Author note:
Hello, everyone. English is not my first language, so be easy on me. Please review if you have time, all feedback are appreciated.
Have a nice day.
3 months later.
The waves roll back and forth from the shore and with every step Steve was taking, the sand shifted. The beach will always be Steve's go-to place. An ocean's breeze always had put Steve's mind at ease and today he was back to the same place, hoping it would give the comforting he needed. He turned and stared down the shore.
A little further from him, on his right stood Danny, with hands stuffed in his pockets, his eyes glued to the waves.
Steve took slow steps to Danny and stood beside Danny, with arms crossed and eyes locked on the waves. It took Danny a while to realize that Steve was finally beside him.
"Hey," Steve whispered first.
"Hey," Danny whispered back.
"How was New Jersey?"
"Jersey was good, Grace and Charlie had a good time, I had a good time, thank you for suggesting me to take some time off and spend time with my folks. I really needed that."
"Yeah?" Steve smiled a little. "Glad you had a good time." Both continue to keep their eyes on the waves. "Danny, I don't like how things have turned out to be too formal between us," Steve whispered after some time.
"Steve…"
"Zip it, you need to hear what I'm going to say." Steve inhaled before he continued. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't remember what happened when I first woke up, and I had put you in the position of explaining it to me. I can't even imagine what it would have been like for you and I'm sorry again because I tried a little to avoid you after knowing what happened, okay? I was weak, in pain and I was confused. When I know what happened, why I was in the hospital, I was shocked; I just needed some time to process it, okay? But you very conveniently interpreted that I hated you and you keep maintaining the distance between us, even when I'm trying hard to be close to again, like what you are doing right now."
When Danny looked up, it Steve breath away. The hurt in eyes remained the same, and Steve wondered what else he needed to do to in order to take it away. Danny doesn't deserve to be the one to carry those painful memories.
"Danny, let it go. Just let it go, buddy." Steve puffed out his chest. "I just want my Danno back."
"I wish I can give you the old Danno back, Steve. I really wish but…"
"But what, Danny?" Steve turned straight to Danny as he threw his hands in the air. "I know he is still in there." Steve poked his pointing finger on Danny's chest. "Maybe you are the one who is not allowing him out."
"Do you think all this is easy for me?" Danny raised his voice. "How I wish that I can wipe those memories, but I can't…my mind just won't stop…I can't…" Tears shone in his eyes.
Steve could feel Danny's emotion. There was nothing more left to say because sometimes words just fail but where words fail, actions speak. He walked up to Danny slowly and pulled him closer to him, wrapping his arms around Danny. Steve's embrace was warm, and his big, strong arms wrapped very protectively around Danny's frail body. Despite the heaviness in his heart, Danny sunk into the warmth of Steve's hug. Danny felt as if the world around him melted away as he squeezed Steve back, not wanting the moment to end.
"It's not what happens that is hurting you, Danny. It's your response to what happened that is hurting you." Steve mumbled over Danny's shoulder. "I'm not blaming you, so you shouldn't blame yourself either. Guilt is a toxic, Danny. Forgiving yourself is important as forgiving others."
When they finally parted, Steve looked into Danny's eyes. "Forgive yourself, Danny, after all, it was not your fault."
Steve continued when Danny remained silent. "I'm not going to let Shioma win, Danny. Now you are the one who needs to decide whether you want to Joyce to win or not."
Danny drew in a long breath. "I'm struggling, Steve."
"I'm too, Danny," Steve admitted. "But like always, we will go through this…" Steve extended his hand. "Together."
Danny's lips curved up into a small smile. He took Steve's hand into his and gave it a little squeeze. "Together."
Steve's touch made Danny warmer somehow, his future waiting for him seemed a little less bleak. Danny's mind was finally able to find some peace. How could it be that he was not able to see that Steve's love for him was still the same as it was before? Pure. Unselfish. Undemanding. Free. He inwardly thanked God and held Steve's hand a little tighter. A love like this was to be cherished for life. Steve's love was like an anchor; it will always take him back home.
The End.
I have some work coming up my way. I'm not sure if I will be able update and I don't want to leave it hanging. I was looking for different way to end the story, so here it is. Sincere apologies for the mistakes if there are any. Thank you for your continuous support.