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Buck gave the offending hand a swat. “What do you want?”

Riptide hesitated. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Buck heard the tension in his voice and knew that he should make more of an effort to appear ‘normal.’

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

He stretched his leg and felt his muscles stretch without any overt pain.

Good.

“Uh. I’m going to go to the counter and get some food.” Buck gave his friend what he hoped was a good smile.

At least one that would put his mind at ease.

Riptide walked over to the lanes, calling out to their team and Buck walked over to the diner counter, keeping his strides measured and even.

Kawehi was the first one to greet him, she came around from behind the counter and gave him a hug.

“It’s so good to see you!”

Buck basked in her hug for a moment, enjoying the warmth of her embrace.

When they stepped apart from each other, he felt lighter. More at ease.

“It’s good to see you, too. I bet Pallas was thinking I would come up with an excuse.”

Kawehi’s expression tensed for a moment and then she shook her head. “Pallas has held onto hope that you’d come.” She reached out a hand and gently touched his arm. “You’re family, Buck. As much a part of our lives as blood.”

He remained quiet for a moment, trying to find the right words.

“Hanai. That’s the word, right?”

Kawehi’s smile brightened the room around him. “Yes, hanai.”

He nodded, happy that he remembered the word that was used in the Hawaiian language to describe a kind of informal adoption.

“Now,” she turned and hooked her hand through his arm, “let’s get you something to eat. I know you’ve missed the food here.” She turned her head slightly to look at him. “Let me guess. Kalbi short ribs. Brown Rice. No Mac Salad. And… a beer?”

This is what it was like, he mused. To be amongst people who knew him.

“Fire Rock Pale Ale?”

Kawehi’s smile brightened even more. “Of course! We’re ready for you.”

Buck nodded and took the seat she offered him.

When Kawehi came back with a glass of Pale Ale, she set it down in front of him. “Maile won’t be here tonight.” Her voice was even and careful. “Axl is back home and they’re both exhausted.”

Buck nodded and looked down at the glass he held in his hand.

Axl had been injured in the crash, much worse than his own injuries.

His recovery was taking longer in the physical sense, and Buck knew that he should have gone to see his friend, but…

Buck looked up when he felt her hand settle on his.

He could see the concern in her gaze, and it humbled him.