Author's Note: This episode was almost perfect, but I just couldn't resist a touch more between Danny nearly dying and being very awake with everyone in his room giving Steve a hard time.

Thank you to Wenwalke for the quick beta. All mistakes are my own, of course.

Tag to episode 8x10

Steve watched Danny's chest rise and fall. He blew out a breath as he glanced at the monitors where the numbers flashed and the machines beeped a steady rhythm. He'd gotten used to checking the monitor today and now he found himself comforted by doing so. He rubbed his hands on his pants leg. He could still feel Danny's blood on his hands and the near panicked feeling he'd quickly suppressed when he realized his best friend's life was in his hands. He brought his shaking hands up to his face and leaned back as his own chest tightened at the thought of what had nearly happened earlier.

"Commander McGarrett?"

Steve quickly stood up as the doctor announced his arrival. He glanced down at Danny again, "Everything okay?"

"Yes. Sit... sit." The doctor waved him back to his chair. "I wanted to check on him one more time, but mostly I wanted to check on you. How are you doing?"

"Don't worry about me, Doc."

"You suffered a traumatic event, too. You did well. Very well. Not everyone would have been able to do what you did and keep your cool."

"Thanks to you."

"I just talked you through it. You did the hard work which was made even harder by having to do it on your friend."

Steve glanced at Danny and nodded. He didn't think he'd ever forget pushing that clamp into Danny's chest. It had felt too much like stabbing him. He'd nearly cried when he'd realized it worked.

The doctor patted his shoulder, "You should go home and get some rest. He's likely going to be out the rest of the night."

"I will in a little bit. I just need a few more minutes."

"Okay," the doctor nodded. "But just a few minutes. You need to take care of yourself, too."

Steve sat for five more minutes just staring at Danny. He reached over and put a hand on Danny's arm. He smiled as he realized it wasn't cold and clammy any more. "You scared me, buddy. But I knew you wouldn't give up. You've got a lot of life left to live, my friend. A lot of stuff left to do. We have to finish up the restaurant. And what about Grace, huh? You have to be here to walk her down the aisle. And Charlie needs his dad. I can see that kid following in your footsteps one day, you know. You'll probably tell him not to, but he will. I have a feeling. "

Danny stirred.

"Danny?" Steve grabbed his friend's hand and squeezed gently. "Danny, you okay?"

Danny's eyes opened ever so slightly. He tiredly smiled and twitched his fingers in Steve's grasp. "Already did... Grace... Charlie..."

"Yeah, buddy, they're okay. You'll see 'em soon."

"...Grace," Danny mumbled, eyes fluttering. "...beautiful. So grown up... nnnd, Charlie so proud... so..."

Steve squeezed Danny's hand again with no response as Danny went under again, "It's okay, buddy. Just rest. I'm right here."

Steve moved his chair closer to the bed and rested his hand lightly next to Danny's chest where he could feel the gentle rise and fall as his friend breathed. The now comforting beeps from the monitor lulled him into sleep.