Danny gently pushed the door open, surprised when he found something obstructing the movement. He looked through the narrow opening and realized Steve was in bed, but he wasn't alone. For a second he thought Paulina had found a way to fool the specialists, but quickly realized it was Catherine Rollins sharing the bed with Steve McGarrett.

Williams went to turn away, but Catherine shook her head and eased out of the bed before making her way to the door and moving the chair. Danny hugged her and smiled when she tried to fix her clothes.

"Sorry, I didn't know when you were coming."

"No need to apologize. When did you get in?"

"I got in this morning and came straight here."

"In time to take over nursing duties?" Williams asked with a grin.

"That's none of your business, Danno," McGarrett grumbled and opened his eyes.

"Well, it doesn't take a detective to see you're freshly washed and shaven so unless it was the nurse I'd have to say Catherine did her own investigation…up close and personal," Williams teased.

"You're funny this morning…"

"Afternoon, actually," Williams corrected and showed him the package he held in his hand. "I figured I'd bring lunch. How would you feel about Chicken soup?"

"Did you make it?" McGarrett asked.

"I did and I used my mother's secret recipe…"

"Opening a can of soup and throwing in some potatoes doesn't mean it's a secret ingredient," the SEAL asked.

"Ha, I'll have you know I've perfected the recipe and don't use canned anything," Williams said.

"The box is just as bad," McGarrett said.

"No box or can was opened in the making of this soup, but if you're just going to insult my culinary masterpiece…"

"Now you sound like Kamekona…"

"And you two sound like The Bickersons. How long have you been married?" Catherine asked.

"That's not funny!" Williams griped.

"Actually it is," the woman said as Williams took a thermos from the bag and placed it on the table. He'd also brought crackers, bowls, and spoons. "I should go to the hotel and…"

"What hotel? I thought you'd stay at my place," McGarrett said and knew she was teasing when she kissed his cheek.

"Are you sure you want me staying with you…I mean you need your rest."

"I'll get plenty of rest here…you still have the key I gave you don't you?"

"Of course," she answered. "I'm going to go grab a shower and a couple of hours sleep. Think you and Danny can get along until I get back?"

"I think we can manage," McGarrett told her and pulled her closer so that he could kiss her. "You are coming back?"

"Nothing can keep me away," she vowed and smiled at Williams before leaving the two men alone.

"You're a lucky man, Steve."

"Don't I know it," McGarrett said and sat further up in the bed as Williams pulled the table closer. "All kidding aside…thanks, Danno."

"You're welcome," Williams said and waited for his friend to pick up the spoon. "Eat all of it and I might just find something for dessert…then again you might have already had dessert?"

"That's for me to know," the SEAL told him and lifted a spoonful of soup to his mouth. It was hot and had just a hint of a flavor Steve didn't recognize at first, but one he enjoyed.

"That's Mom's secret ingredient and one that was handed down for years. You can only get it in one place and I'm not going to disclose it to you…not yet anyway. Not until you admit it's better than pineapple on pizza," Williams said and shuddered at the thought.

"Tastes a lot like savory? The real stuff," McGarrett chuckled at the look on Williams' face. "I've been to Newfoundland, Danny…spent a few weeks in St. Johns and let me tell you those Newfies can party. George Street was the best and the fish and chips stores are amazing. Ever had fish and chips with dressing and gravy?"

"No, can't say that I have, but it sounds good," Williams said, amazed at finding these little tidbits about McGarrett's travels. "The trip to Newfoundland…work or pleasure?"

"A bit of both," the SEAL answered and took another spoonful of soup. "Is Rachel bringing the kids home for Christmas?"

"Yes, I spoke to her last night and they'll be home in a couple of days," Williams answered.

"I'm glad, Danny. I'm sorry they had to leave because of me."

"It wasn't because of you, Steve. You did nothing wrong so wipe the guilt off your face or I take back the soup," the Jersey native warned and folded his arms across his chest as he watched the warring emotions on McGarrett's face.

"Thanks, Danno," the SEAL finally said. "Did you find a Santa suit that'll fit you?"

"Not yet," Williams told him and saw something in his friend's eyes. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking it's time to put you out of your misery."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I have a friend who's really good with a sewing machine. She made me one to your specifications."

"You what?" Williams asked, not really surprised with what the other man told him.

"It was impossible finding one for someone who's short and skinny…"

"You know you can be a jerk…but I mean that in a good way," Williams said and offered his hand to the injured SEAL. "Thanks."

"Any time," McGarrett vowed and finished the soup. He knew Katarina had finished the suit before everything happened with Paulina and told Danny her address. "Pick up the suit and try it on. Katarina will make sure it has the right amount of padding."

"Why don't we have Christmas Dinner at my place this year…you and Catherine, Chin and Kono, and Kamekona? I ordered my turkey from that special place you told me about. Wouldn't want it to go to waste," Williams offered.

"Only if you have more savory," McGarrett said.

"I wouldn't use anything else," the Jersey native told him. "Did Lewis come in today?"

"Not yet, but when he does it's time to ask him when I get out of here. I'd rather be home with my own private nurse," the SEAL said.

"I don't know why. I mean it's not like you've got one of the most beautiful women waiting…"

"Watch it, Danno, that's my lady you're talking about," McGarrett told him.

"No worries about me. Gabby and I are seeing each other exclusively now," Williams said.

"Glad to hear it…took you long enough though," McGarrett told him.

"I have kids…need to be a little more careful who I bring around them."

"I know and I don't blame you for that. Thanks for bringing lunch. I didn't realize how hungry I was."

"Glad you enjoyed it. I take it Catherine was the one to give you the sponge bath."

"You could say that," McGarrett answered. "Did you get a real tree?"

"I did…thanks for the recommendation. I'm not decorating it until Grace and Charles are home," Williams told him.

"Any time…have you seen Paulina since they took her to the state pen?"

"No, but from what I've been told she's not responding very well and the doctors don't hold out much hope that she'll be well enough to stand trial for any of this," Williams explained.

"I never wished anything bad on anyone, Danny, but she killed those men and thought she had the right to do it because she loved them. I can't say I'm sorry for what happened to her."

"Neither am I," Williams said and took the seat by the window as McGarrett grew quiet and closed his eyes. It took a lot for a man like Steve to admit how he felt, and Danny was grateful that he could do so with him. It showed how far their friendship had come since that first day when they'd met in McGarrett's garage.

5050505050

Five days later Steve faced down a trio of doctors who would decide whether or not he would be home in time for Christmas. He knew they were worried about the continued weakness that plagued him, but assured them he felt much better and would come back to the hospital if anything happened. His temperature and blood pressure were back to normal and he'd finished the last of the treatments that were required by Maynard and Caldwell.

"Commander, you have to realize that you've been through a lot in the last month or two and your body needs time to recover from that trauma," Caldwell observed.

"I hear you, Doc, and I promise I won't be alone. Catherine's going to stay with me and Dr. Lewis knows Danny well enough to know he won't let me near the damn office," McGarrett grumbled.

"Tell me you're not stupid enough to go back to work without medical clearance?" Maynard snapped.

"No, I'm not that stupid," McGarrett assured him. "Look, if I do something I shouldn't you'll find out before I even get a chance to try it."

"Commander, if we sign your discharge papers I'll want to see you in my office in four days," Lewis warned.

"Four days? Why can't it wait until after Christmas?"

"For the same reason you can't wait to get out of here," Lewis answered. "Commander, I want you to realize you've still got some healing to do. Just because we've been able to counteract the poison, does not mean you're miraculously healed. Tell me something…how far can you walk without feeling it in your legs?'

"I don't…"

"Yeas, you do and I've watched you the last two mornings. You're body took one hell of a blow and the consequences will be felt by you for several weeks…possibly months. If you want to go home today you'll need to do what we tell you or you could wind up back here before you know it," Lewis warned.

"I hear you."

"Good, then I'll sign the discharge papers as soon as I set up your appointment in my office," Lewis said and smiled at the look on the patient's face. "Don't worry, Commander, you put up more than a token fight."

Steve watched them leave and waited for the nurse to come in and unhook the last of the IV lines so he could get dressed. He knew Catherine would be there to pick him up because Danny was spending the day with his children.

"Commander, I hear you're ready to go home," Serena said as she entered the room to find him sitting in the chair by the window.

"That I am, Serena, but you know I'll miss you."

"I don't think so. I've seen how you look at Lieutenant Rollins and how she looks at you. How long have you two been seeing each other?"

"A few years," McGarrett answered as she removed the IV and placed a gauze pad over the small puncture wound.

"Keep pressure on that for me," the nurse ordered while she pulled of a strip of tape and secured the gauze. "There you go…you're a free man and I believe I saw Lieutenant Rollins talking to Dr. Lewis so I'll go see if there's anything she might need help with."

"Thank you, Serena."

"You're welcome, Commander, take care of yourself and Merry Christmas."

"Same to you," McGarrett said and stood up. He knew Lewis was right about the weakness still plaguing him and made his way toward the closet. Catherine had brought him an overnight bag with a change of clothes and he pulled it out. By the time she came into the room with a wheelchair, he was fully dressed and ready to go.

"Your chariot awaits," Rollins told him and waited for him to sit down.

Steve sat down and reached for his overnight bag. He relaxed as she pushed the chair out of the room and felt at peace with everything that had happened. He knew he still needed closure and that would not happen until he faced his worst nightmare, he would do that on his own terms.

TBC

Author's note-I want to thanks everyone for the wonderful reviews, alerts and favorites for my story. I also want to let those with private messaging denied that I have read your comments and they are greatly appreciated. There is just one more chapter to post on this one so I hope you enjoy them…..Winnie