Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (2010)
Pairing: Steve McGarrett/Danny Williams
Length: 39K
Author on LJ: kristen999
Author Website: A03
Why this must be read: This must be read because it's such a rollercoaster of action and emotion and perfect characterisation.

Author's Summary:Falling is never easy, nor is standing back up again.

Kristen has done it again. This fic is no less outstanding then any of the others she has had recced here. This is so real and visceral, Steve's pain, confusion and self doubt, Danny's need to hide within his job to be able to get through it. It's wonderfully researched and grippingly told. Her work is always a pleasure to read and this is yet another fic that you'll want to hold and snuggle into on cold winter nights.

No Way Out But Through

One last rec for the Hawaii Five-0 van this month. Hope everyone had a fun ride and enjoy!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 1,875 words
Author on LJ: delicatale
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: It took them 5 days, 14 hours and 43 minutes to get Danny back. Steve didn't think he'd be the one needing Danny afterwards.

As a finale this month, I leave you with one of my favorite Steve/Danno fics. This is all raw emotion. The reader feels everything in the gut, especially Steve's desperation while Danny is gone and the emotion on the beach when he has Danny home. I love seeing Steve's character explored like this where we get to see how very deep his emotional well runs. There's a lot going on beneath all those muscles and those smoky eyes. And Danny's there to give him the hugs and comfort he needs

5 Days - 143 Hours - 8086 Minutes

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny @ the very end
Length:1,080 words
Author on LJ: jesseofthenorth
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Danny counts his life by Grace`s days

I loved how this fic showed Danny's utter devotion to his daughter. It's one of the qualities that 1st drew me to him and has kept my love for him alive. Seeing how his life has changed from proud first time father to courtroom drama dictating how much he can see his daughter to finding a new home thousands of miles away from where he started with said daughter is an emotional journey to savor and enjoy. This fic makes you feel and feel hard.

All her days entwined with mine

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: could be read as really strong gen bromance or light Steve/Danny slash
Length: 28,977 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Fanfic.net
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: A wrongful shooting takes a treacherous turn when a father's grief pushes him to seek vengeance on Steve McGarrett and the Five-0 Team.

This is a very moving story that ties in so many elements I enjoy: h/c, family, volatile emotions, casefic, and holding onto hope with both fists. I really enjoyed how the author made the characters come alive with fantastic character voices and extremely vivid emotions. I could literally feel Steve's and Gracie's stubborn belief that no matter the prognosis, Danny was going to turn out OK at the end. The casefic portion was short and really on the sideline of the h/c portions, but the whole showdown in the hospital room had me on the edge of my seat, let me tell ya. What this fic really boils down to is how close these people are with each other, the everlasting hope that a loved one will come through tragedy ultimately OK, and a wonderful support system of family and friends.

What We Bury

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 200 words
Author on LJ: hotel_window
Author Website: Fic tag on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : Danny's phone is trying to tell him something.

'Cause this is one of funniest things I've read in H50 fandom. It's short, crack-filled, and just gut-busting hilarious. Danno, auto-correct, and his Five-0 ohana who knows better.... XD

Auto Erection

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length:15,558 words
Author on LJ: somehowunbroken
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : When a case draws Steve back to the SEALs and the life he thought he'd never be pulled back into, he comes to some realizations and has to make a choice.

I really liked how deeply emotional this piece was, from the pain of having to explain to Gracie why her Uncle Steve has to go away to the beautiful reunion at the end. This story really gets into the hearts of everyone, especially Steve, Danny, and Grace, and explores the effect on military families when their loved ones are sent far from home into danger. We get to see their uncertainty of the future, the pain of separation, and yet the deep pride the military guys and gals have in being called to protect and accomplish something. Being written by somehowunbroken, I think we can all tell that this story is superb in all aspects. But don't take my word for it; go drown yourself in the pleasure of this story.

break upon the waves

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: gen
Length: 12,484 words
Author on LJ: superbadgirl
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : Kono and Danny are off to the Big Island to follow a lead on an investigation. Danny's not thrilled, but when is he ever? Kono's awesome. Things still manage to go wrong.

I love seeing the friendship between Kono and Danny. They work very well together, like a well-oiled machine. You can see their deep trust and caring for the other in this lovely casefic. SGB keeps you on the edge of your seat as these two are forced to fight for their lives on a remote island against some very serious bad guys. Definitely set some time aside for this one; you'll not want to interrupt your reading for anything!

We've Got Fun and Games

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: author says Gen, but so slashably good...
Length: 3,975 words
Author on LJ: caliecat
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : After she meets Steve, Rachel discovers that Danny is in good hands. Extended coda to Episode 1x10, Heihei.

This fic is a Rachel POV, something that would usually make me cringe and not read. But Calie just breathes life into and makes her a character I can love and completely understand. She's more human in this and I get why she does what she does. Her reasoning for why their marriage didn't work sounds so right for their characters. And boy do I love her POV on Steve, his strengths, insecurities, and how deeply he cares for her child and ex-husband. A lovely character piece that makes a character shine that so many in fandom hate, an individual with her own insecurities, her own take on things, and who has love and honor all her own.

Passing the Torch

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: gen
Length: 5,151 words
Author on LJ: ratherastory
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : Steve and Gracie have to spend the night alone in his house when Danny gets stranded at the office during a tropical storm.

Some really sweet Steve and Gracie interaction with wonderful character voices. I loved the fort to wait out the storm, Gracie being all business when it comes to fixing her Uncle Steve, and Steve being all awkward but just so protective and loving. If you want a Steve and Gracie piece, this one will fit the bill.

Sunshine After Rain

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 30,205 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : The Yakuza aren’t about to let go of their influence on Hawaii, and when one of their ‘bosses’ arrives on the Island the team want nothing more than to see them gone again. Steve especially, because he's still trying to work out where he stands with Danny since his return from Japan with Wo Fat. But before they can find out why the Yakuza boss is here, two bodies are found in a forest reserve, their burials years apart. The deeper the team digs, the further away from the Yakuza threat they’re pulled.

I really liked how tightly woven of a casefic this was and I could literally picture everything in my head. It read just like an episode, from the mysterious bodies to the yakuza to the big showdown at the end. The suspense kept building till I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next action scene.

Siluria also drew in some wonderful character study and Steve/Danny moments. She picked up on the tension of Steve's sudden departure late Season 2 and drew us on a journey to eventual S/D harmony. I especially enjoyed some of the tenderness in her scenes with these two guys. The shower scene is a particular favorite. It was emotional, loving, and just showed the sheer depths of these guy's feelings for each other.

Hakai

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: gen
Length: ~3,000 words
Author on LJ: perspi
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : "Where did you--" and Danny waggles his eyebrows significantly, "--get a baby at two-thirty in the morning?"

I love the in character methods of dealing with a newborn. Danny is the natural father and Steve would rather be exploding stuff but he's protective and really wants to help. Even though the thought of dirty diapers seems to make him want to run for the hills. Mixed in is the trademark of humor of the show, the bantering and such. They go back and forth over name selection, whose shirt is being as swaddling, and the ever popular thought of a baby coming out "your nethers" as Danny puts it. LOL This fic made me laugh out loud in places and just go "aaawww" in others.

( Chuckle-inducing Steve on the thought of birth... )

Not Trained For This

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: ~1900 words
Author on LJ: t_verano
Author Website: On LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : prompt written to: Steve somehow ends up having to wear a ridiculous unmanly costume, like a fairy or princess or something, complete with tights and tutu, wings, whatever. (I'm picturing The Rock as the Tooth Fairy, for example.) Maybe he lost a bet and has to wear it to a party or maybe he has to do it for Grace, where they have to be a matched pair, trick-or-treating or a party, coz he can't deny her anything. Bonus if Danny promises to reward Steve afterwards, leading to him peeling off the costume slowly and driving Steve crazy. Smexy times ensue.
Any rating, but porn would be most awesome.

Steve in a pink fluffy tutu... Steve in pink princess glitter.... Tight white tights.... Glitter pen outlined tatoos.... Buff arms and abs.... From the hilarious to the pant-inducing smexy imagery, this fic pleases on so many levels. I love how t_verano has interwoven her humor, her inner Danny monologue, her Gracie moments, and just the sheer ovary-exploding image of Steve in a tight princess pink tutu get up with glitter everywhere with everything outlined for Danny's pleasure. *wicked grin* She has walked the fine line between grin-inducing wackiness and the wriggle-in-your-seat imagery of Steve in all his glory.

All's Fair (Seriously)

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: none really but Steve/Danny is you really squint
Length: 2,358 words
Author on LJ: eumelia
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: “How do you know when you’re in love?”

I love the Grace and Danny relationship in this one. Even though Danny get's thrown a curve ball by Grace and fumbles a bit, he is able to pull it together and be the supporting and loving father we all know he is. The characters are spot on and the situation Grace finds herself in really brings to light how close these two are. They are able to communicate on a level that not all parents and children can achieve. Just a lovely character piece for these two.

( Grace Throwing a Curve Ball )

Rainbows Have Nothing To Hide

Hello and welcome to the Hawaii Five-0 van for this month. I've got some fun recs to share so strap in and enjoy!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 37K
Author on LJ: kristen999
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : Steve and Danny go undercover to investigate the death of a SEAL before a sensitive joint Special Forces’ operation. With Steve as the SEALs' new team leader and Danny as the reporter assigned to shadow him, Danny finally gets to see the hidden depths of the real Lt. Commander McGarrett. (Takes place between 2.22 and 2.23)

Few people in this fandom can combine tense storytelling, in-depth characters, and vivid world building as kristen999. And this story is such a wonderful example of all that talent. Kristen sucks her readers into a intense undercover op that explores the military side of Steve's character that only gets hinted at in canon. We see him in his element as a Navy SEAL commander who knows how to navigate the ranks and be one with his men.

The details of the SEAL world also illustrate Kristen's extreme attention to detail and her depth of reasearch. You literally feel like you're on the training missions with Steve and standing next to Danny, wanting to put a hand on his shoulder in support, as he observes and waits. Her research into how SEAL training is ran and the interactions within the SEAL world (like between officers and non-commissioned) made this story live and breathe. So with all that and the wonderful Steve/Danny moments, and you get a fic that stays with you and just a delight to read.

Beneath the Trident

Fandom: Hawaii Five-0
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: (Author doesn't say, I'd guess in between 1-2K.)
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Language. Daemon shenanigans.
Author on LJ: dreamingwriter
Author Website:
Summary: Steve meets Danny. Things go from there. Daemon (His Dark Materials) AU.

Why this must be read: This fic is brilliant. Dreamingwriter uses two of the most enjoyable parts of canon (Steve & Danny's arguments/banter and how everyone assumes they're together) and emphasizes them using daemons. We see just why people don't believe Steve when he says there's nothing going on because we see how Steve and Danny's daemons act together. It's a perfect addition: when everyone can see how their souls interact, their ongoing denial becomes even more unbelievable.

This fic is short and cute, emphasizing how two people in love will always end up together. It's the perfect fic rec for Valentine's Day. ♥

That's Not A Problem (You Had Foreseen)

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0
Pairing: Gen - Steve, Danny, team
Length: ~1900
Author on LJ: bluflamingo
Author Website: At her journal or on AO3
Why this must be read:

Steve found the box in the bed of his truck when he got to Five-0 HQ, or at least that was what he told the team when Danny demanded to know why there were four small kittens crawling over Steve's desk.

Well, the premise is Steve finding a box of kittens in his truck. I'm not really sure what else a story needs, to be honest. But just in case you need more convincing: lovely Steve + Danny friendship, adorable team interaction, and Steve!angst that broke my heart into little tiny pieces. Recommended to anyone who likes hurt/comfort (and kittens!).

Snow White Furball

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (2010)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 4k
Author on LJ: janedavitt
Author Website: JaneDavitt.com
Why this must be read: This is a really terrific example of one of my favorite tropes: a couple bringing up a new kink, negotiating the terms, and trying it for the first time. In this case, Steve is desperate to be spanked but doesn't know how to ask for it, which Danny only figures out after Steve starts slapping Danny on the ass at random and sometimes inappropriate times. Though Danny doesn't share Steve's kink, he wants to give Steve what he needs, so he agrees to do it.

The spanking itself is hot, but what makes the story so interesting is how the author approaches the kink: not just as porn, but as a way to explore their relationship and their feelings for one another. Steve's vulnerability is a revelation, and I loved seeing Danny testing his own boundaries and surprising himself with the results. Even if spanking isn't your kink, I urge you to check it out!

( Excerpt under the cut )

Spoken in a Whisper on LJ

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0
Pairing: Gen - Steve and Kono
Length: 5k
Author on LJ: kristen999
Author Website: On AO3
Why this must be read:

Summary: Octane fuels Kono’s blood, the same untamed rocket fuel in McGarrett's. That's why Kono asked her boss if he’d train her as a sniper.

This gripping, insightful fic explores how Kono became the expert marksman we've seen on the show - from Steve! It takes place early in season 1 and slides very easily into canon, fleshing out their relationship in a very believable way. kristen999 always puts in a lot of time and care researching her fics, and it really shows here. The little details give the story a lot of depth and a real sense of authenticity. I really enjoyed the characterizations. Steve is an excellent teacher: skilled, patient, and professional. Kono is perfect as the student who wants to be the best and make him proud.

To give you a taste for the fic, I've included an excerpt under the cut.

( Excerpt )

Protégé by kristen999 (or read it on AO3)

Hi! I'm tailoredshirt and I'll be reccing Hawaii Five-0 (2010) fic and art this month.

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (2010)
Pairing: Gen; Steve and Mary
Length: 1300 words
Author on LJ: perspi
Author Website: AO3 profile
Why this must be read:

Summary: Mary spams Steve with instagrams from her flight-attendant travels.

This is a poignant look at Steve and Mary's relationship through Mary's eyes. perspi packs a lot of emotions and relationship subtleties into a small amount of words: Steve, the protective older brother; Mary, who spent years missing him and doesn't want to be forgotten; and the two of them breaking down barriers, coming together, and starting new traditions. There's a strong sense of beginnings, both for their relationship and for Mary herself. Really lovely and not to be missed!

不甘寂寞 (buganjimo)

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 2713 words
Author on LJ: armillarysphere
Author Website: LJ Tags and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

Sometimes you just want scorching hot porn and this certainly fits the bill. The best part about this fic is the dirty talk. Steve is playing the role of Scheherazade and telling Danny a bedtime story. The story is about being with another man in the service and Steve is reenacting it as he speaks much to both his and Danny's pleasure.

If you enjoy dirty talk it doesn't get any better than this.

(One Thousand and) One Night

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 6521 words
Author on LJ: portraitofafool
Author Website: LJ Master List and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

This is a very well written exploration of some very particular kinks. The author manages to explore how Steve and Danny gradually discovered their mutual interest in painplay, bloodplay, knifeplay, and other aspects of S/M without making it feel like the fic is about the kinks. This fic is very much about the relationship between our leads and what the kinks reveal about the relationship and the characters. Too often kink fic changes the character to fit the kink, but here the characters stay very realistically in character as they deal with what this new facet to their relationship says about them.

This fic opened my eyes to how good kink writing could be. It transcends all expectations and I can't recommend it enough.

( An Excerpt )

The Blood and Love Theory

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny (preslash)
Length: 6,345 words
Author on LJ: somehowunbroken
Author Website: LJ Masterlist and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

This fic was written for the 2011 zombiebang and may be one of the more unique fusions ever conceived. This fic fuses the play "Waiting for Godot" with Hawaii Five-0 and adds zombies. For those of you who find that a bit questionable let me just assure you that this is an absolutely brilliant fic.

This isn't a typical fic by any stretch of the imagination, but it is full of great dialogue and clever writing. If you are familiar with "Waiting for Godot" you will probably realize that there isn't much action in this fic, but instead it is about painting the scene and the characters. The most important thing about this fic is how you feel when reading it.

I can promise you that you will never read another take on a zombie apocalypse quite like it.

( An Excerpt )

Holding Pattern

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Gen (Steve, Danny)
Length: ~1300 words
Author on LJ: tailoredshirt
Author Website: LJ Masterlist and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

tailoredshirt writes some of the best humor in the fandom and this fic is an excellent example of her smart, cracky humor at it's best. She wrote this fic at a time when the fandom was saturated with fic dealing with Steve's incarceration at the end of season one in an angsty and often melodramatic way. She had a slightly different take...

This fic is hilariously cracky and shows Steve absolutely loving his time in prison. He gets to rest, makes friends, enjoys the food, joins a book club, etc. It is laugh-out-loud funny and a great fic to return to whenever you need a good laugh.

( An Excerpt )

sort of like the hilton but without pillow mints

Hi! I'll be reccing Hawaii Five-0 fic this month. I run the h50_rec_room so I've kept a close eye on a lot of great fic and I can't wait to share some of my favorites with you.

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 21,113 words
Author on LJ: gottalovev
Author Website: LJ Masterlist and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

When I signed up to rec in this fandom, I knew that this was the first fic I wanted to share. When I first read it I spent a long time deciding how to best rec it, and I've drawn on that first rec for this one.

This is isn't an easy story to read. It's dark and at times very harsh, but despite being emotionally stark and painful, the love between Danny and Steve shines through. The story is about Steve and Danny being captured and forced to fight in an underground ring for survival, but what makes this a must read is the way they help each other through the experience, never once wavering in their devotion to each other. This story is beautifully and powerfully told and I can't recommend it enough.

( An Excerpt )

Ending one minute at a time

Last rec of the month! It's been a pleasure sharing some of my favorites with you, and indulging in the wonderful nostalgia of Season 1.

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny/Catherine
Length: ~ 5400 words
Author on LJ: leupagus; elandrialore
Author Website: elandrialore on AO3; leupagus on AO3; leupagus fic tag on DW
Why this must be read: Catherine Rollins gets the short straw much of the time in fandom. In this story, she ends up being the one directing the scene to a large extent, and I think that's part of the attraction. I mean, that's what we do as writers; we get to put the characters in whatever situations we want and have them act out those fantasies. Catherine's just doing it in the "real" world, so to speak, and she wants to be right in the middle of all that good-looking skin.

I think this fic works so well because it's hot and sensual, but it's also intimate and comfortable. These are three adults who are at ease with one another, and aren't about to spend a lot of time worrying about regrets. It's pretty angst-free, and that's a good thing. Also, the threesome isn't simply a vehicle to get the boys together; it really is about the three of them tangling together with their complicated histories and relationships and finding something in the sharing of all those things.

Again, as someone who doesn't read a lot of this type of fic, I still absolutely recommend it whole-heartedly.

( 'Cath just seems to think that you owe me one of your special massages since you fucked up my knee.' )


On AO3: Under Pressure

It doesn't matter how old or new or how popular a story is, authors love feedback!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny/Kono
Length: ~ 5700 words
Author on LJ: robanybody
Author Website: None that I know of - check author's tags and memories for fandom-specific items
Why this must b7e read: I don't typically read much threesome fic, but these last two stories I'm rec'cing are so awesome that they must be read, even if it isn't your thing. What I like about this story is that it's got fantastic banter and everyone seems in character, especially Kono. She wishes Steve and Danny would fuck already, but isn't really opposed to getting caught in the middle of all that sexual tension. Danny's a lot oblivious, and Steve ... well, he's crazy enough to admit what he wants once Kono's given him a nudge in the right direction.

What follows is incredibly hot, and as Danny says: "I feel like maybe I've hit my head and am hallucinating all of this ... Because seriously, this shit only happens in porn ... this does not happen in real fucking life." Except when it does.

Seriously, this story is so hot that even if you're an OTP Steve/Danny slasher, you will wish there were more fics out there like this one.

( She doesn't even know how it starts. Wait, that's a lie, she does know. )

On LJ: Roll Like A Team

It doesn't matter how old or new or how popular a story is, authors love feedback!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: ~ 3300 words
Author on LJ: audrarose; blood_roses (fic journal)
Author Website: Master List of Fiction; Fic on AO3
Why this must be read: Lots of us write from prompts, but it takes a special kind of writer to take "cloud watching" and turn it into a fantastic hurt/comfort piece. Danny's got Steve, but they're running from the bad guys, they're waiting for an extraction team, and, oh yeah, Steve's been shot up with something that's already killed three people. And that's just the beginning!

This is the Danny I love best. He's fierce and loyal and worried as hell, and he'll do whatever he has to do to keep Steve conscious. He talks--because it's what he's best at--and the steady stream of jibes and insults is so in character you can feel Danny's desperation.

What I like about this story is that it's what I imagine the show could be at its very best (with a smidge of porn!) Danny feels everything intensely; Steve tries to brush off danger--but when it matters, they find a way to meet in the middle. Or perhaps on the hood of the Camaro (and if there's anyone out there who doesn't find that hot, I can't help you.)

( 'Have some hypothermia.' )

On LJ: Throw Away the Flowers

On AO3: Throw Away the Flowers

It doesn't matter how old or new or how popular a story is, authors love feedback!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: ~ 15,461 words
Author on LJ: leupagus
Author Website: fan fiction tag on LJ; works on AO3
Why this must be read: We all have a need to define things in our lives, to know where we stand. Danny Williams is no different. He and Steve have been doing something for a little while now, but Danny doesn't know what to call it, and he really wants a name for it.

So, they go on a date ... which lasts approximately 36 hours and 15 minutes. Is that enough to tell Danny what they have and where they're going? Leupagus is funny and prolific, and her Danny is hilarious. (Not to mention the getting together is hot, hot, hot!)

( 'We’re not dating and we’re not fucking but we’re doing something, don’t ask me what, but I just figured it’d be... I don’t know,” he admits. “I like definitions.' )

On AO3: Thirty-Six Hours and Fifteen Minutes

On DW: Thirty-Six Hours and Fifteen Minutes tag (start at bottom)

It doesn't matter how old or new or how popular a story is, authors love feedback!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny, Danny/Rachel (past)
Length: ~ 18,984 words
Author on LJ: gyzym
Author Website: fan fiction masterlist on LJ; works on AO3
Why this must be read: Because Danny wakes up in New Jersey. Okay, it takes a terrible day of hating his life and bickering with everyone in Hawaii before it happens, but the fact remains that he wakes up in New Jersey, with Rachel, and his life in Hawaii, his relationship with Steve - all gone in an instant.

Yes, it's about "what would have happened to the people you care about without you there?" but since we know that's a tried and true technique, let's not knock it. It works. Danny still meets Steve, who has come to NJ on the trail of Victor Hesse, but this Steve is thinner, harder, and keeping the world at bay. Danny hates it and can't help but try to do something about it.

I think the thing I like most about this story is that it isn't so much "Danny realizes how much the others need him" as it is "Danny realizes what it means to lose those people who've meant so much to him in Hawaii." It's a subtle difference, but it feels important because Danny has to come to terms with the mistakes he's made. He doesn't know if he's going to be able to get back to his life, so he tries to make the best of the hand he's been dealt, all the while coming face-to-face with the reality of what happens to people when they lose what they've loved. It's an engaging story, with a nice balance of humor and drama, and definitely one of my favourites.

( 'I want to be back in Jersey with actual goddamn seasons and real pizza and sandwiches that don't get you shot at, I want my kid back, I want to never look at another beach or palm tree or fucking pineapple again, and maybe that's not what you expect, McGarrett, but that's what I want, alright?' )

On AO3: Don't Turn Me Home Again

On LJ: Don't Turn Me Home Again

It doesn't matter how old or new or how popular a story is, authors love feedback!

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (new)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: ~ 20,805 words
Author on LJ: siriaeve; siria on Dreamwidth
Author Website: fan fiction by siria/siriaeve; fanfiction tag on DW
Why this must be read: It starts with a shoot-out in a diner, it has fabulous team dynamics, and Steve is forced to wait out his medical leave by looking after Grace for Danny while Rachel's away and Danny's at work. Naturally, you want a babysitter who knows several ways to disarm an attacker; unfortunately, Steve would've done better if he'd known about things like naps and avoiding sugar. Still, the story rolls on with Steve learning how to trust Danny to do the job without him for a little while, and also learning what it means to care for the most important thing in someone else's life. That level of trust isn't given to just anyone ... and it helps both Danny and Steve realize what they are to one another, and what they could be.

( 'This is what happens when I let you take me out to lunch!' Danny yelled at Steve, because he needed to yell at someone right now, his heart was thudding in his chest, and he had a feeling the shooters wouldn't be so receptive. )

On AO3: High, High, Very High

As podfic: High, High, Very High

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