A/N: Well, this story has some spoilers for episode 4X03.

Monkey Hugs

Even after wrapping the case and arresting the sons of bitches that murdered two people over some damn rings, Danny was still restless. He couldn't get the image of that beautiful little baby girl all alone in a ransacked room, out of his head, so he did what always helped him to get his head straightened out. He called Rachel and begged her to let him pick up Grace from school and drive her home.

Listening to Grace talk about her day, about cheerleading practice and the next softball game in the championship was a balm to his soul. Even hearing her talk about Tommy and how her friends liked this or that guy made him smile in spite of himself. Of course the many hugs that he received did a lot to unburden Danny from his worries.

Since Rachel was not at home, Danny found himself walking Grace up to her room and sitting on her bed, watching as she got her books out of her backpack and starting to get ready to do her homework. She was growing so fast and soon she wouldn't need him so much.

Danny shook himself, deciding that Grace would always be his little girl, no matter how old she was. He turned his mind away from those gloomy thoughts, but couldn't help to go back to that little baby girl crying in her crib.

Something must have shown on his face, because he suddenly had a lapful of Grace, clinging to him like the monkey he always knew she was. "What's wrong Danno?" She asked him with a concerned look on her face.

Danny held her tight for a second and then looked at her face. "Nothing Monkey, I was just thinking, that's all…" He said with a sad smile on his face.

Grace frowned, not looking convinced. "Did a little kid get hurt at work again?" She asked, concerned.

Danny pulled his baby girl closer, hating that she had to know about little boys and girls getting badly hurt. "No Monkey, but a little girl's parents were hurt, so I had to look after her for a little while this morning."

Grace looked concerned. "How old is she?" She asked.

"I'd say she's about a year old…" Danny said with a sympathetic wince.

"She's so little!" Grace said, looking sad.

Danny couldn't help to agree with that, but before he could say anything, Grace moved from his lap to stand by the shelf at the side of her bed. She seemed thoughtful for a little while and then moved to pick up her old plush monkey; the one Danny had gotten for her when she was barely a year old.

Grace turned around with the monkey in her hands and passed it to her father. "Danno, do you think you could give him to the little girl?"

Danny was surprised by the offer. "Are you sure about that? I've heard that you still like to cuddle with him for a nap sometimes…" He asked, looking at Grace in the eyes.

Grace nodded with a smile on her face. "Yes Danno! He's big and fluffy and keeps you safe when you feel scared at night, but I have you for that!" She said with a cheeky smile. "And besides, she needs him more than I do…" She finished with a shrug.

Danny pulled his daughter into another hug. "Come here, that's extremely kind of you. I'll make sure that she gets it." He said, pulling back to look at his girl again. "I love you monkey…"

Grace smiled at her Dad. "I love you more, Danno."

That's how Danny found himself driving to Alani's place to deliver the plush monkey to another lovely Monkey.

The End

A/N: Well, I totally loved this episode, from Danny and the baby to him being Scully and saying hello to the hobbits, my geeky heart was full of joy.

The only thing that was missing was that in my opinion, a girl doesn't outgrow her toys until she tells you that she outgrew her toys, so this came about. I'd love to hear what you think of it!

Thank you for reading!