PSL: Sentinel AU

[dann_0]

Danny is Steve's guide. He is still pretty new at it and working with a Sentinel who has some bad experiences. To top if off, while working a case in Portland he finds out that a guide can have more than one Sentinel who is their perfect match.

Comments

Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny had called Steve after Catherine had left and Steve hadn't picked up. That worries Danny. A lot of things worries Danny but a lot of them are connected to Steve. So he drives over quickly, probably a little too quickly.

"Steve!" He calls and then heads towards the house. He calls Steve's names a few more times before he spots the other out the back of the house. He nearly runs over to him. When Steve doesn't move he comes closer, moving so he can see Steve. Then he freezes. What the fuck is going on?

"Steve, buddy. You in there? What is going on? What are you doing?" He waves his hand in front of Steve's face and then reaches to touch his forearm. "Steve, buddy, babe. Talk to me. What is going on?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

After Catherine left, Steve had come out onto the lanai to dial back up his senses. Keeping them low for Catherine's visit had been very difficult. A day or two here or there had been doable, but this time she'd spent the week with him. The headache he'd been feeling had been close to intolerable and over the counter meds were no longer even touching it. His eyes and ears ached and his skin itched to boot. He was worried she was starting to get suspicious so he started complaining about catching a cold. He's fairly sure she believed him for now, but next time he'd have to be on his A-game once more.

Out on the lanai he'd started with vision but once he started dialing up he quickly lost control. The other senses had started going up as well and without any way to ground himself he'd lost the precarious grasp he had on his abilities and moved into a zone.

It wasn't until Danny started calling him that he'd heard a thing, but there's no way for him to respond. When Danny touches his arm, the muscle under it jumps in response, the reaction to Steve is all wrong, it feels like Danny slammed him even though he knows that's not the case. The only other outwardly response is a twitch in his jaw muscle.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny almost pull his hand back when he feels the twitch. But he decides not to. Instead he strokes the arm and steps in closer. He doesn't know why, it just feels like what he should do. It must be some sort of shock right? He is trying to remember his first aid training, what was he supposed to do when people were in shock? Fuck why hadn't he paid more attention.

"Steve, it's me, Danny. I am here. What happened? Are you alright?" He should probably get Steve to sit so he doesn't fall over. He places a hand on Steve's waist. "Lets go inside, hm? Think you can do that?" He could wrap a blanket around Steve and maybe get him something to drink.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

The muscles are initially rigid under Danny's touch, tense and twitching, but as Danny strokes his arm and talks, they start to relax. By the time Danny directs him inside, Steve still is in a zone - not verbally or visually responsive, but he follows Danny's physical directions without resistance.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny is freaking out. What the hell is his partner doing? But it won't help either of them if he lets that take over so he pushes it to the back of his mind and tries to get Steve inside the house and settled on the couch. Talking to him all the while, telling him he is here and that he got him. Once he gets Steve settled on the couch and wraps a blanket around his shoulders however he moves to stand. "I'm getting you some water."

It is less than a minute before Danny is back, placing the water next to Steve, then after a second of consideration he settles in next to him and wraps an arm around Steve. "I got you, I'm right here. When you can speak you're going to tell me what the hell is going on. But I got you."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Steve moves easily under Danny's guidance but takes no initiative to move on his own. He sits on the couch and when Danny returns with the water, Steve is exactly how he left him, eyes still unfocused and staring at nothing.

At first when Danny sits on the couch next to Steve, there's no response or movement. As Danny keeps talking and holds him close, Steve's muscles continue to relax and it's not long before Steve is leaning into the other man, with his head on his shoulder. A few minutes later and Steve's eyes flutter shut and his arm moves around Danny. It's a slow process but Steve's head moves low to enough rest over Danny's heart.

For Steve he has no idea of the passage of time. He can hear Danny's voice but the words aren't understandable and he sounds so far away. But then things start to relax and ease. Nothing is yet making sense but he doesn't feel so far away and there's a warmth to his side and around him and he can't help but to move towards it. The warmth is so comforting he curls into it, hugging it close and then the most amazing thing happens... A darkness comes over the fog and there's a soft noise that draws him out - a-whoosh-thump a-whoosh-thump. Moving his ear as close as possible, his breathing adjusts to match the rhythm he feels under his cheek. It's then that Danny's voice becomes closer and he focuses on that.

It's like riding the perfect wave when surfing and before he knows it he's reached shore. He knows he should be starting to panic, that Danny is here and he's zoned, but right now he's too strung out for that. Danny is offering too much comfort and something he needs so very badly. But he knows he can't stay here for long and after a moment, his voice croaks when he tries to speak.

Clearing his throat, he tries again. "Danny?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny smiles and you can hear the relief in his voice when Steve starts to relax against him. And the arm around him makes him sigh contentedly. He keeps talking though, telling Steve it is safe, that he got him and that he isn't letting him go. The arm around Steve strokes his side urging him to continue to relax.

Then when Steve speaks he lets go, leaning back a little. "I'm right here Steven. You want some water?" He reaches over Steve for the glass and then offers it to him. He is looking Steve over, worry obvious on his face. "What happend? Did Cathrine do something? Did something happen? Please don't ever do that again, Steve."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

When Danny lets go, Steve whimpers at the loss of contact but quickly attempts to pull back into himself. He's sluggish and no where near as coordinated as he normally is. Taking the glass, Steve's hand shakes and he knows that this zone was a bad one. Still he takes a sip and then another. The water feels good in his mouth and moving down his throat and he continues to take sips until the sensation is where it should be.

Handing the glass back to Danny, Steve bonelessly leans back into the couch. The zone took a lot out of him and what he really wants to do is cuddle back into Danny. The warmth and comfort he found there is a like a drug and Steve didn't get anywhere near enough. But Danny is a guide and Steve knows exactly what that means. It dawns on him that Danny could be a plant or working for Catherine. Here to watch him when she's not around. Just that thought makes him shiver into the couch.

Steve rubs a hand over his face trying to organize his thoughts. If Danny was plant surely he'd know what had happened... Wouldn't he?! Was it a trick? Were they trying to catch him in a lie? He knows what that means too should that be the case. The zone they'd force on him would make this one look like a walk in the park. Licking his lips, he tries to play it loose and not lock himself into anything he can't explain.

"You didn't tell me you were a guide," his voice is quiet and low. The question about Catherine is avoided for now, especially if it turns out Danny is reporting to her. "I uh... I must have zoned." Trying to leave it vague so that he can have room to maneuver if needed.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny can feel the panic and fear starting to rise. But he can't tell it is not his own. He swallows, but he doesn't pull back further. He is still sitting there next to Steve. But he is gripping the glass tightly. "I am a what? I have no idea what you're... " Then his eyes go wide. "You're a Sentinel?" If Danny's a plant and this is an act, it is an oscar worthy performance. It doesn't take enhances senses to tell he is confused and more than a little freaked out.

"I... Fuck..." But he can't bring himself to be scared of Steve. Even if he knows Sentinels are dangerous. "You could have ripped my head off. Steve, what the fuck? How long has this been going on. Why didn't you tell me? I thought all Sentinels were in the military. How... How did they not know?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Steve blinks at Danny's response. It's so far from what he'd expect and so very Danny that he finds it hard to believe the scenario his mind conjured up.

Hearing the confusion and panic in Danny's voice further helps convince him and Steve lets out a sigh of relief. He raises an eyebrow at Danny. "When was I going to rip your head off? When you played puppet master to move me in here or now when I barely have the energy to sit up. You, and the team, were never in any danger. I promise."

Not yet fully calibrated to normal, Steve still feels off and a headache is starting to build behind his eyes. Increasing his hearing slightly he focuses in on Danny's heartbeat. It's a little fast, understandably, but still a calming anchor. Taking a few deep breaths he lines up his own heartbeat to Danny's and starts to match his breaths. That helps.

"I am military, Danny. I went online shortly after Dad sent us away. When he died, I zoned on the other end of the phone. When they finally pulled me out my senses were all stuck at a normal level. I'm no good to the military like that. Catherine was my handler. She keeps checking in to see how I'm doing, if the senses are coming back online but..." Steve drops his voice and his eyes. "I don't want to go back... I can't..."

He shakes his head dismissing that line of thought. "A few months back they started to return. I dial them down when Catherine comes." There's a pause. "You had no idea you were a guide? You're a natural. I didn't realize... You feel so good."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny blinks, there is a headache starting to form where there hadn't been one seconds ago. "Steve? What is a Guide? I've heard of Sentinels and Handlers but never Guides. What do you mean I am a natural? I... Am I doing something to you?" He reaches over and moves to to turn Steve's face so he can look him in the eyes. "Why can't you go back? Did they hurt you?" It is the only thing that makes sense and that little tone of desperation in Steve's voice had sealed the deal.

"Is that why you don't want Catherine to know?" Touching feels good, had it always felt this good to be close to Steve. Without thinking he moves to wrap his arms around Steve and pull him close again. "Steve, if you don't want to go, we'll make sure you don't." He has no idea how, but nobody is hurting hid friend.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

When Danny wraps his arms around Steve, he burrows himself in. Skin on skin would be preferred but he's not about to ask Danny for that, instead he basks in the warmth coming off of Danny. It feels like he's been cold for so long and Danny is finally warming him up. Why hadn't he realized this before?

"Guides are people who can feel a sentinel. They can pick up on our emotions before most people do. It's at a heightened level. Early detection. They can directly influence their sentinel. Help them to calm and relax, come down from a zone, or help to anchor us when we're using our senses." They can also cause distress and torment but Steve will save that for later. "A handler is trained to do those things but they are just like any other person. They don't have special gifts."

Squeezing Danny, Steve lets out a soft chuckle. "I should have guessed, you know?! I've always felt drawn to you. More relaxed in your presence. Calm. The sound of your voice is like a balm to my ears and your touch can instantly calm me down if I'm worked up. You might be why my senses started coming back..." That was a distinct possibility now that he's realized it. A non-threatening and safe environment where he could just be. He'd heard of sentinels coming on line like that and having that match but never truly believed it.

Steve sighs and cuddles in more even as his body relaxes. It feels so good to be hugging Danny that he just can't resist. The sound of Danny's heart is music to his ears and Steve allows himself to just listen for a moment. Then he stiffens slightly, this next bit is more difficult. "In the military, sentinels are tools. Catherine... She's not a bad person but she's career motivated. Has their interests in the forefront of her mind and she likes producing results." No matter the cost and usually those costs are at Steve's expense. "She knows how to use the tools at her disposal." There's a lot of subtext in his words. He's been punished for speaking ill of both military and handler in the past. He doesn't think Danny will punish him but the habit is now ingrained.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

"But wouldn't I have felt it before. It's not like I haven't been following you around for a year." He pulls Steve closer and settles back so he is lounging with Steve on top of him, his hand is still stroking Steve's back as it seems to calm the other.

"Always felt drawn to me? Is that why you made me join the five o? And haven't you told me a million times I talk to much? Now you're telling me you like it?"

But what Steve says next has him frowning and tightening his grip on Steve protectively. "You are not a tool, Steve. You're an idiot and impulsive and a trouble magnet but you are not a tool." His voice carries nothing but fondness. "Catherine allows them to do this to you? And you still keep her around? Fucking hell Steven, next time I see her..." Well he is not exactly sure what he'll do, but he can't just sit back and let her take advantage of Steve.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

That is a good question. Thinking back, Steve recalls the times where the military had him working with fresh new recruits. Usually as part of some sort of training, but occasionally he'll see one of those recruits later in the program. It makes him wonder... "I don't know, maybe you need exposure to a sentinel to come online...?" It sounds like a question because he's clearly guessing.

Steve smiles as he presses his face into Danny, enjoying the cuddling and being petted. There's no way he'd admitting that he riles Danny up just so that the other man will go off on a rant.

As Danny's mood goes darker, Steve can feel the change and makes a low uncomfortable noise. Then with Danny's threat he panics. Shaking his head and pulling away. "No no no no no. She's can't know you know, Danny. She can't know you're a guide. It's not that I keep her around persay, more that she's a condition of me not being on active status. If they find out I'm online I go back, I don't get a say. And if they know you're a guide they'll take you too. She can't find out, Danny. She can't find out any of it. You need to stay away from her." If she finds out about Steve that would be bad enough but knowing they'll take Danny too. And Grace... She's Danny's daughter, if being a guide is genetic would they take or watch her too. He doesn't know. He doesn't have any of the answers.

Steve makes a low desperate noise. This isn't good. This isn't good at all. He tries to pull away from Danny. "You need to leave. Stan wanted to go to Vegas? May-maybe that would be best. You can go with them. I'll put in a transfer. Keep you safe and off their radar." Steve needs Danny, now more than ever, but keeping his best friend and his family safe is more important than anything else.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

"And you suddenly leaving Hawaii to follow me won't raise suspicion? No Steve we're staying here. Besides I am done traveling around the world just because Stan wants to move." He frowns at that Steve doesn't get a say. "They can't take me, Steve. I am a civilian. I never signed up, they can't just grab me."

He forces himself to let go and stroke Steve's back instead of holding him far too tight. "Alright. I won't talk to her. Nothing that can make them come after you." He tries to calm back down, even if it is hard and just holds Steve. "What do you need? How do I do this?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Lowering his eyes, Steve shakes his head. "I wasn't going to follow, Danny. You being too close to me, it's not safe. It doesn't matter if your not military. Most of the sentinels I met were drafted in. I... I'm sure it's different with the guides but they have ways..." He shudders. "It's not a choice."

Steve knows he should pull completely away. That he shouldn't get attached to Danny, but truthfully he already was. Long before he'd come back online.

"You're... you're doing it." He relaxes back into Danny for the moment. Resisting Danny when he's gone without for so long, and the trust that's already there - trusting a guide isn't something Steve ever remembers having, right now he's not strong enough to pull away. "I dialed everything down so Cath wouldn't know, but she was here so long..." He pushes his nose into the crock of Danny's neck and takes a deep breath. The scent is heavenly and Steve floats for a moment on the endorphins that it released. "My senses are all over the place." As are his emotions.

"I uh... I think we might be a match. I'm sorry, Danny"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

"I am not leaving you." The way Danny says it makes it clear he is not willing to discuss it. "I won't tell her. I'll stay away until I learn to control it. But I need you." He smiles softly as Steve inhales his scent. He turns his head to lean on Steve's hair for a moment, tucking him in under his chin.

"What does it mean we're a match?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Danny moving his head just encourages Steve. The open expansive of skin at Danny's neck, right at Steve's mouth... He can't resist and his tongue darts out for a taste and Steve moans at the flavor.

"It means... It means I can't resist." He whimpers and pushes his nose into Danny's neck again. Taking another deep breath and his body goes boneless, relaxing totally into Danny. When Steve's speaks next, it's more a mumble into the other mans neck. "Guides feel good to sentinels. We crave them. Calm in the storm. Peace. Tranquility. I... I've never had such a strong reaction before."

Steve brings his finger up to play with Danny's top done-up shirt button. He wants the skin on skin connection, but he can't just take it. Not from Danny. Pulling his head up he searches out the other mans eyes. Steve's pupils are blown and he's not seeing quite right. Everything is brighter, more alive. He can see the heat lifting off Danny and his breath in the air. It fascinates him for a moment but he's still playing with his shirt button. "Want to touch. To feel." He pulls on the button, asking permission. "Need to feel you, Danny."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

"Me? Peace and Tranquility?" He chuckles a little but then he hesitates at Steve's playing with his shirt. Steve seems drunk or high and Danny swallows. He bites his lip. Yeah he likes the way Steve looks at him, the want and need there is nothing he's ever felt before and damn he feels the same way too. But this is a little too much like taking advantage of someone drunk.

"Steve..." He tries to form some sort of reasonable way of saying no, but damn it he wants it too. "How about this, just the shirt." That is nothing Steve hasn't seen before and while being touched and .. licked is something very different at least it isn't taking advantage. besides, he can keep his hands to himself. He reaches down and undoes a few buttons for Steve.

"So you've been with someone else like this?"

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Once he has access to Danny's chest, Steve puts his head over the other man's heart and sighs in contentment. He slips his hand inside the shirt and holds Danny's side just under the ribcage. He can feel the other man breath, hear his heart and his scent is all around him. A knot Steve hadn't realized was bunched tight inside him starts to relax and he closes his eyes to just be.

It's not long before his breathing and heartbeat synchs to Danny's and while Steve is still feeling high he's not as desperate. "No," he replies to Danny's question, "not without help and even then it wasn't like this." Meaning they had tried drugging him. Tried to force him to connect and to need their chosen guides more than he was able to do on his own.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny makes a sound of anger and frustration. But he pushes it back down and the reaches up to let his fingers play in Steve's hair. "Bastards." He sighs and holds Steve. "Relax Steve, I am not going anywhere for a while." It feels good to just hold Steve like this, for once be the big strong protector.

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

With the hand moving through his hair, and the permission to just relax, he does exactly that. It feels so much different than anything he's experienced before. A calmness that he's not found in any other way.

He doesn't know how long he lays cuddled on top of Danny, but after a while he starts to talk. "For sentinels, our senses are enhanced. We can adjust our senses as we need but control can be an issue. A guide can help us go further and pick up more detail. But we can also become overwhelmed with our senses and zone. I was zoned when you came in. Everything is out of whack and nothing makes sense. A guide can pull us back and help us reset." He smiles. "So yes, Danny, you bring me a sense of peace and tranquility. The sound of your voice is settling and your presence reassuring. Your scent is better high than any drug I've ever experienced and you taste amazing. Your touch instantly calms me down."

Moving his head he looks up at Danny. "But I've never had a good who I was so in synch with. Someone who I needed and had to experience. That's never happened to me before." He rubs his chin into Danny heart. "The sound of your heart beating is a lullaby and mine wants to be in tune with yours."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[dann_0]

Danny's breath is almost starting to even out when Steve speaks. There is something about this that just feels so damn right. The only thing even close had been when he'd been head over heels for Rachel and they'd cuddled like this. But that had been just being in love, this is more. He loves Steve yes, the man has managed to become family in less time than anyone else had before.

But he blinks his eyes open and looks down at Steve. "And that is what I did? Helped you get back?" But the flattery has him off kilter. He wants to respond with something witty but he has nothing. All he has is warm, comforting sappiness for the guy on top him. "I am not going anywhere, I am staying here with you. If you need me to keep you grounded that is what I am going to do. Alright? You need to show me how to do it but I'll do it."

Re: Steve and Danny, Backstory: first time.

[super_seal]

Humming, Steve nods in response to Danny's questions. "Yeah. I could hear your voice but it sounded far away and the words were muffled. But then I felt warmth and I assume you must have been hugging me because your words got louder and I followed them back to you."

Steve puts his head back down on Danny's chest so he can hear Danny's heart right in his ear. He rubs his cheek against the other man's chest and sighs in contentment. His hand is in Danny's shirt, gently stroking the line of his bottom rib. "Thank you, Danny. We'll need to talk later. There's lots you need to know but..." But right now he just needs this. "Just keep doing what you're doing. All of it. It's exactly what I need."