Summary: What can I say it's Friday and I'm in a good mood. Thus you have this. So far no one has disliked me putting up chapters so close behind each other so I will do my best to keep my readers interested. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews, you guys are seriously stellar. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Anyways I think that's all for now, please read and have a great weekend. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This show, not mine and when I say not mine I mean I didn't create it and when I say I didn't create it I mean it was not my idea and when I say that, you get what I'm saying.

Author's Note: Since this is AU there are no spoilers. And just to let you all know this piece of work is being beta'd by the lovely Megan Mirs who is taking time to turn these words into a masterpiece. Thanks a million hun. Now on with the story.

Chapter Four- Hitting the Ground Running

They rode the rest of the way completely silent and it wasn't long before the truck was pulling into the driveway of Steve's house. Looking out the window, Danny saw a dark haired woman wearing a flowered sun-dress and tending to the flowers planted in front of the house. At the sound of the truck, she stood up and turned around, smiling and waving as she did so. The look of her face alone was enough for Danny to conclude that it was Steve's mother.

"Hey mom, I'm back," smiled Steve, waving back as he got out of the truck and ran over to his mother.

Danny followed closely behind, nervously making eye contact with Steve's mother. "Hello Mrs. McGarrett. I'm Danny," he replied politely when he was close enough.

"I know. Steve's told me so much about you I feel as if I already know you," she smiled, shaking Danny's outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"You too ma'am."

"Are you boys' hungry? I could whip you up a snack if you'd like."

Steve grinned happily. "That would be awesome mom, thanks."

Danny shook his head. "You really don't have to go through any trouble Mrs. McGarrett. I'm fine, really," he replied nervously.

"It's no problem," she replied with a smile. "And please, call me Anna. Besides, if I don't keep this one fed, he's going to try and feed himself, which is hazardous to my kitchen. Cooking is not his strong suit."

This made Danny chuckle. "Great to know that he's not as perfect as everyone thinks."

Anna grabbed her son by the cheek and pinched it softly. "Oh please, Stevie here is far from perfect."

"Mom," pouted Steve as his mother continued pinching his cheek. "You're not supposed to tell people that."

"I'm just kidding Steven. You are perfect in every way possible. How about those snacks."

"Thanks mom," said Steve as he pulled Danny into the house. "Come on Danno, let's go to my room. Maybe if you're interested we could play a little Call of Duty 3," he suggested as he climbed the stairs, Danny right behind him.

"Sweet and don't call me Danno."

"I have to warn you, I'm pretty kick ass, so try not to cry when I beat you."

"Please," scoffed Danny, rolling his eyes. "Clearly you've never played against a guy from Jersey before. Prepare for a beat down, Jersey style."

Thirty minutes later Danny let out a victory holler while Steve let out a disappointed growl. True to his word, Danny had beaten him and was now celebrating boastfully.

"I believe I just went Jersey on your ass," laughed Danny, bumping Steve playfully with his shoulder.

Steve pushed back, turned and scowled. "Best two out of three," he challenged as he went back to the main menu.

"You're on."

"Hey dork-face, mom told me to bring you these."

Steve rolled his eyes as his sister Mary came into the room, a tray of sandwiches in her hand. "Thanks, you know, for knocking," he scowled, snatching the tray from her hands and handing it to Danny.

"Whatever," she frowned, but it quickly disappeared when she noticed Danny sitting on the other side of the bed. She smiled at the blond as he took a bite out of one of the sandwiches, taking a seat next to him. "And you are?"

"Danny," he answered after he swallowed. "I'm a friend of Steve's."

"Mary," she replied back as she continued to smile. "You know it's funny because I've met all of Steve's friends, but I've never seen you before."

"Just started on Monday. I moved here from New Jersey."

"You're a junior like Steve."

"Yeah, what about you?"

"Sacred Hearts Middle school, seventh grade," Mary informed him, smirking.

Danny smiled, taking another bite. "Oh, my sister Katlin's in the eighth grade. Maybe you've seen her around. People say we look alike, except she's a brunette."

"Maybe."

Tired of his sister taking up time with Danny, Steve let out a growl. "You know you can leave anytime Mare. I promise, we won't mind," he hissed sarcastically.

Mary threw her brother a glare before turning back to Danny and smiling sweetly. "Would you like something to drink," she asked politely. "There's lemonade in the fridge or maybe you want a soda."

Not wanting to be rude Danny simply nodded his head and smiled softly. "Yeah – okay, I'll take a glass of lemonade. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"What about me?" grumbled Steve as his sister stood up and made her way to the door.

Mary snorted bitterly. "You have legs, use them. I'll be right back with that lemonade Danny," she scowled at Steve before leaving the room.

He finished his sandwich and put the tray down on the bed before tilting his head to the side. "That's your sister."

Steve nodded. "Yep."

"Wow."

"Tell me about it," Steve sighed, shaking his head as he looked back at the television. "I believe you owe me a rematch."

A smile spread across Danny's face as he scooted closer, until he was mere inches away from Steve. "Bring it."

Two games later, Danny was crowned champion after beating Steve two games to three. Steve wasn't upset, however. He liked spending alone time with Danny, listening to him laugh and goof off. It was great seeing the blond start to come out of his shell a bit and Steve took pleasure in knowing that it was because of him. By the time the game was over, the sandwiches were gone as well as the lemonade, and Danny was lying back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"I'm going to take this down to the kitchen and grab us a few sodas."

"That's cool," waved Danny as he continued to lie there.

Grabbing the tray, Steve made his way downstairs to the kitchen and immediately saw his mother sitting at the table reading.

"Hey mom thanks for the sandwiches by the way," replied Steve gratefully as he placed the tray in the sink before reaching into the fridge and pulling out two cans of soda.

"You're welcome sweetie. Is Danny having a good time?"

"I think so. He totally kicked my butt in Call of Duty, but I know I'll get him back at some other game."

"That's nice," smiled Anna, putting down the book she was reading and simply looking at her son. "Steven, can you sit down for a moment?" she said finally, pointing to the empty chair next to her. "I want to talk to you."

Not knowing why his mother wanted to talk to him made Steve both curious and anxious. Still, he sat down beside his mother and frowned slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No sweetie," she smiled softly and grabbed her son's hand. "Now I know you're a growing boy and you don't need me around as much as you used to," began Anna. "I also know there are some things a boy never feels comfortable telling his mother. I understand that, still I want you to know that I am always here for you whatever you need, no matter what."

Steve's eyes were wide with fear and uncertainty as he stared at his mother. It was true that she seemed to know him better than anyone else, but there was no way she could know he had no interest in girls or that he was now interested in Danny. Could she? "I know," he gulped nervously.

Anna frowned. "I hope you're not saying I know because it's what you think I want to hear. I hope you're saying it because you believe it's true."

"I'm saying I know because I know it's true," Steve replied softly. A part of him wanted to tell his mom the truth about who he really was, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not yet anyways, still needing some acknowledgement that his mother would accept him. "Mom," he whispered, moving his gaze to his feet. "If I was different, meaning if I felt a certain way other people thought was unnatural, you would still love me right?"

Studying him for a moment, watching as his gaze left her face and settled on the floor as if he was waiting for an unsettling response, Anna gave Steve a warm smile and squeezed his hand as hard as she could. It forced him to look directly at her. "My love for you will never change," she stated as adamantly as she could. "Always remember that."

He let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. "Thanks mom," whispered Steve as he stood up from the table, grabbed the sodas, and made his way back up the stairs.

Anna watched him leave and let out an uneasy sigh. She knew it would be hard for her son to admit what he was going through, but at least he knew she was behind him one hundred percent.

A few hours later, after watching more mindless television than they could handle, Steve somehow coerced Danny into taking a walk on the beach outside their house. He had to admit he was glad for the suggestion. He didn't know how many more questions he could handle from Mary about the cast of Jersey Shore. Danny thought the show was ridiculous and a horrible depiction of the citizens who actually live in the state; not jerks who only inhabit the state a few weeks out of the year.

They walked down the beach, side by side, in silence for a short period of time before Steve began talking. "So tell me something about yourself?" he asked nonchalantly.

Danny chuckled, noting that his current situation reminded him of cliché first date material. "Like what," he snickered, shaking his head.

Blushing slightly, he shrugged. "I don't know, your favorite color."

"Blue," he answered, deciding to play along. "You?"

"Green. Favorite movie."

"Enemy Mine."

This time it was Steve's turn to laugh. He couldn't believe that someone around his age favorite movie was something filmed in the eighties. "Seriously? Dude that movie's older than you."

Danny glared at Steve. "So, it's a classic."

"Yeah, if you're old."

"It was my dad's favorite movie. We used to watch it together when I couldn't sleep and he wasn't on call."

He immediately stopped laughing and let out a panicked sigh. Steve couldn't believe that once again he drudged up memories pertaining to Danny's father that made the blond uncomfortable. "God Danny I'm-" he started to apologize, but Danny cut him off.

"Don't say it," warned Danny, grabbing Steve by the wrist to stop him from moving. "It's okay. Even though it hurts, I truly like talking to you about my dad. He was a really good guy."

"He had to be to raise someone like you," Steve replied with a sincere smile.

"You're such a sap McGarrett," pushing into Steve with his shoulder and laughing when the taller boy pushed back. "Now, tell me your favorite movie."

By the time they finished their walk, Danny knew most of Steve's favorite things and vice versa. The sun was starting to set when Steve informed him they would be leaving shortly to attend the bonfire. The thought of leaving saddened Danny a little, for the simple fact that he would have to share Steve and would no longer be the center of Steve's attention.

They could hear music playing and see smoke as they got out of Steve's truck and made their way towards the beach. It was crowded, but as they made their way further along down the beach, they were immediately greeted by both Kono and Catherine.

"About time you got here boys," grinned Cath, looping an arm around Steve as she ran up beside him. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to show up."

"Would have been here sooner if someone hadn't said yes to dinner."

"Excuse me, it was your mother Steven," quarreled Danny, frowning. "What was I supposed to say...'Um sorry Mrs. McGarrett, I can't stay for dinner because your son wants to be on time for the bonfire'. That would have been rude and my ma raised me better than that."

Steve snickered. "Yeah, you're such a gentleman Danno. That's why you stuck your tongue out at me when her back was turned."

Reaching over he punched Steve in the arm and continued to frown. "Shut-up and stop calling me Danno."

"Play nice boys," laughed Kono as she threw her arm around Danny and the four of them made their way over to where Kono and Cath had their towels set up.

Danny sat down next to Kono while Steve sat next to Catherine and the four of them starting engaging in a conversation. Five minutes in, Kono grabbed her beach bag, reaching in, and pulled out a white box.

"What's in the box?"

"Coco puffs," smirked Kono, shaking the box.

"Never heard of them," shrugged Danny as he continued to stare at the box. "Unless you count the cereal."

"I promise you brah, they're nothing like the cereal. Want one?"

"Are they anything like those malasadas they serve at the coffee joint across from the school because those are delicious?"

Kono let out a dramatic sigh. "You have to try one to find out," she replied with a shrug.

He wasn't fond of the look on Kono's face, but he was Danny Williams and he wasn't about to back down from a challenge. So, with shaky hands, he reached inside and took one. Slowly, he brought it to his lips and took a small bite. Letting out a moan of pleasure, he turned to Kono and gave her a huge smile. "I think I love you," moaned Danny as he swallowed before he took another bite of the decadent dessert. "No seriously, I think we should get married."

"Aw that's sweet Danny, but I don't think my mom will be thrilled with me marrying someone I just met while I'm still in high school," giggled Kono as she passed the box around to Steve. "Besides' I didn't even buy them, Chin did."

"Well, let him know my offer stands."

Kono continued to giggle. "I'll let him know."

Danny only winked causing the two girls to laugh as he finished stuffing the rest of the cocoa puff into his mouth. Steve simply shook his head as he watched Danny devour the pastry, his eyes lighting up with every bite, and making the blond look even more desirable than he already was. It was torture watching him eat and a part of Steve didn't know whether to thank or curse Kono for bring the treats.

"Do I have something on my face?"

Steve was so invested in watching Danny, he hadn't realized he was staring back. Fearful that he had been caught staring, he was happy to see Danny did have some cream on the side of his mouth. "Yeah," stuttered Steve, pointing at Danny's mouth. "You got a little-"

"Oh," smiled Danny embarrassedly as he wiped his mouth. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Conversation flowed between them once more and it wasn't long before Danny was entertaining them with stories about himself. Danny found it nice that he felt comfortable enough around them to talk about his past.

"I'm thirsty," pouted Catherine as she nudged Steve with her shoulder once she finished laughing at a story of Danny handcuffing his three year brother to the monkey cage at the zoo. "You mind?"

"I'll go get it," offered Danny standing up.

Kono stood up as well. "I'll go with you," she smiled as she grabbed Danny by the wrist and pulled him in the direction where the snack table was set up.

"Diet cola please," Cath shouted out to them as they walked away.

"So, what's the deal with Steve and Cath," asked Danny as he looked over his shoulder to see Catherine now sitting in Steve's lap, her arms around his waist and laughing. "Are they like...together?"

Kono shrugged before she answered. "Not really. I mean, they dated for a while last year, but Catherine broke it off when she realized she wasn't ready to have a steady boyfriend. Why do you ask?"

"No reason," replied Danny quickly, looking back at Kono. "I mean, they seem really close."

"That's because they've been friends forever despite the grade difference. You wanna know what I think?"

"Yeah, sure."

"I think it's only a matter of time before the two of them hook up again. I mean...look at them," she replied smirking, grabbing the drinks. It faded when she noticed that Danny was no longer smiling, but instead frowning slightly. "You sure you're not asking for a reason," asked Kono with a curious brow.

"I'm sure," mumbled Danny as he looked over at Steve once more and let out a disappointed sigh. He should have known that a guy like Steve wouldn't be interested in someone like him; especially when he had someone like Catherine who was his equal in almost every way. Now that he knew he didn't stand a chance, he resolved that it was time for him to get over his silly crush and simply be grateful he had Steve as a friend. That alone was enough for him. Grabbing one of the cans from Kono's arms, he gave her a smile. "Come on, let's get back before Steve sends out a search party," he chuckled softly as they quickly made their way back.

By the time Danny got home he was tired. Someone had brought a football and suggested they play touch football. Steve and the girls were up for a quick game, but Danny declined, stating it would only lead to sand being in places that it shouldn't. Steve somehow managed to convince Danny to play and before he knew it he was sweaty, covered in sand, and thirsty. It didn't matter because he was having a blast and was even tackled by Steve a few times; that itself was embarrassing and hot at the same time. It was almost eleven by the time Danny informed Steve that he needed to be home and the two of them quickly said goodbye to his friends. Before Danny knew it, he was home and giving Steve a friendly wave as he got of the truck, making his way over to the front door.

"Hey Danny," his mother greeted him as she stepped aside and let him into the house, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "How was the party?"

Danny rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Ma it wasn't a party, it was a bonfire with the few kids from school."

"Is that what they're calling it these days?" smirked Evelyn as the two of them made their way to the sitting room. "Back in my day, a party was a party no matter where it was held."

"Ma."

Evelyn raised her hands in defeat as she did her best to stifle a grin. "Alright, alright. If you say it wasn't a party, it wasn't party. The important thing is that you had fun, made some new friends, stayed out of trouble, and came home safe. You did have fun right," she asked, brow raised.

"Yes Ma, I had fun," smiled Danny, nodding his head. "Thanks for letting me go."

"No problem kiddo. Oh, before I forget, I have some great news. I got a job."

"Really?"

"And I won't be waitressing. I'm going to be cooking because you're looking at the new assistant Sous chef of Wildfire Grill." Evelyn barely got the last part out when she suddenly found Danny's arms wrapped around her, pulling her into an embrace. She embraced the hug, wrapping her arms around her son as tightly as he allowed. "Can you believe it Danny? I'm going to be working in a kitchen as an actual chef."

Danny grinned happily, pulling away slightly. "Of course I can believe it ma; it's what you've always wanted to do. I'm happy for you. How did Aunt Claire take it?" he asked curiously.

Evelyn shrugged. "I don't know. She congratulated me on receiving the position, but she didn't say much else."

Danny scoffed. "She probably thinks that getting a job in a kitchen is menial work compared to the things she does for a living."

"Doesn't matter what Claire thinks. All that matters is I do what's best for my kids."

"I'm really happy for you ma and I promise to do whatever I can to help out around here."

"I know, I can always count on you kiddo," she smiled, hugging him once more before letting him go. "Now shoo, off to bed with you. It's getting late and we have Mass in the morning."

"Alright, goodnight mom."

"Goodnight sweetie."

Giving his mother a quick kiss on the cheek, Danny stood and made his way up the stairs and to his room where he found his sister on his bed reading a book. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" asked Danny quizzically.

Katlin smiled at her brother as she closed the book. "As if I was going to sleep before you told me everything that happened with Steve."

"What do you mean what happened with Steve? Nothing happened."

"You expect me to believe that," she frowned disbelievingly at Danny, folding her arms.

Danny let out an exasperated sigh as he threw his arms in the air. "For the last time Katlin, Steve is straight," he replied with a frustrated hiss.

"Do you have any proof?"

"Proof? I don't need proof, especially not when he was practically glued to his ex-girlfriend's ass the whole night. Literally," Danny stated mockingly. "I don't think there was a time she left his lap."

Leaning, Katlin shook her head and let out a sigh. "I don't know Danno. I met him today and he was sending off some pretty strong vibes."

Danny just rolled his eyes. "You're thirteen for Christ's sake. What do you know about vibes?"

"Apparently more than you," Katlin shot back as she got out of the bed and walked over to Danny. "Okay, so you're trying to tell me that you spent the whole day with Steve and you did nothing out of the ordinary? Everything you did was legitimate activities that you would do with a friend," she asked pertinently.

Danny thought about the things they had done that day and the one thing that popped into his mind was their time together on the beach outside of Steve's house, but that was just a walk, right? "Well, we did take a walk on the beach and he asked me questions about my favorite things."

Katlin let out a humph. "So let me get this straight," she began after a moment of silence. "Steve asked you to take a walk on the beach with him and the two of you spent that time talking and getting to know each other?"

"Basically."

Letting out another humph, Katlin shrugged her shoulders and smirk. "Yeah you're right, Steve's as straight as an arrow," she stated sarcastically.

"Katlin," moaned Danny at his sister who was now grating on his nerves. "Do me a favor and leave."

"Alright," she shrugged again. "I see you're having trouble coming to a conclusion about Steve, so I'm going to do it for you. Steve and Danny sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," sung Katlin as Danny grabbed her by the arm and began pushing her out of the door.

"Get out," demanded Danny with a growl, which only caused his sister to stop singing and to laugh instead. Once she was out of his room, he closed the door behind her and fell down onto his bed. As he pushed his pillow underneath his head, Danny couldn't help but wonder if his sister was right. If she had seen somehow that Steve actually liked him as more than a friend. Danny quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head, citing there was no way a guy like Steve would go for him. Instead he decided to concentrate on ways to put an end to his feelings before someone, especially him, got hurt in the process.

Chapter Four posted just for you glorious readers. Hope you all are enjoying this story. Aww who am kidding, of course you are. I'm writing it. I know, sounds like I may be getting an ego but can you blame me when every one keeps leaving me wonderfully nice reviews. Once again thanks for that. Hopefully I'll have chapter five posted by Monday. Can't leave you guys people hanging that long. Until next time,

Fruits make the best juices,

LadyCizzle