Fic: Freak 4/? (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
~
Steve knocked on Marv's door a little before mid day on Sunday. He'd spent the rest of his saturday scouring the internet and visiting the library as well as delving into the family bookcase and the old encylopedia's. Anything for information on 'couvades'. At first the information was so clinical it made his brain hurt trying to take in the words, but at the library he came across this short book written in diary form from a few decades before written by a man and his experience as a 'couvade'. Although it was dated, it still explained things, from his childhood to adulthood. Steve had hired it out and had brought it with him to show Danny. He wanted to show him he was interested and totally okay with this new revelation.
Marv answered the door and gave him a smile. "Hello Steven."
"Hi Sir," Steve said politely. "Is Danny home?"
"Yup," Marv said with a sigh. "Hibernating in his room. Go on through."
Steve stepped past him with a thanks and made for the stairs before he paused and turned to Marv who had returned to his desk.
"Uh, Sir," Steve said going over to him. "Thanks for talking to my Dad, about what's going on with Danny."
"You're a good kid Steve," Marv shrugged with a smile. "So is Danny. You deserve to understand what is going on with him and to know you didn’t say or do anything to cause any upset. Danny’s just sensitive about the whole matter.”
"Does he know I know?" Steve asked him.
"Yes he knows," Marv nodded. "Can't say it was easy persuading him to allow me to speak to your dad, so just, you know, go easy with him."
"I will," Steve agreed turning for the stairs again. He took a deep breath before he ran up them two at a time, striding along the hall to Danny's room where he tapped lightly a few times and paused.
There was a scuffle beyond and then the door opened a tad, Danny peering through the crack it formed. Steve smiled and watched as a look passed over Danny's face, dread, nervousness.
"Hey," Danny said, opening the door a little wider.
"Hi," Steve replied, waiting until there was enough space for him to pass. He stepped into the room and stopped as Danny shut the door behind them.
"So," Danny said as the silence became awkward. "Guess you know then."
Steve turned to him and gave a small shrug, watching as he crossed the room to the bed. "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"Well of course we have to," Danny rolled his eyes at him as he sat down, making Steve smile. "You probably have a million questions."
Steve grinned, walking over to join him on the bed, sitting down by him as he shook his head. "No, not so much."
He held the book out to Danny and gave it a small shake. "I've been doing a little research."
"Why?" Danny frowned, taking the book.
"Because my dad said I should," Steve told him. "Said I shouldn't interrogate you about it, that I should, you know, do the proper thing and learn about it instead of asking loads of questions."
"What's this?" Danny asked, looking the book over.
"Oh it's this diary thing I found in the library," Steve explained. "I mean some of it's a little outdated but like, it's good you know, helped me understand what's going on a bit better. I thought you might like to read it."
"So," Danny began before pausing and ducking his head awkwardly. "What did you think when you found out what I was?"
"Well I didn't think you were a freak," Steve said firstly. "I mean I was surprised and it sort of makes everything make sense but, it doesn't change how I feel about you D."
"You don't think it's weird?" Danny asked quietly.
"No, not weird," Steve shook his head, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Just - I dunno. Different. It makes you unique, that's special Danny."
"Not everybody thinks that way," Danny sighed, toying with the book in his hands.
"Well I'm not everybody," Steve pointed out.
Danny looked at him with a grateful smile before taking his hand tightly. "You won't tell anyone will you? Please Steve -."
"I'm not going to tell anyone," Steve shook his head quickly. "I swear D, I won’t say anything."
“It’s just back in Jersey, once one person found out, well nothing stays secret for long,” Danny sighed heavily. “Not everyone gave me a bad time about it, but there was Flint and his goons, they just wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“Is that the reason they beat you up?” Steve asked.
Danny nodded without lifting his face and Steve knew it was hard for him to talk about what had gone on with the bullies.
“They just wouldn’t ever leave me alone,” Danny said, like it was a burden to talk about it. “Just got worse and worse.”
“But you stood up to them, despite that,” Steve said encouragingly, squeezing his hand where Danny still held on to him. “And you don’t have to worry about them bothering you any more, you’re here now.”
“Yeah, here,” Danny said with a grimace. “I had to move hundreds of miles away to get away from them because they wouldn’t leave me alone. Just because they hated that I was different.”
“They didn’t understand,” Steve said in reply.
“Lots of people don’t understand,” Danny said sharply, looking at him with an irritated expression. Steve gave a small laugh, running a finger along the bridge of his nose as if he could chase the frown away.
“Well, some of us are trying,” Steve assured him.
“Yeah, I know,” Danny nodded with a small smile. “Sorry I got all crazy with you, I just, you caught me off guard you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” Steve nodded. “I’m sorry too.”
Danny sighed and grinned, rolling his eyes at him. “So, what do you want to know?”
Steve laughed and ducked his head, feeling his cheeks flush. “Okay I do have questions, not many okay and I totally understand if you don’t want to answer.”
“Steve,” Danny said to stop him babbling.
“Can we get comfortable first,” Steve said with a laugh. “Or is this visit just going to take place on the edge of your bed?”
Danny snorted and set the book down on the bedside table before he stood. “Well I guess if you’re staying we could grab some snacks. Come on, Marv’s just been to the store.”
They grabbed sodas and snacks from the kitchen, Marv barely batting an eyelid as the disappeared again, armed with food. They settled at the window seat in Danny’s room, delving into the bag of chips as they talked.
“So do you like get - ,” Steve began, feeling his cheeks redden and he looked out of the window in embarrassment. Danny stayed silent and Steve eventually forced himself to look at him. “You really gonna make me ask?”
“Yup,” Danny grinned with a shrug. “Babe I’ve been living with this my whole life. Saying the word ‘period’ is a no brainer.”
“So you do get them?” Steve asked curiously. He’d read that couvade’s did but it was still strange to comprehend.
“Get what?” Danny asked with an innocent grin.
Steve rolled his eyes at him and flicked crumbs at him as Danny laughed. “Do you get periods?” he said quickly
“Kind of,” Danny nodded. “Only I don’t ovulate as often as a woman. Like they have a monthly cycle, it’s more like quarterly for me. Once every three months, and a ‘period’ lasts maybe three or four days at the most. The cramps are the worst of it if you get them, it’s like your insides are getting twisted around.”
Steve looked grave and Danny shrugged, it was something he’d dealt with since he was eleven in a household of a mother and three sisters, it wasn’t like he hadn’t gotten sympathy.
“Do you want to have kids?” Steve asked him, looking at him closely. “I mean, you know, get pregnant one day?”
Danny shrugged and looked out the window. “I dunno. I guess when I get older and start thinking about starting a family I probably will. Guess I’m lucky I have the option.”
“That doesn’t scare you?” Steve asked and Danny smiled and shook his head.
“Why would it scare me?” Danny asked, reaching over to put a hand on Steve’s knee. “I’m not the first guy to have these extra parts babe. I won’t be the first guy ever to get pregnant and give birth. It’s just part of who I am.”
“Yeah but still,” Steve shrugged, “It’s a big deal D. And I mean, won’t you have to be extra careful, you know, when it comes to sex?”
“Yeah of course,” Danny nodded. “Though like I said, I ‘cycle’ differently to women, it’s harder for a guy to get pregnant. Plus, you know, having sex, well -.”
He sighed then grinned, giving a bashful laugh, “It all depends on where he sticks it.”
Steve stared at him, jaw dropping slightly making Danny snort with laughter and giving him a small push. “What? What am I supposed to say that doesn’t make me sound like something out of a medical book?”
“I did enough research too figure out the physical differences Danny,” Steve said, cheeks flushing even so.
“Well you did ask,” Danny laughed, downing a mouthful of soda.
“I said you’d have to be careful,” Steve pointed out.
Danny shrugged and looked at him with a soft expression. “Guess we all gotta be careful, especially at first.”
Steve ducked his head and grabbed a handful of chips. Hanging out, making out, being ‘boyfriends’ was one thing and neither of them could deny their hormones didn’t get into action whenever they made out. But sex wasn’t something they’d ever talked about, the only touching had happened above the waist and even then it was tentative and nervous exploration.
“You ever think about what it will be like?” Steve asked cautiously, without looking at him. It was the first time they’d ever come close to talking about sex and he knew if he didn’t ask, the opportunity may not present itself again.
“What? Sex?” Danny asked thoughtfully. Steve nodded and looked at him slyly. Danny rolled his shoulders and looked out the window. The subject didn’t seem to unnerve him. “Course I think about it. Doesn’t everybody?”
“Yeah I guess,” Steve agreed sitting back against a cushion that was propped up against the wall. “It’ll be different for you though.”
“Yeah I get to lose my virginity twice,” Danny laughed lightly, turning to face him. “Lucky me huh?”
“Won’t it make it harder for you,” Steve asked, resting his hand where Danny’s had found its way to his thigh. “Keeping it a secret.”
“Well if I’m dating someone who I want to sleep with eventually, I won’t want to keep it a secret from them,” Danny said. “Plus like I said, it all depends on where -.”
“Yeah okay,” Steve grinned with a nod. “I get it.”
“Well what else am I supposed to say?” Danny laughed.
Steve laughed with him, giving a hopeless shrug and Danny squeezed his fingers against his thigh.
“Anything else you needed to ask your freak boyfriend,” Danny smiled teasingly.
Steve’s face turned serious and he reached out with his other hand, stroking fingers along Danny’s jaw. “You aren’t a freak D.”
“You may not be saying that in a few weeks when I get my next period,” Danny grinned. “I can be quite the king bitch on a bad day.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Steve snorted, shaking his head at him. He liked how easy it was for Danny to talk about, how at ease he was with the whole situation. It helped him stay calm and eased about it himself, even if it was strange to think and talk about.
“Course it could go the other way and instead of bitching and yelling at you I’ll just want to make out every moment I’m around you,” Danny laughed. "Bitchy or horny, it could go either way depending."
“I can deal with that,” Steve nodded eagerly, making Danny laugh even more.
“Yeah I know,” Danny agreed. “You want to make out all the time anyway.”
“And you don’t?” Steve replied, moving closer to him.
“Much rather go surfing,” Danny sighed, looking longingly out over the beach to where the waves raced up the shoreline. Steve gave him a poke and Danny grabbed the offending digit, grappling a moment with Steve’s arm as it tried to sneak around his waist as he gave a laugh.
Steve silenced him with a kiss.
~
“Mom,” Danny groaned, rolling his eyes and shaking his head as he paced around the living room. “No Ma, I’m not putting him on the phone. Mom seriously -.”
Steve grinned and watched as Danny fought with his mother over the handset, hand flailing wildly and Danny kept shooting him desperate looks. “Ma come on, he doesn’t - god seriously? -.”
Danny came to a halt, turning to Steve and holding out the phone to him. “My mom wants to say hi.”
Steve looked at him in surprise and Danny waved the phone at him impatiently. Steve took the phone nervously and took in a breath, glancing at Marv who was watching with utter amusement and enjoyment at the scene.
“Hello?” Steve said nervously down the phone.
“Steven?” A voice came through clear as crystal and Steve nodded, feeling his palms sweat before his brain got into gear.
“Yes Ma’am,” he replied politely. Danny groaned and sank to the sofa beside him.
“It’s so lovely to finally speak to you,” Mrs Williams said to him. “Danny’s speaks of you often.”
“He does?” Steve asked, digging Danny in the ribs.
“Yes, he’s quite taken with you,” Mrs Williams continued. Steve shifted awkwardly in his seat. “So what do your parents do Steven?”
“Uh my dad is a police officer and my mom’s a school teacher.”
“And you have a sister?”
“Yes’m, she’s younger than me,” Steve replied, wondering where the conversation was headed.
“Danny tells me you’re hoping to join the Navy eventually,” Mrs Williams continued without a beat. She sounded nice, Steve had seen pictures and the way Danny spoke about her, it was evident she was well thought of and loved by everyone who knew her, but Danny had warned she had a strict, uncompromising side also. Ruled her house with a rod of iron and nobody dared go against her word.
“Yes I'd like to,” Steve said. “I’m hoping to get a scholarship at Annapolis. All depends on my grades and how many other people are trying to get in.”
“Well I wish you the very best of luck with that,” Mrs Williams said kindly.
“Thank you Ma’am,” Steve said, squirming as Danny dug him in the ribs with a laugh.
“Call her Mrs Williams you goof,” Danny teased with a whisper. Steve slapped his hand away and rolled his eyes at him.
“Well it was really nice speaking to you Mrs Williams,” Steve said as Danny didn’t relent. “I think D wants to talk to you again.”
“Yes it was lovely finally chatting to you Steven,” Mrs Williams replied. “You can put Danny back on.”
Steve thrust the phone back at Danny before thumping him on the arm. Danny snorted and took the phone, laughing as Steve began wrestling lightly with him.
“Hey mom,” Danny laughed, putting the phone to his ear. “Yeah he’s all right I guess. Look Ma it’s a real nice day outside and we’re going surfing, I gotta go okay. I’ll call tomorrow. You want to talk to Marv?”
He managed to pull himself away from Steve’s fingers with a laugh and went to Marv, giving him the phone before making a quick exit as Steve chased after him.
“Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am,” Danny laughed as Steve playfully got him in a headlock at the foot of the stairs.
“Oh please,” Steve replied. “You were just as bad meeting my mom and dad. I wanted to make a good impression.”
~
“Hey, do you think Marv would let you stay out this weekend?” Steve asked as they lounged on the beach after a swim.
Danny squinted, lain out on his back, head resting in his palms as he looked up at the clear sky, the sun drying his damp skin.
“Sure, don’t see why not,” Danny replied. “Got no other plans. Why, some party happening?”
“No,” Steve shook his head, leaning back on a hand and looking down over him. “I just want to show you some place.”
Danny shifted his gaze to look at him quizzical eyes. “Some place?”
“Yeah, a secret place,” Steve replied with a shy smile. “We could hike there on Saturday, camp out on the night, come back Sunday.”
Danny frowned, unsure Marv would agree to a mini excursion just the two of them. “Well, I can ask, but camping out just us - I’m not sure he’d agree.”
“He would if there was a big group of us,” Steve encouraged. “We can ask Meka and the guys, tell him we’re going near Haku Bay, he’ll know the place. My dad lets us go camping there now and then as long as there is a group of us.”
“Yeah okay I’ll ask,” Danny agreed, looking slightly disappointed.
“You okay?” Steve asked, sliding lower down so he could lay out next to him. “You don’t look so eager.”
“Well you made it sound like it would just be us at first,” Danny shrugged looking away with a slight flush of embarrassment. “Camping with the gang sounds like fun.”
Steve snorted and gave him a poke. “It will be just us you idiot. If we go with the gang it keeps the parents off our backs, but I do want to show you some place just the two of us. We’ll hike up to the bay with the guys, but there’s some place I want to take you specially.”
Danny looked at him keenly, trying to figure out Steve’s implications. Over the months their relationship had been drifting deeper and deeper into heavier intimacies, though they’d only spoken about sex in any detail once. But Danny knew he was getting to a point where he wanted to do more with Steve, more than he’d ever wanted to do with any other boyfriend he’d had. Kissing and making out was one thing, but sex, Danny hadn’t ever wanted to get that intimate, not until Steve had come into his life. Looking at Steve, he sensed he felt the same way and this weekend would be the opportunity they were waiting for to explore their curiosities.
~
Danny asked Marv about the weekend and Marv agreed after he called Steve’s dad and discussed it with him. If Marv suspected any other alternative meaning for the weekend he didn’t mention or say anything to Danny. When the weekend came Danny calmly said goodbye to his uncle, met the gang on the beach and they set off on their way. Along with the excitement of freedom for themselves for two days, Danny also felt nervous, anxious knots in his stomach every time Steve touched him or squeezed his fingers when they held hands. Whenever they looked at each other, a longing stirred inside him that hadn’t existed before, a longing reflected back to him in Steve’s expression.
It took a few hours to reach the bay and the other guys set up their camp and tents in a small grove just beyond the tree line that edged the sands of the bay. Steve settled his pack down by Meka’s tent, but made no move to unpack and Danny followed suit without a word spoken by the others. If they knew Steve and Danny’s intentions to move on for the night they didn’t mention it and they spent the afternoon playing games on the sands or swimming. A little before five Steve took Danny back up to the camp so they could dry off and get their packs, slipping away as the others still raced around the beach.
They headed into the woods, Steve taking the lead and explaining that his dad used to bring him there when he was a kid, exploring the jungle. Danny listened with half an ear, heart in his throat, apprehension and nervousness filling his stomach. Each step took them closer to something, something he was eagerly reaching out for with both hands. An hour later the forest opened up into a wide space, like the tree and undergrowth had created a secret place all their own. There was a cave, beside it a natural waterfall poured water down into a small pond, rocks jutting out over them to create an enclosed place. Plant life grew in clumps, full of ornate, bright flora bringing color to the scene. Danny smiled, taking it in as Steve headed for the cave, flooded with familiarity for his surroundings.
“Amazing isn’t it?” Steve exclaimed, dumping his pack at the mouth of the cave. Danny followed, placing his bag down, noting the remnants of an old campfire long since used. “My dad and me, we found it when we were exploring a few years back. Each year we come here for a few nights, just me and him, explore the area a little more. I wanted you to see it.”
Danny looked at him, seeing the brightness in his eyes, the excitement of sharing such a secret, special place with him.
“It’s great Steve, really,” Danny assured him, looking about. There was something special about its seclusion and he knew of all Steve’s friends, he was the first person Steve had brought and shown this place too.
“We can set up the tent by the pool,” Steve said, grabbing his pack.
Together they set up the tent and got their stuff settled inside, it was getting late and dark, Steve started up the camp fire as Danny checked the area out. After the day of hiking and antics on the beach they both ate heartily before laying out by the pool as the food settled. Their animated conversation slowed to a halt, instead touches and glances taking the place of words. Neither of them said it, not as they drew closer, bodies and mouths connecting there by the pool, but kissing and pressing against one another still clothed wasn’t ever going to be enough again. If Steve was nervous he didn’t show it and Danny tried to swallow down his own nerves of anticipation.
On those nerves he got to his feet when Steve stood and extended a hand to pull him up, swallowing down on the dryness of his throat he let Steve pull him towards the tent, pausing as they kicked dirt over the remnants of the camp fire. On that nervous energy he crawled into the tent, aware Steve was close behind, listening to the sound of the zip being drawn closed, confining them in that too small a space, where feelings, need and teenage lust enclosed around them.
~
After that weekend everything changed for Danny and his relationship with Steve. The night had seared itself into his memories, small fragments rearing up whenever he had a moment to stop and think. The night had been broken into moments of sleep and wakefulness, exploration, tentative touches, the first time hadn’t been the last and when the sun had pushed its rays down into the small glade they were lost to an exhausted, satisfied slumber.
Danny didn’t know it, but when he got home and in the weeks that followed, his uncle observed the change in him, especially when Steve came over. Marv remembered being fifteen years old himself, the years of teenage emotions and hormones, though he’d been nigh on seventeen before he screwed up the courage to try the moves on his then girlfriend, dumbfounded when she reciprocated, his entire world changed after that night. Marv wasn’t a parent, was unsure if he was to have a conversation with Danny, even be a little disapproving considering his age. But when Danny had arrived it was under the shadow of constant bullying and name calling, bruised and beat up, desperate for a break from the ignorance of his peers. All he’d needed was a new start, new friends, being able to take things easy. Marv couldn’t disapprove of Steven McGarrett, he was a good kid, from a good family and he knew Danny’s secret and hadn’t judged him on it. Back home in Jersey he doubted Danny would have ever had the opportunity so easily to be in a relationship, explore his feelings, to be intimate in such a way - not until he was much older. So Marv remained an observant and approving figure, content that Danny was getting the break he deserved. There was the issue of Danny’s physical difference though and though it was difficult and Marv reached for the phone many times to unload the responsibility onto Danny’s parents, he mustered up the courage and strength to have the conversation with Danny he knew would be awkward for the both of them.
“Hey Unc,” Danny said as he arrived home from school, bag dumped on the floor in the hall, sweat top launched onto a hook haphazardly. “I’m just gonna grab a snack and meet the guys on the beach for a swim.”
Danny was already heading through the living room to the kitchen and Marv stood from his desk and followed, having built himself up for the conversation all day.
“Yeah sure,” Marv agreed, finding Danny pulling out food from the fridge. He went over to him, pushing him aside playfully. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll whip us up some sandwiches.”
Danny grinned, pulling out a chair and sitting, relaying how chemistry was getting difficult and lamenting yet again about the lack of a baseball team at the school. He’d tried his hand at football but it just wasn’t something he was into, no matter how hard Steve tried to encourage him. Marv nodded along as he made sandwiches, turning and setting the plate down in front of him. Danny dug in, pausing as he chewed on a mouthful and giving his uncle a knowing look.
“Sup Unc?” Danny asked, Marv screwing his nose at him as he spoke with his mouth full.
“Oh I just,” Marv began, finding himself slightly nervous. Taking Danny in had never been a bother, he was his only nephew and it hurt him as much as his brother and sister in law to know Danny’s troubles. But the whole ‘guardian/parent’ responsibility could be pretty heavy at times. “I think we should talk Danny.”
“Yeah, about what?” Danny asked, shoveling a handful of chips into his mouth.
“About you and Steve,” Marv said without pause, knowing it was best to just get it out there in the open. He watched Danny pause, suddenly nervous, sandwich lain back down on his plate as he case him a worried glance. Marv was quick to reassure him. “It isn’t anything serious Danny. But I do think it’s part of my job as your guardian here to, you know, make sure you’re okay.”
“Okay?” Danny asked with a frown. “Everything is great with me and Steve - has someone said something?”
“No of course not,” Marv shook his head, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s just, well, it’s obvious you two have been getting more - intimate - with one another.”
Danny looked horrified, mortified to think his uncle knew he and Steve had - he groaned, unable to even think the words. He looked away, hand over his eyes in embarrassment. Marv smiled and chuckled, patting him again.
“I’m a grown man Danny,” Marv assured him with a small laugh. “I think we can both be mature about this. I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable and you don’t have to tell me anything, I just want to know that you’re comfortable and happy with how your relationship with Steve is developing.”
“It’s fine,” Danny said quickly, cheeks flushing, keeping his head down. This was worse than having talks about periods with his mom when he was ten. “Everything is fine with us.”
“Yes I figured as much,” Marv told him, having seen the evidence on display, though he doubted Steve or Danny knew how much it reflected from them. “But you are being careful Danny, when you two get - physical. I wouldn’t ask only it’s my responsibility to take care of you and, well, you know I don’t think you different from anyone only you are built differently and you have to take some precautions.”
“You mean because I can get pregnant?” Danny questioned, finally looking at him meekly.
“Yes,” Marv admitted with a nod, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
“It’s okay,” Danny said with a nod. “I mean there’s no chance that would - we haven’t -.” He stopped and swallowed down hard, cheeks reddening and he looked away again. “We’ve had sex but he hasn’t, you know, not there. And we won’t be if that’s what you’re worried about. Not any time soon any way. I don’t feel comfortable with that and he knows that because I told him.”
“All right,” Marv said, sorry to have made him so uncomfortable but glad he’d broached the subject. “Well as long as you’re okay, happy the way things are going, we don’t need to say any more about it.”
“Are you going to tell my mom and dad?” Danny asked him.
“No,” Marv said to him, “It isn’t my place. I would if I thought you were unhappy or something was wrong but I trust you, you and Steve. If you want them to know, then it’s your place to tell them.”
“As if this conversation isn’t awkward enough,” Danny replied, making Marv laugh.
“Well it’s over unless there’s anything you want to ask or tell me,” Marv assured him.
Danny looked at him, still flushed but looking him in the eye all the same. “You aren’t mad are you?”
“Why would I be?” Marv shrugged with a shake of his head. “I remember being fifteen Danny and I know you didn’t rush into this, I know you weren’t pushed or bullied or forced. I just want to know you’re okay.”
“I am,” Danny nodded vigorously.
“Well then that’s the important thing,” Marv smiled.
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
~
Steve knocked on Marv's door a little before mid day on Sunday. He'd spent the rest of his saturday scouring the internet and visiting the library as well as delving into the family bookcase and the old encylopedia's. Anything for information on 'couvades'. At first the information was so clinical it made his brain hurt trying to take in the words, but at the library he came across this short book written in diary form from a few decades before written by a man and his experience as a 'couvade'. Although it was dated, it still explained things, from his childhood to adulthood. Steve had hired it out and had brought it with him to show Danny. He wanted to show him he was interested and totally okay with this new revelation.
Marv answered the door and gave him a smile. "Hello Steven."
"Hi Sir," Steve said politely. "Is Danny home?"
"Yup," Marv said with a sigh. "Hibernating in his room. Go on through."
Steve stepped past him with a thanks and made for the stairs before he paused and turned to Marv who had returned to his desk.
"Uh, Sir," Steve said going over to him. "Thanks for talking to my Dad, about what's going on with Danny."
"You're a good kid Steve," Marv shrugged with a smile. "So is Danny. You deserve to understand what is going on with him and to know you didn’t say or do anything to cause any upset. Danny’s just sensitive about the whole matter.”
"Does he know I know?" Steve asked him.
"Yes he knows," Marv nodded. "Can't say it was easy persuading him to allow me to speak to your dad, so just, you know, go easy with him."
"I will," Steve agreed turning for the stairs again. He took a deep breath before he ran up them two at a time, striding along the hall to Danny's room where he tapped lightly a few times and paused.
There was a scuffle beyond and then the door opened a tad, Danny peering through the crack it formed. Steve smiled and watched as a look passed over Danny's face, dread, nervousness.
"Hey," Danny said, opening the door a little wider.
"Hi," Steve replied, waiting until there was enough space for him to pass. He stepped into the room and stopped as Danny shut the door behind them.
"So," Danny said as the silence became awkward. "Guess you know then."
Steve turned to him and gave a small shrug, watching as he crossed the room to the bed. "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"Well of course we have to," Danny rolled his eyes at him as he sat down, making Steve smile. "You probably have a million questions."
Steve grinned, walking over to join him on the bed, sitting down by him as he shook his head. "No, not so much."
He held the book out to Danny and gave it a small shake. "I've been doing a little research."
"Why?" Danny frowned, taking the book.
"Because my dad said I should," Steve told him. "Said I shouldn't interrogate you about it, that I should, you know, do the proper thing and learn about it instead of asking loads of questions."
"What's this?" Danny asked, looking the book over.
"Oh it's this diary thing I found in the library," Steve explained. "I mean some of it's a little outdated but like, it's good you know, helped me understand what's going on a bit better. I thought you might like to read it."
"So," Danny began before pausing and ducking his head awkwardly. "What did you think when you found out what I was?"
"Well I didn't think you were a freak," Steve said firstly. "I mean I was surprised and it sort of makes everything make sense but, it doesn't change how I feel about you D."
"You don't think it's weird?" Danny asked quietly.
"No, not weird," Steve shook his head, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Just - I dunno. Different. It makes you unique, that's special Danny."
"Not everybody thinks that way," Danny sighed, toying with the book in his hands.
"Well I'm not everybody," Steve pointed out.
Danny looked at him with a grateful smile before taking his hand tightly. "You won't tell anyone will you? Please Steve -."
"I'm not going to tell anyone," Steve shook his head quickly. "I swear D, I won’t say anything."
“It’s just back in Jersey, once one person found out, well nothing stays secret for long,” Danny sighed heavily. “Not everyone gave me a bad time about it, but there was Flint and his goons, they just wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“Is that the reason they beat you up?” Steve asked.
Danny nodded without lifting his face and Steve knew it was hard for him to talk about what had gone on with the bullies.
“They just wouldn’t ever leave me alone,” Danny said, like it was a burden to talk about it. “Just got worse and worse.”
“But you stood up to them, despite that,” Steve said encouragingly, squeezing his hand where Danny still held on to him. “And you don’t have to worry about them bothering you any more, you’re here now.”
“Yeah, here,” Danny said with a grimace. “I had to move hundreds of miles away to get away from them because they wouldn’t leave me alone. Just because they hated that I was different.”
“They didn’t understand,” Steve said in reply.
“Lots of people don’t understand,” Danny said sharply, looking at him with an irritated expression. Steve gave a small laugh, running a finger along the bridge of his nose as if he could chase the frown away.
“Well, some of us are trying,” Steve assured him.
“Yeah, I know,” Danny nodded with a small smile. “Sorry I got all crazy with you, I just, you caught me off guard you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” Steve nodded. “I’m sorry too.”
Danny sighed and grinned, rolling his eyes at him. “So, what do you want to know?”
Steve laughed and ducked his head, feeling his cheeks flush. “Okay I do have questions, not many okay and I totally understand if you don’t want to answer.”
“Steve,” Danny said to stop him babbling.
“Can we get comfortable first,” Steve said with a laugh. “Or is this visit just going to take place on the edge of your bed?”
Danny snorted and set the book down on the bedside table before he stood. “Well I guess if you’re staying we could grab some snacks. Come on, Marv’s just been to the store.”
They grabbed sodas and snacks from the kitchen, Marv barely batting an eyelid as the disappeared again, armed with food. They settled at the window seat in Danny’s room, delving into the bag of chips as they talked.
“So do you like get - ,” Steve began, feeling his cheeks redden and he looked out of the window in embarrassment. Danny stayed silent and Steve eventually forced himself to look at him. “You really gonna make me ask?”
“Yup,” Danny grinned with a shrug. “Babe I’ve been living with this my whole life. Saying the word ‘period’ is a no brainer.”
“So you do get them?” Steve asked curiously. He’d read that couvade’s did but it was still strange to comprehend.
“Get what?” Danny asked with an innocent grin.
Steve rolled his eyes at him and flicked crumbs at him as Danny laughed. “Do you get periods?” he said quickly
“Kind of,” Danny nodded. “Only I don’t ovulate as often as a woman. Like they have a monthly cycle, it’s more like quarterly for me. Once every three months, and a ‘period’ lasts maybe three or four days at the most. The cramps are the worst of it if you get them, it’s like your insides are getting twisted around.”
Steve looked grave and Danny shrugged, it was something he’d dealt with since he was eleven in a household of a mother and three sisters, it wasn’t like he hadn’t gotten sympathy.
“Do you want to have kids?” Steve asked him, looking at him closely. “I mean, you know, get pregnant one day?”
Danny shrugged and looked out the window. “I dunno. I guess when I get older and start thinking about starting a family I probably will. Guess I’m lucky I have the option.”
“That doesn’t scare you?” Steve asked and Danny smiled and shook his head.
“Why would it scare me?” Danny asked, reaching over to put a hand on Steve’s knee. “I’m not the first guy to have these extra parts babe. I won’t be the first guy ever to get pregnant and give birth. It’s just part of who I am.”
“Yeah but still,” Steve shrugged, “It’s a big deal D. And I mean, won’t you have to be extra careful, you know, when it comes to sex?”
“Yeah of course,” Danny nodded. “Though like I said, I ‘cycle’ differently to women, it’s harder for a guy to get pregnant. Plus, you know, having sex, well -.”
He sighed then grinned, giving a bashful laugh, “It all depends on where he sticks it.”
Steve stared at him, jaw dropping slightly making Danny snort with laughter and giving him a small push. “What? What am I supposed to say that doesn’t make me sound like something out of a medical book?”
“I did enough research too figure out the physical differences Danny,” Steve said, cheeks flushing even so.
“Well you did ask,” Danny laughed, downing a mouthful of soda.
“I said you’d have to be careful,” Steve pointed out.
Danny shrugged and looked at him with a soft expression. “Guess we all gotta be careful, especially at first.”
Steve ducked his head and grabbed a handful of chips. Hanging out, making out, being ‘boyfriends’ was one thing and neither of them could deny their hormones didn’t get into action whenever they made out. But sex wasn’t something they’d ever talked about, the only touching had happened above the waist and even then it was tentative and nervous exploration.
“You ever think about what it will be like?” Steve asked cautiously, without looking at him. It was the first time they’d ever come close to talking about sex and he knew if he didn’t ask, the opportunity may not present itself again.
“What? Sex?” Danny asked thoughtfully. Steve nodded and looked at him slyly. Danny rolled his shoulders and looked out the window. The subject didn’t seem to unnerve him. “Course I think about it. Doesn’t everybody?”
“Yeah I guess,” Steve agreed sitting back against a cushion that was propped up against the wall. “It’ll be different for you though.”
“Yeah I get to lose my virginity twice,” Danny laughed lightly, turning to face him. “Lucky me huh?”
“Won’t it make it harder for you,” Steve asked, resting his hand where Danny’s had found its way to his thigh. “Keeping it a secret.”
“Well if I’m dating someone who I want to sleep with eventually, I won’t want to keep it a secret from them,” Danny said. “Plus like I said, it all depends on where -.”
“Yeah okay,” Steve grinned with a nod. “I get it.”
“Well what else am I supposed to say?” Danny laughed.
Steve laughed with him, giving a hopeless shrug and Danny squeezed his fingers against his thigh.
“Anything else you needed to ask your freak boyfriend,” Danny smiled teasingly.
Steve’s face turned serious and he reached out with his other hand, stroking fingers along Danny’s jaw. “You aren’t a freak D.”
“You may not be saying that in a few weeks when I get my next period,” Danny grinned. “I can be quite the king bitch on a bad day.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Steve snorted, shaking his head at him. He liked how easy it was for Danny to talk about, how at ease he was with the whole situation. It helped him stay calm and eased about it himself, even if it was strange to think and talk about.
“Course it could go the other way and instead of bitching and yelling at you I’ll just want to make out every moment I’m around you,” Danny laughed. "Bitchy or horny, it could go either way depending."
“I can deal with that,” Steve nodded eagerly, making Danny laugh even more.
“Yeah I know,” Danny agreed. “You want to make out all the time anyway.”
“And you don’t?” Steve replied, moving closer to him.
“Much rather go surfing,” Danny sighed, looking longingly out over the beach to where the waves raced up the shoreline. Steve gave him a poke and Danny grabbed the offending digit, grappling a moment with Steve’s arm as it tried to sneak around his waist as he gave a laugh.
Steve silenced him with a kiss.
~
“Mom,” Danny groaned, rolling his eyes and shaking his head as he paced around the living room. “No Ma, I’m not putting him on the phone. Mom seriously -.”
Steve grinned and watched as Danny fought with his mother over the handset, hand flailing wildly and Danny kept shooting him desperate looks. “Ma come on, he doesn’t - god seriously? -.”
Danny came to a halt, turning to Steve and holding out the phone to him. “My mom wants to say hi.”
Steve looked at him in surprise and Danny waved the phone at him impatiently. Steve took the phone nervously and took in a breath, glancing at Marv who was watching with utter amusement and enjoyment at the scene.
“Hello?” Steve said nervously down the phone.
“Steven?” A voice came through clear as crystal and Steve nodded, feeling his palms sweat before his brain got into gear.
“Yes Ma’am,” he replied politely. Danny groaned and sank to the sofa beside him.
“It’s so lovely to finally speak to you,” Mrs Williams said to him. “Danny’s speaks of you often.”
“He does?” Steve asked, digging Danny in the ribs.
“Yes, he’s quite taken with you,” Mrs Williams continued. Steve shifted awkwardly in his seat. “So what do your parents do Steven?”
“Uh my dad is a police officer and my mom’s a school teacher.”
“And you have a sister?”
“Yes’m, she’s younger than me,” Steve replied, wondering where the conversation was headed.
“Danny tells me you’re hoping to join the Navy eventually,” Mrs Williams continued without a beat. She sounded nice, Steve had seen pictures and the way Danny spoke about her, it was evident she was well thought of and loved by everyone who knew her, but Danny had warned she had a strict, uncompromising side also. Ruled her house with a rod of iron and nobody dared go against her word.
“Yes I'd like to,” Steve said. “I’m hoping to get a scholarship at Annapolis. All depends on my grades and how many other people are trying to get in.”
“Well I wish you the very best of luck with that,” Mrs Williams said kindly.
“Thank you Ma’am,” Steve said, squirming as Danny dug him in the ribs with a laugh.
“Call her Mrs Williams you goof,” Danny teased with a whisper. Steve slapped his hand away and rolled his eyes at him.
“Well it was really nice speaking to you Mrs Williams,” Steve said as Danny didn’t relent. “I think D wants to talk to you again.”
“Yes it was lovely finally chatting to you Steven,” Mrs Williams replied. “You can put Danny back on.”
Steve thrust the phone back at Danny before thumping him on the arm. Danny snorted and took the phone, laughing as Steve began wrestling lightly with him.
“Hey mom,” Danny laughed, putting the phone to his ear. “Yeah he’s all right I guess. Look Ma it’s a real nice day outside and we’re going surfing, I gotta go okay. I’ll call tomorrow. You want to talk to Marv?”
He managed to pull himself away from Steve’s fingers with a laugh and went to Marv, giving him the phone before making a quick exit as Steve chased after him.
“Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am,” Danny laughed as Steve playfully got him in a headlock at the foot of the stairs.
“Oh please,” Steve replied. “You were just as bad meeting my mom and dad. I wanted to make a good impression.”
~
“Hey, do you think Marv would let you stay out this weekend?” Steve asked as they lounged on the beach after a swim.
Danny squinted, lain out on his back, head resting in his palms as he looked up at the clear sky, the sun drying his damp skin.
“Sure, don’t see why not,” Danny replied. “Got no other plans. Why, some party happening?”
“No,” Steve shook his head, leaning back on a hand and looking down over him. “I just want to show you some place.”
Danny shifted his gaze to look at him quizzical eyes. “Some place?”
“Yeah, a secret place,” Steve replied with a shy smile. “We could hike there on Saturday, camp out on the night, come back Sunday.”
Danny frowned, unsure Marv would agree to a mini excursion just the two of them. “Well, I can ask, but camping out just us - I’m not sure he’d agree.”
“He would if there was a big group of us,” Steve encouraged. “We can ask Meka and the guys, tell him we’re going near Haku Bay, he’ll know the place. My dad lets us go camping there now and then as long as there is a group of us.”
“Yeah okay I’ll ask,” Danny agreed, looking slightly disappointed.
“You okay?” Steve asked, sliding lower down so he could lay out next to him. “You don’t look so eager.”
“Well you made it sound like it would just be us at first,” Danny shrugged looking away with a slight flush of embarrassment. “Camping with the gang sounds like fun.”
Steve snorted and gave him a poke. “It will be just us you idiot. If we go with the gang it keeps the parents off our backs, but I do want to show you some place just the two of us. We’ll hike up to the bay with the guys, but there’s some place I want to take you specially.”
Danny looked at him keenly, trying to figure out Steve’s implications. Over the months their relationship had been drifting deeper and deeper into heavier intimacies, though they’d only spoken about sex in any detail once. But Danny knew he was getting to a point where he wanted to do more with Steve, more than he’d ever wanted to do with any other boyfriend he’d had. Kissing and making out was one thing, but sex, Danny hadn’t ever wanted to get that intimate, not until Steve had come into his life. Looking at Steve, he sensed he felt the same way and this weekend would be the opportunity they were waiting for to explore their curiosities.
~
Danny asked Marv about the weekend and Marv agreed after he called Steve’s dad and discussed it with him. If Marv suspected any other alternative meaning for the weekend he didn’t mention or say anything to Danny. When the weekend came Danny calmly said goodbye to his uncle, met the gang on the beach and they set off on their way. Along with the excitement of freedom for themselves for two days, Danny also felt nervous, anxious knots in his stomach every time Steve touched him or squeezed his fingers when they held hands. Whenever they looked at each other, a longing stirred inside him that hadn’t existed before, a longing reflected back to him in Steve’s expression.
It took a few hours to reach the bay and the other guys set up their camp and tents in a small grove just beyond the tree line that edged the sands of the bay. Steve settled his pack down by Meka’s tent, but made no move to unpack and Danny followed suit without a word spoken by the others. If they knew Steve and Danny’s intentions to move on for the night they didn’t mention it and they spent the afternoon playing games on the sands or swimming. A little before five Steve took Danny back up to the camp so they could dry off and get their packs, slipping away as the others still raced around the beach.
They headed into the woods, Steve taking the lead and explaining that his dad used to bring him there when he was a kid, exploring the jungle. Danny listened with half an ear, heart in his throat, apprehension and nervousness filling his stomach. Each step took them closer to something, something he was eagerly reaching out for with both hands. An hour later the forest opened up into a wide space, like the tree and undergrowth had created a secret place all their own. There was a cave, beside it a natural waterfall poured water down into a small pond, rocks jutting out over them to create an enclosed place. Plant life grew in clumps, full of ornate, bright flora bringing color to the scene. Danny smiled, taking it in as Steve headed for the cave, flooded with familiarity for his surroundings.
“Amazing isn’t it?” Steve exclaimed, dumping his pack at the mouth of the cave. Danny followed, placing his bag down, noting the remnants of an old campfire long since used. “My dad and me, we found it when we were exploring a few years back. Each year we come here for a few nights, just me and him, explore the area a little more. I wanted you to see it.”
Danny looked at him, seeing the brightness in his eyes, the excitement of sharing such a secret, special place with him.
“It’s great Steve, really,” Danny assured him, looking about. There was something special about its seclusion and he knew of all Steve’s friends, he was the first person Steve had brought and shown this place too.
“We can set up the tent by the pool,” Steve said, grabbing his pack.
Together they set up the tent and got their stuff settled inside, it was getting late and dark, Steve started up the camp fire as Danny checked the area out. After the day of hiking and antics on the beach they both ate heartily before laying out by the pool as the food settled. Their animated conversation slowed to a halt, instead touches and glances taking the place of words. Neither of them said it, not as they drew closer, bodies and mouths connecting there by the pool, but kissing and pressing against one another still clothed wasn’t ever going to be enough again. If Steve was nervous he didn’t show it and Danny tried to swallow down his own nerves of anticipation.
On those nerves he got to his feet when Steve stood and extended a hand to pull him up, swallowing down on the dryness of his throat he let Steve pull him towards the tent, pausing as they kicked dirt over the remnants of the camp fire. On that nervous energy he crawled into the tent, aware Steve was close behind, listening to the sound of the zip being drawn closed, confining them in that too small a space, where feelings, need and teenage lust enclosed around them.
~
After that weekend everything changed for Danny and his relationship with Steve. The night had seared itself into his memories, small fragments rearing up whenever he had a moment to stop and think. The night had been broken into moments of sleep and wakefulness, exploration, tentative touches, the first time hadn’t been the last and when the sun had pushed its rays down into the small glade they were lost to an exhausted, satisfied slumber.
Danny didn’t know it, but when he got home and in the weeks that followed, his uncle observed the change in him, especially when Steve came over. Marv remembered being fifteen years old himself, the years of teenage emotions and hormones, though he’d been nigh on seventeen before he screwed up the courage to try the moves on his then girlfriend, dumbfounded when she reciprocated, his entire world changed after that night. Marv wasn’t a parent, was unsure if he was to have a conversation with Danny, even be a little disapproving considering his age. But when Danny had arrived it was under the shadow of constant bullying and name calling, bruised and beat up, desperate for a break from the ignorance of his peers. All he’d needed was a new start, new friends, being able to take things easy. Marv couldn’t disapprove of Steven McGarrett, he was a good kid, from a good family and he knew Danny’s secret and hadn’t judged him on it. Back home in Jersey he doubted Danny would have ever had the opportunity so easily to be in a relationship, explore his feelings, to be intimate in such a way - not until he was much older. So Marv remained an observant and approving figure, content that Danny was getting the break he deserved. There was the issue of Danny’s physical difference though and though it was difficult and Marv reached for the phone many times to unload the responsibility onto Danny’s parents, he mustered up the courage and strength to have the conversation with Danny he knew would be awkward for the both of them.
“Hey Unc,” Danny said as he arrived home from school, bag dumped on the floor in the hall, sweat top launched onto a hook haphazardly. “I’m just gonna grab a snack and meet the guys on the beach for a swim.”
Danny was already heading through the living room to the kitchen and Marv stood from his desk and followed, having built himself up for the conversation all day.
“Yeah sure,” Marv agreed, finding Danny pulling out food from the fridge. He went over to him, pushing him aside playfully. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll whip us up some sandwiches.”
Danny grinned, pulling out a chair and sitting, relaying how chemistry was getting difficult and lamenting yet again about the lack of a baseball team at the school. He’d tried his hand at football but it just wasn’t something he was into, no matter how hard Steve tried to encourage him. Marv nodded along as he made sandwiches, turning and setting the plate down in front of him. Danny dug in, pausing as he chewed on a mouthful and giving his uncle a knowing look.
“Sup Unc?” Danny asked, Marv screwing his nose at him as he spoke with his mouth full.
“Oh I just,” Marv began, finding himself slightly nervous. Taking Danny in had never been a bother, he was his only nephew and it hurt him as much as his brother and sister in law to know Danny’s troubles. But the whole ‘guardian/parent’ responsibility could be pretty heavy at times. “I think we should talk Danny.”
“Yeah, about what?” Danny asked, shoveling a handful of chips into his mouth.
“About you and Steve,” Marv said without pause, knowing it was best to just get it out there in the open. He watched Danny pause, suddenly nervous, sandwich lain back down on his plate as he case him a worried glance. Marv was quick to reassure him. “It isn’t anything serious Danny. But I do think it’s part of my job as your guardian here to, you know, make sure you’re okay.”
“Okay?” Danny asked with a frown. “Everything is great with me and Steve - has someone said something?”
“No of course not,” Marv shook his head, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s just, well, it’s obvious you two have been getting more - intimate - with one another.”
Danny looked horrified, mortified to think his uncle knew he and Steve had - he groaned, unable to even think the words. He looked away, hand over his eyes in embarrassment. Marv smiled and chuckled, patting him again.
“I’m a grown man Danny,” Marv assured him with a small laugh. “I think we can both be mature about this. I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable and you don’t have to tell me anything, I just want to know that you’re comfortable and happy with how your relationship with Steve is developing.”
“It’s fine,” Danny said quickly, cheeks flushing, keeping his head down. This was worse than having talks about periods with his mom when he was ten. “Everything is fine with us.”
“Yes I figured as much,” Marv told him, having seen the evidence on display, though he doubted Steve or Danny knew how much it reflected from them. “But you are being careful Danny, when you two get - physical. I wouldn’t ask only it’s my responsibility to take care of you and, well, you know I don’t think you different from anyone only you are built differently and you have to take some precautions.”
“You mean because I can get pregnant?” Danny questioned, finally looking at him meekly.
“Yes,” Marv admitted with a nod, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
“It’s okay,” Danny said with a nod. “I mean there’s no chance that would - we haven’t -.” He stopped and swallowed down hard, cheeks reddening and he looked away again. “We’ve had sex but he hasn’t, you know, not there. And we won’t be if that’s what you’re worried about. Not any time soon any way. I don’t feel comfortable with that and he knows that because I told him.”
“All right,” Marv said, sorry to have made him so uncomfortable but glad he’d broached the subject. “Well as long as you’re okay, happy the way things are going, we don’t need to say any more about it.”
“Are you going to tell my mom and dad?” Danny asked him.
“No,” Marv said to him, “It isn’t my place. I would if I thought you were unhappy or something was wrong but I trust you, you and Steve. If you want them to know, then it’s your place to tell them.”
“As if this conversation isn’t awkward enough,” Danny replied, making Marv laugh.
“Well it’s over unless there’s anything you want to ask or tell me,” Marv assured him.
Danny looked at him, still flushed but looking him in the eye all the same. “You aren’t mad are you?”
“Why would I be?” Marv shrugged with a shake of his head. “I remember being fifteen Danny and I know you didn’t rush into this, I know you weren’t pushed or bullied or forced. I just want to know you’re okay.”
“I am,” Danny nodded vigorously.
“Well then that’s the important thing,” Marv smiled.