Chapter 21: Of Rabbits and Beer
Monday brought a new antibiotic and admonition from the doctor for Danny to rest. The fever was gone but there were some 'bugs' in his culture and he wanted his patient to allow his body to heal.
So Williams found himself sequestered on the couch whilst his team mates did laundry and generally tidied the house. At one point a basket of clothing was dumped in front of him. He picked up someone's boxers and sneered.
"How do I tell 'em apart?" he muttered.
"Mine have flowers on 'em," Kono helpfully told him.
"Shit," he tossed the offensive thing back. With a laugh the woman sat beside him and handed him a t-shirt.
"I know Chin's stuff; we do laundry together all the time," she said.
"And Steve's?" Danny asked.
"Not this load," she said. Now Williams' sported a horrified look.
"No, just no!" he squeaked. "You did NOT put my stuff in with his!" This sent Kono into howling with laughter.
"Oh crap! I'm never gonna wear underwear again!" he covered his face, completely mortified.
"Ok, that's TMI!" Steve declared as he pulled the vacuum into the room. Kono kept giggling as she shoved Chin's t-shirt back at Danny. They sat in relative silence (well, occasional giggles or groans, depending) folding while the vacuum whipped around the room.
Soon a second basket was delivered by Chin and the original taken away. Now Danny's blushed anew as Kono expertly sorted the boxers into two piles, shoving his pile towards him.
"You act like you never did laundry before," she scolded him.
"Uh, it's a family of origin thingy," he said with an agitated wave of his hand. "Mom was kind of picky." He thought a moment, "Ok, she was really weird about laundry and stuff. I can handle washing Gracie's stuff with mine when I get her for a longer visit. And I helped Rachel when we were married. But after the divorce and all I guess Mom's programming took back over."
"Your mom have some issues?" she gently pressed. If Danny was going to let his barriers down she'd be willing to listen.
"More like several big magazine racks. I didn't think so growing up," he said, "I mean, it was different when I was at Granma's but I just figured it was normal."
"Like what," she asked, "unless I'm being too nosy."
"Well, laundry was done separately. And we all had our own soap," he said.
"I can understand that, I mean, my mom and dad used different types of soap," Kono pointed out.
"Same brand of soap. Each one in a plastic box with our names on them, in the shower, the tub and by each sink," he admitted. "I used to be confused when I went to friends' homes. There'd be one bar and I wasn't sure what to do." He stacked up his boxers and started on t-shirts.
"At least you don't go to that extreme," she said.
"Like I told Steve, it's different with your own child," he shook out the sage green shirt.
"Who chose this one out?" he asked as he looked at the subtle wave design.
"Chin," she shrugged. "He's better about picking things out a person would actually like. Me and Steve, we wanted to do more bold prints."
"Thank god for Chin," Danny said as he folded the shirt and reached for another.
"When you're cleared we'll go shopping," Kono offered. "The Governor has a tailor with your measurements and has matched some of your suits. Maybe you'll relent and let him use lighter cloth in deference to the climate." Danny snorted.
"Yeah, suppose so," he said. "But I'd prefer to shop with Chin. You're too much like Grace; I'd be decked out in florals and touristy stuff if I let you come!" She pretended to take offense and huffed at him.
"You'd look cute in hibiscus prints, Danny!" she insisted. "Yellows and pinks to highlight your skin tone." He put the basket over her head.
"That's a good look on ya, cuz," Chin said as he came back to claim the folded laundry.
"Williams is being mean!" she pouted from under the plastic weave.
"You're the one threatening me with pink and yellow flowery shirts!" he exclaimed. Chin lifted the basket and eyed Kono.
"Did you?" he asked.
"He'd be cu-ute!" she whined. And was rewarded with the basket plopped back on her head.
"Don't worry, bro, got your back," Chin said as he bumped fists with Danny. "Let's go put your stuff away."
"There's an away?" Danny asked surprised.
"Yeah, away," Chin nodded. "Steve's got a couple spare rooms and we've set one up for you for the time being."
"One for me?" he parroted.
"One for you until we can help you find a new place," Chin reassured him and led him into the room where he'd been sleeping. "I've been camped-out here, but when things return to what passes for normal in a couple days you'll sleep here."
Danny entered the bedroom. It was clean and airy, the windows open letting in the ocean breeze. Full of sunlight. Simple furniture and a double bed. Chin pulled open drawers and slipped his load of clothing in.
"I can stay here?" he asked tentatively.
"Yea, you can stay here," Chin smiled warmly. "Danny, you're ohana. You'd be with me and Kono if we had more room. You'll be safe here. When you're ready we'll look for a better apartment or condo for you. Nearer to us." Williams sank down on the bed still clutching his t-shirts.
"Ok," he said faintly.
"Ok!" Chin repeated as he took the t-shirts away and put them in another drawer. "Now, you need to eat before we give you the next round of antibiotics. What about some soup and a sammich?" Danny looked up curiously.
"Sammich?" he prompted. Chin blushed slightly.
"Grace's fault," he returned. "She calls 'em that. Said you did too."
"Yeah," Williams grinned. "We do. Never thought you guys, especially Mr. Ninja Seal, would."
"We-ell, to be honest, Boss man did have a little problem at first," Chin admitted not wanting to disclose what Kono had told him about the market run. "But you know your Grace, she had him sayin' sketti before the day was out."
A soft, loving look painted Danny's eyes as he thought of his daughter. The next thing he knew a hand was offered and he was pulled up. Following Chin they ended up in the kitchen. While the older detective fussed with the soup, Williams pulled sammich fixings out and assembled a stack for the team.
Wanting a little more, actually being hungry, he then dispatched several pieces of fresh fruit into a bowl. Papaya, banana, mango and melon created a pleasing salad. Chin smirked and quickly cut up pineapple to add to it.
"Hey! Don't go ruining a good thing!" Danny protested, a grin on his lips.
"You can eat around it!" Chin tossed back with an equally silly smile. "And for a guy from Jersey I'd like to know how come you can cut up papaya and mango but not pineapple."
"Never said I couldn't," the smirk was back. "Just don't unless Gracie asks."
"Ah," Chin gave an all-knowing smile.
Soon Kono and Steve wandered in and found lunch just about ready. Iced tea was poured out and large mugs of soup made their way to the table. Sammiches were looked over and selected.
"Oooh, fruit salad!" Kono grinned happily as she speared some papaya. "Good idea, cuz!"
"Eh, the Haole made it," Chin shrugged and the other two members of the team looked over at Danny.
"Ok, that's it!" Steve exclaimed. "I am so keeping you at home to cook for us!"
"I don't clean..." Danny glared.
"Don't need you to clean," Kono said as she took a large bite of a ham sammich. "Need dinner on the table and my lunch packed!" Williams just groaned as he pulled up a spoonful of broth.
"And a hot breakfast!" Steve added. "Most important meal of the day!" Danny tried a more icy glare.
"If I fed you every day like the last few days you'd lose your super ninja moves," Williams pointed out. "You'd be the 5-0 sumo team in no time flat!"
"Which would leave our Haole in charge of 5-0," Chin mused. "Yeah, I can see that!" Now Steve and Kono looks hardened.
"Just sayin', bros, a couple more french toast breakfasts and you'll be tubbos in the makin'," Chin said, nonchalant. Now he was the recipient of twin glares, (Danny was grinning, though). Chin moved to take his plate to the sink.
"I think it's time for a little run," Steve stretched his arms over his head, predatory smirk on his face.
"Yes, that's a good idea," Kono agreed. "We need to work off the 'sammiches'." They turned their eyes to Chin. Who could read them clearly.
"Oh no, I am not gonna be your rabbit!" he put his hands up in protest.
"Hmmm, a rabbit," Steve considered. "Think cuz would be a good rabbit?"
"Oh, definitely! And to make it more... interesting, did I ever tell you just how ticklish he is?" Kono smirked. Chin paled slightly.
"No! No way!" he complained as he edged out of the kitchen.
"Just how ticklish is he?" Danny asked as he speared some more fruit.
"Enough that he'll be our rabbit," Kono said as she gracefully stood up. "Boss?"
"After you, ma'am." Steve bowed in deference.
"Guess I get clean up," Danny sighed as he looked at the table.
By the time the two made it to the back door Chin was long gone, just a few footprints in the sand blending into the jumble already there. They jogged out onto the edge of the beach and scanned in both directions.
"There," Steve shaded his eyes and pointed south, the same way Danny had gone when he'd run into Kamekona. Chin had a decent head start and it would require some work to catch up.
Kono and Steve were soooo there!
Danny was elbow deep in suds cleaning the casserole when Chin sauntered back into the kitchen and picked up a towel and started drying.
"You guys back so soon? Not even gone half an hour," Williams commented. Chin smirked.
"I'm done, they're not," he snickered. Danny turned and took in the smug expression.
"Ok, bro, give," he said as he handed over the clean dish. Chin pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and wagged it playfully.
"Kono and da Boss, they have skills," Chin detailed. "Steve has more, but Kono, she can wipe my ass."
"Mine too," Danny agreed. "Got to keep on the girl's good side."
"But you and me, we top 'em in intelligence and street smarts," he continued.
"Oh, this oughta be good," Danny's smile spread.
"Let's see, I called a couple friends that enjoy running," Chin began. "May have let slip what I was wearing." They looked at the dark blue board shorts and sky blue shirt.
"Might also have mentioned I was being chased and that I'd appreciate a little help," he finished.
"So, you have two friends strategically placed on the beach running ahead of Steve and Kono," Danny summed up.
"Yea, wanna bet when they figure it out?" Chin grinned.
"I love ya, bro! That's sooo evil," Danny said. "They'll be gone for hours!"
It was about an hour into the chase that Kono pulled on Steve's shoulder causing him to stop. They'd caught up with Chin for the second time and for the second time it wasn't Chin!
"Something's not right, Boss," she panted out. "Chin is in good shape, but not that good!" Steve bent over to suck in air. They'd sprinted to catch up and he'd pushed himself hard.
"So, *pant pant* what d'ya think happened?" he asked.
"Gonna find a phone and call Danny," she decided. Before she could look around Steve pulled out his own phone and handed it to her. She flipped it open and speed dialed their Haole.
"mmm, Steve?" a sleepy voice came over the speaker phone.
"Did I wake you?" Kono felt guilty.
"mm uh, no. The phone started makin' a racket," Danny said. "Steve changed my ring tones again."
"Hey, aikane, you *pant* seen Chin?" Steve butted in. He could hear his 2IC rustling around.
"Yeah, he's on the chair watching the game with me. Looks like Steelers and Saints," Danny responded with a yawn.
"Been there long?" his voice hardened in suspicion.
"Gosh, Steve, I've been here over an hour," Chin said innocently. "Kind of lost sight of you two and figured I'd head back and help Danny with the dishes."
"YOU'VE BEEN HOME OVER AN HOUR!" Kono shrieked.
"Yeah, thirty minute run was enough for me," he said with a laugh. "Now I'm nursing a beer and munching while I watch the Saints trash the Steelers."
"Where you guys at?" Danny pushed himself upright on the couch.
"Just past the center," he grouched.
"ooh, you're about ten miles out! Great run, cuz!" Chin snickered.
A long string of curses filled the air.
"Should we drive down to get you?" Danny asked.
"Fuck yes!" Steve answered. "We'll be in the sports' bar. Bring some money." With a final growl he snapped the phone shut.
"Damn, he got us good!" Kono grumbled as she straightened up.
"Yeah," Steve said grudgingly. He stretched his back, vertebra popping into place. Waving his hand they started back up the beach towards the bar.
Chin made sure Danny felt up to the trip, taking his elbow and guiding him out to the truck. Although the fever was gone the man was still weak, his body fighting the infection. He wasn't quite sure this was a good idea, but he knew the Haole needed to be around his family.
Fortunately he found a close parking space and pulled the truck into the slip. He moved around and made sure to brace Danny as he slid down onto the pavement. It was telling that the normally stubborn man didn't complain but actually nodded his thanks.
Entering the cool bar they easily located Steve and Kono at a table next to the open windows. As they neared Chin pulled out both wallets and tossed 'em in front of the appropriate people. Kono was sulking as she ripped her ID out of her wallet. Chin grinned.
"Ah, got carded cuz?" he teased.
"Shut the fuck up," she stomped off towards the bar. He eased Danny into the seat closest to the window and sat down by him.
"Have a good run?" Danny asked innocently. Steve glared.
"Uh, beer, Haole?" Chin asked.
"Yeah, sounds good," he answered. "Snag a menu, want to eat a little." Before the older man could move a very lovely waitress stepped up and handed Danny a menu with a tempting smile.
"Ah, thank you, miss!" he said as he accepted the menu.
"I'm Mae, what can I get for you two gentlemen?" she perked.
"Oh, they're gentlemen and me and Kono were bums?" he growled. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a disdainful look.
"You come in all sweaty and sandy from da beach and expect us to give you a beer without id or money?" she asked incredulous.
"We'll vouch for them," Danny said sincerely, getting additional brownie points and a big smile from the waitress. Steve grumbled and looked up as Kono came back, beerless and glowering as well.
The waitress made a show of checking her card then noted down their order. Danny wanted nachos and coconut shrimp.
"You pregnant?" Steve snapped. "Weird combo, Haole!" The waitress frowned.
"You got a problem, mister? I can have you shown out!" she was quick to defend the nice gentleman and waved towards a rather large man by the door.
"It's ok, he's harmless," Danny said. "I've been ill and it's been hard to find food that sounds good to eat. It is a strange combination." He looked frail and the waitress melted a little more.
"Well, only because you say so I'll let him stay," she acquiesced, "but I'm watching you, buddy!" She glared at Steve. As she moved off Danny's face fell forward on to the table as his shoulders shook. Chin leaned over him quivering in laughter. It was rare to pull one over Steve so thoroughly. All he could do was sit and glare.
Kono looked at the three, Steve's anger versus Chin and Danno's helpless laughter.
"You know, I think they both got us," she said with a sniff. Then a giggle and finally laughter.
"All three of you are soo dead!" he growled. His threat was ruined by the smile that filled his face and the snickering that ensued. "And I want wings!"
When Mae came back with their drinks Chin put in Steve's request.
"You have the money to cover that?" she asked the Navy seal. He opened his wallet and shuffled through it.
No Cash.
He flipped through looking for his credit card. It wasn't there.
"Uh..." he hedged. Danny pulled out his wallet and handed her his card.
"It's ok, I said I'd cover him," he said benignly. Accepting his card she looked over at Steve.
"You'd better be nice, bro, I told Jim to watch," she warned the Navy seal.
"Eh, his bite is worse than his bark," Chin said. We'll take care of him. With a final glare she turned, stopped and turned around.
"Bite worse than his bark?" she queried. Steve gave his best predatory grin.
"Yep, you'd rather have him barking, trust us," Danny said as he lifted his bottle towards Steve. Mae scurried off. Turning his smile into something more friendly he clinked his 2IC's bottle. Chin and Kono raised theirs as well.
"To ohana," Danny proposed.
"Ohana," the other three intoned.