The little town of Waikiki changed a lot in five years since Steve had last been home. What a strange word, home. It was so foreign to him. The railway had finished being built and the town was now bustling and booming with extra people and business. Had it really been that long since he had been here? He always assumed he would be here long before for now. He certainly never assumed he would finally be back because his father had been murdered.

He had come galloping back after Hesse told him his brother's plans. He had been too late. Victor had already killed his father and burned the family house to the ground. He hadn't cried since the sickness took his mother away when he was a kid, but today he felt like it. Steve didn't know if there was an afterlife but he sure as hell prayed that day.

While morning his father's passing, Steve swore revenge. Sure he had killed Victor's brother, but he had been paid to. Steve was a hired gun, just a weapon for anyone willing to pay. He had tried living a normal life, but he was made for fighting and a gun felt damn good in his hand compared to a hoe or a shovel. Even though it was by his hand the man died, Steve thought it was his employer that was to blame, not him.

Turning back to his horse, Steve decided it was time to start the hunt for Victor Hesse. Unfortunately he had no idea where to start. Sure he had run form the law, but he knew nothing about tracking down a man like Hesse. His father would have known since he was the former sheriff of the town, now retired and, because of Hesse, for good.

He would start by talking to the new sheriff, Meka. Meka had been the deputy and was promoted to sheriff when his dad retired. He was a nice guy who had been raised locally so even though he wasn't white everyone in town accepted him as sheriff. In fact most of the town wasn't white but rather a mix of races that all blended together. The only kind of people looked down upon here where foreigners because they tended to threaten the town's peace.

Steve's father had been appointed sheriff before Steve had been born. The town didn't like him at first, but he had won them over slowly but surely making friends with half the town before Steve could walk. Of course some of the town still didn't like him just because he was a foreigner. When he made Meka his deputy those opposed said he only did that to kiss ass. There was just no pleasing those people.

Steve kicked his horse into a trot and headed straight towards the sheriff's station. Along the way people gave him wide breadth. Riding a big black horse, hat pulled down, dressed in black, and guns on full display wasn't exactly inconspicuous but Steve was only that when he wanted to be.

"Steve McGarrett? That you up there," a familiar voice called to him.

Recognizing his immediately, Steve jumped off the horse before the big guy could even stop. Pulling the man into a tight manly bear hug, Steve laughed, "Chin Ho Kelly! How are yah?"

"Not bad," Chin said as the hug ended. "I heard what happened Steve, I'm so sorry for your loss bro."

Steve smiled at Chin. Chin had been a close family friend of theirs and a necessary part of their lives. Chin is only one of two doctors in the whole town. He was taught by the other doctor and was on the verge of taking over the practice from him. He had assisted several times with taking care of his dad's wounds.

"Yah," Steve said with darkening eyes. "I came back as soon as I found out. How long ago did it happen?"

"Only two days ago, Steve," Chin said. "No one knew anything was wrong until they saw the smoke from your house. I'm so sorry."

A sudden thought hit Steve, "Where's my sister?"

"She left a long time ago man. Went to find her fortune out west."

Steve sighed and rolled his eyes. "Damn girl. By now I could have four nieces or nephews already."

"Don't worry about it bro. Mary is a tough gal, she'll be fine."

"True," Steve smiled. He was about to bring up the subject of another tough gal, Malia, when two men started arguing near the sheriff's station. "Who the hell is that?"

"I'm assuming you mean the blond guy," Chin laughed. "That would be the new sheriff, Daniel Williams."

Steve frowned at that. "What happened to Meka? Don't tell me they appointed that short…city slicker the new sheriff while I was away."

Chin laughed. "If I were you, I wouldn't mention his height. Danny is well aware of his height impairment and will drop you to the ground in an instant. He maybe small but he knows how to throw a punch and he's damn good with a pistol."

Steve raised his eyebrow in question at the nickname 'Danny'. It just sounded…unmanly. Although looking at him closely said he was anything but girly. Everything about him, other than his slicked back hair that was way too long for the summer, said he was a man. Broad shoulders and impressive arm muscles were just some of his finer points Steve cared to admit. One he didn't want to admit was the man's nice and firm ass.

"What do you know about him?"

"He's from the East Coast. He came all the way out here because his ex-wife moved out here."

"Why'd he divorce her?

"No man. She divorced him. Apparently you can do that now."

"Did he hurt her or something to make her leave?"

"Wrong again. She left him so she could remarry a rich cattle rancher and live out here on his ranch."

"She married Stanley?"

"Yep. Even worse for Danny, she took their only daughter with her. That's way the city slicker moved out here. He loves that little girl like she's the only decent thing alive on this earth."

Steve couldn't help but feel bad for the little guy. Steve couldn't imagine having a kid and then not being able to raise him or her. Shaking that thought from his head, Steve focused on what said man was saying.

"Come on I know you like to play with fire," Danny shouted at the other man whose hands were tied behind his back with rope. "Now did you or did ya not start that fire that burned down the McGarrett residence? That's all I want to know."

"He's looking in on my father's murder," Steve asked Chin.

"Yah. He tracked down that guy who wouldn't stop burning things in town when he passed through a couple of days ago."

"Was there an Irish sounding guy with really dark hair with him?"

"Yeah. There was someone like that in that group of people he came with. No one liked them and few ended up in jail the first night they came through. Why you ask?"

"I believe the man I described is the man who killed my father."

"Why don't you tell the sheriff that? He can help you track him down and get justice."

"Uh," Steve stumbled trying to find the right words. "I'm not exactly on that side of the law."

"You're a wanted criminal," Chin hissed. "Your dad would die if he knew his only son…"

"I know, but I'm a gunslinger for hire. Nothing else seemed right. I was hired to kill someone and his brother figured the best way to get back was to kill my father. I came here immediately after and now my father is dead."

"Interesting," a foreign voice said from behind him. Quick drawling his gun, Steve automatically drew it turning to face the man. He came face to face with a pair of blue eyes just like his own and the barrel of a pistol. "Hay now, Mr. McGarrett, I just want to know what you know. No need to get our guns involved."

Steve stared at the new sheriff that had somehow snuck up on him without making a sound. He slowly lowered his gun and watched as Danny did the same.

"Good," Danny smiled in a cocky way. "Now that we've established I'm not going to kill you or arrest you Mr. Gunslinger, yet, how about you tell me everything you know about your father's murder?"

"If you heard everything I just said then you know everything already," Steve snarled. Glaring down at Danny, he realized just how short the blond really was. Damn he knew women who were taller than this guy. How could 'Danny' ever hope to be a good sheriff if he couldn't intimidate people?

"Okay so if I say Victor Hesse, you wouldn't know who I was talking about right?" Danny didn't wait for an answer as the truth flashed across Steve's face. "So you have heard of him, ergo you know more than what you're admitting."

"I don't have to tell you anything City Slicker," Steve growled.

Danny grinned smugly. "Okay, then mind coming down to my office for a little chat behind bars?"

Steve smirked. "You think you can drag me to jail? I would very much like to see you carry a guy twice your size…"

Steve didn't get to finish before Danny punched him with a killer right hook. If Steve hadn't been so tall, he might not have had time to recoil and avoid falling to the ground.

Rubbing his jaw, Steve glared at Chin as he started to laugh his ass off. "I told you not to mention his height and you do it anyway you big kahuna!"

"Kahuna," Danny asked. "That this town's version of asshole?"

"Nah it means fool," Chin explained.

Danny nodded. "Okay Kahuna," he said indicating Steve. "You want to try this again."

Steve gritted his teeth. "Fine. Victor Hesse is a criminal who has a vendetta against me and my former employer."

"As a gun for hire?"

"Yah. Got a problem with it?"

"If you're out killing kids for money then yah I do," Danny growled. "But I know that usually the people your kind are hired to kill are criminals to."

Steve nodded. He never took a job if he thought that the intended victim was innocent. He honestly was just saving the hangman a rope. Of course other people didn't see it that way. He was a cold blooded killer and nothing he could do would change that.

"How about I tell you what that nice pyromaniac told me and you tell me about Victor Hesse while we track him down and bring him to justice," Danny offered. "He told me were to find Hesse, I would just like to know what I'm going up against."

"Fine," Steve agreed. "You'll need me. Hesse never travels alone and he always shots to kill."

"How many men we talking about? Two? Three?"

"Try seven at least."

"Okay so minus the two I have in lock up and the pyromaniac he'll have four men with him."

"You keep saying that word, 'pyro-something'. What is that?"

Danny grinned and shook his head. "It's what us 'City Slickers' call people who like playing with fire. They'll set just about anything on fire. Hell one guy even set his cat on fire because he wanted to know how flesh would burn. Then he set his grandma on fire to see if human flesh burned different from cat. Needless to say that's why we put 'maniac' at the end of pyromaniac."

"You city people have weird people," Chin commented.

"Well he's no longer living so score one for the law and sane people everywhere," Danny laughed. "Anyway, you joining me Gunslinger?"

"Yah, but like Hesse I shot to kill," Steve warned pulling his coat back so Danny could see both guns.

"Well, duh. If you don't kill your targets then you don't get paid and they just might recover and return the favor," Danny said.

Steve hated to admit it but Danny understood him better than any of his friends did. "You got a horse?"

"Yep," Danny said. He turned slightly and gave a loud whistle. "Cam!"

Steve thought Danny was calling a girl or a helper to get his horse but soon a white thoroughbred mare came thundering down the village street. She gave a snort and muzzled Danny's shoulder as he pet her.

"Cam," Steve asked.

"Short for Camaro. That's what I named her," Danny said as he effortlessly climbed into the saddle. Danny maybe short but he could mount a tall horse without any trouble. Steve was questioning this so called 'City Slicker'. "What did you name yours or do you prefer not to get attached to things?"

Steve swung his long legs over his big black horse and answered, "His name is Silverado."

Danny smiled a dazzling smile that stirred something in Steve he never felt for a guy. "Why Silverado?"

Steve nudged said horse into a walk letting Danny lead the way, "The white blaze on his nose was a silver-ish color when he was younger. Why did you name yours Camaro?"

"I had a different name for her, but all my little girl could say was 'Camaro'," Danny laughed. "Don't even remember what she was called before that. It just stuck you know?"

"Still man, why you ride a female horse? Now I have to be careful my stallion doesn't try to mount," Steve joked.

"Because male horses are bigger and no it isn't a height thing. My daughter likes to ride so when Rachel actually lets me see her, I want Grace to be around a safe reliable horse. Not a wild untamable stallion that could turn mean and trample her."

"Not all stallions are like that," Steve defended.

"Bull shit! You just said it yourself."

"I was joking."

"Then you should say so, because I can't tell."

Still joking and arguing the two set off into the woods to begin tracking down Victor Hesse.

"Whoa," Steve called as he leaned in the saddle to get a closer look at the tracks. "We're on the right track. Looks like your pyromaniac friend wasn't lying."

"Look at you Babe," Danny smirked leaning against his saddle horn. "Learning a new word. I'm getting you all educated."

Steve smiled. God Danny could make him laugh one moment and then want to pull out his gun and either shoot himself or Danny. He was really starting to like this guy. He loved and hated the sarcastic remarks, yes Danny, Steve knew what the word 'sarcastic' meant. He was starting to feel like he found the brother he never had. Now if only he could shake the alarming amount of sinful thoughts gathering around his mind about Danny, especially the ones that revolved around the word 'lust'. That was so not how you should feel about your brother.

"You know anything about tracks," Steve asked?

"Sure do Babe, pointy end of the boot points in the direction of travel," Danny joked.

"That it does," Steve chuckled.

Danny nudged Camaro right next to Silverado so that the two men's knees were touching. "Well I also know that these tracks are fresh and that there are more riders than originally thought."

"Right they can't be far behind. Let's go," Steve said and nudged Silverado forward.

"Hold on," Danny called and caught Steve by the jacket. "Didn't you hear me? I said there are more bad guys than we thought. We need back up."

"You're the backup," Steve growled and yanked his jacket away from Danny. He urged Silverado forward into a canter causing Danny to curse and rush in after him. Since Steve wasn't thinking clearly he forgot about the fact that horses make a lot of noise when approaching. Victor knew Steve was coming and was prepared.

The first shot missed by mere inches causing Silverado to bolt. Steve jumped off and took cover behind a tree. A rain of bullets pelted the bark before a familiar voice rang out. "Stop wasting your bullets you arseholes!"

"Victor," Steve shouted drawing his guns and cocking both. Steve wanted blood and damn it he would get it.

"McGarrett," Victor snarled. "You murdered my brother so I killed your father. Eye for an eye."

"I was hired to kill your brother! I'm nothing more than a tool, no better than a gun. You should have taken your revenge on my employer not me!"

"Oh I know that," Victor snarled. "But you see, this isn't the first time someone has been hired to kill us. I figured if I killed your family, other soulless guns like you would stop taking the contracts."

Steve cursed. He knew he shouldn't have taken the job but damn it if the money wasn't good, not to mention he would be preventing a man from hurting anyone ever again. "You killed my father and burned down my home. That's not 'eye for and eye'."

"Not my fault that pyromaniac couldn't resist burning that hut to the ground," Victor laughed.

Steve shook his head. Did everyone but him know what that word meant? Thinking of Danny where was he? Did he go get backup? If so, it would be too late. Victor had six men with him now. Although Steve was great with a gun, even he couldn't take on that many alone and hope to live.

Sighing Steve peaked around the trunk trying to get a good look at where Hesse's men were. He promptly was shot at and retreated back behind the tree.

"I have seven guns aimed at that tree," Victor laughed. "You better make peace with your God and just give up."

Damn, Steve would have to admit defeat. He couldn't see a way out of this.

Then Danny bless his soul distracted them, "That's good because I have mine focused on you."

As they all whirled around to find where Danny's voice was coming from, Steve made a mad dash for another tree. He fired off a couple of shots, hitting two guys who had turned their backs to him, although he hated shooting a man in the back.

Bullets rang out all over the place making it hard for Steve to determine what was going on. All he knew is that Hesse's men were just as confused as he was. Steve eventually ran into Danny during their running around dodging bullets.

"Hay," Steve whispered. "I've hit three so far, you?"

"Two confirmed dead," Danny offered. "How many left standing?"

Steve dared a look and realized only Hesse and one man was left standing. "Two including Hesse."

"Figures," Danny hissed as if he was in pain. Steve then noticed the blood soaking into Danny's left sleeve.

"Shit, how bad you shot?"

"Just a graze, but I can't shot straight right now. Plus I'm out of bullets."

Steve checked his own. He had three shots left. Giving Danny a look at meant 'I'll see you if I live after this' and took aim at the remaining two bad guys. Hesee wasn't to be seen and surprised Steve with a side punch to the face. Steve reflexively squeezed his finger and the bullet hit the other guy square in the chest.

Steve recovered and went to pistol-whip Victor. He caught Steve's arm and knocked the gun to the ground. Steve discarded the other one and decided it was time to get down and dirty. He would get his revenge and beat the shit out of Hesse at the same time.

Steve was a hard hitter but Victor was faster. Steve took a lot of damage while dealing a lot in return. Victor then played dirty by getting out his knife. Steve barely had enough time to hit the dirt dodging the knife as it whirled past him. He landed on something cold and metal.

Victor quickly dived for his dead friend's gun.

"Victor," Steve said. "There's something you should know about your brother."

"What's that," Victor yelled as he whirled around to face Steve, gun in hand.

"He died like you."

Two shoots rang through the forest, both of them from Steve's gun. Both bullet's hitting home as Victor fell to the ground dead.

"Steve," Danny grunted.

Steve ran over to Danny who was trying to get to his feet without success. "I'm here Darlin'. Don't worry." He doesn't know where 'Darlin'' came from but it suits Danny.

Relieve floods Danny's face as he sees Steve isn't injured or dead. "Had me worried Babe."

Steve slipped his arms around Danny and hoisted him up to his feet. Neither of them moved as they checked each other over with their eyes. "Can you move your arm?"

"Yeah, Danny gritted. Hurts like hell to."

"We need to get you to Chin. Where's Camaro?"

"With Silverado," Danny groaned and leaned forward so he was completely supported by Steve.

Steve whistled for his horse. He hoped Silverado hadn't run away too far as to not hear him call. For the moment he was content to hold Danny like this. Danny has a wonderful scent with just the right amount of aftershave. Steve notices Danny's hair is askew as runs his hand through it to slick it back into place. It feels like silk and Steve loves the sensation. Danny doesn't seem to mind him doing it either.

All too soon their horses return to them. Danny stirs and moves towards Camaro. Steve stops him and directs him over to Silverado. He gives the command and the big horse drops to one knee making the saddle low enough for both of them to slip onto it with Danny in front of Steve.

Steve would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the feel of Danny's body against his own as they rode back to town. He also loved the fact his hand had to rest on Danny's thigh since he had to hold the reins. Steve slid his other hand to Danny's waist earning him a glance from Danny.

"Don't get too familiar," Danny warned. "I may be small like a woman but I'm not…"

Steve cut him off with a firm hug and whispered in Danny's ear, "I'm well aware you're a man."

"Then why are you holding like a woman?"

"Cause I have no idea how to hold you like a man."

"Well you're doing it better than most."

"Other men have made a move on you," Steve growled, male ego showing because he believed he should be the only one with intent for Danny.

"You have no idea how many drunk idiots hit on me when I arrest them."

"No wonder you have a nice right hook. Why become a sheriff then? You're constantly putting yourself around those kind of people."

"It's in my blood. Pop was a firefighter back home. Uncle Jimmy was a deputy. I never really wanted to be sheriff. I was content to be a deputy for the rest of my life."

"What happened to Meka?"

"He got shoot about two months back and decided it was time to retire. Not one person was happy I was left in charge."

"Well I think you're perfect for the job. Folks around here have forgotten that we were all foreigners once. Hell they didn't like my dad when he took over as sheriff all those years ago."

"He was sheriff? No wonder everyone went crazy when he was killed." Steve fell silent and Danny elbowed him. "Hay you just got his killer. Lighten up Babe."

"Why do you call me 'Babe'? I'm not a woman either."

"It's just something we say out east. Besides you called me 'Darlin' recently."

"You liked it," Steve smirked.

"You like it too," Danny huffed.

Steve was delighted that they could bicker like this after all they just went through. Danny could still make Steve laugh and damn it felt good riding with him. He loved that Danny still talked with his hands. A couple of times Silverado jerked from Danny's movements and loud voice only giving Steve more ammunition to tease him.

They got back to town just as the sun was setting because Steve didn't want to set a faster pace and open Danny's wound. Chin was more than happy to patch Danny up. Steve couldn't tear his eyes off Danny's well sculpted chest when he finally shed that bloody shirt so Chin could take care of him.

"Funny how you've been here for six months without a scratch, yet as soon as Steve shows back up, you get shot," Chin laughed as he finished.

"I think trouble fallows Steve," Danny laughed.

"You staying in town for a while," Chin asked Steve.

"Yeah, for a while I guess. My home is kind of burnt to the ground so I guess I'll be staying at an Inn," Steve mussed.

"You can stay with me for a while," Danny offered. "It's not much but it's free and should feel familiar to you."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Danny lives at the station," Chin said. "It's right above the desk your daddy used to sit at. Area used to be for storage but Danny cleaned it out some time ago."

"Don't make as much as Stanley so it's just a place to crash," Danny said.

"I don't want to impose," Steve said. Truly he didn't want the temptation of a sleeping Danny to cloud his mind. "Besides, I'm not exactly on that side of the law."

"Makes it easier on me if I do have to arrest your ass," Danny laughed and playfully punched Steve's arm. "Besides, I need someone to change my bandages. Who better than you Babe?"

"Fine," Steve smirked. "Let's go Darlin'."

Chin didn't blink at the nicknames they gave each other. The two men played and argued liked brothers and like a married couple. It would be hard, but the two could make it work. He waved good bye as the two walk back to the station.

"Hay Steve," Danny moans.

"Yes Darlin'," Steve jokes.

"I need a deputy. You in?"

"Uh…well," Steve stumbled. "I'm not good at being anyone's sidekick. I don't fallow orders well and I tend to shoot first and let people like you sort it out later."

"I figured as much," Danny sighed.

"Wouldn't work anyway."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, I happen to be a wanted man."

"I'm aware of the bounty. You're a man wanted by the law and I'm a man of the law. But, what I'm getting at here is that that reason isn't the only reason I want you." Steve smiled as Danny's face flushed with color. "Doesn't mean we can't work together…or live together."

"I guess so, but I'm not cut out to be deputy. I don't think this town is…"

"This town is too big. It needs both of us to run it properly. Look Steve," Danny motioned over to the railway tracks. "Ever since they finished laying down the track, this town has been booming with both business and unscrupulous characters. The 'City Slickers' like me because I know them and I'm one of them. It took me four months for Chin to even call me by my first name."

They reached the station as Steve was surprised to find the front door unlocked. He was even more surprised to find someone sitting at Danny's desk with their feet propped up on the table. He about died when he realized said person was a woman.

"Thanks Kono," Danny said.

"No problem," Kono smiled. She got up out of the chair she had been relaxing on. Kono was not a traditional lady. For one thing she wore britches when she went around town at night and had a lot of spunk. She was very beautiful but very rambunctious. She had many suitors, but none that her or her family approved of. Of course that didn't stop Chin Ho from marrying Malia.

"The horses settle in well," Danny asked. Now that he mentioned it, Steve wondered where they had gone.

"That stallion was a beauty, but stubborn as hell."

Steve smiled. A woman who wasn't afraid to curse like a man was a woman worthy of praise in Steve's book. He was going to like her. She tipped her hat at them as she sashayed away.

"Who was that," Steve interrogated.

Danny threw up his hands, "Hold on Cowboy, I know what you're thinking. She and I are not courting or anything like that. She just…well…is sorta like a deputy. Hell, if this crazy world allowed it, she would be. She's tough and actually helped me take down a criminal a while ago. I guess I'm the only one who takes her seriously around here."

"Then why you offering me the job?"

"Because despite the fact she can shoot a dime on the run, Kono is a female and I can't hire her. I don't know why since everyone is fine with her walking around in men's britches. Hell we all know it's the mayor's wife that runs this town."

Steve nodded his head. Women out here tended to come in all types. Some were prim and proper while others were like Kono, strong and powerful. Still, they weren't men so those like Kono had to constantly earn any respect.

Danny motioned for Steve to fallow him up the stairs in the back of the room.

Steve looked around the tiny room where Danny lived. Steve couldn't help but wonder why Danny had a double bed when he made it obvious he didn't share it with anyone. A small table with two chairs and liquor cabinet were all the furnishing the room could hold. It was probably all Danny could afford anyway.

Danny immediately went for the whiskey in the cabinet and took a deep swig straight from the bottle. Steve smiled and joked at how civilized out east must be. Danny just held it out to Steve who loved the idea of sharing a bottle like this.

They both sit down on the very plush bed and continuously pass the bottle back and forth. Danny sighs as the pain in his arm starts to numb. He tells Steve to keep the bottle and closes his eyes. Should he ask what he wants to ask Steve? They're both a little buzzed so it should be alright.

"Steve," Danny starts.

"Look, I want to help out but…"

"How about you and I both be sheriff?"

"Is that even possible?"

"Why not? You won't be in charge of me and I won't be in charge of you. It would be like an equal partnership. You can even arrest people and lawfully kill. No more running away."

"Sounds nice."

"But…"

"But I still need a place to stay."

"I offered up my place."

"Well you certainly have a nice bed for the two of us, but I don't think I could last here long. End up with a permanent black eye."

"What? Why?"

"You really think I could sleep next to you every night and keep my hands to myself?"

"Animal," Danny joked. "I'm aware a man like you has needs. If you need release I'm sure there are plenty of ladies that would be more than happy to help you out. We can also get another bed in here if you want. It will be a tight fit but…"

Steve sighed. "Fine. Let's drink to our partnership." He took a long swig and offered the bottle to Danny who refused. Agitated, Steve filled his mouth with the liquor and grabbed Danny. He pulled him in for rough kiss and flooded his mouth with the whiskey. Danny coughed but Steve didn't let up until Danny had swallowed it all.

Danny shoved Steve away, "What the hell was that about?"

"When I offer you a drink in friendship and you turn it down, I'll make you drink it. Now let's try that again. Let's drink to our new partnership."

Steve caught Danny's smirk just before he refused again. So Danny wanted this continue huh? Steve was not a man to disappoint. This time the forced drink went much smother now that they both knew what was going on. They continued to kiss even after they both finished off the drink. Being taller, Steve easily pushed Danny down onto his back. Neither one of them had tasted anything remotely as good as each other. Danny hesitated when Steve discarded his jacket and climbed on top. Steve sensed it and took another swig, sharing it with Danny again. They both calmed down a little but continued to share their drink as clothing started to hit the floor.

When Danny woke up the next morning he had a pounding in his head and hot breath in his ear. He couldn't remember much from last night other than the fact he had drank too much. He licked his lips and instantly tasted the whiskey and something else. Steve. Suddenly Danny remembered everything about last night.

Steve was instantly jarred awake when an elbow slammed into his side. Moaning about the pain in his head and now his side Steve pealed himself from Danny's side. "What was that for Darlin'?"

Sitting up Danny cursed, "For getting a man drunk and trying to take advantage."

"Trying," Steve laughed and was rewarded with a shooting pain in his head.

"Of course you don't remember last night, which is exactly why I don't like drunk people!"

Steve ignored Danny and focused on the dark bruise he found on his chest. "When did that happen?"

Danny growled, "I told you to stop last night. So when you didn't, I made you."

"I told you I can't sleep next to you at night without…"

"What's wrong with taking it slow huh? I've never done this before although many men have tried. I was fine with the kissing and mild touching but you were all over the place and I freaked out okay?"

Steve was having trouble concentrating but eventually he figured it out. "So you're okay pursuing this…relationship if I take it slow and, in a scene, court you like a woman? I thought you didn't want that?"

"I don't," Danny yelled causing them both to wince. In a quieter voice Danny continued, "I just…I'm not easy okay. I like a challenge just ask my ex-wife. I like playing games with you and all the fighting. I know I'm the woman in this relationship and I know how men treat their women."

"I don't treat women like that." Steve rolled so he was on his side facing Danny.

"Oh, so you don't love 'em and leave 'em in the morning?" Danny copied Steve and rolled to face him so they were just an inch apart.

"I return to them every now and then." Steve reached out slowly and slicked Danny's hair back.

"That ain't good enough for me Babe. I'm the marrying type."

"Well, I can't exactly do that now can I?"

"No," Danny sighed.

"I've made up my mind though," Steve said.

"About?"

"Taking it slow. I will so don't worry. I'm also staying for good. I have enough saved up to rebuild my house and try to make it more like the home it was all those years ago."

Danny smiled. "You gonna stay here while you rebuild?"

"I just said I would," Steve growled as sexily as he could with a killer hangover.

Danny gave him a brief kiss before crawling out of bed. Steve enjoyed the nice view of Danny's ass as he did, a little disappointed he was still wearing pants. There would be plenty of time for that later though and he did promise to take to slow. He had never courted someone before and he sure as hell wouldn't buy Danny flowers or anything one typically would for a girl. No, Steve would get him booze, guns, and gifts for his little girl. That was the way to win over his heart.

They redressed unto yesterday's cloths at an agonizingly slow pace. They both made their way to the little wash room to freshen up and try to get rid of the lingering alcohol. They didn't dare shave this morning for fear of cutting themselves. Steve liked the stubble on Danny. It made him look more rugged. Danny finished up first and headed down stairs.

The three jailbirds Danny had arrested the other day where not happy at their confinement but when they heard Hesse was dead, they preferred going to jail instead. Danny talked to them for a few minutes before Steve joined them. Danny was about to start 'processing' the captives while showing Steve the ropes when a knock stopped them before they could start.

"Mr. Sheriff," Max called to Danny. "There's something you need to know!"

Max was the town's mortician, made you all pretty before you died, made the funeral arrangements, and helped during the burial of the body. Anything concerning death, Max was your guy.

Danny and Steve stepped outside to talk to him. "What is it Max?"

"I went to the clearing you told Chin about to collect the bodies. Only when I got there with my team, one man was missing! You did say there should be seven bodies right?"

"Hesse is alive," Steve hissed.

"You put two bullets in him Babe," Danny said reassuringly, "If he survived he won't for much longer."

"I'm not convinced. He'll be back. Of that, I'm sure."

Author's note: Okay so that was part one of maybe several. It depends on if I ever do my schoolwork or keep procrastinating. I was sad no one had done a western of Hawaii 5-0 before so I fixed it. Note they are not on Hawaii as I could not find a way to incorporate that in the story. Not sure where Waikihi is supposed to be in this knew word but its some where between California and Jersey...that's all I've planned out. I hope you liked it. Note they will get hot and heavy later on. For now they're just exploring.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Otherwise Steve and Danny would be more than partners.