Chapter Text
Danny watched through small rectangular window in cased in a heavy wooden door as Steve animatedly taught a surveillance class to a bunch of police academy cadets. He and Steve were both known for their unorthodox and often times, downright odd teaching methods, but if those weird methods helped the lessons become more memorable, then it was worth the extra effort. Law enforcement was a dangerous job, having the correct preparation and training was essential to staying safe and executing the duties of the job. He recalled Steve helping Charlie with a book report last weekend. To make it more interesting for Charlie, Steve had acted out the plot of the book with the kid and made notes about questions they had or important remarks for the report. Charlie had gotten an A on the report and so had Steve in Danny’s book. The man would do absolutely anything for his kiddos and they knew it. That’s why they all loved him so much.
As Steve wrapped up the class, Danny checked the time. They had just enough time to make it to Steve’s therapy session. Danny would never be able to express to Dr. Vega how appreciative he was for everything she was doing and had already done for them. Because of her, Steve was opening up more and more of himself every day. He was no longer afraid to let people see the vulnerable side of his life. Granted, only the circle they considered family got to see it, still it was progress.
Leaning against the wall, Danny waited until everyone, but Steve had exited the room before he walked in and greeted Steve. The man was already grabbing his backpack when he saw Danny.
“You don’t have to do this, you know?”
Danny didn’t bother to ask him anything. He already knew what Steve was thinking. Once a month, Danny joins Steve in a therapy session. Sometimes, Danny has to rehash some things he would rather leave in the past because Steve needs to process something. He does it all willingly because he knows it benefits Steve. He would never deny Steve the opportunity to heal a part of himself.
“Yes, I do. You need to know you have people in your life who will go the extra mile for you. Not that attending a therapy session with you is extra. It is definitely not. It’s relationship development and I consider it a necessary part of the month because it helps you process your feelings, and it allows me to understand you a little more.”
Danny hated that Steve still looked surprised when Danny put his needs and wants first most of the time. It should never be a surprise. It should be the expectation. And eventually Danny would convince Steve of that. He would just keep plucking away a little at a time until Steve finally understood.
“I’m still getting used to having this, I guess.”
“This?”
Danny desperately wanted to know what “this” was. Usually when Steve thought they were going the extra mile for him, it was something family just does for family. Growing up with the family life he had, Steve was naturally suspicious.
“The support, the, the comfort. The…the family stuff.”
“That’s understandable. The fact that you are getting accustomed to it is great. That means therapy is helping and our efforts aren’t going unnoticed or to waste. Now, let’s go or we’re going to be late.”
Danny listened as Steve talked about his week and what his plans were for the near future. He sounded so hopeful. When they first met, Steve was anything but hopeful. Now he constantly talked about things he wanted to do or experiences he wanted to experience. Danny loved listening as he spoke about things like that. Watching Steve’s face light up when he talked about something he was passionate about was amazing. The fact that Steve wasn’t afraid to show that side of himself anymore was a testament to the therapy and how great Dr. Vega was. Steve still had his issues, but now he had coping skills and friends and family to help him with them.
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“What do you think, Detective Williams? Steven seems to think the book is a little too unbelievable. Do you concur?”
“Well, it is loosely based on his life and experiences so no I most certainly do not concur. I have been a personal witness to too many of those stories and can vouch for their authenticity. Steve just hates that they make him into a hero of sorts. He still has trouble seeing the good in himself, but as you know, we’re working on it.”
Another thing Danny hated was how quickly Steve dismissed himself and his talents. Everyone could see how wonderful Steve was except Steve himself. The uncomfortable look in his eyes now was a testament to that. Danny was glad the hour was almost up. Steve needed to decompress a little after the session. A swim and then a late lunch on the lanai followed by Steve working on the book some more. Danny tried to keep the days as uneventful as possible now that they were mostly retired. Steve deserved to be able to live his life as carefree as possible.
“We are working on it. Steven has made significant progress already. A large part of his forward movement is due to the safety and structure he has in his personal life.”
Danny slipped his hand into Steve’s slightly larger one and closed Steve’s slim fingers into his own thick blunt ones. He and the rest of the family and friends had worked hard trying to build a safety net they could all rely on. They had all been the beneficiaries of it on more than one occasion.
“It’s easy to help each other because there’s so much love and respect there. We all want to build something better than what we grew up with. Not that my childhood was bad. It wasn’t. I had a great childhood. Still there are ways to grow and improve. We’re always building each other up.”
Steve smiled shyly and dipped his head. He had been on the receiving of all that love and affection and it had made his life so much better. So much fuller.
“I can’t do life without them. I need them. And I know that’s selfish, but it is what it is.”
Dr. Vega looked almost surprised to hear such conviction from Steve, especially about his own wellbeing. Danny could not even act surprised. He and their family and friends were making sure Steve knew without a doubt they were in his corner.
“Being human and having very real very human needs is not selfish. I am elated to hear you speak with such certainty about something. The fact that you admit to needing them is a huge step forward for you. You are finally letting yourself believe what they’ve been telling you. You have faith in them to act like family and friends when you need them. You are forgiving yourself for being human, I think. Let’s leave on that note. We’ll pick up here next week?”
Danny watched Steve nod his agreement before placing his hand on Steve’s back and guiding him out of the office. According to the text message he just received Nahele was finished with his classes and was off work for the day and was tossing some stuff on the grill for lunch. Damn, but they had some great kids. Nahele was working with Kamekona and was taking some business courses at college. Grace was fully immersed in her forensic psychology degree and was working part time with the local police department as a consultant of sorts working. It served duel purposes as it gives her some more spending money and counts as an internship and college credit. Charlie was doing great at school. Honor Roll every semester and had even started developing as pretty talented little baseball player. Even Joanie was making the Honor Roll and had found her passions in baking and surfing. They were doing okay.
“Need to make any stops before we head home?”
Again, Steve nodded his answer. Danny suspected Steve just needed to get home so he could process everything they had discussed. Steve was making progress, but he didn’t want the world to see him while he made that progress. With Nahele already home, Danny thought he might suggest tinkering with car later. It would give Steve an outlet for some of that nervous energy and allow him to ease his mind. Danny had a full massage planned for later tonight to take care of his body. Steve just naturally seemed to carry tension and Danny had found that massage worked great to help relieve that tension. It allowed Danny to convey in actions just how much he loved Steve. It was an act of affection and Steve just soaked it up like a sponge.
Once they were seated in the car, Danny headed home. He and Steve needed to plan to their trip to see Gracie soon. It had been a couple of months since she had flown out for a long weekend. It was time for them to go to her. The details could be ironed out in a matter of days.
“You seem so content right now, babe.”
Steve smiled. A real smile.
“I am. I’ve never been this happy, Danno.”
As the light changed, Danny smiled to himself. Steve had the right idea. Life is pretty damn good right now. He knew he would spend the rest of his life trying to make sure Steve’s stayed that way. Steve deserved all of the things and all of the love and affection.
“Nahele said Mary just showed up. She’s staying for lunch. She just showed a house.”
Danny loved that look on Steve. The man was nauseatingly happy. It was amazing to witness. Danny hoped he never had to see another expression on Steve’s face.
“I’m so glad she’s found something she likes. Who knew Mary would end up a real estate agent, huh? It’s great. And Nahele learning the ins and outs of Kami’s business ventures is just smart. It keeps the business going and the kid has a guaranteed job. It’s okay to stand down, babe.”
As Danny parked the car, he could see Steve relaxing. This was great.