******* HERE IT IS - the final chapter, I hope you like it ! ; I have been totally overwhelmed by all the kind reviews to this, as well as my other stories. Please know that taking the time to review provides great inspiration for me to update quickly and to continue with more stories - This was an emotional one for me to write as well and I also shed many tears. Again, thank you for all your support *************************************************

Kono sat with a sleeping Steve while Danny and Chin went to get them all breakfast. He started to wake a few minutes after they left.
As his eyes opened she could not contain the tears that fell from her dark eyes, "Hey boss, good morning. Welcome back"
"He lifted his hand to her cheek, wiping the tears. "Hey why are you crying? Do you know something I don't know?"

The laughter brought more tears, "No...No...Steve these are happy tears! You've had us so worried"

"So tell me the truth baby?"
She looked at him with concern, "What?"
"Me or Danno? Who's the better boss?" He smiled at her.
"Oh you Steve?"
He winked at her, "That's my girl!"
"I think I can speak for him in saying that he feels the same. We've missed you. We're so thankful that you're going to be okay"
"Thank you Kono. I love you"
"I love you too"

They visited quietly and the Doctor was examining him when Chin and Danny returned.
"How's he doing Doc? He's a stubborn one you know?"
"Oh shut up Danno...did you give me drugs last night when I told you not too?"

"See Doc? He always thinks he knows what's best"
The Doctor chuckled with the others, "Steven, you best listen to your friends, at least for a while...and that's an order!"
"I can't win can I?"
Doctor Yang looked at Steve, "Trust me young man, you are a big winner"
Steve scanned the faces in the room, "You're right Doc, I sure am"
"I'll be back up tomorrow. You're doing very well"
Steve shook the Doctors hand, "Thank You Doctor Yang, for everything"

Steve slept alot but when he was awake he was very coherent and talkative. Chin and Kono had gone into the office and Steve woke to find Danny sitting bedside, watching him with tears welling in his eyes.

"You and Kono are making me a little nervous with all these tears partner"
Danny blinked and wiping away the tears he sat forward in the chair and took hold of Steve's hand.
"I'm sorry. I just am so unbelievably relieved and thankful that you've come back to us. Steve...I almost had to make that call and I just wasn't ready to do that. When you were on the respirator after the heart attack and I sat watching that damn machine taking every breath for you...I knew your wishes and then..." tears were slipping down his cheeks as Steve squeezed his hand.

"What Danno?"
"I read the the letter Steve"
"Oh..."
"I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have read it but I needed to hear your words. I needed strength to make the right decision"

"Why are you sorry? I wrote that letter because I didn't want to leave this world without you, and the others knowing how I truly felt. I meant every word I wrote Danny. You have changed my life, and definitely for the better. I'm not upset you read it all. Did the others read it?"

"Yes. I was facing taking you off life support and I had never been that afraid in my life. I knew in my heart though that I couldn't do it right away. You had promised me that you would fight and I needed to give you some time. The Doctors said there was brain activity and until they told me that there was no hope I was not going to give up on you"

"And just think, if I had died you would have been the permanent leader of the 5-0 Task Force!"

"Man, I didn't even think of that" They both erupted in laughter and tears streamed down their cheeks as all the tension and fear left them. Danny added through his laughter, "You are really an asshole, you know that..."

After several minutes Steve continued, "You know I'm kidding you man. Thank you Danno. Thank you for being with me and for being willing to make that call if it had to be made. And thank you for not being too terribly anxious to make it! I love you and I trust you with my life and I always will. I guess I need to tell you that I didn't mean one part of that letter..."

"What are you talking about?"
"Well I meant what I said when I wrote it, but now things have changed. Wo-Fat...I can never stop looking for him Danny"

"I know partner. I understand. But you're not alone on that Steve and don't you ever forget that. I want that son-of-a-bitch just as much as you do and I know Chin and Kono feel the same. Once you're feeling better we'll start the search again"

"Danny, as much as I appreciate everything you've done in searching for him but please, no more secrets...let's do this together. If something were to happen to you I could never forgive myself"

"Okay deal, but that goes both ways Steve. We're partners and like you said, let's do it together"

Thanks Danno"

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Steve's recovery went very well and he was released a few days later.
He handled light office work from home for the next five weeks and on the eve of his return to the office the four were working on a file at his kitchen table.

Danny looked at the group, "I was thinking we should try out that Indian restaurant for dinner tonight, what do you think?"

They all looked at him dumbfounded as Chin spoke, "Danny, I don't think Steve would really want to go there"

Danny looked to his partner, "I will never step foot in that restaurant again, but now they deliver!"

They all smiled and soon they were enjoying the most wonderful Indian Cuisine on Steve's patio and life soon returned to normal for the Five-0 family.

THE END