Sorry I haven't updated in a while, I've been doing exams and then bam! Right in the middle of a Maths exam I have a mind blowing idea for another fanfiction although I decided not to post the first two chapters in case it gets as amazingly popular as this one and I get flooded with complaints at how slow I am at updating. Only a few more weeks to the summer so I should have a long time to write but I will warn you guys in advance I may be gone for ages then suddenly do a mass posting spree where you get a load of chapters, but it depends on what happens. You're reviews are fabulous as always and I'd like to say to those who said they felt 'sick' that they were enjoying this, imagine how sick I must be to write and dream these things. Anyway keep reviewing and I know there are some inconsistencies about things like 'Steve would surely bleed to death' and other little nit-picky things you obsessional fans -(NOT a criticism! I am one and do the same thing to everyone else!)- but please try and imagine around it because I swear if Hawaii 5 0 was more realistic Steve would have died a LONG time ago.

All Steve could think about was his team waiting for him, completely unaware that Steve was for once really realising he wasn't invincible. He could die.

And he was happy about it.

It had been hours since the message from Wo Fat had come through but Danny could still taste the bitterness in his mouth. After that little escapade with the waste bin, Chin had sent him out with strict instructions to go see Grace and Rachel then get some serious rest. Seeing Grace made Danny feel a tiny step closer to normalcy however Rachel was still in a traumatic state from the taxing ordeal and brought everything down harder. Danny had almost thrown up again and had forced himself to swallow the acidic bile in case he petrified Grace. Despite everything, Stan was surprisingly supportive, genuinely wishing Danny luck and saying he hoped they found Steve soon.

Steve.

Steve was all Grace could really talk about when Danny got there. She was so rattled up about it and it almost broke Danny's heart to see the look on her face when he told her he was still missing. Danny had coerced himself into keeping positive and optimistic, though he had faltered when he completely accidently referred to Steve in the past tense which Grace promptly picked up on and scolded him for. Though Stan sternly told her off Danny was actually proudly reassured by Gracie's mini 'rant' and he suddenly knew what it was like when he ranted at Steve about everything. In a way on was refreshing.

Now though he was sat in his office staring at the post mortems of the past kidnappers and then at the vague description Fong had managed to analyse from the picture and video. But there was nothing that sparked Danny's imagination and he slammed his hand on the desk in frustration and just held back a savage scream of despair. When he looked up Chin and Kono were staring at him almost fearfully and Danny's face flushed and he sheepishly avoided the disconcerting gaze as he rested his forehead on the table with a bang. He felt so totally useless right now. He had spent hours chasing leads, running down every dead, damn alley and interviewing countless suspects and sources and at the end of all of that he had…nothing. Danny was starting to wonder whether he should go visit the crime scenes all over again in case he missed something when he spotted a slender figure flutter past the window.

Instantly Danny was up and at the door, peering out and marvelling at the paleness and shock on both Kono and Chin's faces. Before him stood a woman with dark, ebony hair that was pulled into a tight neat bun atop her head. The pristine naval uniform complimented her sleek, curved figure and showed just a hint of her defined yet obscured muscles. Danny's face fell as her head turned round to face him so she was leaning over her shoulder; revealing a beautiful, outlined face, soft pink lips and dark, intimidating eyes.

Danny's breath caught in his throat as she turned to face him fully, a smile cracking across her flawless complexion. Her teeth sparkled pure enamel white as she nodded her head to him but she obviously noticed Danny's gripping fear and her smile morphed into a concerned frown.

"Danny? Is everything okay?" she said gently, stepping forward and holding her arm out as he swayed unsteadily and backed slightly away.

"Oh my god…Catherine, what are you doing here?" Danny choked out; his voice but a harsh, desperate whisper.

Catherine glanced nervously back to Kono and Chin who both wore the same devastated expression.

"I got shore leave early and decided to surprise Steve. He wasn't at his house and so I reckoned he was here…has something happened?"

"I-I totally forgot…I-I meant to call you but…"Danny stammered, running his hands through his messy blond hair for what felt like the millionth time that day.

Catherine's eyes darkened and tears welled in her eyes as the realisation dawned upon her and she staggered back. Her breathing was more laboured and ragged and her voice had turned emotional and quiet as she spoke.

"Something's happened to Steve, hasn't it? Is he okay? Where is he?"

Something in Danny's heart panged at the perplexed look on her face and the despondency in her words and he found himself unable to talk for what felt like an eternity. His throat felt constricted as his brain froze, trying to come up with a logical and comprehensive answer but he felt completely lost. Finally his foggy mind cleared and the one thought filled his mind.

"It's my fault…it's all my fault Catherine. I-I should have backed him up…I should have seen it coming. It was just too easy…"

Catherine rushed forward, smothering Danny in a firm and demonstrative embrace, her fingers clinging tensely to the back of his shirt and allowing him to rest his head on her shoulder.

"I know, Danny, I know…I'm sure it's not your fault. Just tell me what happened?" she was softer now though her tone was still thick and passionate as they consoled one another in a mutual longing for someone they both cared for deeply.

Danny eventually pulled back and nodded his head, gesturing toward the office door and flashing the others a reassuring glance.

"I think we both need to sit down for this."