New Fic: A Bit of Magic Waiting Fandom: H 5-0 Pairing: Steve/Danny
Title: A Bit of Magic Waiting
Author: willow_fae_20
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Danny finds that, just when he needs it most, there is a bit of magic waiting.
Disclaimer: All recognisible characters are the property of people more talented than I.
Dedication: This is for alba17, who wanted 'Prompt: [Danny, Grace] Danny will do anything for his little girl. Including making it snow in Hawaii on Christmas.' This is also for huntress69 ILU.
A/N: When I saw alba17's prompt most of the first four paragraphs sprang, fully formed, into my brain. And wouldn't leave. Then it just took on a life of it's own. I have no idea of word count, but it can't be too big.
The first time it happens Danny is seven and has just been told his Grandmother died. It rains for a week during what had been the driest Summer in years. The next time it happens Danny isn't expecting it any more than the first. He's 11 and Matty is six and some bigger kids are picking on him. The wind kicks up blowing fallen leaves around in a dizzying array of colors; huge, dark, menacing clouds obscure the sun which had been bright and warm up til then. The bigger boys run home, scared of the storm; and just like that the wind dies down and the sun is back out. Once again Danny puts it out of his mind. So at 14, when Jenny Eyler turns him down as a date for homecoming, Danny is as shocked as everyone in town when it snows the night of homecoming canceling the dance.
After the homecoming incedent Danny's mom sits him down and tells him about the family history. "Daniel, I know no one has told you about this; but I think, considering this most recent event, you need to know. I'm sure you learned about the Salem Witch Trials, in history class," Danny nods wondering where his mother is giong with this. "So you learned about Abigail Williams."
Danny cuts in here, "Yeah, she was the first accuser. But some people think she might have actually been a witch. But what's this got to do with me, mom?" Danny asks wanting this conversation over with.
"Danny, Abigail Williams is your 15th Great-Grandmother. And she was a witch. Before she died she passed down her name and powers to the first born of every generation after her. I know this seems impossible, and it's a lot to take in; but it's all the truth." Veronica has seen the man her son will become, her gift from Abigail, and he's very powerful; she's more than willing to help him on his way.
"So wait, you're telling me that all the times we've had 'weird weather' are because I'm some kind of witch?" Danny isn't sure whether to be in shock or awe of what he's learning.
"I think your power is tied to your emotions, and reading/knowing the emotions of those close to you. And one outlet for all of that is the world around you. It makes sense, Danny. But I need to caution you: you need to be very careful about who knows about your abilities. There will be times when this gift will seem like a burden, but I promise one day it will all pay off. I'm not sure how or when; but sometime in the future you will finally see your powers for the blessing they are." Veronica gives her oldest a gentle hug and kisses the top of his head before she leaves the room. He'll need time to work through everything she's told him.
Danny mostly forgets about his powers and his family history. But it's always there in the back of his mind, with every girl or boy he sleeps with; he can read their emotions. Knowing when the person you are with is going to break up with you isn't so much fun; knowing that when they say 'it's not you, it's me' they are actually telling the truth is a bitter salve. Danny figures out his powers have expanded completely by accident. He's observing an inteerrogation, as part of his training, when he realises he can tell that they guy they are questioning is telling the truth; he didn't kill his boss, but he does know who did. He begs for five minutes with the guy and, just like that, his training officer lets him go in.
Then he meets Rachel. It's both the best and worst day of Danny's life. He's nervous as hell, which makes the air around him feel like a wet wool blanket, and it's about 100 degrees in the shade. But Rachel is cool as a cucumber, and genuinely interested in him. A year and a half later on their wedding day Danny makes sure it's a picture perfect 72 degrees with not a cloud in sight. Danny realises Rachel is pregnant before she does. And he's terrified. His mother said he would see his powers as a gift and blessing, but right now he's scared to death of how they are going to manifest in his daughter. Amazingly enough Grace assures Danny, on the day she's born, that it's all going to be okay. She opens her eyes as soon as the nurse hands her over and she's so calm, at peace, that Danny doesn't have to look out the window to know that they sunrise they are given is one that songs could be written about.
Every day of the divorce hearing tears a little peice of Danny's soul away. For six months the weather is bitter cold and there is a driving, pounding rainstorm at least once a day; usually as they are leaving the courthouse for lunch.When Danny learns that Rachel is given full custody there are reports of a tornado touching down two towns to the west, and hail the size of grapefruits 50 miles south.
Danny knows moving to Hawaii is going to suck. He's going to have to be so careful about his abilities. Having looked at the aunal rainfall stats for the state Danny is worried about keeping things under wraps. He goes almost six months with no weather related issues, and he's feeling quite proud of himself. Until he meets Steve McGarrett. When Steve makes the call that gets the case scooped right out from under him Danny is seething mad. He tries so hard to keep it under control but eventually he hears the crack of thunder in what had been a clear sky. By the time Steve comes knocking on his door the rain is coming down in torrents.
Danny mostly keeps himself under control and for his effort his abilities expand once again. Not only can he read the emotions of those close to him, and to an increasing extent some people on the periphery, but Danny has started getting flash-glimpses of peoples past and, to a very limited degree, their futures. Danny appreciates the look into the past; it's kept more than one innocent person out of jail. He's finally beginning to understand what his mother meant all those years ago when she'd said he would eventually see his powers as a gift.
One early December afternoon Danny's cell phone starts rining Rachel's tone. Things have been okay between them lately so Danny accepts the call instead of letting it go to voicemail.
"Hey Rachel. What's up?" Danny's been working on 'magnanamous' when it comes to dealing with his ex. He's thinks he's pretty much got it down.
"Daniel. Are you busy. I can call back." Rachel says knowing her ex works odd hours.
"No, just finishing up some paperwork. Is everything okay?" Danny isn't sensing any fear or anxiety from Rachel, but she's always been hard for him to read.
"Everything's fine. I was hoping to discuss how we're handling Christmas with Grace this year. Stan is planning on taking a working holiday in Germany, and I was thinking of going with him. We'd be leaving on the 15th and wouldn't be back until after the first of the year. I'd rather Grace not miss that much school, so I was hoping she could stay with you." Rachel knows she's not been very fair with regard to the holidays the past couple years, she's hoping this will go toward making up for that.
"She can absolutely stay with us - me, yes. I would love to have Grace over Christmas and New Years." Danny prays Rachel didn't hear the slip. This isn't how he wanted to tell her that he and Steve weren't just work partners any more.
"Okay, good. So you'll get her from school on the 14th and I'll call you when Stan and I are back." Rachel said glad to have this sorted out. Now she had to get the house staff sorted and make sure the house ready to be 'closed down' for the time they'd be gone.
Danny picked up his pen and made a note on his desk calendar. If he'd been anywhere near a window at that point in time he would have seen the sun shine a little brighter and just a few puffy clouds sitting high in the sky. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. Danny made his way to Steve's office to share his good news.
"We get Grace for Christmas. Rachel and Stan are 'holiday-ing' in Germany and don't want Gracie to miss too much school. So whatever plans we had for this weekend are off. We have to get your old room ready for Grace to stay for an extended time." Danny didn't even knock, just barged into the office.
Steve brightened upon hearing Danny's news and was out of his chair in an instant. "Absolutely. I guess for now we just need to empty the room out and change the sheets. We'll take her shopping for paint and linens and stuff, before Christmas." Steve made his way into the main room quickly getting everyone elses attention.
"We got a case, boss?" Kono asked smoothing her shirt front down. And Steve was not imagining what she and Jenna had been doing in the rookie's office jus a moment ago.
"Nah, I'm giving everyone unofficial-official down time. We got nothing in the pipe. Use the time wisely, people get weird around Christams." Steve said moving back to his office to close it down. The Governor would call if a case came in. The cousins shared a quick look and everyone scattered to get ready to leave. Every evening of the week between the 7th and the 15th Danny and Grace talk on the phone for at least an hour. Danny doesn't think Grace's power has manifested itself yet, but he knows he's going to have to tell her about everything soon. He does what any person in his situation would do. Danny calls his mother.
"Ma, hey it's me. Everything's fine. I just want to know if Grace is too young to learn about our family?" Danny had figured out years ago that if he reassured her first thing that everything was okay the conversation could move on quickly.
"Daniel if something is telling you to explain everything to Grace then listen to that voice. I think our Gracie is mature and responsible enough to understand what you are going to be telling her." Veronica is glad to hear that Danny plans on passing the gift. She's had the feeling, for a while now, that Grace is probably going to be the most powerful of the line. "I'd hoped to be around when you told her, but I'm sure you don't want your mom stepping on your toes."
"I would love if you and dad could be here for Christmas. Rachel has agreed to let me keep Grace while she and Stan are in Germany for a working holiday." It's going to be crazy and crowded, having his folks here, but Danny is looking forward to it now that it's a possibility.
"Okay, you twisted my arm. I'll talk to your father and look at ticket prices tonight. Now, get off my phone and go catch some bad guys. Make that island safe for my grandbaby." Veronica says laughing as she hangs up.
Danny makes his way out to the beach to watch Steve make his way in from his evening swim. "I may have invited my parents to spend Christmas with us." Danny says when Steve is dripping cool, salty water all over him. "I hope that's okay."
Steve wraps Danny in a hug laughing at his grumbling complaint of 'god-damned Octo-SEAL's and their lack of personal boundries'. "Yeah Danny, that's fine. We've got plenty of room here for them." Steve lets go of Danny and turns to look out over the ocean. He's stunned when he sees a perfect rainbow form. They stand there watching the sun set; it's going to be another beautiful night.
Danny lets Steve get a couple beers in before he approaches the subject of his abilities. He never did explain his gift to Rachel, and that should have been the first hint that they weren't going to last. "So I need to tell you something, and you need to promise not to freak out." That was probably not a good opening for the conversation, but it's too late now.
"Okay, I promise." Steve is man enough to admit that he's scared to death of where this conversation is leading.
"This is going to sound crazy, and you might not believe me but I swear it's the God's honest truth." Danny is sitting on his hands to keep them still. It's a losing battle, he knows, but he needs to exert control somehow. "I am the 15th generation of witches decendant from Abigail Williams. I can read people's emotions and I can make the weather do what I want. My mom can see the future, and I think Grace has some telepathy which will increase as she gets older." Danny reveals all of this on one breath and waits for Steve to freak out.
"That's certainly a lot to take in. I appreciate you trusting me with this information." Steve says quietly, trying to make sense of what Danny just told him. He finishes off his beer in a couple of swigs and lightens the mood. "So, sex then sleep?"
And just like that Danny knows it's going to be okay.
They are on their way to pick Grace up from school the next afternoon when Steve opens the topic for discussion again. "When you said you think Grace has some telepathy what did you mean by that?"
"I think she can read thoughts, probably only mine and Rachel's; maybe her closest friends, but definitely not on any kind of large scale. I'm going to talk to her about all of this once my mom is here to help me. Are you okay with all of this?" Danny hates that he has to ask this. Danny only realises he's let his fear get away from him when the first fat raindrops hit the windshield of the car. He takes a couple deep breaths and brings his emotions back to center. The rain stops slowly and the clouds break up revealing a bright blue sky once again.
Steve can't believe what just happened. The sky was clear, there'd been no rain forecast, but all of a sudden the clouds gathered and it rained. Steve looked over at Danny as he turned on his lights and wipers. The fear was written clear as anything all over his face and posture. Steve finds Danny's hand and squeezes it once reassuringly. Then, just to elicit a response from Danny, he flips on the lights and siren, speeding around cars going too slow for his taste.
Danny shoots a scathing look at Steve and says between clenched teeth "you are a menace. We are switching places when Grace gets in the car. I will not have you acting like a maniac with my only child's life in your hands." They both know the argument is moot; Steve won't give up the drivers seat for anything, but he will drive like a normal human being.
"Danno, Step-Steve!" Grace yells as soon as she sees them. She gets to them the way Steve drives; dodging around slow-moving peers with an agility Danny never had. "I get to spend a whole month with you!" Grace is so excited she's jittering when she tries to stand still.
"We're happy to have you Gracie. Do you have a lot of homework?" Steve asks putting a hand on top of Grace's head, the other one is on the small of Danny's back; leading them to where the car is.
"Just a little; some math, and working on my family tree for history. But that's not due til right before Christmas." Grace says getting herself settled into the backseat and buckling her seatbelt.
"So how about after you get your math done we go shopping to decorate your room at Steve's? We'll get paint and sheets and a blanket for your bed." Danny offers, wanting to be a 'cool dad' and tell Grace she can skip her homework. He's turned in his seat as much as he can be in his seatbelt. The sky is postcard perfect and Danny realises he's fallen in love with Hawaii.
They are sitting on the beach after dinner watching the tide come in, and the sunset. Danny wonders if he's finally created the perfect weather. "Hey Monkey, I talked to your Nana and Opa the other day; they're planning on coming down here for Christmas." Danny catches Steve's eye and mouths a countdown while the information processes. When he hits 'zero' grace is jumping up and down squealing her excitement. Danny feels Grace in the back of his mind, too excited to keep her natural blocks up. But it's okay, Danny doesn't mind it feels like having a kitten curled up purring contently. Danny sends his happiness and contentness back to her through the link, wondering if she knows what it is and where it's coming from.
"The only thing missing is snow. That would make it a perfect Christmas." Grace says when Danny is tucking her in later that night. Danny hasn't ever really tried to control the 'weather control' part of his abilities, but he figures he has to be able to manipulate the weather without extreme emotion playing a part. He wants to give Grace her perfect Christmas.
Danny's parents fly in on the 20th, and Danny has been keeping his emotions as even as possible so that the weather doesn't effect their flight. Danny corners his mom while she's getting settled to ask about the snow thing. "Mom, Gracie wants snow for Christmas. Can I do that, without causing a major news incedent?"
"You should be able to 'localise' the weather. Like make it snow just in the back yard. You're lucky I can see the future, I packed a jacket and gloves for Grace. So she can actually enjoy the snow. Not just look at it.When do you want to talk to her about all of this?" Danny loves that his mother doesn't mince words.
"I totally forgot about a coat and gloves; thanks Ma. I think we should probably tell her tonight maybe after dinner. We can sit on the lanai, watch the sunset. I think I'm finally starting to be happy here Ma. Things with Rachel are civil, and Steve is amazing. Not to mention Chin and Kono, you'll meet them Christmas Day. I've started thinking of Hawaii as home." Danny feels good saying it out loud. He knows he should tell Steve, and he will. He's got a plan. It involves New Years, a ring, and a proposal. Yeah it's cliche and cheesy as hell. But Danny is Happy.
Steve hears Danny say the bit about being happy, and Hawaii being home. His smile could light up the block. He comes to the door a little louder, knocking on the frame to let them know he's there. "You guys settling in okay? Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you for opening your home to us, Steve. Danny's father and I were here on our honeymoon so it's nice to come back." Veronica says turning a bright smile on Steve. She's glad to finally meet the man she saw in her visions of Danny's future.
The conversation with Grace is stilted and awkward. Made even better when she, in all her eight-year-old wisdom, says: "Daddy, if this is about you and Uncle Steve living together and being boyfriends it's okay. Mommy explained it to me." With that proclimation the somber mood is broken and Danny just tells her.
"While I'm glad your mother is so forward thinking as all that, that's not what we want to talk to you about. You've read some of Harry Potter right, Monkey?" Danny waits for Grace to nod and continues "okay, good. Well magic similar to that really exists in the world. Only, as far as I know, it doesn't involve silly made up words or potions. You see we had a relative a lot of years back who did magic, and she passed that ability on to your Grandma, me, and you. So Grandma can see the future, and I think you can sometimes read peoples thoughts, right?" Again Grace nods, but it's a little shyer this time. "It's nothing to be scared of, Monkey, I promise. And you have some natural barriers in place so that you can't read every single thought everyone around you has. But as you grow up you need to be mindful of those barriers, your mother and I taught you to respect peoples privacy." Danny finishes sternly and looks to his mother to see if there's anything she wants to add.
Grace steps into the silence with a question of her own. "What kind of magic can you do Daddy? Or is it secret?"
"It's not really a secret, but I do want to surprise you with it. Trust me, you'll know when you know." Danny says cryptically, laughing when Grace scrunches up her nose trying to make sense of Danny's statement.
For most of the island Christmas Day dawns with mild temperatures and sunny skies. But when Grace wakes up and looks out her bedroom window there is a fine layer of frost on the glass making everything outside fuzzy and indistinct. She makes her way, soft-footed, down the stairs til she's standing at the doors to the lanai. There is a thick layer of snow covering everything, and more is falling to pile gently on top of what's there.
"Merry Christmas, Monkey. I love you." Grace feels her father's love like a warm breeze as the words echo in her mind. "Merry Christmas, Danno. I love you too." She thinks back at him.
Author: willow_fae_20
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Danny finds that, just when he needs it most, there is a bit of magic waiting.
Disclaimer: All recognisible characters are the property of people more talented than I.
Dedication: This is for alba17, who wanted 'Prompt: [Danny, Grace] Danny will do anything for his little girl. Including making it snow in Hawaii on Christmas.' This is also for huntress69 ILU.
A/N: When I saw alba17's prompt most of the first four paragraphs sprang, fully formed, into my brain. And wouldn't leave. Then it just took on a life of it's own. I have no idea of word count, but it can't be too big.
The first time it happens Danny is seven and has just been told his Grandmother died. It rains for a week during what had been the driest Summer in years. The next time it happens Danny isn't expecting it any more than the first. He's 11 and Matty is six and some bigger kids are picking on him. The wind kicks up blowing fallen leaves around in a dizzying array of colors; huge, dark, menacing clouds obscure the sun which had been bright and warm up til then. The bigger boys run home, scared of the storm; and just like that the wind dies down and the sun is back out. Once again Danny puts it out of his mind. So at 14, when Jenny Eyler turns him down as a date for homecoming, Danny is as shocked as everyone in town when it snows the night of homecoming canceling the dance.
After the homecoming incedent Danny's mom sits him down and tells him about the family history. "Daniel, I know no one has told you about this; but I think, considering this most recent event, you need to know. I'm sure you learned about the Salem Witch Trials, in history class," Danny nods wondering where his mother is giong with this. "So you learned about Abigail Williams."
Danny cuts in here, "Yeah, she was the first accuser. But some people think she might have actually been a witch. But what's this got to do with me, mom?" Danny asks wanting this conversation over with.
"Danny, Abigail Williams is your 15th Great-Grandmother. And she was a witch. Before she died she passed down her name and powers to the first born of every generation after her. I know this seems impossible, and it's a lot to take in; but it's all the truth." Veronica has seen the man her son will become, her gift from Abigail, and he's very powerful; she's more than willing to help him on his way.
"So wait, you're telling me that all the times we've had 'weird weather' are because I'm some kind of witch?" Danny isn't sure whether to be in shock or awe of what he's learning.
"I think your power is tied to your emotions, and reading/knowing the emotions of those close to you. And one outlet for all of that is the world around you. It makes sense, Danny. But I need to caution you: you need to be very careful about who knows about your abilities. There will be times when this gift will seem like a burden, but I promise one day it will all pay off. I'm not sure how or when; but sometime in the future you will finally see your powers for the blessing they are." Veronica gives her oldest a gentle hug and kisses the top of his head before she leaves the room. He'll need time to work through everything she's told him.
Danny mostly forgets about his powers and his family history. But it's always there in the back of his mind, with every girl or boy he sleeps with; he can read their emotions. Knowing when the person you are with is going to break up with you isn't so much fun; knowing that when they say 'it's not you, it's me' they are actually telling the truth is a bitter salve. Danny figures out his powers have expanded completely by accident. He's observing an inteerrogation, as part of his training, when he realises he can tell that they guy they are questioning is telling the truth; he didn't kill his boss, but he does know who did. He begs for five minutes with the guy and, just like that, his training officer lets him go in.
Then he meets Rachel. It's both the best and worst day of Danny's life. He's nervous as hell, which makes the air around him feel like a wet wool blanket, and it's about 100 degrees in the shade. But Rachel is cool as a cucumber, and genuinely interested in him. A year and a half later on their wedding day Danny makes sure it's a picture perfect 72 degrees with not a cloud in sight. Danny realises Rachel is pregnant before she does. And he's terrified. His mother said he would see his powers as a gift and blessing, but right now he's scared to death of how they are going to manifest in his daughter. Amazingly enough Grace assures Danny, on the day she's born, that it's all going to be okay. She opens her eyes as soon as the nurse hands her over and she's so calm, at peace, that Danny doesn't have to look out the window to know that they sunrise they are given is one that songs could be written about.
Every day of the divorce hearing tears a little peice of Danny's soul away. For six months the weather is bitter cold and there is a driving, pounding rainstorm at least once a day; usually as they are leaving the courthouse for lunch.When Danny learns that Rachel is given full custody there are reports of a tornado touching down two towns to the west, and hail the size of grapefruits 50 miles south.
Danny knows moving to Hawaii is going to suck. He's going to have to be so careful about his abilities. Having looked at the aunal rainfall stats for the state Danny is worried about keeping things under wraps. He goes almost six months with no weather related issues, and he's feeling quite proud of himself. Until he meets Steve McGarrett. When Steve makes the call that gets the case scooped right out from under him Danny is seething mad. He tries so hard to keep it under control but eventually he hears the crack of thunder in what had been a clear sky. By the time Steve comes knocking on his door the rain is coming down in torrents.
Danny mostly keeps himself under control and for his effort his abilities expand once again. Not only can he read the emotions of those close to him, and to an increasing extent some people on the periphery, but Danny has started getting flash-glimpses of peoples past and, to a very limited degree, their futures. Danny appreciates the look into the past; it's kept more than one innocent person out of jail. He's finally beginning to understand what his mother meant all those years ago when she'd said he would eventually see his powers as a gift.
One early December afternoon Danny's cell phone starts rining Rachel's tone. Things have been okay between them lately so Danny accepts the call instead of letting it go to voicemail.
"Hey Rachel. What's up?" Danny's been working on 'magnanamous' when it comes to dealing with his ex. He's thinks he's pretty much got it down.
"Daniel. Are you busy. I can call back." Rachel says knowing her ex works odd hours.
"No, just finishing up some paperwork. Is everything okay?" Danny isn't sensing any fear or anxiety from Rachel, but she's always been hard for him to read.
"Everything's fine. I was hoping to discuss how we're handling Christmas with Grace this year. Stan is planning on taking a working holiday in Germany, and I was thinking of going with him. We'd be leaving on the 15th and wouldn't be back until after the first of the year. I'd rather Grace not miss that much school, so I was hoping she could stay with you." Rachel knows she's not been very fair with regard to the holidays the past couple years, she's hoping this will go toward making up for that.
"She can absolutely stay with us - me, yes. I would love to have Grace over Christmas and New Years." Danny prays Rachel didn't hear the slip. This isn't how he wanted to tell her that he and Steve weren't just work partners any more.
"Okay, good. So you'll get her from school on the 14th and I'll call you when Stan and I are back." Rachel said glad to have this sorted out. Now she had to get the house staff sorted and make sure the house ready to be 'closed down' for the time they'd be gone.
Danny picked up his pen and made a note on his desk calendar. If he'd been anywhere near a window at that point in time he would have seen the sun shine a little brighter and just a few puffy clouds sitting high in the sky. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. Danny made his way to Steve's office to share his good news.
"We get Grace for Christmas. Rachel and Stan are 'holiday-ing' in Germany and don't want Gracie to miss too much school. So whatever plans we had for this weekend are off. We have to get your old room ready for Grace to stay for an extended time." Danny didn't even knock, just barged into the office.
Steve brightened upon hearing Danny's news and was out of his chair in an instant. "Absolutely. I guess for now we just need to empty the room out and change the sheets. We'll take her shopping for paint and linens and stuff, before Christmas." Steve made his way into the main room quickly getting everyone elses attention.
"We got a case, boss?" Kono asked smoothing her shirt front down. And Steve was not imagining what she and Jenna had been doing in the rookie's office jus a moment ago.
"Nah, I'm giving everyone unofficial-official down time. We got nothing in the pipe. Use the time wisely, people get weird around Christams." Steve said moving back to his office to close it down. The Governor would call if a case came in. The cousins shared a quick look and everyone scattered to get ready to leave. Every evening of the week between the 7th and the 15th Danny and Grace talk on the phone for at least an hour. Danny doesn't think Grace's power has manifested itself yet, but he knows he's going to have to tell her about everything soon. He does what any person in his situation would do. Danny calls his mother.
"Ma, hey it's me. Everything's fine. I just want to know if Grace is too young to learn about our family?" Danny had figured out years ago that if he reassured her first thing that everything was okay the conversation could move on quickly.
"Daniel if something is telling you to explain everything to Grace then listen to that voice. I think our Gracie is mature and responsible enough to understand what you are going to be telling her." Veronica is glad to hear that Danny plans on passing the gift. She's had the feeling, for a while now, that Grace is probably going to be the most powerful of the line. "I'd hoped to be around when you told her, but I'm sure you don't want your mom stepping on your toes."
"I would love if you and dad could be here for Christmas. Rachel has agreed to let me keep Grace while she and Stan are in Germany for a working holiday." It's going to be crazy and crowded, having his folks here, but Danny is looking forward to it now that it's a possibility.
"Okay, you twisted my arm. I'll talk to your father and look at ticket prices tonight. Now, get off my phone and go catch some bad guys. Make that island safe for my grandbaby." Veronica says laughing as she hangs up.
Danny makes his way out to the beach to watch Steve make his way in from his evening swim. "I may have invited my parents to spend Christmas with us." Danny says when Steve is dripping cool, salty water all over him. "I hope that's okay."
Steve wraps Danny in a hug laughing at his grumbling complaint of 'god-damned Octo-SEAL's and their lack of personal boundries'. "Yeah Danny, that's fine. We've got plenty of room here for them." Steve lets go of Danny and turns to look out over the ocean. He's stunned when he sees a perfect rainbow form. They stand there watching the sun set; it's going to be another beautiful night.
Danny lets Steve get a couple beers in before he approaches the subject of his abilities. He never did explain his gift to Rachel, and that should have been the first hint that they weren't going to last. "So I need to tell you something, and you need to promise not to freak out." That was probably not a good opening for the conversation, but it's too late now.
"Okay, I promise." Steve is man enough to admit that he's scared to death of where this conversation is leading.
"This is going to sound crazy, and you might not believe me but I swear it's the God's honest truth." Danny is sitting on his hands to keep them still. It's a losing battle, he knows, but he needs to exert control somehow. "I am the 15th generation of witches decendant from Abigail Williams. I can read people's emotions and I can make the weather do what I want. My mom can see the future, and I think Grace has some telepathy which will increase as she gets older." Danny reveals all of this on one breath and waits for Steve to freak out.
"That's certainly a lot to take in. I appreciate you trusting me with this information." Steve says quietly, trying to make sense of what Danny just told him. He finishes off his beer in a couple of swigs and lightens the mood. "So, sex then sleep?"
And just like that Danny knows it's going to be okay.
They are on their way to pick Grace up from school the next afternoon when Steve opens the topic for discussion again. "When you said you think Grace has some telepathy what did you mean by that?"
"I think she can read thoughts, probably only mine and Rachel's; maybe her closest friends, but definitely not on any kind of large scale. I'm going to talk to her about all of this once my mom is here to help me. Are you okay with all of this?" Danny hates that he has to ask this. Danny only realises he's let his fear get away from him when the first fat raindrops hit the windshield of the car. He takes a couple deep breaths and brings his emotions back to center. The rain stops slowly and the clouds break up revealing a bright blue sky once again.
Steve can't believe what just happened. The sky was clear, there'd been no rain forecast, but all of a sudden the clouds gathered and it rained. Steve looked over at Danny as he turned on his lights and wipers. The fear was written clear as anything all over his face and posture. Steve finds Danny's hand and squeezes it once reassuringly. Then, just to elicit a response from Danny, he flips on the lights and siren, speeding around cars going too slow for his taste.
Danny shoots a scathing look at Steve and says between clenched teeth "you are a menace. We are switching places when Grace gets in the car. I will not have you acting like a maniac with my only child's life in your hands." They both know the argument is moot; Steve won't give up the drivers seat for anything, but he will drive like a normal human being.
"Danno, Step-Steve!" Grace yells as soon as she sees them. She gets to them the way Steve drives; dodging around slow-moving peers with an agility Danny never had. "I get to spend a whole month with you!" Grace is so excited she's jittering when she tries to stand still.
"We're happy to have you Gracie. Do you have a lot of homework?" Steve asks putting a hand on top of Grace's head, the other one is on the small of Danny's back; leading them to where the car is.
"Just a little; some math, and working on my family tree for history. But that's not due til right before Christmas." Grace says getting herself settled into the backseat and buckling her seatbelt.
"So how about after you get your math done we go shopping to decorate your room at Steve's? We'll get paint and sheets and a blanket for your bed." Danny offers, wanting to be a 'cool dad' and tell Grace she can skip her homework. He's turned in his seat as much as he can be in his seatbelt. The sky is postcard perfect and Danny realises he's fallen in love with Hawaii.
They are sitting on the beach after dinner watching the tide come in, and the sunset. Danny wonders if he's finally created the perfect weather. "Hey Monkey, I talked to your Nana and Opa the other day; they're planning on coming down here for Christmas." Danny catches Steve's eye and mouths a countdown while the information processes. When he hits 'zero' grace is jumping up and down squealing her excitement. Danny feels Grace in the back of his mind, too excited to keep her natural blocks up. But it's okay, Danny doesn't mind it feels like having a kitten curled up purring contently. Danny sends his happiness and contentness back to her through the link, wondering if she knows what it is and where it's coming from.
"The only thing missing is snow. That would make it a perfect Christmas." Grace says when Danny is tucking her in later that night. Danny hasn't ever really tried to control the 'weather control' part of his abilities, but he figures he has to be able to manipulate the weather without extreme emotion playing a part. He wants to give Grace her perfect Christmas.
Danny's parents fly in on the 20th, and Danny has been keeping his emotions as even as possible so that the weather doesn't effect their flight. Danny corners his mom while she's getting settled to ask about the snow thing. "Mom, Gracie wants snow for Christmas. Can I do that, without causing a major news incedent?"
"You should be able to 'localise' the weather. Like make it snow just in the back yard. You're lucky I can see the future, I packed a jacket and gloves for Grace. So she can actually enjoy the snow. Not just look at it.When do you want to talk to her about all of this?" Danny loves that his mother doesn't mince words.
"I totally forgot about a coat and gloves; thanks Ma. I think we should probably tell her tonight maybe after dinner. We can sit on the lanai, watch the sunset. I think I'm finally starting to be happy here Ma. Things with Rachel are civil, and Steve is amazing. Not to mention Chin and Kono, you'll meet them Christmas Day. I've started thinking of Hawaii as home." Danny feels good saying it out loud. He knows he should tell Steve, and he will. He's got a plan. It involves New Years, a ring, and a proposal. Yeah it's cliche and cheesy as hell. But Danny is Happy.
Steve hears Danny say the bit about being happy, and Hawaii being home. His smile could light up the block. He comes to the door a little louder, knocking on the frame to let them know he's there. "You guys settling in okay? Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you for opening your home to us, Steve. Danny's father and I were here on our honeymoon so it's nice to come back." Veronica says turning a bright smile on Steve. She's glad to finally meet the man she saw in her visions of Danny's future.
The conversation with Grace is stilted and awkward. Made even better when she, in all her eight-year-old wisdom, says: "Daddy, if this is about you and Uncle Steve living together and being boyfriends it's okay. Mommy explained it to me." With that proclimation the somber mood is broken and Danny just tells her.
"While I'm glad your mother is so forward thinking as all that, that's not what we want to talk to you about. You've read some of Harry Potter right, Monkey?" Danny waits for Grace to nod and continues "okay, good. Well magic similar to that really exists in the world. Only, as far as I know, it doesn't involve silly made up words or potions. You see we had a relative a lot of years back who did magic, and she passed that ability on to your Grandma, me, and you. So Grandma can see the future, and I think you can sometimes read peoples thoughts, right?" Again Grace nods, but it's a little shyer this time. "It's nothing to be scared of, Monkey, I promise. And you have some natural barriers in place so that you can't read every single thought everyone around you has. But as you grow up you need to be mindful of those barriers, your mother and I taught you to respect peoples privacy." Danny finishes sternly and looks to his mother to see if there's anything she wants to add.
Grace steps into the silence with a question of her own. "What kind of magic can you do Daddy? Or is it secret?"
"It's not really a secret, but I do want to surprise you with it. Trust me, you'll know when you know." Danny says cryptically, laughing when Grace scrunches up her nose trying to make sense of Danny's statement.
For most of the island Christmas Day dawns with mild temperatures and sunny skies. But when Grace wakes up and looks out her bedroom window there is a fine layer of frost on the glass making everything outside fuzzy and indistinct. She makes her way, soft-footed, down the stairs til she's standing at the doors to the lanai. There is a thick layer of snow covering everything, and more is falling to pile gently on top of what's there.
"Merry Christmas, Monkey. I love you." Grace feels her father's love like a warm breeze as the words echo in her mind. "Merry Christmas, Danno. I love you too." She thinks back at him.