Steve was still sleeping when Dr. Kam arrived at about eight thirty. Not wanting to wake the patient, he and Danny went out in the hallway to discuss Steve's condition.
"You know I think it would be best if he stayed here at least a couple of days so we could continue to monitor him. Attempting to withdrawal cold turkey from Meth is very dangerous and the racing heartbeat he experienced is an example of the dangers he faces. He could easily go into cardiac arrest or suffer a stroke. I ask that you try to convince him to check into a re-hab facility. That would be the best place for him right now"

"There's no way he'll agree to that. You said last night that he was being stubborn, well Doc that is an understatement when it comes to our leader"
"Really, he's always like this?"
Danny grinned sleepily, "Welcome to my world Doctor Kam. I will talk to him though"
The Doctor chuckled, "Let him sleep and I'll be back about one o'clock"
"Sounds good. Thank You" They shook hands and before going back into the room, Danny called the Governor and then he also called Washington and talked to Matthew.

Once done he re-entered the room and the three detectives sat at the table in the corner of the room talking quietly.
Chin asked, "How's Matt doing?"
"Good. He's relieved that Steve is with us now. He gave me more information on what happened to them. They were pumping that fucking poison into him every couple of hours guys. From what Matty says, the hallucinations were pretty bad. He saw Steve in full out SEAL mode and it really shook him up quite a bit. He took out those six men in quite brutal fashion"

Chin responded, "He did what he had to do Danny"
"Oh I know that and believe me, I can't thank him enough. He's unbelievable. I also talked to the Governor and he's fully behind Steve"
Kono smiled, "Thank God"
Danny continued, "Due to Steve's condition and Chin's injury he's placing us all on paid leave for six weeks. He spoke with Doctor Kam and not only is the State going to provide round the clock nursing care for the first two weeks he's home but Doctor Kam will stop by daily to check on him.

Chin sighed, "That's all very good news. Do you think he'll accept the nursing care?"
"He doesn't have a choice Chin. Both the Doctor and Denning want him in re-hab but he's agreed to this. Steve's also going to have to agree to bi-weekly drug testing for six months"

Kono looked at him angrily, "What? Denning doesn't trust him?"
"Kono, we can't blame Denning for this"
"Danny, HE can't blame Steve either!"
Chin grabbed her arm, "Hey cuz, settle down. He's not blaming Steve, but he has to protect himself. Steve has a real problem and submitting to the tests is not a bad thing"

She paused a moment, "I suppose you're right"
Chin grinned, "Of course I am"
Danny added, "Kono, the Governor does trust him. He's doing this to protect himself and to protect Steve"
She put up her hand, "Alright, alright, alright…...it's just...I love him and I hate to see him going through all of this"
"And your defense of him is honorable, but look at the big picture sweetheart. He needs lots of TLC now but before things are back to normal we're probably all going to have to give him a little 'tough love' as well"

Kono responded, "And we'll be there for him. Danny, does Gracie know he's alive?"
"No, but I've talked to Rachel. I'm planning on being there when she gets home from school today to tell her. Could you two stay with him while I'm gone"
"Of course. What about Catherine? Shouldn't we call her?"
"I'll leave that up to him, but I'll talk to him about it"
Kono nodded in agreement, "Would you guys like something to eat?"
Danny stated, "Yeah something small, and a BIG cup of coffee would be great!"
"Chin?"
"Same for me cuz, thanks"
"You bet, I'll be back in a little bit"

After she left the room the men sat quietly watching the sleeping SEAL.
"Danny, he should go into re-hab. You know that"
"I agree but we both know he's not going to agree to that. I'll try to convince him though Chin, I will"
They were interrupted as Steve began to wake and they made their way back to his side.

505050505050505050505050

"Hey partner, how do you feel?"
Steve closed his eyes and mumbled sleepily, "Just wonderful D"
"You're full of shit too"
"I DO have to use the bathroom" He started to push himself up.
Danny grabbed his upper arm, "Hey, hey….slow down and let me help you"
"I'm fine Danny, I can do this myself"
"The codeine could make you dizzy so please don't argue with me"
Steve sighed deeply, "Yes sir"
"See, aren't things much easier when you just do what I say"
"Yes Danny"
Chin was chuckling as he moved closer and Danny asked, "What's so funny brother?"
Grinning at the now smiling Steve, the Asian detective stated, "Oh, nothing Danny"
The two men helped Steve out of bed and they moved slowly towards the bathroom.

Once at the bathroom door Steve reached over and took hold of the IV pole. "I'm good now, I've got this"
"Okay, I'll wait right here but holler if you need me"
Several minutes later he emerged from the bathroom and shooed Danny and Chin away.
"Danny please, you're hovering babe. I'm good. I promise"
"I'm sorry man"
"Didn't you make me promise not to use that word? Well the same goes for you buddy. YOU certainly have nothing to be sorry for"
"Okay but you do know that you don't have to be a tough guy around us"
"I know that…..and thank you"
Danny backed off but instead of walking to the bed, Steve moved towards the table, "Where are you going?"
Steve and Chin both looked at him and said in unison, "DANNY STOP!"
The Jersey detective threw up his hands in exasperation and followed his partner to the chair.

Steve moaned softly as he lowered himself into it, "What time is it?"
Chin looked at his watch, "Almost ten"
"What? Didn't the Doc say he was coming in early? I want to get out of here"
Danny pointed a finger in his partner's direction, "Hey, now you WILL listen to me. Calm down, do you hear me. If you get all worked up and your heart starts racing again you're going to take more codeine whether you want to or not!"

Steve said softly, "I'm perfectly calm boss, where's the Doctor?"
"You were sleeping when he stopped up. He's coming back around one o'clock"
"Okay…..I guess that's acceptable"
"You don't really have a choice Steven. There are a few other things you need to know"
"What?"
Danny told him about his talk with Governor Denning and the arrangements that had made for his at-home care.
"I don't need a nurse at home and certainly not for two weeks!"
"Would you rather go into re-hab?"

Steve's voice cracked slightly, "There is no way in hell I'm going into re-hab. I can do this on my own, I just need time. I'll talk to the Governor"
"Steve listen. The Governor has your back on this. He guaranteed me that leadership of 5-0 is yours, no matter how long it takes for you to get back to work. He wants you healthy partner, we all do. Your mind is messed up right now. You know that we want what's best for you right?"

"Yeah, of course I do"
"Then buddy I'm telling you to do what the Governor asks, thank him and don't ask questions. He's going above and beyond to help you but he has to protect himself"
"You're right Danny. I should really call him though"
"I told him you would call him tomorrow after you were settled at home"
"Thanks"
"You're welcome"

505050505050505050505050

They all looked up as Kono re-entered the room. "Well look who's up and about! I hope you're hungry boss"
"I could go for some coffee"
Kono responded, "The nurse said decaf only buddy. But they told me you're not on a restricted diet at all"
"I hate decaf"
Danny jumped in, "Steven, a couple of hours ago you were on the verge of heart attack, your heart was racing so damn fast. You sure in the hell don't need caffeine"

He looked to Kono, "Decaf would be wonderful. Thank you Kono"
She handed the men their coffee's and then pulled out bagels and cream cheese, breakfast sandwiches with bacon and egg on English muffins and fruit cups.
Chin asked, "What would you like Steve?"
"I'm really not hungry, the coffee should be good"
"Steve, you have to eat something"
Danny then asked, "When was the last time you ate partner?"
The SEAL looked at them confused, "I'm not sure? What day is it?"
Danny added, "Hey, it's okay. Will you try to eat some fruit?"
"Yeah….yeah"
Danny told Steve about talking to Matty as they ate and sipped coffee.
After eating a few strawberries and blueberries Steve asked, "I think I could maybe handle an egg"
Kono handed him a sandwich and he opened it up, picking at the egg with his fork.

As he nibbled on the food Danny let him know that he needed to go see Gracie after school today.
"Gracie…oh God Danno"
Danny grabbed his forearm, "Steve, remember…..we'll talk about this later okay? Today is a great day because I get to tell her that you're alive"
"Is she alright?"
"I've never lied to you partner, and I'm not going to start now….it's been extremely hard on her. She loves you very much"

Steve sat forward and with his elbows resting on the table he buried his face in his hands sobbing, "Oh my God, what have I done" At this moment Steve couldn't help but break his promise and Danny didn't attempt to stop him as through his tortured sobs he repeated over and over again, "I'm sorry…..oh God I'm so so sorry"

******* Much more to come ********