I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any characters. No copyright infringement intended.

Summary: Steve finds out that Danny likes deep sea fishing and used to go yearly off Long Island, NY with his father. For Danny's birthday, Steve charters a local sport fishing boat off Kona which is attacked by drug traffickers. Whump and fun ensues!

NOTE: In "real life", my family has often gone off Long Island sound with deep sea fishing charters. Long Island, NY has some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. So this concept is quite valid – Danny might not like the beach per se, but guys like to fish!

This description is respectfully borrowed from a local website: geographically situated just outside New York City, Long Island is 120 miles long by 20 miles wide and is the largest island adjoined to the continental U.S, perfect for charter boat saltwater fishing trip. Originally named "Paumanauke" by the Native Americans, meaning "tribute to the sea," this fish-shaped island on the East Coast extends from the Hudson River far into the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the regions geographic diversity, Long Island fishing charters offer a variety of salt water fishing adventures from calm bay fishing to exciting Long Island deep sea fishing. Both northern and southern fish species frequent Long Island waters, including Atlantic cod, winter flounder and mackerel in the spring, or bluefish, summer flounder and Spanish mackerel in the fall. Other species of fish include blackfish, porgies, and fluke, in addition to shark, tuna, and abundant striped sea bass.

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CHAPTER ONE – A Birthday to Remember

During late spring, Danny had finally gotten around to settling into a more formal living arrangement and was happily renting a sunny and pleasant apartment. It was a simple two-bedroom that included a garage and small balcony. He was lucky and he knew it. And while the view was nothing to speak of, it was most importantly affordable, very clean, convenient to work and a very suitable second home for Grace on her visits.

Danny was still going through a few boxes when Steve swung by one evening with a six-pack. He was unpacking miscellaneous objects that included framed pictures of his family and various hardcover books.

"Hey, I didn't know you liked Grisham." Steve remarked in surprise, as he picked up a book to check out title and author. In fact, Steve could spy quite a few Grisham novels peeking out from the box along with a battered Stephen King and what looked like a couple of Tom Clancy novels.

Looking up from dusting off a small framed photo, Danny smiled. "Yes, Danno can read." He smirked back and set the frame down next to another one on the end table nearest the sofa.

Curious about the boxes, Steve had to inquire. "So, where did all this stuff come from?" Danny was standing nearest the small kitchen island and Steve saw that for one of the first times he could recall Danny was casual, content and completely at ease. The apartment suited him perfectly and he was happy – almost nesting. Nodding his approval as he opened two beers and handed one to his friend, Steve added, "Looks great in here too. Nice place you found Danny. Congrats."

Accepting the beer with a clink against Steve's own bottle, Danny took a long drink and set the bottle on the counter. He pulled out a second framed photo and beginning to wipe off minor dust and grime. "Yup. This is going to work out really well and I can't believe I got in. But to answer your question, I had a few boxes in storage since I got to this god-forsaken rock. Frankly, there hadn't been a reason to unpack all of my stuff. But this… " and Danny gestured dramatically around his new home grandly, "THIS could be home!"

"Glad you're staying, Danno. Truly." Steve sincerely stated as he straddled the arm of the sofa and leaned over to snag one of the framed pictures from the end table. When he realized what he was looking at, Steve coughed on his swig of beer as he inhaled simultaneously and then nearly choked. Eyebrows raised, Danny laughed. "You okay there buddy?"

Steve was incredulous as the held the framed picture up high and waggled it in Danny's direction. "Excuse me. But is this you on a dock with a fish?"

"Why yes, Steven. Danno can fish too." Blithely, Danny continued to remove objects from his box, dust them, and set the down neatly on the counter top. "And that would be a very respectable, seventy some odd pound, striped sea bass."

"But why haven't you mentioned it before?" Steve was surprised and confused by these new learning's about his friend. "I mean, Chin and I go fishing all the time and you never once mentioned wanting to go. Why didn't you ever come along with us?" Steve was almost insulted as he asked the question.

"No, no." And Danny laughed as he pointed one finger at Steve for effect. "What you and Chin do is not fishing my friend. Fishing in my book doesn't include sharp pointy spears, fins and goggles."

Taking up his beer again, Danny was both adamant and nearly excited as he continued with his explanation. "Sport fishing with actual rod and reel while on a chartered boat, complete with captain and crew is the only way to go."

With a loud huff Steve looked in amazement at Danny. "I had no idea." And Steve was duly awed as he continued to look at the photograph. "Who are you with here?"

Danny replied with a happy and reminiscent expression. "Ah. That's me and my father a few years back. We'd go out every summer together at least three or four times. And, of course always on my birthday. It was our thing I guess." Sighing, but not wholly unhappily, Danny looked up at Steve. "Obviously not the last couple of years though with things the way they are. But we'll get around to it again.' And he added quietly. "Sometime."

Smiling broadly Steve knew what he'd do for Danny's birthday which was a mere month away. There was a great charter out of Kona and he could think of nothing better to do on a beautiful Saturday morning.

~ to be continued ~