Sunset

Deeks leaned against the wall, coffee mug in hand, and watched his friend pace the room. He was reminded of a caged tiger, well maybe more a pissed off mountain lion considering the size of his friend, and mentally considered and discarded several ways to ask what was going on. Danny had been on edge for some hours now without giving away what had caused his anger. Deeks was only sure it wasn't really anger, but worry disguised as anger. That knowledge unfortunately didn't solve his problem, only made him quite sure it had to do with Steve. Steve was the cause of worry for Danny most of the time.

Fortifying himself with another sip of coffee, Deeks opened his mouth to finally ask with whatever dumb words would spill out of his mouth. But before he was able to even utter a word, he was interrupted by the door opening. The laughter of Grace and Kensi cut through the tension in the room.

"I can't believe he said that" Grace giggled. She turned, searching the room for her dad and Deeks could see her smile turn into a frown when she caught sight of his face. Danny had stopped pacing as soon as the door opened. He tried to muster a smile for Grace, but didn't quite succeed. She closed the distance to her Dad while Kensi closed the door behind her, joining Deeks. He smiled when Kensi came to his side to lean with him against the wall. They watched as Danny sighed and gently brushed a strand of hair out of his daughter's face.

"Did something bad happen?"

"Nothing happed. At least I hope so. I have a feeling – and you shut up, don't mock my feelings– I still haven't forgiven you."

Danny didn't even look at Deeks, just pointed his finger at him.

This time Deeks took a rather large gulp of coffee to mask his wince. Kensi snickered. Deeks shot her a betrayed look, but she only shrugged and mouthed "When the shoe fits…". Deeks had to admit that, when it wasn't Steve who worried Danny, he seemed to take second place. For a moment Deeks' mind went back to the days in the hospital after they left Mexico. When Danny finally managed to reach him, he was treated with an epic 5-minute rant which had done nothing good for his headache. It had still made him smile, because that rant was proof that Danny cared. As he cared right now about Steve. It was far from Deeks to mock Danny for worrying.

"I guess you tried to call him?"

No one even asked, who exactly 'him' even was.

The scathing look that got didn't faze Deeks. What did was the answer

"That's what made me aware something is wrong. I sent a photo with a question and he didn't answer. Even some hours later no reaction though I texted several times, so I got kind of worried and called. The line was dead then. Out of service which it wasn't before. I'm quite sure that means he went under. And I need to know why and where to!"

Danny had resumed his agitated pacing again, though he kind of circled around Grace this time.

"Huh. What about the others?"

Danny stopped his pacing, raised both hands and let them fall in aggravation.

"Those cowards don't answer my calls."

Deeks exchanged a disbelieving look with Kensi. They pushed from the wall as one and joined father and daughter.

"They don't answer…? Seriously? OK, let's try something else. Grace, be a dear and give me a number."

Deeks hit the digits Grace rattled off in his mobile, watched as Grace mouthed "Grover" at him and nodded once. He put the phone on speaker and they listened to the dialing tone. It took only moments before the call was answered.

"Grover. Who am I speaking with?"

"Hi, Captain Grover. You don't know me; my name is Marty Deeks. But that's not important right now. Was is, is that I would really like to know why McGarrett doesn't answer his phone. Because his best friend, you might know him, it's your colleague, Danny Williams, is with me right now. And let me tell you, I'm impressed all the worried pacing he has done the last hours hasn't put grooves into the floor. And none of his team mates is man – or woman – enough to answer his calls. What really doesn't help with the worry."

Deeks' cheery tone somehow brought home the fact how annoyed he was better than any hard words he could have uttered instead.

There was a loud sigh on the line, a rasping sound, probably fingers catching on stubble, then Grover's defeated voice.

"Damn it, Danny, are you listening?"

"Yes, I am listening."

"I'm sorry. Steve is alive. He had to hide and switched off his phone, but he is alive."

Deeks could see that Grover's words had not the effect the captain probably was hoping for. Danny gave his daughter a hesitant look but she just rolled her eyes. The way she pressed her lips together gave away that she wasn't as cool as she played. Deeks pulled her in and hugged her sideways. The teen leaned in gratefully. Danny locked eyes with Deeks before finally asking.

"Who isn't? Still alive I mean."

"Joe."

"I, what?! How?"

Danny combed his fingers through his hair, breathing heavily. Whoever this Joe was, he was important. Kensi frowned thoughtfully. Before Deeks could ask if she knew more Danny started talking again.

"What happened?"

"A blast from the past. To make it short, someone targeted Steve's old seal team from an OP in Morocco for revenge.

"Greer." Danny spat angrily "I bet she's been out for revenge and helped someone with the same aim, feed them information, most likely."

Deeks had the feeling the name meant something to Grover as one could only hear his sharp inhale, before he continued.

"You're right, it was her. And I don't want to have to tell you, but she was in league with a prison guard and escaped. Adam contacted California authorities about it, trying to cover the region of Victorville."

At the mentioning of California Danny looked at Deeks and Kensi, but both just shrugged. They hadn't heard anything yet. But maybe they would later on.

"OK, that much about the background, but that still doesn't answer my question about what happened."

"Steve had a plan, he didn't tell us any details, but he didn't want to be found."

"More like he wanted to play bait and leave us, or more precisely me, out of it." Danny ground out.

The silence on the other end of the line proved him right.

"Go on, Lou, what went wrong?"

"Sorry Danny, as said, we don't know the details. Steve called to arrange a medevac with me, but then Joe cancelled it and the last we heard some time later when I checked on them was 'Joe is dead' before Steve switched his phone off again. That was about an hour ago."

"Where are they?"

"Danny listen, I don't think…"

"What the hell is the matter with you? First you don't call me, then you leave me hanging when I try to reach you and now this? WHERE. ARE. THEY?"

Impulsively Deeks grabbed Danny's hand, before he pulled out his hair, and endured the tight squeeze that got him. With the other hand he pulled a suspiciously silent Grace even closer. Her hand rested on top of theirs.

"Bitterroot Valley, Montana"

Montana. Why there of all places? Deeks watched Danny, but his friend looked as puzzled as Deeks felt with this information. He obviously wasn't really listening anymore when Lou gave more details regarding the location. Instead he nudged Grace and hugged her when she left Deeks' side, visibly enjoying the feeling that at least she was safe, right by his side.

Deeks listened closely and when the call came to an end, he gently jostled Danny's shoulder. For a moment Danny stared at him at a loss. Deeks grinned and held the phone in front of his face. Danny nodded, thanked Lou and said goodbye.

"Shit." Danny whispered, scrunching his eyes like he was fighting an oncoming headache.

Deeks and Kensi shared silent conversation, then Deeks spoke.

"OK, pack your things, we should go. The drive takes about a day. If we take turns, we can be there tomorrow afternoon. At this time flying wouldn't really be faster I'm afraid."

"What are you talking about?"

"Seriously, Danny? What do you think? We are going to bring you to your brother. Grace…"

"I'm coming, too. We have done all we came to do, here. We wanted to leave for the next place tomorrow, anyway. So, I don't see why we shouldn't take a little detour to Montana on the way."

Kensi and Deeks watched the staring match between father and daughter with interest, both back at leaning against the wall and each other respectively.

"You think he's going to cave?"

"You think, he's standing a chance?"

"Good thing we always have ready packed bags in the trunk."

"Yep."

The staring match came to an end with Grace as the winner. She gave her Danno a kiss on the check before vanishing out of the door to her room to throw some last items in her already packed suitcase. The cheeky wink she gave Deeks on the way made Kensi snort. Danny watched her go before turning back to Deeks and Kensi.

"Really, you don't have to…"

Identically raised eyebrows closed Danny faster up than it should have. Sighing he allowed himself a faint smile, his worry about Steve lessened now he at least had a plan about what to do next.

"I just hope he'll still be there when we arrive."

"It will take some time to explain everything that happened there to the authorities, I think. And the way my Kensi drives, I don't doubt we will arrive on time."

"My daughter sits in this car, too. You won't risk her life."

"I have yet to kill someone with my driving."

"That's what Steve says and nevertheless I die a bit each time I drive with him."

Deeks couldn't help himself and laughed while ushering Danny to pack his remaining things so they could leave.

A short update later to their team's leader and analyst respectively - one to inform they were going on a trip so no one would miss them, one to inform about the reason for the trip – they were on their way.

Steve couldn't comprehend what had happened. Stone faced he sat on a gurney after he finally had conceded to an examination, somehow ignoring the nurse bustling around him and only answering in short grunts to questions asked, his mind miles away. Literally.

He'd stayed with Joe until the cold of the night forced him to move again. Lou had called him before to check why Joe had canceled the med evac. Steve could hear how sorry the other man was for his loss. He tried to convince Steve to call Danny. Steve wouldn't have it and just ended the call. Danny and Grace deserved the time together planning the future. A future Joe wouldn't be part of anymore.

The memory made Steve tense. He flinched and came back to the present, when the nurse checked on the bandages provided by Junior. Replacing or applying more where necessary.

Steve drifted off again. He wasn't quite sure how he had managed to reach Hamilton, his memories hazy, involving several people he must have called or maybe his team had. Steve wasn't sure of anything at this moment. There were phone calls he needed to make, questions to answer, a lot to do, but right now he felt spent and empty. His aim had been to save Joe after he already failed to save Cole. Without that aim he felt bereft, lost, not sure about what to do next. He slumped down on the gurney, closed his eyes and must have fallen asleep, because the next time he opened his eyes the scenery had changed. He was still in the hospital, lying on a gurney, now with a warm und surprisingly cozy blanked thrown over him, but right in front of him was a face he couldn't believe to be here.

"Grace?"

"Uncle Steve, I'm so so sorry." Before Steve knew what was happening her hand was carefully stroking his face, frowning at the blood that must still be all over him.

"What are you doing here? Is Danno…?"

"Please give us a moment, monkey." eyes still locked with Grace Steve had totally missed Danny's approach.

The men looked at each other over the girl's head. With a put upon sigh the teenager stood up, gently squeezing Steve's hand before vanishing down the hall. Steve followed her figure until he saw her reach a couple at the end of the hall. They both smiled at the girl and the man pulled her into a hug.

"Friends of mine." Danny explained when he saw who Steve's gaze was locked on. "They will take care of her while I take care of you."

"You shouldn't have come." Steve frowned "You're supposed to tour colleges with Grace."

"And yet, here I am. Don't worry, Grace and I will continue to tour colleges right after I took care of you and put you on a plane back home. Come on, you need a shower and some new clothes."

"How did you even know something happened and where I am?"

"I always know and Lou." Danny said in a tone that implied he said everything about that right now. "Come on, you will feel better after a shower."

Steve tried to muster enough annoyance or anger to resist, but he still felt off and only managed a weak "My change is back at the ranch."

"I came prepared." Danny held a bag up and gestured a few doors down. "Your meds are in there as well. Lucky for us, this hospital had them, would have taken us some time to fetch those from the ranch. Take them, you hear me?"

Steve grunted. He felt a hundred years old when he finally managed to stand up, the events of the past long hours catching up with him. Cuts and bruises competing for his attention. But nothing hurt more than his heart. They didn't talk while moving to the shower room, Steve grateful for the silent support.

Danny made sure that Steve was steady on his legs before he allowed him to take a shower all by himself. Steve scoffed, but smiled when turning to the small room. The first smile since everything went to hell.

Only a few minutes later Steve emerged from the shower, towel still around his shoulders, wondering where Danny had the clothes - sweats, a tee and a hoodie - from. They smelled like freshly washed, not newly bought. When he looked up and saw Grace and Danny with the couple, he realized the man was about his size. Those things were probably his. He frowned when he looked back at the woman. Steve had a feeling that he knew her, but he wasn't sure were from.

"Hi, do I know you?" he thus blurted barely within hearing range.

They all turned around to watch him come closer until he had joined their small circle.

"Have you taken your meds?"

Steve wanted to snap at Danny, but seeing the look on his face he bit it back and more calmly responded:

"Yes, I took my meds. So, if you don't mind?"

He turned back to the woman who had listened to the short exchange with a grin. The grin vanished when she returned his questioning gaze.

"Yes, you do know me." She confirmed with a slight nod. "Kensi Blye. Joe introduced us several years ago. You needed someone able to read lips."

The memory came back to Steve. His hunt for Shelburne who turned out to be no one else but his mother, Doris. Joe had brought Kensi in to help with his search after finding the video. Joe, it all came back to him.

Kensi seemed to guess his changed mood and the reason for it immediately. "I'm sorry for your loss."

She offered her hand and Steve shook it with a sad smile. Now he could place her. It was mainly the eyes that had caught his attention even back then. Steve's gaze wandered to the man at her side who had watched her curiously while she talked. What she said was apparently news to him, but he didn't press for more information.

Instead his gaze turned to Steve and he gave him a lopsided smile together with his condolences.

"I guess I have to thank you for this?" Steve gestured down his body to indicate the clothes.

"You're welcome. And by the way, I'm Marty Deeks. And except for this little lady here," he smiled at Grace "most people call me Deeks."

"You all seem to know each other quite well." Steve fished for more information. Grace seemed so at ease with this Deeks judging by the way she returned his smile while leaning against her Danno.

"We worked a case together about six years ago." Danny's voice had a slight edge at those words.

Steve frowned. It took him a while to work out the time line despite just thinking about it only moments ago and when he did, he winced. His hunt for Shelburne had taken him and Joe to Japan back then. He had left Danny and the team behind. Just like he had done again this time Steve realized and his eyes widened. He watched as Danny opened his mouth, probably for a well-deserved rant. But before he had even breathed in Deeks spoke up.

"Thank you."

That was definitely not what anyone had expected him to say.

"Thank you?" Danny echoed disbelievingly. "Why would you thank him? He…"

"He seems to be the last man standing. And I know its selfish, but I for my part are thankful you weren't by his side this time. As much as I understand your wish to have been there, he lost a father figure and a brother in arms yesterday. I'm just glad he didn't lose his brother by choice as well and Grace didn't lose her Danno."

"You're unbelievable." Danny ground out, kneading the bridge of his nose with closed eyes, then ruffling his hair. His angry posture deflated within seconds and he pulled Grace even closer to his side.

Steve watched for a second, then felt a gentle push at his back that made him stumble right into father and daughter. Both immediately held their arms out without even looking and pulled him into the hug without any hesitation. Steve hugged them back in return and closed his eyes, forgetting about any onlookers just enjoying the closeness of his ohana. The very heart and center of his ohana. There was still much to do, but he wasn't lost anymore. He watched the sun set with Joe, but he was sure he would watch the sun rise again with those he held in his arms right now.

tbd?

I know this is kind of opened ended, but inspiration left me at this point. I still wanted to post and I hope you enjoyed the chapter anyway.

Judging by the promo photos for the next episode it looks to me like Steve lived some time on Joe's farm growing a beard before Danny went to retrieve him…

Not a good point to continue this, but who knows…?

Oh, and Happy New Year to you!