This story has been hanging around my H50 file for more than a year. I figured it was time to share it. Thanks to swifters for her advice and countless emails helping with this story. Not sure I did your input justice. And thanks to Tracey for putting up with me, as always. Enjoy everyone!

The skeleton of an old warehouse loomed around them. Sea birds fluttered in the rafters. Steve waited, listening until he was sure the battle was over. Then, he called for his partner.

"Danny?"

Vision tunneling from the rush of blood and adrenaline, Steve squinted in the dusty stream of sunlight. Frantic for a few seconds when his best friend didn't answer.

"Over here." Danny's answer was quick and something about the tone of his voice made Steve's chest tighten.

The partners were alone, and two very bad men lay dead several feet from them, their weapons kicked away as Steve approached, gun still drawn.

The Camaro sat useless, doors hanging open as the lights still flashed, and the engine fizzed and crackled, bullet holes peppering every visible inch of the exterior. They'd gotten separated when they dove for cover, ambushed by a prospective lead in their most recent case. Chaos had erupted unexpectedly, as gunfire replaced the brief but seemingly amiable chat only minutes after they'd arrived.

They'd been set up by their suspect. Steve fumed at this thought.

Once they got back to the Palace and the perp they'd left to sweat it out in rendition, there'd be hell to pay.

If they made it back.

Steve froze when he found Danny. Just for a nanosecond. Because he couldn't process what he was seeing. His life passed before his eyes. Life without his best friend.

Danny was sprawled on the cracked concrete floor, held up by one trembling arm and clutching his soiled pant leg. Forehead already shiny with sweat. Weapon on the ground at his side as he struggled to catch his breath.

Thank God he'd listened to Danny and had Chin and Kono follow along for backup. They were parked at the gate to this complex to make sure no one snuck into or out of the warehouse.

"Fuck, you're hit." Steve holstered his gun and crouched next to his partner.

"No shit, Sherlock." The bite left his words as Danny winced. "God this hurts."

"That's good."

"Seriously? It's good that I'm in pain?" Danny was angry and confused.

Steve didn't answer him. He all but climbed on top of his friend, assessing the wound and applying pressure.

He cut Danny's pants for a better look, and blood spurted from the bullet hole, spraying his vest. His next words were more to himself than his partner.

"Gotta stop this bleeding."

Danny took a good look at his leg and the blood seeping through Steve's fingers. Eyes even wider when his gaze drifted to the spatter all over his friend's clothes and face. "God, I'm gonna be sick."

Again Steve didn't respond. Instead, he grabbed Danny's hip and with a practiced calculation found the spot he was looking for, pressing hard with both thumbs. Danny cried out in surprise and pain.

"Dammit Steve. Enough with the torture."

"Danny, the bullet hit an artery. I'm applying pressure so you don't bleed to death. Hold still." His tone was harsh, like he was scolding an impatient child. He rocked back on his heels, readjusting his balance.

"What? No magickal powders? No pressure bandages-" Sweaty and flushed, Danny giggled before trying to pull away from Steve. "Fuck that hurts."

"Stop it. Shit. Stop moving. Don't make me knock you out." Steve leaned into Danny with more force, hoping to make his point. "I told you to stay down. Why didn't you listen? I had the shot, Danny."

"You did not...have...the shot." Danny mumbled, slurring his words. A faint tremble of a smile flashed across his face as he sighed. Energy waning. "Got him, didn't I?"

Steve registered the change and softened his tone.

"Yea, you did, buddy. You got him. You're an excellent shot." Steve nudged his fading partner. "Hey, stay with me, okay?"

Danny's head fell back and his eyes slid closed.

"Danny?" Now he was worried. "Come on, buddy. Danny, open your eyes."

Danny moaned and his eyes fluttered, but that was it.

Steve couldn't shake him. He really wanted to shake him. He raised his voice instead. "Open your eyes. You will not die on me. Do you hear me? Danny!"

He dug his fingers into Danny's leg, hoping he felt it. Wanting to hurt him. Pain would keep him alive.

Blue eyes bright with pain popped open. "Fuck!"

"There you are."

"Didn't go anywhere." His voice low and hesitant like it took some effort. "Man, I can't keep my eyes open."

Steve continued to hold pressure on the wound as he called for help over the coms. Chin and Kono should have been maintaining a position at the edge of this complex, keeping out of sight. He hoped they'd already heard the commotion. Seconds mattered now.

"Steve, you gotta tell Grace I'm sorry. She's got a cheer compet - fuck I'm gonna miss it." Danny exhaled through gritted teeth. His words were a mix of panting and growling as he fought against the coming darkness. "And Charlie. Ah fuck, you gotta keep an eye on him. Please. I - shit - I worry 'bout the little guy. Too much like me..."

"Okay, buddy. You know I've got your back." Steve didn't brush off Danny's comments like he normally would.

"And take good care of my liver, you idiot." Danny chuckled. "Didn't think it'd be me to bite the big one-"

"Shut up." Steve's eyes were fierce now and his tone was stern. "Stop it right now."

"What? Cause I'm not dying? Huh? We're all dying, babe. Look at all that blood. Shit, I wanna puke."

"Stop talking. How can you still be talking?" Steve tightened the pressure and Danny cried out in pain.

"You did that on purpose, you dick."

"Maybe I did. Stop whining." Steve tensed his jaw, defiant.

Danny just nodded, eyes watering. With his next blink, tears streaked his cheeks.

"Hey, I'm sorry." Steve leaned close to his friend so they were touching, cheek to cheek. He whispered his next words. "Just hang in there. I can't lose you, dammit."

Finally sirens could be heard. Chin and Kono's frantic voices echoed in his ear. Only a few minutes had passed. Steve's heart raced under his calm exterior. Would they be in time?

"You're gonna be alright, Danny. Just hang on, buddy."

Steve continued to plead while Danny just smiled and focused on breathing in and out. Time slowed to an intolerable pace and everything sounded garbled and foreign.

Without warning, Danny's whole body tensed. And the sound he made was more wild animal than human. The birds that were nesting in the catwalks above them burst into flight, screaming as they went.

"Shit Danny." Steve grabbed his best friend's hand and squeezed. "Come on, buddy. Breathe through it. Look at me. Danny, hang on. Please..."

Instead, his eyes lost focus, and the detective felt himself passing out. Something gave way like he wasn't even in his body. Nothing obeyed his commands, which was good because he'd been close to puking and the pain was like nothing he'd ever felt. He was free! Then, panic overcame him for a few seconds. He felt trapped inside his body. Fingers jabbed into his neck, grounding him, and Steve begged for him to stay. But it wasn't really him anymore. The world winked out, and Danny was gone.

Don't worry, I wouldn't write a deathfic this close to the Holidays. I'm not that mean...just mean enough to leave this cliffie. The story is written. More to come tomorrow.