Chapter 1

Steve was halfway back to the house when he turned around again to have a last look at the beach and his beloved ocean – and Danny.

His friend looked miserable and Steve knew he also felt this way after being out of the hospital for just a week. He felt sorry for him. Firstly, because he had to endure something like that, secondly because he had been dragged into all of this and last because Steve was about to leave him.

'Then stay. You don't have to leave him,' Steve thought. 'But I need to. I have to clear my head. I need a break from all of this or I am going crazy,' he debated with himself. 'Yeah, sure. Take care of yourself. Leave your best friend alone – who got badly hurt because of you by the way. A friend who had done everything for you, who had travelled around the world to save your sorry ass and had supported you on your private missions – South Korea, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Montana, Vientiane, Washington…He even gave you a part of his body to save your worthless and miserable life. And you? What have you done? I tell you what: Nothing. No wonder everyone is leaving, lying to you or betraying you. Oh wait – not everyone – Danny doesn't. He is almost loyal to a fault, but thankfully, you appreciate it very much and as an acknowledgement of your gratitude you are abandoning him. You are a really great friend Steve McGarrett. I am proud of you.'

Steve closed his eyes and sighed. When he opened them again, he walked to the beach instead of to the house and sat back down in the same chair he had left just a few minutes ago.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey," Danny answered. "Forgot something or do you just want to make it harder for me?"

He knew that the question had been unfair and he already regretted asking it, but his sadness and frustration had taken control of his words.

The words felt like a stab to the heart for Steve, but while he was thinking 'Just what I deserve', he answered in a sad voice "No Danny. I'd never do that. I am sorry that I have made you think that. I'll try to be a better friend for you..."

"No, Steve," Danny interrupted, wanting to apologize for his words, but Steve continued despite the interruption "I am staying."

"What?" Danny asked surprised. "Why? What…what about your plans?"

"I can do that later."

"What is going on? You were adamant to do this, almost desperate to leave, thinking about this for months. We…we just said our goodbyes and you were already halfway to the airport." While saying all of this it dawned on Danny – still being the good detective that he had always been – "You don't have to stay because I am hurt or you feel guilty."

"That is not the point."

"Then what is?"

"You wanted me to stay now you want me to leave. Where is your problem?" Steve asked a little annoyed. He had known that Danny wouldn't let his change of mind go just like that, but Danny was right, he still felt guilty and didn't want to admit it, especially not after Danny had told him a thousand times that it wasn't his fault.

"I don't want you to leave, but I want you to stay for the right reason."

"They are the right reasons."

"Tell me."

"The ocean and the beautiful beaches," Steve smiled sadly, citing his friend, but knowing full well that Danny wouldn't believe that even for a second.

"Yeah, sure," Danny replied knowing that this was BS, but also that arguing wouldn't change anything.

They sat in silence for almost an hour when Steve noticed that Danny was fidgeting in his chair to get in a more comfortable position. The SEAL stood up and said "I'm right back."

"Where are you going?"

"Getting your meds."

"You don't have to do that. I can get them myself."

"I know you can."

When Steve returned, he not only had the meds, but also two bottles of water. He handed Danny the pills and one bottle and put the second one next to his friend's chair."

"What's that?" Danny asked.

"A bottle of water."

Danny rolled his eyes. "I know. Why did you put it there?"

"So, you can drink it when the other is empty. You need to stay hydrated."

"You my mother?" This time it was Danny being annoyed.

"No, but you are still recuperating and were sitting in the sun for over two hours and didn't drink anything since breakfast – where you hadn't much either by the way."

Danny knew Steve was right, but he was still frustrated and said with a little more force than necessary and intended "Going inside anyway – as soon as the meds are going to kick in."

Steve answered with the same aggression "I don't care where you drink it, just do it," then a little softer "please."

Danny did as he had been asked, but not because Steve had said "please", but because he actually was thirsty.

When the meds had taken effect, Danny got up, but soon noticed that he had been sitting far too long. He was stiff and barely able to move.

Of course, Steve had noticed as well and assisted his friend until the movement got a little more smoothly.

Both men walked slowly back to the house. Danny went into the former guest room – now his – to take a nap. Steve took his bag to unpack.

When Danny woke up again, he went into the bathroom to take a long and hot shower. It was a relief for his still tense muscles. When he stepped out of the shower, he felt much better and went into the kitchen to fetch something to drink where he found Steve preparing some food.

"Hey, how was your nap? You hungry?" Steve smiled at his friend.

"Nap was good, shower even better and yes, I could eat something," Danny admitted.

"Okay, just give me ten minutes."

When Danny started to take plates out of the cupboard, Steve asked a little disgruntled "Hey! What are you doing?"

Danny shrugged and said "Setting the table."

"Why?"

"Why not? You are doing the cooking and I am setting the table. We are a team, right?"

"No."

"No?!"

"I mean yes, we are a team, but you don't have to do that. You are still recovering from your injuries and as long as you do that, you are sidelined."

"Oh, I am sidelined? You've already sidelined me the past week. I wasn't allowed to do anything here but rest, eat and sleep. Don't you think it is time to let me back on the field for practicing?" Danny smiled mischievously.

"No."

"No? Why not? I have to start somewhere."

"My home, my rules." Steve stated.

"Your home? Three weeks ago, when I had asked you if I can use the power drill you've said it was our house and I could use whatever I need or want without asking for your permission. What happened to that?"

"That was before…before you got…kidnapped…beaten…shot. I need to take care of you, because you don't do it yourself."

"Look who's talking." Danny's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"What?" Steve blurted out.

"So, it is my fault now that I got kidnapped and tortured? Because I didn't take care of myself?" Danny asked with rage.

"No, that isn't what I meant and you know it. But you still have to take it easy," Steve said softly.

"I am taking it easy! You did everything for me last week, Steve! I was just walking from one resting place to another or to the table to eat or the other way round. You even helped me getting dressed and undressed when I couldn't raise my arm high enough or bend down properly. You have to let me start somewhere."

"Yeah, like you let me do it after my last encounter with Wo Fat…"

"Wo Fat?! That was five years ago Steven and you are still mad at me? What is this? Some kind of revenge?"

"No, Danny. It's…" Steve tried to explain.

"Maybe you should have left after all," came Danny's vitriolic remark.

"Yeah, maybe," Steve answered sadly.

"I am sorry, Steve. I didn't mean that. I don't even know why I've said this," Danny's voice was serious and full of regret.

"No, it's okay. I deserve this."

"No. No, Steve you don't." Danny tried to make amends.

"No, it is fine. Do what you want. You are a grown man and I have no right to tell you what to do and what not to do."

He went quiet and started to fry the meat.

They ate in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

Not long after their dinner both men went to bed hoping to get some rest after not exactly a long but an emotionally draining day.