Hawke opened his eyes blearily, blinked at the harsh sunlight. He groaned and hunkered under the blankets before a sharp pain in his arm brought him fully awake. He sat up gingerly. He recognised the bedroom as Caitlin's but he couldn't remember how he'd gotten there. He looked down in bemusement at his wrinkled clothes and cradled his plastered arm against his chest as he tried to think through the fog. Gradually the events of the previous day came back to him. He remembered being dropped off with Caitlin and Atkins at the hospital whilst Dom flew Airwolf to the Lair. He grimaced. And then nothing. He couldn't remember anything after getting out of Airwolf. Caitlin must have brought him home, he reasoned. He glanced at the clock and winced. It was almost lunchtime.

Hawke pushed the covers back and walked to the en-suite bathroom for a shower. When he came back wrapped in a towel, he headed for the closet. His hand stilled on the clean shirt momentarily and he ran his eyes over it and where it was placed; hanging next to Caitlin's blouse. Maybe, he thought, they were already kinda moved in with each other. He smiled. It felt right. His memory stirred and he frowned. Of course he might have blown it with the kiss Caitlin had witnessed. She had looked devastated. He tried to delay going out of the bedroom but he ran out of things to do very quickly so made his way to the kitchen where he could hear the sound of Caitlin preparing lunch. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, her long red hair scraped back into a pony-tail; she looked fifteen and he felt every one of his thirty-five years. He slid onto a stool at the breakfast bar and she turned from the stove hearing him.

'Hey.' She said reaching for the coffee pot.

'Hey.'

Caitlin handed him a mug of coffee and looked at him with a critical eye. His brown hair was wet and rumpled; the lines on his face tight with tension. She shook out two pills from a tub on the counter and put them in front of him.

He shook his head. 'Thanks but I want to keep my head clear.'

'Yeah, whatever they gave you knocked you right out. You've been asleep almost a whole twenty-four hours.' She smiled. 'Don't worry, this is only aspirin. It'll take the edge off.'

Hawke picked up the pills and washed them down with his coffee.

Caitlin watched him and turned back to the stove so he wouldn't see her amusement at his unusually subdued expression. 'Dom and Michael are on their way over. I called them when I heard the shower.'

'OK.'

Caitlin piled the eggs onto two plates and placed one in front of Hawke. 'I wasn't sure what you'd want so it's just some eggs and toast.'

Hawke felt his stomach rumble. 'This is great.' He picked up a fork and tucked in. He waited until Caitlin slid onto a stool next to him and picked her own knife and fork up before speaking. 'I…uh…seem to remember we were going to talk when we got home.'

'You mean about your kiss with the evil Dr Darcy?' Caitlin teased.

Hawke paused. 'You're not mad?' He fiddled with his fork and then forced himself to meet her gaze.

'I was.' Caitlin admitted and took another bite of eggs. 'You weren't exactly fighting her off when I walked in on you…'

'I was just about to…' Hawke said defensively, his voice trailed away at the glint in her eyes.

'But,' she continued, 'I also realised that as I trust you the kiss probably wasn't your idea.'

'It wasn't.' Hawke confirmed quickly.

'Well, next time, just so there's no confusion, introduce yourself with the words 'I have a girlfriend.'' She said pointing her fork at him.

'There won't be a next time.' He promised her and reached over to take her hand in his good one. 'I'm sorry.'

She dropped her gaze, pushing her remaining eggs around the plate. 'I killed her.'

'She would have killed you.' Hawke pointed out.

'Yeah.' Caitlin pushed her plate away. 'I'm just not sure that I killed her for that reason.'

'Yeah, you did.' Hawke squeezed her hand, got her to look at him. 'I know you and I know you're not capable of killing someone just because you caught them kissing your guy.'

'My guy?' asked Caitlin, a small smile pulling at her lips.

'Your guy.' Hawke confirmed.

Caitlin looked down again. 'She was beautiful.'

The words were so quiet Hawke strained to hear them and the insecurity behind them. 'She wasn't you.' He said with heartfelt sincerity.

'You have to admit Hawke, I'm not…your usual type.' Caitlin said still not looking at him.

He sighed. 'Cait, I don't want to be with anyone else.' He tangled their fingers and took a deep breath. 'I was going to wait until…but I guess…'

Her eyes flickered back up at him, startled at the nerves she could hear.

'I was thinking we should…that is…' He sighed as her eyes lit up again with amusement at his stumbling over his words. 'Would you move in with me? I mean when the work on the cabin is done.'

Caitlin was stunned.

'Cait?' Hawke frowned. She wasn't saying anything.

'Are you asking me because you feel guilty about kissing Darcy because if you are…'

'No.' Hawke denied quickly. 'I planned to ask you when the cabin was finished. You can ask Dom.'

Caitlin started smiling. 'So you really want me to move in with you?'

He nodded and started to breathe again seeing her answer in her unguarded eyes.

'I'm going to need more closet space.' Caitlin warned him.

Hawke raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them. 'Done.' He tugged her off her stool and pulled her towards him…the doorbell rang. He sighed and reluctantly let go of Caitlin so she could answer the summons. He was finishing up the meal she'd prepared for him when she came back with Dom and Michael.

Dom slid into the stool beside him as Caitlin poured them all fresh coffee.

'You two OK?' Dom asked. He wasn't sure what had happened with the whole Darcy kissing thing but it had worried him that it might damage the couple's embryonic relationship.

'We're OK.' Hawke said with his eyes on Caitlin's. 'Cait's agreed to move in with me.'

Dom beamed at the couple. 'That's great news.'

'Congratulations.' Michael added, leaning on the counter, careful to keep his own mixed emotions about the announcement hidden. As their friend, he was pleased their relationship was progressing so happily, as the FIRM's deputy director he couldn't help but be concerned about what their relationship meant for the Airwolf missions…he sighed and gestured at Hawke's cast and sling. 'How's the arm?'

'Hurts like hell.' Hawke admitted.

Dom patted his shoulder sympathetically. 'It'll mend.'

'Yeah.' Hawke shoved his plate away.

'I'm sorry you didn't find your brother, Hawke.' Michael's voice rang with sincerity. 'I should have insisted on checking Brannigan's information before I contacted you.'

Hawke shrugged. 'It wasn't your fault, Michael. Alex always did have his own agenda. I think deep down I knew it wasn't about Saint John.' He caught Michael's eye. 'Thanks for sending in Zebra squad.'

Michael sighed. 'You should thank Caitlin.'

Caitlin shrugged at Hawke's questioning glance.

'Alex's lawyer contacted the air service this morning.' Dom said before Hawke could follow up on Michael's cryptic statement.

'Oh?'

'Apparently, Alex put all the arrangements for when he died in place a month or so ago.' Dom explained.

Hawke rubbed his chest. 'I guess with the cancer that makes sense.'

Dom nodded. 'He had the office down as your point of contact. I've got all the details of the funeral.' He paused. 'He's going to be buried alongside your maternal grandparents.'

Hawke felt his throat close up. It was the same cemetery as his parents' memorial stone. He took a deep breath. 'When?'

'Day after tomorrow.' Dom said.

Hawke nodded.

'You think Atkins will go?' Michael asked.

'I don't know.' Hawke frowned. 'He wasn't too keen on acknowledging Alex was his father.' He stood up. 'I guess we'll find out at the funeral.'

The day of the funeral dawned bright and crisp. Hawke glanced around the small, cold church where his parents had been married, where he and his brother had been baptised and tried to shrug off the weight of nostalgia that tightened his shoulders and lay heavy on his gut. He glanced around at the small crowd; Alex hadn't been popular that was for sure. There was a CIA representative decked out in a suit that screamed federal agent and Alex's lawyer stood off to one side; both there for the sake of appearances rather than any real grief, Hawke thought. His steady blue eyes landed on his cousin. Lt Commander Atkins still bore the bruises from his experience in Leguardia but he was dressed smartly in his whites; a neat row of medals on his chest. He was flanked by an older man and another younger man. Hawke wondered briefly who they were; perhaps friends providing support in the same way he was flanked by Dom and Caitlin, Michael and Marella were also in attendance standing silently behind. The service passed mercifully quickly and they trooped out to the graveside.

Hawke clasped Caitlin's hand tightly as he watched the coffin being lowered. Memories crowded in on him and he bowed his head. He'd lost so many people…Alex might not have been much of an uncle but apart from Saint John he'd been his only other link to his mother…Hawke felt the press of tears for the family he'd lost and then felt the presence of the family he'd found. Caitlin's fingers rubbed against his, Dom's hand squeezed his shoulder. He blinked back the tears and saw the priest conclude the rites. The small crowd started to break up and head back towards the cars. There was to be a gathering back at the lawyer's office before the will was read.

Hawke's gaze drifted unwillingly to the other side of the cemetery.

'You coming?' Caitlin asked softly.

He glanced at her, saw the worry in her eyes. 'You go ahead. There's something…I have to do. I'll be there in a minute.'

She nodded and he kissed her cheek before walking away. She watched him go anxiously. Dom slipped his arm around her and gave her a reassuring smile. They headed for the car to wait for him.

Hawke came to a stop beside the memorial stone and stooped to brush the dirt from the marble which was obscuring the words; in loving memory of Alan and Jane Hawke. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and wished he'd brought a flower, his mother had loved roses. He'd somehow remembered to bring one the last time he'd come to the cemetery…

Hawke laid the white rose on the top of the marble stone and crouched down beside the stone. He'd come straight to the cemetery and was still dressed in his uniform, the rucksack containing his few possessions lay on the ground at his feet. He rarely visited the memorial. Somewhere in his heart, the twelve year old boy who believed his parents were only lost at sea still lived…

His breath caught in a sob. 'I lost Saint John.' He blurted out and the tears he'd held back ever since he'd left his brother in the jungle flooded his eyes, ran down his cheeks. 'I lost him.'

He swiped at his eyes, helpless against the torrent of grief and guilt. 'We went down together but he made me leave when the first wave of helicopters came; he told me to come back for him and I did, I swear but…the ropes filled up too fast. I couldn't stay, the chopper was too heavy and, dammit, he told me to go.' He closed his eyes on the last memory of his brother waving him away. 'But I went back. I went back and he wasn't there.' He sank to the ground and sat there rocking back and forth. He was unaware of time passing, the night closing in. A sound behind him had him up on his feet, poised for a fight within a second.

Dom held up his hands. 'Didn't mean to surprise you, kid. Your commander called, told me you were back.' He paused afraid his voice would give away his own grief. He nodded at the stone. 'Thought I'd find you here.'

'Dom, Saint John…'

'I know, kid.' Dom didn't think, he simply took the couple of steps needed so he could gather the broken young man into a bear hug. 'I know.' He held on whilst Hawke came apart and wondered briefly how the hell he was going to put him together again, if he was going to be able to put him together again. Eventually Hawke pulled away and Dom let him go.

Hawke wiped the last of his tears away self-consciously. 'I'm going to find him, Dom. I promise. I'm going to go back and I'm going to find him, bring him home. I can't lose him too.' His fingers brushed the marble stone. 'I just…I don't know how to do this without him.' He admitted feeling the fear of being alone worry at his gut, clutch at his heart. 'I've always had Saint John.' He'd always had his brother…they'd always had each other.

Dom patted his shoulder. 'I know it's not the same thing, String, but you'll always have me and I'll help you get your brother back. Anyway I can.'

Hawke looked over at the older man as though startled.

'Come on.' Dom reached for the rucksack and picked it up. 'Let's go home, huh?'

Hawke nodded and pressed a kiss to his fingers and then to the cold marble…

Hawke blinked. His fingers were pressed hard against the stone. A cough behind him had him spinning around. The memory fresh in his head he wasn't surprised to see Dom.

'Hey.' Dom fidgeted for a second. 'You OK?'

'Yeah.' Hawke tapped the marble and let go. 'I was just thinking the last time I came up here was after my first tour in 'Nam. After…' his breath caught in his throat, the memory too close. He pushed it away ruthlessly. 'I should come up here more often. Pay my respects.'

'Your folks would never have minded, String.' Dom said firmly. 'They would have wanted you to get on with your life.'

Hawke nodded.

Dom patted his shoulder. 'Come on, kid.' He gave a small laugh. 'Before Cait sends Zebra squad to find us.'

Hawke let the older man guide him away from the stone and back down the path. They slowed as they came to the car and Hawke hid his surprise at finding Atkins waiting alongside Caitlin.

'Atkins.' He acknowledged the other man, held out his good arm for a brief handshake. 'You're looking better.'

'So are you.' Atkins crossed his arms a little defensively.

There was an awkward pause.

Atkins sighed. 'Look, I was wondering…if you'd be willing, I'd like to stay in touch…I mean we are family.'

'What changed your mind?' Hawke asked surprised. 'I mean back in Leguardia you seemed pretty fixed on the idea of ignoring any connection you had to Alex.'

'My Dad.' Atkins said pointing at the older man waiting for him. He sighed. 'I was so angry when I found out about Alex, at the way he'd treated my mother. I just didn't want to know anything about him. I never gave him a chance.' He gave a pained smile.

'Give yourself a break, Atkins.' Hawke said. 'You'd just a lost a mother, maybe you weren't ready to find a father.'

'Maybe.' Atkins took a deep breath. 'But as my father pointed out to me, I don't want to make the same mistake with you. We're cousins.' He sighed. 'I don't know what that means exactly but I do know that I'd like to find out.'

Hawke nodded slowly. 'Me too.'

Atkins smiled. 'You know as we're cousins, you should call me Matt.'

'And as we're cousins, you should never call me Stringfellow.'

Atkins smiled widely. 'Got it.' His eyes caught the impatient gesturing of the lawyer. 'I guess we should move on.'

'I guess so.' Hawke murmured. 'Or we could go for a beer.'

Atkins grinned. 'Beer it is then.'

One beer turned into another and it was late when Caitlin drove up and parked in front of her apartment. She and Hawke both turned to the back of the car to look at a sleeping Dom, his chin propped up on his chest, his arms folded across his expansive belly, before looking at each other with amusement.

'Dom.' Hawke said loudly. His lips twitched as the other man didn't respond. He tried yelling. 'Dom!'

The older man's snapped open. 'Wha…?'

Hawke turned back to the front. 'We're here.'

'Well, I knew that.' Dom said.

'Yeah. Right.' Hawke pushed open his door and climbed out to the sound of Caitlin's laughter. He helped Dom out and collected their bags. He slipped an arm around Caitlin as they all walked into the apartment. She headed for the kitchen and as Dom made his way to the easy chair, Hawke settled on the sofa, patting the cushions so Tet, his dog, climbed up beside him for some petting. He ruffled the mutt's head. The day had gone surprisingly well, Hawke thought. His cousin was a good man and they were somewhere on the road to becoming friends.

'You know he's not supposed to be on the couch.' Caitlin's slightly exasperated voice had Hawke looking up abashed. Tet looked across at her with a similar expression. Dom chuckled and took the mug she handed to him.

Caitlin held out a second mug to Hawke who took it and then held a hand out to her. She slipped her hand into his and he pulled her down onto the sofa beside him, wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she cuddled into his side. This, he thought contentedly, was all he needed.

'Ah, it's good to be back at home.' Dom commented. 'You know I'm getting too old to run around jungles.'

'I know the feeling.' Hawke added easing his arm into a comfortable position.

'How is the arm?' Dom asked.

'Aches.' Hawke admitted. 'Least it means Michael's decided we're out of commission for a while.'

'It might give us some more time to work out what all that new equipment does that he installed in the Lair.' Caitlin commented.

'I still don't know what we need all that stuff for.' Hawke complained.

'I have to admit Michael pretty much installed everything but the kitchen sink.' Dom said with a laugh.

'At least that would have been useful.' Hawke commented smiling.

Caitlin yawned suddenly and slipped out of Hawke's hold to stand up. 'I'm beat, guys. I think I'll turn in.' She leaned down to drop a kiss on Hawke's lips and he watched her go. Tet followed at her heels.

'You two seem good.' Dom said pleased.

'We are.' Hawke said.

Dom caught the slight hesitation. 'Then what's up?'

Hawke looked over at him; he never had been able to fool Dom for long. He sighed. 'She told her folks we were moving in together.'

'Ah.' Dom looked down at the contents of his mug. 'They don't approve?'

'Understatement.' Hawke said.

'Well, I know it's the fashion these days, String but you know for us old folks it's still a little…untraditional.'

'It's not just the moving in together though, Dom. They don't approve of her coming back to LA, being with me,' Hawke gave a humourless laugh, 'me.' He shook his head. 'She's pretending like it doesn't matter to her but…'

'But it matters.'

Hawke nodded. 'She's even saying that she'll attend her sister's wedding in December on her own and I know it's because she's worried what would happen if she turned up with me.' He sighed. And I have no idea how to make it right for her, Dom.' He found himself confessing. 'I haven't had to worry about a girlfriend's parents since…since…well, a while.'

'Well, parents are tricky,' Dom said, 'they probably just want what's best for her.'

'They have a funny way of showing it.' The words were coloured with his anger.

Dom sighed. 'They just need to get to know you and get to know how…how good the two of you are together, huh?' He gave a chuckle. 'You know I wasn't too sure of Cait when she first came along.' His eyes were shining with reassurance as they met Hawke's. 'But then I got to know her, got to see how much she cared about you and that gave us some common ground.'

'I guess.' Hawke murmured.

'Give it time, String. They'll come round.'

'Thanks for the advice, Dom.'

'Any time, kid.' He glanced at the clock and sighed deeply. 'Well, I've got to get going.'

Hawke looked at him surprised. 'You're not staying?'

'Got an early call tomorrow. Some of us have to work you know.' Dom gave a bark of laughter as he got to his feet and retrieved his jacket.

'We'll be back under your servitude tomorrow.' Hawke said as he walked Dom out.

'I can't wait.' Dom commented and gave him a hug.

'Dom?'

The older man turned back towards the door.

'My folks…they would have liked her, huh?'

Dom smiled. 'They would have loved her.'

Hawke allowed a smile to flit across his lips. 'See you tomorrow.' He watched Dom's jeep pull away before he locked up and went to bed.

The next morning, Hawke woke early. He left Caitlin sleeping and sat out on the small balcony of the apartment watching the sun come up over the beach and drinking coffee. He heard a sound from the kitchen and smiled; Caitlin was up. It was only a few moments later that she joined him. She handed him a fresh mug of coffee and sat in the chair next to him. She was dressed simply in jeans and t-shirt with her hair damp from the shower, deepening it to a dark copper.

'You were up early.' Caitlin said as he reached across to tangle her fingers with his. 'Your arm bothering you?'

He shook his head. 'Just had a lot on my mind.' He took a gulp of the coffee and handed the mug back to her.

Caitlin hesitated and decided against asking; if he wanted to tell her, he would. Hawke caught the internal battle in her eyes and smiled inwardly. 'I was thinking about parents.'

'Oh?'

'I visited a memorial to mine yesterday in the cemetery.'

Her eyes gleamed softly with compassion.

'And I was thinking we should visit yours in Texas.'

Caitlin choked on the coffee and it took her a few moments to recover. She was about to respond when the phone rang.

'You should get that.' Hawke said.

She made a face. 'We haven't finished this discussion.' She warned as he took the mug back and she went to answer the incessant ring.

'Hi Everett.' Caitlin's eyes widened and shot to Hawke's. 'Oh my God! Is Dom OK?'

Hawke's body stiffened and he left the balcony to stand next to her. His gaze scoured her anxious face.

'OK. County hospital. Thanks, Everett.' She put the phone down.

'What's happened?' Hawke asked impatiently.

'Dom collapsed at the airfield.' She was already gathering her bag and jacket leading the way out of the apartment. 'Everett called the paramedics.' Hawke swore and followed her to the car. There was a tense silence as she drove them to the hospital.

The ER reception at the hospital was chaotic. Walking wounded crowded the small area for triage whilst doctors and nurses swarmed about rushing between patients. Hawke manoeuvred through the sea of people to the desk with Caitlin following close behind him.

'Can I help you?' The harried looking receptionist asked without looking at him.

'I was told my friend was brought here. I'm his next of kin.' Hawke said urgently.

'Name of your friend, honey?' She still hadn't looked up at him but turned to the computer instead.

'Dominic. Dominic Santini.'

'They transferred him to the cardiac unit on the sixth floor. Elevators are around the corner. When you get up there, follow the yellow line.'

'Thanks.' Hawke pushed off the desk and they raced round to the elevators, dodging more patients and staff. They punched in the sixth floor and waited anxiously for the numbers on the floor dial to go up. They were out of the elevator before the doors were finished opening, almost running until they got to the cardiac unit desk.

The nurse looked up at and smiled reassuringly.

'Dominic Santini. We were told he was brought here?' Hawke bit out harshly.

'Of course and you are?'

'Stringfellow Hawke. I'm his next of kin.'

She checked her file. 'If you could take a seat, Mr Hawke, I'll get a doctor to come and see you.'

'He is OK?' Hawke asked as she went to use the phone.

She smiled again. 'The doctor will explain everything.'

Caitlin put a hand on his arm and gently pulled him away to the seating area before he could argue. Hawke grabbed hold of Caitlin's hand as they sat down. She looked at him uncertain what to say. She'd never seen him so openly panicked before. He looked lost. She decided not to say anything, just held his hand tightly.

A middle-aged doctor with a bald head and bushy beard approached them. They got to their feet. Hawke clung to Caitlin.

'You're Dominic Santini's next of kin? I'm Doctor Franklin. I'm in charge of his care.'

'Yes,' Hawke said shortly, 'is he OK?'

'He's a lucky man. Mr Santini had chest pains indicative of a potential heart attack.'

'A heart attack?' Hawke paled. 'That's bad, isn't it?'

'It was only chest pains this time.' Doctor Franklin repeated. 'More of a warning than an actual attack. We're keeping him for observation and to run some more tests.'

'Can we see him?' Caitlin asked.

'Of course.' Doctor Franklin motioned for the nurse. 'If you have any questions, please ask the nurse to find me.'

'Thank you Doctor.' Caitlin murmured.

They followed the nurse to a small room and she left them outside. Caitlin pulled Hawke to a stop before they walked in.

'You go on in and have some time with him. I'll be along in a minute after I've called Everett.' Caitlin said in response to his questioning look.

Hawke kissed her gently and let go of her hand. He took a deep breath, knocked on the door and walked in. His eyes immediately went to the single hospital bed and its occupant. His heart seized in his chest at the sight of Dom's normally indomitable figure clothed in a hospital gown, looking lost under a mountain of white linen and green blankets. Wires extended from his chest to a monitor which beeped in a reassuringly regular way.

Dom opened his eyes and smiled at his visitor. 'Well, it's about time you showed up.'

Hawke shrugged and walked over to stand next to the man who had been his surrogate father. He clasped the older man's hand and Dom squeezed it.

'I'm OK, kid.'

Hawke found his voice. 'The doctor says you're going to be fine.' He admitted as he let go of Dom's hand and shoved his own in his jeans pocket, rocking back on his heels.

'See!' Dom resolutely ignored the sheen of tears in the younger man's eyes. 'You know me tough as old boots.' He harrumphed and gestured at the room. 'I don't really need to stay here. Give me a minute and I'll find some clothes and…'

'You'll stay.' Hawke said finding a chair and sitting down by the bed.

Dom grunted but snuggled back into the stacked pillows.

'What happened?' Hawke asked.

'Beats me, kid.' Dom sighed. 'One minute I was fine and the next…' His voice trailed away as he remembered the sharp pains in his chest that had stolen his breath and scared the hell out of him. He sighed. 'Doc says I should be out of here tomorrow. They're just keeping me for some tests.'

'That's what he said.' Hawke agreed.

'Where's Caitlin?' Dom asked.

'Here.' Hawke said. 'She's gone to call Everett and let him know you're OK.'

'That's good of her.' Dom said. He caught the flicker of worry in Hawke's eyes. 'Don't worry, String. Another couple of weeks and I'll be right as rain.'