Another chapter for all the nice read so diligently on. Thanks also to all who have left a review.
Chapter 13
Dr Yakani is speaking to Steve when Chin and Kono return to the hospital.
"So far, we're happy with his renal function. While it has not improved, it has not worsened. Is it possible that you can all be present at all times? I would like to make Danny feel secure if he is with you."
"Of course! When will the respirator be removed?" Steve inquires; even though he knows it is necessary in keeping Danny alive, it still bothers him. It shows how ill Danny is and that he would die as soon as someone turned it off.
"It won't be used for longer than necessary. But at the moment, he still needs it. I know it's not easy, but I am confident that he will start to improve in a few hours," the doctor assures them.
As Steve does not react or respond to that, Dr Yakani assumes that they have no more questions. Without a word, he turns and walks past Chin and Kono, who were standing in the doorway.
"Is everything okay?" Kono asks.
"I don't know. I am happy that Danny's getting better, but…" Steve breaks off.
Chin and Kono know what he is trying to say, but it happens to be what he feels.
"We know what you mean. Danny will be fine again soon," Kono says, trying to raise his spirits.
"What did you find out?" McGarrett steers the subject back to the case, not wanting to talk or think about his feelings.
"During and after the project, something went wrong in Dr Cold's life. He was so absorbed in his work that his marriage fell to pieces. After they had their baby, the project was discontinued. Apparently for him, it was like a whole world had shattered. He had always told his wife that he would show the world his work, and that, one day, he'd be famous," Kono tells him everything she and Chin learnt from speaking with Ellen Cold.
"Unfortunately he has become famous," Steve murmurs.
They fall into silence, sitting next to the bed. Even if they have nothing to say, they're sure that Danny knows they are all there for him. Every now and again, a nurse comes in and checks on her patient.
After two more hours, they see what they have all been waiting for. Kono sits next to the bed, leaning on her arms with her hands close to Danny's. Lost in thought as she waits for any sign that Danny is improving, she starts when she feels a twitch of his fingers, even though the foil is still between them. She looks at him in shock.
"Danny? Was that you?" she asks, hardly able to believe it.
"Kono, what is it?" Chin and Steve look at her in confusion.
"He just moved his fingers; I felt it."
As soon as she says that, Steve is standing next to her, hoping to see it with his own eyes. Kono puts her hand close to Danny's, sending a quick prayer to the sky, hoping that she didn't just dream it.
"Danny, it's Kono; I'm here. Can you move your fingers?" she begs, waiting for him to do so again.
They all watch him, waiting for the movement. After a moment, they see the foil shift slightly as Danny moves his fingers. The team members watch, feeling relieved and with broad grins.
"Yes, Danny, that's it! That's it, buddy!" Steve cheers.
He's so proud of his partner's fighting spirit, but still, he can hardly believe what he's seeing.
"I'm going to get Dr Yakani," Chin says, already moving towards the door, as Kono continues trying to motivate Danny to move. He returns a few moments later with Dr Yakani and Susan in tow.
Before they attend to this new progress, the doctor quickly checks Danny's records, while Susan pulls the foil down partway, so Dr Yakani can get a better look at him.
"Danny, it's Dr Yakani. Can you squeeze my hand?" he asks, holding Danny's hand loosely in his own.
It takes a moment before Dr Yakani smiles at the movement. "That's great; well done," he praises the detective. "Danny, we're going to keep you here for a little longer, before we move you to a regular room. Just to play it safe," Dr Yakani explains.
"Doc, what about his kidneys?" Steve asks still feeling concerned.
"There's still no change yet, so we'll keep him in here for another hour or two."
"Is he going to be okay?" Kono asks carefully, voicing what everyone is thinking.
"Once I check on the others, I'll be able to say for sure. But I do think he'll be okay again." As no-one asks anything else, Dr Yakani turns back to Danny. "Danny, sleep is the best thing you can give your body. The fever does weaken the substance's effects, but it also weakens the body. So you need to remain calm and I will see you again in an hour." With a quick nod and a smile, Dr Yakani squeezes Danny's hand again.
Even though he isn't as close to the man as the Five-0 team are, Dr Yakani is still relieved that this part of the process is now done.
Once Dr Yakani leaves the room, Susan covers Danny with the foil again. She checks the monitors one last time before leaving, as she has other patients to tend to.
Steve sits in the free chair next to Kono. He quickly wipes away the tears that have gathered in his eyes.
It's okay; we all feel the same," Chin whispers, standing behind them and clapping them both on the shoulder.