Summary: Hello to you all. Hope you had a great Memorial Day. Mine was good, made me sad to think about all the fallen soldiers who didn't make it home this year and made me hope that more will come home safe and sound. With that being said I am here to post the next chapter of this story. The love I'm getting for this is amazing and I just want to say thanks. Now with that being said I want you to read this chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This show, not mine and when I say not mine I mean I didn't create it and when I say I didn't create it I mean it was not my idea and when I say that, you get what I'm saying.

Author's Note: Since this is AU there are no spoilers. And just to let you all know this piece of work is being beta'd by the lovely Megan Mirs who is taking time to turn these words into a masterpiece. Thanks a million hun. Now on with the story.

Chapter Two – Ripples in the Water

He stood next to the office door, a cup of coffee in one hand and his schedule in the other. Danny had arrived at the school thirty minutes early, for a meeting with the principle, to receive his books for his classes and discuss school policy. He didn't care, he was simply grateful to be at a public high school instead of the private school Claire wanted him to attend. His life had enough problems. The last thing he needed was to spend eight hours of his day trapped inside a building with spoiled trust-fund kids who thought the world revolved around them. Taking a final sip out of his coffee cup, he threw it in the trash and began making his way down the hall to his locker. Danny was almost finished placing the books he didn't need inside the locker when he felt a sudden tap on his shoulder.

"Hi, you must be Danny."

Danny pulled down his shades and stared at the bubbly brunette standing in front of him. She smiled brightly at him as she held out her hand, which he cautiously took, shaking gently. "Yeah I am and you are?"

"Catherine Rollins, but you can call me Cath," the girl replied, grinning as she took in the sight of Danny. He was wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a well worn Journey t-shirt with the top of his blond hair slicked back slightly. Just by looking at him she could tell he wasn't from the islands. He was also one of the hottest boys she had ever laid eyes on. "I'm here to help you find your way around the school. You're a junior right?"

He nodded suspiciously as he let go of her hand and continued to stare. "What are you on, the welcome committee?" he smirked playfully, but frowned when he noticed her smile didn't waver.

"How did you guess?"

"Oh my god," scoffed Danny, wiping his face with his hand. "Only in this pineapple-infested hellhole would there be a high school with an actual welcome committee. That isn't weird at all," he finished, deadpanned.

Catherine shrugged her shoulder nonchalantly. "Okay. We have five minutes before the bell rings, so I thought I would escort you to your first class which is-"she paused for a moment as she snatched Danny's schedule from his hand and read it. "Honors English, sweet," she replied smiling. "I have a friend who's in that class. Just follow me."

"Great," Danny replied, closing his locker and following Catherine down the hall until she stopped in front of a room already half way full with students.

"So here is Mr. Hendrickson's class," stated Cath, handing Danny back his schedule. "He's a good teacher, but very stern, so try not to piss him off. He has no qualms about sending you to the principle office if need be, after he gives you a proper tongue lashing of course."

Danny scoffed somewhat offended. "Why would you assume I would piss him off?"

With a raised eyebrow she gave him a smirk. Catherine had only known Danny for a few minutes, but it was still pretty easy to tell the new kid could become a pain in the neck. "Because you're a sarcastic jackass. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I already know I'm not."

Danny gave her a toothy grin back. "Well it's great to see that the whole bubbly personality thing was an act."

"Oh it's not an act. I'm a very nice person until you piss me off. Then I'll have no choice but to claw your eyes out and wear them as earrings."

"Cath are you scaring the new kid again?" a voice suddenly asked from behind Danny.

Danny turned around and gasped silently at the sight in front of him. At least six feet tall, tan and muscular, with dark hair and a killer smile, it was more than enough to send Danny's hormones into overdrive. Okay so Danny was gay, had known that about himself since he was thirteen and wanted his first kiss to be with Justin Knight and not Mandy Nichols, the hottest girl in middle school. No one knew except his sister, and she found out by accident after catching Danny making out with Brady Zates, his first boyfriend, who went to a different school than him and was a senior. That relationship ended when Brady graduated and moved to New York to attend college. Danny had never looked at another boy until now and suddenly he found himself unable to look away. The unknown boy, who could easily pass for a model, gave him a friendly smile before walking around him and standing next to Catherine, bumping her playfully with his shoulder.

"You know how much I like fresh meat," she teased, punching the tall boy in the shoulder. "Danny, this is my friend I was telling you about. Steve is not only one of the smartest students at this school, but he's also the star quarterback of the football team. He's going to lead us to the championships next year, we all know it."

"Cath, please stop, you're embarrassing me," blushed Steve as he gave Cath another soft push. "Don't mind her, she's harmless."

Finally able to think straight, Danny spoke. "Somehow I don't believe that."

Slinging his book bag to his other shoulder, Steve held out his hand. "I'm Steve McGarrett."

Nervously, Danny reciprocated with a slight gulp. "Um...Danny Williams."

"Nice to meet you Danny. You in Mr. Hendrickson's class too?"

Danny shrugged. "According to my schedule I am."

"Cool," grinned Steve. "Well, see you inside. I'll even save you a seat so you don't have to sit alone."

"Oh goody," replied Danny sarcastically, using a fake falsetto voice as he clapped his hands together and batted his eyelashes, "a seat beside the infamous Steve McGarrett. My panties are already melting."

Steve remained unfazed and continued to smile. "You're feisty. I like that," he stated as he waved goodbye to Cath and made his way inside the classroom.

He waited until Steve was all the way inside before turning to Catherine and shaking his head vigorously. "I don't like him."

Catherine peeked inside the classroom at Steve and then turned back to Danny, cocking her head to the side. After a few seconds she shook her head and grinned mischievously. "Yeah, sure you don't."

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Danny, feigning confusion.

Reaching over, she patted his cheek softly as she continued to smile. "I would tell you, but that would spoil my fun. Have fun in class Danny. I'll be here when you get out."

Danny watched her walk away and then made his way into the classroom. He immediately spotted Steve sitting in the back of the class, pointing at a seat next to him and smiling happily. Shaking his head and scoffing, Danny made his way to the other side of the room and sat down. There was no way he could sit next to Steve for the entire period and pay attention to the teacher; as if that's what he needed in his life right now, a crush on the school's quarterback. No, he was going to sit as far away from Steve as possible and hope that his feelings would reside. He had just finished pulling out his books when he looked up and saw Steve looming over him, backpack slung over his shoulder. "What?"

"I know you saw me," replied Steve, slightly hurt that Danny didn't sit next to him. "I thought we were going to sit together."

"No," Danny said, shaking his head once more. "You assumed we were going to sit together, because after one meeting, for some reason, you think we're suddenly friends."

Crossing his arms, Steve stared down at Danny bemused. "So you declined sitting next to me because we're not friends."

"No, I didn't sit next to you because I never agreed to sit next to you. I never said yes."

"Okay, I guess that makes sense."

"It does."

"So then I guess you're going to sit here?"

Danny gave Steve a quick nod. "Yeah, I am."

"Okay," smiled Steve and he sat down in the empty desk next to Danny.

He could already feel his heart beating uncontrollably in his chest as Steve began to put his books on the desk. "What are you doing?" hissed Danny skittishly.

"Sitting down," said Steve. And then he reached over and patted Danny on the back. "If you wanted to pick the seats Danny, all you had to do was ask."

"What? I don't-"

"Alright class we have a new student, so if you could put everything away I would like to introduce Daniel Williams. Danny, would you stand up and tell the class a little bit about yourself."

Danny gave Steve one final glare before he stood up. "Hi, the name's Danny. I'm sixteen and I'm originally from Hoboken, New Jersey."

Ninety minutes later the class was over and Danny was making his way out of the classroom, Steve right behind him.

"So if you want, I could walk you to your next class," offered Steve as they made their way down the hall.

Danny was proud of himself for being able to pay attention in class, but feared the more time he spent around Steve wouldn't be good for him. He needed to get away fast. "As tempting as that sounds, I think I'm going to pass," he declined, pulling his schedule out of his pocket to find his next destination.

Peeking over Danny's shoulder, Steve read the schedule. "So you know where Mrs. Barnes Stats class is then?"

"No," he replied shaking his head, "but I can read McGarrett. I'm pretty sure I can find the class I'm looking for."

"I don't know, it's a pretty big school, easy for a new kid like you to get lost."

"I told you I'm fine going on my own Steve."

"Oh just let him take you so I don't have to hear him whining later about how the new boy wasn't nice to him."

They both turned around to find Catherine behind them smirking mischievously, hands on her hips. Danny had been so caught up arguing with Steve, he had forgotten Catherine would be there after class to escort him to his next one. "How are you even on the welcome committee?" he scoffed. "You're not very nice."

"No, but I'm charming and that's what counts."

Danny gave her a nod. "I'll give you that," he replied before turning his attention back to Steve who was still waiting eagerly beside him. With both Cath and Steve ganging up on him, he had no choice but to concede. "Okay, come on Steven," he sighed, rolling his eyes. "I give you permission to show me the way to Mrs. Barnes class."

Steve smiled brightly. "Right this way."

Danny wasn't shocked to find Steve waiting for him outside of Mrs. Barnes classroom, leaning against the lockers and smirking. "Really," he scowled, as he made his way over to Steve.

"What?" Steve answered innocently, pouting slightly. "I got out of class early when I offered to run an errand for the teacher, so I figured I'd walk you to your next class."

"Where's Cath? She is the one who's supposed to be showing me around since she's on the welcome committee."

"I sent her a text and told her I would finish showing you around."

"How nice of you," drawled Danny.

"Are you always this bitchy?" teased Steve, bumping his shoulder against Danny's.

Danny gave Steve a half smirk. "Only on days ending with Y," he replied sarcastically.

"Good to know. So where are you off to now?"

"Now I'm headed to lunch, so if you would be so kind to point me in the direction of the cafeteria, I will be on my way." But Steve didn't point, instead a wider grin spread across his face. Even though Danny had only known Steve for a few hours, he was becoming very familiar with all his facial expressions. "Let me guess, it's your lunch period as well?"

Slinging his arm around Danny's shoulder, Steve continued to grin. "Yep."

"That's awesome," huffed Danny, but made no attempt to push Steve away. Instead, letting himself be lead to the cafeteria under the arm of Steve McGarrett.

After getting their trays of food, Danny spotted an empty table at the far end of the cafeteria, but Steve lead him to a table in the middle of the room already occupied by people. Danny tried to pull away, but Steve's tight grip on his elbow prevented him from moving. He had no choice but to be pulled.

Pulling Danny down next to him, he smiled as he waved to everyone. "Hey guys I want to introduce you to the new guy. Danny, meet Meka Hanamoa, Kevin Ming, and Eddie Boon, all Juniors like us."

"Hey," grumbled Danny, giving the three boys a small wave. "Who's the girl?" he asked, gesturing to the girl sitting across from him, smiling too happily for his taste.

"Kono Kalakaua," she answered before anyone else could, no longer smiling, but glaring at Danny instead. "That's K-a-l-a-k-a-u-a."

"Okay."

"She's a freshman who insists on hanging with the big boys, but one of the best surfers on the island, so we let it slide," explained Meka, stuffing a French fry in his mouth.

As Kono continued to smile at him, Danny leaned over closer to Steve. "Why do I get the feeling that she can probably kick my ass without even breaking a sweat?" he whispered nervously.

"That's because she probably could," Steve whispered back, grinning. "She has a lot of male cousins."

Throwing back his head, Danny let out a loud snort. "Ah, so that's the reason you let her sit at your table. You're all scared of her."

All the guys at the table nodded. "Basically," they mumbled together.

"You are scary."

The glare disappeared, replaced by a smile, as she stole a fry from Danny's tray. "Thanks brah," she replied, popping the fry into her mouth. "So you're the haole everyone in school has been buzzing about."

"Okay one, what the hell is a haole and second, what do you mean everyone? I've only been here half a day."

"Haole is a slang Hawaiian term that means mainlander and it's not a very nice one," Steve scowled at Kono, who only shrugged in response as she turned her attention to the person standing beside them, holding out a brown paper bag.

"And as for everyone knowing about you, word travels fast on this island. Get used to it brah. I'm Chin by the way, Kono's cousin," he smiled, holding out his hand.

Danny shook the hand of the presence standing in front of him and frowned confused. "No offense dude, but you look a little old to still be in high school," replied Danny as he let go of Chin's hand. "Unless you're one of those seniors who can't quite grasp the concept of ninth grade English."

Chin chuckled as he ruffled Kono's hair playfully. "Well I'm not still in high school," he replied. "I'm just here to drop off Kono's lunch, courtesy of Aunt Keiko."

Kono immediately reached into the bag and pulled out a container filled with food Danny didn't recognize. "Awesome," she moaned happily, as she poured the food onto her empty tray and began eating.

"Yeah, Chin is a police officer," stated Steve, giving Chin a quick hug. "My dad's his training officer."

Danny turned to Steve surprised. "Your dad's a cop?"

"Yeah."

"So it must be hard for you to get away with like, anything."

Steve scowled. "Shut-up."

Danny simply laughed as he turned his attention back to Kono, who was devouring the food given to her by Chin. "You're going to eat all that?"

"Naw," she shook her head and swallowed. "She knows I have friends, so she always packs extra for me to share. Want some? It's onolicious."

Danny had no idea what she was eating, so with a disgusted frown, he shook his head. "I think I'll pass."

"You don't know what you're missing brah."

"If you say so."

"So Danny, how do you like living in Hawaii so far," asked Chin, sliding down next to Kono.

"Well, it's not New Jersey I'll give you that."

"Because it's way better right," said Steve, laughing.

Danny glared and threw a fry at Steve. "Hey, I will not have you make a mockery about my home state. Jersey is a great place to live and just talking about it makes me homesick."

As she was passing out the food brought by Chin, Kono turned to Danny. "So there's going to be a bonfire at the beach Saturday night. You should totally come."

"I don't know-"

"Come on Danny, it will be fun and a great way to make some new friends."

"What if I don't want to make any new friends? What if I just want to spend my Saturday in front of the T.V watching unrealistic cop shows," ranted Danny at Kono while staring at Steve.

Sliding his arm around Danny for what seemed like the tenth time, "Please Danny, for me."

"Fine you big dork. If my mom says it's okay, I'll be there."

After lunch Danny was escorted to History class by Steve, who was also in his class, and ended the day with gym. He was happy to discover that Meka was also in his gym class and the two of them spent the period playing basketball with a few other students. After the class was over, the school day came to an end. After grabbing his things from the locker room, Danny made his way through the exit and wasn't surprised to find Steve once again waiting for him. "Seriously?"

Steve rolled his eyes and blew. "Before you start, my last period is study hall, so I usually use the period to do homework or run errands for the front office. I got Ms. Kelly to give me a pass to get out of class earlier."

"Is there anyone at this school you don't have wrapped around your finger?"

"You, not yet anyways."

Danny slipped on his shades and shook his head. "That's never going to happen," he replied adamantly, smirking as he pulled his bag up further on his shoulder.

"We'll see," grinned Steve as they made their way outside. Reaching into his pocket, Steve pulled out a piece of paper and shoved it into Danny's hand. "Here's my number in case you ever want to hang out or something."

Danny thought about balling the paper up and throwing it at Steve, but instead he shoved it in his pocket. "Yeah, okay. Thanks for showing me around today," he replied with a slight smile.

Steve's smile beamed back at him. "You're welcome."

"See ya tomorrow."

"See ya."

Danny spent the rest of his day doing homework until it was time for dinner, which was served promptly at seven. He was currently sitting at the dining table desperately waiting for it to be over. The quietness lasted for a few minutes before his mother spoke.

"So kids, how was your first day of school?" she asked all of them.

"It was great Ma," Matt replied, gulping down his food, completely unaware of Claire scowling at him from the end of the table. "I made a lot of new friends."

"That's great honey. What about you Katlin?"

Katlin smiled softly. "It was good. They were going over a lot of material we already went over back home, so I'm not behind. In fact, I'm way ahead. Plus, there's this girl named Stephanie from my science class, she was really nice and let me sit with her and her friends at lunch."

"And Danny?"

Twirling the fork in his hands, he looked down at his plate. "It was alright." he mumbled, shrugging his shoulders.

"Daniel, we don't slouch at the table, nor do we mumble when asked a direct question," Claire glowered from across the table.

The glaring look from his mother kept Danny from saying anything rude or sarcastic. "Sorry Aunt Claire," gritted Danny as he corrected his posture and looked back at his mother. "School was wonderful mother," he replied overly sweet. "I learned a lot."

"And what about any friends? Did you make any?"

"A few. There's this one guy who is in two of my classes named Steve. He showed me around and introduced me to some of his friends. I was invited to a bonfire on the beach this Saturday, but I told them I had to ask you first before I said yes."

"Do you want to go?"

"I don't know. Can I?"

Evelyn gave her son a bright smile. "I think that would be a great idea. It really sounds like a lot of fun and you could meet some more people."

Danny smiled back. "Then I'll call Steve after dinner and tell him I can go," he said excitedly, happy to have a reason to use Steve's number.

So how did you like the meeting between are two boys. Oozing sexual tension already, don't you love it. If you liked what you read let me know. And to the reviewer who thinks this story might be sad trust me when I say it's not. I mean there are some sad bits and some angst bits but this story is mostly fluff, stuffed with fluff, and wrapped in fluff. So please, keep reading.

P.S. Extra kudos to anyone who can guess where I got the English teacher's name.

Fruits make the best juices,

LadyCizzle