Family

By

Landon Richardson

Official Disclaimer

The characters of Lieutenant Commander Steven 'Steve' McGarrett, Chin Ho Kelly, Kono Kalakaua, Governor Patricia Jameson, Roland Lowry, Ethan Lowry and Detective Meka Hanamoa, do not belong to me in any shape or form. I am merely using them for my own entertainment purposes.

The character of Detective Sergeant Danielle 'Danni' Williams probably can be considered to be mine by now. Although she was originally based on male Danny, she soon evolved becoming her own person. She has her own background, her own family, her own history and her own distinct personality. This isn't to say that the Danny Williams we all know and love is completely gone, he still emerges through her at times. I like to think of female Danni as what Danny could have been if everything in his life had gone his way. As in full custody of Grace and a decent relationship with his ex.

The character of Grace has also changed slightly due to the change in Danni. Her surname is Taylor as this is her father's surname and was Danni's married name (Danni reverted back to her maiden name when she was divorced). Her parents also are amicable which has also impacted Grace but never fear, she's still the sweetheart we know and love, if anything she's more a sweetheart now.

The character of Supervisory Special Agent Jack O'Connor, Agent Ben Krause, Agent Megan Thurston, Duncan Taylor, Hal Watkins, Eli West, Officer Carl Nelson, Officer Zevran Patel, Lincoln Morris, Austin Johns, Vickie Weller and Janie Weller also belong to me as does any other character who you do not recognise from the show. Please do not use them, or my version of Danni and Grace without first asking for my permission to do so.

Thank you.

Author Note

Here is the last chapter for you all!

I would just like to thank everyone who has read this story, reviewed it, made it a favourite or followed it. I know that its very much in a niche market so the fact that you all gave it a chance means the world to me.

This story is followed by two one shots called 'Looking up' and 'Thank you' and then it onwards to the next chapter story which is entitled 'Burn'

Anyway please enjoy!

Official Summary

When Steve McGarrett came to Hawaii to avenge his father's death he never expected to transfer to the reserves and stay on the island. He especially never expected to be given his own taskforce to run. Now, with the life of an ex NSA Agent on the line, Steve had to prove his ability to run his team and show everyone that they are here to stay.

Chapter Summary

Steve pushed open the glass door and entered the bullpen, breathing out a sigh of relief when he found that it was empty. Chin and Jack must have still been at the crime scene waiting for HPD or on their way back while Kono and Danni were still out doing their own separate things which needed to be done. Kono, staying with the Lowry's to debrief them and help settled them back in after everything they've been through and Danni at her daughter's school picking her up.

Overall Romances

Hints of Steve McGarrett / Danni Williams (McDanni)

Hints of Steve McGarrett / Catherine Rollins (McRollins)

Mentions of past Duncan Taylor / Danni Williams (Dunni)

Hints of Ryan Moore / Danni Williams (Rynni)

Meka Hanamoa / Amy Hanamoa (Mekmy)

Mentions of past John McGarrett / Doris McGarrett (Joris)

Michael Landon / Karen Landon (Micren)

Chapter Romances

Hints of Steve McGarrett / Danni Williams (McDanni)

Warning

This story features a female Danni Williams in place of a male Danny Williams. Although in some stories I write, Danny does exist, he does not exist in this one.

If this is not your cup of tea then please hit the back button.

Another note

I do not have a Beta so please forgive any mistakes which may creep in, I always do my best to edit the story and check it but sometimes mistakes do creep in.

The places I've mentioned in Hawaii are ones which come from google, including the addresses. I've never been to Hawaii myself in person so I apologise for any mistakes which I may make, these are not intentional.

Chapter Eighteen

We're a family

Friday 1st October 2010

Governor Taskforce Headquarters

Third Floor

Ali'iolani Hale

417 King Street

Honolulu

Oahu

Steve McGarrett's Point of View

Steve pushed open the glass door and entered the bullpen, breathing out a sigh of relief when he found that it was empty. Chin and O'Connor must have still been at the crime scene waiting for HPD or on their way back while Kono and Danni were still out doing their own separate things which needed to be done. Kono, staying with the Lowry's to debrief them and help settled them back in after everything they've been through and Danni at her daughter's school picking her up.

It had been a hell of day for them all and unfortunately it wasn't over yet, not by a long shot or at least it wasn't over for him.

He moved across the room, heading into his office and closed the door behind him, moving over to the desk. He glanced down at the surface, a slight frown coming to his face when he saw that the number of files which had been there that morning had somehow managed to double in size while he had been away. He reached out, flicking through them for a moment before he took his hand away from them.

The files would have to wait.

Steve pulled out his chair and sank down onto it, his gaze going to his dark computer screen though he barely paid it any attention, he was too busy with his own thoughts and trying to sort them out so they made sense. Or rather he was busy with the thoughts that Danni had planted in his head when they had been in the car together.

At first, he had thought that she had been joking when she had suggested that Toast joined their team as a computer and Intel specialist but a quick look at the large grey eyes which had flickered between him and the road had quickly dismissed that idea from his mind. Danni had been deadly serious about it as she explained her reasoning behind her suggestion. Steve understood where his partner was coming from, a computer and Intel person who stayed behind in the headquarters while the rest of them were out in the field would be a good option for them to explore.

What he didn't agree with what the fact that Toast was the best option for them when there were plenty of people out there were would be more suitable for the post, people who didn't have a criminal record and a drug habit and yet it appeared to Danni that there wasn't. She seemed to strongly believe that Toast deserved to be given a chance and that a job with them would be just the thing which he needed to turn his life around for the better.

Steve breathed out slowly, reaching up and rubbing tiredly at his eyes, wishing he had managed to have more sleep the night before. He couldn't deny that the younger man had helped them out without asking for anything in return. He had warned them about the key going live and had been able to give them a rough idea about where they should search for it which had led to them finding where Kono and the two Lowry's were being held. Something which they wouldn't have had if Toast hadn't of been in Lowry's computer lab watching the screens for them. He had listened to orders and followed them to the letter but then there were the other points.

Points which Steve couldn't overlook so easily.

How could Steve trust Toast to be reliable and to do the job they needed him to do properly? How could he trust the other man to put the needs of his team above his own personal needs? How could he trust him full stop with anything? He knew next to nothing about him and what he did know wasn't exactly fantastic.

The obvious thing to do in this situation was to simply say no, to explain to his partner that he agreed with her idea but that they needed to find someone else, someone who would reliable and yet he found himself holding back on sending her the text, knowing that if he did then a part of Danni would be disappointed in him. She saw something in Toast, something which she clearly thought was worth the risk and while Steve might not trust Toast, he could admit to himself that he trusted Danni and her gut feelings when it came to people.

He just wished that he knew what Danni saw in Toast.

Making a decision, he closed his eyes for a second before he fished out his cell phone from the pocket of his cargo pants and brought up his contact lists, going through them before he found the one which he wanted. He hesitated for a moment, staring down at the name before he pressed down on the connect button and brought the handset up to his ear, listening to the ringing sound as he tapped his finger against the surface of his desk. He heard a click followed by a cool, efficient sounding voice.

"Good afternoon, you've reached Governor Jameson's office, how may I help you today?"

"It's Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett for Governor Jameson" Steve answered briskly.

"Just one moment Commander, I'll see whether the Governor is currently available to take your call." The woman replied, still in the same chilly tone of voice as before.

Steve's eyes narrowed slightly when he heard the irritating music which came across the phone line indication that the receptionist whoever she was, had just placed him on hold. He kept his eyes fixed on the screen while he waited, blinking when the music abruptly ended and was replaced with the familiar voice of the Governor.

"Commander, I'm glad you've taken the time to call me. Is our current issue with the missing NSA Agent now resolved?" She queried. Steve found himself nodding even though he knew she couldn't see him do it.

"Yes Governor, Roland Lowry and his son are both safe back at their home and his stolen technology has been recovered and will be passed over to the military for safekeeping as was Lowry's original plan." Steve answered her.

"That is good news to hear Commander, please make sure you pass on my congratulations to your team for a job well done by them, even better is the small fact that you managed to return Lowry without almost causing an international incident between us and China. It looks like we're seeing some improvements already." She commented dryly with a hint of amusement to her tone.

"That's true Ma'am" Steve responded. There was a moment of silence between them which was broken by the Governor, her previous amusement being replaced with impatience.

"I'm assuming by the fact that you are still on the line rather than saying your goodbyes and hanging up means that there is something else on your mind which you wish to discuss with me?" She questioned him.

"Yes, Ma'am there is" Steve said, hesitating for a moment before he continued "I'd like to add someone else to the team" He stated firmly.

"Oh?" She responded, dragging the word out slowly. "And who might that person be Commander? The last time we spoke, you mentioned that you were happy at present time with your current set up of four people." She pointed out.

"I was at the time" Steve replied simply. "But it's been pointed out to me that having someone on the team who is a computer and Intel specialist and whose job it would be to stay behind and run things from here would be a good thing. It would help make us more efficient and effective as a unit."

"Well I do like the thought that my taskforce is running both efficiently and effectively" The Governor remarked thoughtfully. "Have you already got someone in mind for the job or are you planning on researching first?" She went on to ask him.

"We've already found someone who we think fits the bill." He told her, carrying on speaking when she remained silent. "His name is Adam Charles and he was accepted into MIT so we know that he is qualified in the fields we need him for. He worked with us on the Lowry case and broke it wide open for us, without his help we…" Steve hesitated for a moment before continuing almost choking on the words. "Probably wouldn't have reached our targets in time to save them."

"He does sound good although I notice you said that he was accepted into MIT rather than he graduated from MIT. That makes it sound like he didn't attend." She commented lightly after a small pause.

"He didn't attend, he lost his way for a while." Steve explained, picking his words carefully.

"How exactly did Mr Charles lose his way Commander?" The Governor demanded, a flat tone coming to her voice.

"He got into some trouble with the law" Steve admitted truthfully. "And he's served some time doing community service though he's now finished with that." There was a long silence which was broken by the Governor sighing down the line at him.

"So, let me get this right Commander just so I have it straight in my head. You want to bring someone onto your team who has a criminal record, to be your computer and Intel specialist? What exactly is it about him which makes him special enough that you could call me to suggest him for the job?" She questioned him.

"Adam is a genius, he's good at what he does and he seems like a decent enough guy. He deserves to be given this chance to redeem himself." Steve said, Danni's words from earlier coming to his mind.

"Do you trust him though Commander?" She queried softly.

"Not yet" Steve admitted bluntly. "But then again I rarely trust anyone."

"If you don't trust him then why suggest him for your team at all Commander? Why not do some research and find someone else who doesn't have a record and who doesn't have the other problem which Mr Charles has which you are clearly skirting around? Surely that is the all-around easier option for you." She advised him.

Steve stared forward unseeingly, asking himself the same question. They were an elite team who was already in the process of building up a reputation for themselves. It wouldn't be difficult to find someone else who fitted the bill for them. He spoke.

"Because Detective Williams trusts him and that is good enough for me." He stated, frowning when she remained silent.

"Give him a month's trial with your team Commander" The Governor eventually said. "If after a month you can see him as a permanent member of the team then we can talk again about extending it, if not then you can let him go and find someone more suitable to replace him with." She told him.

"Yes Governor, understood" Steve said, loosening his hand on the handset as he breathed out a silent sigh of relief.

"Before you go Commander there is something else which we need to discuss with one another" She said, forestalling his attempts to end the call. "I've had a call from the Director of the Washington DC branch of the NSA. He is impressed with the way that your team and Supervisory Special Agent O'Connor have worked together on this case. This case has brought to his attention the fact that there are a lot of former NSA agents who now live on our islands who could end up being targets themselves one day so he has made the decision to leave Supervisory Special Agent O'Connor here in Hawaii. He and I have had a long discussion together and have come to the conclusion that O'Connor shall be a liaison Officer between your team and the NSA. He'll be based with you on your team as a usable team member for you. There will be other times when he will be back in Washington DC working on their own private projects since he will still be in charge of the team he runs now. The NSA have agreed due to the fact the Supervisory Special Agent O'Connor being on your team, that all of your clearance ratings will be increased so that you can access the sensitive information which O'Connor will provide for the team."

"With all due respect to you and to the NSA Director, we don't need-" Steve began to say, stopping when the Governor's voice cut across him, a cold note to her voice which had been previously lacking.

"This isn't up for debate or for discussion Commander. This decision has already been made and agreed upon. Supervisory Special Agent Jack O'Connor is now officially a member of my taskforce and I expect both you and the team to treat him as such. Having access to the NSA database is no small thing Commander, a great many people would kill you be able to have a glimpse of it. O'Connor is an extremely competent man from what I've heard and he'll make a good addition to the team."

"Does he know that he's been transferred over to us yet?" Steve asked, his hand curling into a fist as frustration washed through him.

"Not yet, his Director will be calling him on the phone shortly to inform him of what has occurred. He will officially start with you on Monday. I understand that he had two small daughters who he is solely responsible for so he'll have to take some time to sort things out with them since they will have to move out here to Hawaii as well now. Obviously, Commander, you are not to say anything to him until his own Director has spoken to him." She remarked, a hint of steel coming to her voice. "Now is there anything else which you wish to discuss with me Commander?" She queried.

"There is nothing else Ma'am" He answered.

"Well in that case I must go, once again congratulations on the case and on your two new team members." She stated before Steve heard a click indicating that the Governor had just hung up on him. Steve blinked, ending the call on his end and dropped the handset onto the surface of the desk, staring at it in disbelief for a moment before he pushed himself to his feet and headed out of his office into the bul-pen just as both Chin and Jack walked in, both of them looking tired but pleased.

"Hey" Steve said, his eyes flickering between the two of them before they focused on O'Connor, searching for any signs that he had just received the news that he was being transferred away from everything he knew to Hawaii but there was nothing. Either the blond man was an extremely good actor or his Director hadn't contacted him yet to tell him. "Everything good with Zankovic?" He questioned.

"HPD are booking him in now under the charge of kidnapping. He'll be in lock up over the weekend and then we can take a crack at him on Monday first thing. We've got Uniforms and CSU at the crime scene and have said they'll forward their findings to Danni once they are finished over there" Chin answered, reaching up and running his hand through his hair.

"Good" Steve said. "I'm glad that I managed to catch you both. Danni has come up with the idea of having Kono's induction into the force here since she's missed her graduation today. She's coming back here at five for it so I suggest that you both head back to your places and grabs your uniforms or suits and get back here before then, preferably without Kono seeing you. Danni wants this to be a surprise for Kono." He explained.

"That is a good idea" Chin said, his face brightening up at the suggestion. "It would mean a lot to Kono if we did something like this for her though obviously, she would never say anything." Steve nodded.

"That's what I thought as well when she suggested it to me earlier. Danni wants you to be the one to swear Kono in Chin, she said that it would mean more to Kono if it was you doing it rather than if it was Danni who was doing it." He commented, watching as Chin nodded at him, his eyes softening slightly.

"It sounds like Danni has thought of most things to make this special for Kono" He replied.

"Are you sure that you want me there for this?" O'Connor asked him in surprise. "I'm not saying that I won't come but this sounds like it's a private team thing." He stated, looking between the two of them with a glint of confusion in his pale eyes.

"I think it would be a good idea if you were there as well O'Connor" Steve said simply, ignoring the looks both Chin and O'Connor shot him, instead he focused his eyes on Chin. "Both of you should head off now, I'll keep Kono occupied if she gets back here before you all do. Don't be too long though,"

Chin nodded, frowning slightly as he searched Steve's face before he spoke.

"I'll go now and get my things if you're sure you'll be okay here." He said, waiting until Steve nodded at him before he turned and headed towards the door of the headquarters and disappeared through them. Steve watched as O'Connor searched his face before he spoke.

"It's a good thing that I bought a suit with me for a just in case situation" He remarked. "I'll head back to the hotel now" He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder before he turned and headed after Chin. Steve watched him for a moment before he ran his hand over the top of his head and looked around him. He moved back into his office to get some of the work which was piling up done, if he didn't then he would never hear the end of it from his partner.

It was about forty minutes later when he was half way through reading one of the forensic reports when the door to his office was flung open revealing an angry, frustrated looking O'Connor. Steve watched as O'Connor moved to the desk, coming to a stop in front of it.

"Did you know about this?" He demanded angrily.

Steve leaned back in his chair, resting his elbows on the arm rests before he spoke.

"The Governor told me just before you and Chin came back from the crime scene" Steve answered, watching as O'Connor turned and began pacing the width of Steve's office. He noticed that the other man had changed into a black suit with a pale blue shirt and that he had neglected to both with a tie. He glanced up, meeting the blonde's eyes again when the man came to a stop in front of his desk and spoke.

"This isn't what I want." He stated.

"Yeah well, it's not what I wanted either but neither us have a say in it or can do anything about it so we might as well accept that shit happens and try to make it work." Steve retorted, there was a flicker of what looked like amusement in O'Connor's gaze before it was swallowed up by frustration again.

"Well since you seem to have all the answers then perhaps you could tell me what I'm meant to tell my daughters?" He demanded, running his hand through his blonde hair leaving strands sticking up on end. Steve shrugged at him, remaining silent. He had the feeling that O'Connor wasn't asking for his opinion on the matter, nor was he particularly mad with Steve. He just needed someone to rant at and Steve happened to be the only one around. He watched as the blonde sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before he looked back at Steve. "Absolutely nothing will change your Governor's mind?" He asked.

"No" Steve replied simply. "Your Director has spoken and that is it. He likes the way you work with the team apparently.

O'Connor nodded slowly, clearly taking his words in.

"Well" He said eventually. "I guess there could be a lot of worse teams which he could have placed me on as a liaison office." He stated in a lighter tone, his mouth curving upwards into a slight smile.

"I guess so" Steve answered equally lightly. They were both silent for a second, staring at each other before Steve spoke, a tone of warning to his voice. "Today is all about Kono so we can discuss this further on Monday if you feel the need to though there is little point. The bosses have made up their minds that you are to be placed with us as a liaison Officer and that is that." He remarked as he came to his feet and picked up his cell phone, moving past O'Connor and into the bullpen when the door opens again and Kono entered with Toast. Steve gave her a sharp look, taking in the cut and bruises on her face but other than that she appeared fine which was a minor miracle considering everything she had been through that day.

He sent Danni a quick text to let her know that Kono had arrived before he turned to look at Chin who had followed the pair of them in, a bag in his hand which Steve assumed contained his uniform. His eyes flickered away from Chin towards Kono before he looked back at him. Chin nodded, letting Steve know that he understood and would keep Kono occupied until everything was ready. He watched as Chin took a step forward and lightly grabbed Kono's arm, saying something to her before they headed into his office, closing the door behind them.

Steve turned and looked towards Toast who was standing near the entrance to the room, looking around him with a raised eyebrow, his eyes lingering on the high-tech equipment which had just been installed that past week. Steve raised his voice and spoke.

"Toast, a word in my office please." He said turning and heading back into the room, his gaze flickering to O'Connor who was still standing there, staring into space obviously still trying to wrap his head around what had happened to him. "Hey, go and pick yourself out one of the free offices, you can move stuff into it on Monday" He told the taller man, making it clear that he was dismissing him.

O'Connor blinked, looking up at him before his eyes moved to Toast who was lingering in the doorway.

"Yeah, not a problem" The blonde said with a nod at Steve as he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him, forcing Toast to take a step forward. Steve took his seat and looked at Toast.

"Sit down" He stated, glancing down at his watch. He still had fifteen minutes to get changed into his uniform before Danni arrived back there for the ceremony. Danni, who would quite possibly kill him if he wasn't dressed and ready to go on time.

"What can I do for you?" Toast asked, sitting down gingerly in the chair which Steve had indicated to him. Steve watched him for a moment, watching the way the younger man played about with his hands as he waited for Steve to answer him.

"Tell me, how did you find today?" He asked him abruptly, watching as Toast blinked at him, a look of confusion coming over his features. Whatever he had been expecting Steve to say to him, that had clearly not been it.

"How did I find today?" Toast repeated. "I don't know, nerve wracking I guess, good as well. I mean I'm assuming we're talking about the part of my day when I helped you out with your case and not about the rest of my day because I can't see you caring about whether I enjoyed my breakfast or not." He commented.

"You did a good job today for us" Steve told him, tapping his finger on the edge of his arm rest ignoring the second part of Toast's comment.

"Thanks" Toast said, a silence falling between them which caused Toast to move awkwardly in his seat.

"Danni wants to offer you a job with us on the team as our Computer and Intel specialist" Steve told him, watching his reactions carefully. The younger man stared at him blankly, his mouth falling open in shock as his eyes widened.

"A… a job?" He finally managed to say, his voice coming out weakly. Steve nodded remaining silent. "A job on your team? Working with you guys here on a daily basis? That sort of job?" He stated, clearly wanting clarification.

"That tends to be what a job is" Steve commented, his eyes narrowing slightly. Toast ignored him for a moment, his eyes moving side to side as he clearly tried to take in what Steve had told him. Steve waited, watching as the dark green-brown eyes flickered up and met his with a sudden knowing look in them.

"But you don't agree with offering me a job here." He said, his voice expressionless making it clear that it was a statement he was making rather than a question is was asking.

"No, I don't" Steve answered honestly. "I look at you and I see a man who is controlled by his own addictions. A man who had the chance to make something of himself at MIT and for whatever reason blew it. I see a man who took the talents he had been gifted with and simply squandered them. That is what I see when I look at you." He told Toast.

There was a heavy silence after his words, a look of rage in Toast's eyes as he glared at Steve, his cheeks reddening. Steve expected the man to get to his feet and storm out never to return but he didn't. Instead he simply remained still, letting out a deep breathe before he spoke.

"But Danni doesn't share the same view as you do, does she?" He asked quietly.

Steve shook his head.

"Danni sees something in you, something she believes is worth taking a chance on. I don't agree with her but I trust her judgement especially when it comes to people. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and offer you a place on my team for a month's trial. If you can prove to me that Danni's trust in you isn't misplaced then I'll make your place here permanent. If not then you'll be let loose and you'll be on our own." He told him. "If you say yes to the job though then you will be going to rehab. I will not risk the safety of my team so you can get a cheap thrill and get high. This chance that Danni is giving you" He said, leaning forward in his chair and looking directly into Toast's eyes. "Is not a chance that anyone else would give you so I suggest you think long and hard about that. If you think you can't do it then say so now but if you actually want to try and change your life around, if you're willing to work and not disappoint the only person who thinks you're worth believing in then say yes and I'll see you here on Monday morning so we can get your clearance sorted. If not then good luck with your life."

Steve got to his feet checking his watch again before he looked out of the glass of his office in time to see Chin and Kono leave Chin's office. Kono heading out towards the back where the ladies shower area was situated. He looked back at Toast when the other man cleared his throat.

"I would like to try… I mean I know that I… well I want to take this chance." He said, looking at Steve. Steve looked at him hard, reading nothing but sincerity in Toast's eyes which told Steve that he really believed what he was saying.

"You will go to rehab" Steve told him flatly. "If you miss even one session of it then I will know about it and you will be out of this team regardless of whether the month period is over or not, do we understand one another?" He demanded.

Toast nodded at him.

"Understood Commander" Toast answered.

"I know of some groups who can help you through this. I'll put you in contact with them later on but right now we've got Kono's graduation." He said nodding towards his door. "Out" He stated, watching as Toast scrambled to his feet and headed to the doorway. He stopped, looking over his shoulder at him.

"I just… thanks" He said awkwardly. Steve raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm not the one who you should be thanking for it" He told him before Toast nodded and quickly left the room. Steve moved around the desk, closing the door and locking it before he pulled down the blinds giving himself some privacy. He stripped off his clothes and pulled on his navy blues, making sure everything was perfect before he left the rooms, his eyes flickering around.

His gaze landed on Danni who was quietly talking to Chin about something, both of them dressed in their police uniforms. A small smile came to Steve's face when he saw that Danni had opted to wear the skirt version of the uniform though he was hardly surprised. She looked up at him as he approached them, a smile coming to her face as she looked him up and down, her eyes falling on his tie, producing a small frown.

"Look at you, did no one teach you how to do you tie without a mirror?" She demanded with a roll of her eyes as she moved towards him. She reached up and grabbed his jacket, using the grip to tug him down until he moved towards her. He raised an eyebrow when she undid his tie, straightening it before she redid it, smoothing her hand down the material as she gave it an approving look. "That is more like it, you can't have a messed tie today Steven." She told him before they positioned themselves in front of the entrance where Kono would come out of. Steve looked over his shoulder to see O'Connor and Toast standing in the background watching the scene. O'Connor appeared calm now while Toast merely watched them all with a look of disbelief in his eyes. "Steve" Danni murmured, instantly attracting his attention, he glanced back at her before following her gaze when she nodded forward just as Kono left the bathroom.

Kono took a few steps towards them, her gaze down on the ground before she brought it up, a startled look coming over her face as her eyes moved over the three of them, before she looked over their heads at the other two. She came to a stop in front of them, remaining silent as though she didn't quite believe her own eyes. Steve glanced at Chin when he spoke to her in perfect Hawaiian. Kono nodded at him, the two cousins shared a warm look with each other. Steve looked at his partner when she reached out and gently touched his back, her gaze remaining on the younger woman as she lightly pushed him forward, indicating without words for him to go first and get the proceedings underway.

Steve moved, taking a few steps before he stopped and held out the wooden box which he had been holding towards Kono, watching as she took it from him almost gingerly, her eyes flickering up to his before they lowered back to the box.

"Go ahead, open it up." He told her. Kono nodded, slowly lifting the lid, a smile coming to her face as she studied the contents within.

"A kel-tec nine-mil" She said, her fingertips moving across the smooth surface of the gun. "This is very nice."

"It makes for a good back up weapon, you can keep it either in your belt or in your ankle strap, it won't require another holster." He explained to her, watching as she nodded at him, she swallowed and looked back up at him.

"Thank you for this boss, it's perfect" She told him. Steve nodded at her, acknowledging her comment before he spoke.

"I'm sorry that you were put in danger today. We care for each other like a family, so please know that all of us will always do everything we can to protect you and to keep you safe." He promised her as he took a step back so he was back in line with the others. He looked at Danni as she moved forward, stopping in front of the taller woman with a smile.

"I'm sorry that you were forced to miss your graduation today but hopefully this will make up for it a bit." Danni remarked quietly. Kono looked at her closely.

"This was your idea" She said, her voice making it a statement rather than a question.

"It was all our idea" Danni responded simply before she reached up and unclasped the necklace which she was wearing, she brought it out from around her neck and held it out to Kono who took it with the same startled look which she wore before. "It's Saint Michael, he's the patron saint of-"

"Law enforcement" Kono finished for her with a smile as she examined it. "I've seen other cops where them but I didn't realise that you wore one as well Danni."

"I doubt you'll be needing much protection with your crazy kung Fu skills to rely on but its never a bad thing to have a backup just in case." Danni remarked on a laugh before she turned serious as she continued speaking. "My father gave me that necklace on my own graduation day and I've never taken it off and I've always been safe though I'm not sure that even Saint Michael can keep me safe now that Steve is in my life." She remarked, a smile coming to her face as she looked back at him, he grinned back at her, his eyes scanning her face.

"Danni" Kono said attracting Danni's attention away from Steve and back onto the younger woman. "If this was a gift from your Dad to you then…"

"Don't" Danni interrupted softly. "It's a gift, my Dad would be more than happy for me to pass this onto you." She reassured her. Kono nodded, reaching forward and hugged Danni tightly.

"Thank you, Danni, I'll treasure it" Kono said when they separated, reaching up and putting the necklace on. Steve reached out and lightly touched Danni's shoulder when she re-joined her before looking towards Chin when he stepped forward and handed Kono another box.

"You really proved yourself out there today, you've earned all of this." He said. Steve watched as Kono opened the box, her eyes filling with tears before she looked up at Chin as he continued to speak. "And for the record, I wouldn't have missed your graduation for anything." He told her, sharing a brief hug with her before he stepped back, his voice becoming serious. "Now its time Kono, raise your right hand and repeat after me" He instructed, waiting until Kono did before carrying on. "I solemnly swear to faithfully support to constitution and laws of the United States of America and the State of Hawaii."

Kono nodded and began to slowly repeat the words as though she was savouring them.

Steve listened until the end, smiling when Kono looked at them all, her eyes bright in her face.

"Guys thank you for this" She told them. "This… this means the world to me."

"Don't mention it" Steve told her. Kono nodded with a grin.

"Drink on me tonight to celebrate?" She suggested

"I would love to Kono but I can't" Danni said with a look of regret. "Gracie will be here any minute and then we're off to the movies together" She explained as she picked up a bag from the floor. "But the rest of you go and have a good time." She added, slipping past Kono and into the bathroom. Steve reached up and dragged his tie off, looking at the other two.

"I would be up for a drink" He told them.

"Yeah a drink sounds good right about now." Chin added. "Just let me get changed into something more comfortable and then we'll head out."

Steve nodded and headed back into his office, pulling the blinds again and quickly changed back into his other clothes, breathing a sigh of relief as he left the office again, holding the suit bag. Danni was back, talking quietly to Toast dressed in the same black dress that she had been wearing earlier. Whatever she was saying was seemingly calming Toast down.

She looked towards Steve and headed over to him.

"That seemed to go well" She said happily, reaching out and touching his arm.

"All thanks to you Danni, you're the one who came up with the idea after all" He reminded her with a smile. Danni opened her mouth to say something when her phone went off, she glanced down, looking at it before glancing back up.

"That's Amy, she, Grace and Billy are waiting outside for me so I have to go but I'll give you a call later after the movie or something?"

"I'll be around." He promised. Danni nodded smiling at him as she squeezed his arm again before turning and heading to the door, waving at the other, she was followed swiftly by Toast. Steve stared after her, wishing she could come with them for the drinks before he pushed the thought away. He glanced towards Chin and Kono when they coughed at him and nodded. "Okay, let's go then, O'Connor, you coming with us for drinks?" He called out to the tall blond man who nodded at him.

"I'm in" He confirmed, flinging his suit jacket casually over his shoulder

Steve nodded looking at them before he led the way out of the door towards the elevators, one thought going around his mind.

Maybe just maybe the new team might just work after all.

Author Note

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