Hello

Sorry I took so long. I did go through the past chapters and fixed some of errors. No major changes. Just my horrible grammar.

For putting up with me, I shall gift you with this beast. 12K chapter just for you folks. I hope you love it!

Let me know via comments

Chapter 20:

Hugs and Jealousy

Years Ago: Location Classified

When shit goes wrong in their line of work, it doesn't just go wrong. It goes shit fuck wrong, and yes, Evan is planning to get a T-shirt made with that phase and gift it to the entire team… well if they all make it out of this shit show alive, which is looking like a big if. With bullets flying, it isn't looking so pretty, and as stated before, shit has gotten real, blood everywhere. He pointedly ignores the bodies on the ground and keeps his head on a swivel, continually scanning left to right. With his heart in both his ears and throat, all Evan can think is "Shit, Fuck. Shit. Fuck, shit" on repeat. His chants gets louder and more colorful when he is tackled from the side from what seems like a goddamn human missile with a knife aimed for his head.

Before you judge, you will have to forgive Evan's word choice right now, as he has more important things to worry about than his word choices. For example, he, currently has to worry about a knife coming right at his face. Plus, he is dodging bullets and grenades—yes, grenades- while trying to keep up with the rest of the team, who seems to have simply vanished. So, all of those people who consider his word choice an indicator of his intelligence can shove it. Shove it right up their ass. They were never ambushed by an opposing force with far greater number and fire power. They never had to wipe the blood off their faces to see. They never had to wrestle a six-inch knife out of someone's hand to avoid getting one in the face. After turning the blade on the owner, Evan pushes the now stilled man off him and scans the area once more for his team, which is fruitless. With this hell storm, the team is scattered by the violent onslaught they didn't expect.

Ambushes by definition are surprises, unforeseen attacks by people lying in wait in a concealed position, and yet, ambushes rarely work against them. Their Seal team is rarely taken by surprise, prepared for ambushes; in their line of work, they have preplanned back up plans and then back up plans for their back up plans. While McGarrett will dive head first into danger without hesitation, he makes sure to give his team every opportunity to succeed. He wants to give his team the best odds of survival; plus, he likes to brag that they are a will-oiled machine. Yet, all of that planning seems to have gone up in smoke as this ambush came out of nowhere, literal nowhere.

This mission was supposed to be in and out, an extraction of an important CIA's asset. While no one expected an easy assignment, no one expected the mission to explode like this, almost like the opposing force had their extraction plan, and they were forcibly separated from the asset and each other. He can't tell you the status of each of his teammates, which is a shot to the gut (which is funny as they are getting shot at. Evan has to find something to laugh at. HA.), but he knows the protocols in cases like this: if separated, reconvene at the appointed safe house.

Once more—dodging more bullets-, Evan is cussing loudly in his head, swearing to whatever god there is. While he understands not getting captured is the most important goal here as the knowledge in their head valuable, he doesn't like it. Doesn't like leaving the area without his team. These guys are his family, his chosen family, and right now, the only friendly he can see if McGarrett, who is also bloody and bruised. Evan just feels dread. "Shit," he cusses, his throat dry, as a bullet flies by his head, barely misses his ear.

McGarrett glance back and fires, his aim nonexistent. "Watch your head, Buckley." he yells, his emotions completely locked down. There is a firm emotionless mask on his face, but for some reason, it settles Evan.

*O*O*

His heart pounding and his lungs strenuously straining for air, Evan doesn't know how long they have been running, dodging bullets and man patrols, but both McGarrett and he are running on fumes. "I think we lost them." He huffs. His words are scratchy and painful, and he's surprised he can get them out.

"You better knock on wood, Buckley," McGarrett grunts, his eyes in fine points, as he nods to the nearest tree. While his Commander locks down his emotions, there's no hiding the painful tones in his voice. There are no signs of the rest of their teams.

"Are you okay, Old Man?" Evan asks, his eyes snapping to McGarrett. He gives the man a once over, checking for any obvious injuries. It's hard to tell whose blood coats the man apart from the CIA Asset's blood.

McGarrett meets his stare before quickly scanning their surroundings. "I'm not old, Kid." He protests, weakly.

Evan takes a second to even his breathing, his eyes still on McGarrett, and while dusk has fallen, he notices a small hole in his left sleeve. "Shit, did you get shot?!" he asks, struggling to keep his voice down.

As if it is nothing, McGarrett glances down at his left arm before looking back up, scanning their surroundings once more. He isn't just looking for their adversaries; he is keeping an eye out for their comrades. He doesn't relax for even a second. "Just grazed. It's nothing."

Evan would roll his eyes if this wasn't a life-or-death situation as McGarrett will down play any injuries if you let him and he mean any. "I don't know if I believed you." With McGarrett, he learned not to believe the man regarding his injuries. It's hypocritical and funny to think how protective and by the book McGarrett is with their injuries when he could be bleeding out but won't allow them to treat him as it is just a scratch. However, Evan doesn't get to point this out as McGarrett raises up a hand to silence him, spotting movement in the grass

*O*O*

The sun starts to poke through the clouds by the time Buckley and McGarrett find a place to hunker down to rest and to avoid the heat, and they aren't referring to the temperature which is in the high 80s. With the scouts and patrol looking for them, this situation can explode at any time, and as the hours pass, the severity of the situation deepens. While they need to get out of there, traveling in the daylight increases the likelihood of getting seen. They have to be careful of getting captured; plus, it gives them a moment to rest and recharge. Unfortunately, this gives Evan time to think, and thinking is not his friend.

Again, while an ambush is a surprise attack, the size of the opposing force stuns Evan as those numbers takes scheming, which supports the idea that their foe had insider knowledge. That thought is chilling, sending an ice wave throughout his entire body. Before Evan can even start to go through the list of people who knew about this ops, he is pissed at the idea that someone would betray his family. It burns a hole in his heart. His team, even Miller, means the world to him, and he will die to protect them. Evan's jaw is locked in place as his body is stiff, attempting to list and eliminate likely suspects. There is—

"Kid, stop."

Evan's head pops up and his eyes snap to McGarrett, whose jaw is rather stiff. "What?" he croaks.

McGarrett meets his stare for a second before he returns his attention back to his arm. Keeping his rife in arm's reached, he rips off the bottom half of his sleeve off with a quick motion. "I can hear you thinking from over here." He huffs as he tries to wipe away the blood to exam the wound. "We can deal with who fucked up later." he adds, keeping his own anger in check, as he reads the young seal's mind. "Right now, our focus is on getting out of here alive. We can hang the traitor by their toes later." For McGarrett, this is not an empty threat.

The image pops up in Evan's mind immediately, the speed of imaginary surprising him. He can literally see his commander tying ropes to their toes and pushing over a railing for them to hang for days. "Okay." He utters, breathing through his nose. He is still angry, but McGarrett's words do get through to him.

"Take a few breaths." McGarrett orders. "If you need to talk about it, then do it quickly but get back to business. We both need to keep a leveled mind right now."

Nodding—his hands still wrapped around his rife-, Buckley does just that and takes a few deep breaths. This may not be his first assignment, but this is his first shit show, where everything that can go wrong went wrong, and nothing can compare a person for this. It does something to the brain to realize you are completely alone out here, unable to call for back up. Evan does better when he has a plan. "You aren't mad?" He asks, as he stares at the barrel of his gun.

"Who says I am not?" The Commander answers, monotonal. "Somehow our mission details were leaked, most likely by a traitor in ranks. Our mission is a failure, the asset dead. I have no idea where the rest of our team is. No idea of their status. I am pissed. Fucken pissed." He takes a deep breath, his eyes zero in on the entrance of their abandoned cabin. "However, as Navy Seals, we have to compartmentalize our feelings in the field. If not, we are good as dead out here."

That is Evan's issue: he isn't good at compartmentalizing. He has no idea how to turn off his emotions. "How do you do that?"

McGarrett takes a second to answer. "It isn't easy, and the anger will always be there. However, I pick something to focus on, ridding my brain of everything else. Pick something, Buckley."

Now, that's something Evan can wrap his mind around, and he picks something inspiring to focus on something. He opens his mouth to voice this thought, but his next sentence dies in his throat when he notices how deep the wound on McGarrett's arm is. "Wait, you said you were just grazed." He exclaims, his eyes large. "that is not a graze!"

"Hush!" The commander hisses. "It's fine."

Evan, after getting over his initial shock, dramatically rolls his eyes, as this is McGarrett 101. He can always count on him to be bullheaded. Putting down his rifle, Evan—keeping low- quickly shuffles over to McGarrett, his eyes on the bullet hole in his arm. "Is it still in there?" he asks, tilting his head to the side.

McGarrett stares at him. "Why do you sound like a teenage boy asking if his dick is still in?"

Though hidden by sweat and blood, Evan's cheeks are pink at the word dick. Did McGarrett really say dick? It takes a moment for Evan to clear the mental image of the night he lost his virginity. That very question did in fact come out of his mouth, and even now, Evan cringes at the painful memory. He can still see the Girl's judging flown. "Ha ha." He dramatically rolls his eyes as he exams the injury. How could McGarrett be so nonchalant about getting shot? There's a damn bullet in his arm, but McGarrett is just shrugging. "I don't see an exit hole."

"So, not lucky." The Lieutenant Commander deadpans as he reaches into one of his pockets for his pocket knife.

"It's still bleeding." Buckley utters. He eyes the knife, though this isn't the first time he has seen a man—yet alone Steve- dig out his own bullet.

While it isn't the worst gunshot wound that either of the men has seen, it is still bleeding profusely and has to be taken care of. First, they have to get the bullet out to stop the bleeding. "Yes, I have to remove the bullet."

Evan trusts McGarrett's ability to remove his own bullet, this man a skilled bullet remover, but he still thinks the man is nuts to try and dig the bullet out himself. Evan can barely tie a tie. "Hand it over."

"You want to give it a shot?" McGarrett grins at his pun.

"You think you're cute."

"Think?"

"Hush it." Sure, Evan is no expert, but with his first aid training, it's better for him to go digging into McGarrett's arm than the commander himself. "Anyhow, I can't be worse than you." he shoots out as he takes the knife from him.

"Can you handle the blood, Buckley?" McGarrett teases, giving him a cheesy smile.

Even if he is all nerves, McGarrett's trust in Evan is all that he needs. It feels amazing. "I can handle blood. It is the puke that I cannot handle. As long as you aren't puking, we are good."

"Good."

Evan nods as he reaches into his pack for a sewing kit and his lighter. To prepare for combat, he was given some first aid training, and while this isn't his first assignment, he has yet to use those skills and this kit to sew up a bullet wound. "Don't scream." He gives McGarrett something to bite down on.

"Who do you take me as?" he asks, flipping the small piece of wood Buckley gave him over and over in his palm.

"Freddie?" Evans gives him a cheesy smile. McGarrett snorts as Buckley takes some water to wash out the wound before he digs out the bullet and sews up the wound. He takes a second to breathe.

McGarrett watches him for a second, as Buckley, who can be just as risky as anyone, can be quite anal-retentive with things he is nervous about. He has to think it through a few times. This is one of those things. "First time, Buckley? I can talk you through it." He offers, genuinely.

Buckley looks up, meeting his blue eyes. "Nope, I think I would rather deal with you being angry than whatever this is. Now hold still and don't be a baby." He pauses and grins as he tries to will his nerves away. Messing with McGarrett does help the nerves. "But I doubt this is your first time, McGarrett."

"If I can handle your horrible cooking, I can handle your horrible medical kills."

"Hey."

*O*O*

Present Day Chicago

"What? I can't visit the man who once removed a bullet from my arm?"

The firehouse barely registers to Buck as his attention is fully on Steve McGarrett. Steve Fucken McGarrett. The beautiful Steve McGarrett, who is the most loyal person he knows. When he called Steve a few days ago, he never expected the man to show up a few days later, and yet, here he is. Though they had exchanged a few calls this year, it has been some time since he has seen Steve in person; however, he's just as beautiful as ever, especially with the pepper scattered through his dark hair. Buck stares blankly, his brain trying to process the situation: Steve standing in his firehouse. Fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on how someone looks at it), his mouth is not in sync with his brain. "Well, I'm not your first."

Steve laughs. "Most definitely."

A few loud, awkward coughs erupt behind Buck, followed by a bewildered "What?" Additional words, a growing chatter, are exchanged between the other firefighters, but it all whispers to Buck. Steve just waves to them.

At first, the sight of Steve sends him into a slight panic, as surely Steve has better things to do than to babysit him. (Like Crime. Hello!) Yes, babysit, but there's something about Steve's smile that melts Buck's barriers and settles his heart. He also has magical hugs, and it's no wonder why Buck (or anyone) followed Steve so easily. Without another word, Buck crosses to Steve, who drops the duffel he is carrying, and pulls him into a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around the older man who, in returns, wraps his arms tightly around Buck. As always, Buck feels instantly better in the warm embrace, and that uncertainty from earlier disappears. "Good to see you, Old Man."

"Same here, Kid." A pause. "And I am not old."

"Okay, Old Man." Buck chuckles. He doesn't break from Steve's arms, but he leans back a bit, his blue eyes meeting Steve's (though according to Buck, they are magical color changing eyes. The color depends on the light.) "This is about the phone call." His voice is softer than before.

"Yes."

That single word hits Buck in the center of his chest. As he replays the message in his head, he doesn't spot anything too alarming in it, him rambling like an idiot, and yet, the man came. "I-"

"Hey there," Comes Casey's loud, cheery voice, cutting through Buck's tunnel vision. Still in his turnout gear, he approached the two, holding out a firm hand with a smile. Once both sets of blue eyes are on him, he goes, "Captain Matt Casey."

As if fighting off an octopus going through food, Steve awkwardly breaks from Buck's arms one limb at a time and takes a step forward Casey. With a smile on his face, he accepts Casey's extended hand. "Steve McGarrett. Nice to meet you."

Rocking on his feet, Buck's deer-caught-in-the-head-light eyes rapidly switch back and forth between the two men and drop to their firm hand shake. Their eyes are solely focused on the other, and while both wear smiles, Buck knows those expressions. These smiles are more than just smiles, and like two over protective big brothers, they are sizing each other up.

"So, you-" Casey starts, but gets abruptly cut off by Kelly. Still wiping the oil and dirt from his hands, his eyes are large as something clicks in his head. "Wait. Steve?" Kelly spouts, drawing the attention. His eyes go to Buck's, recalling something he said to him. "You're the guy who tried to get Buck to watch Top Gun and failed."

Buck stills in shock. While he remembers telling the Lieutenant that tidbit, he never expected him to retain it. Usually when he says something, it goes in one ear and out the other of whoever he is talking to, though Buck does talk a lot. He doesn't blame anyone for toning him out at times, especially when he's excited. So, yes, it surprises him that Kelly remembers that, especially when he only mentioned Steve once a few weeks ago during his panic after the Adam ambush.

Steve drops Casey's hand, rotates back to Buck, and gives him a highly offended stare. "You still hadn't watched it?!" He lets out a loud gasp. "Blasphemy!"

Getting hit by a wave of playful bashfulness, Buck shifts his weight to one foot and reaches an arm above and over his head to scratch the back of his head. "I…um…well… You….um…" It isn't like Buck went out of his way to avoid Top Guy, more so he hasn't gone out of his way to watch it. After leaving the Navy, he avoided war/military movies for a while. No matter how silly, he could not handle the painful reminder.

"We should fix that after your shift," Steve grins at Buck before turning to Kelly. "And is the kid here talking about me? Hopefully all good stuff." He ponders the thought. "Who am I kidding. It is all good stuff, and I am honored."

Buck shakes his head in laughter and snorts. "Why would I do that? Your ego is too big as it." However, Steve is right: he doesn't have anything negative to say about the man.

Steve is all smiles. "All lies. My ego is perfect."

Buck's chest goes light looking at Steve's inviting smile, still shocked that Steve had immediately jumped on a plane to Chicago to see him… which also knocks the air out of his lungs considering Buck never told Steve where he is. If it was anyone else, he would be freaked out by the idea that someone tracked him down, but Steve has magical powers when it comes to finding people. "Keep telling yourself that."

"I-" Kelly, who is looking rather determined, cuts Steve off with a "So, who is Steve McGarrett and how does he know our Buck?" His eyes are drilling into Steve.

The 'our Buck' vibrates against the walls in Buck's head for a second, and yes, while he is now a permanent member of 51, it is still shocking to think about it. With Casey and Severide knowing his past, he has been claimed by another firehouse family, a family as great of 51. Without moving his head, he glances at the house from the corner of his eyes, warmth spreading through his body thinking about them. Granted, he also feels everyone's eyes on Steve and him, drilling into them demanding answers. That's the downside of having a family: they're all in your business, and yet, Buck kind of loves it. "An old friend."

Gallo snorts as he slips out of his turnout gear. "That's sooo helpful."

Steve shakes his head, laughing. "That's Buckley for you." He pauses for a second as he takes a deep analyzing look at Buck. There's always something about his stare that can cut right through Buck. "I was his commanding Officer in the Navy."

The fire house goes silent for a second before Cruz exclaims, loudly, "Wait!? You were in the navy?" He isn't alone in his surprise and amazement as the station echoes this surprise a second later.

Buck, quiet at first, slowly nods, not sure what to make of this surprise. Silence is hard to judge. Could it be disbelief? Them not believing that he could make it in the Navy? He flashes back to the several jokes the 118 made after they learned he had tried out for the Seals. "Oh, Buck as the seal? Can you imagine? Our Golden retriever as a seal?" Sure, it wasn't the best fit, but it wasn't because he couldn't hack it. He could. He could hack it. He just needed to put his mental health first.

"Why didn't you tell us? That's pretty cool." Ritter says. "But beware that Gallo might be asking some stupid questions." He snorts. "I can see it now. 'Do Warships Have Self Destruct Buttons?'"

Gallo spins and nails Ritter with heated glare. "Why are we friends again?"

"Because you love me?" Ritter counters, shrugging.

Steve snorts. "Not to interject that," he starts as he motions to Ritter and Gallo, "But no…"

Herrmann rolls his eyes. "As you can see here, we are a bit weird." He nails Gallo and Ritter with one of his own stares. "Don't judge them too harshly." He states.

"So, the kid fits right in." Steve replies.

No matter how many times Steve calls him kid, he feels warm and light, though it's impossible not to think of Bobby who called 'kid' as well. "Ouch. Hey. Maybe, I should have left the bullet in."

Steve, all smiles, acts hurt and brings a playful hand to his chest, grasping at his heart. "You wound my soul, but there's always next time."

With a large conspiring expression, Stella Kidd takes a step forward as she works off her gear. "You two are super cute together." She pointedly ignores the heated glare from Kelly.

Buck goes bright pink as Steve grins. Steve replies. "You should see-"

"Okay, that's enough! Let's me show you the fire house, Old Man," He croaks, gawkily, as he quickly and swiftly crosses to Steve and grabs him forcefully by the arm. Though Steve isn't resisting, Evan gives the man no choice and drags him away. Puffing out his cheeks, Buck takes a deep breath to clear the pink from his cheeks. While he cannot forget his Seal days, he kept a firm barrier between them, a wall of protection. No, he isn't upset at seeing Steve—feeling quite happy at seeing him-, having these two worlds colliding is startling.

Buck has no idea what to make of this situation, but If he had turned around, he would have seen the piercing stare Kelly is giving Casey and Kidd.

*O*O*

The former Ex-Floater will give Steve the firehouse tour that he promised after he speaks to the former Sailor about this unexpected visit. Glancing over his shoulder to make sure no is following them, Buck shoves—yes shoves- Steve into the empty conference room and closes the door. He's tempted to put a chair in front of the door to block someone from entering, but he decides that's too much and doesn't want to be that level of crazy. "Did you really just drop everything to track me down?" he asks, hesitantly, as he shrugs off his own turnout gear. For a split second, his panicked mind goes to Athena. As a cop with resources, will she be tracking him down next? He swallows deeply, unsure how he feels about that. Yet at the same time, he's also unsure how he feels about the fact that she hasn't tracked him down.

"I did." Steve answers, matter of fact, as he leans against the windowsill and folds his arms across his chest. The smile is gone from his face, replaced by concern in his eyes, as his blue (super Blue at the moment) eyes drill into Buck.

The concern strikes Buck like an open hand slap, and for the second time today, he replays the message he left for Steve in his head. 'Hey…um…Steve. It's Buck…Shit, Evan. It's Evan. Sorry… Yea, I know it has been a while, but hey, life. Stupid life…I just want to check in, you know? Just… need to talk… Um…well. Anyhow, later.' What did he say that sounded the alarm? "Did say something?" Or maybe, it was his tone.

Steve cocks his head to the side, his eyes narrowing. "No. It's how you said it. Plus, there was a shit tone of filler words used." He smiles softly. "So, since I hadn't seen you in a while, I decided to check on you in person."

Buck nods a few times, as he suddenly feels bashful and ashamed that he made Steve come out here to check on him like a child. "Well, I'm good."

The look Steve gives Buck shots right through him with a clear 'I don't believe you.' "Kid."

"What?"

Steve's critical expression softens. "I see you never got better at lying."

Buck sardonically snorts, as that isn't true. He can lie. At this point, he's a master. He lied to himself daily in his final days at the 118, convincing himself of the unthinkable. He told himself some intricate and fascinating lies. "Lies."

"Okay. You're lucky you're cute."

A few harsh coughs explode from Buck's throat, and it takes a second to smash them down. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Steve gives him a very pointed stare as if to dare Buck to continue to be stupid. "Why don't you tell me how you got to Chicago? From what I understand, you were living it up in LA." Buck huffs and looks anywhere accept at Steve, who takes notice. "Kid, did you forget how awesome my interrogation skills are? Hadn't met anyone I can't broke, so I am not sure you want to go down this road."

Buck's left eye twitches as the cocky asshole is all smiles, and he means all smiles. A smile reaches ear to ear. While Buck has not seen or been involved with all of Steve's interrogations, he has seen enough to know that Steve isn't lying. As if he can see into a person's soul, he knows exactly how to break someone, be it with kindness or cruelty. Honestly, it's amazing and scary to see how Steve works, and to avoid that getting turned back on him, he might as well tell him. However, telling him on shift isn't appealing as he doesn't want that shadow hanging over head. Plus, he needs drinks for that conversation. "Okay." He takes a breath. "Not on shift. It's a long and…" He lets out a puff of air. "Painful story with big ass tears, and no one needs that at the fire house."

A few seconds pass as Steve, his eyes in fine points, scrutinizes each inch of the firefighter, taking him apart piece by piece. Buck can practically see the gears move in his head. "Okay, but I will hold you to it." He points a finger at Buck.

Buck swallows deeply and thickly, knowing Steve would hold him to it. He is a former Navy Seal and all. "So, you came here right after the airport?" he asks, his eyes dropping to the bag next to Steve. It isn't a big bag, but Steve never needed a lot of clothes. "Didn't stop anywhere else?"

"Nope." Steve replies, popping out his bottom lip. "As soon as I touched down, I came straight here."

"I needed immediate attention?" Buck inquires, his chest tight. Is he a burden to everyone around him that they need to check up on him right off the plane? The thought leaves a sour taste on his tongue. He doesn't like the idea of being a burden.

Steve's smile is truly stunning. "Yes."

Buck lightly shakes his head while he rolls his eyes. He snorts mostly to himself, as he evaluates the situation, realizing how fortunate he is. Yes, although he hates the idea of being a burden, it touches him deeply that his old Commander, his first Brother, came to check on him even after all of these years. Buck loves that, even if he could skip the questions. With anyone else, he would buck (Yes, Pun intended), but with Steve, he knows the man only has positive thoughts of him. "Geez." He takes a deep breath and clears out the negativity in his head. "Didn't even go to your hotel yet?"

If possible, Steve's smile grows, though a bit bashful. Since when is Steve bashful? "Well…What hotel? Who needs a hotel when your seal buddy has a sofa?"

It takes a second for Buck's brain to catch up to what Steve is hinting at, which is silly considering who he is talking to. Steve, who 'forgets' his wallet more times than he remembers, is widely known to be an extremely cheapskate in some—most—cases. He will do anything to save a dollar or eat for free, and it's hilarious at times. Buck swears that Freddie was going to kill Steve several times over this, and from what he hears, this new partner—Danny Williams if Buck remembers correctly—is close to doing the same. Buck has no idea how Steve hasn't been stabbed as food and beer is sacred. "Fine, you can stay with me. It is a crappy apartment in the best neighborhood. The couch is the worst, but you're welcome to stay."

"Can't be worse than some of the places we hunkered down at, so I am sure I can handle it."

A shiver runs down Buck's back as all the random, insane places pop up in his head, pulling uncomfortable memories up. Steve is right: some of those places were down right inhabitable. He shakes those memory out of his head and heartily chuckles, "I don't know if I should take that as an insult or not."

Steve waves him off as he pushes off the windowsill, ignoring his bag for now, and steps to Buck while adjusting his shirt. "Don't. It's not." He tilts his head to the side and scans the other rooms through the windows. He clearly sees something, but doesn't comment on it. After a few short seconds, he turns his attention back to Buck and scans the man once more. Before the man could say anything, he, with big steps, closes the distance between them and pulls the man into another bear hug, tightly wrapping his arms around him.

Instant warmth and love.

While Buck has received hugs in his life (none from his parents), nothing compares to Steve's hugs. He isn't sure if it's due to Steve's size, not meeting a lot of people Steve McGarrett's size, or if it is simply Steve. When Steve hugs you, he means it. For the former Lieutenant Commander, hugs are how Steve shows his love, and he does skimp or shy away from hugs. Granted, you have to be in his inner circle for these magical hugs, as he doesn't give them to just anyone. Hugs are for his family, and as Steve's family, Buck eats them up as he is a hug slut. He would do anything for a hug, and he means that. While there is nothing wrong with wanting hugs, he blames his parents and their lack of hugs for his hug obsession.

"Kid," Comes Steve's burly voice in his ear as if he can read his mind. "I came because you're family, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for family." He gives Buck a tight squeeze, but a second later, his loosens and he adds, chortling, "You smell."

Rolling his eyes, Buck loudly snorts as he softly pulls out of Steve's embrace. Once free, he playfully slaps Steve's shoulder. "You did ambush me at work after we got back from a call, so..." He states matter of fact. "And this is nowhere near as bad as you that one time. You know the time. The time you fell in cow shit."

Steve's eye actually twitches. "If I…" He stresses, "remember correctly, I fell into that shit saving your dumbass." He pokes a sharp finger into his chest. "Next time, I will let you fall into the poop."

"And my dumbass thanks you." Buck gives him a huge, beaming smile.

Sarcastically blinking his eyes, Steve stares at Buck before he glances over his shoulder once more and says, "Why don't you give me that tour nice before your fellow firefighters explode with curiosity?" With another one of his famous smiles, he waves at the window.

Buck's eyes go large, as he whips around, following Steve's eyes. He blinks a few times when he spots Gallo and Ritter through the windows with large eyes and red faces. Try as they might, they cannot make the awkward turnabout not awkward, and like two lumbering robots, they swiftly saunter away. From the corner of his eyes, he notices a dark shadow move, but he is unable to make out what it is, which makes him wonder if he is seeing things. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He admits. He misses the awkwardness of family. "Okay, you want that tour now, Old Man?"

Steve grumbles. "You know what."

Buck takes a single step before he spins back to face Steve. His smile dies a little as he recalls the uncover assignment that Adam dragged him into. Like the lawsuit, it isn't something he wants to bring up at the fire station, but he needs backup on this, and Steve is one of the few people he trusts to have his back in a gun fire. "Steve." He starts. "There is something else you can help me with."

"Which is?" Steve asks, his eyes narrowing at Buck's tone.

"Well, I accidentally got dragged into an undercover thing with Chicago PD."

Steve blinks and, rather comically, his eyes drop to the logo on Buck's uniform. "How did that happen? I know you think you are a master detective at times, but there's still a CFD logo on your uniform."

Buck's right eye twitches in embarrassment, remembering a few of these calls. Back when he was new at the 118, he would call Steve just to level himself and chat about whatever case Steve was working on at the time. From there, Buck would drill Steve for details in an attempt to play detective and solve the case over the phone. 'Oh, I bet it was the husband. Wait…Maybe, it is the neighbor. Was there an affair?' Though Steve would never admit it, Buck likes to think he helped him solve a few cases. "Well… you see." Quickly, he goes over how he met Adam and how got pulled into the string.

"So, you got ambushed after ashift and now you have to get friendly with this Dom guy?" Steve asks, though it is mostly for his benefit.

"Yup."

Steve nods, his expression serious. "I got your back. Aways" A pause. "Always."

*O*O*

After Buck collects his thoughts from that warming yet awkward conversation—Steve's 'always' echoing in his head-, he stores Steve's bag in his locker and begins to show him the fire house, starting with the areas that are empty. (He still feels a bit off center from his seals days meeting his firefighter days.) Oddly enough, the gym is empty, though there is an odor of fresh sweat. Besides a teasing 'Are you keeping me away from your fellow firefighters, Buckley, for a reason?', it goes pretty well, and Steve is all smiles. He doesn't ask questions, his attention fully on Buck, again picking him apart piece by piece with his eyes. "You know people who look at me like that have to buy me dinner first," Buck smirks as he rubs his nose.

"I don't think that Lieutenant would that like that." Steve teases, cheekily.

Buck abruptly stops in his tracks, his mouth dropping. A few second pass as he picks his mouth off the floor. When Buck first noticed Steve standing in the fire station, everyone disappeared and all he saw was his former Commander, his Brother. However, he felt Kelly's aura. It felt off. Was he jealous? Surely not? But what would he be jealous of? Kelly makes him want to drop his pants, while he just wants hugs from Steve. "I-I don't know what you are taking about."

Steve rises his right eye brow and gives Buck 'who the hell are you kidding?' glaze, which cuts right through him. "Really? What else would you call it? He looks like someone kicked his puppy. He likes you." He joshes, his hand on his hip.

Bright pink, Buck frantically whips his head around, scanning the floor for anyone who may hear this painfully mortifying conversion. Admittedly, he's mainly looking for Kelly and his mouth-watering smile, but luckily, he doesn't see the Lieutenant, only a few members from the engine, who are too far away to overhear, chatting down the hall. "He…um… asked me out." He admits softly, still shocked that Kelly had asked him out. Had tracked him down to ask him out. At times, he wonders if he dreamt it, but he can never forget the kiss. Even now, his chest gets icy hot at that memory.

"Did you say yes?"

"Yes, but we hadn't set a date yet."

"Okay. We can work with that." He smirks, rubbing his hands together.

A second passes, and Buck just blinks. "What?!" His voice cracks.

"A date without a date? Nope. That is not good." Steve grins, teeth showing. Pointing his finger in the air, he adds, "This must be fixed."

Buck's brain fuzzes, as he flashes back to some of Steve's 'plans' (if they can be called that). While he has quite a successful track record, Steve has been known to do some risky things or just jump head first without thinking, so he has no doubt Steve has something crazy in his head. He would not put it past Steve to tie Kelly up by his toes until he picked a date. "Um…" Buck lets out a nervous laugh. "I-I don't know how I feel about that."

"What could go wrong?"

If this wasn't about his love life, Buck would laugh, enjoying the Steve's crazy plan. "A lot of things."

"You-" Steve starts but is interrupted by the sudden appearance of Chief Boden, who has broken free from his office after a few hours of paperwork. He has that 'I hate paperwork' look, his glasses halfway down his nose. "Who do we have here?" he asks, with that corky smile of his. Halfway between a smile and frown.

Steve, slipping into a semiserious mood, takes a step forward and holds out his hand. "Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett." His seriousness slips for a second. "The Kid and I served in the Navy together."

Taking his hand, Boden nods and replies. "Chief Wallace Boden."

Buck's eyes bounce to Steve before he returns his attention to Boden. "He had the misfortune of being my commanding Officer." He adds.

Clasping Buck on the shoulder, Steve disagrees. "Ah. You aren't that bad. I suffered through worse." He squeezes Buck's shoulder once more before his hand drops to his side.

Boden's oddball, half smile is now a full smile. "I can second that. You aren't that bad, Buckley."

Unless prior innocent jokes that felt like targeted hits, this feels like a joke, which makes Buck's chest feel as light as a feather. "Oh. Geez thanks." He rolls his eyes. "You two aren't that bad either."

"Not too bad? Not sure, how I feel about that." Boden hums. Turning back to Steve, he extends, "You're welcome to join us for Dinner, though we never know what we will get."

"That depends on who's cooking. It isn't Buckley, is it? He used to burn water." Steve teases.

Buck glares at Steve, plotting his revenge as they speak. "Hey now! Is it pick on Buck day? And my skills have improved dramatically." Thanks to Bobby. That thought is a knife to the gut, him still grieving over the loss of that father-son relationship. He doesn't think he will ever be over it.

"No, Buckley's food has been a hit in the firehouse. We will keep him that for that." Boden teases softly as he winks at younger man.

"I guess I will have to judge for myself." Steve expresses.

"I'll show you!" Buck stabs Steve in his chest with his finger. "Let's go!"

*O*O*

It doesn't take much convincing for Buck to take cooking responsibility from Gallo and Ritter, who except the offer within seconds, but the duo stays close and watches, talking his ear off. Buck, a talker himself, doesn't mind it, as he talks about his many cooking fails. Thanks to Steve, Buck's kitchen screw up are the hot topic, and the station is getting lots of laugh out of it. "It's not that bad."

"I'm surprised you still ate it!" Gallo exclaims.

Mouch twists around and rests this arm on the back of the couch. "I want to know how you messed up instant Ramen. You just add water and heat. Done."

Steve snorts, which draws Buck's irate. "You shut up." He grumbles. "I don't know if I like you here. Telling all of my secrets."

"I guess you're really a puppy then, if that's all of your secrets, Buckley." Casey interjects as he strolls into the room, a stack of papers under his arm.

Buck's cheeks blush at the term 'puppy', which isn't the first occurrence. He was called a puppy a few times. While he takes it in stride, he doesn't know how he feels about it. Some days, he laughs alongside everyone; other days, he does not. "I…umm… yea." He squeaks, as he glances around the room, a bit embarrassed. His eyes zip around the room, eyeing each person for a long second, and as if he has been slapped, he starkly realizes who he is looking for: a certain Squad Lieutenant who is missing from sight. Unsure when the last time he has seen the man, he rewinds the day in his head and quickly fast forwards through it. He doesn't remember seeing Kelly since Steve has shown up.

Setting down his playing cards, Capp takes a large, comical sniff, as he sits at the small round table with Cruz and Ferraris. "So, how did burnt Ramen turn into that? That smells heavenly."

Buck stares at the chili, the aroma simply wonderful though not perfect. While Bobby had basically given him this recipe, he kept one ingredient a secret and had joked that he kept this one ingredient a secret so that Buck would have to keep coming back. Buck's heart skips at the memory. It's a bit hilarious (and painful) to think about it now, him cooking it in Chicago with no communication with his former Captain. "My old Captain thought it was a tragedy that I couldn't cook, so he whipped me into gear." The air in his lung suddenly goes ice cold remembering Bobby's cold stare.

"You know, Casey. You should take this as a sign to teach me your rib—"

"Not a chance, Gallo." Casey shots back.

Watching Casey and Gallo throw playful banter at each other over these ribs, the chilliness in Buck's chest vanishes and his body relaxes, the breath he is holding releasing. Buck can literally sit in his fire house all day and watch these loveable fools banter. The love—Suddenly, someone firmly bumps their shoulder into his, snapping Buck from his thought. While his identity shouldn't surprise him, it's Steve, and he checks on him with his eyes to make sure he is okay before he takes a snuff of the chili. "Hey now, wait your turn or you will have to find another couch to sleep on."

Steve takes a step back, hands in the air. "Geez."

Ritter glances at Steve. "Staying with Buck during your time in Chicago?"

"Yup."

"That's only so he will have to return the favor when I visit him." Buck throws out, getting in his points now.

"Oh, you are visiting me now?" Steve asks, lifting a right eye brow.

If he is being honest, Buck has no idea why he hasn't already visited Steve in Hawaii yet. It is fucken Hawaii, and this asshole lives on the beach. Buck can literally sleep on the beach every night. "You have a beach in the backyard."

Steve just laughs. "I see how it is. You just want me for my beach."

"I just want you for your beach." Buck reiterates, mischievously.

Gallo's eyes snap to Steve. "Wait, where do you live?"

"He lives in Honolulu. Will you still not tell me how he can afford a beach front property in Hawaii?" Buck inquires, giving Steve the sink eye. Okay, he knows the house is Steve's father, but he has looked up property in Hawaii prior, and let Buck tell you, he would be homeless if he tried to live there.

"I inherited it from my dad." Steve answers as if he hasn't answered this hundred for the hundredth time.

Mouch promptly sits up. "Okay, so you and Buck here are good friends. Does the couch invite extend to the rest of us?" he asks as the entire room looks at Steve. "Because we can all be family."

While Mouch's question is only halfway serious, Buck knows how strongly Steve views family and how he will always provide a bed no matter the situation. If Buck had not ended up in Chicago, he could see Steve forcing him to Honolulu to live with him. Family is everything to Steve, so he may not consider 51 his family but Buck is his family. "Eh," Buck utters. "You wouldn't want to bunk with him unless you want a 5am wake up call to go for a 5-mile swim. He also likes his coffee cups in a specific order." Buck mocks him with his hand, pretending to put an imaginary coffee cup at every 5 inches.

Steve exasperatingly rolls his eyes. "It's very important that there is an appropriate amount of space between them, so they don't get chipped." This got a few laughs. "You just like to throw your cups around."

Buck, grinning, shakes his head in an no motion before he adds the final ingredient to the chili. "Trust me. This guy will send you running for the hills." He pats Steve softly on the chest.

Casey brings his hand to his chin and ponders for a moment. "Hmm. I don't know. I might put up with it for a few days in Hawaii." A round of Yeses follows.

Cruz looks over Capp's shoulder at the two, studying them for a moment before he says, "So, Buck how long were you in the Navy for?"

Buck glances at Steve but answers, "Only a few years, but Stevie here was in for what… 13 years?"

"Not counting the reserves, 14 years, nearly 15." Steve corrects. "Joined when I turned 18."

Herrmann, who had stepped into the room a minute prior, whistles. "Wow, that's a career." He isn't the only one amazed by that. "So, what made you leave the service? After 14 years, I would think you were a lifer. For me, Boden will have to kick me off this job before I leave."

"I currently led a major crime task force for the state of Hawaii." He answers, as he rubs his nose.

"Appointed by the Government herself." Buck adds proudly.

Steve looks off for a second. "Pretty sure she regretted." He snorts to himself.

"Because you are a handful."

As if he has been greatly insulted, Steve blinks at Buck. "Excuse me?! You have that backwards. Does someone have a mirror to show the Kid?"

Buck rolls his eyes. "Ha Ha," he remarks as he tastes test the chili once last time. Once again, he thinks back to Bobby, and once more, his chest is tight. "You're lucky. Food is done." It doesn't take long for a line to form for the yummy smelling chili, and not long after everyone receive their bowls for everyone to sing his praises. These praises force away the chilliness in his heart away, and Buck feels better. Yes, Steve is still eyeing him, his blue eyes piecing right through him. Another reminder that Steve isn't going to let him off the hook without an explanation no matter how much he bats his own blue eyes at him.

*O*O*

"You two are super cute together."

Stella's –mostly innocent—words echo loudly in Kelly's brain, and he curses her for it. While she may play it off, she knew exactly what she was doing, and he hates (though not really) her for it. While the bear hug did surprise him, Kelly didn't (well, tried) put much stock into it. People hug. Men are allowed to hug, even if they are six feet giants with more muscles than anyone should be permitted to have. No, Kelly is not insecure. Although he may sound conceited, he is an extremely good-looking man and has no issues getting dates… well besides the Squirrelly Buck who he had to chase down.

Anyhow, Kelly is totally okay with them hugging, especially big old bear hugs. For example, Matt and he hug a lot. Shit, this entire firehouse is very hug friendly, him witnessing a hug daily, so Kelly doesn't see anything wrong with hugs, especially if they from old time friends—old time Navy buddies… Yes, Kelly is still stunned by that revelation, though that doesn't change Kelly's opinion of Buck. No in fact, he is more fascinated in Buck's story.

Anyhow, Kelly was okay with that hug until Stella threw out that little line of hers. Like, seriously?! Why did she say that? Okay, 51 is known for ball busting, and weird liners like this are said often between these walls, which is how they show love. Kelly can't tell you how many times he has face-palmed over something Capp has said and don't get him started on Gallo and Ritter, who word vomit. Yet, Stella's words punch him hard in the gut, and it takes several minutes for Kelly to collect his breath. By the time he comes around to even his breathing, Buck, still in his gear, and this Steve fellow had left the apparatus floor and Stella is laughing at him.

He blinks in confusion and fights back the urge to rear back surprised by her close proximity. "H-hey," he utters uneasily.

"Did I break you?" Stella asks, innocently. "Or did that sailor do it for you?"

The word 'Sailor' triggers something deep within him, and a picture—though generated by his horny imagination—of Buck in a white Sailor unform pops up in his head. Kelly can't tell you how this brain created this mouth dropping image, but he does wonder if Buck has any of his old Naval unforms hanging around… No, you can't ask him that. His brain tries to reason with him. Why not? I bet he looks so good in that white uniform. Kelly shakes his head quickly in a failed attempt to rid himself of it. "Did he do it for you?" he shots back.

"Buck? Oh yea. I bet he looked so pretty in his Navy uniform." Stella's eyes glass over for a second as she forms an image in her own head. "You think he has any of his old uniforms?" She asks with a grin before she pauses as her eyes refocus on Kelly. "Did you know he was in the Navy? I wonder why he never mentioned it."

Kelly doesn't know if Stella means it or if she is teasing him, but knowing her, it's probably a mixture of both. "You can ask him if he does." he replies with a forced smile. He pauses to take a breath. "And he probably has his reasons for keeping it to himself." From what Buck had told Kelly, this tracks. Buck has spent the last months at 118 being isolated, shunned by his former friends, and it takes a while to break through that conditioning and open up.

Stella turns her crushing attention back to Kelly. "So did I break you?" She probes, giving him a Chester Cat smile.

Huffing, Kelly rolls his eyes and turns away. "You're impossible."

An overdramatic hand to her chest, Stella puffs out her lip and acts like she has been morally injured. "Ouch, Kelly Severide. Ouch. I thought you loved me."

Kelly shakes his head and takes a few steps away from Stella before he stops mid step. With his thump, he rubs the length of his bottom lip, his mind still struggling with Stella's comment. A question forces its way forward and bounces hard and painfully against the sides of his head. It tries to break free, but he swallows it down. He isn't ready to hear whatever comes from her mouth, no doubt he will not be a fan of the answer. Why would she say that?

Stella cocks her head to the side, her smile soft. She stares at the back of his head for a few seconds. "Are you okay, Kelly?" she asks.

"Yup Fine." He basically shoves out his words as he walks away.

*O*O*

While Kelly recognizes the jealousy simmering in his gut, it is harder to push it aside. Yes, he knows it is illogical and not reasonable, and it is definitely not Buck's problem. Yet, it still gets under Kelly's skin, which annoys him. He has no right to feel this way about Buck's friendship; this Steve guy served with Buck in the Navy, an unbreakable brotherhood. Sure, Kelly has just met this man and has no idea how this bond formed, but it's clear as day. There's a protectiveness in Steve's eyes that cannot be ignored, which Kelly understands well. Buck brings it out of people; plus, Buck pulled a bullet out of his arm. That is definitely beer worthy.

With a huff, Kelly shakes his head, attempting to clear his mind. Once again, he wishes he had some paperwork to work on or some additional tools to take apart and clean. Granted, that would involve turning around to face Stella and her inquisitive stare. With her words still bouncing around in his head, he isn't ready to do the self-reflection that she will throw at him. 'Baby' he huffs at himself as he heads to the locker/restroom to wash off his dirty hands.

Kelly stands in front of the bathroom mirror, staring into his own eyes as he washes the oil and dirt from his hand. Even after a few attempts, there is still black under his fingernails. He stares at his darken nails as he takes a deep breath. "It's fine." He tells himself as he turns away from the mirror and heads out to join the rest of the firehouse. He spots and ignores Gallo and Ritter as they spy on the ex-floater and his friend in the conference room.

*O*O*

Kelly, needing something in his hands, grabs today's newspaper and sits at the end of the table in the dining area. He quickly takes note of everyone in the room. He isn't sure why, considering the person he is looking for isn't in the room, and he knows this, considering Buck and Steve McGarrett are in the conference room. He didn't linger outside of the conference room, as they were having a deep conversation and it isn't any of Kelly's business. Granted, Kelly can probably make an educated guess, and honestly, he would love to have some backup in the anti- 118 firehouse club. At the thought, Kelly snorts. He feels a tiny bit sorry for anyone who would face Kelly and Steve.

It's on his fourth attempt at reading the sport page that Gallo and Ritter stroll in, looking pink face and guilty. With these two, Kelly knows better than to ask, as that will get him a rather lengthy crazy story that he doesn't care for. Casey on the hand is rather amused by their stories and will ask.

"What did you two get into?" Casey asks, his eyes in narrow, as he studies the two. "Did you two break something?"

Gallo raises up his right arm over his head and scratches the back of his head. "Buck and his friend caught us staring."

Cruz picks up his head and glances over from the table. His eyes drill into Gallo and Ritter. "Why were you staring at them for? That's creepy"

"Yea, very creepy," Capp throws out, before returning back to the card game. With his tongue sticking out, he stares intently at the playing cards in his hard, taking his time to pick the best card.

Gallo, still pink, waves them off. "It's a firehouse. Nothing is safe. I'm pretty sure we've seen each other naked countless time."

Mouch blinks before he shakes that image out of his head. "No. Don't even put those images into my head or else."

Kelly snorts, silently agreeing with man, as there is no one in this firehouse that he wants to naked… not counting Buck. To Gallo's point, they have seen each other naked plenty of times, but again, in this line of work, it's common and something he is used to. Dealing with emergencies, the alarms can ring at any time, and they may have to jump into action right from the showers. Everyone in this house is used to it, and they each have some kind of mental bleach to rid themselves of those images. "So, what exactly were you two spying on?" he asks, redirecting the conversation. Granted, he doesn't know which conversation is worse: 51's naked bodies or Buck and Steve staring into each other's eyes.

"Gallo is a bit fascinated by Buck's friend." Ritter replies.

Gallo throws Ritter a look. "You are as well. They were both in the Navy, and we were bit curious what they both did."

Casey takes a deep breath. "If Buck wants to tell you, he will. Don't bug him." His tone is clear, this is their only warning.

A memory worms itself form, and Buck's topless—sexy- form appears in Kelly's head. Buckley's several tattoos pop forward in his mind, brighter than he recalls them to be. He quickly goes through each of them, a story that he wants to ask Buck about, until he remembers the skeleton frog on his bicep. While he has never served in the military, he knows tattoos are often used to symbolize service and sacrifice. Failing to recall the meaning behind the frog, he pulls out his phone and googles it quickly. Fortunately, it is a common tattoo in the Navy and the meaning and significance comes up right away.

Kelly blinks, as he rereads the significances, the implication clear. The skeleton frog is a tattoo that honors a fallen Navy Seal, which means Buck was a Navy Seal who lost a teammate. Honestly, Buck being a Seal doesn't really surprise him as Buck runs into danger without a second thought and the kid is built like a horse. That kid is willing to give up his life at any second of any point of the day. However, his heart does go out to Buck as he knows how it feels to lost someone. Between Andy and Shay's death, Kelly has had his heart broken several times.

"What? It was a full-on bear hug," Gallo says, snapping Kelly's attention back to him.

"You jealous, Gallo?" Cruz teases.

Ritter laughs. "I think I am." That earns a few laughs. "That was some hug."

While Kelly spaced out for a second, it doesn't take a genius to figure who Ritter and Gallo caught in a hug. No, Kelly is not jealous as hugs are perfectly fine, especially if he is correct in his assumption about Buck's naval career. So, again, Kelly is okay, but he doesn't want to hear about the big bear hug. "You can ask the guy for a hug. He may give you one," he says, as he gets to his feet, folding the newspaper under his arm. He's going to go hide in his office.

Ritter straights up and shoots Kelly a calculating stare but he pushes it side. "I just might."

*O*O*

Kelly leans back, tilting the chair onto the back legs, as he stares up at the ceiling, throwing a small stress ball up into the air and catching it when it drops. He, clearing out his mind, forces out every thought from his head and focuses on the ball, eyeing the smooth spin. The chair rocks dangerously, when his throw is off and he has to fling his arm back behind him to catch it. "Shit," he curses, his heart beat picking up, as his chair rocks too far back. His arms fly up and out to the side, dropping the ball, as he tries to balance himself. For nearly ten—long—seconds, he believes he is doomed and going down painfully, but at the last second, he lurks forward saving himself from catastrophe.

The front legs of the chair, which were once in the air, strike the ground hard and almost buckles between Kelly's weight. The loud echo of metal hitting the ground is deafeningly in his ears for a few seconds and he sits perfectly still, collecting his thoughts. "Shit." He curses, softer this time.

"That was funny."

Kelly, surprised and a bit frustrated, straights his back and whips his head around to see Stella leaning in the doorway. "I'm a funny guy." He replies drily.

With a fat grin, Stella's head bounces side to side as she ponders that. "Sometimes. Sometimes, you are an asshole."

Settling back in his chair, Kelly snorts as he reaches down for the ball. With a cheesy smile, he says, "But a loveable one."

"If you say so."

"I do." Kelly replies cheerily, as he squeezes the ball. "Do you need me?"

"Always, Kelly." Stella smiles. "However, I came to let you know Buck made Chili if you want some and that you don't need to be anti-social."

"Not anti-Social." He huffs softly. While he can see he can see the argument, he hid himself in his office for a few reasons. One, he needed to clear his head (his jealousy is his problem), and two, he just excitedly finished the final touches on his date with Buck, making it perfect. Warmth floods him as he thinks about the soon to be smile on Buck's face when he surprises him. Granted, he isn't sure he will be able to separate Buck from his friend, and he doesn't want to be some third wheel. Though, he supposes he should get to know this guy as this man is important to Buck, which means it is important for Steve and him to like each other. "Just tired."

Stella rolls her eyes, not buying it. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Kelly."

There is no hiding anything from Stella as she will poke and poke until he spills. "I asked Buck out, and-"

Stella snorts and cuts him off, "About time! I thought Foster was going to beat you to it and I can only stall her for so long."

Kelly narrows his eyes, jealous spiking. "What?"

"Don't worry about it. I got it." She grins, as she waves him off. "Is—Wait." She abruptly stops her current sentence and changes course. "Then what do you have to be grumpy about?" She pauses. "Is this about Buck's hot friend and about what I said earlier? About them being cute together? I didn't mean anything by it. They are just two extremely good-looking men." She stares at him, blinking. "Oh, come on, Kelly!"

Why is he getting chastised? "Don't look at me like that!" And again, Kelly knows he is being stupid, which is why he is hiding in his office.

"Will you stop being a child?" she asks, raising one of her eyebrows.

Kelly has no idea how to respond to Stella as she stares him down like that. "I am not," he protests as he pushes up on his chair and gets to his feet. "Can't a guy think in peace?"

Stella laughs at him. "You're in the wrong building for that."

That stops that train of thought as she has Kelly there. "I suppose you are right."

"Damn straight."

*O*O*

Steve and Buck are still at the stove when Kelly strolls in, deep in conversation. He stands in the doorway for a minute observing them before going for a helping of chili. He eyes them from the corner of his eyes as he scoops his steaming, hot chili into the bowl. Seeing the smiles on everyone's face, Kelly pulls a spoon from the drawer to taste, his eyes still on the two men. As he takes a few slips of chili, he, blinking, is stunned. The taste just wows him. Okay, Buck's chili did hit the spot, which everyone is in agreement about.

This includes Steve McGarrett, who looks absolutely flabbergasted. He literally looks like he can be knocked over with a feather as he takes another bite. "Geez, Kid! If I knew you cook this well, I would have visited sooner." He jokes. "Or I could just take you back to Hawaii with me."

Buck is all smiles, which goes directly to Kelly's gut. He has such a jaw dropping smile that Kelly can't stop smiling at. "More Steve McGarrett? Now that is scary."

"Now, you are sounding like Danny."

Buck loudly snorts. "If the shoe fits."

With his bowl of chili in hand, Kelly, eyes still on the two, takes a seat next to Casey who is watching him watch them. This doesn't go unnoticed by Kelly, but he ignores it. "This is good," he absently says to Casey.

"Agreed."

They (whoever they are) say running into burning buildings builds bonds that cannot be destroyed, and Kelly can strongly contest to that. While he isn't best friends (Not braid hair level of friendship) with everyone in this fire house, they are his family, and he will risk his life for every single one of them. Kelly can only imagine what that bond is like between Navy Seals, who spent years together in hell, but the bond Buck and Steve is very evident. It's almost scary to see the look in each of their eyes when they share glances. It is also evidence how much Buck just lights up in his presence. No, Kelly is not jealous.

*O*O*

It's almost time to turn in for the night (them praying for no calls) when Kelly spots Steve twirling a set of car keys on his index fingers heading toward the streets. He has a duffel over one shoulder. "Heading out?" he asks, attempting to be friendly… Not that Kelly has to attempt to be friendly. He is a very friendly person.

Steve stops and straightens up to his full height. "I think you guy had enough of this handsome face." He motions to his face and gives him a big smile.

Yes… "Never." Kelly replies. "So where are you heading? Your hotel?"

"No. The Kid—Buck," Steve corrects, "is letting me crash on his couch." He waves Buck's keys in the air. "Granted, me, at my age—don't tell the kid that-, and couches don't match. Will climb into his bed and probably shove his butt over."

Climb into his bed? What the hell? Who says this? A part of Kelly wonders if someone upstairs hates him and Steve has been sent here to mess with his brain. Like seriously? Who in the hell says this stuff? Is Steve fucking with him? This man has to be fucking with him, right? But then again, they say brothers in arms are weird. "I don't think he shares well."

"Not at all."

"Old man!" Buck shouts, his voice cutting throw the air, as he runs to them.

Steve's eye twitches. "You know what."

"What?" Buck cheekily and innocently replies. "Anyhow, just a friendly warning: you mess up my Jeep and I will hurt you."

While there is a playful tone in Buck's tone, Kelly knows that threat is serious. The Ex-Floater has not said it aloud, but Kelly knows the Jeep means a lot to him, an escape hatch for him. It is his baby. "Excuse me? You think you can take me?"

Buck is all smiles. "Yes."

Cheeky Bastard is the first thing that comes to mind when Kelly stares at Buck's beaming face. This is playful Mode Buck, and Kelly finds it highly attractive.

"Who do you think you are? I trained you." Steve protests.

Buck snorts. "A life time ago. Now, I have a Halligan. You got Firefighter Buckley, and he is scary."

"Talking about yourself in the third person now?" Steve playfully counters.

"Yes." Buck resorts, unbashful. However, before he can say another word, the siren erupts throughout the firehouse, awaking the falling asleep firehouse.

"Ambulance 61, Truck 81, car fire."

"Got to go!" Buck shouts and makes a dash to truck 81 as Kelly and Steve step aside to allow the men through.

Kelly eyes each member of truck 81 and Ambo 61 run to their position for a second before he eyes Steve, whose smile had dropped for a second, only for a second. It returns a second later as his eyes zero in on Buck's ass in his turnover gear. While Kelly wishes he was doing more than sitting in the firehouse, he can grateful that he is gifted with image of Buck in his gear.

"I can see why." Steve shots out. His voice isn't soft, but no one is listening with the vehicles roar as they roll out of the firehouse.

"You can see why what?"

"Why people go for firefighters. Those uniform, man."

It takes a second for Kelly to comprehend what Steve McGarrett had just said and who he is talking about. Again, Kelly is not jealous as Steve and Buck are Seal buddies, brothers in every way but blood…. And yet, he is making odd comments like that. What the hell?! Stop it. He tries to tell himself. Puffing out his cheeks, he glances up to reply to Steve, but the man is gone as he had already made it to the driveway, heading toward Buck's Jeep.

Against his better judgement, Kelly watches Steve as he walks away, and damn it, that man is just as good-looking walking away. Again, Kelly is a very good-looking man, which he knows very well, but Steve is a 6ft something god with the arms to match. He can only imagine what his abs look like under his tight shirt. Then, he has that million-dollar smile, the smile that could charm anyone. Plus, with those pretty blue eyes of him, Kelly doesn't know how Steve isn't fighting off suitors. Shit, Kelly curses as he finds himself visualizing that smile.

Kelly deeply breathes through his mouth and exhales through his nose. He isn't sure how long this Steve guy is staying in town or how long he is staying in Buck's place—possibly in his bed-, but he isn't sure he will be able to last for long. Kelly isn't super religious, but he glances up and says a silent prayer to whoever is up there to give him the grace to outlast Steve. He will need all of the help that he can get, or he may just go crazy.

The end for now

Does anyone else think Kelly will last Steve? I think Steve is going to drive him nuts.

Please let me know what you think?

And remember, you can find me on tumblr. Same username.