I told a few people I was done with fan fiction. Even took down a story I fear I won't ever finish. Then, this happened. And there's more coming. Crossing my fingers I finish this one for you. Thanks for reading.

Steve clenched his fists as the door clicked to a close behind him. He looked up and down the hall and didn't see Rachel. Taking a deep breath, he pushed away all of his feelings and set about finding the object of his partner's desire.

Figuring she might still be in the restroom, he headed that direction and was promptly stopped by a nurse. "Sir, are you spending the night?"

"Yes." He wanted to keep this conversation short. His temper was on a short leash. Pleasantries were kindling to that fire.

"I can have someone bring you a better chair, so you can get some sleep."

"Thank you." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a slight tension.

"Have you eaten anything?"

"Not hungry."

She nodded. "Let me know if you need anything. I might be able to scrounge up something healthier than vending machine fare."

"Sure, what would be nice."

She walked away, leaving Steve to his thoughts.

"Steven." Rachel slipped out of the small waiting room at the end of the hall. "How's Danny?"

"Waiting to see you."

She studied him for a few seconds. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" Steve frowned. He felt the beginning of a full on headache snaking its way from his neck to his jaw.

"We were good once, you know."

Steve answered with a hum, not words.

"I'm sure you've only ever heard his side."

"Now's not the time, Rachel."

Sighing, she shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm just feeling like this is all my fault. Like you blame me."

"Why would I - " He didn't finish the sentence. Instead, he softened and smiled. "Danny's asking for you. Right now, that's what matters."

/././

"Rachel."

"You're awake." She tried to keep her expression blank and voice soft. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay." Danny reached for her hand, touching only her fingertips. She didn't move closer. "I guess. How're you?"

His speech was slow, thick like taffy being pulled. He squinted at the concerned look on her face, wanting to tell her not to worry.

"Steve's out in the hall. He needed a break."

She was deflecting and he let her. He wasn't sure he could keep up with a conversation.

"I can only stay for a little while. Renee Grover has Charlie, and I hate to impose. They've all been really good to –"

He hated to see her so uncomfortable. Especially when it was his fault.

"Stop, Rach. It's okay." He flailed again, missing her hand and smacking the bed rail instead.

"No, it's not. It's quite far it actually. You almost died." She raised her voice.

Danny winced.

"I'm sorry, Danny. I didn't mean to hurt you." Rachel moved closer and pet his hair.

"You didn't. I'm fine. Just a headache."

"I don't know if I can handle this. You here. It's the same every time. And now you might be –" She stopped without going over the edge.

"Paralyzed?" He laughed that strange nervous giggle. "Just say it. I'm a big boy."

"You should take this more seriously. I love you, and this is just -" Her next sigh stabbed him in the heart.

"Nah, I'll be fine." He mustered up his best brave face and prayed she bought it. "This is temporary. Come on. I've been through worse."

A tech shuffled in and out, telling Danny she'd have his nurse stop by. He didn't know his med schedule, and he could really use something for his pounding headache. Rachel backed away, obviously grateful for the interruption.

When they were alone again, Rachel returned to her seat but didn't say anything. He took this moment to get something off his chest. "Need to ask you something."

"Anything, Daniel."

The tenderness in her voice that made him stutter.

"Do I -" Danny took a deep breath. "Have I done right by you?"

"Done right by me?" She frowned. "Danny what do you mean?"

"I treat you nice, right?"

"I think you're stoned."

"Not enough." He rubbed his eyes and tried to stretch. "My head's killing me and these things are driving me crazy."

He waved at his lower body covered by a light blanket. He felt like a baby the way he was tucked into the linens.

"You have feeling in your legs?"

Danny smacked his thigh. "Yea and it sucks. I can't move them."

"You shouldn't do that. You could hurt yourself." Leaning forward, she covered his hand with hers but didn't entwine their fingers. "The doctor believes mobility will return when the swelling goes down. So you should rest, Daniel."

She said it with such conviction Danny let himself believe her. The hope he saw in her eyes choked him up, and all he could do was clear his throat.

Rachel handed him the cup of mostly melted ice. He scooped out a couple pieces, sighing as he moved them around his mouth. His whole head throbbed, and the surge of brain freeze from the ice felt good. Until it didn't. He groaned and closed his eyes, getting lost for a few seconds.

"And Danny - you're a good man." She squeezed his arm. "I don't tell you often enough."

He missed the first part of what Rachel said but he didn't care. The new tingle in his chest felt as weird as it was familiar. Felt like he was falling way too fast. Who was he kidding? He'd never quite picked himself up from the last hit. It was always like that. And he couldn't stop it. But - damn it all - he loved her.

"Hey." Steve stepped into the room. "Everything okay in here?"

"We're fine. Join the party." Danny called to his best friend.

"I really should be going. You need your rest."

Danny grabbed Rachel's hand. "I'll be alright."

"I know that, Danny." Pulling away, she nodded. "It's just - "

Steve glanced at both of them. Taking a deep breath, he continued with the mission.

Take care of Danny. And that meant Rachel, too.

"When you're ready, Lou's here to take you back to his place." Steve turned to Danny. "He's gonna keep an eye on her and the kids tonight."

"Grace is still at her competition." Rachel informed them as she opened her small purse. "I have all the information on my phone."

Danny sighed. "Oh yea. Damn it."

"Hey, partner. Stop worrying." Steve leaned in and touched his shoulder. "I'll have Lou find her. Chin could grab her. Make sure she's safe."

"Thanks, babe." Danny's eyes watered and he covered by asking for the lights to be dimmed.

Rachel studied the two men. Smiling, she stood, smoothing her dress. "Thank you, Steve, for everything."

"No need to thank me, Rach. It's been a long day. We could all use some sleep. I'll be here with Danny tonight."

"I thought you said we all needed our sleep?" Danny laughed. "You do remember what happened the last time we shared a room?"

Steve glared and Rachel rolled her eyes, adding. "How do ever you put up with him?"

/././

"Well..." Amanda drew out the word as she walked around him, surveying, assessing. "You certainly aren't like the others."

Pua stood stock still, fighting to keep both worry and curiosity from his face. Hands at his sides, he focused on his job. Steve had warned him not to encourage her.

"But you'll do. Oh yes, you'll do." Clasping her hands together, she moved closer, not hiding her delight at his discomfort. "You can relax, young man."

"Commander McGarrett said -"

Amanda put her finger to his lips. "I don't care what Commander McGarrett said. Do you see him here?"

She made an exaggerated flourish as she looked around the room. Pua kept his mouth zipped.

"No, it's just you and me, Officer Pua Kai. And we're going to have a little fun."

She sat on the couch and tapped the cushion. "Join me, would you?"

"That's not part of my job." He frowned, wrinkling his nose.

"You really must loosen up."

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

"You're making me nervous. Please have a seat. We can talk about my safety. That's why you're here, right? To protect me? Not to worry me."

Some color came back to his face, and he grew quite serious. "You should be worried, ma'am. Someone tried to kill you."

"Oh bollocks. That was an accident, I'm sure." She purred. "Now please, join me? Wouldn't it be nice to take a load off?"

"I guess we can talk about what happened? Have you given your statement?"

"Please sit down. You would make me feel so much better."

Pua gave in, taking the spot that was the farthest away from her, remaining very rigid and uncomfortable.

Laughing, she couldn't help herself. "Oh come now, I won't bite."

"Yes ma'am." But he didn't move.

"And please don't call me that. You make me feel like an old lady."

"Yes ma-"

"Call me Amanda!" She exploded and then recovered quickly, making a joke of her outburst with a fawning smile and tilt of her head. "I like you, Pua Kai. Let's be friends. Why don't we order some room service? I can't remember anything on an empty stomach. And I bet it's been awhile since you splurged on anything. Though we should get salads. It's always important to watch our waist lines."

"I can't accept that offer; I'm on duty." He blushed. "And I do alright, ma'am, I mean Amanda."

"Oh, so modest. I like that." Amanda hummed her approval. "And I do love a man in uniform. Tell me...have you ever fired your gun?"

Pua swallowed hard but didn't answer.

She studied him. "I admire a man who doesn't resort to violence. Now what do you think of my Daniel?"

"Detective Williams?"

"Why, what other Daniel would I mean?"

"Yes ma'am."

She slapped his leg and he jumped up.

"I really should check in with Commander McGarrett now."

"Oh so formal, I love it. I can see it now." She took a deep breath before launching. "My next novel. A dashing rookie policeman. Fresh out of the academy. Taken under the wing of our leading man. He makes mistakes but never gives up. That's you, right?"

Shrugging, Pua gave her a flutter of a smile. "Um, yea, I need to walk the perimeter."

She chuckled. "The perimeter? Where are we? A war zone? No one is coming for me. It's all a big misunderstanding. A joke."

Pua frowned. "Detective Williams is in the hospital, ma'am. He saved your life."

"Yes, that's what they tell me." Her tone grew stiff and she rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "It's all for nothing. Except for a ruined outfit. I'm fine."

"But he's not." He raised his voice, growing indignant.

Glaring at him for a few seconds, Amanda composed herself again.

"Well, that has nothing to do with me." She sighed and played with the TV remote. "Why don't we watch a film? Take our minds off all this unpleasantness."

"I'm afraid I can't do that. I'm on duty." Pua straightened and moved closer to the door, hands on his hips.

"Oh my dear boy. We're perfectly safe here. That's why I picked this hotel. It's the best."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Savage. I have a job to do." He glared at her, face tense with a look he'd practiced in the mirror many times. "Please, don't make me use my cuffs."

Amanda clapped her hands. "Why I think things just got interesting!"