A/N: Sorry for the delay. Real life has been kind of mean lately. Two former students of mine (now twenty years old) had a baby that was born 16 weeks early - and he passed away this week at 16 days old. It just really made me sad for them - they were awesome kids, and are having such a hard time. So after everything from this week, I figured I needed something to smile about - so it's time to see what Grace picked out for her presents.

I own nothing related to CBS or Hawaii Five-0. No copyright infringement intended.

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The next morning, plans were put in place for a small get-together at Steve's house. It wasn't set up to be a raucous party on the beach, but rather a quiet gathering of friends. Kono cautiously agreed, knowing that she needed to test the social waters, so to speak.

Danny had Grace for the night, and Kono had assured him that she would be fine on her own for an evening. He wasn't convinced, though, but needn't worry; as Chin, who had brought breakfast for the team, threw an arm around her shoulder, hugging her close. "I'd like to hang out with you tonight, ipo…if you don't mind. It's a little too quiet at my place."

Kono was secretly relieved – she was willing to be alone, but her heart just wasn't sure how truly ready she was. She had grown so accustomed to having someone around…the background noise helped keep her dark thoughts at bay.

She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. She could feel herself trembling, and willed her muscles to settle the hell down. She was so tired of not feeling like she belonged in her own skin. Her emotions were all over the place, and she was exhausted trying to keep up with the mood swings…hell, most days it felt more like a mood playground.

Chin could tell that she was struggling with herself and lightly squeezed her shoulder. "One step at a time, cuz." Leaving her to her thoughts, he moved back towards the kitchen, hoping the coffee was ready. He knew that there wasn't any magical thing he could say to take her pain away, but hoped that knowing he was there for her would give her some peace.

A small bark had her glancing down to where Bailey was sitting, her head cocked to the side. "I know…you know something is going on today, don't you? I'll take you for a walk in a little while, and then I'm going to Steve's – but I'll be back later. You'll just have to be good in your crate while I'm gone."

Bailey crouched down and growled, obviously in the mood to play, and Kono couldn't help but smile. "All right, you little fuzzball. Let's go." Kono grabbed one of the small tennis balls that were in a basket by the door and headed out into the backyard. Maybe a few minutes of puppy therapy would benefit both of them?

Unbeknownst to Kono, Danny and Chin were watching her from the window. "It looks good on her, doesn't it?"

Chin gave Danny a quizzical look, not sure what he was referring to. "What's that?"

Danny turned to his friend. "Kono smiling. It looks good on her."

Chin nodded his understanding. "Yeah, it does. I was afraid it was gone. It's been a rough go, to say the least."

Danny heard something in his voice and gave him a look. "It's been rough for you, too, though. Hasn't it?"

Chin exhaled, trying to gather his thoughts. "I'll admit it. It's been rough watching Kono go through all of this, because it just reminds me again that Malia is gone. I mean, I've worked through it, and most days I'm fine – but seeing Kono, as young as she is and having to deal with this? Sometimes the world is a seriously messed up place.

Danny knew that Chin was just venting the way he knew how. He wasn't looking for sympathy or anything like that. "That it is, man. That it is."

The two headed out towards the backyard, following the sound of Kono's giggles competing against Bailey's yips and growls. It was a toss-up as to who currently had more volume, so the guys merely called it a wash.

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Kono had gotten quiet the closer they got to Steve's, and Chin reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "You okay, ipo?"

Kono smiled halfheartedly. "Just thinking…I miss Adam, but today was a day where I just really missed him. I mean, that's always the case, but today it almost physically hurt. I know that sounds stupid to just want a hug from him or to feel him next to me, but…"

Chin shook his head. "Not stupid at all, Kono. I remember about a month after…after Malia was gone…I woke up one morning and her pillow was tight up against my back. In that moment before I was fully awake, I swore she was there holding me. I was so disappointed to have to get out of bed, where the reality was that I was alone."

Kono looked thoughtfully at her cousin, truly understanding just how deep his grief went. She hated that she had ever been so angry and so against him and Malia getting together – it just felt like wasted time now that she had been slapped with the reality of just how short life really is.

Chin had a feeling that he knew what was going on in her head. "No regrets, Kono. I see where your head is going. At least for me – I really think that things happen for a reason. I can't keep looking back any longer…Malia wouldn't want me to, and I don't want to. It's too exhausting sometimes. It's time to move forward, wherever the wind takes my life."

Kono must have looked alarmed because Chin chuckled. "No, I'm not making any drastic moves or changes, cuz…I'm just saying that it's time to put my sadness to bed. You're not there yet – and nobody expects you to be. We're all just happy that you're letting yourself smile once in a while. Right now, it's enough – remember what I said earlier…take things one day at a time. In a few more months, you'll have a lot more to smile about, too."

Kono let her thoughts drift the last few minutes of the drive, and by the time they had arrived at Steve's, she was back in the present. She climbed out and followed Chin around back, where Steve, Danny, and Grace were already busy grilling and playing in the sand.

"Hey, guys." Steve hugged Kono and kissed the top of her head before turning back towards the grill. "You know where everything is…help yourself."

Danny had spotted Chin and Kono, and was on his way up to meet them. Grace was unusually subdued, but Danny had spoken to her earlier and understood what was on her mind. While she had been upbeat following their conversation, it was clear that she was starting to think about things again.

"Danno? Is Auntie Kono still sad? I want to give her a hug, but I'm not sure if that will make her sadder."

Danny smiled softly at his daughter, amazed at her huge heart. "Monkey, I think that a hug from you will be the best thing for Kono. Don't you always feel better when you get a hug when you're sad?"

Grace nodded, her braids bouncing. "I do, but sometimes it makes me think of why I'm getting the hug, and then it makes me sad all over again."

Danny blinked a few times, trying to follow his daughter's train of thought. "I think I get it – you're afraid that if you hug Kono, she'll think about the fact that she's getting the hug because you want her to feel better…which will remind her that she was sad in the first place?"

Danny was proud of himself – he really thought he had her train of thought.

Grace smiled. "Right. But I really want to give her a hug. Maybe I'll just tell her I missed her, and try not to let her think about being sad."

Danny caught Grace up into a hug and spun her around. "You, my most amazing Monkey daughter, are perfection in human form. Don't ever lose that side of you that wants to make people feel better, okay?"

Grace's giggle helped lift the weight that had stifled Danny from the inside out, and as he put her down, he immediately was pulled down and given a smacking kiss on his cheek. "I love you, Danno."

He tugged at her braids as she scampered off. "Love you too, Grace."

Danny felt Grace's fingers wrap around his thumb, and he squeezed back in support. He knew that she had nothing to worry about, but until she saw Kono for herself, it likely would be on her mind.

Danny reached Kono first and quickly gathered her into a hug. "Hey, Rookie. How are you doing?"

Kono smiled in return. "One day at a time, right?" She turned to where Grace was almost hiding behind Danny. Grace had always been exuberant and bubbly around her, so Kono wasn't quite sure why she was suddenly so shy.

"Hi Grace."

Grace stepped closer. "Hi Kono. I missed you."

Kono knelt down and Grace was immediately in her arms. "Aww, I missed you too."

Grace mumbled against her shoulder, and Kono had to pull back to hear what she said. Catching Danny's gaze as he made a walking motion with his fingers and gestured his head towards the beach, Kono got what he was hinting at. "Hey Grace. Do you want to go for a walk with me?"

Grace smiled and nodded her head. Maybe it would be easier to tell Kono she was sorry if there weren't a lot of people around. She reached for Kono's hand, and the two headed off down the stretch of sand lining Steve's beach.

As the two took off, Steve and Chin both approached Danny. "Is Grace okay?"

Danny nodded, his eyes watching their progress. "Yeah. She was worried about how to approach Kono – and was afraid that if she tried to make her feel better, she'd upset her more. I swear…that kid of mine…I don't know where she got her good heart from, but I'm a lucky parent."

Steve lightly flicked Danny in the back of the head and gave him a glare. "What do you mean you don't know where she gets her heart from? Seriously?"

Danny shook his head. "No, I know…but sometimes I just can't believe she's mine, you know? I've made some mistakes in my life, but having a kid like her makes me feel like I'm the luckiest man in the world."

The three watched as Kono and Grace stopped by the water, and they could only wonder at the conversation taking place with the waves as their only audience.

"Grace? You're pretty quiet. Is everything okay?" Kono sat down, immediately digging her toes into the soft sand.

Grace wasn't sure how to start, but finally looked up from where she had plopped down next to her. "I just…I'm sorry Auntie Kono. I didn't know Adam that much, but I'm sorry he died. And I'm sorry you're sad. I told Danno that I wanted to hug you, but didn't want to make you feel bad."

Kono blinked furiously to stop the tears from flowing. It wasn't that she was upset or that Grace's admission made her sad, but the fact that Grace cared enough to even worry about upsetting her choking up. "Sweetheart…that's just…"

Grace let out a muffled 'oomph' as Kono caught her up into a tight hug. "I appreciate you wanting to look out for me, but you don't have to. A hug from you would never make me feel bad, I promise."

Grace took that opportunity to squeeze Kono as tightly as she could, trying to put everything that she couldn't say into that hug. Sometimes a gesture spoke way louder than words did.

Grace was quite intuitive, and had scooted herself so close that she was almost in Kono's lap, resting her head on her shoulder. "Auntie Kono? Are you okay?"

Kono nodded, her throat clogging up with the innocent question. "I will be, sweetheart. I'm not sure when, but I will be. I'm better than I was, thanks to your dad. And Uncle Steve and Uncle Chin – they have all been there for me, even when I didn't know what I needed."

Grace smiled at hearing how great her dad had been. "They love you, and want you to be happy."

Kono wiped her eyes using her thumbs and gave Grace one more squeeze. "I know they do. And I have to be honest. You caring about me was the best medicine of all. I'll admit it. I have times where I'm just sad. I miss Adam, but I know he wouldn't want me to be sad all the time. So I'm trying. Some days work better than others, but I'm trying. Will you keep hugging me if I need it?"

Grace smiled and wrapped her arms around Kono's waist. "Any time you want. I can even give you my cell phone number – you can call or text if you need a friend."

Kono's eyes filled again. Danny's daughter was one amazing little girl. "I'll do that, Grace. I promise."

Grace stood up and reached for Kono's hand. "Can we go back now? I have a present for you – actually for everyone."

Kono nodded and let Grace pull her up. She still hadn't completely gotten her strength back yet. She had gotten over much of the nausea that had plagued her, but still had very little appetite. Nothing sounded appealing to her at all, and most days, she had to force herself to eat.

She had been craving protein lately though, so Steve made sure there were plenty of things on the grill that Kono had even mentioned as possibly something she might not hate. As the two walked back to where the guys were all waiting, Kono could see that the food was spread out all over the table.

Grace informed everyone that the plan for the afternoon was to eat, open the presents that she brought, and then build sand castles on the beach. She wanted Kono to take her surfing, but understood when her dad told her that Kono still wasn't quite up for it just yet.

The men were pleased to see Kono actually eat more than she had eaten in a while, and Grace was the ideal company, keeping them all laughing at one story or another. Kono was so caught up in listening to and watching Grace that she managed to put away three chicken tenders, half of a sweet potato that had been foil-wrapped and thrown on the coals, and a coconut frozen fruit bar for dessert. It still wasn't much, but it was probably the most she had eaten at one time in the past few weeks.

By the time things were wrapped up and put away, Grace was practically vibrating with excitement. She couldn't wait to give out her bears. Deciding to finally put her out of her misery, the adults all gathered on the lanai, where Grace was surrounded by boxes.

"Okay. I started out wanting to get Auntie Kono a present to help her feel better, but while I was there, Danno gave me a suggestion, and I thought it might be fun to get bears for everyone. I tried to find something that matched you guys, and I hope you like them."

Grace handed Chin his bear, and delighted in his excitement over his bear. The bear was wearing a Hawaiian print shirt, sunglasses, and came with a motorcycle as an accessory.

Steve picked Grace up and spun her around after he opened his box and saw what Grace thought of as his likeness. Steve's bear was wearing a camouflage uniform, combat helmet, and 'Bearland' boots, but also had a Navy uniform if "Uncle Steve ever wanted to change the clothes" – Danny was still chuckling at Grace's insistence that Steve would most certainly play with his bear. There was also a set of camouflage gear, including a pop up tent.

The best part for Steve, though, was the modified thigh holster that Grace had put on. It was supposed to be an armband for a music player (in bear size) but someone had convinced her to put it on the bear's leg. He had to admit – it fit who he was, and he loved that Grace had thought of him.

Danny finally got to see what was in his bear box, and accepted everyone's laughter as he opened his bear complete with a police uniform, hat, and an accessory pack that included handcuffs, a nightstick, sunglasses, and a set of crutches "in case Uncle Steve makes you hurt your knee again, Danno". Danny just squeezed Grace tight, amazed yet again at the sheer size of her heart.

Grace was a little cautious as she gave Kono the box with her bear inside. She really wanted her to like it, and wasn't sure that she had made the right choice. The bear's boardies had sharks on them, and she had also gotten a lifeguard shirt, a surfboard and a towel. But it was what was inside the bear that she hoped Kono had liked.

She didn't know why she had insisted on this, but Kono's bear had a sound device in his paw. When she pressed on it, it gave the sound of a beating heart. It was designed to mimic the sound of a mother's heartbeat for a baby. Grace explained to Kono, as she had explained to her dad in the store, that it sort of made her feel safe when she heard it, and thought that it might make Kono feel the same.

Kono could not contain her tears as Grace pressed the button. All she could do was simply drop her head and hug the bear to her chest.

Grace thought she had upset her somehow and looked to Danny in alarm. "I'm sorry, Danno. I didn't mean to make her sadder." Grace was on the verge of tears, so Danny just picked her up, letting her bury her face into his neck.

"Aww, Monkey. It's okay, I promise. Kono's not mad at you."

Kono heard his words to his daughter and gasped softly. She wasn't upset like Grace thought she was. But how could she explain it to Grace? "Grace, can you come here? Please?"

Kono patted the cushion next to her, and waited for Grace to come closer. She felt awful that Grace had misunderstood her reaction, and wanted to try to set things straight. Before she said anything, Kono wrapped her arms around the young girl and gave her a hug. "Thank you so much for my bear, Grace. I really, really love it."

She sat back and wiped at her eyes, her bear in her lap. Grace just shook her head.

"I didn't mean to make you sad…I really didn't. I just thought that since you were sad, it might make you feel better."

Kono smiled gently. "And it did, Grace. I promise. The tears were because of the heartbeat. Remember that I told you how much I missed Adam? Well, hearing that heartbeat just reminded me so much of him – it almost felt like he was right there with me. So the tears were half sad because I missed him, but half happy because you got me such an amazing gift that will remind me of him, whenever I squeeze the hand and hear that sound."

The guys had all taken seats around her, and Grace appeared much more settled than she had been at the thought of hurting her Auntie Kono.

"Grace, can I tell you something? It's been kind of a secret, because the only people who know what I'm about to tell you are your dad, Steve, and Chin. But I think you're special enough to tell, too. What do you think?"

Grace grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "I promise I'll also keep it a secret if you want me to."

Kono shook her head. People would figure it out soon enough. "Well, Miss Grace. One good thing that I found out after Adam died is that…in about six and a half months, I'm going to have a baby."

Grace actually cheered out loud and jumped up to hug Kono properly. "That's so cool, Auntie Kono! I'm really happy for you. I'll even help babysit if you want me to."

Kono was smiling when Grace finally sat back down. "Thanks, munchkin. I'm happy now, too. That even makes your present that much more perfect, because after the baby is born, he or she can listen to the heartbeat, too."

Grace's eyes were shining as she tucked herself closer to Kono. What had potentially been a big bump in her excitement had quickly been smoothed over, and all was now well in her world.

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