Thanks to everyone who's reading the story. Here's another chapter...
"Do you mean to tell me that you performed CPR on me?" Danny's voice was a little raspy and halted as he was still trying to catch his breath. The usual disdain was there though. And that irritation let them all take a well needed sigh of relief. Danny was not only breathing again, but complaining with most of his usual flair.
Steve pretended to be annoyed right back. "Yea, Danny. I saved your life."
Danny nodded, still processing the moment. He closed his eyes for a second or two before continuing. "So your mouth?"
"Yes Danny." Steve bit his lip and looked at the ground. He knew where this conversation was headed and wanted to laugh. Only Danny would be upset that Steve's lips had touched his own. "And it was good for me too."
Chin and Kono both turned away at the same time. Kono covered her mouth but not in time to trap the giggle that escaped. Chin grabbed her, pulling her a few feet from the two men. They all needed the space at that moment.
"Oh, I see, you think this is funny? Hilarious, right?" Too much excitement made Danny cough and wheeze a little so he knew it was time to stop talking.
"Danny." Steve grabbed his friend and pulled him close, still careful not to move him too much. "Just shut up."
They stayed that way for a few minutes, each with their eyes closed, trying to hide how much they were both trembling with relief.
"Thank you." Danny whispered.
Steve nodded against him and squeezed him a little harder. "You're welcome."
/././
The EMTs were swift and efficient, and after carefully evaluating him for injuries, they helped the team move Danny to a gurney. Someone placed an oxygen mask on his face, and Steve was relieved that his friend didn't fight their ministrations. Danny seemed very calm, maybe too calm.
Chin barked orders to the HPD officers who had arrived just before the medics, stepping in for his otherwise occupied boss. He knew Steve wanted the scene to be swept, leaving no stone unturned. If there was anything there to find, he wanted it and he wanted it yesterday. Everyone understood. After all, Danny was one of their own.
Kono stood beside her friend, holding his hand and murmuring reassurances. Steve watched from a few feet away, smiling and finally catching his breath. Chin gave him a wave as he kept an eye on the crime scene techs now swarming the abandoned construction site.
Things had gone from chaotic to mellow in zero to 60 seconds. But that was part of their job. The ups and downs. The twists and turns. It was enough to make anyone dizzy. Steve took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. This one had ended well. He wouldn't say it was a close call. Something about it nagged at him, like they were supposed to find Danny.
But if he hadn't been able to use his cell phone. That thought hung in Steve's mind. The distinct feeling of being played with sank into his stomach. Who ever did this didn't care if they'd found their colleague or not. It wasn't the outcome they were concerned with; it was the stress it created.
Was it all a game?
Shaking off the unsettled feeling, Steve allowed himself to downshift. Those complicated questions could wait until tomorrow. Right now, he was ever so thankful to see his partner alive and mostly well. He smiled and ran a hand through his hair. Their eyes met after a few minutes. Neither man could hide their tears of relief. Pure and utter release.
Steve sat beside his best friend on the bumper of the ambulance. Danny had abandoned the gurney in a fit of irrational defiance. One of the medics called it a temper tantrum with a laugh. The blonde detective felt he was okay and just needed an X-ray for his hand, though he did agree to keep the oxygen for the time being. Everything else would mend itself after he got some sleep and maybe some strong pain meds. Everyone backed off and gave the pair a few minutes to decompress.
There weren't many words to fit this situation. None that didn't seem too over the top or dramatic. And Steve didn't want to argue or try to get his friend to lie down. Proper rest would come in due time; he would see to it. Right then, he didn't want to push his partner too hard, so he said the first thing that came to his mind.
"Sorry about Man's Weekend." He put his arm around Danny and pulled him into a sideways hug.
Danny lifted the oxygen mask. "It's early, babe."
They laughed and Steve tightened his grip on his friend. This would be the last time for a while that he'd let his friend go home alone. He felt very possessive and protective all of a sudden, but by the way Danny leaned against him, he knew his friend felt the same.
Both men straightened as the EMTs resumed their attention. They wanted to haul Danny to the ER to X-ray his hand and for general observation. He'd had a very bad shock, and that shouldn't be brushed off. Danny simply nodded, not having the strength to argue. It wasn't every day you had to be revived by your best friend. And he knew his hand was messed up. It reminded him again with a sharp pain when he moved too quickly and brushed against something.
Steve rode with Danny while Kono and Chin followed. To say the mood was subdued would be somewhat on point. There would be no joyful celebrations that night. And each one of them would be lying if they didn't admit to feeling like something was hanging over their heads.