A/N: A short missing end scene from 8x24. Spoiler warning of course if you haven't seen the episode; it was excellent.
Remnants
Danny knocked on Steve's front door for the second time, to no answer. He huffed in annoyance and dug out his keys and let himself in. McGarrett had given him a key years ago when it became apparent that Steve would be going off on secret missions frequently even though he wasn't technically a SEAL anymore. Danny called out Steve's name along with "don't shoot" in a joking tone, incase Steve mistook him for a burglar. With no answer still, Danny marched out the back door, thinking the crazy Neanderthal might be swimming.
Sure enough, Danny spotted the dark haired head out in the ocean, swimming leisurely. "Hey cargo pants!" he called out affectionately. He saw Steve's head bob up and down for a second before swimming to shore. As soon as Steve reached the shallow water Danny's eyes made a beeline for the large fist-sized purple bruise that mottled Steve's bare chest, sitting a few inches above his liver transplant scar. Steve caught him inspecting it and threw on his shirt once he reached his lanai.
Danny's eyes narrowed. "What exactly is that Steven?"
Steve rolled his eyes dramatically and took a long swig from his water bottle. "It's nothing you worry wart. Vest caught a bullet, got it checked after the mission. It's a little sore but I'm fine."
Danny's face scrunched at the nickname. "Well excuse me for being concerned about my partner. You just run around in every godforsaken jungle on Earth and take bullets to the chest and act like everything is just peachy."
Steve looked a little surprised by the outburst but held up a placating hand. "Listen Danny. I appreciate you, I sincerely do. You're my brother and I love you okay? But bruises and bullets are what to expect on things like this, I can't pretend otherwise." He placed his hand on Danny's shoulder. "Honestly, I really do appreciate you. I just can't promise that I will stop worrying you. Every mission has its remnants," he continued softly.
Danny sighed and looked at the ground. "Well that much is obvious you big oaf. You've singlehandedly been the cause of every gray hair on my head."
Steve cocked his head sideways with a grin. "Now that I highly doubt Daniel."
-End-