Disclaimer: I still own nothing.
Author's Note: Finally another update. Thank you guys so much for the alerts and reviews for this story. I'm happy that so many people like this story so much. I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter.
Warning: This takes place during the Loa Aloha episode and yet again it's how I think the episode should've gone, which means part of it actually happened and the rest I fabricated. Enjoy!
In Steve's defense the next slip up wasn't really his fault. He was merely comforting his partner during his time of emotional distress and Steve is not the type to let his significant other suffer in silence just because they're relationship is privileged information. Plus Steve is only to blame for the slip up with Matt; Danny's the one that dropped the ball with Grace, so really Danny can't be that upset with Steve.
When Danny first told Steve that his brother was coming into town Steve didn't think that his visit would be this crazy. Sure the fact that they literally got a case minutes after Danny had arrived at his brother's hotel was crazy, especially the nature of the case, but really that was just the tip of the crazy iceberg. Steve couldn't even imagine all the crazy things that were going to happen as they pulled up to the Hilton that Matt was staying at.
"Ya know I appreciate the escort through the Hilton but I'm really just here to pick up Grace. You don't have to stay." Danny stated as they made their way through the pool area looking for Matt.
"It's not a problem babe, plus I want to meet your brother. I promise I'll be on my best behavior." Steve smiled cheekily at him batting his eyes in his best attempt at Grace's pouty face.
"Do not use my daughter's pout against me McGarrett. Fine, you can stay but please let's keep our hands to ourselves, until at least later when we're alone okay?" Danny replied his mind flashing back to their close call with Grace the other night. Steve nodded smiling happily and motioning for Danny to lead the way.
Matt sat with Grace and Rachel laughing and reminiscing when he saw Danny and Steve approach. He could tell just from the way they were walking together that there was something deeper than a working partnership going on between his big brother and his partner. He had also had the privilege of hanging out with Grace all day, who could not stop going on about how cool it was to get to stay with Uncle Steve since her Danno was living at Steve's house on the beach. Matt wanted to get to know his brother's partner so of course, he offered for Steve to join them for dinner.
"Hey Rachel, Gracie." Danny greeted walking up to the table smiling wearily at his ex. He hadn't really been in a social setting with her since he and Steve had begun their relationship almost six months ago. Glancing back at Steve's they shared the same look.
"Hello Daniel." Rachel replied smiling politely at Danny and Steve.
"Steven, brother Matthew. Matthew, Steven." Danny introduced extending his hand between the two important people in his life. When he saw Steve smile and shake Matt's hand he knew they were going to get along.
"Alright well it was nice meeting you but I'll let you guys to your dinner. Danny I'll see you in the morning." Steve felt extremely awkward being with not only Rachel but Danny's little brother. He didn't want to intrude since it seemed as if Matt was hoping that by having Rachel there would spark something between the two and the last thing that Steve wanted to was to be around to watch that train wreck happen.
"No Steve you should stay. I ordered Danny's favorite surf and turf." Steve looked at Danny, who smiled softly telling Steve that he wanted him there plus the plate of surf and turf did look delicious to Steve's empty stomach.
"Yeah I could eat." Steve pulled the chair out while Danny grabbed another chair both hoping to make the most of this weird turn of events.
Danny looked up from his plate a huge smile spread across his face as Matt told yet another embarrassing story about their childhood when his eye caught the guy he saw exiting Matt's earlier that day. Something was off about this guy; Danny was getting the same feeling about him that he did with Nick Taylor and look at how well that turned out.
Steve laughed glancing over at Danny who was staring off towards the bar. Glancing in the same direction Steve watched one of the guys turn around when he caught Steve's glance. Now Steve's SEAL senses were tingling and at the same time turned towards Danny.
"Hey babe." Danny whispered turning his head away to the side. Steve leaned in his ear close to Danny's mouth. "See the guys at the bar with the goofy Hawaiian shirts and dress shoes?" Danny asked glancing at Steve. Steve looked up again and nodded spying the guys getting up. "I saw the tall one leaving my brother's room this morning."
"What do you want to do?" Steve asked his eyes following the guys as they got up. "You want to follow them?" Danny thought about it for a moment before nodding. "We'll be right back." Steve turned towards Matt who nodded motioning that he would cover with Rachel, a knowing look in his eyes. Steve took a second look at Matt and shook his head believing that he imagined the look in Matt's eyes.
"Who do you think these guys are?" Danny asked as they made their way through the kitchen following the creepy guys from the bar.
"No idea Danny, why don't we ask them?" Steve asked spotting the men in the lobby.
"Hey you." Danny called grabbing the attention of the two men. "Who are you and why are you watching my brother?" Danny demanded watching like a hawk as the men pulled out their badges.
"I'm Federal Agent Edward Kiptin and this is Adam Markowitz and I can't tell you why we're here." He replied making Steve clench his fists while Danny sighed in anger.
"We have this thing on the island called, what's it called?" Danny asked turning towards Steve looking for the right words.
"Full means and immunity." Steve replied smirking at the agents and their looks of disinterest. "You know what I'll just call the governor to sort this whole mess out." The Federal agents just smirked and laughed thinking this was all a joke.
"You think he's kidding?" Danny asked angrily trying not to punch Kiptin. "He did this with me." Danny replied as Steve asked to speak to the governor. "I wouldn't keep smirking, he's not kidding. You'll see." Steve held the phone out to Kiptin who took it not believing that he would actually be speaking to the governor. Both Steve and Danny watched with amused smirks as the color drained from Kiptin's face.
"Answer the man." Steve demanded standing up to his full height and crossing his arms, his most intimidating face in place. No one would mess with Danny and get away with it.
"Your brother's the subject of an investigation by the FBI."
"Investigation for what?" Danny cried crossing his arms across his chest and taking a step towards Kiptin.
"For defrauding his investors out of millions of dollars." Kiptin replied his disinterested face back in place, his sole focus was catching Matthew Williams and throwing him in jail.
"Says who?" Danny cried making Steve almost reach out to comfort him, he could see the vein in Danny's neck start throbbing and it worried Steve that he might lose it and hit the agents.
"The SEC and the forensic accountants going through his books right now." Danny turned disbelief written across his face. "Look Danny, you know that you can't tell your brother anything about this investigation and I hope that if your brother's travel plans change that you'll let me know. Otherwise I'd have to charge you with obstruction." Kiptin offered his card which Danny took from his hand.
"I'm sure you will." Kiptin smiled and turned leaving Steve and Danny alone in the lobby. Steve waited until they were out of earshot before turning to Danny. Danny opened his mouth but held up his hand not sure of what he wanted to say. "He didn't do this. I know my kid brother he wouldn't do this."
"I'm sure there's an explanation for this Danny. I'm sure that Matt was set up." Steve reasoned reaching out and grabbing Danny by the shoulders. "Danno relax."
"You don't understand I know my kid brother. He wouldn't do something like this. After Rachel and I split up I got a motel room down the street, a 2 star dump, just so I could be close to Grace. Every day my kid brother showed up with a six pack of beer and all the time in the world. Never once did I catch him checking his watch and he would fall asleep sitting up in a chair and then wake up and go to work. My kid brother wouldn't be something so stupid." Steve nodded knowing the inner turmoil Danny was feeling.
"You have to talk to him, okay? But you need to relax before you talk to him, okay?." Danny looked up at Steve nodding his head and giving in to his urges and molding his body to Steve's wrapping his arms tightly around Steve's neck. Steve sighed holding Danny just as tight against him knowing that Danny just needed him to comfort him and not say anything else. Steve should've known that a corner of the lobby was not a smart place to comfort him because out of the corner of his eye he saw Matt walking back into the hotel, most likely having just walked Rachel and Grace out. Shaking his head Steve didn't care about this accidental slip because right now Danny didn't even know Matt was nearby. Finally minutes later Danny pulled away from Steve, feeling much calmer than before, but worried about what this meant for their case. "Don't worry about the case; you need to focus on your family Danno." Danny smiled and nodded thankful that Steve was being so supportive about this.
"Let's go home, I'm tired and just want to sleep." Steve nodded fishing the keys to the Camaro out of his pocket and following Danny out of the hotel, silently praying that tomorrow went well for Danny.
The next morning Danny made his way towards his brother's room hoping to make it through this conversation. Opening the door Danny took a deep breath and sent up a silent prayer for patience and a level head for this conversation.
"Knock. Knock." Danny called poking his head into the living room of Matt's room.
"In here." Matt called from the bedroom putting a file into his briefcase. "Hey Danny."
"What are you doing? I thought you weren't working on this vacation?" Danny asked watching Matt pull his jacket on.
"Yeah I know but the office called and they need me to meet with a client. He has money he wants to invest and who am I to say no to money?" Danny nodded his stomach twisting in knots.
"What time is your meeting, I was hoping we could grab breakfast and talk." Danny asked taking a look around the room seeing the files spread across the coffee table. Spying the card for the charter company Danny pulled his phone out to snap a picture.
"10, so I need to leave now. Can we meet for a late lunch instead?" Matt asked making his way towards the door.
"Yeah, good luck with your client." Danny called as Matt rushed from the room. It took only a matter of seconds before Danny called Steve and they were following Matt in Steve's truck. "This makes me sick." Danny commented watching Matt turn left in front of them.
"I know Danny, but you want to know what he's doing so this is the only way to do so. Plus this could help Matt." Danny sighed pinching the bridge of his nose as Matt's car came to a stop and Danny grabbed the listening cone.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Danny whined again lifting the cone up and listening as Matt made his way towards the door.
"What's going on?" Steve asked unable to really see what was going on or hear. Danny let the cone drop a little bit in disbelief at what he just heard. "What is it Danny?" Steve asked not liking the look on Danny's face.
"He said it was a business meeting but who pats you down before a business meeting?" Danny asked dropping the cone when he couldn't hear anymore. Steve shrugs his shoulders really having no idea on how to handle this situation while Danny calls the charter company checking to see if Matt had any plans. "I have to talk to him." Steve nods turning the car on when Matt exits the meeting, wishing that he could trade places with Danny.
Once Steve drops Danny off at home to get his car Steve becomes immersed in the case that he completely forgets about the drama of FBI indictments and Matt. He comes crashing back to earth when Danny calls him and tells him that he's on his way home to pack clothes and head back to New York with Matt. He's halfway to the hotel when he hears Danny say he wants to see him before he leaves since he has no idea how long he'll be gone.
Reaching Matt's room Steve rushes in and sees Danny standing in the room alone. Without even looking at Danny's face Steve knows that Matt skipped out on him, deciding that running was the better option. It kills Steve to see Danny so upset and broken and for a moment he wants to hurt Matt for putting Danny through this pain.
"Danny." Steve starts making his way towards him.
"He left, Steve. He just fucking left." Before Steve can reply the door bursts open and both are reaching for their weapons aiming at Kiptin and his men.
"Where's Matt Danny?" Kiptin asks once guns have been lowered and they've searched the room.
"I don't know where he is." Danny replies watching Kiptin pull out a laptop and play the video from Matt's meeting.
"They were supposed to do the drop tonight but Matt didn't show. So where is he detective?" Kiptin asks again hoping that Danny will crack under his pressure and give up his brother. Steve sensing that this isn't going to end well if Kiptin keeps pushing Danny jumps in.
"Tell them Danny." Steve urges nudging Danny with his shoulder. "You need to tell them." He urges using his eyes to plea with Danny to play along. Danny shakes his head having no idea what Steve is going on about. "Tell them about the boat Danny." Danny remains silent forcing Steve to continue with his lie alone. "He's at Kawuela Bay, said something about getting a boat." Steve replied his face showing no signs of lying. Kiptin looks at the pair for a few more moments before rushing out of the room.
"Thanks for that babe." Danny replies kissing Steve softly before rushing out of the room as well and going to find his brother. Steve sighs hoping that Danny can get to Matt before the FBI.
Pulling up to the airfield Danny's heart sinks when he sees Matt getting ready to board the plane. "Matthew Williams!" Danny calls getting out of the car and rushing towards the fence. "Matthew Williams!" Danny calls again pulling his weapon aiming at Matt's chest.
"Are you going to shoot me Danny?" Matt asks turning around and seeing Danny's gun pointed at him.
"What's the matter with you taking money from drug dealers?" Danny yells gripping his gun even tighter.
"I had no choice Danny." Matt replies, seeming to feel at least a little remorse for his actions.
"I gave you a choice Mattie! I told you I would go with you."
"We're not kids anymore Danny you can't fix everything for me anymore." Matt replies gripping his suitcase even tighter.
"You need to turn yourself in."
"I wouldn't survive prison Danny you know that."
"So that's it? You're just going to run? What about mom and dad? What about our sisters? What about Gracie? What about me?" Danny cried his heart breaking at the look of indifference on Matt's face.
"You have two options Danny, shot me or say goodbye." Matt finally replies waiting for a few moments before turning and getting on the plane.
"Mattie!" Danny cries his eyes welling up with tears as Matt boards the plane. Once the door shuts Danny doubles over unable to keep his emotions in check anymore. Struggling to breathe Danny gets in his car going to the only person who'll understand.
Sitting in the living room Steve perks up when he hears the Camaro pull into the driveway. Getting up he makes his way outside and sees Danny getting out of the car. Danny looks up and sees Steve leaning in the doorway and makes his way over to him finally succumbing to the tears and falling into Steve's arms. Steve catches him immediately pulling him tightly against his body letting Danny cry on his shoulder.
They stay like this for awhile until Danny has pulled himself together and pulled away from Steve. "He left didn't he?" Steve asked rubbing his thumb against Danny's cheek. Danny nods unable to form the words needed to confirm Steve's worst fear.
"How am I going to tell Grace?" Danny asks moments later his heart clenching all over again.
"We'll figure something out and we've got until tomorrow to figure it out. You should get some sleep." Steve suggests leading Danny into the house and up the stairs. He has no idea how they're going to get through tomorrow and what they're going to tell Grace, but they have no choice but to lie to the sweet girl to save her from the crushing heartbreak that Danny's feeling right now.
The next day Danny's just as upset as he was the night before when Rachel drops Grace off. Rachel can tell that something's wrong so Steve takes Grace into the house while Danny explains the situation to Rachel. Rachel, of course, is shocked that Matt just left but agrees that concealing the truth from Grace is the best option. So leaving Danny to the fabrication of Matt's whereabouts Rachel leaves giving Danny one last hug and sad smile.
Danny walked into the living room and smiled at Steve who was listening to Grace explain her day at school. "Hey monkey." Danny called smiling at his daughter and opening his arms for a hug.
"Where's Uncle Matt?" Grace asked looking around hoping to spot her favorite Uncle.
"Well Monkey you see Uncle Matt is…" Danny trailed off looking at Steve for help.
"Uncle Matt got a phone call for some urgent business in New York and had to leave without saying goodbye. He's super bummed that he couldn't be here and wanted me to tell you that he's sorry he had to leave and that he loves you." Steve supplies crouching down to Grace's level schooling his face to remain apologetic and truthful. The last thing he needed was for Grace to find out he was lying.
"He's coming back soon though right?" Grace asks looking hopefully up at Danny.
"He's super busy with work right now but he'll try to come back as soon as he's not swamped at work." Grace nods sadly her eyes falling to the floor for a moment. She was really sad that her Uncle Matt had to leave without saying goodbye but she understood that work was important to her Uncle Matt.
"It's okay to be a little sad Gracie, I'm a little sad too." Danny soothes crouching down and resting his hands on her shoulders. Grace nodded moving into her father's arms and hugging him tightly.
Later that night Grace sat in her bed unable to sleep. She was still upset about Uncle Matt leaving and she just wanted to cuddle with her Danno and Uncle Steve. She waited a few moments before giving up and throwing the covers off her bed going on a search to find Danno. Her first stop took her to Uncle Steve's room, hoping that maybe Uncle Steve was awake but she found his bed empty and made. So she went over to her Danno's room hoping to find him in his bed but yet again came up empty. Turning towards the stairs she wondered if maybe they were sitting out on the lanai drinking and talking like they sometimes did or maybe they were in the living room watching a movie or TV. Quietly making her way down the stairs Grace stopped halfway down when she saw Danno and Uncle Steve in the living room. Steve sat on the coffee table in front of Danno, who had his head in his hands. She could see Steve's lips moving, probably trying to sooth her Danno, when Danny lifted his head and moved towards Steve gently kissing him.
Grace sat there shocked for a moment before squealing in delight, completely forgetting that the two men didn't know she was on the stairs. Danny and Steve pulled apart quickly turning towards the stairs. "Grace! What are you doing up?" Danny asked rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I couldn't sleep and I came looking for you to see if I could sleep with you tonight." Grace replied sheepishly making her way down the stairs. "Are you and Uncle Steve together like mommy and step Stan?" Grace asked stopping in front of Danny. The two men shared a look before Steve crouched down grabbing one of Grace's hands.
"Yes Grace, Danny and I are together. Is that okay?" Steve asked hoping that Grace was okay with their relationship, while also cursing their horrible timing.
"Do you love each other?" Grace asked searching both Steve and Danny's faces for any sign.
"Yes we love each other." Danny replied stepping up and placing his hand on Steve's shoulder squeezing softly. "Are you okay with this?" Danny asked wondering how they hell they had landed themselves in this situation.
"Yeah I'm okay, Uncle Steve's perfect for you Danno." Grace replied feeling better when both men smiled broadly at her. "Can I still sleep with you guys tonight?" Grace asked her thoughts yet again drifting back to her Uncle Matt and her Danno's sadness.
"Yeah Monkey you can sleep with us, come on I need some cuddle time with my two favorite people." Grace smiled wrapping her arms around Danny's neck when he picked up her following Steve up the stairs.
Tomorrow they were going to have a serious discussion on their inability to keep their hands to themselves. Seriously at the rate their going it's only a matter of time before the whole island knows about their relationship.
A/N 2: Phew, I'm glad that's done. This chapter was a monster to write. I hope that you enjoyed both Matt and Grace in this chapter and please do not hesitate to give me any constructive (no flames) criticism for this story. I really want to know what you guys think of this story. Stay tuned for the next update. ~thatredheadgirl~