Chapter 13:

*Knock, Knock*

Steve looked up at he heard the loud raps at the door.

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

He frowned at the repeated, impatient knocking. He made his way to the door and opened it.

Steve felt his heart alleviate from the pain he had been feeling all day as he looked at the expectant face that turned to look at him. Steve was surprised to see the innocent, anxious blue eyes took in his gaze and his furrowed brows accented his face in a sympathetic look.

"Hi." Danny said.

"Hey." Steve replied leaning on against his door.

Danny licked his lower lips, pausing before he continued. "What that all from me?" He gestured to his eye.

Steve bit his lower lip. Danny looked like he was here to mend some fences. Steve was relieved to think that he would finally be able to talk to Danny. However, feelings of mischief crept into his thoughts. Steve was cruel for feeling like he needed to mess with him, but it was Danny. . .and Steve was only human.

"No. After you hit me so squarely last night, and amazingly left no bruise, I was so disoriented I walked into a bar, picked a fight, and some bikers got incredibly friendly, and decided to use me as a punching bag."

Steve looked so serious. Danny felt awful as Steve spoke those words. How could he explain to Steve where he was coming from, say he was sorry and explain his new outlook? "Um, can we talk?"

Steve looked at him blankly. "I have nothing to say to you, Detective."

"Please, Steve. I'm really sorry about last night. It was totally uncalled for and. . .please, let's just talk. Give me a chance."

Danny watched him lift his face which was filled with disgust. With a roll of his eyes, Steve closed the door.

Danny felt his shoulders slump in disappoint. He didn't expect this. What do I do now? I guess I now know how he felt last night. . .at least I got off light.

Inside the house, Steve smiled and chuckled to himself quietly for a second as he stood next to the door. Sick idea of a joke. He thought to himself before he opened the door again, smiling at Danny. "I'm sorry, Danny. Come on in."

Relief flooded through Danny as he smiled and entered his house. "You have a sick sense of humor, you know that?"

"I've been told. What's in the bag?" Steve asked as he closed the door.

"Um, gifts. For you."

"You brought me gifts?"

"Um. . .yeah. Sorbet. . .for my stubbornness." Danny reached into the bag and handed the pint to Steve. Steve smiled as he looked at the label. Sorbet. . .Raspberry. . .He remembered.

"A six pack. . .for friendship." He brought out the six pack and set it on the table. Steve brushed the beers smiling again as he saw that Danny remembered his favorite beer.

"And. . ." He pulled the item out. "Ice. . .for the pain. . .I've caused."

Steve laughed as Danny smiled holding a small bag of ice. "Thank you, Danny."

"No, Steve, I should be thanking you." He could feel his heart beat in his chest. "Listen, I am really sorry for the way I acted last night. There was no excuse for it. . .look. . .see. . .I was watching Finding Nemo last night, and-"

"Sorry, what?"

"I was watching Finding Nemo last night with Grace and-"

"What's a Finding Nemo?" Steve looked beyond confused.

Danny gave him an exasperated look. "You can't tell me you've never-" He observed the man's adorable furrowed brows over his big hazel puppy like eyes and tilted head. "Never mind. Finding Nemo is an animated film about this fish that looses his son and he spends the length movie looking for his son. Anyhow, I was watching it after we had our argument and after I argued with Grace-"

"You had an argument with Grace?" Steve looked concerned. "Are you guys okay?"

"Yeah. . .we worked it out. . .which reminds me, she'll be calling you later."

Steve smiled. "Glad you guys worked it out. What happened?"

"She found out what I said to you. She overheard the whole thing. . .me yelling at you. . .and then me hitting you. . ."

"Rough conversation I suppose."

"Yeah. Anyhow, I was watching this scene in the movie when the fish reunite and. . .crap, this sounds so stupid."

Steve chuckled at him as he walked to the kitchen with Danny's gifts. "Just. . .say what's on your mind. Come on." He walked into the kitchen and placed the ice in the freezer and the beer in the fridge. "Do you want anything?"

"Nah, I'm good."

Steve leaned against the counter and opened the sorbet container. "Alright. Sorry. Continue on with what you were saying, please."

Danny took a deep breath. "I guess what I'm trying to say is. . .all this time I was focused on how this affected me and. . .how what you did had hurt me and. . .all this crap when I should have been focusing on how this affected Grace. . .and how it affected you."

He looked at Steve and took in a breath. "I can't imagine what this did to you. Having to watch your co-worker and friend fall into an. . .an abyss of sorts, thinking his daughter was dead. . .I can't tell you how grateful I am that you kept me afloat on days I was sure I'd drown. I know that last night I was totally rude and disrespectful and just. . .behaving like an asshole."

Steve chuckled as he spooned some of the sorbet up and placed it in his mouth. Danny smiled a little as he continued.

"I'm sorry for hitting you and. . .I would understand if you never wanted to associate yourself with me again. . .I realize now what you did for me and for Grace and. . ." He paused as he watched Steve spoon another small portion of the raspberry sorbet in his mouth. This is it. . .this is the moment. . ."I love you for it."

Steve looked up at his words as the frozen dessert coated and melted on his palate. Even though it was formatted in a friendly way, Danny's big, blue, anxious-looking eyes, his open mouth letting out small breaths of air and his slightly heaving chest said something completely different than 'I love you, pal.'

Steve brought a finger to mouth as he attempted to swallow, finding it difficult because of his heartbeat throbbing in his throat at Danny's words. When he managed to, he spoke. "Pardon?" Steve's eyebrows rose. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as the tightening sensation accompanied the beating.

"Steve. . .I-" Danny broke off. This is turning out all wrong. All he could do was stare at Steve, the handsome man with beautiful hazel eyes that stared widely at him, trying to understand what Danny was conveying to him. Danny couldn't get a grip on himself as he licked his lower lip and flicked his glance quickly to Steve's lips and back to his eyes.

Before he could begin to fathom what he was doing, Danny stepped quickly to Steve, grabbing his neck with both hands and pulling him in for a kiss. If Steve, in no way, felt the same as Danny did, Danny knew he would have a bruise that matched Steve's. . .and as of right now. . .he was okay with that.

A kiss. . .Oh, god, his lips. . .wait, what?! Steve couldn't believe this as Danny held onto him. He felt caught in a trance and shock run through his veins as his breathing stopped. He felt the pint of sorbet and the spoon slip out of his hands, falling to the floor, creating a loud clang and splat that echoed in Steve's ears.

Steve grasped onto Danny's waist, pulling him in close. His lips moved slightly against Danny's. It had been too long. . .to long of backing away from the feelings that grew in his heart everyday for Danny. Steve was relieved to finally have the opportunity to show them. And he would not hide them. . .he would show them in as many ways as he could.

He's kissing me back. . .oh, thank god. Danny felt so relieved, he could feel himself shaking slightly against Steve's lips as he ran his hand up the base of Steve's neck, grasping onto his hair. His other hand drifted to settle on Steve's shoulder.

Steve's arm wrapped around and held onto Danny's hip as the other softly grazed onto the area between his shoulders blades. Steve never thought this could happen with them. All those days comforting Danny, consoling him, protecting him. . .everyone single one of them was worth it and Steve knew he would do it over and over again if the ending was Danny being here, in his kitchen, confessing his feelings and kissing him.

They mutually broke the kiss, staying close.

"What are you saying, Danny?" Steve asked, looking down to his lips and back to his eyes.

Danny could feel his chest tense and his heart raced as he swallowed looking to Steve's eyes. "I am saying that. . .I, uh. . ." Screw this. I'm done running and hiding. "I love you." He looked deeply into Steve's eyes, seeking for his acceptance. "I love you, Steve."

Steve looked at him, searching his eyes. The shimmering, the happiness, the truth shone through those blue eyes. He does. Steve smiled.

"I love how insane you are and how you drive me crazy. . .what with driving my car, and-and almost getting me killed every week. . .I love that you love Grace and treat her like your own. . .I. . .I just love you."

Steve smiled more at him. "You've gone all soft and cuddly on me, Detective."

Danny laughed and brought back his gaze to Steve's eyes.

"I love you, too." Steve said quietly as he looked down.

"You do?"

Steve looked up and grasped onto the man's arms. "Of course, I do. What would make you ever think differently?"

Danny weakly smiled. "Well, for starters the words I said last night. . .and a punch to the eye to top it. . ."

Steve grinned. "Even though what happened last night. . .happened. . ." Steve shrugged. "It doesn't matter. As long as you forgive me. . .for all the crap I've put you through the past 7 months?"

Danny smiled at him. He brought a hand to Steve's chin, gently brushing it. "You did right by me."

Steve smiled and closed his eyes gently at the touch before opening them again. "Danny. . .

um. . ." He took Danny's hands and held them. He looked at their worn hands, now able to clasp onto each other so freely, without any hesitation or awkwardness.

"Yes?"

Steve looked back up into Danny's eyes. "I did it for Grace. . .and for you." He paused, running his tongue along his lower lip before he spoke. "The whole thing. . .I know I lied and led you on. I know that it was painful for you and equally as painful but joyous to see Grace again." He took in a breath, glancing down Danny's face and back to his eyes. "I know I should've told you. . ."

"But it would've put Grace in danger." Danny finished for him. "I know."

Steve could feel his chest tighten in appreciation and adoration for the man that stood before him. "I'm glad you understand. And I'm really sorry."

"Don't be. You did right." Danny smiled. "You did right." He whispered as he quickly placed his lips to Steve's. Danny held him close, clinging onto him with deep desire.

Steve parted his lips as he felt Danny's tongue begging to feel his own. Danny plunged into his mouth as soon as he felt Steve part his lips. The need to feel, to taste, to take in every part of Steve overwhelmed him as he pulled the man closer to his body.

Steve grinned with Danny still in his mouth. He still couldn't believe this was happening. Steve guided Danny to turn with his hands that slipped to Danny's back, their lips still plastered together. His hands drifted to Danny's hips and he heaved Danny on the cool kitchen counter, their kiss breaking slightly.

Danny gained back his position on Steve's lips and his hands wrapped tightly around Steve's neck. Steve inched closer to his body, his abdomen brushing against Danny's slightly tented pants. Steve smiled as he felt Danny grasp onto the yoke of his shirt. Steve knew what was coming as Danny tugged at it. Steve went with his movements and took a step away as Danny held onto his shirt.

Danny inhaled sharply as his eyes gazed along Steve's toned build. Steve always looked magnificent with his shirt off. Goosebumps ran along his flesh as his gaze rose to Steve's. The lustful passion hung heavy in the darkened eyes.

Steve gazed softly at Danny. Steve had to admit that Danny turned him on. Danny turned him on so much. . .grasping tightly onto his shirt and holding it close his chest, looking at him with parted lips, a slightly heaving chest. . .an exhilarated energy filling his eyes. Steve stepped closer to Danny. He heard Danny draw in a breath as he placed his lips back to Danny's, where they belonged.

Danny placed his arms back around Steve's neck and encased Steve's body with his legs, wrapping them around his waist. Steve smiled as his fingers wandered down Danny's shirt. He tugged at it and paused from his lips momentarily to pull the t-shirt off Danny.

Finally out of his shirt, Danny stared into Steve's eyes. Steve broke his gaze as he looked down Danny's body. The burns on Danny's torso caught his eye. . .the scars that had been created weeks ago. They basically had healed over and just looked pink.

Danny gritted his teeth as Steve stared at his ugly scars. The big X on his stomach was enough to make him hurl. Why wouldn't Steve do the same?

Steve only looked at them before stepping in closer to graze his fingers over it. "Do they hurt?" He asked in a whisper, his face close to Danny's.

Danny shook his head, still anxious as Steve studied them, his fingers tracing over them. "Sometimes." He spoke softly. "Less so, now."

"They've healed nicely." Steve smiled and looked up at Danny. He ran his thumb over one of the long strips of scar tissue.

"Um. . .yeah, they have, I guess." Danny paused. "I hope they continue to. . .I don't care for them all that much. In fact, I kinda hate them." Steve's movement tickled and Danny clenched his muscles as goosebumps appeared along his thighs and arms. He huffed out a breath as Steve did it again.

Steve looked back down to the scars. Danny slumped a little. Can he not? What is so fascinating about these disgusting defacements?

Steve smiled at the scars. Danny had come so far. . .dealing with what he thought was the death of Grace and then dealing with Seth. . .Steve was proud of him and gazed at all that was left to remind Danny of the nightmare. Steve hoped Danny wouldn't think of them as a nightmare. . .they spoke more about his recovery to Steve than about his trials. But if they do bring nightmares. . .

Steve didn't want them to bring nightmares. He leaned closer to them, running his nose along the length of one, before placing a kiss to the middle, where the two diagonal lines met.

Danny gasped as Steve kissed him, and even more so as he felt Steve's velvety tongue slip out and run the length of the other. Danny closed his eyes as Steve kissed his way back down the pink mark.

Steve kissed his way up Danny's body. . .from the scars. . .to his chest. . .up to his neck. . .to his chin. . .and then Steve looked into Danny's eyes.

"Don't hate them."

Danny stared back at him. "Why not?"

Steve smiled. "I see them as an achievement. . .a milestone on how far you've come."

Danny had never thought of them that way before. They had just seemed like a reminder of what Seth had done to him. . .that day in the warehouse.

Steve leaned in and kissed Danny's shoulder and then his neck.

If Steve doesn't hate them. . .then maybe they're not so bad. Danny smiled lightly at Steve's kisses as the man pulled away from his neck to look at him.

Maybe, they're okay. . .

Danny pulled him in again. Danny kissed him possessively, clinging onto Steve's body tightly, hands encasing the man's strong jaw and brawny neck. The feelings that erupted to the surface slightly overwhelmed Danny with desirous emotions that coursed through the both of them.

"Are. . .are we seriously doing this?" Danny gasped out as Steve broke from his lips and found Danny's neck, beginning to kiss and suck on a particular spot, like it was a piece of sweet, tangy pineapple. Danny took in a sharp breath.

Steve's voice was gruff and forced as he replied. ". . .only if you want to." His lips brushed against his neck as he spoke, causing rippling shivers to go through his body.

Danny grinned as he closed his eyes, feeling Steve's tongue sway and twist against his neck. "Oh, I want to. I want to. . .so. . ."

"Bad?" Steve grinned before placing his lips back to Danny's neck. He bit down on Danny's neck, giving just a little nip, which caused Danny to gasp.

"Yes. Oh, God, Steve, I do."

"You want it bad. . ." Steve began. "How else do you want it?

Danny smiled as he let out a small noise similar to a whimper. "I want it-I want it. . ." Thoughts only teased his mind. He couldn't seem to form the words that related to the images in his mind. He grasped onto Steve's hair. "Oh, God, I don't know. . .all I know is that I want it." Danny bit his lower lip into a smile as Steve had switched to the other side of his neck, trailing his tongue along, making a path before he landed at a spot that made Danny grip his hair a little more tightly. "And I only want it with you." He whispered into Steve's ear.

Those words made Steve's heart soar as he lifted from Danny's neck. He locked eyes with Danny and drew closer, placing a kiss to the man's lips. He pulled away, still close to Danny's face. "If you want it. . ." He paused, brushing his nose softly along Danny's. "Let's go. . ."

Keeping eye contact, like it was some sort of seductive dance, Danny slowly moved off the counter into Steve's body as Steve didn't move much to give him room to hop down.

Steve grabbed his hand and pulled him through his kitchen and living room, up the stairs, down the hall, and into his room. He placed Danny's body against the wall as Danny pulled him in closer with much force. Desperate to feel each other's lips again, they crashed their lips together. Steve gripped onto Danny's neck as Danny pulled Steve in with his hands on Steve's burly back.

Steve's hips gyrated against Danny's, making him quiver at the sensations that rose from the pleasurable movement against his already hard dick.

Danny's hands wandered down Steve's back and to his waist. He tugged at his bottoms as Steve continued to grip onto him and kiss him. Steve smiled and lowered his hands to Danny's pant line. They played at each other's midriffs, grasping onto each other's pant lines. Their finger's grazed along each other's abdomens, causing shivers to ripple through their bodies. Danny found Steve's pant opening, unbuttoning it and slowly unzipping the zipper.

Steve did the same to Danny's jeans. He felt air fly over his feet as Danny's bottoms dropped to the floor. He grabbed the elastic band that hugged Danny's waist. He paused from Danny's lips, quickly pulling down Danny's undergarment. Steve ran his hands up Danny's legs and thighs, settling at his hips before finding his way back to Danny's lips, encasing them in a possessive kiss.

Danny pulled him close and felt Steve's hands drift down his hips, grasping his ass and then snaking around his body, cocooning Danny in his hold. Danny smiled, absolutely loving the feel of Steve's bare skin against his.

Steve broke and stepped back from Danny's naked body. Steve stripped off his bottoms and stood up at full length. Steve looked up to Danny. There was a moment of sheer enchantment as they locked eyes. Lust, passion, and excitement electrified the air between them. Danny broke first, looking down Steve's body, eying Steve's groin area, taking in his hips, thighs, and the entire package.

Steve looked up and down Danny's figure. Excitement fluttered through him at seeing Danny this way for the first time. His cheeks burned slightly before looking back to Danny's gaze. He walked back to Danny. He softly pressed his stature against Danny's. Danny felt his breath catch before Steve leaned closer and kissed him gently. Steve's hands danced down Danny's body. Steve's hand continued to the man's hips. . .around his waist. . .slowly down. . .until he found what he was looking for.

Danny grinned as he tilted his head back to the wall and closed his eyes as Steve took hold of him and stroked him, softly encouraging his desires to climb high.

Steve smiled at Danny's reaction and placed a kiss to Danny's exposed neck. He loved seeing Danny like this. . .and if he loved him now, Steve could only imagine how he'll feel after. . .with both of them spent and blown into oblivion. The only hard part of that would be getting to that beautiful, mind boggling moment.

Steve pulled from his neck and felt the fire in his eyes as he stared into Danny's already passion blown eyes. Never severing the predatory gaze he gave Danny, Steve pulled Danny from the wall and walked them slowly to his bed. Backing Danny toward the bed, Steve noticed the man slowly run his tongue along his lower lip.

Danny drew in a breath as the back of his legs found the cool sheets that rested on the bed. He breathed shallowly as Steve advanced them on the bed. Danny could feel his throat go dry and his heart pound in his chest as his hands landed on the bed and his arms shook slightly as they held him up. Steve towered over him, that predacious stare still fixed to Danny's eyes.

Steve followed Danny's movements as Danny scooted up the bed beneath him. Steve placed a knee in between Danny's legs and the other near Danny's left thigh. As Danny placed his head on the smooth sheets, Steve proceeded to descend to his captivating lips. Feeling his lips against his own made Danny's heart leap.

Steve's lower abdomen jumped as he felt Danny grasp him. Danny caressed him rhythmically. Steve broke their kiss, lips still close to Danny's. He gasped as Danny continued with his movements.

Danny sat up and placed a kiss to Steve's neck. "Danny. . ." Steve whispered as his eyes closed and his hips moved toward Danny's hand that still stroked him. Danny smiled as his name fell off Steve's lips so easily and so gently. He dragged his teeth along Steve's neck receiving a deep snarl from him as Danny gave a small nip.

Danny settled back down onto the bed, gazing back up at Steve.

Steve stooped down and joined their lips together. Danny reached around Steve's hips to grab his ass. Steve swiveled his hips into Danny's.

"Steve, I want you now." Danny breathed, fingers digging into his hips creating a slight pain in Steve.

"Okay, okay." Steve grinned. He reached in his bed side table and fiddled in the drawer.

Danny smiled as Steve leaned over him. He lifted his head from the bed and passed his tongue over Steve's nipple.

"Detective, detective. What do you think you're doing?" Steve chuckled as he continued to look for his items in the drawer.

"Nothing." Danny said sheepishly as he placed his lips back around Steve's nipple. "Find what you're looking for yet?"

Steve grinned as he placed the items next to Danny's shoulder on the bed. "Yep." He looked back to Danny and kissed him, letting his emotions fill the kiss.

Steve pulled from him and Danny laid his head back to the bed. Danny closed his eyes and smiled at the reality of the situation. Just under 24 hours ago, he thought he'd never speak to Steve again. And here they were, speaking, smiling, and laughing with each other. . .as well as. . .loving each other. Danny couldn't believe it.

In fact, he was so sure this was still not entirely real, that he didn't notice Steve putting lube on his fingers and begin to play at his hole. He only came back to reality when Steve pushed into him. Danny's eyes flashed open and he gasped out as Steve looked into his eyes.

"Steve. . .now." Danny begged as he closed his eyes again.

Steve chuckled as he moved his fingers in and out of Danny. "Okay, okay, hold on." Steve tried to hurry his movements as Danny turned his head back and forth, wriggling and smiling.

"Now. . ." Danny finally said grabbing Steve's cheeks and pulling him in to his lips, desperate to feel Steve, to touch him, to love him. He smiled against Steve's lips. "Now, babe. Now." He repeated against his lips.

Steve chuckled at his eagerness as his fingers slipped out of Danny and he placed his hand next to Danny's chest to catch himself from falling right on top of Danny.

Danny pushed his hips up to meet Steve's body. The need and absolute desire to feel Steve and be close to him was affecting Danny like no other emotion or feeling he had ever encountered before.

Steve pulled away and reached for the little package.

Danny placed his head back to the bed and closed his eyes again, taking in deep breaths through smiling lips. He thought his heart was going to burst with excitement and anticipation as he listen to the crinkling wrapper and Steve's steady breathing.

Danny opened his eyes and watched as Steve brushed his cock up against his hole. Danny glanced up and smiled at Steve's face, concentrating on every movement he performed. Danny looked back down and relaxed himself as he watched Steve disappear into him, filling him with joy, pleasure, and gratification. Danny tilted his head back onto the pillow, closing his eyes, smiling as Steve slowly squeezed into him. He brought his hands above him and he grasped onto the pillow that cradled his head.

Steve grinned at Danny's reaction and leaned over him, placing his hands on bed next to Danny's chest. Steve drew back and pushed slowly back into him. The movement made Danny gasp and he gripped the pillow a little harder.

Steve kept his movements slow, even though he was finding it extremely difficult. Danny feels so amazing. . .so good.

Danny dropped his mouth open and let out a small breath as Steve continued his slow movements. God, he feels so incredible. . .

Steve leaned closer and placed kisses on Danny's neck and chest. Just simple kisses that made Danny smile and chuckle softly.

Danny's tightness aroused Steve as he threw his head back and rushed out a sigh as shivers chased after each other through his body. He shoved himself in a few quick movements into Danny, sensations overwhelming him.

Danny whimpered out. "Babe. . ." Danny gasped out as he placed a hand to Steve's lower abdomen. "Slow down a bit." He groaned out with a smile, placing his arms around Steve's back.

Steve chuckled as he slowed. "Sorry. . .you feel so good." Steve breathed in. He scooped his arms under Danny's to cradle him gently, drawing closer to Danny.

Danny rose his head up and bit his lower lip. "You do, too, babe." His jaw dropped as Steve pushed slowly into him again. "Oh, God." He moaned out. He wrapped his legs around Steve's waist as Steve's sturdy stature drove into him.

Steve grinned as he felt Danny legs wrap around him, encasing him and drawing him closer to him. Steve watched as he pushed into him. The man tilted back his head, biting his lower lip in a smile. Steve placed his lips to Danny's neck, his tongue peaking out and moving in serpentine motions along his neck.

"Steve. . ." Danny whispered as Steve sucked hard on his neck, creating shivers that ran through him.

Steve grinned against his neck and he connected his lips to Danny's soft neck. He gave series of little nips causing Danny to breathe heavily against Steve's shoulder.

"Faster, Steve." Danny whispered out.

Steve sped up his pace a little, trying to keep it even and in control, even though it was proving to be extremely difficult.

Even, steady waves of desire rolled through Danny with every movement Steve delivered. Until Steve decided to push into him in long, hard, deep thrusts.

Danny gasped and let out a cry. "Steve! Fuck!" He gripped onto Steve's back as each tidal wave of pleasure spread through him. Danny couldn't stifle back the noises that he made as Steve continued with his thrusts. Steve smiled as he finished with those and went back to the multiple, faster, and shorter thrusts. Danny moved his hands from resting on Steve's back to gripping around Steve's neck. One hand slid down to settle on Steve's jawline. Danny gazed up to stare into Steve's eyes.

As he watched Danny give him a soul opening stare, something came over him. He didn't know what it was. . .the only thing he experienced was a rush. . .a sudden flourish of emotions as he gazed into Danny's galvanizing blue eyes. Steve leaned close to Danny's lips, a breath ghosting over Danny's lips. "I love you. . .so much."

Danny grinned as he took in the words that were whispered to him. "I love you, too, Steve." He whispered back. Steve kissed Danny's cheek gently.

Steve drove harder into Danny, increasing the man's cries and moans of pleasure. Steve reached down and started caressing Danny's throbbing dick.

Danny arched his hips to Steve and let out a loud groan. He gasped in breaths as Steve pushed into him. All the sensations. . .Danny knew he wouldn't be able to keep up for long.

"Steve. . .I'm. . .I'm close." Danny gasped out, holding onto him, his hands on Steve's jawline.

"Oh, babe, I know. I know." Steve whispered, grinning at his words.

Danny continued to grasp onto his face as he tilted his head back to the bed temporarily. The feelings started to pool as Steve continued to stroke him and move into him.

"Oh, God! Steve!" Danny gasped out in a whisper. He lifted his head to Steve's, placing his forehead against Steve's. Steve continued his movements as Danny held tightly to him and then quickly placed his lips to Steve's.

The flow and energy between them was so easy. . .so gentle. . .so natural. . .everything just fell into place.

"Steve." Danny gasped out in a whisper against Steve's lips. Danny's build up flashed to the surface. Like lighting strikes on a stormy day, pleasure surged through his body in mind blowing flows of electric currents.

Steve continued his movements even as Danny gasped in breaths and moaned with his forehead to Steve's. Warm, pearly white fluid ejected onto Steve's hand as he continued to stroke him. Danny stayed near Steve, his grasp on the man's neck. His other hand snuck up to grasp Steve's hair gently as his body slowly falling back to a motionless state as electricity pulsed through his body.

Steve kept his movements up through Danny's orgasm and soon, he felt that same overwhelming feeling. He pulled out of Danny and removed the condom in one fluid motion. Steve kept himself still.

"Danny. . ." He whispered as placed his hand next to Danny's shoulder. His other hand stroked himself hastily. He stared into Danny's eyes. He heaved in breaths as overpowering waves of elation and ecstasy began to flow through him.

Danny felt the warm droplets rain on him. . .not minding it one bit. He watched the rippling effect of the exhilarating pleasure roll through Steve's body.

The surf of pleasurable sensations lulled to serene ripples and Steve looked down at the mess they made.

Everything stilled. Steve looked up and stared at Danny as he stared back with an out-of-world gaze.

Danny breathed hard as Steve gazed at him. Danny watched as tremors rushed through Steve even as he towered over him. A stuttered breath rushed out of Steve and he continued to tremble.

Danny placed his head back on the bed. He lifted his hand to his head and ran his fingers through his hair as he exhaled out a large sigh. Holding his hand there, he let out a small chuckle.

Steve regained his composure as a last tremble shuddered its way through his body. He smiled at Danny's chuckle. Steve leaned over him and placed a soft kiss to Danny's lips.

Steve pulled back and smiled lightly at Danny as he looked at Steve with adoration.

"You okay?" Steve asked softly as he brushed his nose along Danny's.

Danny smiled at him. "Yup." He paused, searching his eyes. "You?"

Steve smiled at him and nodded. "Yup." He parroted back to Danny as Danny laughed and brought Steve closer to his lips.

*Buzz*Buzz*Buzz*

Steve broke from Danny's lips at the sound of his phone. "Ah, I'll get it later." Steve said as he turned back to Danny's lips.

"No, Steve. . .that's probably Grace." Danny said pushing him gently.

"Oh! Right!" Steve responded, hastily jumping off of the bed to grab his pants, where his phone kept buzzing at him.

Danny smiled at Steve's response to Grace calling him. I couldn't ask for a better partner. . .friend. . .boyfriend? Danny grinned at the thought.

"Hello?" Steve answered his phone.

"Hi, Uncle Steve. It's Grace."

"Hey, Grace. How's it hanging?" Steve answered enthusiastically.

"Pretty good. Hey, um. . .did my dad talk to you tonight. . .about. . .stuff?"

Steve smiled at her hesitance. "He did. He dropped by and we talked about. . .everything that happened."

"Did he say sorry?"

Steve smiled again as he looked at Danny who smiled back at him. "He did. He did and he also mentioned about the fight you guys had last night."

"Oh. . .he did?" She sounded disappointed and slightly upset.

"Yeah. I don't think I have ever heard such wise words come from someone your age, Grace." Steve smiled as Danny stood up to find his phone in his pants pocket and settle back down on the bed.

"Really?" Grace sounded surprised.

"Yeah. I think he was taken aback to hear your thoughts."

"You think so?"

"Oh, I know so, sweetheart. You and I both know he's stubborn, but when he finds out he's wrong, he usually gives in." Steve looked at Danny who made a face at him at his words.

"Oh, tell me about it. . .he is completely stubborn."

Steve chuckled. "The 3 weeks with him weren't that bad, were they?"

"No. . .he spoiled me like crazy." Steve could hear her smile into the phone.

"New everything?" Steve asked as he went and sat next to Danny, who scooted closer to his figure that was now sprawled out on the bed.

"Some new things. . .we mostly just hung out and went to different spots on the island. . .we did stuff he knew I wanted to do for a while. It was a lot of fun, but I hope he knows I just liked spending time with him. It wouldn't have mattered where we went."

"I'm glad. . ." Steve paused. "I hope you know he missed you like crazy when you were away."

"I know."

"And I hope you know he loves you an awful lot."

"I know. I love him, too."

"And I do as well, Grace. I love you. . .a whole heck of a lot." Steve smiled as Danny gazed at him as he said the words.

"I love you, too, Uncle Steve. And-" Steve heard her sigh into the phone.

"And?"

"And I know dad loves you."

Steve smiled at her words. "Grace, I want you to know that I love your dad, too." Steve turned to Danny, who kept gazing at him as he continued to talk with Grace.

"We're Ohana and. . .I love you guys." Steve said simply as he looked into Danny's blue eyes.

"We are Ohana. . .you, me, and Danno." She paused. "And Kono. . .and Chin. . ." She added.

"And Kono and Chin, you're right." Steve added.

Steve heard her chuckle. "Alright. . .I was just calling to make sure my dad talked to you. I think I'll call him in a bit."

Steve smiled. "I think he'd like that."

"Steve. . .Can I say something else?" Grace asked him.

"Of course. I'm all ears."

"I also wanted to say thank you. I never got a chance to. . ."

"Thank me?" Steve was slightly confused.

"Yeah. . .um. . .you were there when I got shot. . .and then you saved me with keeping me safe when Seth was still not caught. I also know that. . .you were here for Danno when I was away. I never got the chance, so I'm saying it now. Thank you, Uncle Steve."

Steve smiled as he heard her words. His adoration for her grew to another level as he listened to her state her gratitude.

"Grace. . .you know I would do it all over again if I had to, right?"

"I do. You would protect me. . .just like my dad would."

Steve smiled. "I would. And I will continue to, Grace."

"Only if get to keep calling you Uncle Steve." She replied.

Steve smiled. "I would love nothing more."

"Okay, good. I better go. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Sounds good to me, Grace."

"Love you, Uncle Steve."

"Love you, too, Grace. Sleep tight."

"I will. You too."

"Will do."

"Aloha."

"Aloha."

Steve clicked end on his phone's screen. He turned to Danny, who was staring up at him adoringly.

"What?" Steve asked with a smile as he placed his phone on his side table.

Danny took in a breath. "I just love the way you love her."

Steve smiled at him.

*Buzz*Buzz*Buzz*

Danny looked at his phone and smiled. "Guess who?"

Steve chuckled and scooted in closer to Danny on the bed. Steve placed a kiss to Danny's neck as he answered it.

"Hey, monkey." He answered with a smile.

"Hey, Danno!"

"What's going on?"

"Nothing. I just talked to Uncle Steve."

"Yeah? Did I do well with settling things?" Danny felt Steve break from his neck and take hold of his hand.

"Yeah." Grace laughed into the phone.

"Good. You're mom okay?"

"Yeah. She wants to go to the country club tomorrow for lunch. . .and she want's me to wear this dress that I don't like."

Danny chuckled. "She's just happy to have you home. I bet you look beautiful in the dress."

"Thanks Danno." Danny heard her yawn into the phone.

"How about you go to bed, missy? You sound tired." Danny said as he moved his fingers over Steve's hand.

"Okay. Hey, one more thing. I was talking to Uncle Steve and he told me he loves you."

Danny looked up to Steve's face as Steve lifted his gaze to Danny's eyes. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah. . .and I was wondering. . .I said that you love him. . .was that okay?"

Danny smiled at the question. "Monkey, I'll tell you this now. Uncle Steve has a very special place in my heart." Steve smiled at his words. "I do love him. . .and I am glad you told him."

"Oh, good." She sounded relieved. "I think I'll go to bed. . .I'm tired." She said, yawning again.

"Okay, sweetie. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Love you, Danno."

"Love you, too, monkey. Sleep tight. Night."

Danny hung up his phone and turned back to Steve.

"I have a special place in your heart?" Steve asked.

"Well, yeah. . ." Danny answered honestly. "Is that weird to say?"

Steve immediately shook his head. "No. You have one in mine." He said simply.

"I do?" Danny asked with surprise in his voice.

"Yeah! Of course. . .I. . ." Steve scooted closer to him. "I love you, Danny."

Danny smiled at his words. "I love you, too."

Steve smiled as he leaned in to place a kiss on Danny's lips. As they kissed each other, broke, and sprawled out next to each other, Danny rested his head on Steve's left pectoral and Steve cradled him with his left arm as his right sat on his stomach, grasping onto Danny's hand. Danny kissed his chest and placed his head back to its original spot. He smiled as he listened to the strong beating of Steve's heart. Steve smiled at Danny's kiss and moved only to kiss the top of Danny's head.

Both of them knew that they loved each other. . .and in the end, that's all that mattered. They were ready for this. Everything was resolved. Everything was comfortable. Everything was in sync.

Everything was complete.

With thoughts of bliss and happiness drifting over them, they closed their eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.