I stood in front of the large cargo plane at Hickam. It had only been twenty four hours since I had attacked the man that hurt Danny, and called in a favor to be put back on active duty. I smiled. I was okay with this. The Governor had even been okay with letting me go.

24 hours earlier

I called a team meeting at my house that same day. Danny keeping his distance from me, I knew why he felt guilty for letting his feelings go farther than what they maybe should have with Ashley. I explained to my team that my leave of absence wasn't because of them. It was because of me. I needed to go. I was going on a mission to help extract people and children from Al Qaeda camps. I was being pared up with my old SEAL team again. Everyone sat with a saddened expression. Kono cried and ran up to hug me. Told me to be safe and to come home. She left to get home to Adam. Chin and Lou wished me well and also left. Danny sat just staring at me in disbelief. I sat down next to him, swiping the beer from his hand and taking a long swig. He took it back a moment later, downing the rest of it.

"Is it because of Ashley and I? I know I let you down. I know I know I shouldn't have gone there, but she was there for me, I trusted her Steve… God, I'm so sorry." Danny yelled out at me.

I looked over at Danny. "Buddy I don't blame you. I wasn't here okay? You leaned on someone that you trusted. Someone that helped you get through this hardship. I do not blame you." I touched his shoulder. "I don't blame her either."

"Then why do you have to go?" Danny asked with tears forming in his eyes.

I sighed and looked out at the ocean before us. "I just need to Danny. It's in my blood, it's in my body. Think of it like a vacation."

"I go to Jersey for vacation, or Disney Land. I don't go active duty to blow shit up."

I laughed. "I'm helping people Danno. People that need help. I just…." I paused trying to find the right words. "…. I need to get out of here for a while."

"Ill think about you the whole time I'm gone Danny."

He smiled. "You better, I love you stupid nenanthrawl animal."

I stood up. "I have gear to get, I'll catch you soon buddy."

Danny nodded and waved me off. I went to my room and collected all of my gear and packed up the items. I would need while away. I'm sure if end up with better stuff but for now it all went with me. As I swapped out my shoes for my combat boots the front door opened. Ashley stood in front of me. Her arms full of newspapers. She turned around and looked at me in the eyes. "Steve… "

I stood up and picked my gear up. It was heavier than I remembered. "You should go see Danny."

She nodded. "I never meant too….. I'm sorry."

I smiled. "It's really okay. Stay as long as you need to. I don't mind okay?"

She nodded and want out to the lanai. I stood watching their soft touches and gently kisses. I could tell that Danny was crying and upset. I looked on and walked out the door.

I turned around at the call of my name and was confronted by my team, my ohana. I smiled and picked up Gracie running towards me. She squeezed me tightly. "Be safe Uncle Steve. I love you."

I smiled into her hair. "I love you too." She handed me a few envelopes. I never knew a child would have my heart. If she wanted me to play dolls, I got down on the floor and played dolls. I would brush her hair and paint her nails. I kissed her on the cheek.

"We couldn't leave without a proper goodbye." Kono said letting go of Adam's hand and pulling me into a hug. Tears filling her eyes. "I'll miss you. Love you brah."

I hugged her tightly. "I love you too Kono." I looked at Adam and hugged him lightly. "Watch after her."

"Always. Come home safe." He said.

Lou and Chin held back tears and hugged me and gave me wishes of a safe return home. I faced Danny, this was one of the hardest moments of my life. He brought me in for a big hug. Everyone stepped back and gave us space. "Come back you big idiot."

"I will Danny. I'll keep in contact. Promise. I'll be safe."

He pulled back and looked at me in the eyes. "Are you sure that your okay with Ashley and I?"

I smiled. "Danny, all I want is for you to be happy. If she makes you happy then please go for it. Be happy. I love you, but I have to go."

"How long will you be gone?"

"About six months. Maybe a little longer. I'll call you." I wave at everyone.

Danny drawing me a heart, I smiled back and did the same thing. "Hey Danno?" I yell out loudly.

He shared his head. "Don't say it."

"Book'em Danno!" I grin and disappear into the depths of the plane.