Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.
Steve was happy to make it through Friday. He spent the day wrangling with his preliminary 2012 budget. Money was tight, and budget cuts were a constant threat. Lori actually saved the day. "Steve, there are foundations that give grants to law enforcement agencies. I could do a little research and see what we could get." Steve was grateful for the help, particularly when the governor promised that any grant money would not be deducted from their state funding.
Danny was still driving his Camaro, but at least Steve didn't fall asleep on the way home. They decided to eat out and hit the grocery store on the way home. They were out of a lot of staples, and Danny wanted to stock up on the soup that Steve likes. It was the only thing Steve always ate no matter how badly he felt. Steve had his own agenda at the store.
"Danno, what are some of Grace's favorites, the stuff we usually don't buy? I just learned that she likes raisin toast."
Danny thought for a minute. "Well, you know about the Froot Loops. She likes toaster strudel, Cocoa Krispies, ice cream sandwiches, those little sundae cups, and white cheddar popcorn. Why?"
"She doesn't ask us to buy them because she knows that I want us to eat healthy. Danny, I didn't mean that she can't have some of her favorite things. Can we pick up some of the strudel stuff and the popcorn?"
Danny shook his head at Steve. The man was such a soft touch for Grace. Grace cheered when she saw the bag of popcorn. She threw a bag of Peppermint Patties in the cart for Daddy Steve. Steve was tired by the time that they unloaded the groceries, but he thought that he was entitled. It was dark by the time that the work was done.
Steve, Danny, and Grace were sitting on the lanai, admiring the stars. "Danny, I need to go in the water. I haven't been in the water since Tuesday. I won't go far, but I just need to swim." Steve expected an argument from Danny.
"Why don't we all get our suits on and go in for a little bit?" Grace was off like a shot. She loved the water almost as much as Steve. Danny looked at Steve and saw the puzzlement. "I know how much you miss the water. I also know that your muscles are probably stiff because you've done nothing but sit around for the last few days. The water will let you work out the kinks."
Steve kissed Danny, and then rested his head against Danny's. "Thanks for knowing what I need. I talked to the caterers today; they're confirmed for New Year's Eve. They were booked, but when I told them about the event, I was assured that they would bring in extra staff to make our evening special. I'm not sure if she meant because we're 5-0, or because they want to attract their share of the business created by the new law. Anyway, we got the menu we wanted and at a reasonable rate."
Danny sighed. "We're really going to do this, aren't we? It's going to happen. You, Grace, and I will officially be a family. There's something else I want to talk to you about, but Grace is waiting for us. Let's change and get you in the ocean."
They spent almost an hour in the water. Steve swam for about half that time, and then he played tag with Danny and Grace. Steve knew that Danny was going to call time on them soon and decided that he wouldn't make Danny do that. "Hey guys, I'm getting tired. I think it's time we went in."
There was a rush for the showers; it helped that Steve and Danny shared theirs although there was no lingering. Danny dried Grace's hair while Steve fixed hot chocolate for them. He was a bit chilled by the time he left the water, and hot chocolate was always a big hit with his family. Steve set the mugs on the table just as Danny and Grace sat down. He produced a plate of Oreos to go along with the hot chocolate.
"Danny, I believe that these are your favorites." Steve was pleased that he had been able to hide the purchase from Danny and Grace. He often caught Danny eating Oreos at his desk when he thought no one was looking, but Steve saw everything.
Danny looked abashed at Steve's comment. He picked up a cookie and dunked it in his hot chocolate. His eyes rolled back at the first bite. "I usually don't get to dunk these anymore. Thanks babe. Oh, this is really good.
Grace and Steve had to try them Danny's way. They agreed that he had a winner. The discussion moved to favorite 'forbidden' foods. Danny confessed to a weakness for peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Steve thought that would be gross. Grace liked dipping French fries in ranch dressing. Steve thought that would be gross too.
"Okay super-SEAL, what is your most unusual food combination, not counting loco moco or pineapple on pizza?" Danny knew that there had to be some skeleton in Steve's food closet.
Steve knew instantly what his entry into the unusual food race was, but he was hesitant to say anything. Danny and Grace waited him out. Finally, Steve gave in. "Well, after Thanksgiving, I liked to make a turkey sandwich." He paused, hoping that would be enough. It wasn't. "Okay, I spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread and gravy on the other. The filling is both turkey and stuffing."
Danny considered the combination. "So, you're essentially making a bread sandwich?"
Steve reddened; he knew it was mega-unhealthy, but it was so good. "Well, there is turkey, which is very healthy. The cranberry sauce is made from fruit, so that's kind of healthy."
"Did you make this concoction on whole wheat bread?" Danny pressed the issue.
"Uh, no. I used regular white bread, usually whatever was left of one the loaves we used to make the stuffing." Steve mourned that the leftovers from Thanksgiving were gone before he got a chance to make the sandwich.
Danny closed his eyes and thought for a minute. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. The next shopping day, we'll pick up a small turkey and the rest of the fixings. I'll make sure there are leftovers, because I really have to see this sandwich. And you do not get to comment on any of our food combinations for the next year."
Steve's smile lit the room. "We could do that? Wow, that would be great. We could practice what Mom taught us. That would be a good thing. And I promise I'll be good. Wait until you taste this. It's amazing."
"Hold on, I didn't say that Grace and I would eat it. I said that you could have your sandwich." This was the first indication Danny had that Steve was really on the mend. Danny missed their bantering; it wasn't fair to pick on Steve when he was sick.
"Come on Danno. You have to try it. Grace, you'll try it, won't you?" Steve could always count on Grace to be his partner in crime.
"Only if you'll try my French fries dipped in ranch dressing." Grace was pretty good at playing Daddy Steve.
Steve knew that Grace had him. "Okay, but give me a few days to get my stomach in order. It's still a little tender. Next time we go to a restaurant, you can order it and I'll try it."
"That's great Daddy, because Danno thinks it's gross." Grace flashed Steve her sunniest smile.
Steve held up his hands in surrender. The Williams had double-teamed him and won. "I surrender. Do we have time for a quick movie before bedtime? I know it will be a little past Grace's bedtime, but I'm really tired of crashing so early."
"I think we can manage a short movie. Grace, do you want to pick something out?" Danny helped Steve load the mugs and spoons in the dishwasher. Danny resisted the urge to ask Steve if he was getting tired.
Grace found the latest version of 'Miracle on 34th Street' playing on one of the movie channels. Danny judged that it wouldn't run too late and joined his partner and daughter on the couch. Grace loved this version of the movie. The young actress from 'Matilda', another one of Grace's favorite movies, had one of the lead roles. Steve found the movie quite charming. He found that he had acquired a taste for happy endings.
As the credits rolled at the end, Danny was pleased to note that Steve was still awake. Grace was struggling to stay awake; the late swim had taken most of her reserves. Steve picked Grace up and carried her upstairs, as much to show he could as to help Grace. After a quick trip to the bathroom, Grace climbed into bed. Danny and Steve said their goodnights to their precious daughter and walked back to their bedroom.
Steve was the last to walk in. He gently closed the door and clicked the lock. Danny looked up at the sound. "Really babe, you're feeling that much better?" Danny walked toward Steve and pulled him in for a kiss. It started soft and ended hot and wet.
"Danno, I can do this, but I would appreciate getting off my feet. Frankly, your kiss made me a little light-headed." Steve was walking Danny backwards toward the bed, pulling at Danny's clothes as he walked. Danny reciprocated by divesting Steve of his clothes.
They rolled on the bed. "Steve, are you sure you're up to this?" Danny really didn't want to get his hopes up. He was a guy, and he really missed this while Steve was so sick."
Steve looked down at that part of his anatomy. "Babe, I am definitely up for this. I can't promise how long I'll hold out. I missed being with you like this. Even when I was so tired I could hardly move, I dreamed about you and me like this. I don't know if I'll ever get enough of you."
Danny deliberately slowed the pace. "You don't need to worry about that. I'll be here tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. In a little over four weeks, we'll be Mr. McGarrett-Williams, and you'll never be rid of me."
"I like the sound of that. I love you Danny. I think that I've been waiting my whole life for you." Steve tried to match Danny's pace, but he wanted Danny too much. He knew how to drive Danny over the edge.
They were breathless as they lay in the center of the bed. Steve couldn't let go of Danny. "Danny, just hang on to me for a few minutes. I just need a few minutes." Steve had dozed off when Danny gently shook him.
"Babe, we need to get cleaned up and get you under the covers. You're getting cool; I don't want you catch a cold." Danny stroked Steve's face. He was relieved that Steve was definitely on the mend. "Come on, let's get you up."
With Danny's help, Steve finished in the bathroom and dressed in his sleep clothes before collapsing in bed. Danny unlocked the bedroom door before he joined Steve in bed. They had a busy weekend ahead of them, but for now, it was time to sleep.
This is a little brief. My precious little granddaughter is visiting, and she is definitely my priority for the next week. And the turkey sandwich is my favorite. I read about in a Judy Bolton book when I was a teenager. The fries and ranch dressing is my older granddaughter's favorite.
