Fic: Freak 3/? (Danny/Steve, MPreg)
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
~
Danny avoided hanging out with his friends for a few days. It was the weekend, so he stayed holed up in his room and ignored any attempts they made to draw him out. He watched them on the Saturday evening as they dissappeared into the distance, before escaping out of the house and heading in the opposite direction, glad of his own company. It wasn't until he'd been walking and thinking for twenty minutes or so that he realised he wasn't as alone as he'd assumed.
"Hi," Steve said from behind him.
Danny stopped and turned in shock, gaping at him before he collected his thoughts. "What are you doing here?"
"Thought you could use the company," Steve shrugged. "You can't avoid us all forever Danny."
"I'm not avoiding anyone," Danny said with a shake of his head. "I just needed to be alone for a while."
"Meka told me what happened," Steve explained as Danny turned away to begin walking again. Steve fell easily into step beside him. "Though he doesn't understand why it's got you all upset like it has. You just up and left. Unless you thought it was because they'd figured out you were gay and thought somehow that would make you a target."
"What, wait, how'd you-," Danny said, stopping again and turning to look at him. "Did Meka tell you I was gay?"
Steve's eyebrows raised up and he frowned, shaking his head. "No, he didn't have too. Most of us have you figured out. My little sister and her friends are just too dumb to see it. It's been amusing seeing her try so hard, knowing it wouldn't get her anywhere. That girl would miss a clue if it was written out on a placard in front of her."
"Yeah ha ha, very funny, I found it so amusing," Danny rolled his eyes. "How long have you guys known?"
"What, that you're gay?" Steve said, still surprised Danny didn't know he knew. "Well for me, pretty much since we first met. Think it's the same for the guys. I mean come on D, we're teenagers, girls and relationships are all most guys our age talk about. Only you don't join in. You never talk about the 'girls' back in New Jersey or of having a girlfriend back there."
"So you figured I was gay from that?" Danny asked with a frown. It was so cliche.
"Well no," Steve shook his head with a smile. "There's other things. Like you coming to watch football practice every chance you get or the fact you never flirt with any of the girls at school. You don't have a thing like most of the guys for the new science teacher, Miss Kalili."
"Again, all circumstantial," Danny pointed out but Steve had a point. He frowned and looked at Steve, head half cocked to the side. "Hey, come to think about it, you don't do any of those things either."
Steve smirked and rolled his eyes. "Gees Williams, how long does it take you to get a clue? You're as bad as Mary."
"You mean-," Danny began before pausing as Steve nodded quickly.
"Yes, of course I am," Steve informed him. "I thought everybody knew that, I thought you knew. Which has been really frustrating because I've really wanted you to flirt with me only you haven't so I figured I wasn't your type. I settled for being your friend because I like you Danny, you're a good guy. If I couldn't have you as a boyfriend, at least I could have you as a friend."
"Wait, you - you like me?" Danny blurted out, running a hand through his hair. This was all a lot to take in so suddenly. "You wanted me to flirt with you?"
"Well I've wanted to do a hell of a lot more, but flirting would be a start," Steve teased with a nod. "Sorry if this is a shock to you. You aren't the only gay teenager in Hawaii you know. But you're the only one I've wanted to seriously date and make out with."
"But you never said anything," Danny said, feeling suddenly foolish. How'd he completely miss the signs. Maybe he was being cliche himself, or maybe his life back in New Jersey had made him cynical to how open people were towards people like himself. People seemed more accepting in Hawaii, especially younger people.
"Didn't think I had too," Steve shrugged. "I mean I thought Meka may have at least pointed it out if anything."
"He told me his brother was and that it wasn't something I should feel I had to keep quiet about," Danny said with a shrug. Now he just felt stupid. "I don't have a problem with people knowing really, but back home, it was tough, I wanted a clean start here so I've kept it quiet."
"Meka was right, you shouldn't hide who and what you are D," Steve said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It isn't anything to be ashamed of."
Danny looked at him with a frown, giving a shake of his head. "I'm not ashamed of being gay."
"So why did you run off like that after Mary threw yourself at you?" Steve said, brow furrowing again. "You know what girls are like. They can get bitchy when they want to be."
"I didn't run off," Danny said rolling his eyes.
"You left in a hurry and you were upset D," Steve pointed out knowingly. "I saw you crying so don't deny it. I figured one or two of them had said something about your being gay that upset you."
Danny sighed and shook his head again. That wasn't why he had been upset, but he wasn't prepared to tell Steve the truth on that score. There were some things he was going to keep secret. Being gay he was fine being open about, being a freak of nature was quite different. Steve wouldn't understand. As far as Danny could figure, no other boy he knew here was the same as him, no other men either when he thought of his uncles friends and people they'd met. He'd not met any fathers who'd naturally conceived and though it had been mentioned in one or two of his science classes, it was quickly glossed over because of course, it was so rare and unnatural that why would more information be given on the subject? He was one of the few freaks walking the Earth and how could he explain that to Steve?
"It wasn't that," Danny said when he saw Steve looking at him with concern, seeing him lost in thought.
"Then what-," Stvee started but Danny cut him off.
"Look just, forget it," Danny said gently with a shake of his head. "I'm not ashamed of being gay okay? I appreciate your sister has excellent taste, even if I can't reciprocate the feelings. Maybe I should talk to her and clear things up. She's a nice girl, a bit of a pain sometimes but I've got three sisters, so I know what that's like. Things just got a little heated, especially considering Meka and the guys were in on the joke and her friends were blindly encouraging her. It's over now, it happened and I want to move on from it. I just needed a break from everyone to clear my thoughts on some stuff."
"Okay," Steve nodded in agreement. "I get that. But you know if you ever need to talk, you've got friends here Danny. People who like you, maybe even more than like you."
He rubbed his fingers on Danny's shoulder with a lame smile that made Danny snort with laughter.
"If this is your attempt at a flirtatious come on babe, you gotta practice more," Danny laughed, feeling the tension breaking a little. He'd successfully evaded any more questions that would have led to him having to lie about his bigger secret. Now that he knew about Steve, he was eager to flirt back.
Steve shrugged and laughed himself, stepping closer. "I'll practice on you."
Danny sensed a new kind of tension, the kind of tension that made his skin prickle and stomach flip. He'd been holding back for weeks since he'd met Steve, keeping his distance thinking he'd have no interest at all in him. He felt his arm tremble as Steve's fingers trailed down his skin and connected with his hand, their fingers naturally entwining. This kind of practice he could definitely get involved with, as Steve lifted his other hand to cup the back of his neck.
Danny had kissed other guys, but when Steve kissed him it took him by surprise. Everything suddenly went still, the kiss lasting a few seconds before Steve pulled quickly away, like he was unsure he'd done the right thing. He couldn’t escape very far because Danny reached out a hand and snagged his fingers into his t-shirt. Steve looked shy and vulnerable and Danny felt his lips tingle from Steve’s touch.
Kissing hadn’t been like this with his few other boyfriends, it had been nice, but this, kissing Steve, that felt like perfection.
~
Danny was surprised at how open from the start Steve was about their changing relationship. He was so used to hiding or being secretive about his sexuality as well as his other secret, that being open about it was a foreign feeling for him. Steve wanted to hold hands or be touching him and holding him all of the time. Danny quickly learned he was what his mother would have called an old romantic, in fact for a fifteen year old, Steve could be pretty old fashioned which Danny found endearing. They'd kissed on the Saturday and come Monday, Steve carried his books under one arm as the other was slung around his shoulders as they walked to school together.
Meka walked with them, prattling on about nothing in particular, having mentioned their newfound reltionship only once by saying 'it's about time you both got a clue brah'. Danny learned Steve had made it clear with Mary just why her advances towards Danny had been turned down and for the moment she was inclined to avoid him, possibly to save herself some embarrassment. As they neared school, Danny became acutely aware of how Steve leaned against him, how they walked in step, how nice it felt to be held close and how it would be perceived by everyone else. He caught a few glances their way as others kids trickled into the school grounds, hanging around until the bell sounded. Danny became increasingly tense and pulled himself away with floundering hesitation.
"Uh, you know I'm gonna head in, I've got a few notes I want to add to my English essay," he said quickly, feeling his cheeks flush, it felt like all eyes were on him and he didn't even dare look at Steve. What kind of boyfriend was he going to turn out to be if he couldn't even stand a few mocking looks from his peers? It had been a completely bad idea, they shouldn't have started anything. It was bad enough fitting in being the outsider, never mind adding to his problems. If people ever found out his deeper secret, life would be unbearable.
"Wait up, I'll walk you," he heard Steve say but he walked on quickly, giving a shake of his head.
"I'll see you later," Danny shouted over his shoulder, putting his head down.
He and Steve didn't have many classes together, so he managed to avoid him until lunch break when their group usualy gathered on the grass on the northside of the school. He'd brought a packed lunch, but he was reluctant to go meet everyone, knowing Steve would probably get touchy feely with him. He really really wanted that himself, a ten minute makeout would definitely be a perk to it being a Monday at school. If only they could be somewhere private. He was thinking of ditching everyone, making an excuse for getting some extra study in at the library, only Meka and Kamekona cornered him and their usual back and forth banter meant he couldn't get a word in as they headed for the grass.
Most of the guys were already there, but no Steve and Danny felt a dip of dissapointment in his gut not seeing him present. As he was placing down his bag, arms wrapped around his waist and held him tight as Steve planted a kiss on his cheek. Though it was in full view of everyone, Danny couldn't help but smile as Steve let go of him and moved around him with a grin, hand on his arm.
"Miss me?" he asked, eyes like a puppy dogs.
"You're a goof," Danny laughed rolling his eyes and giving him a playful push.
"What we got for lunch?" Steve said, pulling him down to sit beside him.
"I have pastrami, ham and mu'tz, with a layer of mayo," Danny said, retrieving the paper bag from his backpack. "Courtesy of Chez Marv. Can take the guy out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of the guy."
Steve screwed up his nose and gave a sigh, "You'll end up with heart problems."
"Thanks for that," Danny snorte, unwrapping his sandwich. "Seriously babe, such a nice thing for you inform me of. I appreciate it."
Steve laughed and shrugged his shoulders, "What, I can't be concerned about my boyfriends future health?"
Danny sobered up at that remark, realising he'd gotten so carried away flirting with Steve that he'd forgotten they had an audience of their peers around. He looked over to where some of the guys were grinning over at them, but most were pre occupied complaining about classes or what they looked forward to after school. He'd been expecting scathing looks and sarcastic comments. He was beginning to realise he had a lot of hang ups from his old school and what he'd had to suffer the last few years. He relaxed, looking at Steve who was tucking into a ham salad sandwich. Not enough ham, too much salad in Danny's opinion. He grinned and leaned against him, putting a hand on his knee where his legs were crossed and Steve smiled, putting a hand lightly around his waist.
From then on Danny worked on being less worried about what people would say. Days turned into weeks and he and Steve 'dated', going to the movies, the mall, doing stuff just the two of them as well as hanging out with their friends. It was the longest relationship Danny had had, especially without anybody giving him grief about his being gay. It was nice, being easy and open about who he was, not being constantly hounded by bullies. Steve was the first person he told almost everything too outside of his family, about Flint and his gang bullying him. About the daily gauntlet getting to school, having to watch out for himself day in and day out.
But the one thing he couldn't bring himself to tell Steve about was his secret. His deepest fear not only was everyone at school finding out, but Steve knowing. After all, why would he want to be with him, the outsider who was also a weird freak?
Losing Steve, that would be the hardest thing of all.
~
Steve had come round to do some studying, which surprisingly, he and Danny actually accomplished. Of course the reward was making out at the end of it.
"Hey, you got a pen?" Steve yelled after him as Danny dissappeared down the hall to fetch refreshments. He searched the various spaces in Danny's room, dresser, computer desk and bedside table for one but saw nothing.
"My bag," Danny shouted back along the hall.
Steve looked around, grabbing the bag where it lay in a heap by the desk. Steve smirked at the untidiness of the room, knowing to Danny, there was a method to the madness. It made Steve's fingers itch wanting to straighten everything up, clean freak Mary always called him. He guessed it was good prep for if he got into the Navy. He set the bag on the bed and opened it up, pulling out school books in search of a pen. Danny's bag was filled with junk, a half drunk bottle of soda, loose papers, a comic, headphones. Steve sighed and sank his hand into the depths in hopes he'd prise a pen from the bottom, fingers curling around more mess and pulling it out. Crumpled papers, sweet wrappers and the likes fell to the bed and Steve rolled his eyes, thinking it was a hopeless cause. Then his eyes settled on something that was strange, considering they were in Danny's bag. Curiously he picked up the small nub, a few inches long, still in it's wrapper but he lived in a house with a mother and sister, there was no mistaking what they were.
Why would Danny have tampons in his bag?
He heard the sound of footsteps returning and with slight panic and feeling guilty as if he would be caught doing something he shouldn't, he quickly stuffed the rubbish back into the bag, tampons and all before Danny stood in the doorway, soda's in hand, bag of chips under his arm.
"You find one?" Danny asked and Steve looked at him with momentary shock.
"Uh, no," he said shaking his head quickly. He'd found something, just not what he was expecting. "I'm afraid to find what's buried at the bottom of this thing."
He laughed off his nerves, hoping Danny didn't suspect anything and Danny grinned, crossing the room and handing him a bottle. He grabbed the bag, dug his fingers into a side pocket and pulled out a biro.
"Here goof," he said, wagging the pen under Steve's nose.
Steve rolled his eyes and grabbed it, sitting on the bed and picking up his history book. He had half a paper to finish and he imersed himself in the task so he could distract himself from asking Danny about what he'd found. Danny settled on the floor beside him, pulling books out of his bag and settling in for some math study. For an hour they held out from giving up and moving on to more fun activities together. Steve got a cramp in his hand by the time he was three thirds through finishing and Danny was beginning to get a headache from all the numbers, but he was good at math, he got it. It made sense to him, so he was confident what he was studying was sticking in his brain. He glanced up when Steve shoved his work aside with a sigh, rubbing his temples and grabbing another handful of chips he'd been munching on over the hour. Danny put his own book aside and sat up on his knees, resting his hands on Steve's legs.
"So, what do you want to do? Movie, games?" he said, figuring they needed a break, waving towards the tv and games console beside it.
Steve glanced at the window, the rain hitting wildly off the pane. Sighing he shrugged and nodded. He was more outdoorsy, computer games hadn't been his thing in the last few years, he preferred sports and exercise or hanging out on the beach.
"Movie I guess," he agreed.
"Don't sound so enthusiastic," Danny smirked, standing and grabbing the remote from his bedside cabinet.
Danny channel surfed for the first ten minutes which began driving Steve nuts until finally he grabbed the remote off him and tuned it to a station, rolling his eyes at Danny, bumping his shoulder against him. "Just settle on something already."
Danny smirked again, the kind of smile that Steve was learning meant Danny was amused by him and his ways. Sighing heavily earned him a mocking laugh from Danny and he tossed the remote onto the mattress, giving Danny a playful shove of mild annoyance.
"God you're a tight wad," Danny laughed at him, shoving him back. "Look at you, cooped up you're bouncing off the walls. You hate being stuck inside don't you?"
"Do you even see where you live now?" Steve grinned back. "All that open space, places to explore and you prefer to be cooped up inside playing stupid computer games or turning comatose in front of the tv."
"Um, it may have passed your notice GI Joe, but there's a storm going on outside currently," Danny pointed out. "What do you propose we do?"
"Well, we could make out," Steve blurted out suddenly, watching Danny smile again, reading him openly as usual.
"Gees McGarrett, don't beat around the bush," Danny laughed, giving him a poke.
"Oh please, it's what we always do," Steve said knowingly. "And don't think I don't realise a good oppurtunity when I see one, Marv's out until late tonight. Just us, here, by ourselves. Makes a difference to sneaking off when we get a chance."
"You know I do like hanging out with you and not just because I get to make out with you," Danny told him. "Even though that is my favourite thing to do with you."
"Good, that makes two of us," Steve nodded in agreement. "So can we get on with it? You said it, I'm going stir crazy, need something to take my mind off being stuck indoors."
"Such a romantic," Danny said rolling his eyes, but he kicked off his shoes before moving further onto the bed, back up against the headboard. Steve didn't waste time in joining him, crowding into him, knees either side of his thighs so he could settle onto his lap, hands cupping his face.
Each tryst they'd had had made them less nervous, the kissing had become addictive, like they couldn't get enough of one another. Sometimes it was desperate, all tongue and harsh breaths. Other times it was slow, tentative and exploratory. Now, as well as the kissing, hands explored each others bodies, stealing under shirts and t's, fingertips and palms stroking and caressing warm skin. Danny liked the slender frame of Steve, the developing muscles of his stomach and chest. Steve favoured Danny's broad shoulders, how they belied his frame, like a hidden strength for someone small of stature.
They peeled apart with harsh, deep breaths, sharing each others air. Steve squeezed Danny's shoulders and sucked in a deep breath, stealing himself for the reaction as he dared ask the question that had been bothering him. He just couldn't get the thought of it out of his head, it was too confusing to figure out for himself.
"Danny," he said, unable to meet his eyes, feeling a flush on his skin as the words developed on his tongue. "Why do you have tampons in your bag?"
He felt Danny's hands freeze on his skin, digging in like the question had hit him with a sudden blow. Danny tensed, jerking in response as he pulled his hands free, pushing him back.
"What?" Danny asked in a small voice, shocked and angered.
Steve forced himself to look at him, seeing Danny staring wildly at him, panicked and afraid. Like an animal caught in a trap.
"What the fuck -," Danny spat out, shoving him harder and Steve moved off him, watching Danny roll away to stand by the bed opposite him.
"I'm sorry, I just," Steve tried to explain. "When I was looking for the pen, they were just there. It's a little weird you know?"
"Yeah, weird, I get it," Danny spat out at him. "Weird even for a freak."
"I didn't mean anything by it," Steve shrugged. "It's just strange is all."
"Maybe you should leave," Danny said, turning away from him, cheeks burning.
"What? Come on Danny," Steve said in surprise. He didn't understand Danny's reaction and it hadn't explained anything at all about why he had them. "What, is it just some weird joke or something? Someone dare you to carry them around? Come on, give, you can tell me."
"Yeah, some weird joke," Danny nodded, turning to look at him. He laughed, but his face was filled with a fear and anguish Steve couldn't understand. It just caused things to become more confusing. "Just like me. Look you should just go."
"Danny-," Steve tried again but Danny looked at him angrily.
"I said get the fuck out," he yelled at him and Steve knew if he pushed it, Danny would just get more upset.
He grabbed his shoes and school bag from where he'd set it by Danny's door. Before he left he turned to him, giving him a soft look, confused and wishing he could comfort his friend from whatever it was that had him so upset and afraid.
"I'm sorry," he said, even though he didn't know what he was apologising for. "I didn't mean anything, I didn't mean to upset you. I'll see you tomorrow okay?"
"Yeah, whatever," Danny said, not looking him in the eye.
Steve left and Danny slumped down onto the bed, picking up his bag and throwing it at the wall in anger and frustration. The bag slumped to the floor, the mess pouring out onto the floor, papers, erasers, soda bottle, wrappers and there, in the midst of them, a lone tampon half hidden by the comic. Danny stared at it, looked at the door where Steve had made his hasty retreat and burst into tears.
~
It was the weekend and they'd planned on hitting the beach all day. But when Steve joined the group, board under one arm and bag of snacks in his other hand, he noticed Meka was there but no Danny.
Meka shrugged when he asked where he was, shaking his head. "He just called me today and said he wasn't coming, doesn't feel too good or something."
They spent most of the time hitting the waves or hanging out on the sand, playing football, beachball, or exploring on the cliffs. Steve tried to have a good time, but not having Danny present took away some of the enjoyment of the day. What made it worse was everybody knew he wasn't himself because Danny wasn't there and relentlessly teased him throughout the day for missing his boyfriend. Steve would have happily taken on their jibes, if he was confident he still had Danny as a boyfriend.
He got home a little after six, to find his mom was out with his sister. He was surprised to find his dad home, he'd been working on a case late the last few evenings. As soon as he saw his dad he knew something was up and tried to figure if he'd done something wrong to warrant a lecture. Nothing sprang to mind and his dad didn't seem upset with him. But he still wanted to talk and they settled down on the sofa.
"Steve, son, we need to talk about something," his dad began and Steve gave a nod, waiting for whatever it was. "Danny's uncle left not so long ago."
Steve's heart sank, thinking the worse. Did Marv think he and Danny had had a big fight? Had Danny said something to make Marv think Steve was trouble? He hoped to God Marv hadn't asked for the two of them to stay away from each other. Steve could think of nothing worse.
"It's okay, you aren't in any trouble," his dad said, reading his reaction. "Marv just wanted to explain a few things. Danny told him you two had a bit of a fight yesterday."
"Not so much a fight," Steve shrugged honestly. "Just, well, I don't know what it was. I asked him about something and he just freaked out. I don't know why, he wouldn't tell me. Only now I don't think he's speaking to me. I apologised, even though I didn't know what I'd done wrong."
"Yes, Marv said as much. Danny's pretty upset about everything, but, well, it's quite complicated. That's why Marv came over, to try and explain things," his Dad continued with a nod, sitting back and looking at him closely. "Steve, has Danny ever told you why he moved in with Marvin?"
"Yeah, he said he got bullied back home in Jersey," Steve replied. "Because he's gay and there was a gang that bullied him because of it. Things ended up pretty rough and his parents sent him out here."
He looked at his dad and saw a look in his eyes, turning slightly where he sat to face him better. "Did he lie? Isn't that why he's here?"
"Well, it's partly true," his dad nodded. "He was bullied and part of the reason was because he's gay. But there's also another reason, a reason Danny hasn't ever told anyone, not here in Hawaii any way."
"Has this got something to do with what I asked him about yesterday," Steve said with a frown, trying to figure out things in his head, but nothing made sense.
"What did you ask him about?" his dad asked and Steve swallowed down, glancing away.
"I was looking for a pen in his bag and I found," Steve paused, feeling his neck flush. "Tampons. I asked him about them and he freaked. I wasn't snooping honest, he said I could go in his bag to get the pen and I just found them."
"Well, there's a reason he carries them," his dad explained. "Danny is, well, unique. He carries them because he needs to use them, on occasion."
"I don't understand," Steve said, his frown deepening on his brow.
"Well the official term is 'couvade'," his dad explained. "A hatcher Steve."
"You mean," Steve said, suddenly catching up, a light going off above his head. He’d learned a little in science about ‘hatchers’ as they were commonly known. "Danny can get pregnant, have kids?"
"Yes, that pretty much sums it up."
"Wow," Steve sighed, leaning further back into the cushions. "No wonder he freaked. I had no idea, he's never said anything."
"Well, it isn't something very common and I think he's had a hard time from people about it. It isn't surprising he's kept it secret, considering the bullying he had in New Jersey. Marv says Danny accepts it is how he is, but still, can you understand why he's nervous and afraid of people knowing? This sets him apart from the crowd in a huge way. There aren't many boys or men like him."
"Yeah I get it," Steve nodded in agreement. "I just wish he'd trusted me enough to tell me himself. I think he probably thinks I'd freak out. He kept saying that you know, that he’s a freak and weird."
"Well growing up he's probably heard a lot of that from his bullies," his dad replied wryly. "I can't imagine life has been easy. And then he gets sent out here, where he doesn't know anyone. And once he started fitting in with the crowd, making friends, well I guess he probably thinks of it as a clean slate. If nobody knows, then he won't be given a hard time about it, have people looking at him, asking questions."
"But it's not weird," Steve shrugged at him with a frown. "I mean, it's just natural right? It's just that he’s built differently."
"Not everyone thinks that way," his dad told him, a hint of pride in his eyes at Steve's logical reaction to the news. "Because it's rare and because people are ignorant - you know well enough how difficult it is being a teenager. Can you honestly say all your friends would think the way you do?"
"I should go talk to him," Steve said sitting up. "Let him know it doesn't make any difference, I mean, it doesn't make me feel or think about him any different."
"It doesn't?" His dad tested him with a watchful eye. "Aren't you a little curious about it?"
Steve averted his eyes and looked away, "A little I guess."
"I don't want you questioning him Steve," his dad warned. "Unless he talks about it or says you can ask him about it, I don't want you making him uncomfortable just to sate your curiosity."
"But I can't act like I don't know," Steve shrugged.
"No, you can't," his dad agreed. "But if you have questions, do some research first, learn about it, like you should. Then, when Danny wants to talk about it, you'll be armed with information, it'll make him less uncomfortable if you have some idea of what you're asking and talking about. Think about how it will make him feel if you sound like you're interested and informed on the subject. I know it's touched upon at school, but not in any great depth or detail."
"Yeah, okay," Steve agreed. He looked at his dad closely, "Dad?"
"Yes?"
"What do you think about it?" Steve asked, watching him for a reaction. His dad gave him a knowing smile, not easily read, no matter how hard Steve tried.
"I think it makes him special," his dad answered honestly. "I don't think it makes him a freak. Society is more accepting now than it used to be. I think, when he's older and finds the right person, well, I think he'll learn just how special a gift he has."
"You mean having kids?" Steve asked, thinking about it. He found his curiosity even more peaked, wondering how Danny dealt with that kind knowledge, knowing one day he could get pregnant, have children of his very own.
His dad nodded and sighed, reaching over to pat him on the shoulder. "Do your homework before you go see him okay? I know you care about him son, so put some effort into understanding what's going on."
"Does anyone else know?" Steve asked him. "I mean mom or Mary?"
"Your mother does yes," his Dad replied. "Not Mary and she isn't to know, nobody is. Marv told me in confidence so I could explain the situation to you. But it's Danny's business and nobody else’s, it's for him to decide who knows and who doesn't."
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
~
Danny avoided hanging out with his friends for a few days. It was the weekend, so he stayed holed up in his room and ignored any attempts they made to draw him out. He watched them on the Saturday evening as they dissappeared into the distance, before escaping out of the house and heading in the opposite direction, glad of his own company. It wasn't until he'd been walking and thinking for twenty minutes or so that he realised he wasn't as alone as he'd assumed.
"Hi," Steve said from behind him.
Danny stopped and turned in shock, gaping at him before he collected his thoughts. "What are you doing here?"
"Thought you could use the company," Steve shrugged. "You can't avoid us all forever Danny."
"I'm not avoiding anyone," Danny said with a shake of his head. "I just needed to be alone for a while."
"Meka told me what happened," Steve explained as Danny turned away to begin walking again. Steve fell easily into step beside him. "Though he doesn't understand why it's got you all upset like it has. You just up and left. Unless you thought it was because they'd figured out you were gay and thought somehow that would make you a target."
"What, wait, how'd you-," Danny said, stopping again and turning to look at him. "Did Meka tell you I was gay?"
Steve's eyebrows raised up and he frowned, shaking his head. "No, he didn't have too. Most of us have you figured out. My little sister and her friends are just too dumb to see it. It's been amusing seeing her try so hard, knowing it wouldn't get her anywhere. That girl would miss a clue if it was written out on a placard in front of her."
"Yeah ha ha, very funny, I found it so amusing," Danny rolled his eyes. "How long have you guys known?"
"What, that you're gay?" Steve said, still surprised Danny didn't know he knew. "Well for me, pretty much since we first met. Think it's the same for the guys. I mean come on D, we're teenagers, girls and relationships are all most guys our age talk about. Only you don't join in. You never talk about the 'girls' back in New Jersey or of having a girlfriend back there."
"So you figured I was gay from that?" Danny asked with a frown. It was so cliche.
"Well no," Steve shook his head with a smile. "There's other things. Like you coming to watch football practice every chance you get or the fact you never flirt with any of the girls at school. You don't have a thing like most of the guys for the new science teacher, Miss Kalili."
"Again, all circumstantial," Danny pointed out but Steve had a point. He frowned and looked at Steve, head half cocked to the side. "Hey, come to think about it, you don't do any of those things either."
Steve smirked and rolled his eyes. "Gees Williams, how long does it take you to get a clue? You're as bad as Mary."
"You mean-," Danny began before pausing as Steve nodded quickly.
"Yes, of course I am," Steve informed him. "I thought everybody knew that, I thought you knew. Which has been really frustrating because I've really wanted you to flirt with me only you haven't so I figured I wasn't your type. I settled for being your friend because I like you Danny, you're a good guy. If I couldn't have you as a boyfriend, at least I could have you as a friend."
"Wait, you - you like me?" Danny blurted out, running a hand through his hair. This was all a lot to take in so suddenly. "You wanted me to flirt with you?"
"Well I've wanted to do a hell of a lot more, but flirting would be a start," Steve teased with a nod. "Sorry if this is a shock to you. You aren't the only gay teenager in Hawaii you know. But you're the only one I've wanted to seriously date and make out with."
"But you never said anything," Danny said, feeling suddenly foolish. How'd he completely miss the signs. Maybe he was being cliche himself, or maybe his life back in New Jersey had made him cynical to how open people were towards people like himself. People seemed more accepting in Hawaii, especially younger people.
"Didn't think I had too," Steve shrugged. "I mean I thought Meka may have at least pointed it out if anything."
"He told me his brother was and that it wasn't something I should feel I had to keep quiet about," Danny said with a shrug. Now he just felt stupid. "I don't have a problem with people knowing really, but back home, it was tough, I wanted a clean start here so I've kept it quiet."
"Meka was right, you shouldn't hide who and what you are D," Steve said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It isn't anything to be ashamed of."
Danny looked at him with a frown, giving a shake of his head. "I'm not ashamed of being gay."
"So why did you run off like that after Mary threw yourself at you?" Steve said, brow furrowing again. "You know what girls are like. They can get bitchy when they want to be."
"I didn't run off," Danny said rolling his eyes.
"You left in a hurry and you were upset D," Steve pointed out knowingly. "I saw you crying so don't deny it. I figured one or two of them had said something about your being gay that upset you."
Danny sighed and shook his head again. That wasn't why he had been upset, but he wasn't prepared to tell Steve the truth on that score. There were some things he was going to keep secret. Being gay he was fine being open about, being a freak of nature was quite different. Steve wouldn't understand. As far as Danny could figure, no other boy he knew here was the same as him, no other men either when he thought of his uncles friends and people they'd met. He'd not met any fathers who'd naturally conceived and though it had been mentioned in one or two of his science classes, it was quickly glossed over because of course, it was so rare and unnatural that why would more information be given on the subject? He was one of the few freaks walking the Earth and how could he explain that to Steve?
"It wasn't that," Danny said when he saw Steve looking at him with concern, seeing him lost in thought.
"Then what-," Stvee started but Danny cut him off.
"Look just, forget it," Danny said gently with a shake of his head. "I'm not ashamed of being gay okay? I appreciate your sister has excellent taste, even if I can't reciprocate the feelings. Maybe I should talk to her and clear things up. She's a nice girl, a bit of a pain sometimes but I've got three sisters, so I know what that's like. Things just got a little heated, especially considering Meka and the guys were in on the joke and her friends were blindly encouraging her. It's over now, it happened and I want to move on from it. I just needed a break from everyone to clear my thoughts on some stuff."
"Okay," Steve nodded in agreement. "I get that. But you know if you ever need to talk, you've got friends here Danny. People who like you, maybe even more than like you."
He rubbed his fingers on Danny's shoulder with a lame smile that made Danny snort with laughter.
"If this is your attempt at a flirtatious come on babe, you gotta practice more," Danny laughed, feeling the tension breaking a little. He'd successfully evaded any more questions that would have led to him having to lie about his bigger secret. Now that he knew about Steve, he was eager to flirt back.
Steve shrugged and laughed himself, stepping closer. "I'll practice on you."
Danny sensed a new kind of tension, the kind of tension that made his skin prickle and stomach flip. He'd been holding back for weeks since he'd met Steve, keeping his distance thinking he'd have no interest at all in him. He felt his arm tremble as Steve's fingers trailed down his skin and connected with his hand, their fingers naturally entwining. This kind of practice he could definitely get involved with, as Steve lifted his other hand to cup the back of his neck.
Danny had kissed other guys, but when Steve kissed him it took him by surprise. Everything suddenly went still, the kiss lasting a few seconds before Steve pulled quickly away, like he was unsure he'd done the right thing. He couldn’t escape very far because Danny reached out a hand and snagged his fingers into his t-shirt. Steve looked shy and vulnerable and Danny felt his lips tingle from Steve’s touch.
Kissing hadn’t been like this with his few other boyfriends, it had been nice, but this, kissing Steve, that felt like perfection.
~
Danny was surprised at how open from the start Steve was about their changing relationship. He was so used to hiding or being secretive about his sexuality as well as his other secret, that being open about it was a foreign feeling for him. Steve wanted to hold hands or be touching him and holding him all of the time. Danny quickly learned he was what his mother would have called an old romantic, in fact for a fifteen year old, Steve could be pretty old fashioned which Danny found endearing. They'd kissed on the Saturday and come Monday, Steve carried his books under one arm as the other was slung around his shoulders as they walked to school together.
Meka walked with them, prattling on about nothing in particular, having mentioned their newfound reltionship only once by saying 'it's about time you both got a clue brah'. Danny learned Steve had made it clear with Mary just why her advances towards Danny had been turned down and for the moment she was inclined to avoid him, possibly to save herself some embarrassment. As they neared school, Danny became acutely aware of how Steve leaned against him, how they walked in step, how nice it felt to be held close and how it would be perceived by everyone else. He caught a few glances their way as others kids trickled into the school grounds, hanging around until the bell sounded. Danny became increasingly tense and pulled himself away with floundering hesitation.
"Uh, you know I'm gonna head in, I've got a few notes I want to add to my English essay," he said quickly, feeling his cheeks flush, it felt like all eyes were on him and he didn't even dare look at Steve. What kind of boyfriend was he going to turn out to be if he couldn't even stand a few mocking looks from his peers? It had been a completely bad idea, they shouldn't have started anything. It was bad enough fitting in being the outsider, never mind adding to his problems. If people ever found out his deeper secret, life would be unbearable.
"Wait up, I'll walk you," he heard Steve say but he walked on quickly, giving a shake of his head.
"I'll see you later," Danny shouted over his shoulder, putting his head down.
He and Steve didn't have many classes together, so he managed to avoid him until lunch break when their group usualy gathered on the grass on the northside of the school. He'd brought a packed lunch, but he was reluctant to go meet everyone, knowing Steve would probably get touchy feely with him. He really really wanted that himself, a ten minute makeout would definitely be a perk to it being a Monday at school. If only they could be somewhere private. He was thinking of ditching everyone, making an excuse for getting some extra study in at the library, only Meka and Kamekona cornered him and their usual back and forth banter meant he couldn't get a word in as they headed for the grass.
Most of the guys were already there, but no Steve and Danny felt a dip of dissapointment in his gut not seeing him present. As he was placing down his bag, arms wrapped around his waist and held him tight as Steve planted a kiss on his cheek. Though it was in full view of everyone, Danny couldn't help but smile as Steve let go of him and moved around him with a grin, hand on his arm.
"Miss me?" he asked, eyes like a puppy dogs.
"You're a goof," Danny laughed rolling his eyes and giving him a playful push.
"What we got for lunch?" Steve said, pulling him down to sit beside him.
"I have pastrami, ham and mu'tz, with a layer of mayo," Danny said, retrieving the paper bag from his backpack. "Courtesy of Chez Marv. Can take the guy out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of the guy."
Steve screwed up his nose and gave a sigh, "You'll end up with heart problems."
"Thanks for that," Danny snorte, unwrapping his sandwich. "Seriously babe, such a nice thing for you inform me of. I appreciate it."
Steve laughed and shrugged his shoulders, "What, I can't be concerned about my boyfriends future health?"
Danny sobered up at that remark, realising he'd gotten so carried away flirting with Steve that he'd forgotten they had an audience of their peers around. He looked over to where some of the guys were grinning over at them, but most were pre occupied complaining about classes or what they looked forward to after school. He'd been expecting scathing looks and sarcastic comments. He was beginning to realise he had a lot of hang ups from his old school and what he'd had to suffer the last few years. He relaxed, looking at Steve who was tucking into a ham salad sandwich. Not enough ham, too much salad in Danny's opinion. He grinned and leaned against him, putting a hand on his knee where his legs were crossed and Steve smiled, putting a hand lightly around his waist.
From then on Danny worked on being less worried about what people would say. Days turned into weeks and he and Steve 'dated', going to the movies, the mall, doing stuff just the two of them as well as hanging out with their friends. It was the longest relationship Danny had had, especially without anybody giving him grief about his being gay. It was nice, being easy and open about who he was, not being constantly hounded by bullies. Steve was the first person he told almost everything too outside of his family, about Flint and his gang bullying him. About the daily gauntlet getting to school, having to watch out for himself day in and day out.
But the one thing he couldn't bring himself to tell Steve about was his secret. His deepest fear not only was everyone at school finding out, but Steve knowing. After all, why would he want to be with him, the outsider who was also a weird freak?
Losing Steve, that would be the hardest thing of all.
~
Steve had come round to do some studying, which surprisingly, he and Danny actually accomplished. Of course the reward was making out at the end of it.
"Hey, you got a pen?" Steve yelled after him as Danny dissappeared down the hall to fetch refreshments. He searched the various spaces in Danny's room, dresser, computer desk and bedside table for one but saw nothing.
"My bag," Danny shouted back along the hall.
Steve looked around, grabbing the bag where it lay in a heap by the desk. Steve smirked at the untidiness of the room, knowing to Danny, there was a method to the madness. It made Steve's fingers itch wanting to straighten everything up, clean freak Mary always called him. He guessed it was good prep for if he got into the Navy. He set the bag on the bed and opened it up, pulling out school books in search of a pen. Danny's bag was filled with junk, a half drunk bottle of soda, loose papers, a comic, headphones. Steve sighed and sank his hand into the depths in hopes he'd prise a pen from the bottom, fingers curling around more mess and pulling it out. Crumpled papers, sweet wrappers and the likes fell to the bed and Steve rolled his eyes, thinking it was a hopeless cause. Then his eyes settled on something that was strange, considering they were in Danny's bag. Curiously he picked up the small nub, a few inches long, still in it's wrapper but he lived in a house with a mother and sister, there was no mistaking what they were.
Why would Danny have tampons in his bag?
He heard the sound of footsteps returning and with slight panic and feeling guilty as if he would be caught doing something he shouldn't, he quickly stuffed the rubbish back into the bag, tampons and all before Danny stood in the doorway, soda's in hand, bag of chips under his arm.
"You find one?" Danny asked and Steve looked at him with momentary shock.
"Uh, no," he said shaking his head quickly. He'd found something, just not what he was expecting. "I'm afraid to find what's buried at the bottom of this thing."
He laughed off his nerves, hoping Danny didn't suspect anything and Danny grinned, crossing the room and handing him a bottle. He grabbed the bag, dug his fingers into a side pocket and pulled out a biro.
"Here goof," he said, wagging the pen under Steve's nose.
Steve rolled his eyes and grabbed it, sitting on the bed and picking up his history book. He had half a paper to finish and he imersed himself in the task so he could distract himself from asking Danny about what he'd found. Danny settled on the floor beside him, pulling books out of his bag and settling in for some math study. For an hour they held out from giving up and moving on to more fun activities together. Steve got a cramp in his hand by the time he was three thirds through finishing and Danny was beginning to get a headache from all the numbers, but he was good at math, he got it. It made sense to him, so he was confident what he was studying was sticking in his brain. He glanced up when Steve shoved his work aside with a sigh, rubbing his temples and grabbing another handful of chips he'd been munching on over the hour. Danny put his own book aside and sat up on his knees, resting his hands on Steve's legs.
"So, what do you want to do? Movie, games?" he said, figuring they needed a break, waving towards the tv and games console beside it.
Steve glanced at the window, the rain hitting wildly off the pane. Sighing he shrugged and nodded. He was more outdoorsy, computer games hadn't been his thing in the last few years, he preferred sports and exercise or hanging out on the beach.
"Movie I guess," he agreed.
"Don't sound so enthusiastic," Danny smirked, standing and grabbing the remote from his bedside cabinet.
Danny channel surfed for the first ten minutes which began driving Steve nuts until finally he grabbed the remote off him and tuned it to a station, rolling his eyes at Danny, bumping his shoulder against him. "Just settle on something already."
Danny smirked again, the kind of smile that Steve was learning meant Danny was amused by him and his ways. Sighing heavily earned him a mocking laugh from Danny and he tossed the remote onto the mattress, giving Danny a playful shove of mild annoyance.
"God you're a tight wad," Danny laughed at him, shoving him back. "Look at you, cooped up you're bouncing off the walls. You hate being stuck inside don't you?"
"Do you even see where you live now?" Steve grinned back. "All that open space, places to explore and you prefer to be cooped up inside playing stupid computer games or turning comatose in front of the tv."
"Um, it may have passed your notice GI Joe, but there's a storm going on outside currently," Danny pointed out. "What do you propose we do?"
"Well, we could make out," Steve blurted out suddenly, watching Danny smile again, reading him openly as usual.
"Gees McGarrett, don't beat around the bush," Danny laughed, giving him a poke.
"Oh please, it's what we always do," Steve said knowingly. "And don't think I don't realise a good oppurtunity when I see one, Marv's out until late tonight. Just us, here, by ourselves. Makes a difference to sneaking off when we get a chance."
"You know I do like hanging out with you and not just because I get to make out with you," Danny told him. "Even though that is my favourite thing to do with you."
"Good, that makes two of us," Steve nodded in agreement. "So can we get on with it? You said it, I'm going stir crazy, need something to take my mind off being stuck indoors."
"Such a romantic," Danny said rolling his eyes, but he kicked off his shoes before moving further onto the bed, back up against the headboard. Steve didn't waste time in joining him, crowding into him, knees either side of his thighs so he could settle onto his lap, hands cupping his face.
Each tryst they'd had had made them less nervous, the kissing had become addictive, like they couldn't get enough of one another. Sometimes it was desperate, all tongue and harsh breaths. Other times it was slow, tentative and exploratory. Now, as well as the kissing, hands explored each others bodies, stealing under shirts and t's, fingertips and palms stroking and caressing warm skin. Danny liked the slender frame of Steve, the developing muscles of his stomach and chest. Steve favoured Danny's broad shoulders, how they belied his frame, like a hidden strength for someone small of stature.
They peeled apart with harsh, deep breaths, sharing each others air. Steve squeezed Danny's shoulders and sucked in a deep breath, stealing himself for the reaction as he dared ask the question that had been bothering him. He just couldn't get the thought of it out of his head, it was too confusing to figure out for himself.
"Danny," he said, unable to meet his eyes, feeling a flush on his skin as the words developed on his tongue. "Why do you have tampons in your bag?"
He felt Danny's hands freeze on his skin, digging in like the question had hit him with a sudden blow. Danny tensed, jerking in response as he pulled his hands free, pushing him back.
"What?" Danny asked in a small voice, shocked and angered.
Steve forced himself to look at him, seeing Danny staring wildly at him, panicked and afraid. Like an animal caught in a trap.
"What the fuck -," Danny spat out, shoving him harder and Steve moved off him, watching Danny roll away to stand by the bed opposite him.
"I'm sorry, I just," Steve tried to explain. "When I was looking for the pen, they were just there. It's a little weird you know?"
"Yeah, weird, I get it," Danny spat out at him. "Weird even for a freak."
"I didn't mean anything by it," Steve shrugged. "It's just strange is all."
"Maybe you should leave," Danny said, turning away from him, cheeks burning.
"What? Come on Danny," Steve said in surprise. He didn't understand Danny's reaction and it hadn't explained anything at all about why he had them. "What, is it just some weird joke or something? Someone dare you to carry them around? Come on, give, you can tell me."
"Yeah, some weird joke," Danny nodded, turning to look at him. He laughed, but his face was filled with a fear and anguish Steve couldn't understand. It just caused things to become more confusing. "Just like me. Look you should just go."
"Danny-," Steve tried again but Danny looked at him angrily.
"I said get the fuck out," he yelled at him and Steve knew if he pushed it, Danny would just get more upset.
He grabbed his shoes and school bag from where he'd set it by Danny's door. Before he left he turned to him, giving him a soft look, confused and wishing he could comfort his friend from whatever it was that had him so upset and afraid.
"I'm sorry," he said, even though he didn't know what he was apologising for. "I didn't mean anything, I didn't mean to upset you. I'll see you tomorrow okay?"
"Yeah, whatever," Danny said, not looking him in the eye.
Steve left and Danny slumped down onto the bed, picking up his bag and throwing it at the wall in anger and frustration. The bag slumped to the floor, the mess pouring out onto the floor, papers, erasers, soda bottle, wrappers and there, in the midst of them, a lone tampon half hidden by the comic. Danny stared at it, looked at the door where Steve had made his hasty retreat and burst into tears.
~
It was the weekend and they'd planned on hitting the beach all day. But when Steve joined the group, board under one arm and bag of snacks in his other hand, he noticed Meka was there but no Danny.
Meka shrugged when he asked where he was, shaking his head. "He just called me today and said he wasn't coming, doesn't feel too good or something."
They spent most of the time hitting the waves or hanging out on the sand, playing football, beachball, or exploring on the cliffs. Steve tried to have a good time, but not having Danny present took away some of the enjoyment of the day. What made it worse was everybody knew he wasn't himself because Danny wasn't there and relentlessly teased him throughout the day for missing his boyfriend. Steve would have happily taken on their jibes, if he was confident he still had Danny as a boyfriend.
He got home a little after six, to find his mom was out with his sister. He was surprised to find his dad home, he'd been working on a case late the last few evenings. As soon as he saw his dad he knew something was up and tried to figure if he'd done something wrong to warrant a lecture. Nothing sprang to mind and his dad didn't seem upset with him. But he still wanted to talk and they settled down on the sofa.
"Steve, son, we need to talk about something," his dad began and Steve gave a nod, waiting for whatever it was. "Danny's uncle left not so long ago."
Steve's heart sank, thinking the worse. Did Marv think he and Danny had had a big fight? Had Danny said something to make Marv think Steve was trouble? He hoped to God Marv hadn't asked for the two of them to stay away from each other. Steve could think of nothing worse.
"It's okay, you aren't in any trouble," his dad said, reading his reaction. "Marv just wanted to explain a few things. Danny told him you two had a bit of a fight yesterday."
"Not so much a fight," Steve shrugged honestly. "Just, well, I don't know what it was. I asked him about something and he just freaked out. I don't know why, he wouldn't tell me. Only now I don't think he's speaking to me. I apologised, even though I didn't know what I'd done wrong."
"Yes, Marv said as much. Danny's pretty upset about everything, but, well, it's quite complicated. That's why Marv came over, to try and explain things," his Dad continued with a nod, sitting back and looking at him closely. "Steve, has Danny ever told you why he moved in with Marvin?"
"Yeah, he said he got bullied back home in Jersey," Steve replied. "Because he's gay and there was a gang that bullied him because of it. Things ended up pretty rough and his parents sent him out here."
He looked at his dad and saw a look in his eyes, turning slightly where he sat to face him better. "Did he lie? Isn't that why he's here?"
"Well, it's partly true," his dad nodded. "He was bullied and part of the reason was because he's gay. But there's also another reason, a reason Danny hasn't ever told anyone, not here in Hawaii any way."
"Has this got something to do with what I asked him about yesterday," Steve said with a frown, trying to figure out things in his head, but nothing made sense.
"What did you ask him about?" his dad asked and Steve swallowed down, glancing away.
"I was looking for a pen in his bag and I found," Steve paused, feeling his neck flush. "Tampons. I asked him about them and he freaked. I wasn't snooping honest, he said I could go in his bag to get the pen and I just found them."
"Well, there's a reason he carries them," his dad explained. "Danny is, well, unique. He carries them because he needs to use them, on occasion."
"I don't understand," Steve said, his frown deepening on his brow.
"Well the official term is 'couvade'," his dad explained. "A hatcher Steve."
"You mean," Steve said, suddenly catching up, a light going off above his head. He’d learned a little in science about ‘hatchers’ as they were commonly known. "Danny can get pregnant, have kids?"
"Yes, that pretty much sums it up."
"Wow," Steve sighed, leaning further back into the cushions. "No wonder he freaked. I had no idea, he's never said anything."
"Well, it isn't something very common and I think he's had a hard time from people about it. It isn't surprising he's kept it secret, considering the bullying he had in New Jersey. Marv says Danny accepts it is how he is, but still, can you understand why he's nervous and afraid of people knowing? This sets him apart from the crowd in a huge way. There aren't many boys or men like him."
"Yeah I get it," Steve nodded in agreement. "I just wish he'd trusted me enough to tell me himself. I think he probably thinks I'd freak out. He kept saying that you know, that he’s a freak and weird."
"Well growing up he's probably heard a lot of that from his bullies," his dad replied wryly. "I can't imagine life has been easy. And then he gets sent out here, where he doesn't know anyone. And once he started fitting in with the crowd, making friends, well I guess he probably thinks of it as a clean slate. If nobody knows, then he won't be given a hard time about it, have people looking at him, asking questions."
"But it's not weird," Steve shrugged at him with a frown. "I mean, it's just natural right? It's just that he’s built differently."
"Not everyone thinks that way," his dad told him, a hint of pride in his eyes at Steve's logical reaction to the news. "Because it's rare and because people are ignorant - you know well enough how difficult it is being a teenager. Can you honestly say all your friends would think the way you do?"
"I should go talk to him," Steve said sitting up. "Let him know it doesn't make any difference, I mean, it doesn't make me feel or think about him any different."
"It doesn't?" His dad tested him with a watchful eye. "Aren't you a little curious about it?"
Steve averted his eyes and looked away, "A little I guess."
"I don't want you questioning him Steve," his dad warned. "Unless he talks about it or says you can ask him about it, I don't want you making him uncomfortable just to sate your curiosity."
"But I can't act like I don't know," Steve shrugged.
"No, you can't," his dad agreed. "But if you have questions, do some research first, learn about it, like you should. Then, when Danny wants to talk about it, you'll be armed with information, it'll make him less uncomfortable if you have some idea of what you're asking and talking about. Think about how it will make him feel if you sound like you're interested and informed on the subject. I know it's touched upon at school, but not in any great depth or detail."
"Yeah, okay," Steve agreed. He looked at his dad closely, "Dad?"
"Yes?"
"What do you think about it?" Steve asked, watching him for a reaction. His dad gave him a knowing smile, not easily read, no matter how hard Steve tried.
"I think it makes him special," his dad answered honestly. "I don't think it makes him a freak. Society is more accepting now than it used to be. I think, when he's older and finds the right person, well, I think he'll learn just how special a gift he has."
"You mean having kids?" Steve asked, thinking about it. He found his curiosity even more peaked, wondering how Danny dealt with that kind knowledge, knowing one day he could get pregnant, have children of his very own.
His dad nodded and sighed, reaching over to pat him on the shoulder. "Do your homework before you go see him okay? I know you care about him son, so put some effort into understanding what's going on."
"Does anyone else know?" Steve asked him. "I mean mom or Mary?"
"Your mother does yes," his Dad replied. "Not Mary and she isn't to know, nobody is. Marv told me in confidence so I could explain the situation to you. But it's Danny's business and nobody else’s, it's for him to decide who knows and who doesn't."