Summary: I know and I was doing so well but life happened, internet modem died, and the new one hasn't been delivered yet so I am bringing you these two chapters (yes I said two) from my old school's computer lab. If you were waiting for the new chapters that were supposed to be up I apologize for the wait. It was nor is it ever my intention for the chapters not to be posted when I said that they should. Because of the mishap I will be posting two chapters today instead of one and hopefully the modem will be in by today or tomorrow and I can catch up with the backposting. Now enough about me I want you to go and read. 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. She is a beta pro. Awesome.

Chapter Nine – Trouble in Paradise

"Are you going to try out for the baseball team?" asked Steve, as he looked up from the class assignment he was working on across from Danny.

Danny shook his head. "I wasn't planning on it," he replied without pause.

"Well, you should. From what KG told me you were good."

"I was," stated Danny with a shrug. "That was until I busted my knee and I had to have surgery to fix it. That's part of the reason we moved to Hawaii. Hospital bills are a nightmare."

"Did the doctor say you could never play again?"

Shaking his head again, this time he gave Steve a frown as he replied. "Not in those words, no, but he did inform me of the huge risk I would be taking if I decided to play again. Really don't think it's worth it."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I mean, as much as I would love to see your ass in the uniform, I like you best when you're not broken."

"You're really sweet you know that," deadpanned Danny before rolling his eyes.

"Come on, you know you love it."

"No, no I don't. Seriously, I don't know why I put up with you."

"I give really good head, that's why."

Danny blushed fervently as he kicked Steve in the shin. "Oh my god, you're crazy," he hissed at his boyfriend.

Rubbing his leg, Steve continued to smile naughtily. "Only about you."

"Okay, that's it, I'm leaving," Danny stated as he began shoving his books into his backpack and standing, making his way out of the library.

"Aw Danno, I'm only teasing," smirked Steve, getting up as well and following Danny. They were so busy sniping playfully with each other, they didn't notice the person lurking behind them and listening to every word.

"Hello Steve. Been a while hasn't it?"

Rolling his eyes at the boy who was standing beside his locker, Steve continued what he was doing. "What do you want Franklin?"

Franklin smiled creepily. "Nothing," he replied. "Well, not much. You see, I've come across some damaging information that I have no idea what to do with."

"And why exactly would I care?"

"Because it involves you and a certain blond jackass from Jersey. Next time you might want to make sure you're alone before you have private conversations pertaining to certain 'bedroom' matters."

"I don't know what you're talking about," replied Steve tensely, turning around to face Frank.

Laughing haughtily, Frank leaned against the lockers and smiled smugly. "Don't play stupid Steve, you're not good at it," he stated, shaking his head. "I now know you and Danny are dating."

"Really? How?"

"Why you told me of course. I mean honestly, talking about your relationship in the library? You never know who's listening," Frank laughed deviously. "Now one slip of the tongue and the whole school finds out the captain of the football team is a fucking faggot, unless we can come to an arrangement," he threatened.

Steve glared. "What kind of arrangement?"

"The kind that keeps Danny in his place. I run this school. What I say goes and I don't need him fucking up the balance. You tell him to keep his nose out of my business, which includes keeping his hands off my girl, and I won't say a word."

"Well Frank, you can take that agreement and shove it up your ass."

"Excuse me?"

"You're a loser and to be honest no one really likes you. In fact, we all tolerate you because we know after high school is over, you won't have anything left. Besides, who's going to believe anything you have to say about Danny?" asked Steve with a sly smirk. "Everyone knows you're jealous of the fact that Jane likes him and not you. Say anything and people will automatically believe you're just being a jealous asshole. So, if I were you, I would keep my mouth shut," he said with a heated glare.

Anger coursed through his veins, but Frank found himself unable to argue any of Steve's comments. The entire school knew about his dislike of the blond all because of Jane and was more likely to believe he was being a jealous tool than honest about what he heard. Clenching his fists into balls, he glowered at Steve. "This isn't over."

Steve shook his head disappointedly. "You're pathetic Frank."

"I'm not messing around here McGarrett."

"Just stay away from Danny," he repeated. "I promise, you don't want to know what will happen if you don't." Not saying anything else, he gathered his things and left Frank stewing.

"Okay, you've been awfully quiet, what's wrong?"

They were in his room studying for a history test when Danny blurted out the question. "Nothing," mumbled Steve quickly, averting Danny's gaze.

Danny frowned. "Don't lie to me Steven. I can tell when something's bothering you and something is definitely bothering you. So, spill."

Steve sighed deeply and shut his book. "You really want to know?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."

"I had a conversation with Frank Delano at my locker earlier today."

Rolling his eyes, Danny scoffed. "What did that schmuck want?" he asked loathly.

Inhaling deeply, he reached out and grabbed Danny's hands, holding them tightly in his own. Exhaling nervously, he spoke. "To inform me that he knows...about us."

"About us? What do you mean about us?"

"He overheard us talking in the library earlier today. He heard everything."

"Oh...okay that's pretty messed up."

"Yeah and he told me he would keep it a secret, but only if you learned your place. Guess he still hasn't forgiven you for that incident last mouth. You know the one where you mouthed off to him."

Danny grinned coyly. "One of my finer moments no doubt."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Anyways, he says if you don't back down and stay away from Jane, then he's going to tell the whole school we're together."

"Well that's unfortunate," grimaced Danny. "What did you say?"

"I told him it wouldn't matter if he said anything because nobody would believe him," Steve replied solemnly. "Everyone knows he hates you and if he did say something, the school would suspect he's just spreading spiteful rumors."

Danny shrugged compliantly. "Makes sense."

"Still, there would be a few people who would question our relationship and wonder if Frank was telling the truth or not. We would have to be super careful around each other at school and in public."

"Yeah we could do that or we could just...I don't know...tell people."

"You're serious?" asked Steve after a few moments of silence, slightly stunned by Danny's suggestion.

Danny shrugged again. "I mean, yeah, I am. Look, I'm not too keen of the fact Frank knows about us, but there's nothing we can do about it. What we can do, is control the situation by telling people the truth about us ourselves. Will it be hard? Probably. Will we lose some friends over it? Definitely, but I refuse to hide who I am because of Frank Delano," he finished with an intransigent huff, meaning every word he said.

"I don't know Danny, that's a big step."

"I know, but right now, I can't bring my myself to care about the consequences or people's responses. I'm ready for it. The big question is, are you?"

Just the thought of the entire school knowing about his relationship with Danny caused a flood of sudden worry. In no way was he ashamed of his relationship, but he knew how cruel people could be, especially teenagers, and he didn't want anything to happen to Danny. Steve knew the worrying was unnecessary. Danny was more than capable of handling himself, but he couldn't help it. Danny meant the world to him. "I haven't really given it much thought. I mean...this is the whole student body we're talking about."

Danny could see and hear the apprehension on Steve's face and in his voice. He knew Steve was worried and Danny couldn't deny he felt the same way. Harassment from Delano was one thing, but receiving it from the entire school, Danny didn't want that for Steve. Reaching over, he grabbed Steve's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Let's just say we won't make any decisions until we're both ready to make them. In the meantime, we ignore Frank and all his cronies."

Steve returned the gesture. "Deal."

"Good."

"Hey Danno?"

"Yeah?"

"You do realize if we decide to tell people, you have to tell your mom first or she'll never forgive you."

"Seriously," huffed Danny. "So much hate in my heart for you like you wouldn't believe."

Steve smiled happily. "If you say so."

The next few days passed without incident for either Danny or Steve. Frank would glare scathingly at Danny whenever the blond was in his presence, but no words were ever exchanged. It was enough to keep Steve and Danny happy and unafraid that their relationship would be discovered by the school. Still, the boys decided to inform their close friends about the nature of their relationship. For them, that meant telling Kono, Meka, and Eddie

"So what's the big news?" asked Kono as she stuffed fries in her mouth.

Meka nodded. "Yeah and why are we sitting out here instead of at our usual table?"

"What's going on?"

"Seriously guys, can you like chill for a second," demanded Danny, letting out a breath. "Steve and I have something very important to tell you, which we will say as soon as you shut up."

Meka gave his two friends a wryly smile. "Gosh, okay. We'll be quiet."

"Yeah," added Eddie, nodding. "You don't have to be so harsh brah. Spill it already."

Steve and Danny shared a quick glance, silently battling over who would be the one to break the news. When that failed to prove effective, Danny elbowed Steve in the side, causing the other boy to groan in pain. "Ow, alright fine," he hissed as he rubbed the sore spot where he was struck. "Danny and I are dating." They watched as both Meka and Eddie's mouths dropped open while Kono remained stoic as she continued eating.

"And," Kono finally stated with a short shrug.

"What are you trying to say Kono? That you already knew about Danny and I?" asked Steve hesitantly and somewhat curious.

Nodding her head, she grinned playfully. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Danny let out an appeased sigh. "Why am I not surprised that you're not surprised?"

"Please," she scoffed as she took a quick sip from her soda can. "I made the both of you at the bonfire and I knew it wouldn't be long before you got together, with help from Cath of course."

Steve rolled his eyes dramatically. "Of course you would be in on it with her."

Kono smiled innocently at her two friends. "Don't hate me brah. I'm just that good."

"You're something alright," smirked Danny as the pair fist-bumped each other from across the table. "But if you knew, why didn't you say anything?"

Kono shrugged. "Figured you would tell me when you were ready."

Kono and Steve shared a smile, while Danny turned his attention away from them and to both Meka and Eddie, who had yet to say anything. "Guys, are you going to say anything," asked Danny somewhat meekly.

Meka opened his mouth, but Eddie spoke first. "All I have to say is, this sucks."

Danny's face contorted into anger as he pounded a fist on the table. "You got a problem with me and Steve dating Eddie? If you do, you can leave right now."

"With you and Steve dating, god no," he blurted out quickly, a sincere look plastering his face. "I have an older cousin who's gay and he's totally cool."

"Then why the comment?" asked Steve

"Because if the two of you are dating, that means Danny can't put in a good word for me with Kelly Ford, who happens to be Jane's hot best friend."

"Jane from Math class? The one who likes me?"

"Yep, the one and the same. I thought if you two started going out, you could tell Jane what a great guy I was-"

"And then she would tell Kelly everything I said about you," finished Danny with a knowing smile.

"Exactly," grinned Eddie. "And then I would be one step closer to winning Kelly's heart, but now it seems I have to find another way to do so. Unless-"

"You're going to have to find another way," growled Steve as he threw a protective arm across Danny's shoulder and glared at Eddie.

Danny couldn't help but roll his eyes as he tried to pry Steve off of him without any luck. "Seriously," sighed Danny helplessly. "Jealousy is not a pretty look on you McGarrett."

"I'm not jealous Danno," replied Steve stiffly, while making no effort to move his arm.

"Aww Danno, that's so adorable," teased Kono and giggled loudly when Danny threw a French fry in her direction.

"Cool it Kalakaua," hissed Danny, who made the ninth grade girl laugh even harder, Eddie and Steve joining her. It was then Danny realized Meka was the only one who had not said anything about the news he and Steve shared. He started to speak when Meka caught his eye and gave him a wide smile and held out a fist, which Danny happily bumped.

The rest of the day Danny felt deliriously happy. Not only did he have an amazing boyfriend, but his friends now knew about their relationship and they were completely supportive. It was more than either of them could ask for and for the first time since he moved to Hawaii, he truly felt as though he belonged.

He eagerly made his way inside, desperate to start on his homework. That way he could spend the evening at Steve's like they planned, but he immediately came upon Claire sitting on the sofa, glaring at him. Confused as to why his Aunt was looking at him the way she was, he crossed his arms and frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked defensively. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I am going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it honestly," she stated coolly, eyes piercing into Danny's.

"Okay."

"Are you a homosexual?" asked Claire.

Danny felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room as he drew a deep breath. He quickly realized why she was looking at him the way she was, eyes filled with disgust and hate. Somehow she had found out about him and wasn't pleased at all. "Why? Did someone tell you I was?"

"I am not in the mood for games Daniel," she spat scornfully. "Are you a homosexual or not?"

It would be so easy for him to lie and tell her what she wanted to hear, but he couldn't do it. His heart wouldn't let him. In that moment, he realized he was done hiding who he was for the sake of others. Taking another deep breath, he raised his head and stared directly into her eyes. "Yes Aunt Claire, I am," he answered honestly.

Claire remained silent for a few moments, struggling to maintain her breathing, as she looked at her great nephew. When she had heard the news a few hours earlier, she didn't want to believe it. She wanted to chalk it up as jealously from some of the people who ran in the same circles she did. There was no way her nephew, a Williams, could be such a defiled thing, but there he was. Standing there proudly as he declared himself to be gay. "I see," she responded bitterly, grinding her teeth.

"You see what?"

"I see not only do I have an ungrateful brat living in my home, but it turns out he's queer as well."

Danny let out a growl. "He has a name and he's standing right here."

"After everything I have done for you, this is how you repay me? By embarrassing me to everyone I know with this disgusting lifestyle of yours? Do you realize the damage this could cause to my reputation?"

"I'm sorry, your reputation? What about me? What about the damage this could bring to me and my family? Are you that selfish? Do you even give a damn about us or are we just here to make you look better?"

"How dare you talk to me that way. Do you know what I've done for you and your family?"

"Yeah, I do," replied Danny heatedly. "You convinced my mom to move here and for what? It wasn't to get to know us better, bring us closer together as a family. No, you wanted to use us."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Really? Because ever since we've moved in, you've been lying to your friends about me. Telling them how I'm getting closer to being like my grandfather, a man who wanted nothing to with his own son or grandchildren. Yet one day, I'm going to run his company. Do you really think I'm that naïve? That I wouldn't know what you're doing?"

"And what exactly is that Daniel? What elaborate scheme have I concocted to convince your mother to move here?"

"You think I don't know about my grandfather and his current indiscretions? He just can't keep his dick in his pants now can he?"

"You watch your language in my house."

"Sorry, but you know it's true. He is the subject of many lawsuits and his clients are backing out because they can't trust the once renowned family man. And that's where I come in, because if he can't bring his prodigal son home, he can use me instead." He paused for a moment to look at the panicked face of his aunt and let out an angry scoff. "How was he going to do it? Make up some sob story about how my mom took my dad away from his family, forcing him to choose between the two, and eventually tying him down with children."

"Daniel-"

"Save it. If you think I would do anything for that man, you are sadly mistaken. Why would I want to after he abandoned his own son because he fell in love with my mother? A woman, who stood by him through everything, only to lose him prematurely. And even then my grandparents couldn't put aside their pettiness to come and attempt to comfort us. I don't owe him or you anything."

"Actually you do."

"What?"

"Do you honestly think I've been using my money to support you and your family? Sorry to disappoint you Daniel, but all of this is because of Paul. He's the one who paid for you all to come here, the furniture for the rooms, your medical bills. It was all him."

"But why? He wanted nothing to do with us. Why would he do all this?"

"In exchange for the money, I would do my best to convince you to start giving him a chance at building a relationship. He needs to show everyone he has strong family values if he wants to keep his business and actually have a shot at being Senator."

"What the hell...Senator-"

"Paul has always had political aspirations and now he intends to act on them. Except how will it look to the media if anyone found out what actually happened between him and my nephew? He would look like a very cruel man in the eye of the public, when in reality, he just wanted the best for his family."

"You're both despicable."

"Your grandfather is a very proud and ambitious man, who wants what he wants, and he will do anything to get it."

"Well, I hate to break it to you Claire, but I'm not giving that man any of my time. I will not be a pawn. I will not let him use me."

"Obviously not now. You're of no use to him if you refuse to discontinue your relationship with some boy."

"No, I'm not."

"Not even if I tell you it's the only way you can continue to live in my home?"

"I'll leave if I have too."

Claire scoffed. "And go where," her smile sickly sweet as she moved towards him. "You don't have many options Daniel, but you would if you do the right thing. Make amends with your grandfather and give up this abominable lifestyle," she spoke, placing her hand on Danny's shoulder. "Think about your father and what he would want."

"You don't get to talk about him," yelled Danny, flinching away from her as far as he could. "Keep his name out of your mouth."

"Daniel, I think you're being ridiculous."

Danny simply shook his head as vigorously as he could, glaring at her as he did so. He thought about his dad and what he would say or do if he knew the truth about him.

"Do you honestly think Nathan would approve of your lifestyle choice? That he would approve of his son being gay? I don't think so," she laughed haughtily.

But Danny did know. His father loved him, had no problem telling him so, and supported him in everything. If he was still alive, Danny had no doubt his dad would stand strongly by his side, supporting him. No one could ever make him doubt his father's love. And there was nothing she could say or do to make him be a pawn for a man who turned his back on his own son. "My father loved me and if he were still alive, he would, without a doubt, support me."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Positive," growled Danny viciously. "And I'm also positive there is no way in hell I would do anything for you over him. Never."

The smile fell from Claire's face and it was in that moment, she knew she had lost him. Danny would do nothing to help her brother and if that was the case, then she, nor him, had any use for him. "Then I want you gone, immediately," she stated coolly with one final glare before walking away.

Katlin came out of her room at the sound of Danny rumbling around in his room. She heard the yelling downstairs, but it was unclear as to what the argument was about. Bursting into his room, she found her brother throwing his clothes into a duffel bag. "Danny, what's wrong? What are you doing?" she asked fearfully as she grabbed his hands to stop him from packing.

"It's Aunt Claire," Danny mumbled, yanking his hands away. "She found out about Steve and she says I can't stay here anymore."

"What, no, she can't do that."

"It's her house Katlin, she can do what she wants and right now, she wants me gone."

"But where will you go?"

"I don't know," Danny yelled, pausing for a second to let out a shaky breath. "I don't know, but I refuse to stay somewhere I'm not wanted. I've got money saved up. Maybe enough to get a ticket back to Jersey."

Her eyes filled with tears at the thought of her brother leaving her behind. "You're going to leave Hawaii?" she whispered hurtfully. "What about Mom and Matt? What about me? You can't leave me Danno."

"I don't really have a choice in the matter KG," Danny replied, wrapping his arms around his sister. "Aunt Claire...she's not who she pretends to be. This whole thing was a setup by her and our grandfather, who wants to use us to better his image, and he can't do that with me because I'm gay. Even if I wasn't, I would still refuse to cooperate, so now they don't have a use for me."

"Then I want to go too. I don't want to be used as some ploy by a family that deserted us. I want to be with you."

Danny reluctantly shook his head. "I know, but you can't leave," he told her. "Someone has to stay behind with mom and help look after Matt. Aunt Claire may hate me now because I'm gay, but she won't do anything to you."

"I don't want to lose you."

"Now let's get one thing straight Katlin Grace, no matter what side of the world I am on, you will never lose me. I will always be there for you."

"Promise?"

"I swear on my life."

Pulling away slightly, she wiped the tears from her face before reaching up to wipe her brother's face as well. Knowing Danny was leaving was one of her worst fears come to life and there was nothing she could do about it. "What are you going to tell mom?"

"The truth," sighed Danny sadly. "There's no point in lying to her now."

"I guess you're right. I'm really going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too, all of you. Who knows, maybe mom will have enough money saved up to send you and Matt to Jersey for the summer."

"I hope so."

Danny let his sister throw her arms around him one final time, holding him as tightly as possible, as he ran his fingers through her hair. Finally, after a few moments, Danny pulled away and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I love you, all of you."

"Where will you go?"

"To Steve's and then...I don't know, but you know me, I'll figure something out."

Katlin smiled softly. "Okay. Call me."

"I will," replied Danny as he slung the bag he packed over his shoulder, giving her one last self-assured smile before leaving the room.

Steve opened the front door shocked to find his boyfriend standing outside, duffel bag in his hand. "Danny. I wasn't expecting you," he immediately said.

"I know," whispered Danny, shrugging slightly. "Can I come in?"

"Sure." Moving to the side, he let Danny in and motioned toward the bag hanging on Danny's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Everything," was all he said as he made his way up the stairs, Steve following behind him.

"So let me see if I got this right. Your aunt kicked you out because she found out you were gay and were no longer useful in your grandfather's plan of running for Senator," replied Steve after Danny finished telling him about the situation he now found himself in.

Danny nodded his head as he lied down on the bed. "You got it all in one go."

"Wow. Are you okay?" asked Steve, lying next to him.

"I'm fine."

"Danny, you don't have to pretend with me."

"I promise you, there's no pretending. I am not pretending to be okay because I am, in fact, okay. I just need to figure out my next move, literally."

Propping his head up in his hand, he looked at Danny confused. "What do you mean?"

Danny sighed unhappily. "Well, as I am currently without a home and have nowhere to go, I may be forced to go back to Jersey."

This caused Steve to sit all the way up. "What you can't," he hissed, grabbing Danny by the hand. "You can't go back to Jersey. What about your family, school – us?"

"I love you Steve, but it doesn't change the fact I have nowhere to go," replied Danny wearily. "Claire...she was the reason we moved to Hawaii. Without her, I have no reason to be here."

"Me. I'm your reason."

He grabbed Steve's chin and pulled his face closer to his own. "Steve, you have got to know I don't want to leave you, but I don't have a choice. My family is back in Jersey," he tried his best to explain.

"Maybe you could stay here. I could ask my parents and they could-"

"Steve, your parents like me, but I don't think they like me that much."

Steve shook his head defiantly, throwing his arms around Danny. "Don't be stupid, my parents love you," he whispered assuredly in his boyfriend's ear. "I love you and I don't want you go."

"Well if it's any consolation, I don't want to go either," smirked Danny, resting his forehead against Steve's.

"That's good, but it's not enough."

"I know. God, this cannot get any worse."

"Daniel Preston Williams, get your ass down here, now!"

The sound of his mother's voice roaring through the McGarrett household caused Danny to pull away from Steve in fear. "So glad to know I was wrong."

Yay the first update is up and running. Kudos to everyone who thought that Aunt Claire was going to be trouble. You guys are like totally in my head sometimes. If you liked the chapter let me know and thanks for reading. Until next time which will only be a few minutes,

Fruits make the best juices,

LadyCizzle