So, this is it. The last chapter. It was really hard to write for some reason (that's why it took a while), and I hope you like it more than I do.

Four days had passed since Steve finally cracked his eyes open. Four days of him slowly getting stronger, more alert and, unfortunately, increasingly agitated. But the doctor's final confirmation of Steve's good prognosis gave Danny the peace of mind that finally allowed him to sleep in his own bed these past few nights.

He almost forgot how it felt to wake up without a jolt of panic or his head fogged with exhaustion. The feeling was strangely disorienting, as if he'd forgotten something important. But then he remembered Steve was going to be okay, and it was like an enormous weight lifted from his chest.

Even though he spent the nights at home, he couldn't stay away for long. By morning, he was back at the hospital, slipping quietly into Steve's room, expecting to find him asleep, just like the mornings before. Instead, Steve was sitting up, brows knit together as he clumsily reached to adjust the IV line in his arm, muttering under his breath.

"You're up early," Danny said, leaning against the door frame with a hesitant smile. "What's wrong?"

Steve glanced up, annoyance flashing in his eyes, and gave a frustrated sigh. "Hey. Uh, this—" he gestured at the tubes and monitors surrounding him. "This is wrong. I'm ready to get out of here, Danno."

Danny snorted. "Oh yeah, you're all set to be released. Just ignore the fact that you look like you were dragged through a sandstorm backward. Did you already forget that you had almost died?"

Steve glared, crossing his arms with obvious effort. "You know I heal fast."

"Sure. That's why you're still winded from arguing with me," Danny said. "Tell me, have you even managed to sit up straight without looking like you're on the verge of collapsing?"

Steve groaned as he sagged deeper into the pillows. "I'm serious, Danny. I've been here for eighteen days now. Nineteen if I count today. It's driving me insane."

"I get it. But I think your grand escape plan's gonna have to wait a bit longer." Danny moved closer, pulling up a chair next to the bed, his expression softening. "Look, you gave us all one hell of a scare, buddy. You need to take it easy for a while."

"But–"

"Steve, your heart had stopped beating. Twice," Danny interrupted. "Can you please just stop disregarding your life for once and give yourself time to heal before going back to the ninja mode?"

Steve frowned and remained quiet, eyes fixed on some spot on the wall. Finally, he said, "I don't disregard my life."

"Really? Because that's what it looks like to me," Danny said, his voice betraying a hint of frustration. "In fact, that's kinda what had gotten you here."

Steve's face tightened, a hint of something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. "It wasn't my fault."

Danny felt a sharp pang of guilt. If he wanted to blame anyone, it was himself. "I know," he said. "But… what the hell were you thinking?"

"Are you mad at me?" Steve asked, his brows furrowed in confusion, his voice almost a whisper.

Danny took a deep breath, rubbing his hands together as he tried to find the right words. "No, of course not," he said, more gently this time. "But what you did out there… you knew what you were risking. You knew diving again could… could kill you. And you went down anyway."

"I did what I had to do," Steve said, his tone resolute as he looked back at Danny. "I promised I'd bring you back. I couldn't have done it any other way. If I waited for the rescue team, it would be too late."

Danny shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. "I know, Steve. Don't get me wrong. You saved Gracie and Charlie, and on top of that, you saved my life. I'll forever be grateful for that. But don't you get it? Sacrificing yourself isn't the answer. It's not your job to decide who's worth saving at the expense of your own life."

Steve's gaze softened, and for a moment, he looked away, struggling with his own thoughts. When he spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically quiet. "I'm sorry if it… if it felt like I didn't care. That wasn't what I wanted. But leaving you down there was never an option."

Danny's mouth pressed into a thin line. "It's not that it felt like you didn't care. It felt like you thought you were expendable, Steve. Like you still think you are. And that's what gets me. Because the rest of us don't see you that way."

Steve blinked, clearly thrown off by the sincerity in Danny's voice. "I… I don't think I'm expendable, Danny. It's just… that's my job. To have your back. To protect you. All of you."

Danny looked at him for a long moment, and his expression softened as he reached out to squeeze Steve's shoulder. "Maybe it's time you realized it's my job to have your back, too. And that means slowing you down when you need it. Making you to listen to your body when it's begging for a break. Like right now."

Steve let out a long breath, nodding slowly. "Fine, I'll try to take it easy," he said, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But I'd still do it again, Danny. Even if it meant I wouldn't make it. I'd still do it."

Danny managed a half smile, holding Steve's gaze. "Of course you would." He glanced around, his eyes landing on the monitors by the bed. "Just… try not to make a habit of it, will you?"

Steve grinned, though he was visibly tired. "I'll do my best," he replied, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "So, now that we're on the topic, when are we getting you certified?"

"Certified? What for?"

"Scuba diving, obviously," Steve said.

Danny's eyes widened in mock horror, and he held up his hands. "Not in this lifetime. I'm keeping both feet on dry land from here on out. I've had more than my fill of near-death underwater adventures."

Steve chuckled, his laughter rough but genuine. "Guess I'll have to find another dive partner."

Danny rolled his eyes. "I thought we just agreed on taking it easy. I'm not a doctor but I'm pretty sure diving is off the limits in the near future."

"Not forever, though," Steve said with a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I still want to know what was in that damn box we've almost died for."

Danny shook his head. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"

"You sure you don't want to help me find it?," Steve asked. "You did pretty good down there, all things considered. With a little bit of practice, we could make it work."

Danny didn't reply, his mind already lost in his thoughts. He couldn't help but feel the overwhelming relief despite Steve being… well, Steve again. Even though he was getting on Danny's nerves in a way, it was more he could have hoped for, considering how hopeless the future looked like just a week ago.

"Danny? You okay?" Steve asked, noticing wheels spinning in Danny's head.

Their eyes locked. "Yeah," Danny said with a smile. "I am now."

Ten days later

Danny could barely hide a small grin when he entered Steve's hospital room and found his best friend sitting on the side of the bed, already dressed and waiting impatiently.

"Someone's eager," Danny remarked as he stepped inside.

Steve's mouth quirked into a grin. "You have no idea," he said. "I was starting to think they'd keep me here forever."

"Well, you look better. Almost human, even," Danny teased, offering Steve an arm to lean on. "Let's get you home."

The drive was mostly quiet, Danny shooting an occasional glance to make sure Steve was okay. As they pulled up to Steve's house, Danny watched his friend's expression soften with relief.

Danny helped Steve out of the car, and hovered next to him as they made their way to the doorway.

But Steve's gaze sharpened as he looked into a window, and he held out an arm to stop Danny in his tracks.

"Hold up," he whispered. "Did you see that?"

Danny raised an eyebrow. "See what?"

"There's someone inside," Steve said, already tensing as his instincts kicked in. "You got a gun on you?"

Danny stared at him, mouth slightly open, fighting back a laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. A gun?"

"Yes," Steve replied, his voice dead serious. "Someone's definitely in there."

Rolling his eyes, Danny stepped forward. "Steve, relax, will you?"

But Steve wasn't having it, grabbing Danny's arm as he tried to step forward. "Danny, I'm serious. Stay back."

Before Steve could stop him, Danny shrugged him off and reached for the door handle. "Okay, Commander Paranoid," he muttered. "Let me handle this."

The door swung open, and a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Steve blinked, taken aback as he saw the entire team, accompanied by Danny's kids, standing in his living room, grinning from ear to ear. Colorful balloons filled the space, and a huge banner reading "Welcome Home, Super SEAL!" stretched across the room.

Danny smirked, crossing his arms with a smug grin. "See, that was the 'someone inside.'"

Steve's gaze darted from the crowd back to Danny, and he shook his head, slowly breaking into a reluctant smile. "You could have warned me."

"Where's the fun in that?" Danny shot back. "Besides, it was worth it to see that look on your face."

"Uncle Steve!" Grace's voice cut through the banter as she and Charlie darted toward him, wrapping their arms around him with careful but enthusiastic hugs.

Steve laughed, his eyes shining as he returned their hugs. "Hey, you two! Didn't expect a whole welcoming committee."

Chin stepped forward, clapping him on the back. "What, you thought you'd come back quietly? Not a chance, man."

"Yeah," Kono added, grinning. "You didn't really think you could scare us half to death and just slip back home, right?"

Steve's smile softened as he looked around, the gratitude clear in his eyes. "Thanks, everyone. Really. I wasn't expecting… all this."

Lou leaned in. "You better get used to all the attention, tough guy. I've got a feeling that Danny isn't letting you out of his sight until you're fully recovered."

Danny shrugged. "Someone's gotta keep this animal in line, and I'm already unpacked."

Steve gave him a wry look, trying to hold back a smirk. "So, I'm stuck with you as a roommate?"

"Well, considering I wouldn't be here without you, the least I can do is to stick around for a while," Danny said.

For a moment, their eyes met, and there was an unspoken understanding between them—a mutual gratitude, a silent acknowledgment of the trials they'd just endured.

A flicker of something softened Steve's eyes, his typical stoic expression giving way to emotions. "Was that a thank you?"

Danny rolled his eyes. "Yes, you neanderthal, it was a thank you. You want it in writing?"

A genuine smile spread over Steve's face as he wrapped his arm around Danny's shoulders. "Nah, I'm good."

"Alright, alright, everyone!" Kono's voice called out."Enough of the emotional stuff. Let's eat!"

With that, the group moved to the table, filling the house with laughter and warmth as they shared food and stories.

There was still more to come. More to be talked about. Steve's recovery would take some time, too. But right now, Danny just enjoyed the sight of everyone gathered together, celebrating the impossible relief of having Steve here, safe, and whole.

And finally, for the first time in a month, he felt a deep sense of peace settle in.

*THE END*

Thank you all for supporting me as always. Glad I could bring another story to life, and I hope you enjoyed reading it at least a little bit. Let me know what you think - it's always greatly appreciated.