Steve tried to sleep without taking pain meds because he had taken two pills while at the hospital late that afternoon. At about one in the morning he decided he had no choice. He needed sleep and the cramping had become overwhelming. He had rolled onto his side a while ago turning his back to Cath, trying not to wake her. Leaning over the side of the bed he reached into the pocket of his cargo pants and without water he popped two more pills. He rolled over onto his back clutching tightly to his side just under his ribcage. He raised his other arm, draping it across his face. He was sweating and breathing heavily. He lay still battling the pain silently and alone until the medication finally pulled him into unconsciousness.

Catherine's movements next to him woke Steve and a little after seven o'clock.
He rolled over and kissed her lips lightly, "Good Morning"
She smiled back at him, "Good Morning. Everyone's still sleeping. Go back to sleep and I'll wake you when I'm done showering"
He kissed her again saying slyly, "I need a shower too..."
She chuckled, "Steven John McGarrett...you be good now"
"Okay, I'll be good...Cath…..I love you so much"
"I know honey, I love you too"

She kissed him again and then leaving him to his thoughts she went into the bathroom.
Steve was on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He took the pain meds only six hours ago and yet he needed more already…SHIT he hated this! His mind drifted to everything that had happened over the last few days. Danny always called him a 'danger magnet' and he sure was right about that. Tears pooled in his eyes as he thought of everyone he had loved and everyone he had lost. What was wrong with him? It was one thing for him to risk his own life but look at everyone he had harmed. He couldn't do this anymore. Once Danny and Kono were okay he had to leave. He couldn't endanger those he loved ever again. Hearing the bathroom door open he quickly wiped his eyes and as Catherine moved to her suitcase he slipped out of bed, grabbed his pants and moved into the bathroom without saying a word.

He used the bathroom and then with a shaky hand he popped two more pills before exiting the room. Cath was standing at the sink outside the bathroom fixing her hair. He moved up behind her and placing his arms around her waist, nestling his face into the crook of her neck. She stood still, enjoying her lovers strong embrace for several seconds before turning in his arms to face him. She saw something she rarely saw in Steve, a sadness in his eyes that alarmed her. She touched his cheek tenderly, "Steve? What's wrong?"
Steve's upper lip quivered with emotion, "Nothing's wrong baby…..I just love you so much"
"Are you in pain?"
The SEAL smirked, "It's nothing I can't handle…I'm worried about Kono and Danny, that's all"
She spoke softly, "I know you're worried. You've been through so much Steve. I love you and I wish I didn't have to leave so soon"
"You've got four more days Cath"
"Only four more days…" Tears slid down her cheeks, "God baby, I don't want to leave you"
He kissed her cheek tasting the salty tears, "Ssshhh, don't cry. I don't want you to leave either baby, but duty calls"
"I'm so worried about you Steve"
"Hey, come on. You know me…..I'll be fine…..I always am"
She placed her head against his chest listening to his pounding heart. He held her tightly, wishing he never had to let her go but he knew… things were never going to be the same again. They couldn't be. He loved her enough to let her go. He could never risk Catherine being hurt, he just couldn't. He loved her with all his heart and if anything happened to her he could never forgive himself.

Their moment of tenderness was interrupted by Danny as he walked past them, scratching his belly and yawning, "Good Morning"
Steve chuckled, "Good Morning partner"
As the bathroom door closed behind Danny, Steve placed his thumb and forefinger on Cath's chin pulling it upward. No words were spoken as he peppered her perfect lips with soft, gentle kisses.
As they separated she spoke softly, "You should get dressed"
"Yeah.…it's going to be a tough day"
"We'll get through it baby, together"
As Catherine turned back to the sink, Steve moved to his bag to grab a change of clothes.

As the men were finishing up Catherine walked down to the office and paid cash for the room for another week.
Within the hour Chin was driving them to the airstrip.

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As they said their goodbyes Chin pulled Danny aside, "Danny, I'm sorry we can't be with you brah"
Grasping hands Danny responded, "You're with me man, I know that. You take care of Kono for us and promise you'll call us if her condition changes"
"I will brother. Danny…" Chin lowered his voice, "Danny…..watch him carefully"
Danny shot him a look of concern, "Why? What are you seeing?"
"I don't know. He just seems off a bit"
"I know he's trying not to show us the pain he's in"
"It's more than that Danny. I've noticed a look in his eyes, a sadness...he seems depressed"
Danny ran a hand through his hair "I'll watch him…...we'll call you in a few hours"
"Okay, Danny. Please send condolences to your family from Kono and I"
"I will…...thanks buddy"

As Chin drove from the scene the three moved towards the private plane that awaited them. Chief Jessup and the County Coroner were standing next to the hearse by the plane.

The casket carrying Matthew had already been placed onto the plane and after thanking the two men for their help, the trio boarded and soon were in the air. They were all sitting quietly, contemplating the journey before them. Danny had spoken to his Dad last night and his parents, sisters and two brothers-in-law would all be meeting them at the airfield in Jersey. Danny's Dad, Bob had made all the funeral arrangements and a hearse would be on site to transport Matt. Rachel had volunteered to sit with Gracie, Charlie and all the nieces and nephews at the Williams' home. Danny smiled at the thought of Rachel and his parents. They had always loved her so dearly and they had been crushed when the marriage had ended. And although Danny didn't feel quite ready to state that they would re-marry, he knew that they would be thrilled to hear that the two had started seeing each other again. He had decided that he wasn't going to mention the possibility of Charlie being their grandson at this point though. He clearly remembered the disappointment in his Mother's voice when he had called her to tell her that Charlie was Stan's son. He wasn't going to make that mistake again.

They had only been in the air about half an hour when Danny heard Cath address Steve.
"Steve? Honey are you okay?"
Opening his eyes he looked across the aisle to see Steve bent forward in his seat, his hands grasping at the sides of his head. Danny unbuckled his seat belt and in seconds he was kneeling in front of his partner.

Danny grabbed hold of Steve's wrists and leaned close to him, talking softly "Steve…what is it? What's wrong?"
"My head. Shit it hurts like hell"
Danny could feel the tension in his partner's arms indicating the pain was severe. Danny looked at Cath, "Do you have any Advil or Tylenol?"
"Yeah" She reached under the seat grabbing her purse and pulling out a bottle of Tylenol.
Danny asked, "Cath can you go up front and get some water?"
She did as he asked, returning as Danny was easing Steve back into the seat. He was ghostly white and his eyes were clenched shut.

She opened up the bottle of water as Danny brought three capsules to Steve's lips, "Here babe, take these"
Keeping his eyes closed, Steve asked "What are they?"
"It's Tylenol Steve, don't argue with me now…..just take them"
His lips parted and Danny slipped the pills into his mouth. Cath then brought the water to his lips and his took several swallows. He was sweating profusely as Catherine gently caressed his cheek, talking to him soothingly, "Relax Steve, you'll be okay….relax now"

Several minutes passed before Steve stated groggily, "I'm so dizzy"
Still kneeling at his side Danny responded, "Remember buddy, you've got a concussion. I'm sure it's the altitude fucking you up. Try to sleep and we'll be there before you know it"

Danny went to the bathroom and returned with a wet cloth that he handed to Catherine. Steve's eyes remained closed and he was shivering as Cath dabbed at his face and neck. Danny went to a small closet located at the back of the plane and returned with a pillow and blanket.
"Steve, do you want me to lay your seat back?"
"Yeah….just a bit please"
After reclining his seat back Danny lifted his head gently, slipping the pillow underneath it, then covering him with the blanket. Danny then moved back to his seat, watching as Catherine continued to wipe Steve's face and comfort him. He thought of Chin's words to watch out for Steve. He knew his partner was ill, horribly ill. He watched as the SEAL's faced contorted in pain and he clutched at his belly. The man was so damn tough and he rarely complained. Danny knew that Steve wasn't being totally honest with him about his degree of pain. The man should be home in bed, well actually he should be in re-hab but he knew he would never be able to convince him to go there. Danny tipped his head back and sighed, praying that God would watch over Steve, Kono, and all of them over the next few days.

After several minutes he opened his eyes and looked back over at Steve. Catherine smiled, saying quietly, "He's sleeping"
Danny returned the smile and leaning back he closed his eyes.

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Steve slept until the plane began its descent. It was obvious that the pressure on his head was horrible and Catherine held his hand tightly. Once on the ground Danny was at his side in moments checking on him.
"Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah…..yeah, 'm good"
"You don't look so hot babe"
"Yeah, well thanks a lot buddy"
Danny smiled down at his friend, "Why don't you sit here for a few minutes until you're ready. It's going to take us a while to get Matty off the plane"
Steve reached out his hand which Danny grasped tightly, "Okay Danno….we'll be out soon"
Steve watched as Danny grabbed all their bags and exited the plane.

****** Hope you're still enjoying ! I'd love to hear from you and THANKS for reading ! *******