Danny arrived at Rachel's around 7:30 and was relieved to find that she had stopped and picked up Chinese take out for them. The last thing he wanted to do was be in the public at this time. As she answered the door and met him with a warm embrace all the fears of the day enveloped him and he began to sob and tremble in her arms. They had been divorced for a couple of years now but in times of trouble they would always pull together for strength.

They talked and Danny expressed to her his fear at the possibility of losing his friend and mentor. Steve McGarrett had quickly become 'family' and he could not fathom the thought of losing him. Eventually they heated the food but neither one could eat much as they picked at it and pushed it around the plate. Around 8:30 Danny called and spoke to nurse Jenny and was relieved to find that Steve was still resting comfortably and his vitals were strong. She was to be on duty until midnight and gave him the name of the night nurse, Shelly before once again imploring Danny to get some rest.
At 9:00 Danny decided he needed to go back to the hospital.

"Danny, sweetheart you need to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day for you"
"Rachel I have to be there. Even if they won't let me in the room, I have to be there. Bring Gracie home and let her sleep in her own bed. Did you tell her anything?"
"No, she adores her 'Uncle Steve'. I don't want to worry her at this point"
"I agree, we shouldn't tell her anything yet. Thank you Rachel, I needed this very much"
"Danny, our marriage may have ended but I will always love you and you need to know that"
"I do, I love you too"
After another tender embrace Danny left to make his way back to the hospital.

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When he arrived back at the ICU, Jenny was in tending to Steve, wiping his forehead and face with a cloth. Looking up and spotting Danny she came from the room.
"Danny, what are you doing here?"
"What's wrong?"
"He's running a low-grade fever"
"Oh no, so that means what? Infection?"

"Yes, but we know the back wound is infected. This isn't necessarily the abdomen. His vitals are steady and strong so we've increased the dose of his IV antibiotic and I'm just trying to keep him cool"
"I need to talk to him. Can I see him please?"
"Of course you can Danny"

Moments later, Danny was at his partner's side whispering words of encouragement to him as he held the cool damp cloth to his flushed face.
"Steve, I know you hear me buddy...it's Danno. You're doing great, and you've got to keep fighting man. I'm right here with you Steve"

Danny continued the vigil over the next few hours and at about three o'clock in the morning Steve began to grow restless. He began to sweat profusely and moan. His head lolled back and forth his arms and legs moved slightly.
"Hey buddy, it's going to be okay, relax" Danny took hold of Steve's hand. "I've got you Steve, relax babe"
In just moments the soft moans intensified and Steve's back arched off the bed in pain.

"Shelly, give him something stronger for the pain, please..."
Steve's grip grew tighter in Danny's hand and it was clear he was in great pain. The monitors began beeping and other nurses were rushing into the room to assist.
Danny was holding Steve across the shoulders attempting to get him to relax, "GIVE HIM SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN DAMN IT"
Shelly grabbed Danny's arm, "Mr. Williams, the Doctor on call will be here in moments, I need to ask you to leave the room now please"
"I'm not leaving him until you give him something for the pain...I'm NOT"

Not having the time or the desire to fight with the detective, Shelly left the room returning a few minutes later with the young Doctor on call.
"Sir, we'll handle things here now, I need you to please leave the room"
After one final squeeze of his friend's hand Danny backed out of the room unable to take his eyes of Steve who's agonizing moans filled the room. After a quick examination the Doctor barked out instructions and soon Steve's body was relaxing back onto the bed as the drugs took him under.

The Doctor came out, identifying himself as Dr. Takina.
"I'm afraid your friend may have additional internal bleeding and we're prepping him for surgery. Doctor Peters' been called in and we will bring news to you in the waiting room as soon as we have it"
"Thank You Doctor" The men shook hands and Danny did as instructed moving to the waiting room.

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It was a little before four in the morning when Chin woke to the phone ringing at his bedside. He was very drowsy having fallen asleep finally around two o'clock.

"Danny, what's happening?"

"Chin I'm sorry to wake you. His fever spiked and they think he may still be bleeding. They've taken him back into surgery"

"Can you call Kono and let her know I'll pick her up in twenty minutes. Hang in there brother"

Within the hour Chin and Kono were with Danny once again waiting to here the fate of their friend. Kono embraced Danny, "What happened?"
Danny explained the rising fever and Steve's pain.
Chin added, "Did he wake at all?"
Danny slowly shook his head, "No, I kept talking to him but there was no response. His grip tightened on my hand but I think that was just due to the pain. I tell you it's sure hard watching our man of steel show that type of discomfort. It really worries me"
They all grabbed coffees and prepared themselves for the wait.