New Fic: A Time to Heal Part Fourteen
Title: A Time to Heal
Author: Twilight
Summary: What the hell just happened? One minute he was holding his gun on Davis and the next he was on the ground with Danny bleeding all over him.
Rated: Pg 13
Feedback: Always welcome
Part One
Part Fourteen
Steve rubbed his hands up and over his head, feeling bone tired and stiff in his joints, the chair in Danny’s new room doing a number on his abused back, but Danny was sleeping peacefully and drug free for the first time in almost two weeks, puffing out snuffled breaths through his slightly parted mouth.
This morning, Danny’s fever had been down for the third day in a row and he had finished his second course of IV antibiotics, so Dr. Hoy deemed him well enough to be moved to the step down unit and Steve was relieved…it looked like Danny was finally over that last hurdle and getting better.
A few hours ago, they had moved him to a corner room, which was bright and airy, two of the adjoining walls had banks of large windows and Danny could clearly see the sky and near by buildings and if he chose to get up and move around the room, he could look out through the slotted shades to see people and cars, life bustling in the courtyards and streets below.
This had seemed to go a long way in settling Danny’s nerves, helping him relax and rest, because the last several days had been hell on all of them.
New tests, new procedures, new medicines, but Danny’s fever had burned on…not too elevated, but high enough to make Danny miserable, which in turn made Steve anxious and worried.
Danny had been jumpy and fidgety, scaring the life out of Steve when he had found him days before, thrashing on the floor, suffering an apparent panic attack.
After that Danny had been withdrawn and at times… weepy. Like when he had awoken from another vivid medicine-induced dream, grabbing desperately at his mother’s arm, as she wiped at Danny’s heated neck and face with a cool damp cloth, begging her for her and his pop to forgive him, for not being able to stop his brother from getting on that plane and running.
Mel had just hushed Danny, leaning in to kiss at his bruised cheek, telling her son that he wasn’t responsible for his brother’s actions and Jim…Jim had to excuse himself, walking from the room with bright eyes and a frown so much like Danny’s. But he returned quickly, taking up his son’s hand and holding it for the rest of the afternoon, patting it and shushing Danny at every twitch and mumble.
Steve couldn’t help but to feel a tiny pang of…jealousy...for a family that loved and wasn’t ashamed to show it. But it passed quickly when on one of his nervous-pacing circuits around the room; Mel had grabbed him and pulled him into a bear hug, whispering to him her own gratitude, her appreciation for Steve in Danny’s life. And that tiny jealous place was filled up with something Steve couldn’t quite name, something that he had missed out on growing up, because of his own family’s dysfunction
Steve rationally knew... these people...they weren’t perfect, but they were pretty damn close and he wanted to be apart of that.
Later that evening, Danny had emerged from an uneasy sleep when Kono had come for a visit, and he would barely look at her, his eyes skittering around her, but never settling on her face. He only spoke one word answers when Kono had directly asked him some questions, wincing at Kono’s raised voice, because she was still recovering from her own injuries.
And when Steve had questioned him when she had left a little while later, Danny confided in quiet answer that he had felt like what had happened to his team was somehow his fault… because he had been seriously hurt and couldn’t be with them to back them up...because his team maybe hadn’t been as careful and cautious as they could have been, anxious to get the person responsible for landing Danny in the hospital, fighting for his life.
Steve understood Danny’s frustration, and he really understood the feeling of helplessness, but nothing that had happened had been Danny’s fault…now he just had to get Danny to believe it.
So he tried to assure him that no one…not him or Kono or Chin had blamed Danny for the outcome of the case, but Steve wasn’t sure how successful he had been, because even though Danny had nodded in all the right places during Steve’s talk, he had turned his head away when Steve was done and closed his eyes, falling into another bout of restless sleep.
Tina had come into the room then, a tentative smile on her face, because Danny had been even shying away from hospital personnel that had entered his ICU room…the Phlebotomist that came to draw Danny’s blood for testing, the people who brought his food three times a day, even the nurses that had been with him since the beginning.
Tina had looked over the readings on the near by machines, Danny’s heart rate, his blood pressure, the IV connections. She had pulled out a thermometer and took Danny’s temperature, which was still hovering just under one hundred and explained, that as long as his temp was still down, they would move him in the morning.
Danny’s folks had gone home, to Steve’s for the night, but Steve had curled up in the reclining chair and tried to get some rest, because he couldn’t leave Danny, not after the panic attack and the whispered words that Danny had been chanting, because Steve had made a promise and he intended to keep it.
In the morning, Amy had come in and after the usual checks, had removed the heart monitoring equipment, the IV lines. She even pulled the drainage tubes near Danny’s incision, checking the healing wounds and then covering them with a special bandage so that Danny could shower later and within the hour, Danny was on his way to his new room on the third floor.
After the staff had gotten him settled, Danny looked around the space, gave a small smile and sank back into his pillows, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
And Steve...Steve had been watching Danny sleeping peacefully…creepy or not…ever since.
Danny moved then, rolled a little to his side and looked around his new room with sleepy eyes.
Steve stood and leaned over the raised rail, dotting a kiss onto the fading and yellowing bruise on Danny’s cheekbone. “Hey babe…did you get a good nap?”
Danny nodded, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand and a tiny line of drool, “yeah…what time is it?”
Steve looked at his watch, and then showed Danny the display face. “Its almost noon…you want to get out of bed, maybe sit up for a bit?”
“Yeah,” he pressed the control that raised the head of the bed, grabbing the rail to help shift himself up, running the other hand through his wavy curls. “I need to pee again.”
Steve waited until Danny had swung is legs down to dangle off the bed before stepping in and wrapping Danny in his arms. If asked, he wouldn’t be able to express just what he was feeling at that moment, but he knew he wanted to hold Danny, hold him close for as long as Danny would allow.
And Danny...he buried his face in the crook of Steve’s neck...breathing him in deep...putting his arms around Steve’s middle.
Steve let his hands wonder up and down the plains of Danny's spine, rubbing at knotted muscles there, his neck and shoulders, the small of his back.
His fingers skimmed over the small band aid there and then around to the gauze at Danny’s sides, one covering the bullet wound and one covering the place where the chest tube had been. For some reason, he wanted to gently touch Danny’s belly too, but that would require moving him from their comforting embrace, so he settled for kneading muscles one-handed at Danny’s shoulder blades, his hips, using the other to smooth through Danny’s messy hair.
And if the contented sigh was anything to go by, Danny seemed to be enjoying Steve’s attention, but eventually he lifted his head, giving Steve a quick peck on the lips and then sitting up. “I want to continue this when I get back, but right now…”
Steve released him, stepping back, but didn’t offer help, because Danny had been a little…snappy lately...feeling sick and out of control of his own body, and just wanting to be allowed to do things on his own.
Danny shifted down, holding on to the side table for support, but he seemed steadier on his feet today.
Steve followed along fairly close, just in case and waited by the partially closed bathroom door, hearing clothing rustle and Danny’s strained voice, “Are my parents out to lunch?”
“They’re in the cafeteria…are you okay with,” Steve picked up the daily menu that told them what Danny’s food would be for the day and read off the list, “a turkey and low fat Swiss cheese sandwich on white bread…fruit salad…skim milk and cranberry juice…or do you want your folks to bring you up something?”
Because sometimes, Danny just couldn't eat what was given him and they would end up getting him noodle soup or a slice of white bread with a spread of creamy peanut butter.
The toilet finally flushed and Steve heard the water running from the tap, staying on longer than necessary to wash hands, so he guessed that Danny had found the shaving kit with his toiletries and a new toothbrush and tooth paste his mom had brought.
Once the water was turned off, Danny shuffled out, looking a little flushed and sweaty, but he went for his chair and gingerly settled in it before he answered Steve. “I’m not all that hungry, so it doesn’t matter.”
Steve wanted to argue with him, but he knew it wouldn’t get him anywhere and only upset Danny.
Besides, Jim and Mel would be back soon and Danny never argued with his mom when she told him to finish his food.
“When can I take a shower?” Danny asked, his gaze drawn to the window and the open blinds, the soft sunlight filtering in and the dust particles floating in the air. “I’m feeling pretty scuzzy.”
Steve shrugged, but moved toward the door, “hang on a sec and let me check.”
The nurse’s station was just down the hall and the nurse that had helped settle Danny in his new room was behind it, fingers gliding over the keyboard, looking intently at the computer screen.
Steve had to read her name tag...Malie, but she smiled up at him when he got close enough, her dark eyes friendly. “What can I help you with, Steve?”
“I ah…well; Danny wanted to take a shower, if that’s okay?”
“Sure,” she scooted off her stool, coming around the kiosk and heading for Danny’s room. “Good afternoon, Danny,” she greeted, breezing in and opening a cabinet along the far wall, pulling out some towels and taking them into the bathroom.
They could hear the shower running and then she poked her head back out of the door. “When you’re ready, you can get in…but sit on the bench. The shower head is adjustable and comes off so you can direct the spray. Try not to get your bandages too wet and be sure to just pat dry, okay?”
Danny nodded, starting to push himself up from his chair.
“Steve, can you stay close?” she asked him.
“Sure…not a problem,” she gave his arm a little pat on her way out as he followed Danny into the tiny bathroom.
There was a bar of institutional soap and a little bottle of shampoo, a wash cloth hung over a rail inside of the bath, towels folded on the sink counter and a bath mat lay on the floor in front of the shower. “How do you want to do this, babe?” he asked, because he didn’t want to presume Danny would want Steve to see him naked, even though he would really like too. And not because of his libido, but because Steve had an unexplained need to see the damage done to Danny’s body...to see with his own eyes that Danny was healing.
Instead of answering, Danny pulled back the generic plastic curtain, letting out some steam, which clouded the small room.
He reached up and undid the strings of his gown, with his back turned to Steve he dropped it to the floor, giving Steve a perfect view of his ass and Steve had to reevaluate his reasoning’s.
“Stop staring at my ass,” Danny teased, but not turning...letting Steve look his fill before stepping over the little metal threshold and into the space, sitting on the plastic fold-down seat and pulling the curtain almost all the way closed.
Steve sat on the only other available surface, the closed toilet seat, waiting to see if Danny needed help.
He watched in silhouette, through the flimsy curtain as Danny soaped up his wash cloth and ran it up and under his arms, listening to the low moans as the hot water loosened stiff and tired muscles.
Danny grunted as he bent a little, lifting his feet to wash, along with his legs and Steve felt slightly stalkerish, but he couldn’t turn his eyes away from the sights and sounds, proof of Danny’s healing, his recovery.
The nozzle was removed and Danny directed the spray to wash the soap from his skin, used it to wet his head and than lather his hair before rinsing.
Danny sat under the warm water for another few minutes before shutting the faucet off.
Steve grabbed one of the towels and held it open in front of him, so that when Danny pushed the shower curtain back, he could step into its folds and let Steve wrap it around his wet body.
He maneuvered Danny to the closed toilet seat and sat him there, using a hand towel to dry Danny's shoulders and neck, rubbing briskly through Danny's hair.
“Not a word,” Danny smirked, looking Steve in the eyes, daring him to make fun of the mess on Danny’s head, but he didn’t say anything…instead he moved lower, running the towel down both legs and picking up each of Danny’s feet, rubbing them dry.
When he looked up, Danny had a peculiar little smile on his face, his eyes squinting and Steve didn’t think he had seen that look before, but he liked it…liked it a lot.
Danny let the towel part and Steve got a close up look at the taped pad covering Danny’s incisions, the little punctures where the drainage tube had been and his dripping colostomy bag.
He didn’t give much thought when he gently grasped the bag, being careful not to put much pressure on it and dried it off with the hand towel he still held.
Danny used the corners to wipe under his arms and pat his chest and belly dry, the rest of the moisture on his skin absorbed by the towel he had wrapped himself in.
“Is that good?” Steve asked, wanting to make sure Danny felt comfortable.
“Yeah…I think its fine.” He wrapped himself in the towel again, pushing up from the toilet as Steve stood too, pulling Danny in close.
“All done in there,” Malie asked, peaking into the small room.
Steve nodded, but he didn’t release Danny until the nurse left and came back carrying a small duffle.
She handed it to Steve and he recognized it as the bag Mel had packed and delivered this morning, along with a huge breakfast for Steve and creamy poached eggs for Danny, when they had found out Danny was going to the step down unit.
“I just need to check a few things and than you can help him get dressed. Can you sit back down for a minute, Danny?”
Steve guided him back to the toilet seat and stepped back to the corner of the room. Unwilling to leave, he busied himself with folding the towel he had used to dry Danny.
The nurse pulled the one wrapped around her patient opened, letting it pool in Danny’s lap and looked at the gauze and bandages on Danny’s skin. She picked off the band aid at the small of his back and removed the squares of cotton on each side and Steve got a good look at the puckering scars. She took off the ones in the front too, inspecting the strips of tape running up from Danny’s pubic bone to just below his chest, covering the surgical incision.
“We can leave these off now,” she explained, “In a few more days you can start using some lotion made to help smooth out scars on your sides and when your sutures come out you can use it there too.” She straightened up, backing toward the door, “Your lunch will be here soon, so go ahead and get dressed and after you eat, if you feel up to it, you can take a walk.”
“Thanks, Malie.” Steve said and heard Danny echo him.
When they were alone again, Steve unzipped the bag and pulled out a tube of deodorant.
“Oh, yes,” Danny grabbed for it and yanked off the cap, smearing the stuff under both arms, looking very pleased with himself. “What?”
“Nothing,” Steve laughed, taking it back and putting it on the counter near the toothbrush and paste Danny had used earlier.
He found a pair of blue boxer briefs, blue and grey checkered sleep pants and a soft grey tee, all smelling freshly laundered.
Danny’s eyes lit up when he saw the undergarments and made gimme hands, but Steve took the tee shirt instead, helping Danny thread his arms through and pulling it down to cover him. Danny tentatively stood, cheeks turning a little pink as he shucked the towel and stepped into the boxers and sleep pants Steve held and once Steve had them in place, he leaned in and kissed Danny’s neck, “you’re beautiful…do you know that?”
Danny huffed against his chest, shaking his head, but Steve just tightened his hold, saying, “yes you are, believe it…beautiful…every inch.”
Danny opened his mouth, like he wasn’t quite done with the subject, but then his mother’s voice rang out and she tapped on the bathroom door, “Daniel…are you in there?”
“Almost done, Ma…be out in a few.”
“Okay, baby…I brought you some…”
But Steve tuned out her voice as she moved away from the door and Danny reached up and kissed him, saying, “It’s just…it’s been a long time, you understand…but I’m starting to believe you.”
Steve buried his nose in Danny’s damp hair, drinking in the clean scent of him, knowing he would need to comb it soon, or it would be a hopeless mess, but he nodded, “You can believe it, babe…I won’t lie to you, even if you don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
Danny snickered, pushing back and turning to look in the mirror, his eyes growing large as he took in the state of his hair. “Please tell me you have a comb or brush in that bag?”
Steve rummaged through it, but didn’t see one. He checked the shaving kit bag too, but came up empty. “Maybe…”
“Ma,” Danny called and his mother came to the door, pushing it open a little, a huge smile on her face when she saw Danny dressed and standing, her eyes going to the unruly hair.
“Oh, dear…okay, just hang on a sec.” She left and they could hear her searching through her purse, the contents scattering as she upended it. “I found a comb…is that okay, sweetie?”
“Yup…that’ll work.”
She passed the comb into Steve, who handed it to Danny, who ran it through his blond strands, wincing when he found a few tangles, but soon his hair was smooth, combed back, like he usually wore it. But Steve knew that without product, it would curl as it dried…not that he was complaining.
Danny shuffled passed him, patting him once on the chest and Steve could here Jim saying, “Looking good, Monkey Boy,” before Steve could make it out of the bathroom.
He grabbed the towel Danny had left draped over the toilet seat and the one he still held, the dirty gown and tossed them all into a cloth hamper that sat near the door to the hallway…a real door, wooden and solid and normal…
Danny’s dad was helping him ease down into his chair and Danny’s mom had taken a new pair of slippers from a Wal-Mart bag and slid them on to Danny’s feet. “Did you eat yet, baby?”
Danny shook his head, looking like he might want to roll his eyes, but thought better of it. “Not yet, Ma…it should be here soon.”
“Kay…” and she settled into the chair. Jim took a seat on the bed, leaving the other chair open for Steve.
He sank down in it, feeling suddenly tired, but he settled in to listen to what Danny’s folks were saying, missing the beginning.
“…so that way, she can spend the weekend with us, if Steve doesn’t mind.”
They all turned to him and he nodded, not really knowing what he was agreeing too, but Danny must have known that too and took pity on him, saying, “That’s nice of Rachel and Gracie loves to spend time at Steve’s…you guys don’t have to come here every…I mean, you should explore the island…enjoy yourselves while you’re here…before you have to leave…” and Steve could sense the question in Danny’s statement…he wanted to know how long his ma and pop would be around and he could also tell that Danny was hoping it would be for awhile.
“Danny,” Mel said, reaching across to take Danny’s hand, “as much as it’s nice to spend time with my grandbaby, and God knows me and pop miss her dearly, I rather spend time with my own baby…you are not a bother or burden or deterrent for me and pop…we came here for you, not to vacation.”
And then Jim added, “Besides, you can show us around this rock when you’re feeling better.”
Danny’s eyes widened and he looked to his dad, “But Pop…what about work…the house…Dinky…”
“Ruthie has Dinky,” Jim said, shaking his head, “Bee and Bec have been stopping by, checking in on the house and you know how your Ma has been on me to take some time…maybe even retire.”
Now Danny’s eyes were welling, but he didn’t say anything…for the first time in Steve’s experience, Danny didn’t seem to know what to say.
So Steve decided to ask what he really wanted to know, “Dinky?”
Mel giggled and Jim rolled his eyes, but it was Danny who answered, “Dinky is a little terror of fur and barks and snips at anyone who dares go near Ma…I have to fight him off every time I’ve come for a visit, just to kiss my own mother.”
“You think you got it bad, kiddo” Jim spoke up, laughter clear in his voice, “try living with the little shit…I got so many scars just from kissing your mother good morning…in our own bed.”
Danny laughed and Mel piped in, “you all should know not to mess with Dinky or his ma…speaking of the girls, I’ve checked with the charge nurse and she told me your room has internet access, so maybe a little later you’d might like to Skype your sisters…they’re all pretty anxious to see you.”
The next few minutes were filled with embarrassing stories of Danny with his sisters growing up and the things they used to con him into doing with a smile or a pout, like paint his nails…"Clear polish only." And the tea parties he had to attend when he was in charge of them for the night, while his parent snuck out on a rare date. He offered homework and sporting events help and investigated each and every new suitor, much to the girls’ dismay.
But Steve knew, all that was just practice for Gracie and probably a big part of why Danny was such a great dad.
Soon after their laughter died down, Danny’s lunch came and he picked at his sandwich, eating it in torn off pieces, but he managed to drink his milk and juice, not really interested in the peeled apples or melons.
Danny’s mother didn’t comment, so she must have been satisfied, but while Danny fiddled with the rest of the sandwich, Jim stood and offered, “How about I go down and get Steve and you some soup, some dessert…”
Steve had had a huge breakfast this morning, courtesy of Danny’s mom, who was intent on feeding him, so he wasn’t really hungry, but he knew he had to say yes so Danny would want to eat what his dad brought back too. “I could go for something…thanks Jim.”
Danny pushed the bowl of fruit back, having only nibbled on a piece of melon, but he looked like he was really finished for now. “Don’t think I don’t know what just happened there,” he said, giving Steve the stink eye.
But his mother told him, “leave them alone, babe…you know how your pop worries and now you have Steve to look after you too…might as well get used to it.”
Steve's heart did a funny little flutter at the acceptance in Mel's voice, but Danny didn’t comment. He sunk back into his chair, rolling his shoulders, trying to get more comfortable and after a while, his eyes began to droop.
It would take a while yet for Danny to regain his stamina
Steve thought that maybe he should get up, move around, or he might be taking his own nap, but Danny’s mom reached out and grabbed his arm. “When I stopped by Danny’s apartment, I found a tenants warning…I brought it with me, but I don’t want to burden Danny with it. It says he missed his rent date.”
“Can I see it,” Steve whispered, not wanting to wake his partner. He read the notice, a little shocked at how high the rent was at Danny’s newest place.
“I’ll have to bring it up, because I’m sure he’ll have other utilities he needs to pay and I wanted to find out about his hospital bills too…what he’ll be responsible for.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Steve told her. “He was hurt in the line of duty, so he won’t have to foot any of the bills. I’ll make sure of it. Can I hold on to this?” He was thinking he could bring it up later, while he and Danny took a walk and his parents went to pick up Grace.
If things kept going like they were, Danny would be released in a few days or so and he would need someone with him for a bit. Danny’s parents were already staying with Steve, so it made sense that Danny would too and why pay for rent and electric, cable and internet at a place he wouldn’t be at for a few more weeks…besides, Steve liked the idea of having Danny close.
They both turned at approaching foot steps, expecting to see Jim at the door with a tray from the cafeteria, but Steve jumped up when he saw the man dressed in an expensive suit. Mel probably didn’t know who it was at Danny’s door, but she stood just after Steve did.
“Governor Denning,” Steve moved forward to shake the man’s hand.
“Commander,” the governor returned the firm grip and then reached out for Mel's, “Mrs. Williams.”
She shook it, turning when she heard her son shift, his quick catch of breath, dropping Denning’s hand and dismissing him as she moved to kneel in front of Danny.
“Are you okay?” she asked and Danny nodded, rubbing his hand over his eyes and looking around, jerking a little when he spotted Denning, starting to push himself up, but his ma put a firm hand on his shoulder, saying, “I don’t care if its the president of this great country…you stay put…he can come to you,” and she shot Denning a look, just daring him to contradict her, but Denning nodded, moving around the cluster of chairs and reaching to shake Danny’s hand.
“Quite right, Mrs. Williams,” he gave her a small smile and Steve made a mental note to never cross Danny’s mom, seeing for himself where Danny got his feisty spirit from. “I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing and I wanted to thank you, on behalf of myself and the State of Hawaii, for your honorable service in the line of duty.”
Danny looked like he didn’t know what to say, but he accepted the praise, looking from Steve, to his mother, to the governor, before clearing his throat and speaking, “thank you, sir…but I was only doing my job.”
“And a job well done, son…” Denning stepped back as Danny’s dad came in, holding a tray of food.
“Here we go,” he announced, stopping in his tracks when he spotted Denning.
“Ah...Mr. Williams. I’m Governor Denning, I just stopped by to check in on Danny and to thank him for his service,” and Mel took the food from her husband, sitting it on the table so Jim could shake the governor's hand too.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir.” Jim said, looking vaguely uncomfortable, but still polite enough to maintain eye contact.
“Yes, well…Commander, if I could speak with you for a moment?” Denning moved toward the door, “and Detective, I wish you a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you, sir.”
They stepped into the hall and Steve pulled the door closed behind them.
Denning got right to the point. “I wanted to report the findings of the case and to let you know it has been officially closed. The team has concluded that there was no direct connection between the two cases in which the gun was used, but because of your work, a major drug operation has been disbanded.”
Steve crossed his arms over his chest, fearing a ‘but’ was coming,
Denning finished with, “I realize your team is handicapped at this time, so I would like to offer another week of paid leave for you and Officer Kalakaua. I’ve spoken with Detective Kelly this morning and he informed me that he would be out at least two more weeks and I understand it could be months before Detective Williams may be ready to return to light duty, so in the interim, I have compiled a list of officers who can work with your unit and fill in until your members are able to return to active duty.”
“Yes, sir…” Steve knew it was a real possibility…that a replacement was in order and so did Danny…at least the governor wasn’t entertaining ideas of a permanent new member and pushing Danny out completely, “thank you, sir.”
Back in the room, Danny perked up, dropping his spoon and watching as Steve walked in and sprawled in his seat.
Steve gave him a small smile, but didn’t think that it put Danny at ease.
“You know,” Jim said, looking at his watch. “I think we can go pick up Grace, spend some time…be back here by three…that’ll give you a few hours to rest before hurricane Gracie blows in.”
Danny pulled his eyes from Steve, looking a little confused, but agreed, “Yeah…thanks pop.”
Danny’s mom put the lid back on the soft noodles and broth, sitting it on the end table along with the spoon before bending and kissing Danny on the head.
His dad patted his shoulder as he passed, “be back soon, Monkey Boy...try to behave yourself in our absence...no more black eyes...”
“So…” was out of Danny’s mouth as soon as his parent’s cleared the threshold and Steve could tell Danny was worried and didn’t like it one bit.
“So nothing,” he assured, looking at his own bowl of noodles, which contained less broth. He used the chop sticks placed on his napkin to scoop some up and shove them in his mouth, swallowing before he continued. “He just wanted to thank us again, let me know that he expects me and Kono back to work in a week…”
Danny didn’t look convinced, but Steve didn’t see the point in telling him now that they would have to find someone to fill in for Danny until he was able to return to work himself.
It was too far off to worry about and besides, Danny needed to concentrate on getting better.
He ate in a comfortable silence while Danny stared out the windows at the passing clouds. When he was finished, he tossed the container in the trash and asked, “How about we take a walk in the courtyard, get a little sun?”
Danny turned toward him, a far way look on his face and Steve wondered what he had been thinking about. “I would like that very much, thank you.”
So he went down the hall to the nurse’s station, asking Malie if he could get a wheel chair for Danny, planning on pushing him down to the courtyard and them taking a leisurely stroll through the flower gardens...sitting on a bench to rest when Danny got tired...
His heart beat picked up as he pushed the chair back to Danny's room.
...and then Steve would spring his plan for Danny once he was released, hoping that Danny would agree.
Part Fifteen
Author: Twilight
Summary: What the hell just happened? One minute he was holding his gun on Davis and the next he was on the ground with Danny bleeding all over him.
Rated: Pg 13
Feedback: Always welcome
Part One
Part Fourteen
Steve rubbed his hands up and over his head, feeling bone tired and stiff in his joints, the chair in Danny’s new room doing a number on his abused back, but Danny was sleeping peacefully and drug free for the first time in almost two weeks, puffing out snuffled breaths through his slightly parted mouth.
This morning, Danny’s fever had been down for the third day in a row and he had finished his second course of IV antibiotics, so Dr. Hoy deemed him well enough to be moved to the step down unit and Steve was relieved…it looked like Danny was finally over that last hurdle and getting better.
A few hours ago, they had moved him to a corner room, which was bright and airy, two of the adjoining walls had banks of large windows and Danny could clearly see the sky and near by buildings and if he chose to get up and move around the room, he could look out through the slotted shades to see people and cars, life bustling in the courtyards and streets below.
This had seemed to go a long way in settling Danny’s nerves, helping him relax and rest, because the last several days had been hell on all of them.
New tests, new procedures, new medicines, but Danny’s fever had burned on…not too elevated, but high enough to make Danny miserable, which in turn made Steve anxious and worried.
Danny had been jumpy and fidgety, scaring the life out of Steve when he had found him days before, thrashing on the floor, suffering an apparent panic attack.
After that Danny had been withdrawn and at times… weepy. Like when he had awoken from another vivid medicine-induced dream, grabbing desperately at his mother’s arm, as she wiped at Danny’s heated neck and face with a cool damp cloth, begging her for her and his pop to forgive him, for not being able to stop his brother from getting on that plane and running.
Mel had just hushed Danny, leaning in to kiss at his bruised cheek, telling her son that he wasn’t responsible for his brother’s actions and Jim…Jim had to excuse himself, walking from the room with bright eyes and a frown so much like Danny’s. But he returned quickly, taking up his son’s hand and holding it for the rest of the afternoon, patting it and shushing Danny at every twitch and mumble.
Steve couldn’t help but to feel a tiny pang of…jealousy...for a family that loved and wasn’t ashamed to show it. But it passed quickly when on one of his nervous-pacing circuits around the room; Mel had grabbed him and pulled him into a bear hug, whispering to him her own gratitude, her appreciation for Steve in Danny’s life. And that tiny jealous place was filled up with something Steve couldn’t quite name, something that he had missed out on growing up, because of his own family’s dysfunction
Steve rationally knew... these people...they weren’t perfect, but they were pretty damn close and he wanted to be apart of that.
Later that evening, Danny had emerged from an uneasy sleep when Kono had come for a visit, and he would barely look at her, his eyes skittering around her, but never settling on her face. He only spoke one word answers when Kono had directly asked him some questions, wincing at Kono’s raised voice, because she was still recovering from her own injuries.
And when Steve had questioned him when she had left a little while later, Danny confided in quiet answer that he had felt like what had happened to his team was somehow his fault… because he had been seriously hurt and couldn’t be with them to back them up...because his team maybe hadn’t been as careful and cautious as they could have been, anxious to get the person responsible for landing Danny in the hospital, fighting for his life.
Steve understood Danny’s frustration, and he really understood the feeling of helplessness, but nothing that had happened had been Danny’s fault…now he just had to get Danny to believe it.
So he tried to assure him that no one…not him or Kono or Chin had blamed Danny for the outcome of the case, but Steve wasn’t sure how successful he had been, because even though Danny had nodded in all the right places during Steve’s talk, he had turned his head away when Steve was done and closed his eyes, falling into another bout of restless sleep.
Tina had come into the room then, a tentative smile on her face, because Danny had been even shying away from hospital personnel that had entered his ICU room…the Phlebotomist that came to draw Danny’s blood for testing, the people who brought his food three times a day, even the nurses that had been with him since the beginning.
Tina had looked over the readings on the near by machines, Danny’s heart rate, his blood pressure, the IV connections. She had pulled out a thermometer and took Danny’s temperature, which was still hovering just under one hundred and explained, that as long as his temp was still down, they would move him in the morning.
Danny’s folks had gone home, to Steve’s for the night, but Steve had curled up in the reclining chair and tried to get some rest, because he couldn’t leave Danny, not after the panic attack and the whispered words that Danny had been chanting, because Steve had made a promise and he intended to keep it.
In the morning, Amy had come in and after the usual checks, had removed the heart monitoring equipment, the IV lines. She even pulled the drainage tubes near Danny’s incision, checking the healing wounds and then covering them with a special bandage so that Danny could shower later and within the hour, Danny was on his way to his new room on the third floor.
After the staff had gotten him settled, Danny looked around the space, gave a small smile and sank back into his pillows, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
And Steve...Steve had been watching Danny sleeping peacefully…creepy or not…ever since.
Danny moved then, rolled a little to his side and looked around his new room with sleepy eyes.
Steve stood and leaned over the raised rail, dotting a kiss onto the fading and yellowing bruise on Danny’s cheekbone. “Hey babe…did you get a good nap?”
Danny nodded, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand and a tiny line of drool, “yeah…what time is it?”
Steve looked at his watch, and then showed Danny the display face. “Its almost noon…you want to get out of bed, maybe sit up for a bit?”
“Yeah,” he pressed the control that raised the head of the bed, grabbing the rail to help shift himself up, running the other hand through his wavy curls. “I need to pee again.”
Steve waited until Danny had swung is legs down to dangle off the bed before stepping in and wrapping Danny in his arms. If asked, he wouldn’t be able to express just what he was feeling at that moment, but he knew he wanted to hold Danny, hold him close for as long as Danny would allow.
And Danny...he buried his face in the crook of Steve’s neck...breathing him in deep...putting his arms around Steve’s middle.
Steve let his hands wonder up and down the plains of Danny's spine, rubbing at knotted muscles there, his neck and shoulders, the small of his back.
His fingers skimmed over the small band aid there and then around to the gauze at Danny’s sides, one covering the bullet wound and one covering the place where the chest tube had been. For some reason, he wanted to gently touch Danny’s belly too, but that would require moving him from their comforting embrace, so he settled for kneading muscles one-handed at Danny’s shoulder blades, his hips, using the other to smooth through Danny’s messy hair.
And if the contented sigh was anything to go by, Danny seemed to be enjoying Steve’s attention, but eventually he lifted his head, giving Steve a quick peck on the lips and then sitting up. “I want to continue this when I get back, but right now…”
Steve released him, stepping back, but didn’t offer help, because Danny had been a little…snappy lately...feeling sick and out of control of his own body, and just wanting to be allowed to do things on his own.
Danny shifted down, holding on to the side table for support, but he seemed steadier on his feet today.
Steve followed along fairly close, just in case and waited by the partially closed bathroom door, hearing clothing rustle and Danny’s strained voice, “Are my parents out to lunch?”
“They’re in the cafeteria…are you okay with,” Steve picked up the daily menu that told them what Danny’s food would be for the day and read off the list, “a turkey and low fat Swiss cheese sandwich on white bread…fruit salad…skim milk and cranberry juice…or do you want your folks to bring you up something?”
Because sometimes, Danny just couldn't eat what was given him and they would end up getting him noodle soup or a slice of white bread with a spread of creamy peanut butter.
The toilet finally flushed and Steve heard the water running from the tap, staying on longer than necessary to wash hands, so he guessed that Danny had found the shaving kit with his toiletries and a new toothbrush and tooth paste his mom had brought.
Once the water was turned off, Danny shuffled out, looking a little flushed and sweaty, but he went for his chair and gingerly settled in it before he answered Steve. “I’m not all that hungry, so it doesn’t matter.”
Steve wanted to argue with him, but he knew it wouldn’t get him anywhere and only upset Danny.
Besides, Jim and Mel would be back soon and Danny never argued with his mom when she told him to finish his food.
“When can I take a shower?” Danny asked, his gaze drawn to the window and the open blinds, the soft sunlight filtering in and the dust particles floating in the air. “I’m feeling pretty scuzzy.”
Steve shrugged, but moved toward the door, “hang on a sec and let me check.”
The nurse’s station was just down the hall and the nurse that had helped settle Danny in his new room was behind it, fingers gliding over the keyboard, looking intently at the computer screen.
Steve had to read her name tag...Malie, but she smiled up at him when he got close enough, her dark eyes friendly. “What can I help you with, Steve?”
“I ah…well; Danny wanted to take a shower, if that’s okay?”
“Sure,” she scooted off her stool, coming around the kiosk and heading for Danny’s room. “Good afternoon, Danny,” she greeted, breezing in and opening a cabinet along the far wall, pulling out some towels and taking them into the bathroom.
They could hear the shower running and then she poked her head back out of the door. “When you’re ready, you can get in…but sit on the bench. The shower head is adjustable and comes off so you can direct the spray. Try not to get your bandages too wet and be sure to just pat dry, okay?”
Danny nodded, starting to push himself up from his chair.
“Steve, can you stay close?” she asked him.
“Sure…not a problem,” she gave his arm a little pat on her way out as he followed Danny into the tiny bathroom.
There was a bar of institutional soap and a little bottle of shampoo, a wash cloth hung over a rail inside of the bath, towels folded on the sink counter and a bath mat lay on the floor in front of the shower. “How do you want to do this, babe?” he asked, because he didn’t want to presume Danny would want Steve to see him naked, even though he would really like too. And not because of his libido, but because Steve had an unexplained need to see the damage done to Danny’s body...to see with his own eyes that Danny was healing.
Instead of answering, Danny pulled back the generic plastic curtain, letting out some steam, which clouded the small room.
He reached up and undid the strings of his gown, with his back turned to Steve he dropped it to the floor, giving Steve a perfect view of his ass and Steve had to reevaluate his reasoning’s.
“Stop staring at my ass,” Danny teased, but not turning...letting Steve look his fill before stepping over the little metal threshold and into the space, sitting on the plastic fold-down seat and pulling the curtain almost all the way closed.
Steve sat on the only other available surface, the closed toilet seat, waiting to see if Danny needed help.
He watched in silhouette, through the flimsy curtain as Danny soaped up his wash cloth and ran it up and under his arms, listening to the low moans as the hot water loosened stiff and tired muscles.
Danny grunted as he bent a little, lifting his feet to wash, along with his legs and Steve felt slightly stalkerish, but he couldn’t turn his eyes away from the sights and sounds, proof of Danny’s healing, his recovery.
The nozzle was removed and Danny directed the spray to wash the soap from his skin, used it to wet his head and than lather his hair before rinsing.
Danny sat under the warm water for another few minutes before shutting the faucet off.
Steve grabbed one of the towels and held it open in front of him, so that when Danny pushed the shower curtain back, he could step into its folds and let Steve wrap it around his wet body.
He maneuvered Danny to the closed toilet seat and sat him there, using a hand towel to dry Danny's shoulders and neck, rubbing briskly through Danny's hair.
“Not a word,” Danny smirked, looking Steve in the eyes, daring him to make fun of the mess on Danny’s head, but he didn’t say anything…instead he moved lower, running the towel down both legs and picking up each of Danny’s feet, rubbing them dry.
When he looked up, Danny had a peculiar little smile on his face, his eyes squinting and Steve didn’t think he had seen that look before, but he liked it…liked it a lot.
Danny let the towel part and Steve got a close up look at the taped pad covering Danny’s incisions, the little punctures where the drainage tube had been and his dripping colostomy bag.
He didn’t give much thought when he gently grasped the bag, being careful not to put much pressure on it and dried it off with the hand towel he still held.
Danny used the corners to wipe under his arms and pat his chest and belly dry, the rest of the moisture on his skin absorbed by the towel he had wrapped himself in.
“Is that good?” Steve asked, wanting to make sure Danny felt comfortable.
“Yeah…I think its fine.” He wrapped himself in the towel again, pushing up from the toilet as Steve stood too, pulling Danny in close.
“All done in there,” Malie asked, peaking into the small room.
Steve nodded, but he didn’t release Danny until the nurse left and came back carrying a small duffle.
She handed it to Steve and he recognized it as the bag Mel had packed and delivered this morning, along with a huge breakfast for Steve and creamy poached eggs for Danny, when they had found out Danny was going to the step down unit.
“I just need to check a few things and than you can help him get dressed. Can you sit back down for a minute, Danny?”
Steve guided him back to the toilet seat and stepped back to the corner of the room. Unwilling to leave, he busied himself with folding the towel he had used to dry Danny.
The nurse pulled the one wrapped around her patient opened, letting it pool in Danny’s lap and looked at the gauze and bandages on Danny’s skin. She picked off the band aid at the small of his back and removed the squares of cotton on each side and Steve got a good look at the puckering scars. She took off the ones in the front too, inspecting the strips of tape running up from Danny’s pubic bone to just below his chest, covering the surgical incision.
“We can leave these off now,” she explained, “In a few more days you can start using some lotion made to help smooth out scars on your sides and when your sutures come out you can use it there too.” She straightened up, backing toward the door, “Your lunch will be here soon, so go ahead and get dressed and after you eat, if you feel up to it, you can take a walk.”
“Thanks, Malie.” Steve said and heard Danny echo him.
When they were alone again, Steve unzipped the bag and pulled out a tube of deodorant.
“Oh, yes,” Danny grabbed for it and yanked off the cap, smearing the stuff under both arms, looking very pleased with himself. “What?”
“Nothing,” Steve laughed, taking it back and putting it on the counter near the toothbrush and paste Danny had used earlier.
He found a pair of blue boxer briefs, blue and grey checkered sleep pants and a soft grey tee, all smelling freshly laundered.
Danny’s eyes lit up when he saw the undergarments and made gimme hands, but Steve took the tee shirt instead, helping Danny thread his arms through and pulling it down to cover him. Danny tentatively stood, cheeks turning a little pink as he shucked the towel and stepped into the boxers and sleep pants Steve held and once Steve had them in place, he leaned in and kissed Danny’s neck, “you’re beautiful…do you know that?”
Danny huffed against his chest, shaking his head, but Steve just tightened his hold, saying, “yes you are, believe it…beautiful…every inch.”
Danny opened his mouth, like he wasn’t quite done with the subject, but then his mother’s voice rang out and she tapped on the bathroom door, “Daniel…are you in there?”
“Almost done, Ma…be out in a few.”
“Okay, baby…I brought you some…”
But Steve tuned out her voice as she moved away from the door and Danny reached up and kissed him, saying, “It’s just…it’s been a long time, you understand…but I’m starting to believe you.”
Steve buried his nose in Danny’s damp hair, drinking in the clean scent of him, knowing he would need to comb it soon, or it would be a hopeless mess, but he nodded, “You can believe it, babe…I won’t lie to you, even if you don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
Danny snickered, pushing back and turning to look in the mirror, his eyes growing large as he took in the state of his hair. “Please tell me you have a comb or brush in that bag?”
Steve rummaged through it, but didn’t see one. He checked the shaving kit bag too, but came up empty. “Maybe…”
“Ma,” Danny called and his mother came to the door, pushing it open a little, a huge smile on her face when she saw Danny dressed and standing, her eyes going to the unruly hair.
“Oh, dear…okay, just hang on a sec.” She left and they could hear her searching through her purse, the contents scattering as she upended it. “I found a comb…is that okay, sweetie?”
“Yup…that’ll work.”
She passed the comb into Steve, who handed it to Danny, who ran it through his blond strands, wincing when he found a few tangles, but soon his hair was smooth, combed back, like he usually wore it. But Steve knew that without product, it would curl as it dried…not that he was complaining.
Danny shuffled passed him, patting him once on the chest and Steve could here Jim saying, “Looking good, Monkey Boy,” before Steve could make it out of the bathroom.
He grabbed the towel Danny had left draped over the toilet seat and the one he still held, the dirty gown and tossed them all into a cloth hamper that sat near the door to the hallway…a real door, wooden and solid and normal…
Danny’s dad was helping him ease down into his chair and Danny’s mom had taken a new pair of slippers from a Wal-Mart bag and slid them on to Danny’s feet. “Did you eat yet, baby?”
Danny shook his head, looking like he might want to roll his eyes, but thought better of it. “Not yet, Ma…it should be here soon.”
“Kay…” and she settled into the chair. Jim took a seat on the bed, leaving the other chair open for Steve.
He sank down in it, feeling suddenly tired, but he settled in to listen to what Danny’s folks were saying, missing the beginning.
“…so that way, she can spend the weekend with us, if Steve doesn’t mind.”
They all turned to him and he nodded, not really knowing what he was agreeing too, but Danny must have known that too and took pity on him, saying, “That’s nice of Rachel and Gracie loves to spend time at Steve’s…you guys don’t have to come here every…I mean, you should explore the island…enjoy yourselves while you’re here…before you have to leave…” and Steve could sense the question in Danny’s statement…he wanted to know how long his ma and pop would be around and he could also tell that Danny was hoping it would be for awhile.
“Danny,” Mel said, reaching across to take Danny’s hand, “as much as it’s nice to spend time with my grandbaby, and God knows me and pop miss her dearly, I rather spend time with my own baby…you are not a bother or burden or deterrent for me and pop…we came here for you, not to vacation.”
And then Jim added, “Besides, you can show us around this rock when you’re feeling better.”
Danny’s eyes widened and he looked to his dad, “But Pop…what about work…the house…Dinky…”
“Ruthie has Dinky,” Jim said, shaking his head, “Bee and Bec have been stopping by, checking in on the house and you know how your Ma has been on me to take some time…maybe even retire.”
Now Danny’s eyes were welling, but he didn’t say anything…for the first time in Steve’s experience, Danny didn’t seem to know what to say.
So Steve decided to ask what he really wanted to know, “Dinky?”
Mel giggled and Jim rolled his eyes, but it was Danny who answered, “Dinky is a little terror of fur and barks and snips at anyone who dares go near Ma…I have to fight him off every time I’ve come for a visit, just to kiss my own mother.”
“You think you got it bad, kiddo” Jim spoke up, laughter clear in his voice, “try living with the little shit…I got so many scars just from kissing your mother good morning…in our own bed.”
Danny laughed and Mel piped in, “you all should know not to mess with Dinky or his ma…speaking of the girls, I’ve checked with the charge nurse and she told me your room has internet access, so maybe a little later you’d might like to Skype your sisters…they’re all pretty anxious to see you.”
The next few minutes were filled with embarrassing stories of Danny with his sisters growing up and the things they used to con him into doing with a smile or a pout, like paint his nails…"Clear polish only." And the tea parties he had to attend when he was in charge of them for the night, while his parent snuck out on a rare date. He offered homework and sporting events help and investigated each and every new suitor, much to the girls’ dismay.
But Steve knew, all that was just practice for Gracie and probably a big part of why Danny was such a great dad.
Soon after their laughter died down, Danny’s lunch came and he picked at his sandwich, eating it in torn off pieces, but he managed to drink his milk and juice, not really interested in the peeled apples or melons.
Danny’s mother didn’t comment, so she must have been satisfied, but while Danny fiddled with the rest of the sandwich, Jim stood and offered, “How about I go down and get Steve and you some soup, some dessert…”
Steve had had a huge breakfast this morning, courtesy of Danny’s mom, who was intent on feeding him, so he wasn’t really hungry, but he knew he had to say yes so Danny would want to eat what his dad brought back too. “I could go for something…thanks Jim.”
Danny pushed the bowl of fruit back, having only nibbled on a piece of melon, but he looked like he was really finished for now. “Don’t think I don’t know what just happened there,” he said, giving Steve the stink eye.
But his mother told him, “leave them alone, babe…you know how your pop worries and now you have Steve to look after you too…might as well get used to it.”
Steve's heart did a funny little flutter at the acceptance in Mel's voice, but Danny didn’t comment. He sunk back into his chair, rolling his shoulders, trying to get more comfortable and after a while, his eyes began to droop.
It would take a while yet for Danny to regain his stamina
Steve thought that maybe he should get up, move around, or he might be taking his own nap, but Danny’s mom reached out and grabbed his arm. “When I stopped by Danny’s apartment, I found a tenants warning…I brought it with me, but I don’t want to burden Danny with it. It says he missed his rent date.”
“Can I see it,” Steve whispered, not wanting to wake his partner. He read the notice, a little shocked at how high the rent was at Danny’s newest place.
“I’ll have to bring it up, because I’m sure he’ll have other utilities he needs to pay and I wanted to find out about his hospital bills too…what he’ll be responsible for.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Steve told her. “He was hurt in the line of duty, so he won’t have to foot any of the bills. I’ll make sure of it. Can I hold on to this?” He was thinking he could bring it up later, while he and Danny took a walk and his parents went to pick up Grace.
If things kept going like they were, Danny would be released in a few days or so and he would need someone with him for a bit. Danny’s parents were already staying with Steve, so it made sense that Danny would too and why pay for rent and electric, cable and internet at a place he wouldn’t be at for a few more weeks…besides, Steve liked the idea of having Danny close.
They both turned at approaching foot steps, expecting to see Jim at the door with a tray from the cafeteria, but Steve jumped up when he saw the man dressed in an expensive suit. Mel probably didn’t know who it was at Danny’s door, but she stood just after Steve did.
“Governor Denning,” Steve moved forward to shake the man’s hand.
“Commander,” the governor returned the firm grip and then reached out for Mel's, “Mrs. Williams.”
She shook it, turning when she heard her son shift, his quick catch of breath, dropping Denning’s hand and dismissing him as she moved to kneel in front of Danny.
“Are you okay?” she asked and Danny nodded, rubbing his hand over his eyes and looking around, jerking a little when he spotted Denning, starting to push himself up, but his ma put a firm hand on his shoulder, saying, “I don’t care if its the president of this great country…you stay put…he can come to you,” and she shot Denning a look, just daring him to contradict her, but Denning nodded, moving around the cluster of chairs and reaching to shake Danny’s hand.
“Quite right, Mrs. Williams,” he gave her a small smile and Steve made a mental note to never cross Danny’s mom, seeing for himself where Danny got his feisty spirit from. “I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing and I wanted to thank you, on behalf of myself and the State of Hawaii, for your honorable service in the line of duty.”
Danny looked like he didn’t know what to say, but he accepted the praise, looking from Steve, to his mother, to the governor, before clearing his throat and speaking, “thank you, sir…but I was only doing my job.”
“And a job well done, son…” Denning stepped back as Danny’s dad came in, holding a tray of food.
“Here we go,” he announced, stopping in his tracks when he spotted Denning.
“Ah...Mr. Williams. I’m Governor Denning, I just stopped by to check in on Danny and to thank him for his service,” and Mel took the food from her husband, sitting it on the table so Jim could shake the governor's hand too.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir.” Jim said, looking vaguely uncomfortable, but still polite enough to maintain eye contact.
“Yes, well…Commander, if I could speak with you for a moment?” Denning moved toward the door, “and Detective, I wish you a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you, sir.”
They stepped into the hall and Steve pulled the door closed behind them.
Denning got right to the point. “I wanted to report the findings of the case and to let you know it has been officially closed. The team has concluded that there was no direct connection between the two cases in which the gun was used, but because of your work, a major drug operation has been disbanded.”
Steve crossed his arms over his chest, fearing a ‘but’ was coming,
Denning finished with, “I realize your team is handicapped at this time, so I would like to offer another week of paid leave for you and Officer Kalakaua. I’ve spoken with Detective Kelly this morning and he informed me that he would be out at least two more weeks and I understand it could be months before Detective Williams may be ready to return to light duty, so in the interim, I have compiled a list of officers who can work with your unit and fill in until your members are able to return to active duty.”
“Yes, sir…” Steve knew it was a real possibility…that a replacement was in order and so did Danny…at least the governor wasn’t entertaining ideas of a permanent new member and pushing Danny out completely, “thank you, sir.”
Back in the room, Danny perked up, dropping his spoon and watching as Steve walked in and sprawled in his seat.
Steve gave him a small smile, but didn’t think that it put Danny at ease.
“You know,” Jim said, looking at his watch. “I think we can go pick up Grace, spend some time…be back here by three…that’ll give you a few hours to rest before hurricane Gracie blows in.”
Danny pulled his eyes from Steve, looking a little confused, but agreed, “Yeah…thanks pop.”
Danny’s mom put the lid back on the soft noodles and broth, sitting it on the end table along with the spoon before bending and kissing Danny on the head.
His dad patted his shoulder as he passed, “be back soon, Monkey Boy...try to behave yourself in our absence...no more black eyes...”
“So…” was out of Danny’s mouth as soon as his parent’s cleared the threshold and Steve could tell Danny was worried and didn’t like it one bit.
“So nothing,” he assured, looking at his own bowl of noodles, which contained less broth. He used the chop sticks placed on his napkin to scoop some up and shove them in his mouth, swallowing before he continued. “He just wanted to thank us again, let me know that he expects me and Kono back to work in a week…”
Danny didn’t look convinced, but Steve didn’t see the point in telling him now that they would have to find someone to fill in for Danny until he was able to return to work himself.
It was too far off to worry about and besides, Danny needed to concentrate on getting better.
He ate in a comfortable silence while Danny stared out the windows at the passing clouds. When he was finished, he tossed the container in the trash and asked, “How about we take a walk in the courtyard, get a little sun?”
Danny turned toward him, a far way look on his face and Steve wondered what he had been thinking about. “I would like that very much, thank you.”
So he went down the hall to the nurse’s station, asking Malie if he could get a wheel chair for Danny, planning on pushing him down to the courtyard and them taking a leisurely stroll through the flower gardens...sitting on a bench to rest when Danny got tired...
His heart beat picked up as he pushed the chair back to Danny's room.
...and then Steve would spring his plan for Danny once he was released, hoping that Danny would agree.
Part Fifteen