A/N: I'm sorry it's been so long in between updates. Here's a reminder from the previous chapter.

Some things mentioned in the next few chapters are inspired by or take place in the season 1 finale, and the first episode of season 2. For the most part, I'm not going into great detail about these events. Also, the canon events are only a small part of this story that are being used to move things forward.

I hope you enjoy the chapter. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 22

"Breaking Point"

Something fuzzy touched Steve's chin. He jerked his head back, banging it against the wall. Rubbing his head he looked down and noticed Natalie's blue fleece blanket draped over his body. He realized he had fallen asleep on the floor outside of her room. She must have woken up at some point and put a blanket over him.

"You're awake," Natalie said, peeking around the doorframe of her room. She knelt down beside him. "I've been waiting for you to wake up for forever. How come you slept on the floor?"

Steve stretched his arms in front of him. "I just did." He didn't know what else to say. He wasn't sure if now was a good time to bring up the conversation he had overheard between her and her imaginary friend.

"You could have slept in my room. I would have fixed a bed for you." Her eyes lit up. "It would have been like a slumber party."

He rested his head against the wall and let his eyes close.

Natalie tilted her head and looked at him. Then she gently took his face in her hands. "Are you okay, Daddy?"

"I'm fi..." Steve looked into the little girl's light blue eyes. After hearing what she had said last night, he thought, for her sake, he should be honest. "Not the best, sweetheart."

She sighed. "Me neither."

"Come here." Steve pulled her onto his lap and rested his chin on her head.

"Maybe we should call in sick," Natalie suggested.

Steve smirked. "You wouldn't be trying to get out of school would you?"

"It's called a mental health day. Mommy takes them all the time."

"Uh-huh. And what do you do on these mental health days?"

"Sometimes we go to the zoo, or the movies, or any place fun. And there's always chocolate."

"I don't think we can do that today, but how about a quick swim before breakfast instead?"

Natalie turned to look at him, a smile lighting up her eyes. "I've never gotten to swim before breakfast."

"I'll take that as a yes then."

She nodded enthusiastically, kissed him on the cheek, and then scurried into her room. "Too bad we don't have matching bathing suits," she called. "Now that would be awesome!"

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Somehow Danny wasn't surprised when he came out of his apartment to find a silver Camaro waiting for him. He saw Nate leaning against the car with his arms crossed. Danny smirked. Nate looked like Steve. And today, he was even dressed like Steve.

"What, did you raid your brother's closet?" Danny asked.

Nate smiled, glancing down at his cargo pants and boots. "No, I'm going hiking."

"Really? With Steve?"

Nate shook his head. "No."

"Well, you should be careful because your brother has a habit of falling off cliffs and breaking bones." Nate quirked an eyebrow, and Danny continued, "I just didn't know if it ran in the family."

"I'm sure I'll be fine."

Danny examined the car. "It looks great. But I probably can't afford what it cost you."

"Don't worry about it."

Danny held out the keys to the car Nate had let him borrow. "I guess I should give these to you. I didn't have time to take it through a carwash or anything."

"I'll take care of it." Nate gave Danny the keys to the Camaro. "I don't know if you'll be able to keep Steve out of the driver's seat or not..." It seemed as if Nate wanted to say something else, but instead he turned to leave. "I guess I'll be seeing you."

"Hey, Nate." The younger man stopped, but he didn't turn around. Danny came up beside him, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Did I ever tell you I had, I mean, have a little brother?"

"No."

"He's actually taller than me," Danny placed a hand several inches over his head, "but younger. Anyway, he made some bad choices a while back, and instead of coming clean, he ran." Danny squinted in the morning light, allowing his words to sink in for a moment. "I haven't seen him since. I'm not sure I ever will."

"I'm sorry." Nate's voice sounded hoarse.

"Yeah, me too." Danny turned toward the Camaro and opened the door. "I'd hate for Steve to go through the same thing. Maybe you can do something about that." Danny climbed into the car taking one last look at Nate. Then he drove away, leaving Nate alone on the sidewalk.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Governor Pat Jameson thumbed through the paperwork on her desk. It always seemed there was so much to do and so little time to do it. She sighed and set the papers aside. Sitting back in her chair, she closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. The stress she had been under lately was taking it's toll.

"Breathe," she told herself. "Everything will work out."

The intercom buzzed and a nasally voice announced, "Hannah Reilly is here, Governor."

"Thank you, Joan." The governor stood and walked around the desk as her office door opened. "Hannah, how are you?"

"I'm fine," Hannah replied, embracing her friend. "I am so sorry to hear about Laura Hills. Are you sure you're up for this today?"

"I certainly can't bow out of a charity brunch I'm expected to attend. I am glad you're coming with me."

Hannah squeezed her hand. "Pat, are you sure? What you went through yesterday isn't anything to take lightly. I'm sure the committee would accept your regrets."

Pat shook her head and smiled. "I'll be fine. Shall we go?"

"Yes, but first I was wondering if I could ask a favor?"

"Anything."

"Could you show me where Five-0 headquarters is?"

Pat's eyebrows rose. "Really? Why?"

Hannah pressed her palms together. "This may sound silly, but I baked them some muffins."

"Oh, that's...nice."

"I know they probably don't want some lady with muffins coming in and interrupting their important work, but I'm trying to mend some fences."

"Are you trying to bribe them?" Pat smiled, and Hannah chuckled.

"No, I'm just trying to be nice to Steve because I haven't done very well with that in the past."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture. I haven't heard any cars screeching out of the parking lot so he's probably in his office. I'll show you the way."

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Steve didn't know what he was doing. He had cases to attend to, but he found himself unable to concentrate on them. His thoughts were jumbled. People and events were mixing together. Wo Fat was the governor, Governor Jameson and Laura Hills were partners in a devious scheme, Nate was killed by the car bomb, and somehow Keller became his brother. That thought was extremely disturbing.

Leaning forward, Steve placed his elbows on his desk and rubbed his hands over his head. He told himself he was just tired and needed some sleep. A short rest would help clear his thinking. He allowed his eyes to close.

The quiet hum of the mini refrigerator and the muffled voices of his team in the main room drifted further away. He could feel his body getting heavier. His elbows slid apart and his head lowered to the desk, coming to rest on his hands. There were no dreams, only blackness, as he fell into a bottomless sleep.

What seemed like moments later, he felt a shift in the darkness as he became aware of a presence in the room. He lifted his head and blinked several times, trying to focus on the figure standing in front of his desk.

"The couch might have been more comfortable," a familiar voice said.

Steve rubbed his eyes. He thought he was dreaming. But the wavy brown hair and blue eyes were real. "Alex?" Steve whispered. She smiled and moved toward him. He shoved back his chair and stood. The sudden action caused his head to spin and he lost his balance. As he tried to steady himself Alex caught his arm.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked.

Steve wasn't interested in answering questions at the moment. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and held her. For a long time, they embraced without speaking.

"I guess you missed me," Alex finally said, her voice muffled against his chest.

Steve pulled back and looked at her. "What happened to Saturday?" His voice sounded husky.

"I missed you."

As true as her response might be, Steve knew she still had things to finish in Virginia. She wouldn't have come back early just because she missed him. It wasn't like Alex to put her needs before finishing a task. He shook his head. "As nice as that sounds, I don't think that's the reason. The Alex Reilly I know wouldn't let her needs get in the way of what had to be done."

Alex ran her fingers down the back of his neck. "Maybe you're more important to me than anything I had to get done."

"You're making this difficult."

"I'm making this difficult?"

Steve studied her face. "Did your dad call you?"

She drew in a deep breath. "He might have."

"What'd he say?"

"Steve, I don't think that's really important. Besides, I'm here. And you know what, you haven't kissed me."

"What did he say?"

Alex rolled her eyes. "Fine. My dad was concerned your ship was sailing and no one was at the helm."

Steve's face scrunched up. "What?"

"You know how my dad likes to explain things in nautical terms sometimes."

Steve stepped back and put his hands on his hips. "He thinks I'm losing it?"

"I knew I shouldn't have told you."

"And that's the reason you're here."

"Yeah, Steve, I only came because you're going crazy. Not because I love you, or missed you, or that I've been gone entirely too long."

Steve stared down at the floor. "This is about last night, isn't it?" He wasn't really mad that Henri thought he was losing it because in all honesty his mental state wasn't the greatest at the moment. It just annoyed him that Alex felt she needed to come back and rescue him.

"It doesn't matter, Steve," Alex said.

"Yeah, it does."

"Okay then. Tell me why you were dressed like a commando last night."

"I was working."

"Whatever you were working on must have been upsetting. Dad said you seemed anxious and distracted. Does any of that ring a bell?"

Steve crossed his arms and the frown on his face deepened. "I'm not perfect, Alex. I'm doing the best I can with all the stuff that's been going on."

He was getting defensive. Alex knew she could push for answers, but it wouldn't get her anywhere. He had his "I'm not going to budge look," and unless she wanted to send him over the edge he was teetering on she needed to back off. Besides, this wasn't how she envisioned their reunion.

"You know, Steve," she closed the gap between them, "I kind of thought you would have kissed me by now."

Steve looked to his left. "Not really in the mood."

"Well, that's certainly new for you," she teased.

Movement in the main room caught Steve's attention. His entire team, along with Natalie, was out there. "Natty's here?"

"I had Kono take her out of school. I couldn't wait to see her."

Steve continued to watch. "What are they doing out there?"

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

The Governor was explaining to Hannah about the great work Five-0 was doing as they approached its main entrance. However, what they saw through the glass doors was anything but work. Danny was standing with his back to them, facing Chin, Kono and Natalie.

"You're first, Chin," Danny said.

"Mother may I..." Chin began, "take two turtle steps forward?"

"What?" Danny exclaimed. "Why would anyone want to take turtle steps in this game? That's just stupid. The object is to cross the line I'm standing on." He motioned to the masking tape on the floor. "You're supposed to ask for giant steps, or cartwheels, or something that's gonna get you across this line the fastest. Right, Natty?"

"Well, I do like turtle steps," she said, "but giant steps are faster."

"Exactly, I know what I'm talking about."

Chin tilted his head. "Mother, may I take two giant steps?"

Danny crossed his arms. "No, you may not."

"No?" Chin protested. "But you just said-"

"I know what I said, but maybe if you had said 'Father, may I take two giant steps' then I could have helped you. Do I look like a mother to you?" He pointed to Kono. "Next."

Kono grinned. "Um...Father, may I...oh."

Danny threw his hands out. "What? I'm waiting."

"I think we're in trouble," Natalie said, pointing behind him.

By the expressions of the three in front of him, Danny had the feeling he probably didn't want to turn around. Despite that, he put on a confident smile and turned just as the Governor and Hannah Reilly came into the room.

"Good morning, Governor," Danny said, fidgeting with his tie. "Mrs. Reilly. It's so nice to see you again." Neither of the women responded. "This isn't what it looks like," Danny reassured them, waving his hand toward his companions.

"It isn't?" the Governor asked.

"No, because you probably think we're goofing off or even playing games, when we're supposed to be solving difficult cases that baffle the minds of most... I'm gonna shut up now."

"Wise decision."

Natalie scurried up next to Danny. "It's not their fault; it's mine." She clasped her hands in front of her in remorse. "Send me to jail."

Danny looked at the ceiling, while Chin and Kono tried to hide their smiles.

"Natalie, shouldn't you be in school?" Hannah asked.

"I got to leave early, Nana," the little girl replied. "Now I'm just waiting for Mommy and Daddy to stop hugging and kissing and all that stuff, so we can go home."

Danny cleared his throat. "Governor, is there something I can help you with?"

"Alex, is back?" Hannah asked. "I had no idea."

"I'll go get her," Natalie offered, trotting off to Steve's office, more than happy to interrupt them. She returned moments later with Alex in tow and Steve following close behind.

"Hey, mom." Alex smiled. "Surprise."

"Come here and give me a hug," Hannah said. "What happened to Saturday?"

"I was just explaining that to Steve," Alex replied, embracing her mother. "So what are you doing here?"

Hannah held out a basket. "I brought muffins for Steve and his team." She handed it to Steve. "I hope that's okay."

Danny noticed Steve didn't seem to be in the mood for pleasantries. "Muffins. Absolutely," Danny said, lifting the cloth that covered the muffins. "What kind are they?"

"Cinnamon streusel," Hannah replied.

"Mmm, my favorite." He clapped Steve on the back. "Steve loves them, too."

Steve's reply was almost mechanical. "Thank you, ma'am."

Danny took the basket from his partner, who hardly seemed to notice. "I'll leave one on your desk, Steve."

"Do I get one of those muffins too?" Natalie asked. "I mean I practically work here now."

"Do you?" the Governor asked. "I wasn't aware Five-0 had a new member."

"Well, I mostly just spin in Daddy's chair and draw pictures and stuff, but when I grow up I'll be able to do everything Daddy does." Natalie looked up at Steve in adoration.

Governor Jameson smiled. "You should watch out, Commander. She might take your job someday."

"I'll keep an eye on her, ma'am."

"And you, Miss Natalie, if you work really hard I may have a job for you when you're older."

Steve placed his hands on Natalie's shoulders, pulling her closer to himself. Alex noticed his jaw tighten and the vein in his neck bulge. "That's a long way off," Steve replied.

Jameson nodded. "Perhaps, but little girls have a way of growing up before you know it." She turned to Hannah. "We should be going."

"Yes, we should." She hugged Alex and Natalie goodbye. "I hope to see the three of you later. Enjoy the muffins."

"We will!" Natalie squealed.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Natalie sat on the couch in Steve's office munching on one of the streusel muffins. So focused on her delicious treat, she failed to hear the whispered conversation on the other side of the room.

"It's nothing, Alex," Steve said.

"That's not what I saw," she responded. "Why did you react that way when the governor made the comment about Natalie?"

Steve rubbed Alex's arms. "Can we just forget about this?"

She eyed him suspiciously. "If I had a dime for everytime you said that I'd be a rich woman."

Steve tilted his head toward Natalie. "I can't talk about it right now."

Alex bit her lip and looked out into the main room. "Relationships don't work very well when people don't talk to each other."

Steve ran a hand over his face. "Things are a little complicated right now."

"I know, Steve." She looked into his eyes, trying one last time to decipher what he wasn't telling her, but she was unable. "Let's talk soon."

Steve nodded. "Okay."

"I should go and let you get back to work." Alex turned toward Natalie. "Come on, Natty."

"So, dinner?" Steve asked.

"Just call me whenever you're done here." She headed toward the door. "Natty, let's go."

Steve couldn't let her leave like this. He hadn't even kissed her goodbye, not to mention hello. "Alex-"

At that moment, Chin burst into the room. "Steve, I just got a call from Duke, he said HPD is on their way to arrest you for Laura Hills' murder."

"What? Who's Laura Hills?" Alex asked, following Steve and Chin into the main room.

"What are you gonna do, Steve?" Chin questioned.

They could hear the wailing of sirens coming closer. "I don't know," Steve responded. "I can't do anything if I'm locked up."

"Please, just lay low, okay?" Danny pleaded. "We'll get something on the governor, and take care of this."

Alex had no idea what was happening, but Steve's reaction to the governor earlier made more sense now. "Steve?"

"I'm sorry, Alex." There wasn't time to say anything more. He turned to leave, but something slammed into him and wouldn't let go.

"Please don't leave!" Natalie screamed.

"You need to let him go, Natalie," Alex said, trying to pull the little girl away.

Natalie tightened her hold on Steve. "No!"

Everything faded away. All Steve could see was Natalie's tear stained face. In the next moment, he tore her arms away from himself, agonizing over her screams of protest. Then he ran out of the room. He didn't look back. He couldn't.