***** Here is the final chapter – I know the story is much shorter than most I write, but I hope you've enjoyed it! *****

Also, I had a couple of comments regarding Danny being able to talk while on a ventilator - in this story he was on a respirator, not a ventilator - my understanding of the difference of the machines are that both are breathing aids, but their functions are quite different. A respirator is a mask-like device that filters inhaled air, while a ventilator is a machine that assists or performs the breathing process for patients with the insertion of a breathing tube. I have no medical background, so if I am wrong on this I do apologize as I always try to be as accurate as possible.

Over the next couple of days Danny slept most of the time and Steve was at the office with Chin catching up on paperwork when he received a frantic call from Sarah.
"Sarah, is everything okay?"
"Steve, can you please come up here, Danny's asking for you"
He was moving through the office as he spoke, "Of course, I'll be there in about twenty minutes. Is he okay?"
"He's agitated"
"Can you let me talk to him?"
"Sure"
Seconds later Danny was on the phone and Steve was alarmed as he heard his friends fast breathing, "Danny, hey what's wrong? Talk to me"
"Steve, what hhappened tto Brrock….Brock Davis?"
Steve and Chin were pulling out onto the road as Steve replied calmly, "Buddy, you've got to relax…..slow down your breathing okay"
"STEVE…."
Steve interrupted him, "DANNY STOP THIS NOW AND LISTEN TO ME! I'll tell you everything but you have to relax"

"K' I'm ggood…..'m good"
"Close your eyes Danny and calm down, Chin and I are on our way...…slow down your breathing"
A few seconds passed before Steve heard voices and Sarah returned to the line, "The Doctor is here now Steve"
"Good, we're on the way"
He stopped talking as he heard Danny holler out, "I DON'T WWWANT ANY MMM…MORE DAMN DRUGS! NO MORE, DO…..DO YOU HHHEAR ME!"

"Sarah, we'll be there soon" Hanging up the phone Steve mumbled, "Shit Danny, you stubborn ass"
Chin laughed softly, "Now you know how he feels"
Steve glanced over, "What are you talking about?"
"You my friend are no better than he is! You're both HORRIBLE patients! I've heard him say the same things about you many times"
"Oh yeah….well I'm nowhere NEAR as stubborn as he is…..and don't you forget it"
Chin laughed and Steve accelerated, racing towards the hospital.

When they arrived they were met at the Nurse's station by Dr. Bourdean.
Steve asked nervously, "Is he okay Doc?"
"He is now that I put him back under. His heart rate was quite elevated and I wasn't going to take the risk. Do you have any idea what he's so upset about?"
"He's remembering things Doc. We were working on a child kidnapping case when he was shot. He wants to know what happened"
The Doctor grinned, "He's starting to feel better and he's getting feisty"
Steve smiled, "I'll talk to him and calm him down, thanks Doc"
"You bet"

After visiting with everyone for a short time it was agreed that they would all leave and get some rest and Steve would spent the night.

505050505050505050505050505050505050505050505050

He was eating an Chuckwagon sandwich and Oreos from a nearby vending machine when Danny began to come around.
Setting the food down he helped ease his partner back to consciousness, "Danny, can you hear me buddy?"
"I'm thirsty"
"Okay, hang on"
Grabbing the water glass from the nearby tray, Steve raised the bed asking "Do you want me to help you?"
"No, I can do it"
After Danny took a few sips Steve took the glass from him and asked, "You okay?"
"I feel doped up…..I told him not to give me any more drugs"
"Well if you had behaved yourself he wouldn't have had to give you any, would he?"
"Behave myself? What are you talking about?"
"Like your Mother said, you aren't the best patient Danny"
"And this is coming from you?"
"No Daniel, this is coming from your Mother"

Danny grinned, "Fair enough...tell me what happened to Brock, is he okay?"
Steve shook his head, "No, he didn't make it. He died on the operating table"
"Shit..."
Steve closed his eyes and said softly, "I know..."
"I'm sorry Steve"
"What are you sorry about?"
"Steve..."
"I'm sorry I had to shoot him Danny and I'm sorry he's dead but..."
"You shot him because of me"
"Yes, and I would do it again. These last few days have been so hard, watching you and not knowing if you were going to be okay..."
Danny grinned, "Awe come on babe, I'm sure not going to let the 'graze' of a bullet take me out"
Steve looked at him seriously, "Don't joke about this Danno. You're laying with a tube in your brain draining all that crap….."
"Steve, stop okay…I'm gonna be fine"

Steve turned from the bed as tears welled in his eyes and after several seconds of silence we said emotionally, "When Brock fired and I saw you go down all I could think about was Gracie and what I was going to tell her" Wiping the tears that slid down his cheeks he turned to face Danny as he continued, "I would die to protect you and Gracie, or Chin, Kono...…..you're my family and I love you"

"I love you too Steve"
Steve moved to the bed and leaning over he hugged his best friend.
As they parted Danny said softly, "I'm sad that Brock died, but you saved my life...thank you"
"That's what partners are for"
"Well I couldn't ask for a better one than you Steven"
"I feel the same way buddy"
Danny winced slightly and Steve asked, "Do you need some pain meds?"
"Didn't I just tell you that I don't want any more drugs? Didn't you hear me?"
Steve smiled softly at his hard-headed partner, "Yeah, I heard you Danno"
Danny then asked, "How's Jenny Davis and the kids?"
"They're doing as well as can be expected"
"We're going to need to stay in touch with them"
"Yeah, I've got something in the works"
"Oh yeah, what?"
"We'll talk about it later. Why don't you close your eyes and rest now"
"Yeah…..I'm kinda' tired"
Sitting back down into his chair, Steve took Danny's hand in his and said softly, "Sleep now partner"

505050505050505050505050505050505050505050505050

Later that day the drainage tube was removed from Danny's skull, his colostomy was reversed and the catheter was removed.

With Steve and Chin's help he was able to get out of bed and slowly make his way to the bathroom.
The short venture wore him out and he did experience dizziness but he was able to make it and Doctor Bourdean told him that if he continued to progress so well he would be able to go home in three to four days.

Over the next couple of days each walk became easier and his pain lessened.
They ran tests on his brain as well as his heart and ten days after the shooting he was finally ready to be released.

He was sent home with pain medication, which of course he was refusing to take as well as medication to help with his nausea and dizziness. It was going to be a long recovery and he was not taking that news well.

That evening as Maggie, Sarah and Kono worked on an traditional Italian meal for Danny and his Ohana, Chin offered to go pick up Gracie.
Steve took Danny out onto the deck and smiling, the Jersey detective said softly, "It's good to be home"
Steve replied, "It's good to have you home"
Danny sat forward in his chair, "Steve…I've been thinking"
"Don't hurt yourself now"
"Very funny"
Noting his partner's demeanor Steve asked seriously, "Danny, what is it?"
Danny's voice lowered, "Everything changed for me when Rick Peterson kidnapped Gracie. Never in my life had I felt so helpless and its made me wonder if what I what I'm doing is worth it"

"What do you mean Danny? What are you saying?"
"I don't know Steve, I'm so confused…I, I just don't know if I can still do this job"
"Danny, I don't know what to say….I mean, you're damn good at what you do. I meant it when I said that you're the best partner I've ever had. You're also the best friend I've ever had"

"I just keep asking myself am I being fair to Gracie? Our job, just by its nature put's her in danger. I love my job, and I love our team. You said you would die to protect any one of us, and I feel the same way. I don't want to sound callus or ungrateful but feeling that way makes me feel guilty Steve. How can I put my life on the line day after day knowing that if I were killed she would be devastated. How can I be so selfish and do that to her?"

Steve sighed, "You don't sound callus or ungrateful. In fact hearing these words from you doesn't surprise me at all. I love you because you are a dear friend and an great partner, but I also love you because of the amazing Father you are. You have everything Danny, you have everything because you have that little girl. I understand what you're saying and I respect you more than you can know but I want you to promise me something?"

"What's that?"
"Take time….don't make any rash decisions. You're still in pain and recovering physically and emotionally, just take time and whatever decision you make, I'll support you 100%"
"Will do…..thanks babe"

Steve then changed the subject to their 'special mission' scheduled for the next day and a short time later Gracie arrived and they gave the excited girl the details.

An hour later as they sat at the dinner table feasting on homemade pasta, meatballs and Maggie's famous tomato sauce Danny asked his daughter, "How was school today Gracie?"
"It was really good Danno. A lot of kids brought their Dad's in and they talked about their jobs"
"Oh yeah? Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
"Mommy didn't want me to tell you because she didn't think you would feel good enough to go, but it didn't matter, Uncle Steve came instead"

Turning to his partner he said, "You did?"
Steve smiled, "Yes…..that's why I was a little late getting to the hospital"
"I thought you were working?"
"I was…..I was being a substitute Daddy, but just for the day"
Danny smiled, "Thanks for filling in buddy"
Gracie then said, "I've got a present for you!"
"A present? What kind of present?"
Wiping her mouth with her napkin she asked politely, "Can I be excused to go get it?"
Danny smiled, "Yes you may dear"
Sarah said quietly, "My my, look at those manners, Rachel is teaching her well"
They all laughed as Danny replied, "Hey what about me? Am I chopped liver here? I've been teaching her manners!"
Steve mumbled under his breath, "Yup…and we all believe that one" as they all chuckled.

Moments later the child returned with a large card made of construction paper.
See handed it to her Daddy as he asked, "What's this?"
"Uncle Steve told everybody about your job and about what 5-0 does every day to keep the Island safe for all of us. He told them that you were hurt and that's why you couldn't be there and after he left, the whole class wanted to make you a card. Our teacher let us stay inside for recess and we made this for you!"

Tears welled in Danny's eyes as he read the words from the class of eight and nine year olds.
Comments thanking him for keeping them and their families safe.
Comments hoping that he got better quickly.
Comments telling him how brave he was…...

As he handed the card to Steve he pulled Gracie to his chest and she asked, "Why are you crying Danno, don't you like it?"
Hugging her tighter he said, "Monkey, I'm crying because I LOVE IT! Thank you so much, I love you"
As the card was handed around the child replied, "I love you more Danno!"

505050505050505050505050505050505050505050505050

The next morning Sarah Williams joined Steve, Danny and Gracie on their 'secret mission' and at a little before noon they were knocking on the front door of the Davis family home.

Jen answered the door and greeted them all with warm hugs.
Danny then asked, "How are the kids doing?"
She smiled softly, "They're getting better every day. They really don't understand though and they miss their Daddy. I'll make sure that they always remember him kindly. He really was a good man….."

Steve took her hands in his, "We know he was Jen"
"I've told you before Commander, this was not your fault. Brock was sick and he wasn't himself. He sent this letter to his parents"

She handed Steve the letter and after reading it he handed it to Danny.
Jen was crying as she said, "He hated me so much that he would have rather have the children die then have them be with me"
Steve said softly, "No Jen you're wrong. He didn't hate you, it's just the opposite. He loved you and the kids so much that he couldn't live without you. Danny and I have seen many men…..many very good men destroyed by meth. There's no excuse for what he did but you're right when you say he was sick. He wasn't thinking clearly, but he didn't hate you"

"Thank you…Commander. Please know that no one blames you for Brock's death, he left you no choice and we understand that. We will all be forever in your debt for saving the children"

Steve leaned in and hugged her, saying softly "Thank you"
Danny smiled, "You're strong Jenny. You're going to be fine"
"I'm so sorry he hurt you Detective Williams"
"I'm fine. I'm just so happy that the kids are okay"
Gracie then asked excitedly, "They don't know do they?"
Danny then said, "Jenny, I'm sorry….this is my daughter Grace and my sister Sarah"
Jenny smiled at them warmly, "It's so nice to meet you, and no…the kids don't know a thing. Are you ready?"
Gracie nodded enthusiastically, "YES, yes I am!"

Smiling at the little girl Jenny excused herself and returned a short time later with Colton and Lily.
Both children recognized Steve and Danny and after hugging them Lily asked, "Is your head better Danny?"
"It's much better, thank you Lily"
Steve then said, "Um kids, Danny and I have a surprise for you out in my truck"
Their eyes lit up as they looked at their Mother and she said, "Come on, let's go see!"

Gracie took hold of their hands and once they were all standing at the back of the Silverado Steve asked, "Are you ready?"
They both said "YES!" in unison and as Steve opened the back of the truck they squealed with unbridled delight at the sight of not one, but TWO Golden Retriever puppies!

As Colton cried out "PUPPIES!" Lily asked "Oh can we hold them?"
Danny smiled broadly as Steve and Sarah were taking the puppies from their kennels, "HOLD THEM? Sweetheart, they're yours!"
Colton pumped his fist into the air and screamed, "YES!" as Steve turned to him and holding out the squirming puppy he said, "Here's Roscoe…..and that's Nala"

Lily was jumping up and down excitedly and after helping the kids hold the puppies briefly, the adults watched on as the three children bounded around the yard playing and giggling hysterically.

Jenny looked at the men, "I can't thank you two enough…for everything. Brock's brother and Eric have stepped in and they're helping me and the children in every way they can. We're going to be okay"

Steve said, "We'll always be there if you need us, just call"
"I will"

After saying goodbye to the kids, the group left and headed back to Steve's place.
Later that afternoon the ladies all took Gracie to the Mall and as Danny and Steve sat on the deck looking out over the Ocean Steve asked, "Quite a day huh partner?"
"You did a really good thing Steve. Those puppies are going make those kids lives a whole lot happier"
"They're cute kids"
"Steve…I've been thinking"
"About what?"

"I need to tell you that I always used to worry about what would happen to Gracie if I were to die, but I don't worry about that anymore. I know that if something were to happen to me you would be there for her and that gives me a peace I can't even describe. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have any plans on checking out any time soon but Gracie is my world, she's my everything and seeing the love you two have for each other makes me so unbelievably happy….thank you Steve"

"Wow buddy, I don't even know what to say"
"McGarrett is speechless...now that doesn't happen often! Seriously though, seeing those kids today and getting that card from Gracie's class yesterday…..we do good things Steve….we make a difference"

"Yes, we do. You found those kids Danno. You did that"
"No partner, WE did that. 5-0 did that and I hope that we can make a difference together for many years to come"
"Are you sure?"
Looking at Steve and rolling his eyes he asked, "Yes I'm sure. You sound disappointed!"
"Are you kidding? I've never been happier Danno!"

THE END…

****** SO? I really hope you enjoyed the story. I've got another one floating in my head now but I've always gotten positive feedback on stories where I've brought in Danny's family, so I'll try to work on a 'William's themed' storyline soon. I hope you'll take the time to give me your final thoughts on this one and as always, THANK YOU for reading and reviewing ! *******