I am trying to get this out quickly.I apologize for any errors. I can't believe what nice reviews I have gotten. I appreciate them all. It sent me into writing mode and now have another chapter. I hope that you like it. Your reviews are what kept this story going. I only hope I don't disappoint. Happy Reading and Reviewing.
Steve twisted so that he could get closer to the Danny's face and immediately regretted it as it sent a wave of pain through his body.
Danny was immediately up and at full alert. "What, what happened? Are you ok?" he asked, the kiss forgotten and the worry evident in his voice.
Steve bit his lip to try to keep the groan from escaping. "Just turned wrong. I'll be OK. Damn it. I hate this. I can't do anything." Steve yelled as he slammed his hand angrily on the bed just to be rewarded with red hot searing pain shoot down his arm." He pulled his hand to him sheepishly and held it close. His eyes were now closed and he was rocking from the pain.
Danny changed his position and got behind Steve. He started rubbing small calming circles on his back. "Steve It's OK...calm down... We have all the time in the world... It took us a long time to get to this point. We don't have to rush." Danny said not sure what point they were at or where they were going, but needing to say something to fill the void and reassure his partner. He knew now that Steve had feelings for him. Seeing his partner this vulnerable, this trusting of him, his smell, his touch and that kiss all tugged at his heart. Danny hadn't had a chance to return the kiss before Steve had recoiled in pain, but he knew he wanted to. He didn't know how he would be with really kissing another man, but this wasn't just any man. This was Leiutenant Commander Steven McGarrett, his partner...hopefully with both meanings of that word.
Steve took a minute to process what Danny had just said. "Wait...are you saying what I think you are saying? Do you have feelings for me too?" Steve asked unable to believe what had just been said.
Danny looked him in the eyes and said "Yes... I do. This is new for me, but yes, I have feelings for you... more than just friendly feelings." Danny said his voice low and trembling slightly.
Steve turned around to look at him. He was still processing everything as though it couldn't be real. "What do you mean it took US a long time? You've had thoughts about us before now too? I think I've always known, but didn't want to ruin our friendship so I pushed the thoughts away. I didn't want to push you. I thought you felt something too. I have never had a connection with someone like I have with you. I've seen the way you look at me sometimes. I knew I couldn't rush you or else I would spook you, that you needed to realize for yourself, but after I got hurt, I finally decided that I had to do something about it. It's too bad it took me being hurt to do it, but this is a small price to pay for what is to come." Steve said.
Danny was completely dumbfounded and speechless. He didn't know if he was more surprised by the fact that Steve had just shared all of that with him or that his partner had been having feelings about him, but either way he was in shock. He met Steve's hazel eyes. He had eyelashes that didn't seem to end. He stared into them for just a minute before he put his hand on the side of Steve's face and kissed him. He moved closer so that Steve wouldn't even have to shift. He explored Steve's mouth with his tongue and his face with his fingers. He thought that he could stay like that forever. He saw Steve grimace ever so slightly. He had his kiss, he had his answers. He knew what he wanted too. He wanted Steve. He scooted around Steve so he was on his uninjured side and cuddled into him with his head on Steve's shoulder and closed his eyes. He fell asleep to the rhythm of his breathing. Neither of them woke up until the next morning. Danny slept from sheer mental exhaustion from everything that had taken place over the last few days and Steve from riding an emotional high that overrode any pain signals that were trying to get to his brain.
They woke up in the morning still in the same position. Danny afraid to move during the night for fear that he might hurt Steve. Even in in his subconsious he was protective of his partner. Steve leaned over and gave Danny a kiss on his forehead before he attempted to sit up at the edge of the bed. The pain was back and Steve couldn't put it off any longer. He knew that Danny didn't move all night to protect him, but laying in the same position for that many hours with muscles that were already tight wasn't exactly the best idea.
"Hey Danno, nature's calling. As much as I love you laying on me, this is hard enough with only one hand which you happen to be holding hostage at the moment" he said with a smile. Danny rolled off him and helped him sit up, not so much helped as guided. Steve grabbed his crutches and slowly and painfully stood up and headed for the bathroom. When he got out of the bathroom he was in serious pain. Danny was already fully dressed, having showered quickly in the other bathroom. His trademark hair was slicked back and still wet. He had Steve's pain medication and a glass of water for him as well as a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and a sneaker. He guided him to a chair to sit down as the pain was evident in his face. He helped Steve get his braces off and then back on noticing that his knee was less swollen and Steve seemed to be moving it better. Hopefully he would only need the knee brace for a few more days as that was one of his more minor injuries. Steve needed something. Some sign that things were getting better. Danny helped him get his one sneaker on as there was no way that there was going to be a shoe on that other foot for a while. He carefully tied the shoe making sure that the ends of the laces were tucked in so that Steve wouldn't accidentally trip on them. As Steve was getting up Danny wrapped his arms around him and gave him another soft kiss. Steve had a few days growth on his face and Danny certainly liked Steve a little more clean shaven so he directed him to the sink for a shave. Danny knew that Steve was right handed, but Steve assured him that he could do it left handed. Danny figured that was something that Steve had learned to do in the SEALs. Once Danny saw that Steve wasn't going to slice his handsome face to pieces he went downstairs to start breakfast. He found that he was a little disappointed that Steve didn't need help because he would have loved spending time tracing the contours of Steve's rugged face. The disappointment changed to happiness when he realized that he would have a chance to do that and much more as Steve got better.
Danny had pancakes made and coffee poured and on the table by the time Steve had made it down the stairs and to the table. Danny had the extra chair and pillows for his leg waiting as well. Steve was freshly shaven, the dark circles under his eyes had almost disappeared since Steve had actually gotten a full night of sleep. Danny knew that Steve didn't need that much sleep to start with, but he had been running on none and his body was trying to heal on top of that. His eyes were beginning to show their depth again and Danny could see them twinkle now when Steve smiled at him. They sat and talked and ate breakfast and it was easy. It was natural as though they had been sharing a bed for years. They spent a lot of the first few days on the couch with Steve laying down with his foot in Danny's lap while he massaged it or with Steve between Danny's legs leaning back onto his chest while he rubbed Steve's sore wrist. This had the added benefit of allowing Steve to stroke Danny's knee. It wasn't that Danny couldn't do it himself. It certainly wasn't that Steve was really doing that good of a job since Steve was only using his left hand for now, but the touch made Danny feel good. His knee hadn't even been bothering him lately. If anything it was feeling better since he had been spending so much time with Steven on the couch and he had really been relaxed. He had more down time now than he did when he hurt it. Somehow though it made him feel better that Steve was thinking of him and that he remembered and wanted to take care of Danny as well. Nothing was forced. Their friendship and their partnership had simply grown into something more. It felt right. Now there simply was more to it. There was hand holding and stolen kisses and a shared bed.
Danny was the attentive partner that catered to every need that Steve might have while he was recovering. There was still the Danno sarcasm and the occasional rant thrown in to keep Steve on top of his game, but Steve had gotten a lot better at asking for help and accepting help. Danny had also gotten a lot better at anticipating what Steve needed so that he didn't have to ask and he let him do as much as he could on his own as long as it wouldn't set his recovery back. The looks between the two were now like their own language. There were times that they didn't realize how long they had gone without talking because everything was said with their eyes.
Several days passed and Steve was going stir crazy. His ribs were still sore, but it didn't hurt every time he would take a deep breath or move wrong. If he had to use the crutches for a long time they would ache from the pressure of the top of the crutches digging into them, but if he didn't overdo it he was alright. His knee was much better. He was able to bend and straighten it with little to no pain. He no longer wore the brace, but Danny made sure that he had started doing the exercises that the physical therapist had recommended to keep the muscles strong and limber while his ankle continued to heal. His ankle was getting better, but would swell with the smallest amount of activity. He was still on the crutches for a while according to the doctor who reminded Danny that it had been a bad sprain and how close he had been to surgery. His wrist was well on it's way to recovery. It no longer throbbed all the time. He was able to use his hand for regular activities, but wore the brace for when he was using the crutches. Steve had forgotten it once and had paid for it with pain and a Danno rant. He was diligent in remembering it after that. Danny made sure that Steve followed the doctors instructions to the letter.
It was finally time for Danny to have Grace for the weekend. Danny didn't want to leave Steve. He had been doing much better, but he just wasn't ready to leave him yet. Steve could sense the tension in his partner about the upcoming visit from the little girl. Steve wasn't really ready for Danny to leave yet either. Actually Steve didn't want Danny to leave ever. He knew it was soon and he hoped that he wouldn't scare Danny, but he decided to bring it up that evening.
"So Danny what are your plans for your weekend with Grace?" Steve asked.
"I don't know yet. I figured I would work it out once I picked her up." Danny said testing the water.
"Well I was thinking about it..."Steve started.
"Don't hurt yourself McGarrett." Danny said unable to help himself.
"Ha ha. Anyway, I was thinking..." Steve started again shooting Danny a look that dared him to interrupt again. "maybe you guys could stay here and hang out...with me. That is if you don't think that Grace would be too bored. I know I won't be the best company being on crutches and all...I could take her in the water...well you could take her." Steve said looking at the ground as he remembered his crutches and that crutches and the sand don't exactly work well with each other. When he finally looked up he couldn't figure out what he saw in Danny's face, but it didn't look like Danny was too pleased with what he had just suggested.
Steve immediately took it back and said, "Nevermind. Forget it. I am sure you would much rather take Grace somewhere else. Somewhere you guys can be by yourself. I'm sorry Danny I didn't mean to try to intrude on your time with Grace. You have been good to me, but you haven't had any time to yourself. You should be able to be with your little girl without worrying about me." he said sadly and then he turned and crutched away trying to keep the tears that were threatening to fall at bay.
Danny went after him. He had seen the sadness in Steve's eyes. Usually Danny would have to run to catch up with his longer-legged partner, but lately the crutches tipped the odds in Danny's favor. "Steve stop...stop running away from me." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Danny was beating himself up for his choice of words. He had no doubt that Steve would be hurt.
"Running Danny? Really? I haven't run anywhere in a little while now. I haven't even walked without these damn crutches in case you hadn't noticed." Steve said angrily. Steve didn't know why he was mad at Danny. Danny hadn't done anything. Yeah it was a poor choice of words, but that was it. Steve was really mad at himself. He was mad that he wasn't better. He hated using the crutches which were a constant reminder of what he couldn't do. He was mad that he couldn't be everything that he wanted to be for Danny and Grace. They had been having this little whatever it was relationship, but no one else knew. No one except him and Danny. Now Steve was worried that maybe it was too much for Danny. Maybe he really didn't want anyone else to know about it. Maybe Danny was having second thoughts.
"Damn it Steve. You know what I meant. Stop moving so we can talk about whatever the hell just happened back there." Danny said with a little edge to his voice.
"What do you mean? There is nothing to talk about." Steve said simply.
"Seriously McGarrett. What the hell do you think we've been doing here? Do you think I am just going to walk away because I have my daughter for the weekend. My daughter who by the way loves her Uncle Steve." Danny smiled.
"She has been asking me if we could come here over the weekend because you need someone to take care of you while you get better. So you had better let her take care of you. There is nowhere that she would rather be than with me AND you. She's 8 Steve. She will keep herself entertained. We can have a movie, pizza and ice cream marathon all weekend for all she cares." Danny continued. Then he put his hand on Steve's chin and forced him to make eye contact. "Grace is important to me. I love her and there isn't anything that I wouldn't do for her, but I love you too you big goof." Danny said. When it was out he couldn't believe that he had said it. He had never said that to anyone except Rachel and that was after more than a year of dating. He wasn't freaked out though. He did love Steve, if he was honest with himself, he had loved Steve in some form for a while.
Steve didn't know what to say. He thought that he was going to pass out. Danny saw him sway and was behind him immediately steadying him and helping him to a chair.
Danny wasn't done. "The only reason I didn't ask you if we could stay here was I knew that you would try to overdo it for Gracie. She has that effect on people. Those puppy dog eyes are a killer." Danny said with a sigh.
"Geez, I wonder who she learned that look from?" Steve asked finally getting color back in his face.
"I do NOT have puppy dog eyes." Danny shot back. Then continued, "As for having time alone, I am a grown man. If I wanted to be anywhere besides right here with you, do you think I would still be here? Have you ever seen me do something that I didn't want to do? Seriously Steve, do you know me at all? I love being with you and I love being with Grace and if I can be with both of you at the same time then I am even happier. You being hurt has nothing to do with it. I want to be with you and I will come up with something that we can all do together so that you aren't left out. Gracie would never forgive me if I left you out anyway." Danny said with a smirk.
Steve just sat there and stared out towards the water for a little while. Finally he spoke, "So does that mean that you guys will stay here?" Steve asked.
Danny didn't even hesitate before answering. "Sure. I'll go home, grab some more stuff, get some of Grace's stuff and we'll have a little sleepover for the weekend. I am sure that Grace will be ecstatic. I'll let Rachel know too. You know how she can get with any changes to the routine. She likes you though Steve. I'm pretty sure that she likes you more than she does me." he said a little upset that it was the truth.
"No Danny that's not what I meant. I don't want you to stay for the weekend." Steve said with a straight face.
Now it was Danny who was confused. "Wait, but you just asked if I would stay here..."Danny began.
"Yes Danno. I want you to stay here. Both of you. I want you to stay here permanently. I want you to move in and we can make one of the other bedrooms into a bedroom for Grace when she comes. No more sleeping on the pull out in your crap hole apartment..."Steve said, not wanting to look at Danny. He just had to keep going so that he could get everything out before he lost his nerve. "You have been here everynight since I got hurt. I don't want you to leave...Besides, I am stuck on these..." he said while gesturing towards his crutches "for a while and there is no way I could get up all those stairs at your apartment. They are definetly too narrow and steep. I'm pretty sure they aren't to code. But don't worry. I'm sure I can manage...as long as I don't fall I'll be fine. Of course I couldn't drive to get there anyway. " Steve said with a smirk and his best attempt at a sad face.
"You, Steven McGarrett, do NOT play fair." Danny said pretending to be upset, but in the back of his head playing through all the things that could go wrong and ways that Steve could end up hurt. "You are playing dirty pulling the injured card." Danny said.
"You have to use what you have. You and Grace have the puppy dog eyes and I, my friend, I have these." Steve said while holding his crutches in the air.
