Chapter 7

In the end Steve had to stay eight days at the hospital.
He still wasn't back to his usual self, but the doctor didn't see any reason to kept him there any longer.
Getting there hadn't been that easy though.
It wasn't until the fourth day that Steve had been able to sit up on the edge of the bed. The first three tries he had gone dizzy right away and it had last too long to let him try to get over it - he had to lie back down. Then it had gone better but the same problem had occurred when they made him stand. It had also worsened his headache. They had gone back to letting him sit on the edge of his bed. It had been hard work with slow progress but now the SEAL was at least able to make his way alone to the bathroom and back.
Whoever of the team was visiting accompanied him to the door and back to make sure he got there safely.
Reading or watching TV was still out of question. Both activities brought back the headache and a blurry vision.
Ever since he was able to go to the bathroom, Steve had gone uneasy. He didn't see why he couldn't go home and sleep in his own bed and eat real food. The doctor agreed with him. He was willing to discharge his patient the next day after another scan and the promise to follow orders to the detail.
"No exceptions" he had emphasized.
Danny and Steve were now waiting for the doc to come and lay out his instructions.
"You good?" Danny asked.
"Yes, why?" Steve replied.
"You look tired. You've just done your exercises. Maybe we should talk later."
"No, I want this talk to be over. I want to go home Danny. I know I can't do much more at home either but this room is driving me crazy and like I told the doc I need some real food."
"What you don't like the jell-o?" Danny joked.
"That's about the only thing that was good here. But no, I meant something hearty and with taste."
"Anything in particular?"
"Maybe a steak, fries and a salad. I don't really care but at least something you can eat. Maybe then I get more down than just a spoonful."
"I see what I can do."
"Thanks Danno. You are a great friend."

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Dr. Peters said. He had a look at Steve. "You up for this?"
"Yes, I am. Lets' get started."
"Okay then. Commander McGarrett, I understand that you want to go home and I wouldn't let you do that if I'd think you weren't ready for it. But you are still far from being healed.
Yes, the swelling and the bruising had gone down but it is still clearly visible.
You are feeling better every day but it will still take you weeks to get completely rid of the symptoms.
Until then I want you to take it easy. Listen to your body and what it is telling you. You have been seriously injured and got lucky nothing more had happened. Just a bit more force or maybe a different angle and we would talk about a broken skull and/or permanent brain damage. Always be aware of that.
When you get home, I want you to rest. The ride in the car is going to exhaust you.
After that I want you to continue your exercises. Try a bit more if you feel up to it. Try again with reading or TV as well. But only as far as it feels comfortable. If you feel any kind of discomfort stop it. This is important. Overstraining yourself, rushing it might lead to a setback.
It was a brain injury after all and the brain needs its time to heal.
I will also provide you with some meds to take with you. And I want you to take it when needed. There is no reason to suffer in any way and I am pretty sure you don't have to proof anything to your friend here. Make it easy for him. He is worrying enough already.
Speaking of detective Williams. He is going to stay with you for another week – 24/7. If he has to leave for whatever reasons one of your other team members will be there. You won't push them away and you won't tell them that you don't need a "babysitter". Because you do.
There will be good days and bad days for you. One day you may think you feel good and you can go back to your normal routine. The next day you can barely make it out of bed. Then stay in bed until it is better. Take some meds. This is not some kind of a competition.
And even on good days: Take it easy. Don't overdo it. Can you promise me to do all that?"
"Yes, I can," Steve answered with a serious voice.
"Good. Detective Williams is the one calling the shots next week. If there is anything and I mean anything you think you have to do differently than we just agreed on, you are back here. Are we clear?" Doctor Peters said very determined and watched his patient closely.
"Yes sir. Crystal." The SEAL answered like he had just gotten orders from his CO.

The scan was satisfying enough for the doctor and he signed Steve's discharge papers. Handing them over he reminded the SEAL once more to listen to his body and his friend.

Although Steve had been brought to Danny's car in a wheelchair, he already felt his strength fade after only half of the ride home.
"Do you want me to stop?" Danny asked noticing the change of demeanor in his friend.
"No. I want to go home. Then I am going to lie down," Steve answered, feeling his headache increase.
"Okay. Just tell me if you change your mind. It's no problem to take a break."
Steve just gave him a thumps-up.

When they arrived at the house, Steve was asleep. Danny hadn't the heart to wake him. He brought Steve's bag inside, set a pot of coffee going unpacked everything poured himself a cup of coffee and went outside again. The SEAL was still asleep.
When Steve hadn't woken up thirty minutes later, Danny lowered the backrest took a blanket and covered his friend with it. It was quite warm outside but he knew from his own experience that sleeping without a blanket would only lead to feeling cold when waking up. He left the door to the car open and sat down on the doorstep with his coffee in hand.

It wasn't long before Steve came to. He was disoriented at first but recognized Danny's voice right away.
Taking in his surroundings, Steve remembered where he was and why.
"I am sorry," he said. "Please don't take me back. I really really thought I would make it."
"If I had wanted to do that you would have already been back in your room. Come on, let's get you inside." Danny said softly.
"Can…can I get one of those painkillers first?" Steve asked a little embarrassed.
"That bad, uh?" Danny wanted to know.
"No. Not yet. But getting up, walking…not sure if I can do that."
"Sure no problem."

When Danny returned with a pill and a bottle of water, Steve said "Thanks. And don't…don't get me wrong, I…I don't want to order you around but can you prepare my bed while this is taking effect. I think I really need to be flat on my back for a while."
"Sure no problem. And don't worry. This is exactly what I want you to do. Tell me what you need. No secrets, no "I am superman", okay? You are not and that is okay because I like being around humans and "Super SEAL" is good enough for me." Danny said smiling.

They made it into the house without incident. Steve had agreed on staying in the guestroom until he was confident enough to manage the stairs. They went in and Danny helped his friend to get out of his pants and shoes. Steve sighed deeply when he was lying down.
"Thanks Danno. Really appreciate your help."
"Don't mention it. Get some rest."
Steve had just wanted to rest a bit, but he fell asleep once more.

He woke up to a smell that made his mouth water.
'Danny is cooking his famous ciambella.' he thought.
He checked his vision – clear – and carefully pulled himself into a sitting position before sitting up at the edge of the bed.
He went to the bathroom and back, then he called out for Danny who appeared a few seconds later.
"Hey, sleepy head. How you feeling?"
"Okay. But, uh, I think, uh, I need some help…" Steve said hesitantly
"Sure, what do you need?" Danny asked ready to help.
"Uh…pants and shoes?" the SEAL answered half expecting Danny to ask him if he wanted to take him for a ride.

When the clothes were on Steve said "Thanks. I can do it myself, but I…I just don't think it is good to bend down and…uh…"
"Hey," Danny interrupted his friend's stammering. "Buddy, you don't have to explain yourself. If you need help, you need help. You tell me and I do it, okay?"
"I know…thanks. It's just…awkward…embarrassing…to need help with such simple things, you know?"
"No, it is not awkward. First, we are friends, so since when it is awkward or "embarrassing" to help a friend? And second, you help people all the time. Now you are getting some help. Don't know why this is awkward."
"Because…the others, they…they usually don't need help getting themselves dressed.
I am not used to be like…this and having someone around who cares."
"Then it's about time you get used to it.
You've once told me that I am not as alone as I think I am. The same goes for you."
Steve just nodded. He was too touched to say anything without risking his voice to break.

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