping to be able to talk with him for a little while before the others would join them. And Steve was happy to see that Danny had definitely ditched his work trousers and shirts for shorts and a tank top. He tried not to let his eyes linger too long on the defined musculature now revealed to him.

Grace and Charlie were already playing some sort of hide-and-seek game under the vigilant eye of their father, not loud or distracting enough that any other passenger seemed annoyed by their antics.

"So tell me, how was your first night on board ?"

Stan had told Steve that Danny had refused to let him pay for the trip, even though he could only afford the cheapest room, which meant much more pitching and smaller space, far from Stan and Rachel as well as the kids' suite.

"Nothing to say about the bedding," Danny answered, "but I could have done without the very amorous couple that didn't sleep before three or so in the morning."

Steve knew it happened but there was nothing he could do about that, really, save for hoping said couple would find other ways to spend their energy during the cruise.

"What did you think of our guests last night ?" he asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Gabby's real nice and pretty, and she has a way of making her job interesting even to someone like me," Danny admitted with a fond grin. "Eddie doesn't seem like he let his success go to his head, not yet anyway. And he sounds very taken with his best friend. I'm quite eager to meet this Buck now. He seems too good to be true."

Danny's chuckle lit his face, and Steve found himself mesmerized for a second too long. He scrambled to hide his absence, and the annoyance he felt at the reminder that Gabby Asano had made a real impression on Danny. Which didn't really make sense since the fact that Danny might fall for a local woman - Steve's enquiry had revealed that Gabby lived close to Honolulu - could only help in the plan to show Hawaii's most attractive sides and give him a good reason to stay.

"What do you mean ?" he asked.

"You saw the same thing I did, right ? Diaz talks too much about his friend Buck, like every sentence or so. There's no way they can possibly be just friends."

"That's the feeling I got, yes. But if it's important to him that we think they're just friends, I'm willing to let it slide."

"That, my friend, is because you're the captain of this ship and you have to make sure everyone is happy. Me, on the other hand, I've been a cop for too long to be able to turn it off so easily. I'm not saying I can always tell when someone's lying, but people like Eddie Diaz, who just try to keep something private with no established plan to make it work, or too in love to be able to act worth a shit, are easy to spot."

Steve grinned to mask the sliver of worry that Danny might already know the nature of his own interest for him. It was too soon for him to see through Stan's plan. A challenge might be the way to take his mind elsewhere.

"So tell me, Serpico, if you're so sure about the kind of relationship Eddie and his friend entertain, do you also know why they want to keep it quiet ?"

Danny's lips thinned, glued together as he thought about it.

"Hard to say just yet. Maybe Diaz fears that his career could take a hit if his homosexuality was discovered ? Maybe he's still in the closet, you know ? That's generally the most obvious answer, as sad as it may be. But I need to see this Buck fellow first, to watch them together, before I can offer a decent and enlightened hypothesis. I'll get back to you after the tour of the ship, if it's okay with you."

Actually, it suited Steve's plan to secure more of Danny's time for himself.

"I can't wait. But I'm sure we're both busy this afternoon so you're going to have to share lunch with me right after the tour."

"I don't think this is a topic for the captain's table."

"You're right, but I meant in my quarters. Invitation at the captain's table is only for dinner. Lunch is either spent with some of my crew, or just some me-time."

"Well, I'm not part of your crew, and I've been told I'm not especially good at letting people enjoy their me-time in peace."

"Stop being difficult, Danny, and accept the invitation. I want to know if we reach the same conclusion."

"What's so important about this ?"

"I get to make sure you're just as good a cop as you say you are. You know, for the day I may need one on my side."

"Sure. Because a New Jersey small-town cop is going to be a big help if you ever need someone on the force by your side."

"I can read people too, you know. My money's on you if I ever find myself in trouble."

Steve definitely knew Danny enough already to see that his words pleased him, as much as he tried to hide it. He was also pretty sure of Danny's internal monologue, his need to believe the praise that had to be fighting with the too-ingrained habit of self-deprecation. He could see it in Danny's eyes as their gazes locked and held each other.

Steve didn't know how long the moment lasted, didn't know if he should call it tense or intense. His breath got shorter. The sudden moistness of his hands was the only reason he kept them to himself, wary of this unexpected, incomprehensible reaction of his body. Nothing in his experience explained any of this.

Nothing in his experience explained Danny Williams.

-------------

Buck had been delighted to hear about the tour of the ship Eddie had arranged for them all. Chris too, especially after learning the little girl he had danced and played with would be there too. Eddie, who had been afraid at first that his family would feel a bit left behind after dinner and the dance sessions he had to put in even during their vacation, was finally patting himself on the back.

It was not as if Chris didn't love spending time alone with Buck. The two claimed to be best friends, despite their age difference, but Eddie could see how they had more and more of a father/son relationship, to the point that Eddie almost felt jealous at times. Which was silly, really, for Chris loved him and never missed an opportunity to tell him. But Buck was so good at sharing interests with his son and making him feel included, even when his disability could potentially be a problem, that Eddie knew there was more to it than simple friendship.

To be honest, the first time Eddie had felt this irrational jealousy threaten to rear its ugly head had been on a very particular occasion, when one of Eddie's producers had honestly believed that Chris was Buck's child. The resemblance was there, Eddie had to admit, if you only took in the hair color, or the skin tone. People who didn't know his history or Chris' ancestry were allowed to make that kind of mistake, but still, it had hit Eddie hard, in a place he hadn't felt threatened before. And it still rubbed him the wrong way.

And yet, at the same time, Eddie was just grateful that Buck loved Chris so much and that he was willing to take care of him anytime Eddie wasn't available. But the best times of all were spent all three of them together, like the family they were when all was said and done. Buck spent so much time with them - he had his own room at Eddie's house, and their clothes so often found themselves mixed that it was more than easy for Carla, Chris' caretaker, to make fun of them by calling them an old married couple.

Eddie could only wish it was the truth.

Wish that Buck was living with them all the time, and that he didn't have his separate room but shared Eddie's, that Buck would co-parent Chris with him as Eddie's official boyfriend and not just his best friend. Sure, more people might believe then that Chris was his, rather than Eddie's, but he was ready to take that chance and deal with it if they ever crossed that bridge.

If they were together, Eddie wouldn't get pointed looks from people who wondered what capacity brought Buck by his side all the time. He could have his arm at his waist or walk hand in hand. Show them from the get-go that Buck was his, that they were a family.

But even here, on this ship built for entertainment and fun, Eddie still had to play it cool, the part of a guy who was not in love with his best friend and just made the most of his time on board to grab a few nice moments with Chris and Buck before he had to go back to his pretty intense life.

They arrived on the deck with a few minutes to spare to find that the captain and the three other guests were waiting for them. Chris made a beeline towards the young girl he had danced with the previous day - Gracie, Eddie remembered - who welcomed him with a true smile and introduced him to her younger brother. The boy easily asked about Chris' crutches and Eddie's son replied in the same fashion, explaining about his cerebral palsy in kid words. He was too used to it to be disturbed by the questions anymore, particularly when they carried no judgment, just simple curiosity.

Knowing Chris was in good hands, Eddie pushed Buck in the direction of Captain McGarrett with a hand at the small of his back that he took back as soon as they got close. As was often the case, Buck towered over everyone, and especially the Jersey cop, as he introduced himself.

"Thanks for the invitation, Captain," Buck greeted them, "I'm looking forward to this tour. You'll have a captive audience in me."

"That's good to know," McGarrett chuckled. "Danny here and his children will accompany us."

After a few more handshakes, the little convoy took off at a good pace. They passed swiftly through the decks where passengers were allowed at all times to be able to spend more time on the parts generally restricted to the crew.

As usual, Buck and Chris reunited to discuss what they learned - McGarrett was surprisingly full of amusing anecdotes that had the kids laughing, and he even let Chris sit in his chair while they were on the bridge - and Eddie followed, a hand on Chris' head or Buck's back, whoever was closer. Not that he wasn't interested, but the joy on his boys' faces was just as important to him as the discovery of the ways a ship of this size worked, how many people were involved, how many occupations were necessary to make it function at best.

"Would you mind taking a picture with the crew of the bridge ?" Lieutenant Kelly asked Eddie after he had signed a few autographs with the captain's blessing.

"Not at all, and please send me a copy."

The photo was a hit, Eddie distracted only by the faces that Chris and Buck made at him to try and make him lose his composure. The other kids joined the game and Eddie couldn't keep it together anymore. Which resulted in a true, huge grin bordering on laughter shared by most of the crew surrounding him.

"Sorry," Eddie said anyway, "if you want something more serious, you'll have to get those two off the bridge."

"No !" most crewmen answered, delighted with the picture they were already checking on a big screen.

The result was nice, if Eddie could say so himself, and he spent the next minutes chatting with the men and women who were able to leave their desks for a few moments. McGarrett was showing Danny Williams something Eddie couldn't see from his place, one hand casually laid on his shoulder to balance for his other arm pointing outside of the big windows surrounding the bridge. The man had moves, Eddie thought with amusement. He didn't know what the captain saw in the short guy, they seemed so different, almost opposite.

But it was true opposites attracted each other sometimes. Look at him and Buck. One blond and sunny, the other dark of hair and disposition. Well, the truth was more complicated than that, but this was the basics they had operated on when they first met and became friends in what seemed to be minutes. Buck was so good at this, making small talk and engaging people, just like the ensign who was looking at him right now with stars in her eyes, fascinated by the story Buck was telling her, to the point that Eddie was able to trace her hand lifting up to come and settle on Buck's arm, coming closer to say something that had to be important, considering the earnest look on her face.

Eddie excused himself quickly and met with Buck as if he meant to introduce himself to the ensign, offering his hand with his most winning smile. The hand that, as soon as the introduction was over, he placed as visibly as possible on Buck's waist.

"Eddie," Buck smiled at him, "Ali was offering to show us the crew decks."

I bet she did, Eddie thought, but neither I nor Chris were included in the invitation.

"That's nice," he replied aloud, "I'm sure we can find a moment in the next few days."

It was with great satisfaction that Eddie followed Ali's eyes as his hand slid down to grip Buck's hip in a move so possessive that the most obtuse person would get the message. Private turf. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

It was with even greater satisfaction that he felt Buck leaning against him without thinking about it. But it made it a thousand times more awkward once danger was averted - to her credit, Ali's invitation held even after she realized they were a package deal - and Eddie remembered they were not alone, Chris and many other people were there to observe and draw conclusions he didn't want them to think possible.

So he let go of Buck and took a step back ; too quickly, as if he had been burned. Buck sighed, disappointed or annoyed, Eddie wasn't clear on that one since Buck wouldn't meet his eyes again for a while after that.

The end of the tour seemed a lot less fun suddenly.

-------------

The tour had been cut short for Steve when he was called to break up a minor scuffle on one of the passenger decks. Kono had taken over for him, instructed to bring Danny to his quarters later. Steve was oddly touched to see that the kids were sad to see him go, but he knew Kono would do a great job and Danny confirmed it once they met again for lunch.

"You liked my ship, admit it !" Steve boasted as he put in front of Danny one of the plates that were brought a few minutes before, kept warm under a cloche.

Danny surveyed the plate and looked satisfied, hardly waiting for Steve to sit in front of his own plate before he dug in.

"I'm not sure like is the correct word, but it's very impressive. Of course you can see it's a huge thing at first sight, but the sheer amount of work it means, and the number of people running around - without looking like they do - in order to make it work is staggering. You're kind of a maestro, babe, making sure everything goes straight and at the right time."

"So you like it !" Steve concluded, ignoring the weird twinge in his stomach at hearing Danny call him babe.

Instead, he concentrated on telling Danny more about the Pearl of Hawaii and her many qualities that made her the best cruise liner in the islands in Steve's opinion, first of all her crew.

Danny kept eating, watching him with a smile that finally made him realize he was maybe done with the topic and should move on to the reason they were here in the first place.

"So, what's the verdict ? Eddie and Buck, why the big secret ?"

Danny finished chewing on the mouthful he was eating before answering.

"Those two are definitely in love," he said first, putting down his fork and knife to focus on the conversation. "Eddie is quite amusing in the way he can't keep his hands to himself and realizes afterwards he's touched Buck, again, as if his hands had betrayed him. Again. Buck's more at ease with it, touching comes more naturally to him. And he touches Eddie just as much. A pat on the back or on his arm, supporting himself on his shoulder…"

Danny took the time to drink and maybe order his thoughts before he went on.

"There was this moment on the bridge, when Eddie was all but growling 'he's mine' in front of one of your ensigns, a young and pretty girl who seemed quite taken with Buck's smile. But then he let go of him and turned around, searching for his son and the rest of us. There was so much resignation on Buck's face, as if it was something he was used to dealing with and had no more argument to counter it with."

"I missed that one," Steve recognized, fascinated by Danny's account. "What did you make of it ?"

Danny drank again and Steve felt the impatience like a physical need to assuage.

"It's not a final conclusion, okay ? But based on what I've read about Diaz since yesterday, and the look he sent his son, I'm pretty sure it's Chris' opinion Eddie's wary of."

"Not the image he might send to the public ?"

"Nope. On the contrary, he's built quite a bit of his career on skirting the edge of bisexuality. This ship has sailed a long time ago."

"But why would the kid make him feel threatened ?"

"That, my friend, is another question altogether, one I cannot answer without more insight and many personal questions I may never have a chance to ask."

"That's a cop-out and you know it," Steve teased Danny. "You'll just have to keep on digging and find out what's happening between those three."

It actually fit Steve's plan. He could foresee many other meals alone with Danny in his future thanks to the mystery of the Buckley-Diaz family.

-------------

To chapter 5