The next three days were rough on all of them as Steve battled the pain which he described as his legs and groin area feeling as though they were on fire. The pains would cause muscle spasms which would add to his discomfort and as expected he battled with Danny every time his partner tried to get him to take the medication. He would eventually cave in and take the pills but never without a fight.
On the fourth day his pains were not as intense and the Doctor decided it was time to attempt to get him back on his feet.
Steve wanted only Danny and Chin in the room during this so after embracing Catherine and Kono the ladies stepped out into the hallway to wait.
Chin and Danny stood to the side as Doctor Seiler spoke, "Are you ready Steve?"
"Yes sir, absolutely"
"Now we're going to do this very slowly, we've got all day if necessary"
"All day? Where are we going?"
The Doctor smiled, "All the way to that window and back" He pointed to the window fifty feet from the bed.
Steve smiled back, "A lofty goal Doc"
They all chuckled and the Doctor added, "You laugh young man but this will be a lot more difficult than you think. You've been off your feet for twelve days now and this will be painful"
"I'm ready Doc"
"Okay, so let's sit you up first. Danny can you help me here please"
Danny moved in close, sliding an arm behind Steve's back.
Slipping his arm around his partner's shoulder, Steve tried to pull himself up drawing a reprimand from Danny. "HEY Superman, slow it down"
The Doctor reached across Steve's body grabbing his arm and helping Danny pull him upright.
Steve moaned slightly as Doctor Seiler gently slid his legs over the edge of the bed.
The Doctor stood back, allowing Chin to move to Steve's side. Chin smiled, "You okay boss?"
"Yeah, I'm good Chin" The small Asian man knelt down placing slippers on Steve's feet as the Doctor moved all the tubing and bags preparing for the walk.
The Doctor looked at the men, "Now Steve your legs are going to be very weak, so you lean on these two"
Danny and Chin took the Doctors cue and they lifted Steve up. The detectives held him firmly around the waist as Doctor Seiler placed his hands on the man's hips. "Steady now Steve. Are you dizzy?"
"Yeah…."
Danny and Chin held him tightly bearing his entire body weight as he shook uncontrollably.
Doctor Seiler placed a hand on the back of Steve's head pulling it down. "Steve listen to me carefully, don't talk. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. We're in no hurry" He rubbed the back of his patient's neck as Danny whispered encouragement to him.
"You're fine Steve, we've got you, deep breaths now. Relax and tell us when you're ready"
"Dann...nny I ffeel ssick"
"Do you gotta puke?"
"Nno….gimme' a minnutte..."
After several minutes Danny felt Steve's grasp on his shoulder loosen slightly, "Hey partner, you okay?"
"Yeah...the window…..llooks a llong wways away"
Danny grinned at him, "You're not so cocky anymore, huh?"
Steve lifted his head and smiled weakly, "Let's do tthiss….."
The Doctor stood in front of them taking hold of the pole which held the tubing and bags, "Now I just want you to start shuffling forward Steve"
With the help of Danny and Chin he followed the instructions stopping a short distance later.
"Shit, I feel…. ssso wweak"
Danny spoke softly, "Take your time, you're doing great babe"
It took twenty minutes to reach the window and the Doctor then asked, "Do you think you can make it back?"
Steve was sweating and it was clear that he was in pain as he responded, "Yeah...'m ggood"
Danny added, "Don't push too hard Steve. We can try again later"
Steve gritted his teeth, "Danno...'m good"
Danny looked at the Doctor, rolled his eyes at the stubbornness of his partner and added, "Ok, whenever you're ready"
They stopped several times on the way back to the bed but Steve refused to be carried.
Once they had him situated back in bed the Doctor offered pain medication, which of course...he refused.
Steve did accept a drink of water as the Doctor spoke, "You did well Steve, I know you're going to be quite sore after this so please don't give your friends here too much grief and take the pain medication if you need it. You're due to take the muscle relaxant and I'm going to insist that you take that. Now unless you have any objections I will schedule surgery for you tomorrow to close the colostomy wound and take you off the catheter now that you're mobile. I'll want to monitor you for a couple of days but once you're bodily functions are regulated we can consider sending you home"
"That's great...how soon?"
"Let's shoot for Friday. I can't see it happening before that though"
"Okay Doc"
"I'll have one of the Nurses bring in your medication. Have you changed your mind on the pain medication?"
"No...no pain meds...I'm fine"
"Would you like me to send the ladies back in?"
"Yes, please. Thank You"
"You're welcome. I'll stop up later to check on you"
Within the hour Steve began experiencing muscle spasms in his lower back and rear end and he finally gave in, taking the pain pill which promptly put him under.