Danny walked slowly towards the desk, "Steve, I'm not going anywhere….so get over it! You agreed to the Governors terms and that includes the nursing care and me. I am going to be at your side 24-7 babe whether you like it or not"

"I'M FINE DANNY! I want to... I NEED to do this alone!"
"NO, NO YOU DON'T, and you CAN'T! You are the most stubborn and obstinate man I have ever known, but on this babe…you've met your match. You can curse at me, scream at me, or simply ignore me…but you ARE stuck with me"

He reached the side of the desk and breathed a sigh of relief at not seeing any weapons. He glanced at the album Steve was thumbing through. The pictures were all of Steve and a blonde man, someone Danny had never seen before.
He asked, "Who's that?"
Not taking his eyes off the book, Steve said quietly "He's a friend…. A really, really good friend"
Steve ran his fingers over the pictures and then he closed the album.
Danny reached down, opened the side desk drawer and pulled out the gun.
Steve looked up at him, "I wasn't planning on using that buddy"
"Good, that's good to hear. You won't mind if I keep it for a while then?"
Steve then offered additional information, "There's one in my nightstand, one in my safe, one in the kitchen and one in the living room. Then you've got the four rifles in my gun case and my numerous knives. Danno, if I want to kill myself I've got plenty of ways to do it"

Danny knew he was right and it sure didn't make him feel any better. "I need you to do me a favor then"
"What's that?
"Let me get all the weapons out here until you've got this thing licked"
"Danny….that's not necessary, you worry too much"
"Just humor me then, okay"
Steve was iritated, "If it makes you feel better, fine….I need to go use the head and I promise there's no gun in there Danno, so stand down partner"
Steve stood and walked past Danny, intentionally bumping into him.
Danny watched him leave the room and he mumbled under his breath, "It's going to be a long fucking day" His eyes landed on the photo album and he sat down and quickly flipped through the pictures. The two men were definitely good friends and they had known each other a long time. Several pictures were of the two as teenagers with Steve's dad. He pulled out one of the pictures of the boys in football uniforms, smiling broadly with their arms draped around each other's shoulders. The back read 'Steve and Chad, 13 years old… State Champions'. He didn't want Steve to think he was snooping so he put the picture back, closed the album, and went back to the kitchen.

A few moments later both Steve and Lilianna joined him in the kitchen.
Danny shot her a smile, "Good Morning Lilianna, did you sleep well?"
"Yes I did Danny, thank you. Steve was just telling me he slept well too, that's good"
Danny smirked as his partner, "Oh he did, huh? He needs his beauty sleep or he get's real grumpy. Why don't you two sit down, I was just about to whip up some omelets"

"Oh Danny please"
"What? You love my eggs!"
Steve looked at the pretty young nurse and rolling his eyes he said quietly, "The Militaries powdered eggs are better than Danno's"
She chuckled and Danny asked, "What's so funny over there?"
Steve grinned, "Nothing buddy…nothing at all"
The blonde detective then asked, "Lilianna, would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Yes please"
"Cream or sugar?"
"Both please"
Danny brought her the coffee and looked to Steve, "Want a cup partner?"
"No, I don't think my stomach can handle it"
"Kono picked up some apple juice, how does that sound?"
"That sounds good buddy, thank you"

They visited while Danny cooked and even Steve had to admit the omelets tasted really good.
They were still visiting when Lilianna's replacement showed up. She was much older than Lilianna and her name was Cindy. After Lilianna left, Cindy sat with the men sipping coffee as they got to know each other.

Dr Kam arrived a short time later, glad to see that Steve was at least eating. Once he had left, Steve went onto the patio to call the Governor while Danny showed Cindy around the house.

505050505050505050505050

When Danny joined him outside, he found Steve leaning on the deck's railing, staring out at the Ocean.
Danny moved over and sat on the bench next to him, "How did it go?"
"Alright…..I'm lucky Danny. He's being very supportive"
"Yes, yes he is"
"But I'm luckier to have you. You don't have to stay you know, you don't have to put up with my bullshit"
"Yes I do…and I will. Like I told you earlier babe, you're stuck with me"
"Thank you Danno"
"Don't mention it"
Several seconds passed before Steve added, "Is it too early to call Gracie?"
"No, I'm sure she's up and getting ready for school. Let's just talk a bit first okay?"
Steve looked at him nervously, "Sure, is she okay?"
"Oh yeah, no worries. I just wanted to tell you that she's really anxious to see you and I'm trying to discourage that right now"

"Of course, I agree. She doesn't need to see me like this. I'm sure I'd scare the hell out her with the way I look right now"
Danny responded, "You scare the hell out of ME partner!" Steve chuckled and Danny added, "Buddy, I need you to know I told her what happened to you"
"You told her about the drugs?"
"Yes….They've been teaching them the DARE program in school and I've answered questions she's had about drug use and the dangers. I felt she could handle it and that it was important that she knew the truth"

Steve felt like he had been kicked in the gut. He turned from Danny and resting his elbows on the railing he cupped his hands behind his bowed head. Danny watched him carefully, noting his body tense up and shake with emotion. He moved closer and reaching out he squeezed the SEAL's shoulder tightly.
A few seconds passed before Steve said softly, "I'm so embarrassed Danny"
"Steve, oh God you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You're not responsible for being in this condition, you know that! If you want to be truthful about this babe, the whole damn thing is my fault!"

Steve pushed away from the railing and faced Danny, tears welling up in his eyes "No, this IS NOT your fault, do you hear me?"
"THAT'S BULLSHIT STEVEN! You're hooked on this fucking junk because of my brother, MY BROTHER!"
"YES, YOUR BROTHER, NOT YOU! I made the decision to go after Matt on my own, MY DECISION DANIEL!"
"Damn it Steve…..why? Please tell me why?"
Steve staggered a couple of steps backwards and sat back onto the bench. He was sobbing and saying over and over again, "I'm sorry Danno….pplease forgive mme…I'm ssorryy….."

Danny sat next to him, their bodies touching. He wanted answers, he needed answers but now was not the time. He had to pull back, Steve was just too fragile right now, he couldn't push him, "Steve, hey calm down" He placed a hand on Steve's leg, "Buddy listen to me, I've forgiven you….I told you that yesterday and I meant it. You've got to relax now…..please relax"

Several minutes passed with no words being spoken. Once Steve's breathing stabilized Danny asked, "Are you ready to call Gracie?"
Steve spoke softly, "What is she be thinking of me?"
"Do you want to know what she's thinking? I can tell you…..she's happy, hell, she's absolutely thrilled that her Uncle Steve is okay. She can't wait to see you, and hug you, and kiss you. You give her love and joy. And most important of all, you give her a sense of peace. She feels safe around you and she knows that when I'm with you, I'm safe"

Steve chuckled, "You call me a danger magnet and claim that I'm always getting you shot at?"
Danny added, "Well yeah but…" He laughed, "You make HER feel safe Steven. She loves you babe. Now how about it, are you ready to talk to her?"
Steve smiled, "Yeah, I'm ready"

Danny dialed the phone, "Hey Monkey, good morning!"
"Hi Danno. Are you with Uncle Steve?"
"I am, and he would like to talk to you"
Danny handed Steve the phone, "Gracie?"
A bubbly voice answered back, "Hi Uncle Steve! I'm so happy you aren't dead"
Steve grinned, "I'm happy I'm not dead too baby"
Danny laughed softly, shaking his head at his child's choice of words.
"I was so sad Uncle Steve. I don't think I've ever been so sad, and Danno cried so much"
Danny saw the tears falling down Steve's cheeks and he reached over grabbing the man's arm in support.
Gracie continued, "I'm sorry you're so sick. Are you feeling better today?"
"I do feel a little better sweetheart. Danno is taking very good care of me"
"That's good. Did Danno tell you about my Spelling B at school?"
"No he didn't tell me. Did you win a Spelling B?"
Danny grinned proudly as his daughter told Steve all about her wonderful accomplishments.

Steve listened intently to the little girl and then responded, "When you come to see me make sure you bring your word lists so I can help you study okay?"
"I will. When can I see you?"
"It will probably be a few days Gracie but we can talk on the phone anytime okay?"
"Okay. Thanks for calling me"
"You have a good day at school. I love you sweetheart"
"I love you too SuperSEAL, bye"
Steve's hand was shaking as he handed the phone to Danny.
"Hey Monkey….."
As Danny talked to his daughter, Steve stood and making his way down the steps of the patio he walked down to the Ocean.

To be continued…..