Chapter 10
Danny sat beside Steve's bed for an hour and a half, but his friend hadn't woken up again yet. Hannah had checked on him a few times, but there had been no change as well – which wasn't exactly bad. The nurse had told Danny that there would be the handover for the night shift, but that he could press the call button if he would need any help.
Danny held Steve's hand for a few minutes and he could still feel the tremors in it. It felt like Steve was constantly squeezing his hand. Danny would have liked that if Steve would have done that by choice, but he knew that this was involuntarily, so he let go again. It made him think eve more about the doctor's words.
Steve moaned from time to time and his right leg kicked out a few times. He was sweating and a minute later he was shivering and had goosebumps on his skin. Danny spoke soothingly to him and rubbed his arm.
It was the second time this day that a female voce brought him out of his thoughts.
"Good evening detective Williams. I am Helen. I am commander McGarrett's night nurse.
Is he cold or are you "just" comforting him?"
"What? Why?"
"You are rubbing his arm."
"Oh, that. I think it is a little bit of both. But I think it is more comforting, because he is not only cold but sweating as well – I mean not at the same time, but alternately. But I think you know that and I think I should stop talking now."
"It's fine. Don't worry. I am going to check his vitals and have a look at him – see if we can help with anything. Meanwhile I want you to leave this room and go to the last room on the right side of this ward. We have some dinner there for you. Please eat and drink something. If you are done you can come back. Please take your time and bring some water for the night as well. I am staying with your friend as long as you are gone. He won't be alone. If he wakes up while you are gone and wants to see you, I am going to page my colleague at the nurse's desk to come get you."
Danny didn't look exactly happy, so the nurse said "I know you are reluctant to leave him, but you need to eat and I think you agreed to that earlier."
Danny reddened and nodded "Yes, I did, but…"
"Just go. I'll take good care of him. I promise." She smiled warmly at him. Danny didn't know exactly why, but there was something to this woman. He believed her, trusted her.
He left and went to the room the nurse had sent him to. Five people were already at the tables and eating - three women and two men. There were four small tables for three persons each and three bigger ones for six persons. Two of the women and one man sat together while the last man and the remaining woman were sitting alone. Danny saw the trays with the food and found one with his name on it. He took it and chose one of the unoccupied tables. He removed the cover from his plate and started to eat. He didn't know if it was just because he was hungry – which he hadn't even noticed before – or if it was really the case, but the food tasted really good. He finished everything and drank two bottles of water. He sat for a few more minutes just because the nurse had said he should take his time and closed his eyes for a minute.
Meanwhile Helen had checked her new patient over. He started to get restless again, moaning a bit – pain evident on his face. The nurse – just like Danny had done before – spoke soothingly to him and held his hand. She could feel the slight squeezing that Danny had felt before, but instead of letting go again she squeezed slightly back, wanting him to know that he wasn't alone. She wasn't sure if he would really notice but she hoped it.
Suddenly a hard shiver went through her patient's whole body and with a loud groan he opened his eyes. She was in his sight, but his eyes were still glazed and he looked confused. He groaned again and tried to move which let the next groan escape.
"Commander McGarrett," she said with a soft voice. "Don't try to move too much. You got hurt and are in a hospital right now." He shivered again, furrowed his brow with pain and groaned again.
"It's fine commander. You are running a slight fever. We will up your pain medication soon. I'll bring another blanket. Hopefully that will help a bit."
Steve was still confused and he didn't know who was standing beside him, but the voice he heard had something calming and grounding. It was unfamiliar, but there was something familiar in it as well.
"Danny?" he asked.
"Your friend is here, commander. Do you want to see him?"
"Danny?" he said a little louder, but somehow pleadingly and demanding at the same time.
Helen put a hand on his forehead and said "It's fine. I'll call someone to get him."
"I am here," Danny said from the door.
He changed places with the nurse and said "Hey, Steve. I am here. You are going to be okay."
He wasn't sure if this was really true, but he needed to give some comfort right now. Steve who was about to fall asleep again, opened his eyes to the sound of Danny's voice.
"Danny?"
"Yeah, Buddy, I am here."
"You came," he smiled and whispered "'elp …out…'f…'ere." Then he was out again.
