Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.

The rest of Wednesday was a blur to Steve. He remembered the plane landing because the thump when the plane hit the tarmac jostled his cracked ribs. There was a flurry of activity as everyone said their goodbyes. Steve barely registered the ride home in the Camaro. Danny made sure that Steve kept up with his pain meds, and for once Steve didn't protest.

"Babe, you need to wake up. We're home and I can't carry you in." Danny stroked Steve's face, trying to rouse Steve.

"Danny, what's up? Oh, when did we get home?" Steve had never been so happy to see his family home. He opened the door and tried to get up only to have his seat belt hold him in place.

"Steve, wait a second. Let me come around and help you. I need to unlock the door and deactivate the alarm first." Danny opened the door and threw their bags in the front door. Then he opened Steve's door and unlatched the seat belt. "Come on, I've got you."

Steve allowed Danny to help him up and into the house. They staggered up the stairs to the bedroom. Danny quickly stripped down and helped Steve do the same. He took the pressure bandage off Steve's ribs and helped him into the shower.

Steve moaned when the warm water hit his aching body. Danny felt the same way. Although he wasn't beaten like Steve, the whole trip had been grueling. Danny quickly washed Steve and himself, and then dried them off. Danny steered Steve to the bed and dressed him in sleep pants and a t-shirt after putting the bandage back on Steve's ribs. Then he tucked Steve into bed.

Danny wanted to join him, but he knew Rachel was waiting to bring Grace over. He had called Rachel from South Korea before the plane took off to let her know their schedule. Now he went downstairs to make a second call. "Rachel, we're home. Steve is upstairs sleeping. They beat him up pretty badly. He'll recover, but he won't be running any marathons for a while."

Rachel was relieved to have Danny and Steve home. "Grace has been quite anxious to see you and Steve. I think she knows that something serious was going on. I've got some soup for you too. Don't worry, I didn't make it myself. The housekeeper did. I think she has a little crush on Steve."

Danny laughed at the idea. "Yeah, he has that effect on women. Men too, I guess. Please be sure and thank her for us. I'm sure Steve will do that when he sees her. I'll see you in a few. Thanks for bringing Grace over."

"No problem Danny. I wanted to thank you too. Grace is calling Stan 'Daddy' now. I know that I have you and Steve to thank for that. It's amazing the effect it had on Stan. For the first time, I can see him with the new baby."

Grace was waiting for Rachel to end the call. She ran down the steps with her school backpack. "Can we go now? Are Danno and Daddy Steve okay?" Grace didn't understand why Danno hadn't called her this week. No matter how busy they were, Danno and Daddy always managed a phone call at least every other day.

"Yes Grace, we can go. Daddy Steve is a little banged up. You'll have to be careful around him for a few days. I think your dad is really tired and a little sore too. Do you think you can take care of them tonight?" Rachel knew that Grace could be a little mother hen when her family was hurt.

"Yes Mommy. I'm taking my story book so I can read to them tonight. I finished my homework and took my shower." Grace was out the front door before Rachel could find her car keys.

Rachel carefully put the soup on the floor in front of the passenger seat while Grace climbed in the back. It took almost twenty minutes to get to the McGarrett-Williams home. Danny was watching for them and opened the door before Grace could ring the bell

"Monkey, I'm so happy to see you. We've got to keep the noise down; Daddy Steve is asleep. His medicine makes him a little sleepy, and he's had a really hard week." Danny hugged Grace, so happy to be with her again. A few days ago, he wasn't sure if he would make it back from North Korea. "Rachel, come on in. Can you put the soup on the stove? I need to get some food into Steve."

Rachel put the pot on the stove and turned the burner on low. She came out to give Danny a hug. "You don't look any worse for the wear. How are you feeling?"

"I think I'm sorer from the plane ride than the hike in the forest. I'm definitely not as young as I used to be."

"Well, none of us are. Can you get Grace to school in the morning?"

"Yes, that won't be a problem. Thanks for everything. I'll bring the pot back when we pick Grace up on Saturday." Danny watched Rachel drive away and finally relinquished his hold on Grace. They went into the kitchen and Danny fixed a tray for Steve. He ladled some soup into a soup mug and poured a glass of milk for Steve.

"Can you wait until we feed Uncle Steve before we eat?"

"Yes Danno. Can I carry something?" Grace wanted to help Danny take care of Steve.

"Why don't you care the milk up for me? Danny picked up the tray and they both went up to the bedroom. Danny put the tray on Steve's bedside table and gently shook Steve. "Steve, can you wake up for me? Grace is here and we brought you some soup."

Steve wasn't interested in eating, but he really wanted to see Grace. He could tell that Grace had crawled onto the bed. She patted his cheek and kissed his forehead. "Daddy, are you okay?" She sounded really concerned, and he didn't want to worry her. Steve opened his eyes and reached out to Grace.

"Grace, I'm so happy you're here. I could use one of your special hugs. I really missed you." Grace smelled so clean and fresh compared to the dank bunker. He could tell that she was being careful not to hurt him, but he didn't care about that.

"Steve, can you sit up? Rachel's housekeeper made some chicken soup for us. You should eat something before you take any more pain medication." Danny and Grace helped Steve sit up propping him against the pillows.

"What day is it? Are Mom and Dad here yet?" Steve was still struggling with the concept of time. They gained so many hours on the return trip that it seemed the day went on forever.

"No Stephen, it is still Wednesday. We pick them up late Sunday afternoon, in four days. Can you hold your soup, or do you need help? I cut the noodles up to make them easier to eat." Danny knew he was hovering but he couldn't help it. Steve usually downplayed injuries; he must be in bad shape to be so pliant.

"Danny, I'm just a little groggy. The soup smells great. I can take it." Steve was grateful that Danny used a soup mug. He wasn't sure that he could have gripped a bowl. He took a spoonful of the soup and sighed. It was delicious, and he discovered that he was hungry. The broth soothed his stomach; pain meds can really tear the stomach lining up. He drained half of the glass of milk before Danny could stop him.

"Hey, you'd better slow down. I'd hate to see any of this come back up. How are you feeling?" Danny knew that Steve would answer carefully in front of Grace.

"Honestly, I'm really sore. My ribs are starting to ache again, but I don't even care. I'm just so happy to be home again. Have you eaten? Can you and Grace bring your soup up and join me? I don't think I can make it downstairs right now, and I could use the company." Steve was more awake now than he had been since the medics gave him morphine at the hospital. He didn't want his family far from him for now.

"Sure, we'll wait until you finish and you can tell me if you want more. I know you missed a few meals. Then Grace and I will get our soup and bring it up here." Danny watched Grace move carefully so Steve wouldn't spill his soup. She was sitting cross-legged beside Steve facing him. She was watching his every move as though assessing whether he was really okay. She had little frown lines between her eyebrows. Grace reached out periodically to pat his knee.

Steve put his mug down and finished his milk. "That was really good, but I think I'm full. You can take these down and get your own. Danny, can you help me up before you go down?" Steve needed to get into the bathroom. Danny had been giving Steve water every chance he got to combat the dehydrated state he found Steve in.

Grace carried the glass downstairs while Danny helped Steve into the bathroom. "I've got it from here Danno. I've been doing this by myself since I was two." Steve gave Danny the first ghost of a smile since the helo ride back to Seoul.

"Okay, so sue me for being concerned." Danny waved his hands around to punctuate his point.

Steve stopped Danny's hands and held them. He kissed Danny for the first time since he left the 5-0 headquarters. "I'm really sorry I didn't pay more attention to your concerns. We'll talk tonight when Grace is in bed."

Danny held Steve, needing the contact with him. "I've never been more afraid for you than when we realized that Jenna had been lying to us." They stood like that for another minute before Danny went downstairs to get some soup.

Steve finished his business and brushed his teeth before getting back in bed. He curled on his side so he could see Grace and Danny when they came back upstairs. He had almost dozed off before he felt the mattress shift as Grace crawled back on the bed She resumed her former position so she could watch Steve while she ate.

Danny handed her a mug of soup before sitting on the bed to eat his own soup. Grace kept up most of the conversation. Rachel had dropped her off at Ali's one afternoon so she could meet Waldo. Steve was more alert now and enjoyed Grace's animated description of the dog.

Eventually, Grace brought her book in and read a couple of chapters of her story before her eyes were drooping. She put her book aside and scooted down to hug her Daddy Steve. "I'm sorry you got hurt. Are you feeling any better?"

Steve kissed her hand and sighed. "Grace, I'm feeling a lot better, but I don't think I can tuck you in tonight. Maybe you can tuck me in."

Grace rolled out of the bed and came around to Steve's side. He was lying on his back again, waiting for Grace. She pulled the sheet up to Steve's shoulders and smoothed them down. "Good night Daddy. I love you." She gently kissed him on the cheek.

Steve smoothed her hair down, and then stroked her cheek. "Good night Grace. I love you too."

Danny was gone a few minutes to tuck Grace in bed. He had already disposed of their dishes and put the soup away while Grace read to Steve. He brought in a bottle of water and Steve's pills. "Here you go super-SEAL. I can tell when your meds are wearing off. Maybe tomorrow you can cut down the dose."

Steve took his pain pill and the antibiotic he would need for a few more days. Danny finally turned the light off and joined him in bed. Steve pulled him closer, careful not to pull pressure on his ribs.

"Danny, I will never make fun of your height again. When you lifted the flap on the back of the truck, I swear you looked ten feet tall to me. I didn't expect a rescue. I knew that I had no backup."

"Steve, I'll always be your backup. You should know that by now."

"So tell me, do we have a job to go back to? How pissed off is the governor?"

Danny thought for a moment and finally answered. "I spoke to him while the docs were patching you up. He knew we were going to bring you home. Officially, we were taking some personal days. Unofficially, he was proud that we stood with the SEALs and kicked some ass. We have the morning off, and we'll be working from here tomorrow afternoon to write up our reports."

"I think he's mellowing toward us. Even HPD hasn't complained about us in months."

Danny was finally winding down after days of anxiety. "You know, when we watched the SEAL team raid Alvaro's compound, I didn't think I had ever seen anything so heroic. I can't tell you how I felt when Gutches pulled up with the guys from SEAL Team 9. I just knew that we were going to bring you home. And if you ever go off like that again, I'm going to kick your ass." Danny kissed Steve, softly at first. Then it heated up to something more. They both knew that nothing more could happen for now.

"I've never been so proud of you and the rest of the team. Joe told me how he explained what could happen even if we made it back. He said that not one of you hesitated; Joe said he seldom saw such courage among civilians." Steve and Danny talked for a while, stopping to kiss every now and then.

They would need some time to process Jenna's betrayal and the close call with Wo Fat. Steve healed quickly under Danny's watchful eye. For the first time in his life, he actually followed doctor's orders. The team met at Steve's house and spent the afternoon filling in the gaps of the story and writing their report. The governor even stopped by to see for himself that Steve and his family were intact.

"Commander, I understand that HPD expects a slow week. I expect to see you and the team in the office on Monday, but I anticipate that you will work a normal schedule. I understand Detective Williams' parents are coming in this weekend. Have a good visit with them and have a happy Thanksgiving."

"Thank you sir. The same to you and your family." Steve stood to shake hands with the governor and walked him to the door.

Steve and Danny spent Friday making sure that everything was ready for Mom and Dad Williams. Jen and her sister, Dawn, spent the day cleaning and doing laundry for Steve and Danny. Danny did the shopping, including the list of food his mother sent him. With the 5-0 family and the SEALs, they would have a houseful for Thanksgiving. Danny knew his mother would love it.

Steve finally felt human Friday afternoon. He was off the strong pain meds, switching to an anti-inflammatory instead. He no longer slept most of the time. Steve even felt well enough to fix supper that night. Danny had been busy running errands most of the day.

They would pick up Grace tomorrow in the afternoon since Stan and Rachel's plane left at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. Then Mom and Dad would arrive on Sunday afternoon. This was their last night alone until their ceremony on New Year's Day.

Steve wanted to fix a nice meal for Danny to show his appreciation for all his that partner had done for him. Steve helped Danny put everything away from the shopping expedition and then sent him upstairs for a soak in the tub. He knew Danny was still sore from the trip.

Steve put together a simple pasta dish with some sautéed vegetables and shrimp. He added a mixed greens salad and some garlic bread. Steve was lighting the candles on the table when Danny came downstairs.

"What's all this? I thought we'd get something delivered. It smells wonderful whatever it is." Danny came over to put his arms around Steve. Steve leaned back into the embrace, enjoying the normalcy of the moment.

"I wanted to do something nice for you. You looked after me when I was hurt. No one has done that for me since Mom died." Steve turned to return Danny's hug.

"Thank you. I feel better since the soak. I'll always be here for you." Danny helped Steve dish out the food and ate by candlelight. Steve was even able to have a little wine with the meal. When the kitchen was cleaned up, they went upstairs.

The last couple of nights, Steve had fallen asleep early and slept late. He wanted to spend some intimate time with Danny tonight. They didn't need to close the doors or put on their sleep clothes tonight. Steve lit the tea candles he had brought upstairs earlier when Danny was out.

They met in the middle of their bed. Steve was still sore, but he could manage if he was careful. "Danno, I want you to know how much I love you. I'm so happy to have you and Grace in my life. I've been alone most of my adult life. I never expected to have a family. We are going to have such a wonderful holiday this year. We'll have all the things here you used to have in New Jersey, all the things we had when I was a kid. We're going to have such a good life together. I'll be a good husband to you, I promise."

Danny was moved by Steve's words. "I know babe. I swore that I would never get married again. I never expected to find love again or to trust someone enough to let them get this close. You took me by surprise last summer when you told me that you loved me. And then I surprised myself by returning your love. Yes, we are going to have a great Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas this year. But the New Year's ceremony will be the icing on the cake. I'll be a good husband to you, I promise."

They made love very carefully in deference to Steve's ribs. That was okay because they both wanted sweet and slow tonight. They whispered words of love and passion as the candles burned down. They held onto each other as they slept. Soon the house would be full of family. Tonight, there was only Steve and Danny.