NA HALA A KA MAKUA - SINS OF THE FATHER

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or the characters.

A/N: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE REVIEWS, FOLLOWS AND FAVORITES AND I HOPE YOU'LL ENJOY THIS LAST CHAPTER. MAHALO AND ENJOY!

My sincerest gratitude to The Hutchlover for beta reading 106.453 words. Thank you for putting up with me and I truly loved working together!

As I promised; thanks to Sue2556 for giving me an subject idea to enhance this story with the conversation between Danny and Steve. I had been completely stuck for days on the conversation scene and I really had to write it before I could write the ending part. And as I was replying on your review, with a great comment, an idea popped up. Hope you like the way it turned out.

Enjoy reading everyone!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

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GENERAL WARD - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

Minutes after the nurse connected the IV back on, Danny tried to fall asleep. The nurse had given him a intramuscular injection of morphine which Dr. Cormier ordered. The medicine would begin to work in about 15 minutes, so knowing that, Danny closed his eyes. Only his mind had other plans because images rushed through his head. Julian standing in Danny's kitchen. The fight. The stabbing. The heavy weight of thinking his little girl was gone. Danny's eyes shot wide open. He didn't want to go back down that memory lane. He knew he would as long as he didn't face Julian. Earlier Danny hoped Steve would bring him into Julian's room, but instead they just went past the room.

Danny had two options or actually just one. He needed to go there himself. He needed to see the man with his own eyes and ask him that one question that otherwise would be stuck on his mind forever. Only to be doing such thing he needed to get out of bed and whether it was a smart thing to get up and walk to the other room on his own or not, he needed to go. Danny pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt lightheaded, but not like he couldn't think straight. Nevertheless he knew he had to get up and go over to the other room.

Tossing the blanket away Danny sat on the edge of the bed. He pulled the IV stand closer and held it tight while he stood up from the bed. Almost sagging, Danny grabbed the stand with both hands and pushed himself upright. The pain wasn't that present, so he assumed the medication was kicking in. A good thing, but it might make him drowsy in a bit, so he really had to move.

Dragging his feet step by step, Danny grasped every object as he walked along since it was harder to walk while taking the IV stand with him. He adjusted his route so he would have something to hold onto at all time. Something more firm than the IV stand, because if he sagged again he would take the thing with him for sure. He had been there and done that and he was not about to let it happen for a second time.

Making it into the hallway, walking went a little easier. His muscles were more relaxed and the pain in his back didn't flare up with every step. Holding the IV stand with his left hand, Danny grabbed the rail on the wall with his right and made his way over to the adjacent room. The HPD officer looked surprised as Danny was limping unsteadily towards him.

"Hey, is he awake? I need to talk to him." Danny asked.

The Hawaiian officer glanced briefly into the room. "I don't think so and I don't think you should be out here on your own, Detective."

Even in a pair of gray shorts and an old t-shirt Danny was recognizable as a detective to the officer. He imagined it was harder for the Task Force to remember all HPD officers than it was for HPD to remember just a few members of Five-0, so it made sense. "I probably shouldn't, but since I'm closer to a chair in this room than the one in my own room, I'll take this one if you don't mind," he mocked. "It'll only be a second." Danny added as the officer didn't seem convinced.

"Sure, Detective. I'll be outside if you need anything." The officer stepped aside so Danny could walk past him without having to let go of the bar on the wall.

Danny quickly read the name tag on the officer's shirt. "Thanks, Kahele."

Entering the room, Danny closed the door behind him. Holding the door handle secure he tried to figure out a way to the bed. There were no objects in between to hold on to for extra support. Minutes ago he would've been able to make a few steps without help, but the meds were making his legs a little weaker as it relaxed his muscles.

Having no choice Danny let out a deep breathe and dragged his feet over to the bed. He thought seeing the guy's face would give him some peace, knowing they caught Julian and he was never going to be a free man. Only it did the opposite, anger and frustration flooded Danny's mind. Grabbing the end of the bed, Danny locked his eyes on the criminal. Even though it was hard to recognize Julian with the busted face, bandages and the face mask, Danny knew it was him.

"Wake up, Julian," Danny urged with a raised voice. The criminal's eyes fluttered and opened as far as the swelling around his eyes allowed them to open. "There you go," he added while he walked around the bed to stay into Julian's line of sight. "Honestly, I didn't think we would see each other in a circumstance like this. I do have to say, it's good standing on the other side for once." Danny seized the pulled up rail of the bed to keep steady.

Julian made a gagging noise as he tried to say something, only it was inaudible, so Danny went on. "Shh, don't try to talk, both your lungs collapsed during surgery. Now that's a tough break. I mean, I can tell out of experience, however I never had both collapse at the same time," Danny looked up at the machines standing next to the bed. He really had no clue on how they worked, only one thing made sense. "So tell me if I'm wrong, 'cause I'm not quite tech savvy, but if these machines stop pumping air into you, you drown on dry land, right?"

Julian's eyes widened, fear easily recognizable. He groped on the bed for the call button with his restrained hand. Danny reacted faster. "Ah, ah, ah," he swept the call button out of reach, clattering it onto the floor. "Don't do that," he warned. "You know, I don't care why you and Parrish came after me, I really don't. Only I don't understand why-why you had to come after my daughter, you know?"

Danny grabbed the blue tube, the one providing the criminal with oxygen. He squeezed the tube firmly, cutting off the oxygen flow. "Why were you so... so obsessed with me that you had to threaten her life?" Danny held tightly onto the tube. He was no longer angry, the heartbreak replaced that feeling instead. "Why were you willing to shoot her in the head, huh?" Julian was gasping for air, hands jerking around trying to fight Danny's grip on the tube, but with both hands handcuffed onto the pulled up bed rails, he couldn't.

Danny went on, ignoring the fact that the man was suffocating. "You should've put a bullet in my brain, because you see, Grace, she's a tough one. She would've lived on eventually," the gasps grew louder. "Me? I'm not as strong as her you see, I will not be able to live without her and you… you were the one trying to take her away from me," Danny paused. He blinked a few times, his eyes started to feel heavy. A drowsy feeling hit him and every molecule in his body relaxed, like sliding into a hot bathtub. It was the deepest relaxation he ever experienced. There was no tingling, like with other drugs and with standing still like he was, the pain was absolutely absent. The lightheadedness became overwhelming, the whirling sensation making the tendency to fall bigger. The medication was clearly taking over, but he wasn't finished yet.

"You-you made me believe I lost her. You…" Danny compressed the tube tighter. Julian was choking. Danny should let go, before he killed the guy, but somehow he couldn't. His hand was wrapped around it so tight, his legs were trembling, shaking, barely able to hold him. I should sit down. With his mind clouded he turned around and took a step, still holding the tube tight. Out of nowhere an explosion of pain shot through his back and he crumpled to the floor. Sagging he tried to break his fall, but he crashed uncontrollably.

Falling, his hand stayed wrapped tightly around the tube, pulling it with him as he crashed. The mask was forcibly ripped off Julian's face, no longer providing him with any oxygen. He started choking.

With Danny on the floor, Julian's heart monitor started beeping alarmingly. The green waving line went flat on the monitor. The tone of the machine changed, becoming constant with no breaks in between the beeps. Just a long piercing sound filling the silent room. Then an alarm sounded over the P.A. "Code blue, code blue. Room 312, code blue."

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ROOM 312 - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

"Room 312, code blue. Dr. Carson to room 312."

Steve stood on the side of the bed, his eyes locked on his friend. He didn't pay any attention to the coding man, all he did was rush toward Danny, who lay slumped on the floor, with his head and bent back against the nightstand. The IV was on the ground next to him. The blue tube was still clutched between his fingers. Steve pulled the tube free before helping Danny back up.

Nurses came running into the room. "He's coding, where's the crash cart!"

Crouching next to his friend Steve put his hand around Danny's bicep. "Danny? Buddy, you good?" He asked worriedly, but completely focused on his friend. Two glazed baby blue eyes peered at him, saying nothing in return. Steve checked Danny's pupils. They were larger than normal, so Steve knew immediately there was no point in communicating with his partner. He grabbed Danny by his chin trying to make eye contact. "Stay awake, that's all I'm asking." Steve ordered.

Danny mumbled something, but Steve couldn't make anything out of it. "All right, let's get you back up." He put the IV stand straight again and with one of Danny's arm around his neck Steve pulled his friend off the floor.

Dr. Carson arrived jogging. Coming to an abrupt stop, he looked confused at Steve holding up Danny, who was almost completely hanging limp on Steve's right side. Though the continuous flatline tone made the doctor attend his other patient. "Step out of the room, the both of you," he ordered, briefly facing the men again, before talking business at a nurse. "Okay, let's push 1/2 of epi."

More people, along with equipment, rushed in. Steve understood the need of getting out of their way and pushed the IV stand with one arm, while trying to hold Danny up with the other. Danny was not helping at all. His body was completely relaxed, leaning in with his entire weight, making it tougher for Steve to take Danny with him. His legs tried to walk along, but they sagged with every step, causing Steve to have to pull him back up every time. They were not even at the door before Steve took stopped to readjust his partner's arm around his neck. He looked over his shoulder, curious to know what was happening before exiting the room.

"Set at 120." Dr. Carson instructed while grabbing the defibrillator paddles.

The electricity was charged. "Charge is ready." A nurse informed.

Steve tightened his grip on Danny and turned his back on them as the doctor placed the paddles onto Julian's chest, one on top and the other on the left side. Leaving the room a high pitched sound followed and Dr. Carson shouted. "Clear."

Walking in the hallway Steve scrunched his face as he couldn't hold his friend any longer. He leaned Danny against the wall while looking around to see if anyone was available to help. No one was of course, they were all inside Julian's room. Steve sighed and stared at his friend. Danny's eyes were fluttering, fighting the drug. Steve tried to find an easy way to take both Danny and the IV stand back to the room. Letting go of his friend for a second, Danny sagged immediately. Steve grabbed him again, saving Danny from hitting the floor for a second time that day. "Okay, okay, I got you." Steve reassured.

Pulling his partner's arm around his shoulder again Steve continued walking. He stopped pushing the IV stand, and just dragged it behind them, making it easier that way. Entering Danny's room, Steve went to the bed and dropped his friend onto it. He placed the IV next to the bed and settled Danny back in bed. Steve wondered if his partner would remember any of what just happened. Danny grunted weakly as Steve lifted both legs back up on the bed. He sighed, wondering why they managed to get themselves into trouble, time after time. "Tell me something. How's it possible we've been friends for four years already? I don't know how we do it."

"Friends? It's more like a punishment." Danny jested, slurring his words.

Steve placed his hands astound on his hips. "Seriously, now you have something to say, huh?"

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ROOM 313 - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

After briefly opening his eyes, Danny closed them again. The light slipping through his eyelids did not encourage him to fully open them. However he was curious what time it was. Right now he didn't know how much time had passed and if someone told him it was a week later, he would believe it. What he did know was that his head hurt and his body felt rigid. The feeling was beyond a hangover, but the fact that his muscles ached, made sense after physical therapy, only it shouldn't be this intense. Thinking about it Danny vaguely remembered his trip to the other room. Recollecting that memory, a few blanks stayed unanswered. However a high pitched flatline was the main thing he remembered. Did he kill Julian Lynch?

He pushed himself up to sit upright when he noticed Steve was sitting on the left side, reading a sports magazine. Danny had no clue where he found it, but there were more important things to worry about. He cleared his throat and stared at his friend. "How's Julian?"

Steve looked up, almost imperceptible, and went back to flipping through the magazine. "He's all right. They were able to bring him back," he stated.

Danny's nod came along with a deep relieved sigh. Steve lowered the magazine onto his lap. "No thanks to you though. Did you seriously try to eliminate him?"

Danny dropped his head back against the pillow. "Of course not."

Steve closed the magazine abruptly and put it aside. "Then why'd you go in there?"

Danny rolled his head to the left. "Like you wouldn't go in there, just to see his face and try getting some answers."

"I might, but why do you need answers?" Steve stared confused at Danny.

Danny glanced up to the ceiling and inhaled deeply. "Grace."

Steve leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. "What about Grace?"

"I don't…I just don't understand why her? Why did they have to involve her? Both Sullivan and Parrish. What did she do to them, huh? Did they really come after her just to get to me? It's not the first time someone tried, right? I should've known better, I should've protected her. Ironically it's my job and yet I can't keep my own daughter safe." Danny ranted wildly with his hands and dropped them on the bed as he finished. He let out a painful grunt when his abdominal surgical incision protested against the movement.

Steve tried to reassure Danny. "First of all, you did protect her. If you hadn't, you wouldn't be lying here. Second, she's fine."

The reassurance didn't work, because Danny continued. "She's been having nightmares in which I die, so she's not fine, okay? She always thought I was indestructible and some sort of superhero, but I'm not. Now she knows I'm not and she'll be worried every time I go to work."

"And you think keeping her from seeing you will stop the worry. It's been days, she needs you, man." Steve mentioned Danny's order of not allowing Grace to come visit the past few days.

"Yeah, well it won't stop the worry, but it won't aggravate either." Danny argued.

"Danny, you're her dad. She believes in you. If you tell her everything is fine, she'll have no doubt about it." Steve leaned back in the chair, confident that this would calm his partner's mind.

It was easier said than done and Danny knew that. Even if Grace believed him, he still knew she'd be worried. "Maybe, but I don't think she has much faith in me anymore. You saw the look on her face when she showed up here a couple of days ago, right? I scared the crap out of her and that's on top of the fact that she'll hear that gunshot for the rest for her life."

"Is that what all this is about?" Steve raised his eyebrows. "Listen, she's young, she'll get over it. Besides you didn't scare her, all right? I went after them remember? It was all for nothing, I should've stayed with you instead, because you apparently needed it more than she did." Steve referred to the brief visit from Grace and Rachel.

Danny narrowed his eyes. "What'd you mean by that?"

"I'm sure that your um," Steve indicated Danny's beaten up face, trying to find the right words. "Your busted face might have been upsetting, but other than that, Grace was just upset with me for not letting her hug you."

"She took it out on you?" Danny raised only one eyebrow, surprised to hear Grace did such thing.

"Good thing she's not anything like you." Steve said it sarcastically, but when Danny looked away his partner went on. "I didn't mind. It's fine. Besides I'm used to getting criticized."

Steve's dismissal, didn't give much comfort. Danny knew his daughter way too well and she wouldn't take it out on her uncle unless it was seriously bothering her. The fact that it already bothered her enough that she couldn't hug him, crushed his heart. "It's not near being fine, Steve. She's right. My own kid should be able to hug me, but instead I put myself in situations where she's having to deal with it. It should be the other way around. She's just a child and I'm taking her innocent years," Danny stabbed his finger to his own chest. "I'm, the one who's her father," he dropped his hand desperately and sighed. "From now on every time I call, she'll think twice about answering, because maybe… maybe there's a chance that someone on the other side of the line is going to tell her that I'm about to die."

Steve placed his hand on his partner's forearm. "Danny, listen to me. It's gonna be all right. She's young, it will fade."

Danny's arm jerked up, forcefully getting his friend's hand off his arm before he started rating with his hands waving all over the place. "How on earth do you think it will fade away? How'd you imagine it? I'm just curious? You think it's like blowing a dandelion? Sending the seeds into the air like tiny helicopters. Just like that it will miraculously fade away? That's your solution?" His angry eyes locked on Steve. "Like you would know, huh?" Danny finished his ramble with a raised voice. He looked away from Steve as he was done with this conversation.

Steve scratched the back of his head. "I actually do. I heard my old man get shot over the phone too."

Danny's shoulders slumped and guilt took over his facial expression. "I'm-I'm sorry, buddy. I shouldn't have said it." He couldn't believe he'd been stupid enough to say such thing to his friend. He just hadn't looked at the situation that way.

"No, it's fine," Steve glanced at his hands, staying silent for a second. "You know, you survived, you got a second chance with your kid, Danny. You should take every minute of it."

Danny nodded, agreeing with those words. He wasn't sure if he should ask, but it might be good to talk about it. "Do you still hear the shot?"

Steve leaned back, crossing his arms tight against his chest. "Sometimes I do, but it doesn't bother me as much as before." He acknowledged.

"You never said anything." Danny sounded aggrieved.

Steve lifted his shoulders. "I guess I don't like to talk about it."

Danny's forehead creased. "Still you never said anything to me. I asked, multiple times, but you always said you were fine."

"Fine doesn't mean excellent, right? So yeah I was fine," Steve admitted. "Besides why would I bother you with it? It's not your concern. Back then we were too busy with catching Hesse, that was all that mattered, right?"

"Did it bring any relief?" Danny wondered.

"A bit, but not much." Steve readjusted the watch on his wrist.

Danny knew Steve was not comfortable expressing his feelings. Which was typically Steve, only it was not Danny's strong suit. "Right, then why didn't you tell me? I would've liked to be there for you, you know, just like you've been there for me."

"What was I supposed to say? Hey buddy, listen I'm having trouble sleeping 'cause I keep hearing the call over and over. That's not very manly." Steve concluded and stood up from his seat. He was clearly done with this chat.

Danny looked downward and pouted, head bobbing. It hurt to hear his friend had been struggling with this for a long time and he didn't know about it. At least not this detailed. Danny stared back up at Steve again. "You know, I would've forgiven you for not acting like a tough, unable to crack and with force field walking around himself, kind of guy."

Steve rolled his eyes, visibly relieved with Danny's attempt of lightning the mood. "I'm positively unable to crack and force field means pretty much the same."

"You get the point," Danny waved it off. "There's no shame in letting your guard down to talk about your feelings."

"Maybe, but I know what you're trying to do and it's not working. So just forget about it," Steve wiped the topic off the table, but instead Danny fixed his gaze on Steve. He stared back at Danny. "You're not going to forget about it, aren't you."

Danny eyes went wide. "You seriously think I would?"

"At least I could try," Steve leaned on the end of the bed. "I also can try and talk with Grace, if you're okay with it?"

"Go ahead, I've already wrecked her, so I'm sure there's not possibly more that can be done to mess her up." Danny mocked.

Steve crossed his arms and smiled at his friend. "I wonder where she gets the worrying from."

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WEEKS LATER - ROOFTOP HOKULANI WAIKIKI HILTON HOTEL - HONOLULU - OAHU

By the time Danny was discharged from the hospital he hadn't reached his entire goal. It was close because he did walk out of the hospital, unfortunately it was with the use of a cane. Which he was fine with, as he was sure he could ditch the thing after a few more physical therapy sessions. He still had a long road ahead of him, but at least the doctors let him go home and they wouldn't if they didn't think he could take care of himself. Not that he had to do it all by himself, as Steve stayed to help him out.

Weeks later Julian Lynch was released from the hospital and he was transported to Halawa prison. To celebrate, the Five-0 team planned a relaxed evening out. Even though Danny wasn't working yet, Steve invited him as the team wouldn't be complete without his partner. Danny wasn't sure if he could make it because he had to pick up Grace for the weekend. He knew there were no obligations in coming, but it would be nice to put everything behind him now that both Parrish and Lynch were locked up for good.

Running a little later than expected Danny was standing in the elevator together with Grace. He had texted Steve that they were on their way to the Hokulani Waikiki Hilton Hotel and that they would meet them at the rooftop bar.

Danny planned on leaving on time, but his back was acting up a little, so he went to lie down for a bit. Next thing, he woke up as his phone went off. Grace called asking why he hadn't picked her up yet. Luckily Danny was cleared to drive again, so he rushed towards Rachel's place and took Grace with him to the rooftop bar.

Coming out of the elevator Danny spotted his friends sitting near the swimming pool. He grabbed Grace playfully by her shoulders and directed her towards the group. They were both greeted by everyone in unison while some raised their glass at their arrival.

"Hey, look who made it." Chin said it cheerfully.

Kono patted on the empty chair next to her."Hey, Grace, I've got a seat right here for you."

"Yeah, sit down, guys." Steve pointed at an empty seat while he relaxed leaning back in his chair.

"You want me to sit down, now that I can walk again?" Danny joked defiance at his partner.

Steve grinned and stood up from his seat. "In that case, I'm gonna go get another round. Come with me."

"What you need me to pay for them?" Danny mocked.

"No, I've got Catherine's AmEx." Steve teased before he turned around and headed to the bar.

"Oh, nice. Be right back." Danny excused himself from the laughing group of people.

Steve was already ordering as Danny caught up with his friend. "Hey, can I have three more of these, please? And, uh, what are you drinking?" Steve looked briefly aside at his partner before taking his money out of his pocket.

Danny quickly decided. "I will have a Longboard... Wow," he pointed at the couple of ten-dollar bills Steve was holding. "Yeah, a Longboard and a Shirley Temple for my date."

"Here it is." Steve put his money on the countertop and pushed it in the direction of the bartender.

"Wow, look at you." Danny grabbed a bill and held up towards the light, trying to see if it was real or not.

"Don't touch it," Steve snatched it out of Danny's hands and put it back with the rest of the money. "You're welcome, all right." Steve smiled because of Danny's joke with checking the money.

Danny expressed his gratitude. "Oh, thank you very much."

Steve patted Danny on his shoulder. "You're welcome."

Turning back around facing their group of friends, they both leaned with one of their elbows on the bar. For a few minutes they watched everybody laugh and enjoy theirselves. Even after the bartender handed them their drinks, they stood there in silence.

Steve looked up from his drink and he stared at Danny. "You want to tell me why you were late?"

"If I said it was nothing, would you leave it alone?" Danny tried.

"Nope." Steve stated.

"Of course you wouldn't," Danny sighed and stared ahead in the distance, he didn't focus on anything in particular. "My back was acting up a little, so I went to lie down for a bit and forgot the time. That's it."

Steve's eyebrows snapped together. "That's it? That's not nothing, man. How bad? Did you call the doctor?"

Danny rolled with his eyes. "No, I didn't, 'cause it's something I know will happen from time to time. It's fine. I'm fine." He assured.

Steve visibly had trouble not starting an argument. He let out a sigh before he accepted. "Fine, if you say so."

Danny took a swig of his cold Longboard. It was actually the first alcoholic drink he had in ages. With all the medication he needed to take he wasn't allowed to drink, but as it had been weeks and the doctor had cleared him, he thought it was time to celebrate. "All right I think this is going to haunt me, but I'm going to say it anyway."

"This should be good." Steve commented and took a swig of his drink as well.

Danny paused a moment before he started. "I couldn't have done it without you, so thank you, buddy."

"Together we'll rise and together we'll stand," Steve looked down at his friend. He raised his glass towards the beer Danny was holding. "Cheers, buddy. Aloha."

Danny lowered his beer and disagreed for a second. "Well you will not hear me say any Hawaiian words any time soon, but I do agree on what you said before all of that, even if it means that the rest of my life will be more wretched than the past four years."

Steve held up his shoulders. "You just could've said cheers."

Danny grinned and lifted his beer again so his partner could clink. "Cheers and thank you. I love you, buddy."

Steve nodded and toasted. "Love you too, pal."

-THE END-

A/N: I'm humbled and grateful, I'm touched beyond words! All the kindness I've received really means a lot to me. It truly has been an exciting ride, thank you for that! Mahalo to every single one of you, who ever read (only if it was just one word) this Fan Fiction. It was my true pleasure writing it and sharing this story.

-ALOHA-