Steve was wheeled into the ICU to his partners' side. He had seen many friends precariously holding on to life and he was used to the sights and sounds of life saving medical equipment, but this was different….this was Danno. This hard headed New Jersey cop who in not even a year had grown to be so special to him. He had many partners and men who had served with him and under him and Steve would unashamedly say he loved many of them, but Danny….this man was special. He didn't know why, maybe it was because Danny wasn't military. Danny Williams was a hell of a good cop and he trusted him with his life. Military men followed orders, no questions asked and failure was not an option. But Danno…they were 'partners' in every sense of the word and they shared a mutual respect for each other. He worked for Steve but from the first day they met they had shared ideas and the combination of a Navy Seal and a stubborn Jersey cop made a hell of a crime fighting team. Along with Chin and Kono they were cleaning up the island but in the process they were also making many enemies. Because of the escalated dangers they faced they had become unbelievably close. These three were his family and he would do anything to protect them.
He looked at his partners' shaved head and the hole drilled into his skull. The drainage tube led to a bad that was filling with blood and fluid.
The nurse left the room Steve reached through the bars of the bed taking hold of Danny's hand.
"Hey Danno, I'm here with you and I need you to keep fighting. You're doing a great job buddy. Kono is safe babe, she and Chin send their love. We just need you to get better now. The Doctors are taking great care of you. They're going to bring you up to your room, well our room…..in the morning. They put me in a bed next to you so I can watch you 'cause you know how crazy you can get and I am much more level headed than you are. I just need you to rest up and get stronger babe and I'll see you in the morning. I'm sure Rachel will be bringing up Gracie too. I love you man" Tears welled in Steve's eyes as he watched his partner breathing, his chest rapidly rising and falling and he prayed to God to look over his partner….his friend. Steve couldn't imagine a life without Danny Williams in it.
As he was wheeled back to his room Chin moved over to help him out of the wheelchair. As he pulled Steve to his feet he felt the injured man's feet wobble so he held him tightly, "Slow down partner, I've got you"
Steve leaned heavily against his friend, "Sorry…jussst….….ddizzy man"
"It's okay….I've got you"
Chin held him steady for several seconds before guiding him back onto the bed. The nurse pulled the blankets up around him and then she moved to put an oxygen mask to his face.
Steve tried to push the mask away and Chin grabbed his hands, "Stop Steve…..let it be. You're light headed this will help you, now relax"
Kono had joined them at bedside and she was wiping Steve's face and neck with a cool cloth. The nurse worked to put all the IV bags back in place and then checked Steve's vitals.
"Steve, your blood pressure and pulse are elevated do you need more pain meds?"
"Nnooo…nnoo more mmeds"
Kono leaned in close talking soothingly, "Boss you just promised the Doctor you would take the meds when you need them"
"Kono…don't nnneed more…..no mmoore"
Chin looked to the nurse, "Can I call you when he's ready for more?"
"Yes, I'll stop back in shortly to check on him as well"
The nurse left and Chin held his hand offering encouraging words, "Relax Steve, block out the pain boss. Squeeze my hand bro, I've got you"
After about ten minutes Steve's grip on Chin began to ease and his breathing settled slightly.
"Better…..iitt's bbetter…." He again brought his hand up to remove the oxygen mask as Kono pulled his hand back.
"Okay, that's good but just keep the mask on a little longer, its helping"
"K'…K'…..soorryy…..ssorry"
"Hey buddy, there is nothing for you to be sorry for. Now let me have the nurse give you more meds so you can sleep. We'll be right here with you"
"Uhh huh…okay"
Kono pushed the call button and within moments the nurse had increased the dosage and Steve was sleeping peacefully.
He slept until almost seven and he felt well enough to eat a small amount when he woke. After eating they decided that Chin would go home, shower and get a good night's sleep. He was going to have to meet with the Governor tomorrow and Steve wanted to make sure he was well rested.
Steve was exhausted and shortly after Chin left both he and Kono were both sleeping.