Chapter Text
Eric came down the stairs hurriedly, stumbled, but caught himself just in time to avoid face planting on the half landing.
Sam had to admit that it even looked quite elegant, still he grumbled good naturedly.
"Careful, Eric, you know we just finished the case and are busy with the resulting paper work. None of us is eager for even more paper work with describing how you managed to break your neck in the middle of the night."
Eric just grinned and bounced closer. The Ex-Seal shook his head and wondered what had the man in this state: vibrating with excitement, a huge smile on his face. He wasn't left wondering long.
"Guys, you just have to see this."
Sam could hear Nell shouting something upstairs, but couldn't make out the actual words. Before anyone could say anything Eric tapped on his tablet and the plasma screen in the back of the bull pen flared to life. Callen and Kensi already sat able to see the screen, Deeks and Sam needed to turn to get a better look. The team took in the grave face of a news anchor not getting what the man said before the picture switched to a reporter out in the field. Or more precisely out at a beach.
"Is that Waikiki?"
Deeks sounded disbelievingly.
Sam suppressed a snort. Trust Deeks to know all the beaches famous for surfing.
Eric hummed in agreement, gaze glued to the screen. Seeing only the back of Deeks' head Sam didn't notice the odd look that crossed his table mate's face after Eric's affirmation. Instead his concentration was on the news reel playing. In the background Sam could just make out a wrecked plane – a Cessna he thought - the camera swaying from the reporter to zoom in a bit further to show firefighters, police officers as well as CSI swarming the place. An ambulance could be seen making a hasty departure probably to bring any survivors of the crash to the hospital.
Sam had just opened his mouth to ask why Eric thought they should see this when a name mentioned by the reporter registered: Steve McGarrett. Now his whole attention was back again on the screen where the horrible tale enfolded.
His rarely seen and spoken to friend shot by an unknown foe – the camera helpfully zoomed even further in on the bullet holes marring the length of the plane – while piloting the little machine. Steve's partner, detective Danny Williams, forced to fly the Cessna, his only help being an instructor from ground control.
The reporter informed the viewers that the detective had refused adamantly the idea of landing on the water, instead opting to bring down the by then motor less plane on the beach to give his partner a chance of survival he wouldn't have had otherwise. Sam tried to remember the guy they had met several years ago. Stubborn, opinionated and loyal came to his mind immediately. Father of a daughter followed right after and Sam winced hoping the man was OK. Hell, he hoped both of them were OK!
Sam brought his attention back to the screen and realized that now some amateur video was shown giving an unsteady picture of the crash landing. It stopped after the plane came to a halt and started again with McGarret's limp and blood covered body being hauled out of the wreck by his team mates. A visibly hurt and distraught looking Williams followed moments later on his own steam. The video cut off after that as did the whole reel.
Sam gave himself a moment to be impressed with Williams' ability to land the plane without killing anyone. Then he took a deep breath and stared at their tech support with a frown.
Eric finally seemed to realize the smile on his face might not be the appropriate reaction to what he had shown them. To be fair, his grin was more to the fact that he could bear some news about a friend to Sam without really taking into account how said news would make the man feel. A huge mistake on his part he had to admit.
"There's more." He gulped and with another swipe brought a second news report on the screen.
Sam ignored the piercing look Callen gave him too busy taking in the additional information.
This one proclaimed that Hawaii Five-0, sans their leader Commander McGarrett who was reported to still be in critical condition fighting for his life, had successfully busted a drug syndicate. The gang had smuggled a new variety of meth that had been responsible for several deaths in the past weeks. According to some sources the same criminals had also been responsible for the earlier reported attack on Commander McGarrett and the resulting plane crash. Further information was pending.
A tense silence filled the bull pen after the second reel had stopped.
"When exactly has this happened? How's McGarrett?" it was Callen who broke the silence, all eyes swiveling to Eric who seemed to be at a loss.
Before he could do more than hem Nell spoke up. Taking a page out of Hetty's book and suddenly standing at his side like summoned while giving him a very annoyed look.
"This happened several hours ago and they are still operating. Both of them seem to be stable at the moment, but it's too early to…"
"Hold on, what do you mean; both of them?" Deeks' gaze swiveled from observing Sam to Nell in an instant.
Nell gave Deeks a short look before continuing.
"As far as I could gather" no one wanted to think too deep about how Nell had gathered said information "Commander McGarrett had suffered a devastating trauma to his liver. A bullet had cut it into multiple fragments, making the entire organ inoperable. He needed an immediate transplant. His partner, detective Williams, – as well as the rest of the team – volunteered as donors. As it turned out Williams not only shares the same blood type with his partner, but all the other markers are in accordance, too. The necessary data could quite easily be provided as he had given bone marrow to his son about a year ago."
Sam wondered about the son. He could have sworn Williams had a daughter. A second child perhaps? And a bone marrow transplant? He just hoped…Sam shook his head. Before his thoughts could drift further off course he focused back on their analyst.
"Williams took the risk despite being injured himself and the doctors agreed that the chances of finding another donor on such a short notice would be slim to none so the surgery started about four hours ago and is still ongoing. Word is that Williams' surgery will be finished soon and it looks good."
The team nodded in understanding at hearing those words. As it looked like Nell wasn't done yet they waited with any questions.
"McGarrett on the other hand is still in critical condition. Right now it all comes down to him getting the liver as fast as possible and not rejecting the organ, not to mention recovery from the bullet wounds and blood loss. It will take some more hours before we can get any news either way."
"Thank you, Nell. I really appreciate the effort you made in gathering the information on such a short notice." Sam smiled at their analyst though it was a bit tense.
Eric meanwhile tried to hide in the non-existing shadows, seeking his way back to OPS. Nell noticed and hissed something vicious sounding to him that made him look even more like a kicked puppy.
"Hey, don't kill him, Wilma. He wasn't thinking…"
"Yeah, that's exactly the problem." Nell interrupted Deeks with a sigh. She nodded at the team before following her colleague up the stairs.
Sam took a look at his watch. Just shy of three in the very early morning. Given the time difference he guessed that it would take at least six more hours to get any news. He had some calls to make, but those had to wait until a more reasonable time. With a huge sigh he leaned his elbows on the table in front of him and buried his face in his hands.
"He'll pull through. He's a SEAL and if he's anything like you he's just too stubborn to do otherwise."
Sam appreciated Deeks' words as well as the encouraging squeeze his teammate gave his shoulder. But something in Deeks' tone suddenly didn't sit well with Sam so he gave him a sideways glance which told him nothing. The younger man just smiled reassuringly at him his next words hesitant.
"We should either finish this or pack and go home. There's nothing we can do for them right now."
"I hate to say it, but Deeks is right, Sam. So, what shall it be?" Callen looked at Sam with a strange mix of expectation and compassion.
"Why don't we finish and you go home, Sam?" Kensi offered immediately.
Sam smiled despite everything. He knew how she despised paperwork, but there was no hesitation in her offer, her words genuine. Sam didn't miss the scrutinizing look she gave her partner though. So she had noticed something off as well. Realizing they were all waiting for him to answer Sam got a grip on his wandering thoughts.
“No.” Sam took a deep breath “Thanks, but no. I'll finish this. Gives me something else to worry about. And we need to put down the details of the raid as long as they are fresh on our minds."
Making good on his words Sam continued with a question regarding the raid. This led to a short discussion of a particular event during said raid and the correction of some notes on the computers. They were all used to repress unwanted thoughts until they had the time to deal with them so it was back to business within a few moments.
When they were finally finished with their reports they looked at each other. Well, Sam looked at his partner and Kensi as Deeks had vanished upstairs some minutes ago. As if summoned by his thoughts the younger man appeared at the top of the stairs, descending with a rather grim look on his face.
"Any news?"
"Huh?" Deeks looked startled for a second "Eh, no, sorry, Sam." with a deep sigh Deeks slumped down on his chair.
Callen gave his second youngest team member an assessing gaze before he grinned at his partner "How about breakfast? I could do with something substantial to appease my grumbling stomach."
"You talking about something with a lot of fat and cholesterol?" Sam inquired wryly.
Callen just smirked and shrugged.
"God, yes, breakfast first, bed next, but only after we heard back about McGarrett and Williams." Kensi yawned "I can't believe Williams just gave part of his liver to McGarrett I'm impressed he did, don't get me wrong, but still..."
"They are partners, and probably good friends, why wouldn't he?" Deeks inquired curiously.
"I don't know, it's – personal. And he has his child, no, hold on, Nell talked about a son, so, children, to think about, the surgery isn't without risk. He already took one with landing the plane on the beach instead of the water." Kensi reasoned.
Sam answered before Deeks could.
"Yeah, I know what you mean, but think about it. If it had been Callen needing my help, or you..." Sam smiled at Kensi who smiled back. Then Sam turned to Deeks, but before he could continue, the younger man jumped in.
"You can have a part of my liver, Sam, or a kidney, or, hm, no, I don't think I could donate a part of my lung." Deeks thought about it "And you definitely can't have my heart. That already belongs to Fern."
Callen had a hard time not choking on the water he had just sipped. Kensi watched him with equal parts concern – she didn't want him to drown on a glass of water - and annoyance. Yes, the line was cheesy as hell, but still…
"Deeks, don't do that. It sounded like a creepy proposal to my partner." Callen wheezed.
"The only one Deeks will ever propose to will be me." Kensi blurted. Then startled at her sudden outburst and blushed in the ensuing silence.
"Pretend you never heard that."
"Aaaawww, Fern, sugar, light of my life."
"I didn't say pretend I never said it, I said pretend you never heard that."
Deeks' huge smile and the sly grins on the senior agent's faces told her that that wish would never be fulfilled. She sighed. At least Deeks was smiling again.
"I thought we wanted to have some breakfast?" Kensi tried to divert the attention.
Graciously the men allowed the change of subject already packing up their belongings. Deeks volunteered to head up to OPS again instead of just calling to ask Nell and Eric if they wanted to join them which they gladly did.
After some negotiations they agreed on a diner and were just settling down at a large enough table to sit all of them when Nell's phone rang. She checked the screen, released a huge sigh and smiled at her friends gathered around.
"They made it. I just got confirmation from the hospital and they both made it. Williams got through the surgery without complications and already woke for a very short time and McGarrett was transferred to ICU as well and is expected to make a full recovery."
The whole team cheered at the good news and attacked their breakfast with newfound vigor.
Only when they were finally at home did Kensi approach Deeks. She had showered first and now sat on the bed waiting for him to join her after his trip to the bathroom. She carefully untangled her hair with a wide-toothed comb and watched when he finally emerged accompanied by a billow of steam.
"Have you called Danny’s daughter, what’s her name, Grace?" Kensi watched calmly as Deeks slumped and leaned against the door frame. He didn't seem surprised that she had figured it out.
"That obvious, huh?"
Kensi slowly stood, joined her partner and gave him a hug. She could feel the tension melting out of his body and steered both of them to the bed were they settled in a tangle of limbs, upper bodies resting against the head board.
"I don't think anybody else noticed. Sam suspected something was wrong with you right after you comforted him, but apart from that? No, not that obvious."
Deeks nodded and gently squeezed his partner "Grace sent a text and we exchanged messages while I worked on the report. She was surrounded by her ohana the whole time so I didn't want to call. I did that later when I was upstairs. Danny had just woken up, so that was good news, but they were still waiting for McGarrett. She was so brave, it's impressive, amazing. That little girl is too old for her age." Deeks sighed.
"Not so little anymore, Deeks, she's a teenager. You want to call her again?"
Deeks smiled and kissed her tenderly. "She informed me that she is off to bed while we had breakfast, but I should expect her to skype later and make time for that, no excuses."
They both had to chuckle at the quite imperious tone of that message.
A bit shy Deeks added "I think she would like to meet you if you want?"
Kensi nodded the prospect of talking to a young girl not as daunting to her anymore than it once had been. Quite the contrary, she looked forward to meet Grace. She wondered if the teenager took after her father.
Deeks chewed his lips. "What are you going to do now that you know?"
"You have to ask? I will help you lead our teammates on a merry chase as long as possible, what did you think? It's just too much fun. And I'm impressed you were able to keep it a secret this long and I hope we can keep it that way for a while longer."
Kensi grinned impishly before tackling her partner succeeding in her goal of distracting Deeks in a fool proof way that left both of them more pleasantly exhausted and slipping to sleep without problems.