A Stranger Is Watching
So here's the thing. I signed up to do the Spring Fling Fest and when I picked my prompt I thought it would be simple. I, however, was wrong because instead of writting a simple one shot that ranged about a thousand words or so I was ambushed by a rapid pack of plot bunnies who decided it would better if I merged the prompt with a previous idea I had. I had no idea how complex it would turn out. Suddenly, instead of two or three chapters this fic was 40+ pages long and close to 20,000 words. Those damn bunnies, they mean business. This fic took so much out of me I don't know if I'll ever sign up for another prompt fest again. And to the person who requested the prompt I really hope you like.
Title: A Stranger Is Watching
Author: cancer22
Summary: Danny finds out he has a stalker. How far will they go to obtain the object of their affection?
Rating: R if only for language and dark themes
Pairings: Steve/Danny established relationship
Characters: The entire cast and a few OC's
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None that I know of
Author's Note: Just want to send a shout out to ellie_pierson who not only was an excellent beta but gave me the encouragement I needed to finish.
Part One
It was a day like any other when Danny Williams walked into HQ Monday morning. As usual, on days when he had to drop Grace off at school, Chin was already there, standing next to the computer table talking to Kono who was on the other side sipping on a cup of coffee. He knew Steve was there as well but since he didn’t see his partner Danny concluded that he was either in his office or in another part of the building. Moments before he walked into his office Kono turned to him with a smile to bright for a Monday.
“Hey Danny, love the flowers on your desk,” she grinned as her eyes drifted towards his office.
“What?” replied Danny confused as he looked through his office window and sure enough there was an enormous vase of flowers sitting on his desk. Walking into his office, he moved closer to his desk and saw that they were a lily and pink roses combination with violets placed in the middle. That’s when he noticed the white envelope. Pulling it out, he opened the envelope and then pulled out the card.
‘Just wanted to show you I can do romance’ he read aloud knowing that Kono was standing behind him.
Kono whistled, walking over to Danny. “Boss-man may be oblivious when it comes to certain things but he sure knows how to make up,” she stated as she pulled out a rose and sniffed it. “I’ve never seen an arrangement so big.”
Danny remained speechless as wondered why Steve had sent him flowers. Sure they fought but never about something that warranted flowers afterwards, at least not to Danny’s knowledge. And yes he did mention that Steve could be a little romantic when it came to the two of them and their relationship. Thinking about that made Danny start to consider the fact that Steve actually listened to him and the flowers could be a ‘just because’ moment and he shouldn’t read so much into it. In fact he should head to Steve’s office and thank him for the gift. Well that was the plan but as soon as he entered Steve’s office the words of gratitude never made it to his lips.
“Why did you send me flowers?” he asked instead, arms folded. He didn’t give Steve a chance to continue as he went on. “When I mentioned romance I meant us going out for dinner every once in a while instead of grilling in the backyard. Not a bouquet of flowers the size of Kamekona’s head. In case you’ve forgotten I’m not a girl Steven.”
“It wasn’t me,” grumbled Steve without looking up.
“So you’re just gonna sit there and pretend you didn’t send me those,” Danny replied as he pointed towards his office.
“Um yeah because I didn’t. I’ve never ordered flowers in my life,” stated Steve grumbling again as his eyes flickered over where the flowers sat on Danny’s desk. He had seen them when he first walked in and couldn’t help the curious feeling that rose inside him, wanting desperately to know who they were from. “So, who are they from anyway,” he finally asked with a grunt.
“I don’t know, they didn’t sign the card,” answered Danny with a shrug as he handed the card to Steve who read it as well.
Steve frowned and gave the card back to Danny. “Well looks like you have a secret admirer Danny.”
“Yeah looks like it.” Danny suddenly went quiet as his eyes shifted from the card to Steve who now was glaring violently at the flowers. Now he understood why Steve wasn’t at the computer with Chin and Kono. He was hiding out in his office because he was jealous of the flowers he saw on Danny’s desk when he walked in, even before he knew who they were from. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at his boyfriend’s possessive behavior. “Oh calm down you goof,” he scoffed as he walked closer to Steve’s desk and sat down on the edge of it. Reaching out, cupped the back of Steve’s neck with his hand and pulled him closer. They’re just flowers. Nice flowers but still flowers and they don’t hold a candle to you.”
For the first time since Steve’s entered the office he smiled sheepishly. “You’re just saying that.”
Danny smiled back. “You’re right I am but it doesn’t change anything. Now stop being stupid and come out of your office already. We have a case to solve remember.” Leaning forward he kissed Steve before sliding off the desk and making his way towards the door, Steve right behind him. They were almost to the computer table when Danny turned around and smirked. “You know it wouldn’t kill you to send me flowers every once and in a while.”
Steve didn’t reply instead he pushed Danny which only caused the blond to laugh. ‘What have we got?” he asked Chin.
“Tyler Bates,” replied Chin as he slid the photo of the victim onto the screen. “Thirty-six year old white male was found on the side of the road severely beaten and his throat slit around six-thirty this morning. Was reported missing a day ago by his sister after he didn’t come home. She last saw him a Saturday night an hour before he headed out to Nau Wale No, a popular gay bar on the North Shore.”
“You think this was a hate crime?” asked Danny.
“It’s possible,” answered Kono with a nod. “There are rope burns on both the wrist and ankles concluding that he was tied up for a long period, probably while he was beaten. Also Charlie found high levels of Pentothal, a sedative, in his system so the killer must have dosed him with it repeatedly before finally killing him. Max concluded that Bates has been dead for at least twelve hours.”
“Any signs of sexual assault?”
Chin shook his head once more. “No.”
“So our killer kidnaps Tyler, drugs and beats him repeatedly, before slitting his throat and dumping him on the side of the road.”
“That about sums it up,” Chin answered Danny, frowning slightly.
“Not I mind or anything but why weren’t we called to the crime scene this morning if this is our case?” questioned Danny curiously.
“Well it was originally HPD case but the sister demanded we take the case instead.”
“Why?” This time it was Steve who asked the question.
Chin shrugged. “She doesn’t trust that the HPD will put any effort into finding her brother because he’s a gay man. It also doesn’t hurt that her husband is a very wealthy man with all the right connections.”
Danny gasped slightly. “Ah now that makes more sense. I bet the Governor jumped all over that idea.”
Steve nodded as he unfolded his arms and placed his hands on his hips and began giving orders to his team. “Alright Kono, Chin,” he began. “I want you two to head out to that bar and see if anybody recognizes him from Saturday night and Danny and I will go interview the family.”
“You got it boss,” replied Kono while Chin gave his own nod and followed his cousin out of the door.
“Come on Danno,” Steve smiled as he clapped his hands together loudly. “Let’s go find us a murderer.”
Danny simply rolled his eyes. “Goofball,” muttered Danny under his breath, making his way towards the door with Steve right behind him.
********
After trying to find evidence that would help solve Tyler Bates murderer, the team came up empty handed and decided to call it a day around seven o’clock that evening. Steve immediately requested that Danny come to his house and Danny agreed, stating that he had to stop by his place first find a movie the two of them could watch together.
“Took you long enough,” snorted Steve as Danny walked into the kitchen just as Steve was placing pizza on a paper plate.
Taking the plate, Danny picked up one of the slices and hungrily bit into it. “Yeah well,” he stated with a mouth full. “The movie wasn’t actually in the place I thought it was.”
“And where was it?”
“In one of the kitchen drawers that I am using as extra storage space.”
Steve let out a scoff. “Danny I don’t know why you even pay rent on that shit-hole apartment of yours when there’s plenty of space here.”
“No Steve,” replied Danny adamantly, shaking his head. “We tried living together before and you see how well that worked out.”
Steve rolled his eyes. “That’s because I was doing my partner a favor when he needed one. This time will be different.”
“Really, how?”
Pushing himself off the counter, he walked over to Danny and stood directly in front of him. “Well for starters,” whispered Steve seductively, sliding his hands down Danny’s side. You’ll be sleeping in the same bed as me and not on the sofa. Also I’m good at finding other alternatives to distract you from the sounds of the ocean that you hate so much.”
By this time Danny had already placed the plate on the counter as he leaned closer to Steve. “Well you are good at that.”
“Not to mention all the money and time you would save.”
“There is that.”
“See it would be fantastic if you moved in here. It’s not as though you don’t most of your nights here anyway and your clothes are hanging in my closet.”
It wasn’t as if Danny hadn’t thought about packing up his things and making Steve’s house his permanent place of residence but he couldn’t help but feel a bit reserved. He loved the relationship he had with Steve and he didn’t want anything to ruin that. And if that meant spending a few more months in his ratty apartment just until he was sure that he and Steve could handle living together permanently then so be it,especially if it made them stronger in the end. “Steve-”
Steve let out a sigh but pulled Danny closer. “Just tell me you’ll think about it, please. That’s all I ask.”
Danny agreed with a slight nod of his head. “But let me guess it won’t be the last time that you do.”
“You know me so well Danno,” grinned Steve.
Grinning, Danny leaned forward and gave Steve a passionate kiss. “What can I say? I passed Steve 101 with flying colors.” Pizza quickly forgotten, he didn’t even protest as Steve dragged him up the stairs and into the bedroom.
********
It had been a long day, to long for him but he knew he couldn’t go home just yet, his day at the office far from over. So instead he took the opportunity to go into the lounge and pour him a cup of coffee. If only to keep him awake long enough for his next appointment.
‘Sandy blond hair’
He let out a content sigh as his mind drifted to the first time he ever laid eyes on Detective Danny Williams. For him, it was love at first sight. Yes, it sounded horribly cliché but the world seemed to stand still as the detective sauntered his way into his office, a golden dog at his side. He had just finished with a patient when Danny came in, chattering away on his cellphone while he waited for his turn at the counter. Standing in the doorway, he listened as Danny went on about the importance and the value of romance in a relationship and watched the blond wave his hand about wildly. Finally when it was his turn at the counter he hung up the phone and gave Melinda, his assistant, a bright smile as he explained why he was there. His daughter’s dog hadn’t been eating and he wanted make sure everything was okay. It was hard for him to even pay attention because he was too busy staring at the man in front of him instead of listening.
He knew who Danny was of course. The detective was an avid member of the special task known as Five-0. He had seen Danny on television a multitude of times answering questions for the press when they were either working or solved a big case. Most of the time Danny stood next to the leader of the task force, Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett, a man who he considered to be an incompetent menace. It was no secret that the commander used unconventional methods to get results just like it wasn’t a secret that the pair were partners both on and off the job.
Sighing, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes as thoughts filled his mind. They were always good thoughts, special memories that meant more to him than anything in the entire world. The first time Danny looked at him, spoke to him, even touched him. Sure it was an accidental brush of the hands but it was enough to know what type of person Danny was. A good man with a good heart and soul and an even greater father. It was in those moments he knew he and Danny belonged together. That’s why he sent the flowers. It was time for him to go after what he longed for instead of pining away in the dark, grasping at fading memories. Danny was his and his only.
“Oh there you are Doctor Murray. I just wanted to let you know that your last appointment just arrived.”
Opening up his eyes, he saw that it was his assistant who interrupted him. “Thank you Melinda,” he answered with a put upon smile, trying not to grind his teeth in the process. “Can you place them in exam room three please.” “Of course,” she smiled back. “Are you okay? You seemed lost in thought for a minute there.”
“Yes I’m fine, just thinking.”
“About?”
“You know, a little of this, little of that.”
Melinda smirked playfully. “Well whoever you’re thinking about must be pretty special.”
“Alright you caught me and yes, they are really special.”
She chuckled happily and gave him a wave. “I’ll go let the patient know that you’ll be with them shortly,” she replied as she left the room.
He let out another sigh as he finished the remainder of coffee in his cup. Trust him to be interrupted when all he wanted was to be alone. Rinsing out the mug, he placed it on the side of the counter before smoothing out the wrinkles on his coat. Hopefully his last appointment would end quickly and he could go back to formulating his plan.
‘Sandy blond hair and ocean blue eyes’
A wide smile spread across his face at the thought and it was enough to carry him through the rest of the day.
********
So, do I have your attention. Part Two this way.
Title: A Stranger Is Watching
Author: cancer22
Summary: Danny finds out he has a stalker. How far will they go to obtain the object of their affection?
Rating: R if only for language and dark themes
Pairings: Steve/Danny established relationship
Characters: The entire cast and a few OC's
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None that I know of
Author's Note: Just want to send a shout out to ellie_pierson who not only was an excellent beta but gave me the encouragement I needed to finish.
Part One
It was a day like any other when Danny Williams walked into HQ Monday morning. As usual, on days when he had to drop Grace off at school, Chin was already there, standing next to the computer table talking to Kono who was on the other side sipping on a cup of coffee. He knew Steve was there as well but since he didn’t see his partner Danny concluded that he was either in his office or in another part of the building. Moments before he walked into his office Kono turned to him with a smile to bright for a Monday.
“Hey Danny, love the flowers on your desk,” she grinned as her eyes drifted towards his office.
“What?” replied Danny confused as he looked through his office window and sure enough there was an enormous vase of flowers sitting on his desk. Walking into his office, he moved closer to his desk and saw that they were a lily and pink roses combination with violets placed in the middle. That’s when he noticed the white envelope. Pulling it out, he opened the envelope and then pulled out the card.
‘Just wanted to show you I can do romance’ he read aloud knowing that Kono was standing behind him.
Kono whistled, walking over to Danny. “Boss-man may be oblivious when it comes to certain things but he sure knows how to make up,” she stated as she pulled out a rose and sniffed it. “I’ve never seen an arrangement so big.”
Danny remained speechless as wondered why Steve had sent him flowers. Sure they fought but never about something that warranted flowers afterwards, at least not to Danny’s knowledge. And yes he did mention that Steve could be a little romantic when it came to the two of them and their relationship. Thinking about that made Danny start to consider the fact that Steve actually listened to him and the flowers could be a ‘just because’ moment and he shouldn’t read so much into it. In fact he should head to Steve’s office and thank him for the gift. Well that was the plan but as soon as he entered Steve’s office the words of gratitude never made it to his lips.
“Why did you send me flowers?” he asked instead, arms folded. He didn’t give Steve a chance to continue as he went on. “When I mentioned romance I meant us going out for dinner every once in a while instead of grilling in the backyard. Not a bouquet of flowers the size of Kamekona’s head. In case you’ve forgotten I’m not a girl Steven.”
“It wasn’t me,” grumbled Steve without looking up.
“So you’re just gonna sit there and pretend you didn’t send me those,” Danny replied as he pointed towards his office.
“Um yeah because I didn’t. I’ve never ordered flowers in my life,” stated Steve grumbling again as his eyes flickered over where the flowers sat on Danny’s desk. He had seen them when he first walked in and couldn’t help the curious feeling that rose inside him, wanting desperately to know who they were from. “So, who are they from anyway,” he finally asked with a grunt.
“I don’t know, they didn’t sign the card,” answered Danny with a shrug as he handed the card to Steve who read it as well.
Steve frowned and gave the card back to Danny. “Well looks like you have a secret admirer Danny.”
“Yeah looks like it.” Danny suddenly went quiet as his eyes shifted from the card to Steve who now was glaring violently at the flowers. Now he understood why Steve wasn’t at the computer with Chin and Kono. He was hiding out in his office because he was jealous of the flowers he saw on Danny’s desk when he walked in, even before he knew who they were from. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at his boyfriend’s possessive behavior. “Oh calm down you goof,” he scoffed as he walked closer to Steve’s desk and sat down on the edge of it. Reaching out, cupped the back of Steve’s neck with his hand and pulled him closer. They’re just flowers. Nice flowers but still flowers and they don’t hold a candle to you.”
For the first time since Steve’s entered the office he smiled sheepishly. “You’re just saying that.”
Danny smiled back. “You’re right I am but it doesn’t change anything. Now stop being stupid and come out of your office already. We have a case to solve remember.” Leaning forward he kissed Steve before sliding off the desk and making his way towards the door, Steve right behind him. They were almost to the computer table when Danny turned around and smirked. “You know it wouldn’t kill you to send me flowers every once and in a while.”
Steve didn’t reply instead he pushed Danny which only caused the blond to laugh. ‘What have we got?” he asked Chin.
“Tyler Bates,” replied Chin as he slid the photo of the victim onto the screen. “Thirty-six year old white male was found on the side of the road severely beaten and his throat slit around six-thirty this morning. Was reported missing a day ago by his sister after he didn’t come home. She last saw him a Saturday night an hour before he headed out to Nau Wale No, a popular gay bar on the North Shore.”
“You think this was a hate crime?” asked Danny.
“It’s possible,” answered Kono with a nod. “There are rope burns on both the wrist and ankles concluding that he was tied up for a long period, probably while he was beaten. Also Charlie found high levels of Pentothal, a sedative, in his system so the killer must have dosed him with it repeatedly before finally killing him. Max concluded that Bates has been dead for at least twelve hours.”
“Any signs of sexual assault?”
Chin shook his head once more. “No.”
“So our killer kidnaps Tyler, drugs and beats him repeatedly, before slitting his throat and dumping him on the side of the road.”
“That about sums it up,” Chin answered Danny, frowning slightly.
“Not I mind or anything but why weren’t we called to the crime scene this morning if this is our case?” questioned Danny curiously.
“Well it was originally HPD case but the sister demanded we take the case instead.”
“Why?” This time it was Steve who asked the question.
Chin shrugged. “She doesn’t trust that the HPD will put any effort into finding her brother because he’s a gay man. It also doesn’t hurt that her husband is a very wealthy man with all the right connections.”
Danny gasped slightly. “Ah now that makes more sense. I bet the Governor jumped all over that idea.”
Steve nodded as he unfolded his arms and placed his hands on his hips and began giving orders to his team. “Alright Kono, Chin,” he began. “I want you two to head out to that bar and see if anybody recognizes him from Saturday night and Danny and I will go interview the family.”
“You got it boss,” replied Kono while Chin gave his own nod and followed his cousin out of the door.
“Come on Danno,” Steve smiled as he clapped his hands together loudly. “Let’s go find us a murderer.”
Danny simply rolled his eyes. “Goofball,” muttered Danny under his breath, making his way towards the door with Steve right behind him.
********
After trying to find evidence that would help solve Tyler Bates murderer, the team came up empty handed and decided to call it a day around seven o’clock that evening. Steve immediately requested that Danny come to his house and Danny agreed, stating that he had to stop by his place first find a movie the two of them could watch together.
“Took you long enough,” snorted Steve as Danny walked into the kitchen just as Steve was placing pizza on a paper plate.
Taking the plate, Danny picked up one of the slices and hungrily bit into it. “Yeah well,” he stated with a mouth full. “The movie wasn’t actually in the place I thought it was.”
“And where was it?”
“In one of the kitchen drawers that I am using as extra storage space.”
Steve let out a scoff. “Danny I don’t know why you even pay rent on that shit-hole apartment of yours when there’s plenty of space here.”
“No Steve,” replied Danny adamantly, shaking his head. “We tried living together before and you see how well that worked out.”
Steve rolled his eyes. “That’s because I was doing my partner a favor when he needed one. This time will be different.”
“Really, how?”
Pushing himself off the counter, he walked over to Danny and stood directly in front of him. “Well for starters,” whispered Steve seductively, sliding his hands down Danny’s side. You’ll be sleeping in the same bed as me and not on the sofa. Also I’m good at finding other alternatives to distract you from the sounds of the ocean that you hate so much.”
By this time Danny had already placed the plate on the counter as he leaned closer to Steve. “Well you are good at that.”
“Not to mention all the money and time you would save.”
“There is that.”
“See it would be fantastic if you moved in here. It’s not as though you don’t most of your nights here anyway and your clothes are hanging in my closet.”
It wasn’t as if Danny hadn’t thought about packing up his things and making Steve’s house his permanent place of residence but he couldn’t help but feel a bit reserved. He loved the relationship he had with Steve and he didn’t want anything to ruin that. And if that meant spending a few more months in his ratty apartment just until he was sure that he and Steve could handle living together permanently then so be it,especially if it made them stronger in the end. “Steve-”
Steve let out a sigh but pulled Danny closer. “Just tell me you’ll think about it, please. That’s all I ask.”
Danny agreed with a slight nod of his head. “But let me guess it won’t be the last time that you do.”
“You know me so well Danno,” grinned Steve.
Grinning, Danny leaned forward and gave Steve a passionate kiss. “What can I say? I passed Steve 101 with flying colors.” Pizza quickly forgotten, he didn’t even protest as Steve dragged him up the stairs and into the bedroom.
********
It had been a long day, to long for him but he knew he couldn’t go home just yet, his day at the office far from over. So instead he took the opportunity to go into the lounge and pour him a cup of coffee. If only to keep him awake long enough for his next appointment.
‘Sandy blond hair’
He let out a content sigh as his mind drifted to the first time he ever laid eyes on Detective Danny Williams. For him, it was love at first sight. Yes, it sounded horribly cliché but the world seemed to stand still as the detective sauntered his way into his office, a golden dog at his side. He had just finished with a patient when Danny came in, chattering away on his cellphone while he waited for his turn at the counter. Standing in the doorway, he listened as Danny went on about the importance and the value of romance in a relationship and watched the blond wave his hand about wildly. Finally when it was his turn at the counter he hung up the phone and gave Melinda, his assistant, a bright smile as he explained why he was there. His daughter’s dog hadn’t been eating and he wanted make sure everything was okay. It was hard for him to even pay attention because he was too busy staring at the man in front of him instead of listening.
He knew who Danny was of course. The detective was an avid member of the special task known as Five-0. He had seen Danny on television a multitude of times answering questions for the press when they were either working or solved a big case. Most of the time Danny stood next to the leader of the task force, Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett, a man who he considered to be an incompetent menace. It was no secret that the commander used unconventional methods to get results just like it wasn’t a secret that the pair were partners both on and off the job.
Sighing, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes as thoughts filled his mind. They were always good thoughts, special memories that meant more to him than anything in the entire world. The first time Danny looked at him, spoke to him, even touched him. Sure it was an accidental brush of the hands but it was enough to know what type of person Danny was. A good man with a good heart and soul and an even greater father. It was in those moments he knew he and Danny belonged together. That’s why he sent the flowers. It was time for him to go after what he longed for instead of pining away in the dark, grasping at fading memories. Danny was his and his only.
“Oh there you are Doctor Murray. I just wanted to let you know that your last appointment just arrived.”
Opening up his eyes, he saw that it was his assistant who interrupted him. “Thank you Melinda,” he answered with a put upon smile, trying not to grind his teeth in the process. “Can you place them in exam room three please.” “Of course,” she smiled back. “Are you okay? You seemed lost in thought for a minute there.”
“Yes I’m fine, just thinking.”
“About?”
“You know, a little of this, little of that.”
Melinda smirked playfully. “Well whoever you’re thinking about must be pretty special.”
“Alright you caught me and yes, they are really special.”
She chuckled happily and gave him a wave. “I’ll go let the patient know that you’ll be with them shortly,” she replied as she left the room.
He let out another sigh as he finished the remainder of coffee in his cup. Trust him to be interrupted when all he wanted was to be alone. Rinsing out the mug, he placed it on the side of the counter before smoothing out the wrinkles on his coat. Hopefully his last appointment would end quickly and he could go back to formulating his plan.
‘Sandy blond hair and ocean blue eyes’
A wide smile spread across his face at the thought and it was enough to carry him through the rest of the day.
********
So, do I have your attention. Part Two this way.