Title: Non-Sequitur
Rating: T
Pairings/Characters: Steve/Danny
Warning: None
Word Count: 537
Non-Sequitur
"I'm looking forward to this much-needed time away from Hawaii. I love Hawaii. It's my home, but I feel like I haven't gotten a break since my dad was killed 10 years ago. And Catherine is here."
Danny blinked at the non sequitur, but he focused on what he felt was the most important part. "Catherine is there? Did you invite her along?"
"No, of course not; she just showed up. I think it's Lincoln's doing. He might have read me as missing Catherine more than I do."
"Is she right next to you or…"
"She went to the restroom."
"Ahh, that's why you called me now. You've got to sneak our call in with Catherine none the wiser."
"It's not like that, but it will be a very awkward conversation to have, and I'm not looking forward to it."
Danny hesitated, but he decided he might as well go for it. After what they talked about before Steve's departure, there was no use being shy now. "Are you having any second thoughts? Now that Catherine is right there with you?"
"No."
Danny was gratified that there was no hesitation. And the answer was firm.
Quieter, Steve continued, "No, I love you. And I don't doubt that. And I know I don't owe Catherine any explanation. We haven't been together in a very long time, but she was a big part of my past, and I'm worried about what she'll think. It's stupid, I know—"
"It's not stupid. You still love her as a friend. But if she's a real friend, she'll be happy that you fell in love again. And that person loves you back just as much, and he's waiting for when you're ready to come home."
"I love you so much," Steve whispered.
Danny could hear the smile in the other man's voice, and it was easy to return the sentiment. "I love you too. Now, you do what you need to do. Take the time you need. Just know that I'm here for you when you're ready to come home. And Charlie is as well. As well as the rest of our Ohana."
"I know. I hope it won't be long. I just need this so badly. Love you."
"I know. And I love you, too. I'll let you go. I'm sure Catherine will be back any minute."
There's silence on the other end. Danny looked, thinking maybe Steve hung up without saying goodbye—the animal that he is—but the call was still connected. He puts the phone back to his ear. "Babe?"
"Yeah, Danno, Catherine's been back for a while. She's kind of just standing in the aisle looking at me with an arched eyebrow. She looks kind of amused. So gotta go take care of this. Talk to you later."
Danny smirked, but Steve didn't sound too worried, so he wasn't worried. "Okay, talk to you later, and stay safe. Remember, you're on vacation. Don't go looking for trouble."
"Your, uh, words are noted. Acceptance is pending."
Before Danny can go on a full rant about that, the call disconnected. "Come back to me, Steve," he whispered, hoping for a safe and speedy return for his part and almost lover.