The first twenty four hours were torturous on them all as they worked together trying to cool down Danny's fever ravaged body. At one point a couple hours after the surgery his fever spiked to 105.2 and the Doctor began to voice concerns about possible seizures. With him having already gone through two cardiac episodes this was a great concern to them all as his heart and body were in a weakened state.
Between the four of them there was very little quiet time as they took turns talking to the unconscious man, encouraging him to keep fighting.
One at a time they began to take turns sleeping on the nearby bed and Steve kept in constant contact with Rachel and Governor Denning updating them on his condition.
Finally, about forty eight hours after the surgery his fever began to break and over the next ten hours it steadily dropped to 102.4. Steve looked on hopefully as Doctor Scheiner examined him, "How's he doing Doc?"
"The fever dropping is a sign that the antibiotics are beginning to work. His blood pressure is still slightly low and he's not out of the woods yet, but this is a very, very good sign"
"How long until you can allow him to wake?"
"I don't want to rush that Steve. His body has endured a great trauma. Keeping him under is keeping him calm and it's helping him heal. I know it's hard on you all to see him like this, but it truly is the best thing for him right now"
Steve smiled, "Then we deal with a quiet Danno for a bit longer. I'm certainly not used to having his full attention, I'll tell you that!"
"Well keep talking to him. I have had many patients' wake from coma's to tell me that they heard everything their loved ones had said to them. I'm going to order another blood test to check his white cell count and I'll stop up tomorrow with the results. Do you have any questions?"
Steve shook his hand enthusiastically, "No, thank you Doc...thank you so much"
As the Doctor left, the four friends all hugged and shed a few tears as they all felt a small sense of relief that Danny was finally doing at least a bit, better.
With this news Chin and Kono left the hospital to sleep for a few hours and rest in their own beds while Steve and Cath continued the vigil. As Steve spoke to Danny the blonde detective's brain struggled to process what he was hearing...
'Where am I? Oh shit I hurt...my belly hurts...and my throat? Something is in my throat...I can't swallow. Steve? Is that you partner? Where am I? What's happening to me...I can't see you...I hear you though? I'm hot...why can't I move Steve? My God, what's wrong with me?'
Steve squeezed Danny's hand tightly, "I'm here partner, you're doing great babe. You're fever's going down and you need to keep fighting Danno. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere"
'I hear you Steve...fever...I've got a fever, okay...that explains things...I'm trying to fight Superman...but...damn I'm tired...I'm so fucking tired...You're talking about me being with you to meet Tyler? Who's Tyl...oh yeah...your son...Tyler is your son. Gracie...oh God I miss my little Monkey...I'll be with you Steve...I can't wait to meet Tyler...two McGarrett SEAL's ...Lord help me! I can't move Steve...why can't I move? I can feel you hand...please don't let go partner...please don't let go...'
Steve was talking to Danny softly, telling him about Tyler when he saw it...a single teardrop sliding down Danny's cheek. Without releasing his grip on his hand he stood and with his other hand he wiped the tear away and stroked Danny's cheek. Leaning close to his ear he whispered, "It's okay Danny...I've got you partner. You stay with me...it's okay"
This scene replayed itself throughout the night. Cath sat watching Steve as he tended lovingly to his partner. She knew Steve and Danny loved each other but to watch the dedication he exhibited to his ailing partner was inspirational. She knew Steve was special, but she was witnessing a side of him that made her admiration grow even more. As Steve recanted tales to Danny, she continued to wipe down his body as well as rub lotion on his still rash covered skin.
When Chin and Kono arrived in the morning Steve was able to give them the news that his fever was now down to 101.2 and that he had shed a tear. Steve looked optimistically at his team, "He's with us guys...he hears us. Danno's going to be fine"
Chin smiled adding, "Steve...he looks better today. He's color is better and I think his abdominal swelling is down"
Kono was all smiles, "YES...it's down quite a bit...it is, it really is!"
The Doctor came in a short time later confirming the good feelings in the room with his news, "His white cell count is in the normal range and he is definitely looking better. I think it's time to let him wake. His heart rate is strong and his blood pressure is rising. We're going to do this slowly and we need to monitor his pain level very carefully. We can't allow his heart to become overstressed. I'm going to remove him from the ventilator now and his body will involuntarily flinch, so Steve and Chin could you help by holding him down for me?"
"Of course" Kono moved in behind Steve to console Danny and once Steve and Chin were in position Doctor Scheiner pulled the long tube from his lungs in one fast, fluid motion. He coughed and gasped for air as the men held him tightly and Kono stroked his cheeks, whispering softly, "That's good Danny...just breathe baby...that's good, relax...relax"
It only took moments for Danny's body to relax and they all stood back so the Doctor could examine him.
Several minutes later he turned to the anxious group, "He's doing well. His breathing is good" Pointing to the Nurse he stated, "Caroline will stay here for the next hour to continually monitor him. He should start coming around in eight to ten hours. He's progressing well. Keep talking to him, encourage him. Caroline will hook up his IV drip for his pain medication and show you how to administer it. Do you have any questions?"
Steve smiled, "No Doc, we're all good...thank you so much for all you've done for Danny"
"Like I told you Steve, he's not in the clear yet...but he's progressing. He's a fighter"
Looking down at his partner's chest move rhythmically up and down the SEAL stated, "Yes he is Doc...yes he is"
After the Doctor left they all sat visiting and watching Danny for the next couple of hours until Kono looked to Steve.
"Hey boss, he's doing well. Why don't you go make your call now?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"The Robinson's...once he wakes you'll be pretty pre-occupied. There's time now"
Steve looked at them all and without saying a word he moved over to the table by the window and picking up the envelope he took out the phone number and dialed Kevin and Carmen Robinson.
************ MORE TO FOLLOW - hope you're still enjoying ! **************