Title: What matters most
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

An hour later Danny sat in one of the visitor's chairs in Steve's office waiting for his friend. Steve had been in a closed door meeting with Governor Jameson since they'd returned. Even now Danny was wondering why he wasn't sitting in a cell with cuffs on. Knowing the meeting with the Governor was about his future Danny stood and began to pace. He'd argued with his former partner about needing to be in there; to plead his own case. Steve had told him to wait and let him handle things. A knock on the door drew his attention and Danny saw Kono and waved her in.

"I know you'd rather have a beer."Kono began as she handed Danny a dark blue mug that contained a steaming liquid. "Thought tea would help you more."

"Thanks."Danny acknowledged as he wrapped his hands around the mug.

"Hoffman's going to be okay."Kono said as she ushered Danny into the chair he'd been sitting in and eased him down. "Concussion and a bruised rib. HPD has two guards on him and will transfer him to jail once the docs clear him."

Danny nodded numbly.

"Steve told me he didn't officially hand in my resignation so I was still a cop when I took my own justice out on Hoffman."Danny stated quietly as Kono leaned against Steve's desk. "Jameson will probably take my badge and throw me in a cell next to Hoffman."

"Danny..."Kono began.

"She should; it's what I deserve."Danny said as he stood and set the mug on the desk a few feet from his friend. "Even though I knew Grace was going to be okay...when I came face to face with Hoffman all I could see was her in that hospital ICU."

Kono wrapped Danny in a hug.

"I'll stay with you until Steve comes back."Kono offered once Danny stepped back.

"Thank you."Danny said as he once again started to pace.

It was another forty-five minutes before Danny saw his partner walk across the main area of 5-0 headquarters towards his office. Danny tried to brace himself because Steve's expression was grim and his face pale and tired. Seeing Steve also added another layer of guilt to Danny's already twisted emotions. Another reminder that Danny's actions had affected more than himself.

"Danny, have a seat."Steve ordered after nodding a greeting at Kono.

Danny sat back down meeting his partner's gaze.

"How bad?"Danny prompted. "Do I get to say goodbye to Grace and Rachel or is the Governor just shipping me off to prison?"

"I won't lie to you she's pretty angry."Steve responded as he leaned against the wall opposite Danny. "The Governor did believe you should be arrested."

"Did believe?"Kono asked hopefully.

"Took some doing but I talked her down. It helps that she knows Grace and the extenuating circumstances."Steve continued grimly.

"And?"Danny inquired.

"Two months suspension without pay."Steve stated quietly. "Plus you have to see a shrink; she wouldn't budge on that. You won't be cleared back without the psych eval."

"Fair enough. From everyone's perspective I probably did go off the deep end."Danny said as he slumped back in his chair.

"Two months isn't that long and the important thing is Grace is going to be okay."Kono interjected with a smile.

"Kono, can you give us a minute?"Steve asked.

The young woman nodded as she rested a supportive hand on Danny's left shoulder as she passed him.

"Sure, I have paperwork to do."Kono replied as she exited the office closing the door behind her.

Steve sat down on the edge of his desk. Danny waited for whatever lecture was coming.

"You scared me."Steve began meeting his partner's gaze. "When we got to that basement and I saw you with the gun on Hoffman...I couldn't read you Danny. For the first time in our friendship I couldn't read you...I didn't know how you were going to react."

"You going to find another partner?"Danny asked hollowly.

"That's not what I'm saying."Steve countered with a shake of his head. "I just didn't know if I was going to be able to talk you down in time. You needed my help and for a few seconds there I thought I failed."

"You didn't."Danny said softly. "Pulled my ass out of the fire at the last minute just like always."

"If you need anything..."Steve offered as Danny stood tiredly.

"You've done more than enough."Danny replied with a smile. "Thank you, for everything."

The two friends hugged briefly before Danny walked to the door.

"I'm going to go see Grace and Rachel and then sleep for a week."Danny said as he opened the door.

"Tell Grace I'll come see her tomorrow."Steve responded.

Danny nodded and left.