Steve had been home for about two hours, and the evening was shaping up to be a quiet one. He was thinking he'd cook some pasta for dinner, call Mary, and watch some TV. He tried to forget that it was Valentine's Day. He tried to forget about Danny. So far, he hadn't been too successful.

A knock sounded at his door three times, firm but not noisy. Steve removed his head from the kitchen cabinet, where he was trying to find a pot, and shuffled to the door. A delivery person?

It was Danny.

For a moment, Steve felt angry. He spent half of his waking hours with this man, and pined after him during the other half. Danny just had to choose the most romantic night of the year for some platonic quality time. Could Steve ever catch a break?

"Sorry I didn't call," Danny said, smiling slightly. "But I brought some beer to make up for it."

"I'm surprised you didn't force your way in, like you usually do," Steve said, his tone a little sharp.

"If by 'force' you mean turn the handle of your unlocked door," Danny replied, stepping a little closer to Steve. The other man sucked in a quick breath, then realized that Danny was only coming into the house. Jesus, was the whole evening going to be this way?

"Whatever," Steve said, closing the door and retreating to the kitchen. "I was going to make pasta, but we can order something if you want."

"I'm afraid of all the ways you might butcher pasta," Danny replied. "You'd probably think it's a good idea to put pineapple in it or something."

"Pineapple in pasta? Why would you do that?" Steve said, making a face.

"Oh, so it's crazy to put pineapple in pasta, but not on pizza? I'll never understand the way your brain works."

"Just order the pizza, Danno," Steve sighed, rubbing his face. His irritation was already fading. Even at his most annoying, he could never be mad at Danny for long.

"You know what, I will," Danny said, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He made the call, pointedly asking only for pepperoni. After he hung up, he suggested sitting on the lanai and opening the beers.

"Sure," Steve said, though he knew that Danny would sit on the lanai with or without him.

The sea was gentle today, the wind slight. This was Steve's favorite time of day, when the sky was streaked with pinks and oranges, and the warmth of the sun was just a lingering glow. The two sat in silence for a moment, watching waves wash in and tumble back out.

Danny broke the silence first. "It was funny that I got flowers today, huh?"

Steve withheld a groan. Of all the topics he could have chosen, Danny picked this?

"I was talking to Kono this afternoon, and I think I'm gonna talk to that woman at Kamekona's the next time I see her. Ask her out on a date, maybe."

Steve felt jealousy bubbling up inside of him, beating on his sternum. Jumbles of words rose to his tongue, but he took a minute to sort through them before he opened his mouth. He had to be cool about this.

"You don't even know she sent the roses."

"I know, but she's pretty. I'd like to go out with her, see if we're compatible. And if she did send the flowers, that's another point in her favor."

Steve agreed wordlessly through pursed lips.

"It was such a sweet gesture, you know? So romantic –"

"She didn't send the flowers Danny!" Steve burst, unable to stand it any longer. The pressure in his chest instantly released, much to Steve's relief. Then the full impact of his rash words sank in. There was no way to know that the stupid woman hadn't sent the flowers unless he was the sender himself.

"I did," he admitted, absently scratching the back of his neck. Suddenly, the prospect of looking Danny in the eye was terrifying.

Danny exhaled deeply. When he spoke, his voice was strange and rough. "Was that supposed to be funny, Steven?"

Despite the warmth, Steve felt ice run down his spine. Had he just ruined his friendship with Danny? Friendship with this man had its challenges, but it was much, much better than nothing at all. "No," Steve said, almost a whisper.

"Steve." Danny gently touched Steve's hand, and he felt sparks race over his skin. "Look at me."

Against his better judgment, Steve looked. Danny was sitting awkwardly in his chair. His hair was a little rumpled, like he'd been touching it recklessly. Danny swallowed, and Steve watched his Adam's apple bob. Steve wanted to catch it with his mouth.

And he realized something that should have been obvious a long time ago.

"Danny," he breathed, desperation coloring his voice. "I –" but the thought of saying those next two words terrified him. He tried again. "I want to spend Valentine's Day with you. But not because we're both single. Not – not as friends."

"Me too," Danny said, and the end of his sentence flicked up into an incredulous laugh. "I love you, Steve. I'm in love with you."

"Come here," Steve said as the world shrank to him and Danny. Danny half pushed himself out of the chair, and their mouths collided. Steve settled his fingers at the nape of Danny's neck, the blond hairs tickling his fingertips. His stomach was churning with love and joy and desire, a wanting so deep he felt it in his bones, rooted in the very core of him. He moaned into Danny's mouth and felt the other man's weight more heavily. Steve was greedy; he wanted more of Danny Williams, as much as he could have.

Danny was the first to run out of air, though he didn't move far. Steve felt him smile against his lips, and he couldn't help a smile of his own.

"I love you, Danny," he said, and it felt so right to say those words, here, now.

Danny gave a little laugh. "I figured," he said. "That card had Steven McGarrett written all over it."