So what if he liked dogs? Why did it matter? It's not like he was going to buy a dog to just annoy him. It's not like he was going to buy him a dog for the house. Why did it bother him so much that he liked dogs? Do the dogs mean something? What do they symbolize? What's their purpose? Was it just because he didn't like dogs? Or was it because of his infatuation with cats? One thing was for sure: the fact that his partner liked dogs was not sitting well with him.
Cats. Of course he loved cats. Of course he would call them adorable little ninjas. Of course he would love that they keep their predatory instinct. They were animals, just like him; wild and sneaky and stupid. Why the hell was it still on his mind? Why did it matter if the Neanderthal liked cats? Why was it flying all over his mind? Why did it seem to make him a bit upset? He mentally cursed as he knew that he wouldn't be letting the subject go until he talked to Steve again.
Danny arrived home after another therapy session with Steve. He threw himself onto the couch and sighed. The session was like it usually was: they'd exchange words and thoughts, be it nice or not; showing the therapist that they weren't "improving," only to be called back for another session. They had another session next week, and Danny was fine with that. But, learning about Steve and how he was raised to not show much emotion made Danny question whether they should really continue the sessions. Sure, he loved the idea of Steve opening up and being able to express his feelings and emotions with, but if it made him uncomfortable or bothered him, then Danny really didn't want to force Steve. Regardless if at least one session was required for them, Danny didn't want Steve to feel like he was being forced.
Danny pulled out his phone and saw that he got a text from Steve. It was over wanting to hang out tomorrow. Danny arched an eyebrow; given that he and Steve wouldn't text over something like simply hanging out. They would just show up at each others' doors and go from there. Danny didn't decide to question it and just told Steve that he was okay to hang out tomorrow. He assumed that it was likely Steve wanted to talk tomorrow about more feelings or something. Something that Danny wanted to discuss, even though it might be stupid, was there animal preference. He really didn't know why he was so focused on Steve liking cats. Hopefully, Steve would be up for more talks about feelings and stuff to find out why he liked cats.
Steve placed his phone on the table as he grabbed the bottle next to it and took a sip; watching as the small oceans waves crashed as they reached the shore. He put the bottle down and took in a deep breath through his nose. He knew that Danny would probably find it weird that he texted him to hang out, rather than just show up at his front door. But, Steve had some weird feeling to just text him the information. He couldn't explain it. It wasn't because he wanted to get into his feelings and let everything out on Danny. Sure, Steve loved that Danny was making such an effort to be apart of his life and get to know him better, but he still wanted to keep his walls up because he had that pessimistic side that felt like Danny would leave or maybe even betray him. He knew it was stupid to think something like that, but it seemed like some of Danny's negativity or pessimism rubbed off on the Navy SEAL. Steve also decided that he wanted to know why Danny loved dogs so much. Their small discussion of their pet preferences didn't leave Steve's mind and replayed constantly. Why the hell was it bothering him so much? He would find out tomorrow, he supposed.
Danny arrived at Steve's house at around nine thirty in the morning. The SEAL made breakfast and both ate in utter silence. This is something that never happened. Every time they ate, the two would always argue about something. But, now there was just silence. Not just any silence; awkward silence. They hadn't experienced this kind of silence since they first few days they started working together. It was uncomfortable for the both of them. They would shoot each other quick glances every few minutes; trying to see what the other was thinking. They both were relieved once they both finished breakfast. They went out to Steve's backyard and sat in the chairs facing the ocean. They both watched the ocean for a couple of minutes; collecting their thoughts and preparing themselves for the conversation they knew was going to happen.
"So," began Danny, "...um, what's up, Steve?"
The Navy SEAL looked into Danny's eyes and said, "I wanted to say that I'm-I'm sorry."
The New Jersey detective arched an eyebrow. "Wha—Sorry? What-What are you sorry about?"
"About not being open with you; not expressing myself to you. You know, I-I haven't been fully open with you and I should be open to tell you anything, you know? I mean, I've known you for five years now, and you know only, like, five things about me personally. I know about ninety-nine percent of your life. After the stakeout—and you buying me the guitar—I've been thinking a lot. And, I don't think it's fair that I'm keeping my walls up when you put them down with me long ago."
Danny stuck his lips out a bit and nodded his head.
"Um, all right. Steve, listen. You—don't—how do I say this? Uh, don't feel like you have to tell me everything about you, okay? I understand that you had it rough growing up and almost everyone you loved and cared for before ended up lying to you or betraying you. You're just...scarred by it still."
Steve slowly nodded his head. "You know, coming here and working with Five-O, was supposed to be a kind of reset. Working with new people and faces, excluding Chin, and forming bonds with them. We've become ohana over the years and have all built trust. But, I feel like my bonds aren't solidified, especially with you."
"Okay, Steve, I understand that you feel a need to tell me things about you after the stakeout and some guilt you feel. But, I don't want to learn more about your life and hear you out emotionally if you're forcing yourself rather than letting it happen naturally. I'm sorry that maybe I've been pushing you up against a wall to try and get stuff out of you. Like you said, we were raised differently. The Williams, we were all open with our emotions, always spoke our minds to one another, even if it pissed them off. We were encouraged to express emotions and were taught that showing emotions is a sign of a fighter. I mean, we're human, you know? And you're human to, ya animal. You came up from a place with walls and judgement. It's understandable for you to not spill often. So, I'm sorry for constantly trying to get it out of you."
Steve looked at Danny and shook his head.
"No, Danny..."
"No, seriously, I can see that maybe I stepped over a line that shouldn't be crossed yet—or ever."
Steve sighed. "Danny, it's not like that, okay? I'm just...I'm slowly opening to the idea of talking more to you about my life and emotions, okay?"
"Steve, you know I won't judge you. You know that I'm always gonna be here for you no matter what. And, you also know that as your friend—your best friend—that I will respect you if you wish to not tell me anything about yourself."
Steve placed a hand on his chin. This is kind of how he pictured the whole scenario to go down. He would apologize and Danny would start saying at how he didn't have to tell him anything. He knew Danny would try to play hero and act as if he's actually okay with Steve not opening up to him. Steve knew that Danny found a kind of security with people opening up to him. It's like Danny when he tells someone he loves them. He doesn't say it often because he saves it for times when he means the words. Sure, saying it to someone accompanied by a hug or something was one thing, but it was different with Danny. Like the day when he and Steve were stuck underneath a crumbled building after an explosion. The two shared things, Danny giving away that he has claustrophobia, and just trying to keep him in check. After that whole ordeal, Danny and Steve hugged and they finally exchanged 'I love you's' that were real; genuine. It was the moment that solidified their 'marriage.' They stopped expressing on paper, as it were, and started being more genuine with one another. They would express it through their arguments and the little moments they would have together after cases. But after that event, Danny had opened up more emotionally to Steve. And Steve, just seemed to take a gigantic step backwards, putting up more walls than he already had up.
"But, I want to tell you more about myself; to open up more emotionally," said Steve.
"Then, we'll take it slow, babe. One step,—or day—at a time. But again, Steve, don't feel like you need to, all right?" responded Danny.
"But I don't feel like I need to. I want open up more because I don't find it fair that you're so open with me and I'm a closed book with a lock with you."
Danny sighed. He could understand why Steve felt this way. But, he didn't want Steve to feel pressured into talking about himself. Opening up oneself to someone else isn't easy, regardless if they're good friends. People have walls up, and that's okay. Danny grew up with some people who had walls. Not like the ones Steve has up, but still.
"Okay then," said Danny, "then, tell me something about yourself. Like...why do you like cats?"
Steve arched an eyebrow. So, they were finally going to talk more about their liking of cats or dogs, huh? Steve took a deep breath before responding.
"Growing up in Hawaii, we had a cat. His name was Charlie. He was such a cool cat. He was quiet and sneaky. I took care of him the most; felt like my bond with him grew to the point where I would know where he was around the house or what he was feeling. He was so awesome, that it hurt when we had to leave him behind once my mom faked her death and my dad sent me and Mary to the mainland."
Danny slowly nodded his head as he listened intently.
"Anyway, on the mainland, I had another cat. Her name was Lucy. She was quieter than Charlie and she was practically a ninja. She would climb up walls, jump from high places, sneak up on you at the worst times. She was the most rad cat I had."
"What happened to her?"
"She...uh, she passed away a few months before I went into the Navy."
"...I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
"Have you thought of maybe getting another cat?"
Steve nodded his head. "Yeah. But, given how hyper aware I am, I feel like I would shoot the poor thing if it snuck up on me."
Danny chuckled.
"So, I love cats cause I grew up with them and I saw how straightforward they were. But, I mean, I like dogs. Dogs are awesome and cuddly and sweet. But, I just prefer cats."
Danny nodded his head. "Okay. Interesting. Thank you for telling me, Steven."
"So...what about you and dogs?" Steve asked as he looked at Danny.
Danny looked at Steve for a moment before responding. "Uh—I-I had two dogs growing up. The first was a Labrador Retriever; her name was Amy. She was the sweetest dog we had. She was already old when I came around. But, I got enough time to spend with her and she was just the best. When she died, my family mourned for a year. Afterwards, we got another dog; a German Shepherd. We named him...Danno."
Steve arched an eyebrow and cut Danny off. "Wait, hold on. You—Your family—Danno?"
Danny nodded his head. "Uh, yes. We called him Danno and he was the best dog that anyone could honestly have. Dad taught him to protect us; even teaching him to attack on command. Danno kept us safe. Even though he was trained to be a tough nut—like you—he had his gummy moments. I loved Danno's loyalty to my family; his love for all of us equally. My affinity for dogs came from him and Amy."
Steve nodded his head. "Okay. Is Danno still alive?"
Danny shook his head. "He died a few years before I came to this rock."
"...I'm sorry, man."
"Nah don't worry. Got over it over the years."
"Is that why you don't like being called Danno?"
Danny didn't really make a gesture to give a motioned response. "Not exactly. I mean, I don't really like anyone calling me Danno, except for Grace—and you I suppose. But I guess maybe part of it is for that reason."
Silence fell upon the two for a solid minute before Steve asked, "So, um, do you at least...like cats?"
Danny shook his head slowly; much to Steve's chagrin.
"Sorry, babe, but cats are a no-no for me. I just don't like that they're constantly scheming."
"Wha-scheming? Danny, they're just cats. They prowl around and keep to themselves."
"That-That is the problem, uh, Steven. They're sneaky and like living in silence."
Steve rolled his eyes.
"You know, Grace asked me to get her a cat."
"Really? And what? You got her a fish instead? Since you want her to be a marine biologist."
Danny scoffed a bit. "Seriously? You think-Look, you putz, I told her that I was not going to buy her a cat. She got upset at me and then, Stan and Rachel—of course—bought her a cat."
Steve chuckled. "Should have just bought her a cat Danny."
"I refuse beyond all else to buy a cat. I would rather buy an snake or some other illegal animal than a cat."
"Really? All that energy to keep cats away from you? It must be exhausting."
"Look, you animal, point is, I don't like cats, Grace got one and got bored of it after a couple months."
Another silence fell upon the two. They sat in the uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Thinking about what to say next. To Danny, Steve seemed like he was willing to be vulnerable at the moment; which is what he didn't want. To Steve, Danny didn't want to talk because he felt that Steve was forcing himself to open up; which is what he didn't want.
"Thank you," said Steve.
Danny looked at Steve with a slightly confused look. "For what?"
"For listening."
Danny made an oh sound and nodded his head. "Of course. You know I'll always be here to listen to you. And thank you for sharing another part of yourself with me."
Steve nodded his head with a light smile. He actually felt a little relieved at telling Danny more about himself.
"We'll take it slowly Steve, okay? Baby steps."
Steve nodded his head. "Right. Baby steps."
"You know, for the sake of wanting a laugh and to see you smile, there is one cat that I like."
"Oh?" Steve asked, curiosity peaked.
"It's you, ya schmuck. I love you, babe."
Steve couldn't help but smile and let out a small laugh. "God that was cheesy. But, I love you, too, Danno."
-x-x-x-x-x-
Everything changed since that day. Ever since that conversation...they changed. Steve was more attentive to Danny, noting the little things in the detective's life; cherishing them and talking to him about them. Danny started being more careful around Steve; talking to him from time to time to help the Navy SEAL detox over any stresses he had. They seemed...less like themselves since that day. They still argued, but there was just something...missing. They couldn't explain it. Perhaps it was that Steve was deciding to be more open with Danny. Maybe Steve being open wasn't supposed to happen. Perhaps it was too much for the universe to handle.
But it seemed like no one else seemed to notice. To them, Danny and Steve were still the same married couple that argued often and got stuff done when it came to working on cases. To them, nothing had changed. But to Danny and Steve...everything had changed.
The more Steve paid attention to Danny's life and every little detail, the more he discovered something about himself. He couldn't explain it. It was a kind of warm feeling. But, not the warm feeling that he would have when normally seeing Danny. He was his best friend and always got a warm feeling when he saw Danny everyday. But, not something about the feeling was different. What was wrong with him?
Danny sighed as he closed the door behind him and walked into the kitchen to get something to eat. They had just closed a case and it took a toll on Danny physically. Freaking parkour freaks. He made himself a sandwich quickly and devoured it just as fast. He put everything away and made sure the kitchen was clean before deciding to take a shower; he needed to wash off the dried sweat and grime from the day.
After half an hour in the shower, Danno dressed in shorts and a sweater and turned on his TV to see what was on to watch. As he flipped through the channels, he heard a knock at the door. He got up and went to open it. He opened it and tilted his head a bit at seeing who it was.
It was Steve.
"S-Steve? What are you doing here? And why didn't you just use the key you have to get in?" Danny asked.
"Because...I was just trying to be polite," replied Steve.
"You? Polite? Wow...times are changing I guess."
Steve chuckled as Danny let him in.
"Actually, I came here because I wanted to talk."
Danny's eyes and expression suddenly showed worry.
"Uh, okay, yeah, sure. Um, let me get some beers and then we can talk, okay?" Danny asked.
Steve nodded his head and Danny disappeared into the kitchen to grab a couple of beers. Steve plopped himself onto the couch and let out a sigh. He apparently had a lot to tell Danny; but even he didn't know that. Danny came back from the kitchen and headed Steve a beer. He set it down on the coffee table and asked, "So, what's up Steve?"
Steve took a couple of seconds to collect his thoughts. He had a lot on his mind.
"...Are you okay, Danny?" he asked.
Danny arched an eyebrow. "Uh, um, yes? Why?"
"I don't know. It's just...ever since that day that we talked about taking it slow for me to open up you...things changed with us."
Danny leaned forward; interest peaked. "How so, Steven?"
"Well, things aren't the same between us."
"Wha-Really? Steve, we still argue like a married couple; invade each others' homes without any warning and we still take down bad guys. Nothing's changed."
"But they have. Okay, look at it this way. I've become more...attentive to you and your life. I've noticed the small things."
"You already do that. I knew the small things were important to you; they still are. You think you've become maybe more attentive than usual?"
Steve nodded. "I've been taking everything about you with a grain of salt. I simply appreciate knowing the little things, you know? And...it's like you said before, I've become more...stoic. Like I've been pulling away rather than going further in."
Danny slowly nodded his head. "All right, I understand. And, if I'm being honest, you do seem to have become more like a statue than before."
Steve let out a slightly frustrated sigh. "And I don't mean to do that!"
"Whoa, Steve, babe, look it's fine, okay? Like I said before, bay steps. So you've probably taken a few steps back. That doesn't mean you can't go forward again. And, before you say it, it's not unfair to me, okay? And I say that because I have noticed that I seemed to be more negative lately. I'm doubting most of the time; confusing the negativity with pessimism. But, it's full on negativity."
"But, you—how? Or, why?"
Danny shrugged and took a swig. "I can't really explain it. I mean, I guess I've just been wired to think negatively. Everything good I had going for me always ended up in shambles. The only constant thing going for me is Grace and Charlie. Every time I get into a new relationship with someone, I simply knew that it would end badly. Why I would go into it? Because maybe a part of me was hoping that it would work out. But, my negativity's too strong. And ever since that conversation, I've found myself being more negative. I've found myself stepping away from you, and I don't know why."
"You're trying to step away from me?" Steve asked.
Danny shook his head. "No, don't misunderstand. I'm sorry. It's just...what we have; is the second best thing to ever happen to me in my life and I don't want to lose that; don't wanna lose you."
Steve reached over and placed a hand on Danny's shoulder. "Hey—Hey, Danno, listen to me. You're not going to lose me, okay? I'm not going anywhere."
Danny nodded his head. "And I really want to believe that-"
"Wha-Hey, Danny, listen to me. I'm not going anywhere. I promise you that I'm not going anywhere. You're my best friend. I can't leave you, buddy."
"But at some point, everyone will be gone."
Steve arched an eyebrow. "Are you...afraid of change?"
Danny didn't response with a gesture. "I hate it. You know, everything's going so well; I'm with people I love and care about. And I know at some point...it'll all be gone."
"Well...Danno, that's just how life is. Everything doesn't last forever; good or bad."
Danny didn't know why he felt so frustrated now. "But...I just...don't want it all to end yet."
"Hey, it's not ending anytime soon, okay? I'm still here, you're still here, Gracie and Charlie are still here and the rest of the Five-O are here, too. I mean, at some point, we're either going to have to retire or die of old age."
Danny nodded his head. He didn't even realize when Steve had shifted closer to him to give him comfort. Steve now had his arm over Danny's shoulder.
"I understand...I guess...I just need to worry less and stop being so negative."
Steve nodded his head. He hated seeing Danny like this. He just wanted to hug the man and hold him for a few seconds to give him assurance that he wasn't going anywhere.
"Danny, man, I'm sorry-"
"No, Steve, I'm sorry. This was supposed to be about you and I made it about me."
"No, listen. You're allowed to speak your mind, too. I know I've become stoic and would like to go back to opening up more naturally. And I didn't know me being stoic would create this; this weird issue."
"No, it's not weird. People can just be like this sometimes. I'm negative; you're stoic. That's it. We're not supposed to work well together, but we're also weirdly meant to help each other out; we fit together, ya know? And, I do hate that you've become more distant and stuff. We're partners; we talk to each other about our problems and were there for each other. You know, I know I said this was second in my life; but if I have to be completely honest...our friendship is the number one thing that I've kept constant and felt happy in. I also feel like it'll never end; even if I complain about it wanting to end."
"Danny, I'm sorry for becoming more distant. Honestly, I cherish our friendship more than I knew I did. Like, honestly, I look forward to seeing you everyday. You make me smile when I see you, buddy. Hanging out with you is such a joy; even if we bicker and bark at each other. Every second I get with you, are the best seconds of my life."
Danny lightly smiled; not even registering when he leaned his head onto Steve's shoulder. Steve let it happen due to the nature of the conversation. He was fine with it if it was helping Danny out.
"...Thanks," said Danny.
"Anytime," said Steve, "I promise you I'll stick around and be here for you. Also, I'll do my best to not be distant from you."
Danny nodded his head; leaning more into Steve.
"I'll promise to be more positive and focus on the good things I have," he said.
Steve smiled lightly; wrapping his other arm around Danny and squeezing him softly.
Danny registered what was going on and turned his head to look at Steve; who was already staring down into Danny's eyes.
The silence that crept into the room kept them still. They simply enjoyed each others' embrace.
This is what Dan hoped would never end. It was just too good to end.
This is what Steve wanted. To be with Danny all the time. It's what helped him remember that their friendship was the most genuine Steve has ever had.
Without the both of them registering it...they pressed their lips together...
-x-x-x-x-x-
Ringing. There was a ringing sound piercing through his ears; causing him to cover his head with a pillow. After hearing the painful noise not stop; he stretched out his hand towards the source and began to smack his hand down anywhere. Eventually, his hand landed on a phone and he tapped the screen with his finger everywhere on it to be sure he turned off the ringing. He successfully hit the red button and the ringing stopped. He removed the pillow from his head and slowly opened his eyes. He shut them immediately once a day of sunlight pierced his pupils. He put his hand in front of his face and opened his eyes again; groaning as he sat up.
Danny removed his hand and looked around; noting something strange. The room he was in...wasn't his. It was...Steve's room.
Danny's eyes widened a bit at the realization of where he was; and began looking around. He turned to see that he was alone in the bed. The room seemed to be a mess; there were a couple of bottles on the floor, as well as...clothes? Danny sat up and shifted a bit; feeling a little strange. He lifted the cover and saw that he was completely naked.
'Why the hell am I naked?' he thought.
He saw that some of the covers were on the floor.
'Where the hell is Steve?'
So many questions floated around Danny's mind. He wanted answers...now.
Danny snapped his head over to the covers on the floor; noting the small movement and a slight groan from a man. A head poked out from under the covers. It was Steve.
Danny's eyes widened and asked, "Steve? What the hell is going on?"
Steve groaned and squinted at Danny; eyes still adjusting to the lighting. "D-Danno? What's up?"
Danny's eyebrows shot up at Steve ignoring his question. "What the hell happened last night?"
Steve sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I think we got crazy."
"Why are we naked Steve? Why are we in your room and naked?"
"W-Would you stop yelling?" Steve asked.
"Wha-No I won't stop yelling! What the hell's the matter with you? We're both naked in your house! Why are you on the floor? What the hell happened last night?"
"I don't know Danny! I don't know!"
Danny didn't believe it one bit. They had to remember something.
"Steven, do you understand, what is going on? We are both naked; in your room. I am in your bed; naked. You are on the floor; naked. Did I forget to mention that we are naked?!"
Danny sat up and felt an intense pain coming from his pelvis and rear. He groaned slightly and Steve shot him a worried look.
"What's wrong?" Steve asked.
"I-I don't know. I feel a pain in my backside."
Steve arched an eyebrow and sat up, feeling something strange in his nether region. He reached down to feel what it was and his eyes widened a bit at what it was. He put two and two together quickly and remained with the surprised look.
"Wha-What's the matter with you? Why are you looking like that?" Danny asked.
"Um-Uh—You might find this weird, but..I'm wearing a condom."
Danny arched an eyebrow and scoffed a bit. "Yeah so?"
"It's—er—used."
Danny was so confused.
Steve simply stared at Danny and waited for a reaction.
"What does that mean?" Danny asked.
"Well...it's you and me; alone in this room—naked, if I may add—and your ass is sore while I'm still wearing a used condom. You're telling me you can't put two and two together?"
Danny thought about the equation for a few minutes before it hit him like a truck.
No way. No...fucking...way. There was just no way. It was impossible; not probable. Danny was in the utmost denial. There was just no possible way that they…
"We-We…um, had…?" Danny trailed off, still in utter disbelief.
Steve nodded his head. "It's possible that…we had sex, Danny."
Danny's ears tuned out all the noise to try and ignore what came out of Steve's mouth. There was simply no way he and Steve could have done that.
"But we…how? What happened last night?" Danny asked.
Steve starting thinking back to try and remember, but a lot of it was blurry.
"I remember…you and I were being awkward with each other ever since we kissed that day where you and I opened up more and you were talking about how you didn't like change and how I felt our friendship was the best thing to happen to me," he said as he stood up, sheets wrapped around his waist, "I think…it made us both question so much about ourselves. I think we were both fighting the fact that…we probably have feelings for each other."
Danny blinked, but he immediately remembered what Steve was talking about.
Things started becoming different between the two after they had kissed. They avoided each other for two weeks; the only time they'd see each other was at work. Both Danny and Steve questioned so much after that moment. Danny was fighting the fact that he had kissed Steve and liked it. Steve was fighting the fact that he had feelings for Danny and didn't know what to do with them. It was a tough time for the duo.
"We didn't talk for weeks," said Danny, "I-I was denying that I could even be gay."
Steve arched an eyebrow. "A-Are you, Danno?"
Danny looked at Steve, not exactly knowing how to answer.
"I don't…I don't know. I know that…before our kiss, I had this warm feeling every time I thought of you and was with you in person. I didn't know what it was and was trying to find out what it was. But I then realized…it was that I had developed feelings towards you. Ever since you decided to open up more and we decided to be more open about our feelings and have effective communication. I started seeing a different side of you that, I guess I fell in love with. The kiss only solidified those feelings. So, I guess…maybe I am gay?"
Steve nodded his head. "I get what you mean. I've been feeling the same way. I actually knew I had feelings for you, but didn't want to do anything because I didn't know if you felt the same way. Opening up to you was the best decision I could have made, because it made me realize so much about myself and our friendship."
Danny shared a lightly awkward smile with Steve.
"So the real question is," he started, "What the hell happened last night?"
"We finally decided to talk to each other," Steve answered, "You showed up at my door; almost distraught. We talked everything out; alcohol greatly in our systems. We got drunk, I imagine, and well, looks like what happened was the result of us losing our inhibitions."
"W-Why couldn't you just say we got drunk and fucked?"
Steve chuckled. "You woke up very disturbed, didn't know how ready you were to hear such a harsh reality."
The silence that entered the room hit them hard. They didn't exactly move from their spots, and they didn't know why. They just felt…oddly comfortable at the moment; regardless of the events that transpired the night before and this morning.
"So," started Steve, "What now?"
Danny looked down with a sigh. He didn't know how to answer the question. A lot had just happened. It was like a new chapter in life was about to start, but they weren't sure where it would lead.
"I don't even know," he replied, "I mean…we both admitted that we have feelings for each other."
"Then, do we like, get together? How're you feeling, Danno?"
"Being with you and opening up these past few weeks has honestly been, so great. I think that, I'm ready to give us a chance. Rather, I'd be okay with giving it a shot. We've been having this weird, sexual tension and developing something without really knowing it. And now, look where our awkwardness and emotional selves got us. We slept together and don't even remember what had happened."
Steve sat down on the bed next to Danny.
"I think I'd also like to give us a shot," he said, "Like you said, this has been building up and we didn't even know it was."
Danny nodded his head, light smile appearing on his face.
"Then, we're…together, I guess?"
"Are you okay with that, Danno?"
Danny thought about it before answering. It's clear that both he and Steve have been wanting this for a while, but they were fighting themselves because they initially didn't want to believe it. They saw how warm, and comfortable, they were and felt around each other before the kiss. That same feeling began returning in this very moment.
"I think I'm okay with it," Danny said slowly, "I…I love you, Steve."
Steve smiled. "I love you, too, Danno."
Steve leaned in slowly and pressed his lips against Danny's. He began moving forward to end up on top of Danny. It felt a little weird for them, but it also felt…right.
"We're not doing it again, by the way," said Danny, "I'm still sore and kind of want to take this slowly. It's still a lot to take in."
Steve nodded his head and got off of Danny.
"Okay. We'll, uh, take it slow. How about we clean ourselves up and get some breakfast?" he asked.
Danny smiled. "I'd like that."
The two cleaned themselves up and went out to get some food; both excited, and slightly nervous, for the journey ahead they were going to embark on together…
A/N: Hello, everyone! I'm Pocket Wr1ter! I decided to start here on fanfiction and share any work I put up on Ao3 here for you all to enjoy! If you want to check out my work on Ao3, just look me up: Pocket_Writer
Be seein' ya!-P.W.