Epilogue

A/N: As this story comes to an end, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read and review it. Your comments and support have meant a lot.

As they say in Hawaii, "A Hui Hou"… "Until we meet again"

6 months later

"…You woke up this morning as police officers, and I couldn't be more proud of each and every one of you because it takes a special person to do what you're about to do. Ke Kula Maka'I, the Police Academy, is not easy, because the job that it prepares people to do is not for everyone."

Sergeant Lukela's voice resounded all around Kapiolani Park, strong and deep, vibrating with power and command. Twice a year, the largest public park in Hawaii named after King Kalakaua's wife hosted the HPD graduation ceremony, gathering proud parents and loud relatives in their Sunday best around the bandstand to celebrate.

A veteran of the event, Duke was always the one asked to address the rookies on their special day. His speeches had inspired hundreds of men and women over the years, motivating them to be the best officers they could be to make the Sergeant and the community proud.

Steve's eyes slowly roamed across the rows of newly appointed recruits, lingering on their crisp, new uniforms and their young, expectant faces. Eager and so full of hope. He remembered the pride he'd felt at his own ceremonies, at being part of the most capable Navy in the world and getting the chance to serve and protect his country. It had given him purpose when he had none and a family he could rely on after his own had been dissolved.

Drifting his head in the direction of the Sergeant's voice, he shifted his gaze until it came to rest on Sara, who was sitting right behind him, listening intently to the man's words.

When she'd asked him to attend her graduation, Steve had immediately said yes. Words from the instructors were that she would become a first-rate police officer, much like her brother who was sitting next to him, a proud expression on his face. She hadn't let what had happened define who she was, using it instead as an opportunity for change and personal growth.

Their eyes met, and she gave him a fond smile.

Steve smiled back, nodding slightly.

He would hear about the Patterson siblings and their accomplishments in the future.

He was sure of it.

"…Being a police officer is a lot of things, but easy isn't one of them. It isn't easy for a lot of reasons, most of which you'll learn for yourself along the way. You will help elderlies across the street, but also witness horrific moments and humanity at its worst. And sometime during your career, you will save a life — or many lives for that matter — by putting your own on the line, because this is what you have been called to do."

Danny crossed his arms over his chest.

Duke's commencement address was giving him all sorts of dejà vu and he sighed as he reminisced of another place and time, of another ceremony conjured up by his hazed mind as he lay bleeding on a hard, plastic table. He had seen Charlie that day, dressed in the same police uniform these young people were wearing. The boy had smiled, looking right where he and Steve were seated, and Danny had felt an unbelievable swell of pride washing over him.

He'd never spoken about those dreams. Hallucinations, or whatever they had been. About the sense of peace they'd given him while everything else around him was blood and fear and... pain.

Steve didn't know about them, about the vision of the two of them growing old together, their lives intertwined so much and so strongly that it was impossible to tell when one began and the other finished. In his dreams, Steve had lived a long and happy life, experiencing love and the family he never had.

That was Danny's wish for his partner, his best friend, his brother. For the unique, extraordinary man he had grown to love as fondly and as deeply as no one else on the planet. Despite the numerous obstacles fate had thrown into his path, Steve was still there. With a few more dents in his armor, but still willing to fight.

Danny turned to look at him, drawing strength from his steady presence and relaxed, allowing himself a few, precious moments of respite. They'd earned them after everything they'd gone through. He let his arms unfold and rested them on his thighs, wondering if they would really witness his son's graduation one day.

Together.

The thought was terrifying and elating at the same time.

Beside him, Steve smiled.

And as his mind flashed back to those peaceful memories, Danny did too.

"…This job, your job now, it can wear on you. It will tax your mind, your heart and sometimes your soul. And it will be taxing on your families and close friends too. These people here tonight will worry about you every day. They will kiss you goodbye wondering if you'll come back home. Let them. Accept it and appreciate it. And if something happens, when you have a chance, let them know you're safe. They deserve that much."

Without even realizing it, Steve reached out and put his hand on his best friend's forearm, giving it a light squeeze.

Duke's words had hit close to home, digging up feelings he was still trying to learn how to deal with.

Danny had stuck by his side for close to a decade. Watching his back, reigning him in when he went too far, losing sleep and sanity over his health issues only to show up the next morning and do it all over again. He had accepted him into his life, into his kids' lives, without as much as a blink and a well-deserved punch to the face.

Steve had acknowledged that, and appreciated it more than words would ever be able to express.

And if the price for slowing down and counting to five before making reckless decisions was spending another decade —or God-willing, more than one — around him, then it was definitely worth it.

"Your efforts will make a difference, no matter how small, every single shift. You do your job correctly and you will matter to someone. So when you get out on those streets tomorrow, just do what you've done for the last 22 weeks. Work hard, do the right thing, and ask for help if you're not sure what to do. Do these things and you'll succeed, making us all proud."

"God bless each of you for the courage you will display as members of Hawaii's finest, for the extraordinary services you will provide and the sacrifices you will make on behalf of our beloved community."

Danny closed his eyes, reveling in his friend's touch.

As the commencement address came to an end, he placed his hand over Steve's and rested it there, savoring its warmth and the meaning behind the gesture.

Steve had made a difference in Sara's life and because of that, she would now make a difference in someone else's life. This was his legacy. As an officer of the law and a human being. This was why he would be remembered long after his death, which Danny swore to make sure wouldn't happen before they were old and gray and senile.

Just like in his dream.

When you find someone special you just hold onto them, and that's what Danny vowed to do.

Hold onto him for as long as he could.

"Remember: Look out for one another. And be safe. Ho'omai'ka'i'ana."

THE END