A/N : I am somewhat . . . well, insecure about this chapter, although that's not why that's the title. I had no idea this particular plot bunny was going to hop through the story, but it did. I had anxiety over it being too melodramatic, and tried to write the chapter without it - but no. The bunny insisted. If you disagree with the bunny let me know, and I'll put him in his cage and rewrite the chapter, and maybe let him out to play somewhere else.
#*#*#*#*#
"Charlie, I don't even have a paper cut on me," Steve protested. "How could the blood on Danny's car be mine?"
"That will be something for your team to figure out, McGarrett," Charlie said, shaking his head. "We ran it against missing persons, and came up with nothing. Someone suggested running it against local law enforcement and military, since so many military personnel live on the islands. Perfect match. The blood is yours."
They gave Charlie the small section of elastic cording found at the scene, and headed back upstairs.
"Anything?" Kono asked anxiously, as Danny and Steve came off the elevator. "What?" she added, taking in their beleaguered expressions.
"Charlie is going to run the cording, but," Steve hesitated, "yeah, the blood on the broken headlight? Turns out it's mine."
"How?" Chin asked, surprised.
"Who the hell cares," Danny blurted out. "Tell me if I'm getting even crazier as the day goes on, because I didn't sleep last night, and maybe I'm hallucinating: but if the blood on the car is Steve's, and Steve is standing right here, safe and sound, then does this mean I didn't hit a little girl?"
"It would certainly appear that way to me," Grover said, the rest of the team nodding in agreement. "Add to that Kono's theory, and finding what Steve thinks is military grade elastic cording at the scene, and I think - Danny?" Grover broke off as Danny paled and looked as if he was going to collapse.
"Whoa there, babe," Jax said, grabbing him by the elbow and turning him to lean against the center table. His hands were shaking as she grabbed his wrist to confirm that his pulse was racing. Jax pulled her ever-present penlight out of one of her cargo pockets, and flashed it in his eyes. "Danny, you okay?"
"I'm okay," Danny laughed, his voice shaky. "It's just . . . the last twenty-four hours have been almost my worst nightmare, you know? I mean, other than anything happening to Gracie, I can't think of anything more horrifying than being responsible for hurting or, oh, God . . . I thought I had killed someone's little girl, Jax. You can't imagine . . . not entirely . . . you will, someday, when you have kids. Once you have a baby, the idea of a child being hurt . . . it's just totally different to you. Am I right, Grover?" Danny added, smiling up at Grover who nodded in understanding.
Jax let go of Danny's wrist and tapped her penlight into her palm. "I think my batteries are going," she said, turning away from the team and heading to the elevator, "I better grab some new ones while I'm thinking about it."
"Okay," Steve said, turning his attention back to the plasma screens. "Until we have a reason to think otherwise, we go with Kono's theory. Someone is trying to set Danny up; and we need to know who, and why."
"I hate to even suggest it, but . . ." Chin hesitated. "I know when we first got started, things were pretty tense between you and Rachel, Danny; trying to sort out custody of Gracie. Do you think there's any possibility?"
Danny shook his head. "I understand the question, Chin, and I'm not saying we shouldn't rule it out. But my gut instinct? Rachel and Stan have nothing to do with this. Things have been mutually agreeable for quite a while now. But, it's an obvious question. No offense taken."
"Okay, so it could be someone with a personal vendetta against Danny, which means we need to look at some of his cases," Grover suggested.
"Or it could be someone trying to discredit the team," Kono added.
Steve glanced up at her. "In which case, this may be just the beginning. So everyone needs to be alert for anything suspicious."
Kono looked at him, her eyes wide with skepticism. "Boss, you do realize who you're talking to here, right? We're, like, magnets for suspicious activity."
Chin chuckled. "You have a point, cuz."
"Speaking of suspicious," Grover said, glancing toward the elevator, "I'm gonna go see what's keeping my partner. I don't trust her in the armory unattended . . . Lord help us if the boys at motor pool have asked her to check on one of the vehicles; we'll never get her back."
Steve smiled as Grover ambled off toward the elevator.
"Okay, so, Danny, you'll need to focus on a review of your cases starting from when you made detective in New Jersey; it's an outside chance, but stranger things have happened. Kono, work the angle that someone is trying to discredit us as a group; I don't know where to tell you to begin, but I trust your instincts. Chin, you're the one least likely to stick your foot in it, so would you make some very discreet inquiries; start with Stan's lawyer. I'll have Grover and Jax focus specifically on any gang-related cases that Danny's worked, especially any that cross-reference between Jersey and HPD," Steve said.
"Way to delegate, boss," Kono said, her dimples flashing. "What are you going to do, go surfing?"
Steve grimaced. "I wish. I'm going to have to have a chat with the governor. She needs to be kept in the loop on this."
"And you're going to see if you can get a feel for how much she already knows," Chin guessed.
"Yeah," Steve said, his shoulders already starting to feel the strain of tension and stress. "That, too."
Chin gave his shoulder a sympathetic squeeze on the way to his office.
#*#*#*#*#
Jax found herself in front of the medical supply cabinet, berating herself for yet again running like a little kid to her blanket fort.
"Nolan, you're an idiot," she mumbled to herself.
The elevator whooshed open behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder. "Hey, Grover," she said, "Sorry, I . . . there should be a box of batteries in here, somewhere."
"Ummhmm," Grover said, walking slowly to stand next to her. "Maybe on the top shelf? That's a little out of your reach. Let me check." He gently and carefully moved the neatly labeled boxes around. "Or you could have just pulled the batteries out of your top right desk drawer, where you keep them," he added softly.
Jax stood motionless.
"See, the thing about McGarrett," Grover continued, his voice soft and slow, "is he builds a good team. It's like an instinct with him; although I'm guessing the Navy taught him a few things. He's put together the maturity and experience of Chin; the fresh eyes and gung-ho of Kono; Danny, of course, one of the finest detectives any of us have ever worked with. Then he added you and me: you're a crack medic, which Lord knows this team needs, and you're fearless undercover. But me . . . sometimes I wonder what I contribute to the team; why McGarrett gave me a shot."
"Hey, you're SWAT, right? What other explanation is needed? Plus you're an expert on gang related violence and crime," Jax reminded him, curious about where he was going with this conversation, but relieved that it didn't seem to be about her. She continued to straighten the boxes that neatly lined the shelf of the cabinet.
"True," Grover nodded. "I have a fair share of experience there. Lotta years on the force, worked my way up through the ranks . . . I like to think I have a lot of experience as a good partner."
"You're an awesome partner, Grover," Jax said.
"I hope so," he answered. "Hope all my old partners would say that; you know, I hope even more that my wife would say that. Lots of things in common with a good marriage and a good partnership, you know? That's why people are always teasing McGarrett and Williams about being married."
Jax chuckled. "It's true."
"Yeah, lots of similarities. Patience, compromise . . . picking up on the little things, you know?" Grover said. "Renee picks up on the little things. She can tell when I've had a case involving kids, for example. She says I get a certain look. I bet Danny does, too; bet Steve picks up on it."
Jax nodded and flicked open a package of pressure bandages, noting that it was less than half full. She checked off a box on the clipboard hung inside the cabinet door.
"I try to pick up on the little things. Like, when Danny said that you'd understand some day, when you had kids . . . all of a sudden, your penlight didn't work," Grover said. His tone was conversational, and he continued to line up the boxes on the top shelf, turning them so that the labels were facing forward. "Now, I haven't been your partner very long, but I can put pieces together."
Jax leaned her forehead against the shelf. "Grover, please," she whispered. "Don't."
"Okay," Grover said mildly. "Maybe I misread. Possibly it just reminded me of the years that Renee and I were wanting to have a baby, and it looked like maybe we weren't going to be able to. People said things, offhand, not meaning anything by it . . . sometimes, Renee would need to go check something on the stove, or refill her glass . . . so she could just have a minute, you know, to work through how that made her feel. Maybe it just reminded me of that." Grover paused, resting his hand on Jax's shoulder, the one he knew still ached sometimes. He squeezed it gently, not forcing her to look up or turn around. Solid, comforting. "You think, maybe that's what it reminded me of?" he asked gently.
Jax nodded silently, not trusting her voice to respond.
"Well, that could be," Grover said. "Those were tough years. Tougher on Renee, I think, because she had this crazy idea that somehow she was disappointing me. Nothing could have been further from the truth, by the way. Anyway, I hope you find the batteries. If not, maybe there's some in the office. You know, when you've finished looking down here."
Grover gave her shoulder another squeeze and started to amble off toward the elevator again.
"Grover," Jax said quietly. "Thanks. Thanks for, um, helping me look for the batteries."
#*#*#*#*#
"Commander McGarrett, to what do I owe the privilege?" Governor Jameson asked, standing up and shaking Steve's hand. "I was about to call you; I have an assignment for your team, but first, let me know what's happening. You said that there was a situation with Detective Williams? Is he okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," Steve said, sitting down in the chair indicated by the governor. "He was in what at first appeared to be a minor car accident yesterday morning." Steve watched the governor's face carefully for any indication of a response.
"I'm so sorry," she said. "Was he injured?"
"Mild concussion, and he strained his knee a bit," Steve said. "But, of course, that was nothing compared to the mental anguish he's experienced, thinking that he struck a little girl with his car."
"Oh, how horrible," the governor gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "But - you said, 'thinking' that he struck a little girl. Is that not the case?"
"No, ma'am, not as far as we can tell," Steve continued. "In fact, there doesn't seem to be evidence that he struck anyone. HPD has been involved, and their CSI teams have conducted a thorough search and investigation. There's absolutely no evidence that another car, or person, was involved. In fact, there's some evidence to the contrary." He kept the detail of his blood being found on Danny's car to himself.
"Well, I'm sure that must be a relief," Governor Jameson said.
"It is," Steve replied, "however, it leaves us with the current theory that someone is trying to set Danny up. That, as you can imagine, is a troubling situation."
"It is, indeed," the governor said. "Whatever you need, Commander, you'll have the full cooperation of this office. Keep me posted."
"Yes, ma'am," Steve said. "Now, you said that you had an assignment for my team? Obviously, we'll need to keep investigating this incident, but we'll do our best to manage that alongside whatever it is that you need."
"Thank you, Steve," the governor said, slipping easily, as she often did, between the more formal and informal address. "There is a high profile businessman coming in from Okinawa for a few days. His company develops banking and finance software, very high end, and for the highest level of security. In fact, he's here to discuss deals with both the Bank of Hawaii, and also to put in his first bid as a civilian contractor for the state offices. As you can imagine, security is a concern."
"Yes, ma'am," Steve said. "I'm sure my team can handle it. Does he have a security team? I'm happy to coordinate." Steve shifted somewhat uncomfortably in his seat. Truth be told, he rarely was "happy" to coordinate with other teams, but he knew that as a government task force, he would be expected to play nicely with the visitors.
"He does, and my office will contact you with all of that information. However, I've asked that he instruct his team to let you and your team take the lead on all security matters while he is our guest," the governor said. "And, he's also made a special request, one which I think your team is uniquely qualified to honor."
"What would that be, ma'am?" Steve asked.
"There are, as usual, many business dinners and social events also on Mr. Kantaro's agenda for the five days he plans to be here," the governor began. "I'm not sure how the military does it, but in the business world, the bigger the deal, the . . . well, the bigger the deal, to put it simply. And these contracts are very, very big deals. All of the corporate executives, along with their significant others, will expect to entertain Mr. Kantaro at dinners, cocktail hours, and so on."
"I understand," Steve said, starting to feel suspicious.
"Obviously, security is as high of a priority at these events, and yet harder to arrange," the governor continued. "Also, Mr. Kantaro, who is single, usually has his sister accompany him. It can be . . . awkward, to say the least, to mingle alone in a predominantly couple-oriented social gathering. However, Mr. Kantaro's sister is unable to make the trip this time, so he has personally requested that a member of the security team be assigned as his companion at these events. I've agreed that it would be a good plan, to kill two birds with one stone, if you will: eliminate the awkwardness of having to attend events solo, as well as have a member of the security team as close as possible to Mr. Kantaro."
Steve studied the governor for a moment. "Forgive me, Governor Jameson, but it almost sounds to me like Mr. Kantaro has asked for a . . . personal escort for his trip; and it sounds like you've agreed. And volunteered one of my team without so much as consulting me."
"It seemed to be a reasonable request," the governor said defensively.
"Fine, then," Steve said, nodding his head toward her. "I'll be delighted to accompany Mr. Kantaro myself."
"But that's not - you're not - he wouldn't -" the governor sputtered.
"Problem, governor?" Steve drawled. "Last I checked, even the Navy had repealed DADT. Are you assuming that Mr. Kantaro would require a female companion? Maybe you should check."
Governor Jameson smoothed down the front of her expensive tailored jacket and collected herself. "Amusing, Commander McGarrett. Yes, Mr. Kantaro does, in fact, require a female companion."
"And in the future, Governor, I'd appreciate it if that is a conversation that you would defer to my team," Steve said tersely. "I'll have Kono briefed for the role of primary personal security for Mr. Kantaro. She's already had some experience. She's familiar with the protocol, and she can hold her own with close quarter martial arts."
"Well, that would work under normal circumstances," the governor said nervously. "But I'm afraid in this case that would be completely unsuitable."
"And why would that be?" Steve said, standing up and crossing his arms over his chest.
Governor Jameson, not to be intimidated, stood as well. "Mr. Kantaro, like many Asian gentlemen, is . . .smaller in stature. He's specifically requested that he be assigned someone who will not tower over him. You've obviously never had to take that into consideration, but . . ." she trailed off uncertainly, finding herself in the cross hairs of a patented SEAL stare.
"So you're saying you've already agreed that Officer Nolan will serve as Mr. Kantaro's . . . primary security officer," Steve said coldly. "You could have just said so, Governor, and saved yourself the mental gymnastics of justifying why you're treating this task force like as escort service."
Governor Jameson flinched as Steve's voice rose in volume and intensity on the last phrase. She pulled herself up to her full height and fixed Steve with a haughty gaze.
"May I remind you, Commander, that Officer Nolan is indebted to this office?" she said cooly, gesturing around her office with a manicured finger.
"No, ma'am, with all due respect, you may not," Steve said. "This office is, however, indebted to Officer Nolan. In the brief time that she's been a member of HPD and Five-O, Officer Nolan has gone undercover three times, bringing in a serial killer, a high-ranking MS13 member, and a kidnapper who was threatening the safety and financial interests of one of your personal associates. She's served admirably and effectively, protecting the state of Hawaii and its citizens. Before that, she was a highly decorated officer, and if you'd taken time to review her file, you would know that anything - anything - this office can do for her, is a mere token of appreciation on behalf of the United States government, which you claim to represent, in honor of her service on 9/11, which incidentally, was so far above and beyond the call of duty that it could have justifiably ended her career with a full benefits medical retirement. So, no, governor, you may not remind me, that Officer Nolan, or any other members of my team, are indebted to this office."
Governor Jameson stood speechless.
"Now, if you'll connect me with Mr. Kantaro's team, we'll begin coordinating with them, starting by making sure they understand that Mr. Kantaro as been, in agreement with your office, assigned one of the most exceptional officers ever to have served our fine state," Steve said, turning sharply to leave. "I'm sure that Mr. Kantaro, and his team, will have no problem treating Officer Nolan with the respect and courtesy she deserves. In fact," Steve added, "I'm reasonably sure that once you have taken time to . . . refresh your memory as to her qualifications, you'll agree that she was long overdue a promotion in rank while at HPD; and I expect her next salary and benefits statement to reflect that fact."
Steve didn't look back as he strode out of the office. He was thankful for the silent, solitary drive back to the palace as an opportunity to gather his thoughts. It didn't help much, and he was still radiating frustration and nervous energy as he stalked back into the Five-O offices, a dark scowl on his face.
"Whoa, babe," Danny said, raising his eyebrows. "I take it that did not go well?"
"No, it did not," Steve said tersely, pressing the heels of his hands against his eyes as the rest of the team filed out of their offices, curious as to the cause of his obvious frustration. "Guys, I'm sorry, but we're going to have to juggle two cases now: the investigation into Danny's little 'accident', and now we have a security detail we have to oversee."
Kono groaned. "Please, boss, not another rich businessman or politician," she pleaded. "Can't we just, I don't know - go shoot something?"
"I don't know," Danny said, attempting to lighten the mood. "These things usually mean we get to see you in evening wear, which, I must say, is always a delight."
The look on Steve's face told Danny that his attempt at humor was misguided.
"Or not," Danny added quickly. "Geez, Steven, who pissed in your Cheerios?"
Steve looked around, frowning. "Where's Jax? It would seem that the governor has taken it upon herself to volunteer her for a specific role in our next production."
Grover was the last to join them at the table. "She should be up in just a minute," he said easily. "Went to get batteries and took a few minutes to check inventory. What's up?"
"Security detail," Chin said grimly, and Grover rolled his eyes.
The elevator dinged, and Jax stepped out. When all the eyes of the team turned to her, she shot a panicked glance at Grover. He realized instantly that she'd misread the situation.
"Jax," Grover said quickly, "it seems the governor of our fair state has a special job just for you."
Danny tilted his head at Jax; he'd not missed the look of panic, nor the expression of relief that followed. She ignored him and looked at Steve instead.
"Why do I get the distinct impression I'm not gonna like my job?" she demanded, putting her hands on her hips. Kono stood next to her, in a show of feminine solidarity, her arms crossed.
"It was not my fault," Steve protested. "This guy we're protecting, Mr. Kantaro, needs someone to attend social events and provide security. Apparently, he's specifically ruled out someone taller than him," Steve said, glancing apologetically at Kono and Jax.
"Oh for crying out loud," Jax muttered. "All those years of police experience, all those paramedic classes - why bother, when all I needed was to be a haole. A short haole."
"What's this guy's deal?" Danny asked, frowning. "Is he just insecure about his height, or is he on some sort of power trip?"
"I have no idea," Steve said, reaching for his phone, which was buzzing in his pocket. "We can find out; the governor's office just sent over the preliminary file on Mr. Kantaro." Steve placed his phone on the smart table, and with a deft movement of his elegant fingers, Chin had the file open for viewing on the plasma screen.
"Well, no apparent reason for him to be insecure," Kono murmured appreciatively. The photos of Mr. Kantaro revealed a handsome, barely middle-aged man, built much like Danny: shorter, yes, but undeniably fit, with powerful shoulders. His dark, almost black hair had streaks of silver at the temples.
Steve scowled even further and Kono repressed a giggle in the interest of his blood pressure.
"Kantaro will be here in twenty-four hours," Chin noted, flipping through the other information and trying to get the team back on track. "That's not a lot of time to prepare. How do you want to divide the workload between security detail and investigating the set-up?"
"We keep the same focus on the set-up; we'll just have to work in paperwork and research around security," Steve said. "Sorry, Danny; you know we want answers."
"I know, babe," Danny said. "We'll get it figured out."
"Okay, as far as the security detail goes," Steve said, "we'll have to work out the final details once I can consult with Kantaro's team. They've been told that we will take lead while they're on the island, but we'll use whatever information they give us, especially intel on any perceived threats. In the meantime, Chin, you'll take tech - we'll need two-ways, especially a discreet earpiece for Jax. Danny, you'll work with Chin on this one, since you're still not at one hundred percent with your knee, and you'll both be comms and surveillance. Grover, you and I will be in the background, in full tac. Kono, I'm going to insist that you shadow Kantaro and Jax. You'll have an invitation to any social events; we'll see if we can pair you up with someone in his personal detail."
"If not, I imagine we could enlist support from, oh, say, the US Marshal Service," Danny teased, his eyes twinkling.
"Jax, you'll be the closest and final line of defense for Kantaro himself. If someone gets to him, that means they've made it past us," Steve said. "You'll need to brush up on your close quarter combat. In fact, you and Kono go ahead - work in some sparring this afternoon."
"Right now?" Kono asked, excitement lighting up her features.
"Yes, yes, right now," Steve said, waving them off.
Jax shot him a delighted grin, and he found himself smiling back at her, some of the tension and strain evaporating.
"Bye," Kono yelled over her shoulder. She tugged Jax into the elevator, wanting to make their escape before something happened to detain them.
"Should we warn HPD that they're coming over to use the gym?" Chin wondered aloud.
"Are you kidding?" Grover asked, incredulous. "Every officer on shift would find some reason to be in the gym. Law and order would be overthrown while HPD watches them spar."
Steve grinned, nodded and then returned to pulling up the files with Chin, looking at the preliminary information. They murmured over arrival procedures, already engrossed in planning.
Danny chuckled, then glanced at the closing elevator doors. "Hey, what did we miss, earlier?" he asked quietly, looking at Grover. "There was a look. I definitely saw a look."
Grover looked down at Danny, impassive. "You've got more than enough on your mind right now, Williams," he said, kindly. "And I don't want to put what is just speculation on my part on top of that. She's fine; if I thought otherwise, I'd say so. On that you have my word."
Danny studied Grover for a moment, then smiled, satisfied with his answer. "Well, it goes against my instincts not to meddle, but you're a good partner, and Jax trusts you, so I will too." He turned and called to his partner. "Steve, let's go see what Charlie has in the lab."
Steve nodded, indicating a file to Chin, and then fell in step with Danny and headed to the elevator.
"Charlie, anything?" Steve asked, pushing through the double doors into the lab.
"Invista IR compliant nylon," Charlie said.
"In English?" Danny retorted.
"Definitely military grade," Steve said. "Which may or may not be significant; it can be purchased at surplus, I'm sure."
"But someone who would have access to both Steve's blood, and military grade elastic cording . . . " Danny said. "That combination seems significant."
"No kidding," Steve said. "Thanks, Charlie."
#*#*#*#*#
When Steve and Danny returned to the office, Chin was waiting for them with an update.
"We've heard from Mr. Kantaro's security team," he said. "It consists of six members; three of whom are already en route here. They expect to arrive at our office in the morning for preliminary briefing. The other three are with Mr. Kantaro on his flight."
"It's a tight time schedule," Steve said, "which is a challenge for us, but from a security perspective, I like it. If we don't have a lot of notice, that means no one else does, either. Any indication of whether or not they suspect a threat?"
"Not that I can tell," Chin replied, "it seems fairly routine."
"That would be nice, for a change," Danny said.
"Since I assume we will be pretty much on-duty for twenty-four seven during this security detail," Grover said, coming out of his office, "I'd sure like to go on home and spend the evening with Renee and the kids."
"Absolutely," Steve said. "Go ahead, all of you, get out of here." He frowned, remembering that Danny still didn't have the Camaro back. "Danny, do you have Gracie this evening? We can get a car from HPD motor pool."
Danny looked at his watch. "You know, I haven't called Rachel to update her; I'm sure she'd be fine with me having Gracie this evening. Yeah, that would be great."
"Come on, let's head on over there," Steve suggested. "You can call Rachel on the way."
#*#*#*#*#
They ended up at the gym, while waiting for a car to be brought around for Danny.
"That, my friend, is a thing of beauty," Danny said, watching Kono and Jax spar. They were in a corner of the gym, out of the way, but still attracting more than a few appreciative glances. "It's poetry in motion," Danny added.
Steve scowled again, and a few officers decided they needed to be . . . elsewhere.
"I've never seen you jealous," Danny commented. "You barely noticed the men falling over themselves at Catherine's feet."
Steve looked down, abashed. "I . . . it's different."
"Oh, it's definitely different," Danny agreed. "For one thing, Catherine was well aware of her effect on the male species. As is Kono, for that matter. Jax, on the other hand . . . is delightfully oblivious. Which, honestly, always worried me a little."
"Worried you?" Steve asked. "Block with the flat of your arm, not the side," he called out, and Kono and Jax both nodded.
"Yeah, worried me," Danny continued. "Because, honestly, she didn't understand that guys were hitting on her. Like it never crossed her mind that they would. And worried me because . . . well, why wouldn't it cross her mind? I mean, I'm careful to praise Gracie for being smart, and kind, and all that. I know to do that, I'm a good parent. But, I do tell Gracie that she's beautiful, too, you know?
"Gracie is beautiful," Steve agreed, smiling. "She looks like Rachel," he couldn't help but add, and Danny smacked him playfully.
"Yes," Danny said then, sighing. "She does look like Rach, doesn't she?" He fell silent and pensive for a moment, then pulled his attention back to Kono and Jax. "You think she can hold her own? I know she had to be good to make SWAT, but it's been a while."
Steve nodded. "She's looking pretty good; I know she and Kono hit the gym and Kono's had her train with her martial arts instructor a few times. She will always have the element of surprise to her advantage; no one expects her to be dangerous to them, so if she hits first and hits fast she always has an excellent chance of a good outcome."
"Okay," Danny said slowly, "that's how Steve the Navy SEAL would describe one of his team members. Tell me how Steve the person feels about sending Jax in on this operation."
"I don't like it," Steve said bluntly. "I don't like that the governor set it up without discussing it with us; I don't like that we don't know anything about this guy; and I don't like . . . I just don't like the whole idea of it."
"You don't like the idea of Jax accompanying a wealthy, nice-looking guy around the island for several days," Danny said. "And then there's also the idea that she might be put in danger. But mostly, you don't like the idea of Jax hanging out with another guy." Danny raised his eyebrows at Steve, daring him to disagree.
"Fine, Danny," Steve said, exasperated. "I don't like it, okay? But it's the job."
"And if it wasn't the job?" Danny asked. "I think . . . I think you're realizing that you've committed to someone without even realizing it, and now you're wondering if she feels the same way."
Steve's silence was enough answer for Danny.
"You big lug," Danny said. "Nut up and tell her. Here comes Travis, he must have brought the car over, I gotta go. Remember what I said, Steve," Danny said, walking away. He called back over his shoulder, perhaps a little more loudly than necessary, "grow a pair."
Kono glanced over, amused, and then staggered backwards when Jax took advantage of her distraction, and landed a neat combination that at full power would have easily knocked her off her feet.
"Hey," Kono said loudly, laughing, and the two of them dissolved into giggles, playfully wrestling and poking each other.
Steve watched them, shaking his head in fond amusement.
"Come on, boss, show us what you've got," Kono called out.
Steve hesitated, then shrugged and went over to the mat. He unlaced his boots and toed them off. "Okay, so both of you need to work on your blocking," he started.
Another hour flew by as Kono and Jax learned and practiced some of the finer points of close quarter combat. Steve nodded in satisfaction as Jax perfected a tricky block and punch combination.
"Good," he said, absently rubbing his jaw where she'd made contact. "That's excellent," he added, losing his train of thought as she stood in front of him, flushed, eyes sparkling, her hair in damp ringlets around her face.
"Now, you have to practice doing that in heels and a dress," Kono pointed out, laughing.
Jax scowled as she started pulling of her sparring gear. "Is it too late to ask for a transfer back to SWAT? Seriously. I never had to wear heels in SWAT."
#*#*#*#*#
They met up outside the HPD locker rooms and headed for the parking lot.
"I'm starving," Jax announced, seeming somewhat surprised by the idea.
"Good," Steve said, smiling at her. "Take out or cook?"
"Oh, let's cook," she replied. "We won't see the inside of a kitchen until this guy goes home, I'm sure. If you'll grill something, I'll make those potatoes you like."
"With the green stuff, and the cheese?" Steve asked, his face lighting up.
"Chives," Jax laughed, "and yes."
They were almost to Steve's truck when his phone rang. He reached for it apprehensively. "Danny," he said, relieved. "What's up?" He glanced at Jax, mouthing 'Danny and Gracie for dinner' at her, smiling when she nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, man, that would be great. We're heading there now. Jax is making those potatoes."
#*#*#*#*#
It was a perfect late afternoon; the sun well past the glaring light of mid-day, the air warm, and the breeze gentle. Steve and Jax had slipped into swimwear and waited in the chairs by the water, anticipating Danny and Gracie's arrival, and mulling over the unlikely situation of Steve's blood on Danny's car.
"It's downright creepy, is what it is," Jax was saying, and then they could hear Gracie's voice as she came barrelling around the side of the house.
"Auntie Jax! Uncle Steve!" she called out, her little feet carrying her to them at top speed, her pigtails flying out behind her. Danny followed more slowly, still favoring his knee, but with a wide smile on his face.
"Hey, Gracie!" Steve said, standing and swooping her up as she leapt into his arms. "You smell like sunscreen. What, you think you're going to swim or something? That's a crazy idea."
"Uncle Steve," Gracie laughed, "I don't have any homework! I got it all done while Danno talked to mommy, and they both said that I could swim, if it's okay with you."
"Of course it is," Steve said, putting her down gently. "We had the same idea, see?"
Gracie turned to Jax, and grinned widely when she saw that Jax, too, was wearing a swim top and board shorts. "Auntie Jax, will you swim with me?" she asked, throwing herself into Jax's lap and winding her arms around Jax enthusiastically. "Danno says that you caught a bad guy by pretending to be his sister and that it was a lot of fun and that for once you didn't get hurt. Can you tell me all about it? That sounds like a case that mommy wouldn't mind me talking about."
Jax chuckled and wrapped her arms around Gracie, dropping a kiss to the top of her head.
"I'm so glad you didn't get hurt, Auntie Jax," Gracie continued, snuggling her head into the crook of Jax's neck. "Mommy says that probably means that you're developing a . . . a long-absent sense of self-preservation. I'm glad. I love you and Uncle Steve, I worry about you getting hurt."
Jax felt Gracie's little arms tighten around her, felt the weight of her head tucked against her shoulder. She rubbed Gracie's back as she stood up, Gracie's legs wrapping around her waist.
"I need to just run and turn the potatoes on to cook, so they'll be ready later," Jax said, gently untangling herself from Gracie. "I'll be right back to swim with you, okay?"
Gracie looked after her as she walked back toward the house.
"Danno," Gracie said, looking up at her father earnestly. "What did I do to make Auntie Jax sad?"
"What? No," Danny protested. "She's not sad, honey."
"Danno," Gracie said, giving him the eyebrow arch she inherited from her mother, "her hug was sad, and she hiccuped. You know, like you do when you're about to cry."
Danny looked at Steve, confused, and got a shrug and a head shake in return.
"Okay, Gracie, let's do this," Jax said, coming back out of the house, this time carrying a handful of towels and a Longboard, which she handed to Danny.
"Bless you," Danny said, accepting the drink gratefully.
"Figured, the last couple of days, you earned it," Jax said, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
Gracie had already pulled Steve into the water, and Jax started to follow, but Danny caught her hand.
"Hey, kid," he said, his blue eyes filled with concern. "You okay? Everything okay?"
"Yeah, Danny," Jax said, smiling back at him. "I mean, this case is wild, with Steve's blood on your car, but you're okay, he's okay . . . and apparently I get to play dress-up and hang around with Hawaii's rich and powerful for a few days. Plus, Gracie time. What's not to be okay?" She squeezed his hand and then took off to join Steve and Gracie in the water.
Danny sighed and settled in the chair, enjoying his beer and watching his two best friends play with his little girl. After a while, Steve emerged from the water and joined him, swiping a swig of his beer and dripping on him.
"Hey," Danny protested half-heartedly.
Steve flopped into the chair beside him. A slow, soft smile spread over his face, prompting Danny to laugh fondly.
"Smitten Face," he pointed out. "Such a nice alternative to the Aneurysm Face you were sporting earlier."
Steve ducked his head and smiled. "You're right, you know," he said.
"Of course I am," Danny responded. "What am I right about this time?"
"Me. Jax. Me and Jax," Steve said. "Me, telling Jax how I feel about her. I'm going to find the right time, and the right place, and tell her that I'm committed to her. That I'm in love with her."
"Well, there you go," Danny said, raising his bottle to Steve. "To growing a pair."
Steve laughed, and they continued to watch Jax with Gracie, teaching her how to dive perfectly through the small breakers. Finally, Gracie had tired and was ready to dry off and have dinner, and she led Jax by the hand back to the chairs.
"Auntie Jax is going to let me help with the potatoes," Gracie said proudly. "Ugh, my legs are so tired they're like jello," she commented, and Steve promptly picked her up and tossed her onto his shoulders. She squealed with delight.
Danny beamed at them, his eyes crinkling in a smile. The crushing weight of anguish over the thought of having hurt someone else's little girl lifted, and he allowed himself to revel in the relief. The only thing missing was Rachel by his side, but he dismissed the thought before it could ruin the moment. Besides, he thought, he did have his adorable former rookie back in his life, that was something.
He reached out for Jax's hand, looking over at her, and caught her watching Steve and Gracie, an expression of wistful longing on her face. He snagged her hand and tugged on it, watched as she schooled her features before looking at him.
"Hey," he said, softly, out of earshot of Steve and a laughing Gracie. "You okay, rookie? It's just . . . something seems off."
"I'm good, Danny," Jax said quickly. "I'm past starving, though, and I bet Gracie is, too. Let's get this show on the road."
Steve deposited Gracie in the kitchen and grabbed a bag of marinating chicken out of the fridge. As he passed behind Jax at the counter, he paused and bent his head, kissing her neck, exposed by the loose elastic holding her curls away from her face. His free hand drifted to her hip, his thumb brushing over the scar peeking up over the waistline of her board shorts.
She shivered a bit, and smacked his hand away playfully, aware of Gracie watching them, her brown eyes wide.
"What," Steve drawled, "Gracie doesn't mind, do you kid?" He winked at her, and she broke into a huge smile.
"Step Stan doesn't do that with mommy," she observed innocently.
"Really? Hunh," Danny said. "Then Step Stan is a foolish, foolish man. Okay, learn how to make Jax's secret potatoes, Gracie, so you can cook for your poor dad later."
Gracie nodded enthusiastically, and Danny followed Steve out to the grill, grabbing each of them a Longboard on the way.
"This is nice," Danny observed, handing Steve a bottle and sighing contentedly.
"Wait, this is you, admitting that you like Hawaii?" Steve teased, arranging the chicken on the grill. "Let me write this down."
"This is me, admitting that I like this," Danny said, gesturing toward Steve and the beach past him, and back toward the kitchen, where they could hear Gracie's giggles. "I just . . . does Jax seem okay to you?"
Steve glanced back toward the house. "She's been a little quiet today, but that happens sometimes. It's . . . maybe it's just September."
"That's true," Danny said, nodding. "You know what - I know September has a lot of bad memories for us, but it also marks the beginning of Five-O. Let's plan something, for the team, once we get past this security detail. Something positive to associate with September, to look forward to."
Steve nodded in agreement, flipping the chicken over. "Danny, that's a great idea."
"Danny had a great idea?" Jax teased, coming out of the kitchen, bearing a bowl of fragrant mashed potatoes. Gracie followed behind, proudly carrying a set of plates and silverware.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did," Danny said, taking the bowl from Jax. "A first annual celebration of Five-O as a team. This month marks two years, two new team members . . . it's something to be celebrated." He paused, running a rough hand over Jax's unruly curls. "Something to look forward to, every September," he added softly.
Jax glanced at Steve, who was looking at her with the tender smile that she was pretty sure he reserved just for her, the one that made her feel warm and safe inside.
"Yeah," she said, smiling back at him, and nodding at Danny. "That's a great idea, Danny."
"Can I come?" Gracie chimed.
"Of course," Steve said, scooping her up in his arms and handing her the tongs. "In fact, we're going to count on you to help plan the event. Flip the chicken one more time. What do you think we should do to celebrate Five-O?"
"Well, there should be swimming," Gracie said, and proceeded to list a few more activities she considered essential.
Danny had dropped his arm around Jax's shoulders, and pulled her to him, kissing her temple. She leaned against him and sighed, and he was pretty sure that he heard what Gracie had called a hiccup; that little hitch in her breath. He squeezed her tighter. Steve was probably right; September just brought back a lot of painful memories for all of them.
Dinner was delicious, and Gracie was quick to assure Danny that she could duplicate the potatoes at home. As the sun started to set, Danny informed a reluctant Gracie that they needed to help clean up and then head for home. Steve and Jax led the way into the kitchen first, with the leftover food, while Danny and Gracie stacked the plates.
Danny rolled his eyes as he and Gracie entered the kitchen. True to form, Steve had been unable to resist the curve of Jax's neck, and he was busy tracing a line of kisses from under her jaw to her collarbone, his strong arms braced on either side of her, leaning on the kitchen counter.
"Hey," Danny mock protested, covering Gracie's eyes. "Wait and traumatize your own kids with that stuff," he laughed.
Danny saw her hands clench into fists, saw Steve pull back in confusion as he felt her flinch beneath his lips, felt and heard her sharp intake of breath. It all clicked into place in one brilliant, clarifying instant, and sometimes Danny wondered if the intuition that made him such a good detective was a blessing or a curse. The pieces slotted together like a jigsaw puzzle: that morning, in his office, his offhand comment that being a parent made things different; Gracie's comment that Jax's hug had seemed sad; the expression on her face watching Steve with Gracie.
"Oh, babe," Danny sighed. Steve looked between the two of them, confused.
"Gracie, honey," Danny said quietly, bending down and turning her around to face him. "While there is still plenty of light, I want you to go down to the chairs and gather up the towels for us, okay? Bring them back to the back porch and then wait there for Danno."
Gracie looked between the three adults and nodded solemnly, her eyes wide, and wise beyond her years. "Okay, Danno," she said, and immediately slipped out the back door.
"Jax, honey, I am so sorry," Danny said, leaning against the counter next to her; close, his hip resting against hers. "I didn't mean . . . I've been thoughtless more than once today. It just didn't cross my mind, but it should have."
Steve had taken a half step back, and stood facing the two of them, his face still clouded with confusion. Jax was stubbornly looking at the floor, so Danny looked at Steve instead, patiently, waiting for it to register. Steve wasn't Naval Intelligence for nothing; he just lacked the experience Danny had gained as a husband and father. Steve was looking back at Danny, searching his face for clues.
Danny took Jax's hand again, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "Do they know for sure?" he asked, quietly, his eyes still on Steve, watching, waiting . . . and there. Realization.
"No," Jax muttered. "The doctors said that I might not be able . . . nothing for sure, it's just . . . I didn't think I would ever - I didn't think it would ever matter. I hadn't really thought about it, until today. Until . . . today, and with Gracie and -" she stopped, biting her lip.
"Ku'uipo," Steve sighed, settling next to her on the other side. He reached out, giving Danny's shoulder a squeeze of thanks before he wrapped his hand, strong and sure, around Jax's shoulder, kissing the top of her head gently.
Jax let out a strangled giggle. "This is getting ridiculous. You guys must be so sick of this scenario; each of you flanking me while we have some sort of heart-wrenching revelation. At least we're not on the bathroom floor this time; I don't think Danny's knee could take it."
"Babe, no, that's not true," Danny said. "You've just been carrying everything alone for so long, you're just new to the idea that you don't have to. You have people here for you Jax, you know that, right?"
Jax nodded as Danny kissed her on the cheek.
"So, from an injury, sweetheart?" Danny asked, his voice rough with emotion.
Jax nodded again, twisting her fingers together as she studied the tile pattern of the kitchen floor.
Danny couldn't bring himself to ask more; he wasn't sure he wanted to know the answers. Besides, Gracie was waiting patiently. Danny sighed.
"Jacqueline Nolan, I want you to listen to me," he said firmly. "This is just one more evidence that you've survived stuff that would have put most of us in a retirement home, and you're still gearing up and kicking ass. Okay? Don't you forget it. The only problem you have is trying to deal with everything alone, and you don't have to do that anymore. You have the team, and family here . . . and Malia," he reminded her gently. "So, okay, you maybe talk to her, when you're ready. Yeah?"
Danny reached out and gave Steve's arm a firm squeeze. "And Steve?" he added, over his shoulder, as he went out the back to collect Grace, "I'm pretty sure that the right time and place you were going to look for is here and now, buddy."
The sound of the back door opening and closing gently was followed by the sound of the car starting, the unfamiliar engine sounding out of place as it left the driveway, and then there was just the sound of the ocean. Steve's arm was still firmly around Jax, his big hand still wrapped securely around her shoulder, holding her close to his side.
"Jax," he said, softly, not entirely sure what would follow.
She covered her face with her hands, and he curled his arm, pulling her around, and wrapped his other arm around her as well.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice muffled by her hands, and his chest.
"What for?" he asked, one hand going up to slip the elastic out of her hair. He rubbed his fingers through her curls. "What are you apologizing for, Jax? Because you had damn well better not feel like you need to apologize for having been . . . hurt. At some point."
"It's just . . . it's a weird thing to bring up," she said. "It's . . . and with Danny . . . and you. And you and I - we never - I mean . . . I'm just sorry it came up. It's awkward and humiliating and . . ."
"Shh," he whispered. "No way." He felt her relax a little bit, so he continued letting his fingers comb gently through her curls, until finally, he felt her hands slip away from her face, and slide around his side to wrap around his waist. "That's more like it," he murmured, cradling her face against him.
She could hear his heart beating, steady and strong, and she inhaled the familiar smell of detergent, and ocean, and . . . Gracie's sunscreen. Images of him holding Gracie, carrying Gracie on his shoulders, teaching her to manage the grill . . .
He felt her breathing hitch, and he instinctively tightened his hold on her.
"Hey," he said quietly, "you know how you can see the stars so much better here, than you could in New York?"
She nodded against him.
"And you know how usually we're too late, or too exhausted, or too . . . busy," he chuckled, "to enjoy the stars? Let's go outside."
She looked up at him, confused, but he was just smiling that same slow, tender smile; so she nodded and let him take her hand and lead her outside. He grabbed the soft, familiar quilt from the back of one of the lanai chairs, and headed toward the sand.
He deftly flicked the quilt out and sat down on it, pulling Jax gently down next to him.
"You're . . . smiling," Jax said, befuddled. She cupped his face in her hand, her thumb tracing lightly over his bottom lip.
"Yeah," he agreed, "I'm smiling. Because . . . well, I sat out here not too long ago and admitted to Danny that watching you and Gracie . . . the thought crossed my mind . . . "
She pulled her hand away abruptly.
"Then, you should - you deserve someone -" she broke off, trying desperately not to dissolve into sobs on the spot. She wanted to look away from him, but he was holding her face gently, and the look in his eyes . . .
"You know how you're always having to remind me that I'm missing the point?" he asked.
She couldn't help it; she grinned. It was true. He had a tendency to do that.
"I think you're missing the point," he said, bending and kissing her with careful intent, making her feel like she was infinitely precious.
"What . . . what's the point?" she asked, slightly breathless.
"Jax, the point is that I've never even thought about that before," he said, tracing his finger over her cheek. "I've never looked at another woman and thought about . . . a future. About kids. You're the first, ku'uipo. That's the point."
"Oh," she breathed, her eyes widening. "But then, don't you - I mean, what if -"
"Still missing the point," he said softly, and kissed her again, silencing her objections. "Why tonight? Why did it upset you tonight?"
"Because with this case, with Danny . . . he was so upset, he said I wouldn't understand, until I had kids; and then Gracie came over, and she's so cute, and funny, and . . . watching you with her, God, you're just so amazing with her and it made me want -" she broke off and put her hand over her mouth. Her eyes widened almost comically. "Holy shit," she mumbled.
Steve smiled again, his eyes glinting almost feral in the moonlight. He cupped one hand around her face, the other hand warm on her hip, his thumb tracing over the scar there.
"Say it," he whispered. "Please, say it."
"It made me wish I could have a baby, some day," she whispered.
He pulled her close to him, his lips hovering over hers, his hand sliding around to the back of her neck.
"A baby?" he said, his hand squeezing just slightly.
She shivered slightly; he'd always been so careful with her, so cautious . . . he'd never been possessive and she wondered if she was seeing a side of him that he had kept carefully tucked away. But she hadn't applied to SWAT for nothing; there was always that part of her that loved the thrill of taking a risk, pushing the limits . . .
"Or a puppy," she murmured. "Maybe a hamster -"
She broke off as he growled playfully and kissed her again; short, sharp little nipping kisses.
"Say it," he repeated, and she could feel him smiling against her lips. "Our baby," he whispered, each syllable a kiss brushed against her.
He felt her smile back, felt her actually trying to form the words, and then he was reaching for her as she pulled away from him, her hand pressing against his chest, strong, violent, pushing him back.
She tried, she really did, to say the words; but she couldn't get the sound to go around the lump in her throat. How could she say it, when it might be the one thing she couldn't give him?
He stilled, frozen, as she held him literally at arm's length, and decided to give him everything that she could, in that moment.
"I love you," she blurted, choking back a sob. "I love you," she whispered, tears spilling over. She started to brush them away impatiently, but his hands were there; soft, careful; and then he was kissing her cheeks.
"Now, ku'uipo," he said, his lips brushing away the tears, "now you've got the point."
He smiled at her again, looking into her eyes, holding her gaze, waiting . . . there.
"Oh," she breathed out, a soft smile starting to form.
He kissed away the last tear. "I love you," he said, "I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm in, Jax. No matter what."
She fisted her hand in his shirt, then, and pulled him in, kissing him without reservation, holding nothing back. When she finally pulled away, slightly dizzy - mentally cursing, again, his damn SEAL lung capacity, which had him smiling smugly at her - he was looking at her with concern.
"Jax?" he whispered, brushing away tears from her cheeks.
She laughed then, rolling her eyes at herself. "I'm such a girl," she muttered.
His hand wrapped around her neck again, and her hip, and he pressed her gently but surely down onto the quilt, easing his body over hers. "I've noticed," he said, his voice raspy, as his hand tightened around her hip. He kissed her, slow and sweet, and then pulled back and looked at her, that glint back in his eyes.
"There's no one else, Jax," he said, "and there won't be anyone else; not as long as I'm with you."
"Is that a news flash or an order . . . Commander?" she asked, running her foot up the back of his calf, making him shiver.
"Both," he said decisively, nipping at her lower lip.
"Aye, aye, sir," she whispered, her hand slipping inside his board shorts.
Once again, his subconscious supplied helpful commentary:
Hooyah.
#*#*#*#*#