"Danny!" Tani screamed.

She rippled into view as he squinted, mumbling. "You. Ok?"

Danny hoped he'd spoken, that she could understand him.

"I'm ok. Thanks to you." She held her head with one hand. Blood ran down her face. Tani reached for him.

"Glad." He said, words slurring. "You're ok."

Glad you're ok. Glad you're ok.

The words stuck in his head as his vision faded. He reached for her but realized he wasn't moving at all. Panic sped up his heart, and he needed to roll over because he was going to puke. Pain spiked, and Danny passed out before he could do anything else.

/././

Dr. Liu shook his head as he glanced up from Danny's chart. "He's lucky. I'm advising Detective Williams stay overnight for observation. We're waiting on some further test results, and I'd like to get a good look at his images before I release him. Frankly, he's one lucky man."

Clearing his throat, Lou interrupted. The doctor seemed to be locked in a loop. "You keep saying that, doc."

"Well, it's true. He's damn lucky. This isn't usually how man versus car ends up." Dr. Liu referred once again to Danny's history. "He's post op – what – 9 weeks from a GSW?"

"Yea, something like that." Lou rubbed his hand on his pants. Time had lost all meaning as the weeks turn into months. They were all seemingly unmoored by recent events.

"And he's back to work?" The doctor asked.

"Not officially, no."

Dr. Liu sighed. "Already chasing down perps. I'm not surprised about that."

Lou stifled a chuckle, but didn't add anything. What could he say? This hospital - hell all the medical facilities on the island – knew Five-0 too well.

"Sounds just like his partner. Say, where is Commander McGarrett? Those two are usually attached at the hip."

Lou answered, "He's on the mainland attending to some business."

He was thankful the doctor didn't push for details before he left. Lou glanced through the open door. Danny was resting. Relishing the peace of the moment, Lou stood guard. He knew the second Tani was able, she'd make an appearance.

/././

"You're in big trouble, mister."

Danny drifted awake. Taking a nap had been a bad idea.

Was he late for something?

Had he misfiled paperwork again?

He would admit to being a little rusty on his return to duty. Slow, distracted. Too eager to prove he was okay. No, he wasn't supposed to ever admit any of that. So far he'd gotten away with sneaking quick little catnaps in his office with the blinds drawn.

His vision focused, and a figure came into view. Their face contorted with a constipated frustration that was super familiar.

"Steve?" Danny whispered.

"You know damn well I ain't that sorry SOB. He's not this tan."

Danny grunted and rubbed his eyes, wincing at the effort. "Lou."

"There ya go. And stop that." Lou said, as he calmed Danny. "Don't be pulling on that IV. No need adding to your problems."

"What - where?" Danny really wanted answers, though he couldn't focus enough to form a complete thought. He felt like he'd been hit by a bowling ball. Lou's rambling didn't help.

"I told you this would happen. Knock and talk. God - don't do that again. That's not the call I wanna get. I thought this shit would be over when –" Lou huffed rather than finish the thought. "Just - don't do that again. You hear?"

Frowning, Danny dared not ask what he did this time. Pain crept over him. He knew he'd been injured. This was a trauma bay in the Queens ER and not the couch in his office. He remembered sitting in his new car. And then running down a crowded Waikiki sidewalk. Images ping-ponged inside his head, and he thought he might puke, so he just stopped thinking.

There was some sort of scuffle on the other side of the curtain.

"I have to see him."

Tani. Out in the corridor.

Lou leaned in. "You better prepare yourself. She's worse than me."

"Wha-?" Danny mumbled again, his brain too scrambled to process what Lou said. Neither man had the chance to do anything else.

Tani blew into the room, curtain billowing in her wake. A tray of instruments clattered to the floor.

"God, are you alright? I thought you were dead." Her eyes were wide, mouth open, breathing labored, cheeks flushed. There was a bruise blossoming on her jaw, scrapes on her arm. Worst of all, she'd been crying. Before Danny could ask her why, she rushed into his space and gently wrapped herself around him. "Don't do that ever again or I'll kill you."

She kissed his cheek and pulled away. Lou ducked out of the room.

"You okay?" Danny asked. Throat raw.

Frowning, she blurted. "Shut up."

He flashed a smile and mouthed an okay. Tani nodded, processing his assent. Hands on her hips, she took a deep breath.

"What do you remember?"

"Our witness." Danny swallowed. He really wanted a drink of water. A sliver of ice would be heaven. Somehow it felt more important to make Tani happy, so he cleared his throat and licked his lips, adding. "I chased him."

He closed his eyes, still half out of it. A monster of a headache sat on him, making him nauseous. He fought the welcomed, inevitable return to unconsciousness. He couldn't pass out yet. Not when he noticed Tani's sad eyes hadn't gotten any better.

"You okay?"

"Thanks to you." She didn't remind him he was repeating himself. She still wasn't giving him a direct answer.

"Me?" He was surprised.

She raised an eyebrow. "You pushed me out of the way."

Uncomfortable with his sketchy memory, Danny decided to make a joke. "That sounds like something Steve would do."

Her face went blank, masking flames that flashed in her eyes.

"You almost died."

"I'm fine." He winced, sitting up straighter with his aching back was a workout.

"Stop it." She warned. "You don't get to pull that I'm fine bullshit with me. Not now. Not ever again.

She poked him with her finger and pulled away before he could grab her hand. She sat on the nearest chair, doing what Danny knew to be a stress breathing technique. In for a count of four and out for the same.

"Ok." He zipped his mouth shut. He knew better to argue with her. Tani could be brutal. She once gave him a bruise and the worst charlie horse with one quick jab to his thigh.

"You weren't supposed to be in the field. You promised me stakeouts were boring. And safe." A frenzy crept into her voice as she fought through a surge of emotion. "You promised."

"I'm sorry. Come here." He held out his arms, pesky IV line stretching. Danny smiled. Another big rule in his life – always apologize to the women you care about.

Tani slid her chair closer to Danny's bed. "I can't lose you, too."

He took her hand when she offered and said with the best, most reassuring smile he could muster, "I'm okay. We're both okay."

/././

Some time later…same place…

The door opened, startling Tani. She'd fallen asleep in the recliner between concussion checks.

"What are you doing out of bed?" She asked the love of her life.

"What?" Junior replied, mouth open in surprise.

She was on her feet, hands on her hips. "You heard what I said, mister."

Danny watched, happy to not be the center of attention.

Junior tried to match her scolding. "You were just – you almost -"

"Yea well it wasn't my fault. You jumped into the canal on purpose."

"We were both doing our jobs."

The smirk she gave Junior showed no teeth, and pressed her lips into a thin line. She tilted her head and pinned him with a steady gaze.

"Oh so we're going to debate this now?" Tani asked.

"You started it." Junior gave her a lopsided wrinkle of his nose and briefly resembled Elvis. He wasn't ready for her to be so animated.

"Dude," Danny interrupted. "You might wanna –"

Danny was stopped by a hand in his face.

"You don't have any room to talk." Tani replied. "Seeing as how you just jumped in front of a car!"

"Hey…I saved –"

Tani glared at Danny who barely refrained from giggling when Junior cracked up behind him. She whirled around. She had the hearing of a bat.

"So you think this is funny, huh?" She sighed and closed her eyes. "I have the biggest idiot for a boyfriend."

Junior moved in and went to hug her but didn't, unsure about where to touch her. He replied. "I'm sorry. I am an idiot. You're right. I have no excuse."

She softened and nodded. "Don't do that again."

"I won't." Junior crossed his heart. He didn't promise out loud.

"Okay." She whispered and wrapped her arms around him, leaning in. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You're okay." Junior said. He caught Danny's eyes and they shared a smile. Releasing Tani, he added, "Let's go home. Danny needs some rest and so do you."

Tani hung on for dear life. "You're right."

"Go home." Danny interrupted the two love birds, his voice like gravel.

She flinched, glancing between the two of them, torn. She handed Danny a cup of ice.

"Thanks. No, go home."

Junior straightened, his cheeks flushed a little. Danny could imagine how tough it was for Junior to show this softer side. If he was anything like Steve.

Steve who should be there, like a grouchy guard dog.

With that thought, Danny was suddenly wiped out. He closed his eyes, almost drifting to sleep.

Junior nudged him with a question, knowing better than to actually touch Danny. "You need anything before we go?"

"Nah, I'll be fine. Besides, Lou's still here somewhere." Danny replied, rubbing his temples. He waved them off. "Go home. Take care of each other."

Junior nodded. "Copy that."

/././

Lou stepped off the elevator, hands in his pockets. His back ached and his feet hurt. He was too old for this shit, but with two kids in college, no way could he throw in the towel. Not yet. And the team needed him. His wife did not agree with this reasoning, though. Five-0 would always need him. The job would bleed him dry til he cracked up or broke down. Or worse.

Truth was, he kept waiting for Steve to come home. For things to go back to normal. Every day, he hoped he'd get the call. But those words from Steve never came. The work, though, did not stop. The hits kept coming. Literally in this case. He needed to get a handle on the situation, put a lid on it.

He smiled when he noticed Tani and Junior leaving Danny's room. Their energy and drive helped keep him going.

"Hey kids, how's Danny?"

Junior stiffened, morphing into the SEAL he'd always be. "Hey sir…Lou."

"Thought you were with Renee in the cafeteria?" Tani frowned. "You were supposed to bring me a muffin."

"Sadly, there were no muffins. Wrong shift." Lou replied with a shrug. They'd been to this hospital too many times.

"I really like those muffins." Tani elbowed Junior who did not look amused. "Especially the blueberry ones."

Sighing, Lou felt every one of his years. He wasn't in the mood for banter.

"Listen, both of you, please do something for me."

"Okay. No muffins." Tani looked at him like he'd popped her balloon.

Lou shook his head. Tani and Junior couldn't be more different. Junior was practically standing at attention. Tani rolled her eyes and tapped her foot. Reminding him very much of his daughter.

"I'm gonna say this once," Lou said, face serious. "Do not call Steve. Do not email or text him either. And none of that Insta-Facebooking either."

What he'd hoped would draw a chuckle fell flat, so he added. "Hey, do you get me?"

Junior nodded. Tani's nose twitched, as she hardened her frown.

"That's exactly what you were gonna do, isn't it?" Lou shook his head, exhaling through his nose.

Now she glared at him, still not speaking.

"Well, do yourself a favor. Hell – do us all a favor. Especially Danny. Do not tell Steve about this."

"We'll follow your lead." Junior jumped in.

With an exasperated puff of air, Tani replied. "Speak for yourself."

Lou sighed, "Please do this for me."

"He should know." She hardened her stance. "It's not right to keep it from him."

"I agree."

Slightly bewildered, Tani started, "Then – "

Lou cut her off. "I'll tell him. Or Danny will."

"Right." Tani blurted. "Danny'd die before telling Steve about this."

She squirmed away from Junior, hugging herself. Lou felt for them. Even more than two years in, they were both still rookies to the emotional toll of this job. The ups and downs. Mostly the worst parts went sideways.

"Please, both of you, go home. Get some sleep. I'll handle Danny and Steve."

/././

Lou closed the door behind him with a soft click. Danny had been waiting for him. Once the kids left, he knew he'd have more company. And he had a message to relay before it was too late.

"Danny." Lou smiled. "Good to see you awake. How're you feeling?"

"Do not tell the Neanderthal," Danny said, arms crossed, frown lines blending with pain on his sweaty face.

"Don't worry. I'm on it." Lou replied. He sat in the chair facing the door. "I spoke to Tani and Junior."

"I mean it. I don't want Steve to know." Danny reached for his drink, but couldn't quite get there. He sighed, but didn't ask for help. "He already has enough on his mind."

Lou slid the cup of water closer, so Danny could reach it. "He really should know, Danny."

Danny fought a tremor of discomfort. He slowed his breathing. He'd already lost too much of his composure. Knowing Lou was right didn't make him feel better.

"Why, huh?" Danny asked. "Why does he get to know this? I don't even know where he is."

Lou closed his eyes and took a deep, slow breath. He, too, was well versed in remaining calm. He could match Danny any day, but this game was getting old. "Look Danny, we've all been through a lot. I get it."

"Do you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Clearing his throat, Danny took a sloppy sip of the water, spilling some of it. Lou sprang into action.

"Stop. I can take care of myself."

Lou threw his hands up and backed away. "Sure looks like it."

"I'm fine, Lou. He doesn't need to know. If you tell him, he'll rush back here. I-" Danny paused and looked at the wet splotches on the front of his gown and bedding. "Sheesh, I'm a putz."

"Here," Lou said tossing a wad of paper towels at Danny.

"Thanks, Lou. For everything. I'm sorry."

"You wanna thank me?" Lou made himself comfortable. "Tell him, Danny."

Danny replied, "No, I don't want to mess with his search for peace."

Sinking into his covers, Danny didn't look at Lou. His argument was tenuous at best, but he had a headache. The rest of him felt like - well – like he'd been hit by a car. He was done talking.

"Danny, be honest with me about something." Lou said. His voice was soft.

Cracking one eye open, Danny listened.

"I gotta ask," Lou took a deep breath. "This isn't easy for me."

"Come on, Lou. Spit it out."

"Do you have a death wish? Did you –"

"No, Lou," Danny answered, making sure he had solid eye contact. This affirmation wasn't something you did as an afterthought. "I do not have a death wish. Where is this coming from?"

Lou wet his lips, sucking in the bottom one for a second. He closed his eyes, piecing his thoughts together. Danny saved him the trouble.

"Look, Tani was in danger. Should I have let her get hit by the car?" Shaking his head, Danny continued. "I reacted. It was instinct. Believe me, I won't make it a habit. I'll be feeling this for awhile."

"You better not make this a habit. My old heart can't take much more. I just –" Lou was overcome with emotion. His eyes watered. "It's been a long summer. You injured. Steve gone. I know you're not eating. And the doc told me you're dehydrated."

"I'm seeing a therapist. I have Flat Steve. The other stuff will work itself out."

Lou smiled and stared into space for a few seconds. "That giant Steve has to go. I can't tell you how many times it's scared the shit outta me."

Danny laughed.

They didn't speak for a long minute. It was close to dinner. Dietary staff pushed carts passed Danny's door. Danny rubbed his arm and picked at his IV. He couldn't lie about not eating and drinking. The bloodwork had tattled on him.

"I'm not fine, Lou. Okay. There I said it. But I'm better. I think I'm getting the hang of this. You know. No Steve. Not the getting injured every other week part."

"That makes one of us. I miss McGarrett something terrible." Lou looked down; the admission almost more than he could bear. "The others are the same. We're in this together, Danny. We've got your back. Why that fool thinks he can find all the answers somewhere out there is beyond me."

Nodding Danny hoped the conversation was over, but then Lou added.

"You know he's gonna kick your ass when he finds out about your little stunt, right?" Lou said, eyebrow raised.

"You sure nobody told him yet?"

"Nope. Radio silence. That was my order."

"Thank you."

"But I can't guarantee it will hold."

"Call him. I dare you." Danny said. He glanced at the nightstand. "I'm not sure where my phone is but-"

"You serious?" Lou replied. "Call him now? You're daring me?"

"Surprise me."

Lou wrinkled his nose and said, "Have to say, it feels kinda dirty to be between you two like this."

"Come on. There's nothing to get between," Danny replied, "I'm gonna take a nap. What you do while I'm asleep is none of my business. Update the animal before he comes back here guns blazing."

/././

"Hey Tani."

Her eyes watered at the sound of his voice. God did she miss him.

"Sorry if I woke you."

"You did, but that's okay." Steve was honest with her. She liked that.

"I don't know that time zone you're in, so –"

"Nice try. I bet Danny sent you to get my location."

"Not exactly," Tani replied. Though it was a good idea. None of them knew where Steve was. "But you could tell me."

Steve wasn't that easy. Instead he asked, "What's up?"

"I just –" She blanked and said the first thing that came to mind. "I missed you?"

"You're not sure?" Steve laughed.

"Well, you are – were – my boss. Is it okay to miss you?"

Steve wasn't buying it. "Tani, are you alright? Everything good with Junior?"

She closed her eyes, relieved for an out.

"You SEALS can be tough to figure out. I need a translator."

Steve laughed again, and a warm feeling washed over her.

He replied, "What did he do? I hope he's not taking advice from Frank Bama again."

Laughter was contagious, and Tani found herself relaxing. She switched ears with her phone wincing.

"I heard that." Steve caught her discomfort.

She could kick herself.

"It's nothing. We miss you."

"You already said that."

"So now you're gonna make a Federal case?"

"Hey whoa," Steve answered. "I didn't mean to push."

"I'm not a horse, McGarrett." Which was the silliest thing for her to say. She blushed and cleared her throat. What was she thinking? Lou was right. She shouldn't have called Steve. She needed to end this. "Look, I gotta go. Sorry to bother you."

Tani ended the call without another word. Steve stared at the phone before redialing.