***** THANK YOU for all the wonderful comments! I write for fun and if you're unsure if people are enjoying your efforts it can take the fun out of it. So Thank You for letting me know and giving me the motivation to keep writing! *****

Danny stood silently watching as Steve read the letter.
The SEAL's jaw was clenched tightly and his hand was shaking slightly. Several moments passed before Steve crumpled up the letter, throwing in across the room. Continuing to stare straight ahead his voice shook with raw emotion as he stated, "She's gone Danny….she left…...again"

Danny didn't know what to say. His heart sank in his chest as he knew the pain that this was causing his partner.
"Steve…babe I'm sorry"
Steve held up his hand as he struggled to maintain his composure. A couple of minutes passed before he turned to face Danny, "It is what it is partner" He forced a grin, adding "Let's go eat okay, I'm starving"

As Steve walked past he placed his hand on Danny's shoulder and squeezed it tightly.
Danny simply shook his head and followed him.
Once in the hall, Chin inquired "Is everything alright? Where's Doris?"
Steve replied, "She's gone Chin. Everything's fine though….let's go eat"
The Aide began to walk off and Steve followed. Chin turned to Danny, who shrugged his shoulders and said quietly, "She left him a letter and took off.…let's go brah"

Not much was said as they ate. The Embassy provided them with a wonderful meal of sliced roast beef, potatoes with gravy, roasted asparagus, fresh baked bread with a mouth-watering honey butter and chocolate cake. They were all very hungry and once done, Chin was ready to head back to the infirmary while Steve asked to see the Ambassador.
As they left the table Danny said, "I'm going with you Steve"
Steve looked at him saying coldly, "Fine….whatever"

Moments later the men took seats across from the Ambassador and Steve spoke matter-of-factly, "Ambassador it appears that my Mother has left the Embassy, were you aware of that?"
"I was told. You didn't know?"
Steve sighed, "No Sir….my Mother has a history of disappearing. Can you give me any details? When she left? Where was she went?"

"Hold on, I'll find out" He picked up the phone and called central check in.
Hanging up a few minutes later he filled the men in. "She called a cab to pick her up about six hours ago. We run a log and she had directed the cab to take her to the airport. I'm sorry Commander"
Steve stood and shook the man's hand, "Don't be sorry Sir, you've done nothing wrong…thank you for the information"

As they left the office to head back to the infirmary, Steve was walking at an extremely fast pace.
Danny was practically running in an attempt to keep up with him, "Hey Steve, stop man"
Getting no response he stated more firmly, "STEVE STOP!"

The SEAL stopped and turned to his partner, "WHAT! What do you want me to say? You were right Danny, okay….you were right"
Danny scrunched his brow in puzzlement, "What? What are you talking about?"
Steve ran his hand through his hair, "I'm sorry….I just can't believe she did this. I need to take care of Kono and Adam…..I can't worry about her…I can't"

Steve was clearly distressed and Danny reached out and took hold of his forearm, "Hey, Kono and Adam are fine and Chin's with them. Let's go somewhere and talk about this okay?"

"Danny….I love you buddy but I can't deal with this right now. I need some time alone partner….I need to think"
"You're not going to do something crazy, like go after her are you?"
"No Danno….I promise, I'm not going anywhere. She's a big girl…..and she's made her choice"

The pain in his voice cut through Danny's heart, "Are you going to your room?"
"No, I'm going to head outside and get some fresh air"
"Alright. Do you mind if I read the letter?"
Steve dug his room key from his pocket, handing it to Danny "Be my guest….I don't ever want to see it again….or her for that matter"
With that, Steve walked away leaving Danny standing and watching him. As he started to walk towards the rooms Danny said under his breath "Damn you Doris"

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Steve walked out of the Embassy's main building into its expansive courtyard. The instant the cool nighttime air hit his lungs he began to sob. He began to jog as tears streaked down his cheeks. His mind was racing, 'How could she do this to me again? How could she come back into my life only to run away? Why couldn't she trust me to protect her? She's been lying to me since the day she returned. She put a wedge between me and Catherine that thankfully I was able to forgive Cath for, but still it's left me with a nagging doubt about whether or not I can truly trust the woman I love' His lungs burned as his injured ribs throbbed painfully in his chest. He ran a few more feet before dropping to the ground in front of a large tree. Leaning back against the tree trunk and pulling his knees to his chest, Steve buried his head in his arms and he sobbed.

Danny entered the room and went over to the far side of the room picking the balled up letter from the floor. Sitting on the edge of the bed he un-crinkled it and began reading.

'My Dearest Steve

I returned to Oahu praying that I would be able to put my past life (and mistakes) behind me.

All I have done though, is put you, and now your friends in greater danger.
I was selfish 38 years ago in falling in love with your Father and marrying him.
And I was selfish 36 years ago in agreeing with your Father to have children knowing the dangers you could someday be subjected to.

I have no excuses for these choices other than that I deeply loved John and I would have done anything to make him happy. The moment the Doctor placed you into my arms Steven was the greatest moment in my life. I thought of nothing but loving you, nurturing you and protecting you. I did that for sixteen glorious years and I was never in my life so loved and at peace. The day that I found out my cover had been blown was the worst and most terrifying day of my life. Joe kept me alive during my years on the run, not only by always keeping me a step ahead of Wo Fat, but he kept me alive by keeping me posted on your lives. We gave me photos and told me stories of your lives and your milestones. He did not want me to come forward Steve, he told me it would put you in more danger…..but once again I acted selfishly.

Now Kono and Adam lie injured because of me. Because of my selfish acts.
When I watched you tend to Kono in the cave and when you carried her so tenderly in your arms despite the pain you were in…..I knew.
I have watched you with your team over the last few months and I can truly say that I am blown away by the love you all share. I am your birth Mother Steve, but Catherine, Danny, Gracie, Chin and Kono and of course Mary...…..they are your family.

I'm sorry about the pain I caused you twenty years ago. And I'm sorry about the pain and heartache I have re-opened. I felt I could no longer survive without holding you and Mary in my arms again but now I see how wrong I was to come back.

I was dead in your eyes and I should have remained that way.
I would do anything to keep you safe and in order to do that I need to leave. You must not follow me…...please sweetheart, let me go.
I can never expect for you to forgive me but please Steve, never forget how much I love you.'

Tears were dampening Danny's cheeks as he carefully folded the letter and put it into his wallet.
Wiping his eyes he stood and leaving the room he made his way back to Kono's room.

***** More to follow, and as always….I'd LOVE to hear what you think! *****