Chapter 5

"I feel like we should have thought about this beforehand." J examined his rapidly forming black eye in the mirror built into the sun visor of the car.

The words weren't funny and the situation really wasn't humorous, but somehow there was comfort in once again having gone through a less than ideal experience together, and Nahele couldn't help but smile at his friend. The facial movement actually hurt and Nahele winced.

"See, you can't even smile." J started to laugh and in spite of the pain, Nahele started to join in.

"Stop man. Oww…" he winced, still laughing. "Let me… uh… let me text Myah to see if Dad's home." Nahele felt a pang at the thought of Steve and what he would think of this situation, but he pushed it aside. Thankfully Myah answered his text quickly and affirmed that she had been dropped off at home but that Steve would be working late.

"Thanks brat." he responded, and then looked over at J. "Dad's working late tonight. Still, I don't think there's any way this is going to clear up before he sees us." He motioned to his busted lip.

"That is a glorious battle wound." J affirmed. "Can you sleep at my house?"

"Yeah…" Nahele considered. "I think he'll probably say no since your dad's traveling." He acknowledged that Steve gave him a lot of freedom, but was honestly still fairly strict in a lot of areas. "Shit."

"Maybe he won't care? I mean he's not exactly a marshmallow himself. He lives for martial arts."

"I know. I'm just not sure if he's going to get behind non-sanctioned fighting after school. I guess he won't know if your dad's back or not." The more Nahele thought about it, the more he knew for a fact Steve would not approve. He felt his mind start to whirl with pent up emotion. "I actually haven't lied to him before."

"Do you want to start now?" J asked quietly. There was no condemnation in his voice.

"No."

"So just tell him the truth?"

Nahele growled in frustration and put the car into reverse. "I can't. I don't want to tell him anything right now." This wasn't true of course. All Nahele really wanted to do was pour out his heart to his adopted father like he had done in the past. He hadn't done it on a regular basis, but it had happened, with the most memorable time being after Kailie's attempt at going for full-custody. Steve had tracked him down to their own garage and although Nahele had attempted to emotionally lock him out, Steve had knocked down his mental walls as easily as the doors he kicked in when going after criminals. But this time, Nahele knew in his heart that he was more afraid of what Steve would have to say in response to Nahele's current fears. His heart clenched and his hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I'm just going to tell him I'm working an extra shift today and then we're going to your house. I'll tell him your dad's home." Two lies. But hopefully ones that Steve wouldn't think to check into. "We're going to my house first though. I think Myah should probably be a nurse or a paramedic. She can make sure our backs don't get infected."

"She'll be cool with that?"

"Yeah. She has no issue with blood. Taking care of her mom before she died pretty much desensitized her."

"That's actually really sad."

"I know. I'm always telling her not to be a baby about stuff, but she's actually pretty tough." Nahele knew there was a note of pride in his voice regarding his sister.

H50 H50 H50

Myah wished for the hundredth time that Nahele's friend wasn't so cute. She imagined some girls would have envied her current position, but she was afraid her hands were going to start shaking. Nahele was her brother and even though that had only been made official a few months ago, bandaging up the scrapes on his brown muscular torso didn't affect her at all, and she didn't hesitate to tend to him first. J was another matter entirely but he waited patiently, his eyes on her as she carefully pressed a bandage onto Nahele's shoulder blade.

"So how did this happen again?"

"Little sister, if you want to know what happens at school, you have to actually attend."

Myah pursed her lips. "Those are big words considering I've literally got your backs right now. Not to mention, I'm assuming you also don't want me to tell Dad." She watched Nahele and J share a quick glance. "Guess that's a big 10-4." She took a deep breath and stepped behind J. For a redhead, he tanned surprisingly well. He was built similarly to Nahele, being possibly an inch shorter and slightly more broad across the chest. He was lean and his back already rippled with muscle.

Trying to focus on the task at hand, she examined the long scrape next to his spine. "I don't think anything needs stitches. It looks more like rug burn." As she picked up the only bandage she thought she needed, she noticed both boys allowing the bags of frozen vegetables to move away from their respective facial injuries. "Hey, keep those in place!"

"This nurse is very bossy." J commented to Nahele. Myah hissed when her brother reached back and pressed the frozen bag against her bare calf.

"I am seriously going to punch you in the face."

Nahele chortled which apparently resulted in pain, as he pressed the cold pack back to his face.

"Hey." J gave her a look that was playfully stern. "Chill out, little girl. Your big brother is a great warrior."

Myah rolled her eyes. "A great big goof." She tried to ignore the flip flop in her stomach at J's words, but his voice even though playful was incredibly strong. Being called a little girl was probably kind of insulting, but most of the time she felt anything but little or delicate, often disparaging her body structure, as she still considered herself chubby.

Finally finished with her doctoring she scooped up the bandage wrappers and tossed them into the trash can. She glanced back at the boys and then tossed several paper towels on top to cover up the evidence.

"You know, I'm no angel, but I've never lied to Dad."

"And don't you start." Nahele said sternly. "I mean, don't mention this, but don't lie."

Myah sat down and poked her lip out at him. "I wish you wouldn't either. He doesn't make rules just to make us miserable. It's because he loves us."

Nahele shifted uncomfortably. "I know."

"You were the one that used to tell me to stop pushing him away."

"Like you listened."

"I did listen and I don't push him away anymore."

"Then why didn't you tell him the truth about Coleman's car?"

Myah exhaled. "That's different. I'm trying to protect Delia. And when I get back to school I'm going to figure out how to get Rachel to incriminate herself."

"We'll help you." J offered. "It's not like anybody cares what I do anyway."

"Well, I can't seem to get away with anything anymore so I'll probably take you up on that." Myah sighed. His comment struck her as rather sad. She knew her mother had loved her with all of her being but had simply been too ill to make any rules or hold any boundaries.

J seemed to pick up on her verbiage. "Not anymore?"

"Uh, well… I used to think of myself as mature and definitely a rule follower."

Nahele snorted and she punched him lightly in the shoulder.

"But really I didn't have anybody in my life that cared enough to give me rules or notice if I didn't follow them. Mom couldn't…" Myah's voice trailed off.

"And now you can't hardly go a week without getting your butt busted." Nahele broke the silence for which she was thankful, although she did not appreciate his words.

"Excuse me." Myah was mortified that he'd said that in front of J and firmly filed the moment away. At some point Nahele was bound to have a girl he liked over, and she thought she'd be sure to bring up an embarrassing story or two. Not that she liked J of course. He was just really cute. "It doesn't happen once a week!"

Nahele didn't say anything but smiled at her, as he stood and started gingerly pulling his shirt back on.

J reached over and tugged her ear. "So it's been more than a week?" he asked teasingly.

Myah made a face at him in response. Nahele saw and apparently knew her even better than she'd thought and his lips parted slightly. "No? Today?"

Myah dropped her face into her hands and groaned. Clearly nothing was sacred. "Seriously, I get no privacy around here. It was an accident I swear. I met up with Delia outside and forgot to text Uncle Danny where I was and it scared them. And it sucked and now I wish you guys would leave because I am completely embarrassed to be talking about this."

"Okay." Nahele reached over and tousled her hair. "Thanks doctor brat. You do good work." He picked up the grass stained shirt he had been wearing earlier and stepped into the laundry room.

"You're welcome." Myah muttered.

"Don't be embarrassed." J said softly. "You're really sweet. And I think you're right. Your dad only does it cause he loves you."

The boys exited the house and Myah lay down on the couch, fatigued from the day. She was sorry to see them go and her heart ached as she wondered again what was up with her brother. Since she had met Nahele, he had always regarded Steve as his hero. He was always complimentary of the man and attempted to emulate him whenever he could. Myah knew her dad and brother didn't physically resemble each other, but she was constantly noticing similarities in their postures and the way they phrased things.

Myah tried to remember when she had first noticed something being off with her Nahele. She supposed it had been the week before that he had seemed to deviate from his normal easy going temperament. Not being at school with him this week had given her even less time to observe him, but now she was determined to figure out what was bothering him. Being that she was alone, she considered very briefly going into his room, but quickly dismissed that idea. She wanted to help Nahele and was pretty sure that invading his privacy would lead to their first real fight. Not to mention that even if she found information Steve would likely spank the skin right off her bottom for that kind of behavior. Considering how seriously he took eavesdropping, she could only imagine how he would feel about snooping in someone else's bedroom.

Deciding to table the situation for the moment, Myah pulled out The Hunger Games and decided to read before making herself dinner. Her phone notified her of a text message and she was surprised to see a message from Lliam, her science lab partner. He was clearly in a chatty mood, and Myah attempted to muster up a little enthusiasm for conversation, although all she really wanted to do was read.

H50 H50 H50

Steve hung his keys on the hook and entered his kitchen, relieved to be at home. He hated these mandatory meetings and found himself far more exhausted than if he'd chased a perp around the island. He noticed the instant pot glowing with the keep warm setting lit and after quickly changing clothes, dished himself up a bowl of rice and buffalo chicken. Myah was nowhere to be seen but Steve had noticed the back door to be unlocked and upon stepping outside saw his daughter lounging in one of the chairs set at the tree line. He smiled as he noticed her dark hair blowing in the wind as she concentrated on the book set in her lap.

Steve's heart twisted a little as he remembered the terror he'd felt when he'd first gotten Danny's text that she was MIA. He'd barely offered an excuse before bolting from the meeting and when Danny had texted him only minutes later that Myah had been found safely outside the palace, he'd about collapsed in relief. He didn't like to think of himself as a helicopter parent, but had to admit his reaction had been akin to one. He'd known as soon as he'd seen the look on her face that the scare had been unintentional, but it did nothing to soften his wrath. He was extremely thankful to Danny and Chin for reminding him to cool off and to remember that there was a big difference between childish mistakes and deliberate disobedience.

In retrospect, he actually felt kind of bad for giving her a spanking in his office, simply because he knew she was embarrassed, even if it was only in front of Danny and Chin. He didn't actually regret doing it, but he also had no intention of breaking his little tiger's spirit.

Myah sensed his gaze and looked back and waved. Happy to eat outside, Steve joined her, settling with a sight into the chair next to her. "Hey kid. Good dinner."

"Thank you. I didn't set the smoke alarm off, so I also consider that a win."

Steve snorted. "I guess I'd agree. You still reading Hunger Games?"

Myah nodded and held up her book as an affirmative and then seeing her phone blink, sighed.

"What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just Lliam, my lab partner in science. He's been trying to chat all night and I just want to read."

"Does he need to talk to you about school stuff?"

"Nope. Just…uh…" Myah seemed to notice Steve's eyes zeroed in on her. "Just being friendly. Which is fine."

Steve shifted uncomfortably. He knew boys were going to start to come into the picture but it wasn't a part of parenting he was particularly excited about dealing with. Grace had never had a boyfriend, but Danny had been complaining about boys since his daughter was seven. Steve thought Danny was over protective, but at the same time had been relieved that dating was off limits to his partner's daughter for now. Lou complained even more about the boys going after his daughter Sam, with his ire often lit by her seeming encouragement in response to their attention. Myah had not mentioned anything regarding boys that he could recall and now Steve wondered if he was late to the party. "Does he like you?"

Myah crinkled her nose at him. "As a lab partner? Of course."

"You know what I mean, sass."

"Uh… I don't know. I guess he might. He just told me I have kissable lips so…"

Steve choked on his chicken. "He what?!"

"I'm kidding! I'm kidding!" Myah held up her hands in defense.

"Phone." Steve commanded, holding out his hand.

Myah tapped her phone to open up the conversation and then handed it to him. "This is kind of an invasion of privacy, just so you know."

"Not really. I've told you I reserve the right to check this thing at any time. Just because I haven't doesn't mean I won't. You understand me?"

"Yes sir."

Steve scanned the conversation and felt his heart rate slow as he read a completely innocent exchange. The boy did definitely seem to be putting more effort into the conversation than Myah was. Steve returned her phone. "Here you go. Don't you think you've given me enough heart attacks for the day?"

"Sorry."

"I do think he likes you though."

"You think? I was hoping he was just being friendly."

"You don't like him?"

"As a lab partner, and as a friend. He's not my type."

Steve squinted at her. "You're fourteen. You have a type?"

"Maybe."

Steve felt like things were suddenly moving faster than he was comfortable with and regretted the trouble he had given Danny over the years. "We haven't really talked about this, but you're not allowed to date until you're at least sixteen."

"Okay."

"Okay? That's all you have to say?" Steve realized he had actually been steeling himself for an argument and was surprised at her casual shrug.

"Yeah, I mean that's fine. What about school dances though? Will I be allowed to go to Homecoming?"

Steve exhaled. It was a fair question and he was kicking himself for jumping into this topic without taking time to research and consider it first.

"Do you need to discuss it with Uncle Danny first?" Myah gave him a deadpan expression, her tone teasingly condescending.

"Do you need another spanking?" Steve growled back, not serious, but loath to acknowledge that that was exactly what he had been thinking.

"No. I never need a spanking."

"Yeah, I heartily disagree with that. Um… yes, you are allowed to go to dances. And I guess if you want to go with a guy, then as long as I meet him first-"

"To perform a background check?" Myah interrupted.

"Of course. And if that clears, then it's okay if you go. But going with friends is good too."

"Okay." Myah seemed perfectly content with that answer and gazed out at the sun which had started to change colors in preparation for its descent.

Steve exhaled, and fought the urge to text Danny that he had successfully navigated his first conversation regarding boys. He was as bad as the teenagers with his phone.

"I think if Lliam asked me to Homecoming, I'd tell him I'm not allowed to date yet." Myah commented. "I don't want to hurt his feelings."

"Well, if he's not your type…"

"Yeah…" Myah smiled over at him. "I think I'd want to date someone kind of like you. Like not exactly, of course, cause that'd be weird. But you're the best man I know."

Steve looked at her, touched. He reached over and tugged her ear. "I hope you end up with a much better man than me. Though if that doesn't happen for a long, long time, I'll be happy." It was a true statement and Steve felt his heart swell as he considered how blessed he had been since moving back onto the island. First his team had come together, and was made up of people far more important to him than mere coworkers. And now to share his home with Myah and Nahele, his life was more full than he ever could have imagined.

Speaking of which, he needed to text Nahele. The boy was sixteen and Steve wanted to allow him freedom to spread his wings, but he still needed to know where he was. He pulled out his phone and texted: "Hey bud, what's your plan for the evening?"

Steve had time to finish off his chicken and rice before he got a reply. "Picked up an extra shift and was going to spend the night at J's." Steve frowned at the response. When school had started, he'd insisted Nahele make a pretty substantial cutback on his hours with Kamekona, agreeing the boy could work 3 days a week and one weekend day, unless it was a special catering event, in which case he'd make an exception. He appreciated Nahele's work ethic but also felt it was important his son have time for homework and pursuing other interests, like his music.

Making a face, Steve quickly texted Kamekona, asking if he had some special event going on that required extra help that week. He also messaged Nahele: "J's dad is back in town?" Steve recalled J's dad with a grimace. They'd gone to middle school and the first two years of high school together, before Steve had been shipped off to the mainland. Although they'd played football together, they certainly hadn't been friends. Even in their youth, Carter had played hard and fast with both his friends and the girls at school, never caring who was technically available or who he hurt in the process. He had been exactly the kind of person Steve would never allow his daughter to date.

When Nahele and J had started to hang out, Steve had figured out very quickly who J's father was, but so far the teen had exhibited none of his dad's personality. Steve had first imagined that Carter had matured and put his undesirable ways behind him. However, from what J said, the man was off the island for business more often than he was on it, and while Steve hated to think it, he thought that might be the reason J seemed cut from a different cloth. He wasn't around his father enough to emulate him.

"Yes." Nahele's reply came through. Steve squinted, unashamedly reading into it. Nahele wasn't normally so short in his replies and he also usually alerted Steve to his plans without being asked, especially if it was something other than work which was supposed to be entered into their google family calendar. If he was going to actually sleep somewhere else, there was the understanding that permission was needed, versus just a statement being made. Something was off here.

Kamekona's name flashed across the screen of Steve's phone as a call. As was his habit, Steve answered, "McGarrett."

"How's it, brother? You know I hate texting. I prefer the beauty of vocal interaction."

"No problem. What's going on?"

"Well, I just wanted to tell you, I got no special events this week."

"So Nahele didn't pick up an extra shift?" Warning bells were going off in Steve's mind.

"No, he didn't pick up anything extra. Especially with how busy he's been at school."

"Yeah?" Steve waited for the man to elaborate.

"Well, it ain't like him to be late. So I let it slide."

"How late was he? This was yesterday?" Out of the corner of his eye, Steve saw Myah's interest piqued by their conversation. She immediately turned her gaze back to her book however.

"Yeah, just yesterday. About an hour and a half late."

Steve clenched his jaw. "Alright. Thanks for the info."

"Is he okay?" Kamekona was concerned. "I hope I'm not ratting out our palala, but you are his pop, so…"

"Yes, I am." Steve responded. "He's not my palala, so I'm glad you told me. I'll talk to you later." Hanging up the phone, he considered his next actions. He'd clearly caught his son in a lie, and the question was why. Nahele had always been honest with him and he'd certainly never been irresponsible with his work before. He hesitated and then texted: "You're not allowed to spend the night there. Home, now."

Nahele responded with: "Why?"

Steve gritted his teeth and didn't even dignify that with an answer. He actually didn't mind his kids questioning him, but his usual mantra was: Obey first, ask questions later. He texted back: "Do you want me to track you down?"

"No."

Steve growled under his breath, because there very well should have been a sir tacked onto the end of that No, but such were the limitations of texting. He had chosen it over calling Nahele simply because he wanted to wait to discuss things when he could see his boy's face.

"Myah." His daughter still had her eyes glued to her book, but had not turned a page in several minutes. "Do you know where Nahele is?"

She shook her head. "No, sir. Something's going on with him but I honestly don't know what."

Steve eyed her but nodded. His gut told him that she knew a few more details than she was choosing to share, but that it wasn't enough to really be helpful yet. It was still a little early but he decided it wouldn't hurt her to turn in early. "Go get ready for bed, kid." She poked her lower lip out at him but stood up in response to his raised eyebrow. "You can stay up and read." he assured her.

"Is Nahele okay?"

"He will be." Steve said darkly. Myah looked at him, clearly waiting for more information.

"Do you want me discussing things with him when you're in trouble?" Steve asked.

"No."

"Then get out of here." She took off and Steve followed, taking his time cleaning up the kitchen. He heard the door open and sensed Nahele's presence before he looked up. He knew the teen was standing in the living room doorway but Steve chose to make him wait, carefully finishing with his meticulous wipedown of all surfaces. He finally looked up and folded his arms across his chest. He immediately took in the bruising and swelling around Nahele's mouth. It was a busted lip clearly as a result of a punch. This was concerning but Steve didn't blink. "Study. Now."

Nahele immediately turned and headed towards the study. His shoulders were tense and his gaze downcast. His hands were in fists at his sides. Giving Steve the briefest of glances, Nahele sank down into a chair and Steve perched on the edge of the desk as was his habit when dealing with his children. He wasn't sure most parenting experts would agree with him employing some of the interrogation techniques he'd used in the military but he knew they were effective and he figured he'd use what he had in his arsonal.

Steve fixed Nahele with a pointed stare that he knew his boy wouldn't be able to hold. They remained in their respective positions in silence for what probably seemed like an eternity to Nahele. Finally Steve spoke. "I'm not used to you lying to me. I don't like it. At all."

Nahele shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "I'm sorry." he said softly, before looking back down at the floor.

"Look at me." Steve growled. He knew it was a struggle but Nahele's dark eyes finally met his blue ones. "Where should I start with you? You lied to me about working tonight. If I called Carter Aarons, I'm willing to bet he is not back on the island. Do I need to confirm that for myself?"

"No." Nahele shook his head. He looked like he was about to be sick.

"Try again."

"No, sir."

"You know how I feel about lying. A relationship isn't worth anything if people can't trust each other. On top of that it's a safety concern. I give you a lot of freedom, but I need to know where you are. I will always protect you. But that will be very difficult if I don't know where you are. You're smart enough to know my job comes with extra risk. That's part of the deal with being in this family."

Nahele nodded. "Yes, sir." His misery was evident in his voice.

"So you know damn well that if you want to sleep somewhere else, you better ask me first, not tell me. You're still sixteen, son, and there is an order of operations here that you clearly need a reminder of. And finally, an hour and half late to work? What was so important, huh?" Steve's voice wasn't raised but his tone was one of steel. Nahele's posture was started to remind him of Myah's when she was upset and wanted to block out the world. Nahele wasn't curled into a ball, but he looked like he wished he could.

"Nahele." Steve willed his voice to lighten just a little. "Tell me what's going on. All these things are out of the norm for you. Lying, disobeying me, being disrespectful. If you're just pushing boundaries, fine, I'll meet you where you are, but you are going to be in a world of hurt. Your deal is sealed for tonight, but I want to know what you're thinking."

Steve stood in silence, praying his son would open up. The inner conflict was evident on Nahele's face, and he finally shrugged, almost lifting his hands helplessly. "I don't have an excuse. No good excuse. I've just been angry lately and I can't deal with it. I'm sorry."

"Alright." Steve eyed him. "What have you been angry about? At me?"

"No. Not at you. I don't know what."

"What's the bruise on your face from?"

"Nothing. Just messing around."

Steve accepted that answer, honestly not feeling too worried about it. His level of physical activity at Nehele's age had kept him in a constant state of bruising and of all the things they were dealing with, a busted lip seemed of little concern. "Alright. First of all, you know that no matter what, I love you. And because I love you, you know I won't tolerate any of what you did tonight. You understand me?"

Nahele nodded miserably. "Yes, sir."

"Alright." Steve jerked his head towards the living room and as Nahele slowly stood, he followed him in. Knowing the effect it would have, Steve slowly unbuckled his belt and pulled it off. "Shorts off."

Nahele froze, his lips parting slightly in shock. "What?"

"You heard me."

"Are you for real?!"

"Yes."

"Shit." Nahele's dark eyes had widened and started to fill with panic. He glanced quickly towards the staircase.

"I sent her to bed early. She's no stranger to this anyway." Steve glowered at him, in no mood to repeat himself. He wasn't kidding when he'd said Myah was no stranger to this scenario but he knew she'd consider it pretty severe. He meant it to be severe. In general his kids were pretty different, with Myah needing the safeguard of boundaries a lot more frequently than Nahele did. He reserved using his belt on her for more serious infractions with the knowledge that the strength of his hand could do the job when milder correction was needed. He had only whipped Nahele once however, and was currently operating with the decision that his boy's punishments should be severe enough to make them rare. He was going to finish the evening with that principle in mind, but he would be lying himself if he said that Nahele's behavior hadn't made him question himself and his methods a bit.

Seeing that Steve was clearly not going to change his mind, Nahele slowly pushed his shorts off, stepping out of them and in usual form, picking them up and setting them on the leather ottoman.

"Bend over the end of the couch." Steve ordered, his tone firm but not harsh. He was steeling himself for the task at hand, but he hated seeing the pain and fear in his son's face. Nahele awkwardly bent over the armrest of the couch and Steve stepped forward and placing his hand on the small of the boy's back pushed his upper body all the way down. "Tell me why you're getting punished." he ordered softly.

Nahele swallowed. "I… I lied to you about where I was and who I was with. I disobeyed you and was disrespectful. I blew off work."

"Are any of those things acceptable for a man?"

"No."

"So you know you deserve this."

"Yes." Nahele wasn't crying but there was a quaver in his voice.

Steve winced. He hated this. Keeping his left hand on Nahele's back he brought his belt firmly across the boy's backside. His underwear offered little protection and Nahele hissed through his teeth. Steve continued to lay on the swats, pausing briefly between each so that the full sting could take effect. Nahele was clearly trying to take his punishment silently, which Steve could certainly relate to, but by the fifth smack he was gasping. Number seven had him yelping and Steve could see he was crying. Steve ended the punishment at number ten and choosing to give his son a minute, stepped to the side and rethreaded his belt.

Nahele slowly pushed up from his bent over position, his face flushed and his eyes still full of tears, although at no point had he sobbed. Steve waited until Nahele raised his eyes to meet his and then immediately stepped over to him and gripped him tightly against his chest. He felt his son relax against him and attempt to calm his breathing.

"That was a hell of a whippin'. Are you ok?"

Nahele nodded.

"Alright. Go get ready for bed. We're going to talk more, but I think you need some sleep. Other than work, you are grounded this weekend."

Nahele nodded again.

Steve waited until the teenager had gingerly made his way upstairs, knowing that while sitting down might feel impossible, walking was also not very comfortable. Once he heard Nahele close his door, he headed up the stairs himself and, giving a soft knock, entered Myah's room. She was laying on her bed, her colored pencils out and the adult coloring book Malia had given her spread in front of her. Steve noticed she also had her ear buds in, which was rare for her. She looked up at him and reached for her phone to turn the music off.

"Is he still alive?"

"I haven't broken anybody yet." Steve sat down on the side of her bed with a sigh. Myah closed her book and placed both that and her colored pencil box on her desk. Steve was surprised when she turned and climbed onto his lap. He often pulled her there, and she welcomed it, but generally held back from initiating it herself. She wrapped her arms around him and curled up and he accepted her, rocking her gently as though she were much younger. She'd told him she was too old and too big for such things but he didn't care, figuring just because her adoption hadn't taken place until she was fourteen didn't mean they had to miss out on everything entirely.

"I love you, dad." She said softly. "I'm sorry I was bad today."

"You're not bad." Steve responded.

"I'm sorry I was less than perfect."

Steve smiled. "I'm glad you're not mad at me for spanking you in my office."

"Oh, I'm mad. But technically it was my fault."

"Yeah, technically. I love you too, kid."

H50 H50 H50

Author's Note: Hey sweet readers. It was my birthday this week and honestly I would have loved to spend some of it writing, but my hubz was in the ER this week (has an infection, but will be fine) and my little babe seems to be under the weather too. Anyway getting to share H50 love with you all has made my life a little sweeter this year and so again, I appreciate you all. It's early early here, but some of you have picked up on the fact that I often post in the middle of the night, as that's when I have the quiet to get my writing done. I feel like there was a lot of reflection in this chapter, which I personally enjoyed, as far as getting to explore Steve, Nahele and Myah's mindsets regarding life, so I hope you enjoy it too. Steve has started to figure out that something is going on with Nahele, but nothing is simple. I know you guys have been wanting some Nahele love, so let me know what you think. Side note, in my mind J looks like Archie in Riverdale. Anyhoo, have a great Thursday and thank you as always for taking the time to read, review and love on our H50 crew.