Disclaimer: Hawaii Five-0 and its characters do not belong to me.

...

He distractedly stirred the bowl of milk and cereal in front of him, not finding much of an appetite to swallow the food. A few days had passed since the distressing phone call with Steve, yet, the worry plaguing him had not subsided, embedding itself into a suffocating knot in his chest. He had known Steve for 10 years. And that was the second time he had heard Steve sound so broken and...almost defeated.

The first time was when Doris had died. And that was exactly what had prompted him to take the earliest flight available to DC to see his partner. And the sight that met him then wasn't a great one. Finding his always confident partner so lost and on a verge of a mental breakdown had been devastating. And now, once again hearing Steve's broken voice was sending him over the edge. But as much as he wanted to be with his friend, he had no idea where in the world Steve was. And Steve had remained secretive, refusing to answer him each time he asked. And he knew what that meant. Steve didn't want him around. Maybe he would only make things worse for Steve. Maybe the reason Steve was so broken in the first place was...him.

Maybe he was the reason Steve needed to leave.

He inhaled softly, trying to bury the deep ache in his chest. With a tired sigh, he stood up, slowly walking to the trash can and dumping the half-eaten bowl of cereal, allowing it to join the discarded beef stew that Junior had delivered the night before. He could hardly stomach anything, nausea revolting in the pit of his stomach at the thought that his partner was struggling because of him. He felt his chest tightening. The discomfort making it hard for him to breathe, his heart palpitating roughly in his chest.

Something's not right. He admitted to himself as he gently knuckled his sternum to soothe the tightness in his chest. He grabbed the bottle of painkillers on his counter, downing two pills and leaned against the kitchen island, waiting for the painkillers to kick into effect and for the ache in his chest to subside.

Gingerly, with the cane supporting him, he hobbled into the living room when he heard a fiddling noise coming from his front door. For a split second, he froze as his front door slowly opened.

"Danno!" Charllie squealed, running towards him like the lightning bolt of energy that he was.

His face lit up as he received his son's hug. "Owh." He masked his pain in a small chuckle as Charlie's head bumped into his sternum.

"What are you doing here, huh?" He ruffled Charlie's hair.

"And you, too." He looked up at Grace who was hovering behind her brother. "Shouldn't you be at college?"

"We missed you, Danno!" Charlie squirmed away from his hold and looked at him with large brown eyes.

He smiled, hiding the tears in his eyes. He had missed his kids too. He had begged Rachel to keep Charlie away, something he never thought he would ever do. But he really hadn't wanted Charlie to see him in such a state. Although Rachel hadn't agreed to his decision, she had still obliged, taking Charlie to London so he wouldn't question why he couldn't see his father. And as for Grace, he had convinced her he was okay, sending her back to college before he was even discharged from the hospital as he hadn't wanted her to worry more than she already did and miss out on her studies.

But truth be told, he had really missed his children. And he couldn't be gladder that they were here with him.

"I've missed you guys, too." He said, hugging his daughter. "I've missed you so much." The ache in his chest was completely forgotten. He had 2/3 of the things he needed. That was enough.

…

Danny and Charlie were cuddled on the couch, watching Charlie's favourite movie, 'Abominable', for possibly the 10th time. But he wouldn't complain. He would take this for as long as he could. Having his son next to him, willing to spend time at home together with him. One day when Charlie was grown up and doing his own stuff, he knew this would be a memory he would always cherish.

"Danno?" Charlie voiced quietly, almost uncharacteristic of him.

"Hmm.. What is it, buddy?"

"Umm..Wh.. what happens wh..en..when someone… dies?" He asked.

"What?" Danny asked. "Wh..why would you ask that?"

"Her father died." Charlie said, pointing to the girl crying on the TV.

Danny looked at the screen. "Ohh.. Umm.. I.. I don't know buddy." He cleared his throat. "I'd like to believe they become stars. And every night they come out and...look out for the people they love."

Charlie kept quiet; his eyes fixed on the TV as his eyes clouded with tears.

"Charlie, are you okay, buddy?' He asked.

Charlie nodded, a tear unwittingly rolled down his cheek.

"Heyy..what's going on, huh?" He asked gently, reaching for the remote to pause the show.

"So.. when you.." Charlie shook his head, not finishing his sentence. "Nothing."

"Charlie? I know something's on your mind. Tell me." Danny probed.

"I..I'm not supposed to.." Charlie said timidly. "You told me I shouldn't eavesdrop when adults are talking. And I promise… I really didn't."

"Okay.." He breathed. "It's okay, Charlie. Just tell me what's going on."

Charlie sighed, looking at him with a glint in his eyes. "I heard.. I overheard mommy and grandma talking.." Charlie said. "They were saying.. you alm..almost died." He said, tears brimming in his eyes.

Danny swallowed, hugging his son closer.

"Mommy said.. you got shot." Charlie stuttered. "And.. you almost died.." He said, his voice cracking as he suppressed the tears.

"Hey, Charlie.. I'm fine. I'm right here." He said gently.

Charlie bit his lips, tears collecting in his eyes. "But..is it true, Danno? Did you almost..die? I don't want you to.. I don't want you to die." Charlie squeaked.

He looked at his son, and swallowed the lump rising in his throat. "Buddy.." He carried Charlie up onto his lap, not a good idea as his chest wound reminded him almost instantly. He ignored it and hugged his son. "Look at me... Charlie?"

"Are you going to die?" Charlie repeated the question.

"Do I look sick to you?"

Charlie nodded.

"What?! You're hurting my feelings, buddy. I'm looking this good and you're saying I look sick?" He retorted. "I'm fine, alright? Come here." He pulled Charlie towards him, positioning the boy's ears over his chest. "Listen. Can you hear that?"

Charlie nodded against his chest.

"I won't lie to you, buddy. You're a big boy, now. Your mom is right. I was shot. Right here." He pointed to his chest right above where Charlie's head rested on him. "But you hear that? That right there is my heartbeat. You hear it loud and clear, don't you?"

Charlie looked up at him and nodded again.

"That means I am alive and really healthy. It means I'm not going to die, alright? I'm going to be with you for a very, very, very long time. Till you get sick of me."

"I won't get sick of you. I love you, Danno."

"Yeah? Promise?"

Charlie nodded.

He smiled, "Alright, I'll hold you to that, buddy." He said as he gently ruffled his son's hair. "No take backs."

He knew it would come to an end one day. This love his son promised to always have for him. One day, Charlie, too, would realise that he was sick of his father. Just like everyone else who had entered his life did. And eventually, just like everyone else, Charlie too, would run as far away from him as possible.

He heaved, burying the pain in his chest. It would happen one day. But not today. For today he would bask in the warmth of Charlie's giggles and embrace. He would just be thankful for his son's presence. And he would keep his end of the promise, to be there for Charlie till he was no longer needed. He planted a kiss on the crown of his son's forehead.

"Danno.." Charlie called. "Why did they hurt you? Were they bad people?"

He swallowed. "Yeah.. really bad."

"Where are they now?"

"Umm, your Uncle Steve took care of it. When I was in the hospital, Uncle Steve found all the bad guys, and put them all in jail. That's where the bad guys go right?"

Charlie nodded. "Uncle Steve saved you?"

"Ye..yeah, he did. He always does. You know what we call him, right?"

"SuperSEAL!" Charlie smiled. Looking at him thoughtfully, the boy asked. "But Danno.. Where is Uncle Steve now?"

"Umm.. you see the bad guys.. they didn't just hurt me. They also hurt Uncle Steve."

"Uncle Steve was shot too?" Charlie's eyes widened.

"No.. no he umm.. he's okay. He's hurt in a different way. So he needs to umm..heal up too.. But you don't worry, he'll be okay."

"Then he'll come home?" Charlie fiddled with the hem of his own shirt.

He took a slow breath in. What could he say to Charlie? Could he really with 100% conviction assure his son that 'yes, Uncle Steve will come home' when he couldn't believe it himself? But could he break his son's heart if he told the truth? That he didn't think so. He didn't think Uncle Steve would come home.

"Buddy.. I uhh.. I'm not sure when that'll be."

"Ohh.." Charlie looked down, hiding his disappointment.

He wasn't sure he had the strength to comfort his son. He wasn't sure what he could say to comfort his son. So he lied. Even though he knew he shouldn't keep any hopes, he still did. "He'll come home when he misses you, I'm sure."

"I hope it's soon. I miss him." Charlie said.

Me too, he didn't say it out loud. He couldn't because he knew then, he wouldn't be able to suppress the agony brewing in his chest and waiting to unleash itself in a flood of tears.

"I'll be sure to let him know that, alright buddy? Maybe then he'll come home right away." He smiled, unable to resist hoping that would be true.

Charlie yawned, nodding his head. "Yeah.."

"Alright, champ. It's getting late now. Let's finish the movie tomorrow alright?" He said.

"Yeah.. umm.. Danno?" Charlie looked at him expectantly. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Of course, buddy. Come on, let's go." He nudged the boy off his lap and made a move to reach for his cane when a sharp pang rushes through his chest. A groan escapes his throat as his hand automatically reached for his sternum where the pain radiated from.

"Danno?" The fear in his son's voice was palpable. "Are you okay?"

He swallowed, resisting every urge to succumb to the ache as he quickly put his hand down. "Yea..yeah... M'alright." He reached for the cane. "Come on.. umm you go on a..nd brush your teeth first.. I'm gonna just get a.. drink. Be right there." He spoke, strangely out of breath. Must be time for his meds. Was it, though? Didn't he just have it a while ago? He couldn't quite remember anymore.

...

He leaned against the kitchen counter, curling into himself as the agony in his chest was almost too much for him. He attempted to draw in a breath, yet it remained lodged in his throat, refusing to enter his lungs. He must have over-exerted himself. After all, it had been a while since he had his kids over. Who could blame him? He popped the painkillers in, realising there were only a few pills left. Now he actually had no choice but to go for his next appointment with Dr Lea.

"Dad?"

He inhaled slowly, straightened himself up at his daughter's voice. Swallowing a groan and struggling to hide the traces of pain clouding his vision, he turned to look at Grace. "Hey, monkey. Thought you were asleep." He said.

"What's wrong, Danno? Are you okay?" She asked, eyes wide with concern as she approached her father, a hand on his bicep as she supported him.

"Yeah.. yeah.." He breathed, patting her hand. "Of course, I'm okay." He said, leaning heavily on his cane as he walked into the living room side by side with his daughter.

"Is it.. is it hurting?" She pointed to his bullet wound. "Should I call Uncle Lou?"

"What? Ww..Why would you call him?" He sank onto the couch. "I'm fine.."

Grace folded her arms across her chest as she remained standing in front of him, a flash of rebellion in her eyes. "Should I call Uncle Steve, then?

His brows furrowed. "Grace..?"

"Does he even care?" She continued, her eyes unblinking.

"Wha.." He started when he noticed the tears springing in her eyes. "Grace? Hey.. hey, come here. Sit down."

She obeyed, wiping away at her eyes defiantly and refusing to look at him.

"You alright?"

She nodded.

"You don't look.. or sound alright." He said. "What brought that on? Something wrong?"

Gently, he stroked her head and that was all it took to have her facade crumbling. Grace leaned into him, tears wetting her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Danno.."

"What are you sorry for?"

She remained silent as she sobbed into his chest, sending shockwaves of agony into his heart.

"Grace? You're worrying me, monkey. Is everything okay?"

"I shouldn't be mad at him.. I know but.. I am. I'm really mad at Uncle Steve..For leaving just like that.."

"Grace." He tried to search for the right words.

"He just left when you're clearly not okay.."

"I'm fine, Grace."

"I'm not Charlie.." She whispered. "You can lie to him. You could have lied to me 10 years ago but not now, Danno. I know you're not fine. I can see it Danno. I can see that you're hurting."

He sighed. "Grace.. I'm not lying, monkey. It.. Well, you already know it was bad this time. It's going to take some time for me to heal up."

"Then why isn't Uncle Steve here to make sure you're okay? He promised.. When I left for college, he promised he would.."

"It's not on him to make sure I'm okay. He..he's got his own thing to work through, Grace."

"But Danno, you got hurt beca.."

"Grace, don't." He voiced firmly. "What happened was not your Uncle Steve's fault and you know that."

Grace swallowed guiltily. "I..I'm sorry Dad.. I know.. it's just.. I thought he would be here to take care of you after.."

"Hey, I'm a big guy. I can take care of myself." He said.

"But you're clearly not." She said. "You're not taking care of yourself."

"I am, Grace... I don't want you to be worrying about me. I'm fine. Really."

"But Uncle Lou said that.."

"Don't listen to him. You know how your Uncle Lou is." Danny said.

"Danno.." Grace hesitated. "Dad.. I have been thinking.." She paused again.

"What is it?"

"I want to take a leave of absence from college" She said. "Ju..just for one sem."

"Leav.. Grace, what's wrong? Are you copeing? Is there a problem in college? Someone bothering you?" His heart broke. Had he been so self-absorbed with his suffering that he hadn't noticed his daughter struggling?

She shook her head. "No.. It's not that."

"Then what's wrong Grace?" He asked, gazing softly at his daughter. "Why do you want to.."

"I.. I want to stay here with you.. To make sure you're okay." His heart shattered. "I want to be here, Danno.. I don't want to leave. I'm scared...College is too far away, what if.." She paused. "I'm really afraid of losing you."

"Aww.. monkey.. Grace.. I'm so sorry.. You shouldn't be worrying about this. Grace, you're not going to lose me, alright? I'm right here. I'm okay."

"Are you really? Because you don't look okay, Dad. I know you. You're acting like you're fine but..." She said. "I know you're not."

"Grace, look at me." He breathed. "Maybe you're right, I am not 100% alright. But I will be. I will be okay. And you know what''ll help? If I know you're okay. I want you not to worry about me, monkey. I want you to focus on what's important right now. And that is your studies, your dreams. I want you to enjoy your time in college like everyone else. That will be the best thing you can do for me."

"But Danno.."

"I am okay, Grace. You know I have your Uncle Lou here. Adam and Junior have been checking up on me often too. And don't even talk about Tani. She texts me like every hour to make sure I'm okay. And I will be." He breathed. "Listen.. if you want to take a break because you need it, I don't have any objections, Grace. I'm sure neither will your mom. But if it's because of me.. I don't want you to make such a decision because of me. Ever. Promise me that."

"Dad.." Grace sighed, looking at him. "I love you.. And I promise. I will make you proud."

"I am already proud of you. Very." He said. "But Grace?" He gently stroked her hair. "Can you promise me one more thing?"

"Hmm?"

"Your Uncle Steve.. don't be mad at him... There are reasons why he needed to leave.. We might not see or understand what those reasons are..but he had them. Just.. don't hold it against him."

Her tears welled up once again. "I..I'm sorry..I guess.. I was just disappointed. I.."

"It's okay. It's okay, monkey. I know you love him. And sometimes you can't help getting mad at the people you love, right?" He said. "But what I'm saying is.. don't let the anger consume all the great memories you have of him. He's still your Uncle Steve. And he loves you and Charlie very much."

"Will he come back?" Grace asked.

Again the same question. He looked at his daughter. "I don't know, Grace. I really don't." The only person that had the answer to that question was Steve himself.

...

A/N: Hey everyone, thanks once again for all your reviews & likes/follows. Hope you keep reading. And Merry Christmas to all celebrating!