Title: Hell or high water
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

Epilogue

A long twelve hours later Steve stood outside Kono's ICU room. It was well past visiting hours but being the governor's task force had clout in a lot of places. Between the help of the HPD crime lab and the scientists at the hospital lab an antidote had been created in time. By the time Steve and Danny had dropped Nicole at an HPD cell and got to the hospital they'd already given Kono the antidote. Now the young woman was out of the medically induced coma and resting comfortably.

Danny had gone home a few hours before once they knew Kono was out of the woods. Chin too had taken Kono's parents home before returning and was now asleep in a waiting room. Steve opened the door to Kono's room and stepped inside closing the door behind him. Sitting in the visitor's chair Steve ran a weary hand over his face. He was so grateful they'd put this one in the win column. If they'd lost Kono...it would've taken the team a long time to recover. Steve wasn't sure if they could.

"I'm sorry, Kono."Steve whispered.

Logically Steve knew what had happened was the price of being in command. Being a successful task force meant putting bad guys away. Bad people who wanted revenge for wrecking their plans and taking away their freedom. The other side of being in command was feeling responsible for someone on your team being hurt because they were on your team. If Kono had never met Steve, never worked at 5-0 she wouldn't have had to endure the pain of being poisoned. This was one that was going to stay with Steve for a long time. This one had been too close; too damn close. Leaning back in the chair Steve watched Kono sleep. It was a long time before his own eyes drifted closed and he allowed himself to rest.

The first time Kono awoke she was completely disorientated and groggy. She'd seen glimpses of sunlight, a hospital room and medical staff. Then she'd fallen back asleep. When she woke the second time the sunlight was stronger and she saw she wasn't alone in the room. Steve was sitting in the visitor's chair half asleep his head propped up on his right hand.

"Boss."Kono called her voice hoarse and scratchy.

Steve heard her anyway. His eyes opened all the way and focused on her. A smile crossed Steve's face as he scooted the chair towards her bed.

"How are you feeling?"Steve asked. "You gave us a scare."

"Like I'm in quick sand."Kono replied. "Heavy and sluggish."

"Affects of the poison and the antidote."Steve explained. "Doctors said it'd take a few days to get your strength back."

"Poison?"Kono asked confused.

"Was in the coffee; meant for me."Steve replied regretfully. "You grabbed mine by mistake."

"Did you get the poisoner?"Kono asked her voice gaining strength.

"Yes."Steve said as he stood and grasped her left hand briefly in his. "There's nothing for you to worry about. Everybody's okay."

"Good."Kono said softly.

"Get some rest."Steve ordered gently.

Kono nodded already feeling her eyes closing. She was glad everyone else was okay. The five-0 had come to be a family. She didn't want that to change; ever. Kono knew with police work risks came with the badge and that reality would intervene and the 5-0 family would endure pain and hardship it was a part of life. Her last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were that whatever came Kono knew the 5-0 would deal with the good and the bad and be there for each other. Was what family did; blood or not.

end