Chapter 4

Steve brought his laptop with him out of the Silverado. It was past midnight and he decided against sleeping in favor to complete the paperwork. Steve knew Danny did most of his paperwork anyway, when he finished his. So, Steve decided to help Danny out by completing the paperwork. He said to himself that it was just to return the favor, because Steve was allergic to writing reports, only signing them. But the inner Steve said that it was because he wanted to spare Danny from writing about the day's events and relive them again, after the emotions-packed conversation they just had.

He was deep in thought and typing on the laptop when he heard the doorbell. He went to open. It was the one visitor that he wasn't expecting to see this late.

"Gracie."

"Uncle Steve!" The girl squealed and gave Steve a big hug.

Steve shot her a questioning look, surprised to see her.

"I was worried about Danno." was all that Grace said, before she entered in the house and sat on the couch. Steve thanked Rachel's driver and closed the door behind him.

"Where's Danno?"

"He is sleeping. He was tired and turned in early. I am staying here for the night. Was working on the report for today's case when you came. How come you are up so late?"

"Danno was sad. I was worried for him. And I decided to come here."

"Your mom just let you go to your father's place after midnight?"

"Well, I had to convince her. She had a fit when I suggested it, but once I told her Danno wasn't feeling well and I had to make him feel better, she said it's okay."

"What makes you think Danno is not feeling well?"

"I had my cheerleading practice today. He came and wanted a hug. Seemed sad to me."

Steve thought of when he told Danny to take a breather. The guy was really not feeling okay if he went to see Grace.

"We had a case... And Danno took it personal. He wasn't okay. I think he needed you to ground him and offer comfort, Gracie."

"I'm glad I helped him. Did you solve the case?"

"Yes, we did. Danno did the most of the work, but we helped him, too."

"What was the case about?"

"Um..." Steve looked into the big brown eyes of his "niece" and couldn't resist that puppy dog look she perfected with years of use on him.

Steve knew it was specifically aimed at him and it worked every time. However, he couldn't give much detail to the 10 year old, so he decided to give her a short version of the events, not entirely giving all the details of the case.

"There was a little girl, 6 year old that was kidnapped. Her case was connected to another one we got this morning, so it was top priority for us to work on it. Danny, he... um, he had a hard time coming to terms with the case, because it was a little girl and you know, your daddy is a sensitive man."

"Did you find that little girl?"

"Yes, we did. It was mostly Danny's doing, and he kinda led this action."

"Danno can do everything. I have no doubt."

Steve smiled at the innocent comment Gracie made about her father. It was certainly the truth. There was nothing Danny wouldn't do to achieve his goals, but there were many things neither he nor Steve could do. But, Grace seemed to think otherwise.

"I'm glad that girl went home with her parents."

"Yeah, me too, Gracie."

"Is daddy sad because of what happened last year? When that police officer took me?"

Damn, Grace was so bright. Steve could see Danny in her. No point in lying to her.

"Yes, Gracie. This case was similar to your kidnapping last year and Danno, he was really sad. But, he is better now, don't worry."

"Okay, I believe you Uncle Steve."

"Aren't you supposed to go to school tomorrow? You need to go to bed."

"About that..."

"Don't tell me you convinced your mom to let you stay at home tomorrow?"

Grace's pouty look turned into one of her toothy smiles and Steve found himself smiling, too, the two oblivious to the man observing their interaction.

...

Danny didn't really sleep. He was floating in a dreamless numb state. He was tired and he knew he should be sleeping, but his insomnia decided against it. So, he found himself propped against the headboard, rubbing his eyes and wincing when his knuckles acted up.

He eased himself up, carefully as to not disturb Steve if he was sleeping, instead coming to the voices that carried from his living room.

Steve wasn't talking to himself, so maybe he was having a nightmare. But there were two distinctive voices. One was hushed, smaller, and gentler. Sounded almost like...

Grace!

Danny approached his living room, intent to find out if it was true and what was Grace doing here, when caught on the conversation between the two.

His little girl was worried for him. And she picked up on the reason behind all that stressing and frantic search for the girl. He worried her earlier when he went to see her during her practice.

He shouldn't have done that.

Danny felt tears gathering in the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill. He fought hard not to let his emotions overrule him today, but it was just too much.

When Grace said he could do anything, it was all he needed to finally let go the tears that burned a hot, wet track down his cheeks. He was falling apart, and he was glad he wasn't alone.

…

Steve picked on someone's whimpers and when he noticed Danny frozen in place, crying, it took all of his power not to cry himself. He didn't want to scare Grace, but she felt him go silent and she looked in the same direction.

She bolted to where Danny was and wrapped herself around his waist.

Steve carefully moved to where Danny and Grace were hugging now and joined the group hug.

After a while Danny extricated himself from the hug and went to clean himself in the bathroom, returning to the living room with his eyes already red and puffy.

"I'm glad you are here, Monkey. I love you." Danny hugged Grace tight to himself, closing his eyes, trying to convince himself that this was real and she was here with him, safe and sound.

"I love you too, Danno." Grace plastered a kiss on Danny's cheek. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Of course you can, Grace. I'd love to get one special cuddle from you."

"Can Uncle Steve come with us, too?"

Danny's head shoot up to see Steve caught like deer in the headlights.

"I don't know baby, let's ask Uncle Steve if he is okay with it."

"I really don't wanna bother you two."

"You won't bother us. It's a big bed. Besides, that way you'll avoid cramping on my couch." Danny smiled.

"Are you sure you are okay with it? I mean, it's an awkward situation and..."

"We are long past the awkward stage, Steven. I have no problem with you crashing in my bed and cuddling with my daughter. I trust you."

"Okay, I accept the generous offer Miss Williams." Steve said jokingly, searching for approval in Danny's eyes and finding it.

They moved to Danny's room and settled themselves.

Grace hugged Danny tight and buried her head in the space between his neck and chin, Danny wrapped his arms around her, reveling in the moment. Steve watched the exchange between father and daughter, still tentative at what should he do. He decided it was as good moment as any to try out a theory and slung one of his arms around Danny and Grace bringing them closer to him.

"I see what's happening here?" Danny said raising his head a little to look at Steve.

"Yeah? And what's that exactly?"

"You were just getting an excuse to hug me again and have me effectively pinned against you with my daughter between us."

"Well, maybe I want that special cuddle you mentioned."

"You never know just to ask properly, do you?"

"Told you, buddy, we are more alike than you think."

"Thank you for everything, babe. Love you."

"Love you too, Danno. Now, go to sleep. I'm here, Grace is here, and we have formed an amazing burrito here." Steve grinned as he tightened his hold on Danny and Grace.

The guy was an octopus, Danny thought as he slowly drifted to sleep, the sole knowledge of his best friend and daughter, the two people he loved most in his life, offering comfort and cuddles loving him for what he was, for who he was, messed up or not.

Breaking on the inside.

And he was grateful.

…

It was lots of fun to edit this story while listening to Bon Jovi songs. One of my favorite bands.

Leave a review on your way out and let me know what you think.