Fic: Freak 1/? (Steve/Danny, eventual MPreg, PG13)
Title: Freak
Rating: PG13 leading up to eventual NC17
Characters: Danny Williams, Steve McGarrett, Meka Hanamoa & general team appearances.
Summary: Danny Williams was born different, and a local gang don't make his life easier because of his differences, dubbing him a 'Freak'. Not that Danny takes any of the bullying lying down, but one against several isn't a fair fight. To protect their son, the Williams' send Danny to live with his Uncle Marvin in Hawaii. There, he meets Meka Hanamoa and develops a crush on Steve McGarrett. But it isn't easy being fifteen, different and falling in love. When Danny returns to New Jersey, they don't think they'll ever meet again, but fate has a way of bringing people back together.
Warnings: Established MPreg Verse.
Chapters : One / Two / Three / Four / Five
Dedicated to ALL the folks of 1_million_words community. The many encouragements, generally squeeing, partying, challenges and fun at that comm has been a huge help to my writing. And without the March WIP Challenge, this baby may never have gotten finished.
Thanks to goldenthroat and simplyn2deep who both looked over this months ago in it's first initial stages and encouraged me to continue on. Ongoing encouragement and sound boarding helped it along the way. Thanks to simplyn2deep for giving a final read through and a thumbs up :D
~
The wall grazed his cheek enough to make a sting and the large, heavy set bully boy behind him pushed right against the back of his neck, making him gasp in pain.
"Queer," the boy taunted.
Danny could smell the stale stench of John's breath as he leaned in against him, spittle landing on his cheek as he struggled. He was used to the bullies, to the playground taunts, rumours and general ignorance of his peers. Everyday he dressed for school he readied himself mentally for everything people threw at him. 'Word vomit' he called it, tried to convince himself if he called it that, if he pretended sticks and stones may break his bones, but words would never hurt him, that one day it would be true.
"I saw you checking me out in the showers," John said. He was a large, brutish kid, the school yard bully who had been the pain in Danny's ass since he was ten. He lived down the block from him, so from leaving home in the morning to returning to the safe haven at night, Danny had to run the gauntlet of John and his gang.
"You wish," Danny replied dryly. He grimaced, John landed a fist right into his back.
"Fuck you Williams," John growled, Danny felt more spit land on his neck.
"Whose the fag now, lard ass," Danny said through gritted teeth, squirming and trying to turn around. Another punch landed and his cheek scraped more on the wall. He flinched, gasping at the pain, felt his shirt tear a little against the grit.
"You'll pay for that freak," John promised, spinning him around. Danny was glad he as off balance, he was small and quick on his feet and he'd never backed down from his bully. He wasn't about to start. He saw John pulling back for a punch and ducked out of the way, hearing the boy cry in pain as fist met concrete. Danny used the opportunity, surging forward as John pulled back in agony, holding his hand. His shoulder connected with John's chest and they landed in a heap on the floor, Danny trying to stay on top to keep the upper hand but John got a grip on him, rolled them over, knocking the wind out of him.
"Get the fuck off me," Danny yelled but it was useless. John was angry and he paid for being the cause of his humiliation with a punch to the jaw. The force made his head snap round and his neck pulled sharply, the pain shooting down his spine.
"Fucking freak," John grunted out, landing another punch. Danny gasped, trying to get air into his lungs, feeling wet on his lip, knowing it was split he darted his tongue over the pain, tasting blood.
John landed another blow to the side of his head, leaving Danny dazed. He felt John's thick fingers wrap around the neck of his shirt, tugging and pulling at him and he was unceremoniously dragged to his feet. Around them, John's gang were watching intently, stepping back as John began pulling at him. Danny felt alarmed. It was all well and good to get beat up in the back alleys, but John was dragging him somewhere. He tried to pull away but John had a tight grip and he was still reeling from the pain, trying to get his bearings. It was a little past five and he was supposed to be meeting friends at the arcade. His parents didn't expect him home for hours.
He stumbled and tripped, John righting him roughly but not letting go and the fight was leaving Danny, giving room to his fear instead as they ducked down one alley, then another, like a maze with only the bully boy knowing the direction.
"Let go of me," Danny tried weakly, a vain attempt to escape as they drew near to a door.
"You still a virgin Williams?" John asked, forcing the door open. "Or have you let someone fuck that freak queer ass of yours yet?"
John swung him round before pushing him and Danny landed hard on his ass, scrambling backwards as John advanced.
"Why John? You jealous because nobody will fuck you?" Danny retaliated weakly. "Look at you, you're fat, ugly, stink like shit. Only way you'd get someone to touch you, never mind fuck you, is if you paid them."
"What's it like being a fag and a freak Danny?" John laughed, advancing on him as Danny searched for an escape. One by one John's cronies were filtering into the warehouse John had dragged him into. Danny glanced nervously around, beginning to feel sick with fear. One against eight was an unfair situation.
"You tell me, you're one too," Danny spat out, rolling onto his knees. "That why you brought me here? You want some John? Want to get fucked in front of all your friends? C'mon, show them how manly you can take it up the ass."
"Fucking faggot freak," John snarled and Dannny watched him leap forward, rolling away and the other boy couldn't stop, stumbling and landing on his front on the ground. Danny took advantage, moving and straddling his back, getting him in a head lock, arm tight around his neck.
It was John's turn to gasp and struggle and Danny tightened his hold, looking up to see some of the gang moving forward.
"Tell them to back off," Danny shouted, tightening his hold and hearing John gurgling for breath. "Tell them, now."
"Dann -," John choked and his struggles were getting weaker. Danny looked up, seeing another boy about to reach for him.
"Any closer and I fucking swear I won't let go," Danny yelled at him. "Back off. Back the fuck off."
There was a sudden commotion, the door slamming open and voices behind them. Danny flinched, letting go of John as hands landed on his shoulders. They gentled him back and to his feet and it took a few beats for him to realize it was his older brother, Mathew and some cops.
"Matty?" he questioned, standing in a daze, dizzy on his feet.
"It's okay Danny," Matty assured him, putting an arm around his shoulders to steady him. "I saw these guys take off down the alley with you, brought the cops."
"Didn't have to," Danny said with a shake of his head. He glanced at the nearest officer nervously. He'd rather not get them involved, it would just cause trouble later, after everyone got a slap on the wrists for bad behavior. "It's nothing, really."
"Doesn't look like nothing," the officer said to him, looking to John who was now on his feet, coughing and spluttering.
"You see what he tried to do to me?" John said, hand at his throat, rubbing the skin. "You saw right?"
"Yeah yeah kid, come on, you're all coming down to the station," the officer nodded with a roll of his eyes, seeing through the act.
~
Danny fidgeted in his seat, he was nervous, his palms were sweating and all he wanted was to be at the arcade with his friends. Not stuck in some Lieutenants office waiting for his dad to arrive. The Lt sat opposite him, looking at him curiously. Danny figured he was trying to understand the reasons why he was the kind of kid to draw attention to himself, the kind of kid who had a gang of bullies riding his ass every day of the week. Wasn't a day went by Danny didn't have to look over his shoulder to see if John and his cronies were around. Danny gazed about the room, avoiding looking at the man as they waited.
"You know things would be a whole lot easier if you told me what was going on between you and those boys," the Lt tried.
Danny sighed and looked at him, taking in the concerned but stern expression. He wasn't sure look the guy was going for, intimidating, friendly, a little of both.
"Don't you have to wait for at least one of my parents to arrive before you ask me questions?" Danny said, sinking back in his seat.
"I'm just trying to understand why you were attacked Danny," The Lt replied calmly. "I don't think they'd object to that. I know this isn't the first time you've had trouble with John Flint and his friends."
Danny glanced at him in alarm, shifting in his chair suddenly uncomfortable. "What you keeping tabs on me or something?"
The Lt gave a calm shake of his head. "No. Of course not. The Flint family are well known to us, no surprise John is following in their footsteps as trouble. We keep a close eye on trouble makers. Is there a reason they've chosen you as one of their prize victims?"
"Guess they don't like me," Danny shrugged.
"You're a good kid," the Lt tried, leaning on his desk. "Can't understand why they don't."
"Do they need a reason?" Danny snapped back quickly. "They're bullies. Bullies don't have reasons, they just choose a victim and run with it. Guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time the day they decided to make my life hell."
"So this wouldn't have anything to do with -," The Lt began. Danny looked sharply at him again, surprised, shocked. He opened his mouth to say something but he felt his cheeks flush and he closed it again, looked away. He stared at his hands that were clasped closed on this thighs and took in a long breath to keep calm. It wasn't a surprise that the Lt knew, everybody knew. People like him, 'freaks', the secret never stayed secret long.
"Is my dad going to be here soon?" Danny asked quietly. He wanted to be home, far away from the prying questions and curious eyes.
"Yes," The Lt replied. "I'm sorry Danny, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. But if these boys are making trouble because of what you are -."
"What I am?" Danny said, jerking his face up again angrily. "I'm just a kid trying to make it through one day at a time in one piece. That's what I am."
"Yes, you are," the Lt agreed with another nod. "From the looks of it, you handle yourself pretty well. But it must get hard sometimes."
"It's always hard," Danny shook his head, rolling his eyes. "It'll always be hard."
"Ah don’t be like that," the Lt assured him. "One day, I can't say when for you, but one day, it'll stop being so hard Danny."
"Yeah right," Danny replied, shaking his head with a hollow laugh. "What do you know about it? You don't wake up every day as part of the freak parade."
"Oh I know more than you think," came the reply, the Lt giving him a small smile of understanding. "I may not understand the exact circumstances, but I've heard enough horror stories from my husband to have some idea of what you're dealing with."
Danny stared in surprise at him, eyes widening at this revelation. "Is he - like me? A freak?"
The Lieutenant smiled broadly, gave a nod of his head and a soft laugh. "Yeah Danny, he's like you. And no, he isn't a 'freak'."
Danny swallowed down, leaned forward in his chair a little, his small frame dwarfed by the arms and height of it. He stared closely at the Lt, asking quietly. "You got kids?"
"Yes, we have a daughter," the Lt informed him. "She's about your age."
"And is she, I mean," Danny shifted side to side in his seat. "Is she yours? Both of yours?"
"Yes she's ours," the Lt laughed. "A natural conception."
Danny sat back and let out an exhale of breath. "Cool. That's real cool Sir."
The Lt smiled, then laughed, sitting back in his chair in amusement at Danny’s childish expression and he nodded in agreement. "Yes Danny, it really is."
~
Danny sat under the scrutiny of his parents gentle gazes, his own focus boring into the fruit bowl in the middle of the table. When he'd finally gotten home, his sisters and mom had swarmed like bees, petting at him with cloths and gauze to clean his wounds, making sure he was okay. Then his parents had chased his sisters and Matty away so they could talk in private.
"Maybe we need to start looking into the option of moving schools," his dad suggested. It wasn't the first time the idea had been raised, Danny had always been reluctant and they'd never forced the subject.
"No," Danny shook his head firmly. "Don't you get it? It isn't school that's the problem, at school I've got friends who've got my back dad. John, he lives two blocks away, how am I supposed to avoid him and his goons when they're all over the place?"
"Then maybe we should all move," his mom said softly.
"No," Danny said again. "That isn't fair either. Why should we let them drive us away? That means they win."
"Danny, we want what's best for you," his dad said calmly. "I know you can handle yourself. But what happened tonight, if Matty hadn't seen them dragging you away, who knows what they would have done. They get more dangerous every day. It isn't fair on you son, you shouldn't have to deal with that every day just because you're different."
"What about Marvin?" his mother said as silence descended again.
Danny glanced up at her in shock and surprise. "He's in Hawaii," he pointed out politely.
His mom and dad gave each other a look and Danny knew without them saying that the idea wasn't a new suggestion to them. Marvin was his dads brother, he'd lived in Hawaii for years now.
"You want to send me to Hawaii?" Danny said, staring open mouthed. "But that's so far away."
"It wouldn't be for long," his mom assured him. "It's just to give you a break from everything Danny. It isn't sending you away, you know we wouldn't do that. But do you think we don't see what goes on every day? You think I don't watch you readying yourself for a fight every morning when you get dressed, having to face those boys every day. You're fourteen years old Danny. You shouldn't have to suffer this every day of your life, I, we, need to protect you from that."
"By sending me thousands of miles away?" Danny pushed his chair back angrily, standing up. "That's protecting me? To go live with some uncle I barely know. How is that fair?"
"Danny," his dad said softly, standing up and coming around the table, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's just a suggestion. You aren't going anywhere you don't want to go."
"Good because I'm not going," Danny replied, shaking his head at them both. "I don't want to go anywhere. I'm staying right here."
Rating: PG13 leading up to eventual NC17
Characters: Danny Williams, Steve McGarrett, Meka Hanamoa & general team appearances.
Summary: Danny Williams was born different, and a local gang don't make his life easier because of his differences, dubbing him a 'Freak'. Not that Danny takes any of the bullying lying down, but one against several isn't a fair fight. To protect their son, the Williams' send Danny to live with his Uncle Marvin in Hawaii. There, he meets Meka Hanamoa and develops a crush on Steve McGarrett. But it isn't easy being fifteen, different and falling in love. When Danny returns to New Jersey, they don't think they'll ever meet again, but fate has a way of bringing people back together.
Warnings: Established MPreg Verse.
Chapters : One / Two / Three / Four / Five
Dedicated to ALL the folks of 1_million_words community. The many encouragements, generally squeeing, partying, challenges and fun at that comm has been a huge help to my writing. And without the March WIP Challenge, this baby may never have gotten finished.
Thanks to goldenthroat and simplyn2deep who both looked over this months ago in it's first initial stages and encouraged me to continue on. Ongoing encouragement and sound boarding helped it along the way. Thanks to simplyn2deep for giving a final read through and a thumbs up :D
~
The wall grazed his cheek enough to make a sting and the large, heavy set bully boy behind him pushed right against the back of his neck, making him gasp in pain.
"Queer," the boy taunted.
Danny could smell the stale stench of John's breath as he leaned in against him, spittle landing on his cheek as he struggled. He was used to the bullies, to the playground taunts, rumours and general ignorance of his peers. Everyday he dressed for school he readied himself mentally for everything people threw at him. 'Word vomit' he called it, tried to convince himself if he called it that, if he pretended sticks and stones may break his bones, but words would never hurt him, that one day it would be true.
"I saw you checking me out in the showers," John said. He was a large, brutish kid, the school yard bully who had been the pain in Danny's ass since he was ten. He lived down the block from him, so from leaving home in the morning to returning to the safe haven at night, Danny had to run the gauntlet of John and his gang.
"You wish," Danny replied dryly. He grimaced, John landed a fist right into his back.
"Fuck you Williams," John growled, Danny felt more spit land on his neck.
"Whose the fag now, lard ass," Danny said through gritted teeth, squirming and trying to turn around. Another punch landed and his cheek scraped more on the wall. He flinched, gasping at the pain, felt his shirt tear a little against the grit.
"You'll pay for that freak," John promised, spinning him around. Danny was glad he as off balance, he was small and quick on his feet and he'd never backed down from his bully. He wasn't about to start. He saw John pulling back for a punch and ducked out of the way, hearing the boy cry in pain as fist met concrete. Danny used the opportunity, surging forward as John pulled back in agony, holding his hand. His shoulder connected with John's chest and they landed in a heap on the floor, Danny trying to stay on top to keep the upper hand but John got a grip on him, rolled them over, knocking the wind out of him.
"Get the fuck off me," Danny yelled but it was useless. John was angry and he paid for being the cause of his humiliation with a punch to the jaw. The force made his head snap round and his neck pulled sharply, the pain shooting down his spine.
"Fucking freak," John grunted out, landing another punch. Danny gasped, trying to get air into his lungs, feeling wet on his lip, knowing it was split he darted his tongue over the pain, tasting blood.
John landed another blow to the side of his head, leaving Danny dazed. He felt John's thick fingers wrap around the neck of his shirt, tugging and pulling at him and he was unceremoniously dragged to his feet. Around them, John's gang were watching intently, stepping back as John began pulling at him. Danny felt alarmed. It was all well and good to get beat up in the back alleys, but John was dragging him somewhere. He tried to pull away but John had a tight grip and he was still reeling from the pain, trying to get his bearings. It was a little past five and he was supposed to be meeting friends at the arcade. His parents didn't expect him home for hours.
He stumbled and tripped, John righting him roughly but not letting go and the fight was leaving Danny, giving room to his fear instead as they ducked down one alley, then another, like a maze with only the bully boy knowing the direction.
"Let go of me," Danny tried weakly, a vain attempt to escape as they drew near to a door.
"You still a virgin Williams?" John asked, forcing the door open. "Or have you let someone fuck that freak queer ass of yours yet?"
John swung him round before pushing him and Danny landed hard on his ass, scrambling backwards as John advanced.
"Why John? You jealous because nobody will fuck you?" Danny retaliated weakly. "Look at you, you're fat, ugly, stink like shit. Only way you'd get someone to touch you, never mind fuck you, is if you paid them."
"What's it like being a fag and a freak Danny?" John laughed, advancing on him as Danny searched for an escape. One by one John's cronies were filtering into the warehouse John had dragged him into. Danny glanced nervously around, beginning to feel sick with fear. One against eight was an unfair situation.
"You tell me, you're one too," Danny spat out, rolling onto his knees. "That why you brought me here? You want some John? Want to get fucked in front of all your friends? C'mon, show them how manly you can take it up the ass."
"Fucking faggot freak," John snarled and Dannny watched him leap forward, rolling away and the other boy couldn't stop, stumbling and landing on his front on the ground. Danny took advantage, moving and straddling his back, getting him in a head lock, arm tight around his neck.
It was John's turn to gasp and struggle and Danny tightened his hold, looking up to see some of the gang moving forward.
"Tell them to back off," Danny shouted, tightening his hold and hearing John gurgling for breath. "Tell them, now."
"Dann -," John choked and his struggles were getting weaker. Danny looked up, seeing another boy about to reach for him.
"Any closer and I fucking swear I won't let go," Danny yelled at him. "Back off. Back the fuck off."
There was a sudden commotion, the door slamming open and voices behind them. Danny flinched, letting go of John as hands landed on his shoulders. They gentled him back and to his feet and it took a few beats for him to realize it was his older brother, Mathew and some cops.
"Matty?" he questioned, standing in a daze, dizzy on his feet.
"It's okay Danny," Matty assured him, putting an arm around his shoulders to steady him. "I saw these guys take off down the alley with you, brought the cops."
"Didn't have to," Danny said with a shake of his head. He glanced at the nearest officer nervously. He'd rather not get them involved, it would just cause trouble later, after everyone got a slap on the wrists for bad behavior. "It's nothing, really."
"Doesn't look like nothing," the officer said to him, looking to John who was now on his feet, coughing and spluttering.
"You see what he tried to do to me?" John said, hand at his throat, rubbing the skin. "You saw right?"
"Yeah yeah kid, come on, you're all coming down to the station," the officer nodded with a roll of his eyes, seeing through the act.
~
Danny fidgeted in his seat, he was nervous, his palms were sweating and all he wanted was to be at the arcade with his friends. Not stuck in some Lieutenants office waiting for his dad to arrive. The Lt sat opposite him, looking at him curiously. Danny figured he was trying to understand the reasons why he was the kind of kid to draw attention to himself, the kind of kid who had a gang of bullies riding his ass every day of the week. Wasn't a day went by Danny didn't have to look over his shoulder to see if John and his cronies were around. Danny gazed about the room, avoiding looking at the man as they waited.
"You know things would be a whole lot easier if you told me what was going on between you and those boys," the Lt tried.
Danny sighed and looked at him, taking in the concerned but stern expression. He wasn't sure look the guy was going for, intimidating, friendly, a little of both.
"Don't you have to wait for at least one of my parents to arrive before you ask me questions?" Danny said, sinking back in his seat.
"I'm just trying to understand why you were attacked Danny," The Lt replied calmly. "I don't think they'd object to that. I know this isn't the first time you've had trouble with John Flint and his friends."
Danny glanced at him in alarm, shifting in his chair suddenly uncomfortable. "What you keeping tabs on me or something?"
The Lt gave a calm shake of his head. "No. Of course not. The Flint family are well known to us, no surprise John is following in their footsteps as trouble. We keep a close eye on trouble makers. Is there a reason they've chosen you as one of their prize victims?"
"Guess they don't like me," Danny shrugged.
"You're a good kid," the Lt tried, leaning on his desk. "Can't understand why they don't."
"Do they need a reason?" Danny snapped back quickly. "They're bullies. Bullies don't have reasons, they just choose a victim and run with it. Guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time the day they decided to make my life hell."
"So this wouldn't have anything to do with -," The Lt began. Danny looked sharply at him again, surprised, shocked. He opened his mouth to say something but he felt his cheeks flush and he closed it again, looked away. He stared at his hands that were clasped closed on this thighs and took in a long breath to keep calm. It wasn't a surprise that the Lt knew, everybody knew. People like him, 'freaks', the secret never stayed secret long.
"Is my dad going to be here soon?" Danny asked quietly. He wanted to be home, far away from the prying questions and curious eyes.
"Yes," The Lt replied. "I'm sorry Danny, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. But if these boys are making trouble because of what you are -."
"What I am?" Danny said, jerking his face up again angrily. "I'm just a kid trying to make it through one day at a time in one piece. That's what I am."
"Yes, you are," the Lt agreed with another nod. "From the looks of it, you handle yourself pretty well. But it must get hard sometimes."
"It's always hard," Danny shook his head, rolling his eyes. "It'll always be hard."
"Ah don’t be like that," the Lt assured him. "One day, I can't say when for you, but one day, it'll stop being so hard Danny."
"Yeah right," Danny replied, shaking his head with a hollow laugh. "What do you know about it? You don't wake up every day as part of the freak parade."
"Oh I know more than you think," came the reply, the Lt giving him a small smile of understanding. "I may not understand the exact circumstances, but I've heard enough horror stories from my husband to have some idea of what you're dealing with."
Danny stared in surprise at him, eyes widening at this revelation. "Is he - like me? A freak?"
The Lieutenant smiled broadly, gave a nod of his head and a soft laugh. "Yeah Danny, he's like you. And no, he isn't a 'freak'."
Danny swallowed down, leaned forward in his chair a little, his small frame dwarfed by the arms and height of it. He stared closely at the Lt, asking quietly. "You got kids?"
"Yes, we have a daughter," the Lt informed him. "She's about your age."
"And is she, I mean," Danny shifted side to side in his seat. "Is she yours? Both of yours?"
"Yes she's ours," the Lt laughed. "A natural conception."
Danny sat back and let out an exhale of breath. "Cool. That's real cool Sir."
The Lt smiled, then laughed, sitting back in his chair in amusement at Danny’s childish expression and he nodded in agreement. "Yes Danny, it really is."
~
Danny sat under the scrutiny of his parents gentle gazes, his own focus boring into the fruit bowl in the middle of the table. When he'd finally gotten home, his sisters and mom had swarmed like bees, petting at him with cloths and gauze to clean his wounds, making sure he was okay. Then his parents had chased his sisters and Matty away so they could talk in private.
"Maybe we need to start looking into the option of moving schools," his dad suggested. It wasn't the first time the idea had been raised, Danny had always been reluctant and they'd never forced the subject.
"No," Danny shook his head firmly. "Don't you get it? It isn't school that's the problem, at school I've got friends who've got my back dad. John, he lives two blocks away, how am I supposed to avoid him and his goons when they're all over the place?"
"Then maybe we should all move," his mom said softly.
"No," Danny said again. "That isn't fair either. Why should we let them drive us away? That means they win."
"Danny, we want what's best for you," his dad said calmly. "I know you can handle yourself. But what happened tonight, if Matty hadn't seen them dragging you away, who knows what they would have done. They get more dangerous every day. It isn't fair on you son, you shouldn't have to deal with that every day just because you're different."
"What about Marvin?" his mother said as silence descended again.
Danny glanced up at her in shock and surprise. "He's in Hawaii," he pointed out politely.
His mom and dad gave each other a look and Danny knew without them saying that the idea wasn't a new suggestion to them. Marvin was his dads brother, he'd lived in Hawaii for years now.
"You want to send me to Hawaii?" Danny said, staring open mouthed. "But that's so far away."
"It wouldn't be for long," his mom assured him. "It's just to give you a break from everything Danny. It isn't sending you away, you know we wouldn't do that. But do you think we don't see what goes on every day? You think I don't watch you readying yourself for a fight every morning when you get dressed, having to face those boys every day. You're fourteen years old Danny. You shouldn't have to suffer this every day of your life, I, we, need to protect you from that."
"By sending me thousands of miles away?" Danny pushed his chair back angrily, standing up. "That's protecting me? To go live with some uncle I barely know. How is that fair?"
"Danny," his dad said softly, standing up and coming around the table, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's just a suggestion. You aren't going anywhere you don't want to go."
"Good because I'm not going," Danny replied, shaking his head at them both. "I don't want to go anywhere. I'm staying right here."