Summary: And because I promised you two chapters I am a woman of my word and here is chapter 10. Once again I like to thank everyone who is taking the time out to not only read this story but also leaving comments and making me very happy. You guys are the epitome of awesome. Now go 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 Ten- Diamond In The Rough

Danny stood nervously in front of his mother while she paced the floor, glancing up at him every once in a while, facial expression unreadable. Steve initially stood next to him, but Anna had come and taken him to another room, giving the mother and son some privacy to talk. However, the quietness made him feel uneasy and he simply wished she would say something to him. Anything would help put his mind at ease.

"Mom, I can explain." he started to say, only to have his mother hold her hand up to silence him.

"No, you don't talk," she hissed as she stopped pacing. "You don't get to say anything. What you can do, what you are going to do, is listen."

"Okay."

Evelyn sighed heavily. "You know Danny, after a long day at the restaurant, the last I want to do is to come home to World War III, but that's what happened today. I came home and Claire immediately goes into a tirade about you being a disrespectful little snot, to such a point, she had no choice but to throw you out. But I know my son. I've raised my son and I know you would never, ever act in the manner in which Claire was speaking of." She paused momentarily to let out another exasperated breath. "So I went and talked to your sister and she told me everything. How Claire bringing us out here was just a ploy to use my kids in a political scheme concocted by your aunt and grandfather. I didn't want to believe it, but I know Katlin would never lie to me, so I confronted Claire and she admitted everything. She then informed me you were not allowed to come back into her home, but Katlin, Matt, and I were permitted to stay."

Danny managed a smile. "So that's good right? You don't have to move."

Evelyn walked over to her son and slapped him on the back of the head. "Don't be stupid," she scoffed, rolling her eyes as Danny rubbed the back of his head. "You think I would stay in that woman's home after she lied? After what she did to you, you honestly think I would be okay with that?"

"I guess I just thought-"

"Thought what? That I would abandon my son in favor of a million dollar home? Gee thanks."

This time it was Danny who rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant ma," he huffed. "I was just thinking about KG and Matt and how you need to be there for them."

Evelyn didn't respond immediately, instead she grabbed Danny and pulled him into a tight hug. "I need to be there for all my children," she whispered sternly in his ear as she hugged him. "That is my job as your mother and that is what I will always try my best to do, no matter what. You better not ever forget that."

Danny chuckled softly as he held on to her. "I won't. I swear."

"Good," she replied, kissing his cheek before pulling away, but not letting go. "You know," replied Evelyn after a few seconds. "Katlin also told me your secret, about you being gay, and that you are in a relationship with Steve."

"She told you that," he asked nervously as his gaze shifted towards the floor.

Evelyn simply smiled. "She did."

"And?"

"And what?"

"How do you feel about that? About me?"

"I'm going to get to that," she responded, tilting her head to the side. "After I tell Steve I know he's listening and he can come out now."

Steve wasted no time coming out from his hiding spot and instantly planting himself next to Danny, grabbing his hand in the process. "You okay?"

Danny gave Steve a smile. "I'm fine," he assured him, leaning his head on his shoulder. He turned his attention from Steve back towards his grinning mother. "How did you know-"

"I'm a mother Danny, it's embedded in my DNA like a superpower," she stated nonchalantly as she continued to smile. "Just like I already knew you and Steve were an item before Katlin even told me."

"You're serious? How?"

"I've seen the way you two look at each other when you think nobody is watching. It's the same look people said your father and I used to share."

"Well then, why didn't you say anything?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I figured you would come to me when you were ready," she stated truthfully. "Coming out to your parents is a very hard thing to do and I didn't want you to feel any unnecessary pressure. At least that's what the parenting book said when I found out about you and Brady."

Danny's eyes widened in shock. His mother not only knew about him and Steve, but about him and his ex-boyfriend. "You knew about him too? So this whole time I was scared about telling you the truth about me and you already knew?"

"Yup. What can I say Daniel, I'm good at what I do."

"Is there anything else you know about my relationship that you would like to share with me?"

Evelyn smirked mischievously at her son before nodding her head towards Steve who immediately blushed. "You really want me to answer that question?"

Danny blushed as he vigorously shook his head. "No, I do not."

"I didn't think so," she answered back before letting out a sigh. "Well now that's settled, I need to get Mattie and Katlin and figure out what our next move is, as a family."

"Okay, sounds good." Turning to Steve, he gave his boyfriend a quick peck on the lips. "I should go with her."

Steve nodded. "Call me when you're settled, okay?"

"I will."

As they both headed towards the door, Steve couldn't help but quickly call out to Evelyn. "Wait Mrs. Williams," he said and she immediately turned around. "I know that you're going through a rough time right now and you're probably thinking about moving back to New Jersey," he began nervously. "But before you do anything, I want you to know I love Danny and he loves me. And I don't want him to leave because he has a life here and he's happy here and...I just really don't want him to leave."

"Steve-"

"Danny it's alright," prompted Evelyn with a smile. "Steve is simply telling me how he feels and I respect that. You're right Steve, my children are happy here and I am thrilled, but my responsibility is not just for their happiness, but also what's best for them. I have no idea if what is best for them is staying here in Hawaii or going back to New Jersey, but please know it will not be a decision I make lightly."

Steve nodded in appreciation. "Thank you." He sighed as his mother came and stood next to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you for letting me into your home Mrs. McGarrett," Evelyn replied sincerely. "I'm just sorry it was under these circumstances."

Anna smiled softly. "Please, it's Anna, and it was no problem at all. I'm just happy we could finally meet."

"Maybe if this all works out, we can have lunch or dinner together. I'll even cook."

"That sounds wonderful. Steven seems to have fallen in love with your lasagna."

Evelyn chuckled. "I've noticed. Danny always takes two slices to school the next day after I make a pan."

Danny let out an exasperated sighed. "Is there anything you don't notice," he grumbled loudly, only to do it again when his mother ruffled his hair.

"Nope," she laughed, swinging an arm around his shoulders. "Let's go kiddo," she said, ushering them out the door, but not before they both gave mother and son a wave goodbye.

As Anna moved to close the door behind them, Steve remained still. "Do you think they're going to leave Hawaii?" he asked his voice uncertain.

Walking back over to her son, she threw her arms around him and held him tightly. "I think," she whispered comfortingly in his ear. "That no matter what, you and Danny are going to get through any obstacles that come your way."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. What you and Danny share, it's special, and something that special can survive anything."

His mother's words instantly calmed his nerves. "Thanks mom."

"Anytime sweetie."

Later on that night, Evelyn was leaning against the counter of the small kitchenette in the hotel room she had rented for the next few days, when Danny came and stood next to her. They hadn't spoken much since they left Steve's house, not wanting to worry Katlin or Matt, but now the younger children were asleep and they had a chance to talk.

"So what are we going to do? Are we going back to Jersey?" asked Danny bluntly, folding his arms across his chest.

Evelyn sighed heavily. "Honestly kiddo, I don't know. I mean it would make sense to go back home, we have family and friends there, support."

"Yeah, but we have that here. I know it's not much, but it could be enough."

"But what if it's not," countered Evelyn sharply before releasing a calming breath. "Look, don't get me wrong Daniel, I love it here, because here, I actually have a job where I'm happy and respected."

Danny nodded his head energetically. "Then that's all the more reason to stay."

"It's a reason, but I'm not sure if it's a good enough one."

"Why not? Give me one reason as to why we can't stay here."

"For one, I'm not sure I can afford a place to stay. I mean before Claire was taking care of everything so I was able to save the money I made at the restaurant, but I'm not sure it's enough for a decent down payment on a place."

"Then you can just use some of the money dad left me," offered Danny desperately, trying to make his mother see reason.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "For the last time Daniel, the answer is no," she replied through gritted teeth. It wasn't the first time her son offered his college money to be used for the benefit of the family and each time she turned it down. She didn't want her son making the sacrifice. "Your father wanted you to use that money for college and that's exactly what you're going to do with it."

"Who says I'm even going to college?" scoffed Danny.

"You're going to college and that's final."

"Alright, I'll go to college, but it doesn't have to be a four year college. Two year colleges have cheaper tuition and smaller class sizes. Plus, I don't need a four year degree to be a cop."

"Danny-"

"My grades are good, so I'll probably qualify for grants and scholarships," continued Danny.

Evelyn simply shook her head. "It's not a good idea. I won't use that money."

"Well then, how about I give you some of it and whatever you take out I'll put back in. You know, by getting a part-time job."

"So your grades can suffer? I don't think so."

"Who says that will happen? There are plenty of teenagers who go to school and work and they manage to do fine. I'm capable of doing the same."

"Danny-"

"I can't go back to Jersey Ma, I can't," state Danny gravely. "Not when I have too much at stake here."

"I thought you would be happy to go back East."

"If it was a few months ago, before I met Steve and everyone else, I would leave and not look back, but I can't, not now. I know if I have to go back I won't be happy."

"I wish I could give you a real answer right now, but I can't. I can, however, promise to think really hard about everything you have said before I come to a decision. And again, I promise it won't be a decision I make lightly. Why don't you go to bed kiddo and we'll take about this more later."

Danny let out a sigh, knowing that would be all he would get from his mother tonight. He leaned forward and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Alright mom, I love you."

"I love you too. Goodnight."

"'Night."

It had been two days since Steve last saw Danny. The blond hadn't come to school, nor come by the house, since his aunt found out about their relationship. They had, however, talked and text whenever they both had a spare moment to do so, but it wasn't the same. Steve longed to see and hold Danny close to him. The need so desperate, he could barely concentrate in class. Finally the bell rung and Steve happily left the classroom, only to have thoughts of Danny enter his head once more, dampening his mood. However, his mood quickly brightens when he sees the blond leaning casually against his locker. It took all of Steve's self-control not to run over to his boyfriend and kiss him passionately, only remembering at the last second they were in school. Instead, he quickened his pace and made his way towards Danny.

"Hey," he replied happily, standing next to Danny.

"Hey," Danny answered back with a smile of his own.

"How have you...umm...been?"

"Good, better than good, actually. We found a new place to live."

"Really? Here in Hawaii or back in Jersey?" asked Steve apprehensively.

Danny grinned happily. "You can put your pretty little mind at ease Steven because we're staying here in Hawaii."

This time Steve couldn't resist, pulling Danny into a tight embrace. "Seriously? That's only the best news ever."

"I know. Sorry I haven't been around much lately, but I was helping my mom find a place for us to live."

"Well your efforts paid off because you're staying here in Hawaii, with me. What more could I ask for?"

"My mom may or may not have invited your family over for a true Italian feast this Sunday for dinner," teased Danny causing Steve to chuckle.

"I take it back. That is the best news ever. I love your mom's cooking."

"But not more than you love me right?"

Steve shook his head. "No, never."

"Good."

"Mr. Williams, Mr. McGarrett. You boys do realize the bell has rung right?"

Steve and Danny looked at each other embarrassingly before looking back at Vice Principal Denning. "Um...yes Sir Mr. Denning," responded Danny, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "We are on our way to class right now."

"Good," Mr. Denning replied with a nod of approval. "Then you better get going."

Reaching out, Danny quickly grabbed Steve's hand and squeezed it tightly before letting it go. "I'll see you at lunch Steven."

"Yeah, see ya," replied Steve as they slowly pulled apart and walked away from each other, Mr. Denning smirking the entire time until both boys were out of sight.

"High school romance," he muttered to himself as he let out a chuckle and went back to patrolling the halls.

"So what do you think?" Danny asked Steve about the state of his new room. "I know, major downgrade right," he shrugged slightly.

"Danny, your room is great," Steve said with a smile. "It's smaller yes, but still great. And it will be even better when you finish decorating it."

Danny rolled his eyes and sat down on the floor. His mother was having their furniture shipped from New Jersey and it had yet to arrive, so his room was completely bare except for the makeshift bed on the floor. "Seriously, I live in an attic."

"Yeah, but at least it's a private attic. It would really suck if you had to share a room with Matt."

"I shared a room with him in Jersey."

Steve smirked playfully. "Yeah, but you didn't have me then."

Danny contemplated the comment for a second before nodding his head. "This is true," he agreed.

"Besides," continued Steve, wrapping his arms around Danny's waist. "With you all the way up here, there's no way your mom can walk in on us."

"This is also true," Danny agreed once more, mimicking Steve's move so his own arms were wrapped around his boyfriend's waist. "I guess there are upsides to living in an attic."

"So happy I could convince you to see the diamond in the rough," Steve whispered as he leaned forward to kiss Danny.

"Dinner's ready," Matt yelled from downstairs, causing the pair to pull apart before their lips had a chance to meet.

Steve let out an irritated groan. "So glad you two aren't sharing a room together," he replied while Danny snorted in response.

See happy ending all around, well for now anyways. I know I'm being ominous but I can't tell you if more trouble is coming (yes, yes it is) because that would make you all nervous and anxious. Well until next time,

Fruits make the best juices,

LadyCizzle