The Doctor joined them, standing next to Chin, and the men all chatted softly until they saw her begin to move.

Her eyes opened slowly and she struggled to focus. Her eyes darted between the four men and then as the realization of where she was and what had happened to her began to sink in her grip tightened on Steve's hand. He spoke to her gently, his voice quivering slightly, "Hi sweetheart, welcome back"

She saw it in his eyes and she heard it in his voice...she just knew...she looked him straight in the eyes and simply said, "Tony..."
As hard as he tried, his eyes welled with tears as he responded softly, "I'm so sorry Kono"

Her eyes closed tightly and tears slipped down her cheeks. Chin leaned in close, wiping the tears and kissing her forehead as he spoke. "We're all here for you cous', you're not alone. Steven is fine and Malia is watching him. We all love you honey and we're so so sorry"

The men were all crying now as they watched their dear friends' heart break right before their eyes.
The Doctor was monitoring her vitals carefully as her heart rate increased and she began to struggle to breathe. Chin continued to talk to her trying to calm her, "We're here Kono, you have to relax now"

"Noooo...oooh God wwhyy? NNot Tony...not mmmmy Tonny..."
The Doctor moved in and opened the IV drip releasing a dose of morphine which in moments put her under.
Danny spoke first, "Is she alright?"

"Yes, but we don't want her to become overly agitated. She's very weak from the surgery and we need her to rest. I've set up the drip her so that any of you can administer a dosage if necessary. It's programmed so you can't give her too much. It will only allow a certain amount of units to dispense every hour. So please don't be afraid to keep her under at least for the first couple of days while her body begins to heal. Call the Nurses if you need anything or please let them know if you are all leaving. I'll stop by every few hours to check on her. She's lucky to have you all"

After he left Danny looked at Steve, "Buddy, why don't you let me take you home so you can rest for a while"
"Don't even go there Danno, I'm not leaving"
"Steve you were shot a couple of hours ago"
"Yeah and I'm just fine...drop it"
Danny looked at him, rolling his eyes. Chin then added, "Steve, she's going to be out for hours now. Will you at least lay down for a while. We'll let you know when she wakes"
"Guys, please...I'm fine...I'm fine!" He turned away from them and moved to the window. Staring out at the bright sunny skies he wondered how such a beautiful Hawaiian day could have brought such pain and misery.

50505050505050505050505050

Danny went down to the cafeteria and returned to the room with sandwiches, fruit, cookies, water and sodas for them all.
The men nibbled, but none of them had much of an appetite.

Steve sat and leaned his head back, his eyes closed. Danny watched as his partner rubbed his bandaged left arm.
"Steve, why don't you take a pain pill"
"Don't need it Danno…..I'm fine"
"Stop with the macho shit will you. They had to dig pretty damn deep for that bullet. Do it for me alright?"
"If I do, will stop nagging?"
"I can't promise that"
Steve grinned softly, "Okay Danno, I'll take a pain pill…and, thank you"

Danny pulled the bottle of pills from a bag the ER Doctor had given them and after reading the label he handed Steve a pill, "Here you go partner"
Steve took the pill as Danny added, "It says you need to take that with food, so eat that sandwich partner"
"Still nagging….."
Danny smiled adding, "I made no promises"

Steve forced himself to eat half of a ham and cheese sandwich and a banana, he didn't need to get ill from the medication. He was nauseated enough as it was.

Chin called Malia giving her an update and the men then sat and chatted quietly as they kept a close eye on Kono.

"Is Steven okay?"
"He's fine Boss. Maila talked to the hospital and took a personal leave. She'll be able to help with Steven and Kono as long as needed"
Steve nodded, "Good….oh God, I still can't believe this is happening"
He sat with his elbows on the table and buried his face into his hands. Chin shot a glance of concern towards Danny.

Danny stood and moved over to Kono. He leaned in and kissed her cheek and then stroking her forehead he spoke softly.
"It's Danny babe, I'm here for you and I love you. I'm so sorry Kono" Tears fell from his eyes as he stood quietly watching her.

Chin looked at Steve, "Boss, she's strong. It's going to be hard for her, but she has Steven and he'll give her the strength to get through this…...a day at a time"
"I know Chin….."
"Tony was a great man and he made her so happy. This last year…..I saw a peace in her that I had never seen before…"

Steve's gaze turned to Kono as he spoke, "About a month before Steven was born, I was helping him finish up the nursery. He was absolutely giddy with joy. He told me that marrying Kono had been the best thing he had ever done. He worshipped her Chin….. and Steven….God he was such a proud Daddy….he was so happy"

Steve's phone rang, "It's Carson"
Chin watched on as Steve talked to Tony's brother. He noted the methodical nature of McGarrett's voice. He watched him carefully, silently agreeing with Danny that Steve was definitely in shock. They would need to keep a close eye on him…...

50505050505050505050505050

They were all at the bedside with Kono as she woke. She looked at the men surrounding her, and she saw the same thing in all their eyes. Pain, fear, concern…agony. She couldn't stop the tears as again the reality of today's events crashed in on her.

She closed her eyes and instantly she felt his hand on her face. She knew it was Steve…..the man who had brought her beloved Tony into her life. The two men who were so much alike…..Navy SEALs, military hero's, detectives. They were both, honorable, trusting, loving, and courageous. She felt him wipe her tears but she couldn't open her eyes or speak. She couldn't handle looking into his eyes because she knew…he loved Tony too and she knew that Steve would blame himself for his death. She just couldn't face him now…..she just couldn't.

He wiped her tears with his thumb and spoke lovingly, "I'm here Kono, I love you baby"
Her heart rate and breathing suddenly became rapid and with her eyes still closed she called out painfully, "Steve go…please go…please go"

Steve McGarrett looked like he had been hit by a ton of bricks, 'she wants me to leave….'
Danny looked at Chin,"Chin, call us" The detectives nodded to each other and Danny grabbed his partner's uninjured arm.

"Steve, come on brother…." He leaned close to his partner's ear, whispering "She needs to stay calm buddy. Come on, let's go"
Without speaking Steve turned and moved quickly from the room followed by Danny.

Chin spoke quietly to his cousin, stroking her cheek "Relax sweetheart, you need to slow your breathing down for me"
"I can't…..I ccan't ssee him now Chin…...I'm sorry"
"Honey, it's okay. He's fine…ssshhh…relax now"
"Tonny…..ooh Chin….my Tony"
As he continued to soothe her, he reached up and dispensed a dose of morphine putting her back under.

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As Danny exited the room, Steve had begun to run down the hallway.
Not wanting to cause a scene in the hospital, Danny chased after him as Steve moved past the elevators and entered the stairwell.

As Danny neared the elevator he was forced to stop as a man on a stretcher was being wheeled out of it. He waited nervously until the stretcher passed and momemts later he burst through the door to the stairwell hollering for Steve.

Steve ran down the stairs as fast as his cracked ribs allowed him. He heard Danny yelling his name as he reached the main level. He couldn't wait for Danny, he had to get out of there…..oh God, Kono blamed him…..he had to get away…...

******** MORE TO FOLLOW *********