Disclaimer: see chapter one
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews and love for this story I'm so glad you guys like this so much. I apologize for the delay in this chapter, but like always I want it to be as close to great as I can get it and that takes a while. Also I know the past couple of chapters have been on the fluffy side and this one is no different, but I promise we'll have some drama of some sort in the next chapter. On with the story I hope you guys enjoy!
Danny woke up early the morning after their party, even though they had partied late in the night. Looking up he smiled at the sleepy smile spread across Steve's face. It was rare for Danny to wake up before Steve and he was going to capitalize on the opportunity to see Steve at his most relaxed and carefree state.
Before Steve even opened his eyes he could feel eyes watching him, it was a skill that he acquired during his time in the SEALs. He smiled having a feeling as to who was watching him and he pulled Danny closer relishing in the warmth emanating from his partner. "Good morning babe." Danny greeted lightly kissing Steve, who still hadn't opened his eyes.
"What time is it?" He murmured finally opening his eyes and looking at Danny and his impressive bed head, his fingers reaching out to caress the soft locks. Danny smiled and leaned into the touch letting Steve's fingers run through his hair.
"A little after 8."
"I'm surprised you're up this early, it feels like we just went to bed." Danny laughed, moving up to give Steve a kiss.
"Danno, we did just go to bed. We didn't finally crawl into bed until like 4 am." Steve groaned as he sat up a sudden reminder that he wasn't twenty one anymore and really shouldn't be staying up until the wee hours of the morning partying and drinking.
"It was worth it though; it's not often that we get to spend time with our entire family. Plus it was a special occasion and just the right way to kick off our honeymoon." Steve turned an amused look spread across his tired face.
"Our honeymoon huh? I wasn't aware that we were taking a honeymoon."
"That's the beauty of it babe, you weren't supposed to. I can't believe I actually managed to hide this from you. We, my finely tuned Super SEAL, are going on a trip to Lanai and don't worry I've packed for the both of us." Danny replied motioning towards the door where two medium size suitcases lay.
"Is this a clothes optional honeymoon?" Steve cheekily asked noting the suitcases didn't look like they could hold much in the way of clothing.
"Yes and no. While I would love to spend our entire trip there in bed with you, we're only there for four days and I want to make the most of it. But don't worry; I'll keep you in bed for the rest of our week off because this bed is free." Steve smiled leaning up to kiss Danny tempted to ask how much this trip was costing him, them. But he thought against it because he did not want to anger Danny on their honeymoon. "Stop thinking so much and get up we fly out at one." Steve wanted to remark that they could spend just a little more time in bed, but he could already feel Danny's patented 'don't push it' look. So Steve got up quickly before Danny could yell at him for being slow and join Danny in the shower.
Oh, now it made sense that Danny wanted Steve to get up and really who was Steve to turn down sex in the shower?
After a very long and thorough shower followed by a deliciously light yet filling breakfast on the lanai, Steve and Danny were finally making their way to the airport with their suitcases and carry-on bags, because they knew that anything could happen and they need to be prepared. But the possibility of their vacation being interrupted was not enough to ruin the excitement. Danny couldn't wait to show Steve the handful of activities he and Grace picked out when he booked their honeymoon trip. They were going to enjoy some stand up paddling, snorkeling, surfing, a hike through the beautiful scenery, and a private dinner at the Ocean Hale for the two of them. Danny was just buzzing with excitement at finally getting to have Steve all to himself for three days; they were finally going to have that couple vacation.
"So Danno, what do you have planned for us? Besides that is me getting to ravish you any chance I can?" Danny blushed faintly chuckling at the absolutely sinful look on Steve's face. No matter how long he and Steve have been together the man could still make him blush.
"Well consider our activities a present from Grace since she's the one that picked out our activities when I booked our room. So we're going to do some stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing, and as if she channeled you herself a nice hike through the lava rocks. How does that sound babe?"
"Sounds perfect D. I couldn't have planned a better vacation for us." Danny smiled fondly happy that he had managed to plan a vacation that would be great for both of them. Steve was going to be able to do his outdoor thing and Danny was going to get to have Steve all to himself, a win-win if you ask Danny. A comfortable silence fell over them for the remaining ten minutes of the short flight and before Danny knew it they had landed and were making their way to the resort.
As their driver pulled up to the hotel Steve was shocked, the resort of beautiful much nicer than Steve could have ever expected. He was so wrapped up in taking in the sheer beauty of the resort he didn't even notice the door open.
"Welcome to the Lanai Four Seasons Manele Bay; let me take our bags for you." Danny chuckled at Steve's shocked silence and followed the attendant into the hotel while pulling Steve along by his hand. Steve was silent through check in and was in for another shock when they got to their room. He bypassed everything else and made his way to the terrace that looked out to the ocean, it felt so much like home that he should've known that Danny would book them a room like this. Shaking his head to clear his shocked stupor he turned and watched the guy who carried their bags leave the room. "So babe, how'd I do?"
"This is amazing Danny, I can't believe you did all this without me knowing." Steve marveled as Danny made his way over towards him and wrapped his arms around his waist.
"I guess I can be just as sneaky as you can, but I'm glad you like it."
"Do I even want to know how much this cost?" Steve couldn't help but ask and Danny smiled shaking his head no.
"No and I'm not telling you anyway, we need a vacation with just the two of us so the cost doesn't matter." Steve shrugged his shoulders silently letting the conversation go because Danny wasn't going to tell him anything about the price of their honeymoon and really it wasn't worth the argument.
"Alright then what's the first item on our agenda?" Steve asked swiftly changing the subject.
"Maybe a nice dip in the pool before dinner?" Danny suggested wanting to save the rest of their activities for the three full days they'll have at the resort. Steve agreed and so the two of them found themselves enjoying the tranquility and semi-deserted pool for a few hours before Steve's stomach rumbled so loudly that they couldn't ignore it anymore.
Dinner that night was a quiet affair since both were tired from hours in the sun and their trip, short as it may have been, over so it wasn't surprising that they were both out the minute their heads hit the pillows and they would be thankful tomorrow to have a good night's sleep.
Like they were at home, Steve is the first to wake the next morning. He smiled as the salty air hits him and he stretched feeling well rested and content. Glancing over at Danny Steve smiled gently brushing one of his stray hairs from his face and leaning down to kiss his temple before his restlessness kicks in and he needs to work out, especially since he's gone without his morning workout for three days. So slipping quietly from the room Steve decides for a short two mile run down the beach and back, with a quick pit stop for breakfast.
A short 45 minutes later Steve comes back to see Danny sitting on the terrace a smile spread across his face. Placing breakfast on the table, he leans down giving Danny a hot morning kiss before sitting down across from him. "Good morning to you too." Danny chuckles digging into the pancakes Steve somehow managed to bring back with him. Steve smiled again, he doesn't think he's stopped smiling since he woke up this morning and it's a welcomed change. He liked this carefree happiness that has settled over them, it's the feeling he's been searching for since they started this relationship last year.
"So Danno, what's up first today?" Steve asked after Danny had finished off his coffee and his plate sat empty in front of him.
"A little morning surfing, since it's been almost a year since we've actually been surfing together." Steve smiled thinking back to that Saturday morning when he and Danny had gone out in the wee hours of the morning to catch some waves. Since they were the only ones out there they were able to really enjoy the waves while also managing to yet again open up to each other about things they held close to their hearts. Since that morning Steve's been looking to get back into the water and see how Danny's lessons with Kono have benefited his partner, plus it's still early enough that they could enjoy the warm water without having to worry about others.
"Sounds good Danno, do we have boards?" Danny nodded motioning to the boards that were leaning up against their sliding glass door.
"They dropped them off this morning, give me a minute to get my board shorts and we can hit the water." Steve nodded shamelessly watching him get up and move into the room. He would never get tired of actually being able to check out his partner. He also loved how he and Gracie had been able to change Danno's 'I don't swim or play in water' attitude so that they could do things like surfing and paddle boarding. Steve wanted to show Danny the things he had spent his childhood doing, he wanted Danny to at least tolerate the place that Steve called home. Plus it was a way to get even closer, Steve could show Danny things that he had never really do before.
When Danny emerged minutes later handing Steve the sunscreen that most likely Deb had insisted Danny pack, but Steve wasn't complaining because it seemed that every time Danny wore sunscreen he managed to tan so nicely it made Steve's mouth water. "Down boy, there's time for that later." Danny joked knowing exactly what Steve was thinking. He wasn't the only one thinking along those x-rated lines especially when Steve was rubbing the cool sunscreen onto his slightly warm skin. But they needed to hurry up before the other guests decided to hit the water as well.
Finally after twenty minutes of rubbing sunscreen on they grabbed their boards and made into the water. At first Steve was content to just sit back and watch Danny do this thing since the blond really was a natural on the surfboard. But after watching Danny cutting through the waves Steve couldn't sit still anymore and the two spent the rest of the warm morning enjoying the waves before hunger took over and they made their way back up the beach. Danny ordered room service while Steve showered off the salt water and sweat from his earlier work out.
Lunch was a quiet affair the conversation light as the two were busy taking in everything around them. Steve wanted to remember everything about this trip, every scent, smell, sound, and feeling while Danny just wanted to enjoy the fact that for once no one was lurking around trying to kill them. For once they were just Danny and Steve, not Lieutenant Commander or Detective and it was a nice feeling, a feeling that if push came to ultimate shove Danny could come to like.
Danny had planned on spending the afternoon hiking the lava rock or lounging by the pool but one look from Steve had him pulling his giant goof into the room with him intent to spend the rest of the afternoon holed up in their room, which neither one was ever going to complain about. They don't even leave the room for dinner, which they don't eat until almost midnight. But hey that's what a true honeymoon is about, spending a lot of money just to never leave the bed.
They didn't leave their room much for next day, besides their early morning standing paddle board activity and late afternoon snorkel adventure. But yet again neither was complaining about spending so much time in their room.
Their last full day of activities starts with an early morning hike up the lava rock that surrounds the resort. Since it's their first time hiking the rocks, Steve's determined to make the most of it. It seems as if Danny has promised Grace that he would take pictures of anything interesting since he's got an almost professional looking camera slung around his neck and occasionally he'll stop and take pictures of the scenery or Steve.
"What's with the camera Danno?" Steve finally asked as Danny quickly snapped pictures from their advantage point. Danny stopped, his hands still holding the camera out like he's still taking photos and shrugged.
"I promised Grace, Kono, and mom that I would take pictures."
"I figured as much. I meant the camera; it's an awfully professional looking camera."
"Oh, mom got it for me for my birthday right before I moved here. She knows how much I like to take photos; it's been a hobby since I was a teenager." Danny shrugged a light blush rising up his cheeks while he also ducked his head. His photography had become something private, something he only did when he needed to focus on something else than his sad excuse of his life. But Danny did love it, it was something that he had control over. He decided what he photographed, nobody else.
"You're just full of surprises aren't you? I'd love to see your photographs Danno." Steve wrapped his arms around Danny's shoulder. "I never would have guessed that you like being creative like that." Steve continued when Danny turned wrapping his free arm around Steve's waist.
"You really want to see them?" Danny couldn't help but sound almost hopeful. He had tried showing Rachel some of his photography, but she didn't see the point in it. It was high art enough for her, so Danny felt almost discouraged and only showed his mom his photographs. He hasn't even shown Grace anything he's shot, except the photos of her that are scattered around their house now. Steve didn't reply instead just gave Danno a look that made Danny chuckle. "Okay, when we get back home you can see all of them. At least the ones that I have here." Steve couldn't help but smirk in triumph. "Keep hiking Super SEAL we've got things to do today." Steve chuckled and turned continuing on his way up the mountain.
They spent the rest of the day sharing other hobbies that neither would guess the other had. It was refreshing, after being partners for so long both professionally and then romantically that they could still surprise each other. After watching his parents be happy together for so many years, Danny was sure that one key to a healthy relationship was the ability to learn something new about your partner and Danny hoped he never stopped learning things about Steve.
Danny had one final surprise up his sleeve and that was a private dinner. When they finally got back to their room after a full day of hiking, Danny pointed Steve to the shower while he laid their freshly pressed shirts and pants down on the bed. "Hey babe, I've laid your clothes out on the bed for you for dinner and please shave." Danny instructed as he pulled out his own razor and shaving cream. Steve wanted to reply, 'yes mom' but thought against it. He could tell that Danny went through a lot to set this up for him and he wasn't about to make Danny feel special. He could see the lingering doubt from Steve expressing interest in his hobbies, which he could only attribute to something happening with Rachel which didn't made Steve like the woman much than he already didn't, he would spend the rest of his life making up for the damage his relationship with Rachel had caused his Danno.
When they arrived at their private dinner Steve was surprised yet unsurprised at the same time. He looked over at Danny, who merely shrugged waiting to reply until they seated. "Not to put a damper on our amazing vacation but I did all of this because it's your first real honeymoon and I wanted to make it special."
"I appreciate it, but this shouldn't just be for me, it should be for us Danno. We're together in this and I want you to remember that. These things are for us not just me." Danny nodded reaching across with his free hand and holding Steve's. They chatted lightly through their appetizers and salads, sharing their favorite memories from the party.
"You gotta love my mother dropping the 'more kids' line during her toast. She's been pushing for more grandkids since Gracie was born." Danny joked shaking his head a small smile spread across his face.
"Have you thought about it?" Steve suddenly asked his face completely serious. Danny immediately sat up slightly taken back by Steve's sudden seriousness, but didn't answer Steve. "Have you thought about having more kids?" Steve quietly asked his wine glass suddenly becoming the most fascinating thing Steve has seen.
"In general or with you?" Danny asked just as quietly his eyes never leaving the top of Steve's head.
"I guess with me." Steve replied still not looking up, despite Danny squeezing his hand. The silence seemed to stretch on and Steve finally looked up to see Danny staring out over the beach.
"Yeah babe, I've thought it. I think about it pretty much every time I see you and Grace together. You're an excellent dad to her and any kid would be lucky to call you dad. Although I suspect that a huge part of that has to do with the fact that you have the mentality of a child at times." Danny joked turning to meet Steve's eyes. Steve couldn't help but grin back at him and shake his head.
"Well it doesn't hurt that I had a great example to follow."
"Would you want more kids?" Danny asked hesitate to see how Steve would answer. They've never really talked about expanding their family and Danny's unsure of how this conversation would go.
"I didn't want kids until I met you as cheesy as that sounds. When I saw you with Grace that day at the football game it made me jealous. I wanted someone to love me unconditionally has Grace does you. But I didn't think I'd ever really get the chance."
"She loves you just as much." Danny offered his heart clenching at the shadowed look on Steve's face. He wouldn't be surprised if Steve wasn't reliving memories of his own parents and the time he missed out due to their untimely deaths.
"I know, but it just feels like I'm on the outside sometimes just because she's had you her own life and I just came along."
"Babe."
"I still love her though. She's become the reason that I continue to work as hard as I do, I want to her home as safe for her as I can. But as much as I think having another kid could be awesome, I'm worried about how Grace would feel about it. You see how unhappy she is sometimes because of Charles."
"Yeah, but I bet if we included her in the process it might make her feel better. Plus I think if you explained to her your desires to have a kid, I think she'd understand."
"Yeah, she probably would." Steve got quiet his fingers tracing his now empty wine glass. Danny sighed, he needed to get Steve's mind off of it's current dark thought track.
"If we were to have another kid would you want to have a baby via a surrogate of some kind or maybe adopt an older child?" Danny suddenly asked making Steve whip his head up. "Hypothetically speaking of course, because I think any kid with half your genes would be a pretty beautiful kid babe."
"Do you honestly think that we could handle a baby, Gracie, and our jobs?" Steve asked already feeling tired just thinking about it. "But I think if we were to expand our family at this current moment I'd want to adopt. I would want to give a child, who doesn't think anyone loves him or her, a happy stable home. There are so many kids in the system that just want someone to laugh them."
"Wow babe, hypothetically you've thought a lot about this." Steve just shrugged the warmth spreading up his cheeks having nothing to do with the amount of wine he's had. "It's not a bad thing babe, I'm surprised is all. It's a big decision and especially with our circumstances would require a lot of thought."
"Our job." Steve supplied as if that were the only thing stopping Danny from actually making a definitive decision. But Danny remained silent, while their job was a large part of the reason it wasn't the only thing they needed to think about. Steve picked up on Danny's nervous energy right away. "What else is stopping you Danny?"
"Honestly?" Danny hesitantly asked they were having a great time and he was afraid that this might just ruin the good mood and that's the last thing he wanted to.
"Danny whatever it is just tell me. If we're going to actually entertain the idea of more kids I need to know everything."
"Okay, you're right. Besides our job, because honestly if push came to shove we could make it work, I'm worried about having another kid because of your naval career. I know you're in the reserves, but look at what happened less than two months ago. You were called away at a pretty bad time and there was nothing I could do about it. Thankfully it was when Grace was still spending most of her time at Rachel's and my mom was here to help, but next time it won't be that easy. Who knows when you're going to be called away and then I'm stuck here worried sick, going out of my mind with two kids, who wouldn't have any idea how to react to that. Don't get me wrong I know the Navy is important to you, that it's part of you and I would never ask you to give that up. But it worries me to think that you could get called away tomorrow and then something could happen to you when I'm not there to back you up." Danny stopped feeling the weight of his words washing over and a slight sense of panic take resident in his chest. He had never really been this honest with Steve about his fear, but he felt a little better finally being completely honest with him.
"I know my career isn't easy to handle, especially if my abrupt departures that could happen at any time. I love you, you mean the world to me and I would do anything to make you happy. But I'm not sure I could give up the Navy, it's been a part of me since I was 18. It has made me into the man that sits before you, as emotionally stunted and damaged I may be and I'm not sure I could really stop being that person."
"Babe I know, trust me I know. And I'm not asking you to, I just want us to both be on the same page with this. Deciding to add to our family is a huge decision that requires a lot from both of us so we need to put all our cards on the table." Steve sat quietly for a few moments letting everything Danny's been saying sink in. And he's right; they do have a lot to think about. There's a lot that needs to go into their decision about more children, but Steve can't help but think that it would all be worth it. It would be amazing to give another child the love and devotion they give Grace, to make another child feel as if they were the center of their world. Steve wants to do that. He wants to give Grace another sibling, someone she could bond with and play with so when she was at their house she wouldn't feel so alone.
"But it would be worth it." Steve quietly added looking up into Danny's blue eyes.
"Yeah babe it would be more than worth it."
"So maybe we could just talk to Chris and see what our options look like. Ya know get an idea of what we're in for? Because I want to be fully prepared before we even bring the idea up to Grace, that way if she has any questions we have the answers." Danny thought it for a moment taking another sip of his wine before he nodded completely agreeing with Steve.
"Yeah we'll call Chris when we get back and just have a hypothetical discussion." Steve grinned getting up from his seat and pulling Danny into his arms. He was pretty sure that this was the first major discussion they've ever had to make together as domesticated partners and it was a huge moment for them. "Ya know babe, I think we should celebrate this momentous occasion." Danny ran his hands down Steve's back in an alluring way. Steve chuckled and nodded, they did need to celebrate this moment. "I mean we just had an adult discussion without me ranting or raising my voice and you were actually open and honest with your feelings." Steve laughed at Danny's explanation and shook his head as he led them from the table.
"Let me just state this for the record, Danno: you never need to give me a reason to take you to bed."
"Then why aren't we in bed yet?" Danny quipped slipping past Steve and quickly walking back towards their room. Steve's eyes narrowed watching Danny walk away from him and he couldn't help but grin as he jogged to catch up with his partner. "Best honeymoon ever." Danny murmured against Steve's lips as Steve pinned him to the bed.
And Steve was more than happy to continue to make it the best honeymoon ever.
A/N 2: wow that was a long one wasn't it? If you don't know the photography thing is actually something Scott Caan likes to do so I thought I would give Danny a little Scott trait if you want to call it that. I hope you guys liked this chapter, and as always don't hesitate to tell me what you thought. Until next time ~thatredheadgirl~