Chapter 6

Steve was awake long before the sun started to peek through his windows. He tossed and turned, alternating between pushing his covers off and trying to pound his pillow into a comfortable shape. His physical movement mirrored the whirl of thoughts going on inside his kept playing the last few days over in his mind, trying to figure out how he could have so completely missed Nahele starting to tailspin. If it had been just one line he had chosen to cross, that would have been one thing, but he'd checked all the boxes of things Steve had no intention of tolerating. The problem was if he couldn't figure out what the underlying issue was he knew they were just going to end up in the same position they'd been in the night before.

The only thing Nahele had really given him to go on was that he was angry. He was angry and he didn't know how to deal with it. Steve considered what he knew about his boy's past. His mother had died two years before he'd met him and Nahele had bounced around in foster homes until taking off to live on the streets. His father had been in and out of jail his whole childhood. Was his anger stemming from feelings of abandonment from his biological parents?

Steve considered this. When he'd met the teenager, he'd been in full on survival mode and even when Steve had taken him under his wing, he'd still operated under the fear that Steve would turn him over to the law if he screwed up. Steve still kicked himself for not eliminating that concern earlier. Maybe the stress of living in a state of survival mode had finally taken its toll and a result almost like PTSD was rearing its head. That seemed a strong possibility and seemed to fit Nahele's almost out of control behavior. But what had triggered it?

Steve began to consider each area of his son's life.

There was the shrimp truck. Steve was there often enough for food himself that he was sure he would have noticed if something was awry in that setting. Kamekona was also present and although Steve knew the other man was unlikely to rat Nahele out over minor issues, he felt sure he'd let him know of anything truly important. Since this was the first time Nahele had blown work off, Steve didn't think the issue stemmed from there.

School? Steve had to admit they didn't generally discuss school. There were a lot of things they enjoyed talking about, namely sports, working out and music, but school really wasn't one of them. He got an automated email every two weeks with grade updates, but it was too early in the year for there to be much in the system. Steve had to be honest that after scanning the first couple, he hadn't even read the last one, making the assumption that if there was a problem, he didn't need an email to tell him. Apparently he wasn't as astute as he'd thought.

Nahele had been spending a lot of time with J ever since they had met in music theory considered their friendship. J had always been respectful in his presence and the two boys always seemed happy in each other's company. No doubt J had been a part of the deception the night before but in spite of Steve's memories of his father, he didn't necessarily think J was a bad influence. He did intend to keep a close eye on that situation just to make sure.

The digital clock on the bedside table seemed stuck at 4:59 and Steve breathed a sigh of relief when it finally read 5:00. That seemed an acceptable time to get up and he was relieved to exit his bed which had started to feel more like a prison. It was still an hour before his kids needed to be up in time to workout before school. The problem was Steve didn't feel he could carry on like a normal morning. Again, he pondered the night before, comparing his experiences in disciplining his children. He'd always considered the slate somewhat wiped clean following a punishment, especially a spanking.

Steve supposed there were two things that made this situation different. One, he still didn't know what the underlying issue was. He'd sent Nahele to bed the night before instead of insisting they hash things out then and there, and he was starting to regret that. Nahele had just looked so exhausted at the time, that it had seemed like the right thing to do. Steve decided now that that had been a mistake and that if he could help it, he would not let it happen again. The second issue was that one of Nahele's transgressions had been lying to him. Steve hated being lied to, and he was especially bothered by the dishonesty coming from a person he normally trusted. He realized that he was struggling to move forward.

Gritting his teeth, Steve picked up his cell and pressed Danny's number. His partner's groggy voice answered almost immediately. "What happened? We have a case?"

"No, but it's after five. Don't you work out in the morning?"

"That's actually none of your business. Did you really call me at five in the morning to discuss my exercise habits?"

"Just checking in."

"I don't appreciate it. What do you want?"

Steve exhaled and then cut straight to the chase. "I don't know what to do with Nahele after last night."

"Hasn't Myah given you enough practice?"

"She's never lied to me."

"That does change the landscape a little." Danny's voice sounded a little more awake.

"I hate being lied to. I always have. Mary was constantly lying through her teeth, but I could always tell. Turns out Mom lied about just about everything. I don't even know about Dad… as far as I know, he just kept stuff to himself. But Nahele's my boy. He fit into my life so easily. I don't know what to do with this."

"It's okay to admit that it hurt your feelings."

"My feelings?!" Steve exclaimed, careful to keep his voice low. "That makes me sound like some sissy mama's boy."

"No, Steven, it's called acknowledging that you're human and have human emotions. Joe didn't stomp them all out of you in SEAL school."

"It's called BUD/S."

"Thank you. And not to be insensitive but considering your maternal history, it'd be very difficult for you to be a mama's boy."

"That is actually very insensitive."

"I'm sorry." There was no sound of apology in Danny's tone. "Look, did you ever tell a lie? To your parents, anyone?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"It sucks, but it's not an indication of a character flaw, at least if it doesn't become a chronic habit. I don't know exactly what's going on in that boy's head, but I think I can say with certainty that he's having a hard time. He's not just trying to give you a hard time, even if that's what it feels like."

"Maybe you're right." Steve tried to lighten his tone. "I mean, that's pretty much what I was thinking anyway."

"Yeah, right, which is why you woke me up."

"You needed to get up anyway. I've got the governor's meetings so I won't be able to pick up your slack today."

"Pick up my slack?!" Danny sounded infuriated. "The day anyone else has to pick up my slack I'll kiss the sand and say I love this island."

"Alright… talk to you later." Steve quickly pulled on his workout clothes and quietly made his way down to the kitchen where he started the coffee machine, quickly downing a bottle of water while it was brewing. He usually had about an hour before his kids got up to sit quietly alone and read. Part of him still wanted to pound on Nahele's door, drag him out of bed and force him to talk, but with Danny's words still fresh in his mind, Steve decided to keep with his usual habit. Some things were going to need to change with his trust having been broken but it didn't need to start with a wake up call reminiscent of boot camp.

It was almost 6 when Steve made his way back inside. As per the norm, Myah's door was still closed which meant she needed to be woken up, but Nahele was already up and in the bathroom. Entering her room, Steve smiled down at Myah, curled up on her side, breathing peacefully. She set her phone for 6:15 in the event that he got called into work, but she had offhandedly told him a while back that she preferred him to her alarm, and he was happy to indulge her.

"Hey kid." Steve gently tugged on her ear. "Let's roll." She rolled onto her back and crinkled her face at him, before smiling sleepily.

"I'm up."

Steve stepped back onto the landing and came face to face with Nahele who was exiting the bathroom. The teen caught his breath and looked down at the floor, clearly not wanting to meet his dad's gaze. Knowing they had about fifteen minutes before Myah joined them, Steve decided not to waste any time. "Let's go." He jerked his head towards the stairs, and still not looking up, Nahele quickly descended to the main level, where he immediately picked up his water bottle. Hydration before the workout, and certainly before you drank coffee was one of Steve's rules and he watched his son, thinking it ironic that some things were so easy to teach.

"I wish I hadn't sent you to bed so quick last night." Steve said. "We need to talk because even though you took your punishment, I don't think we solved the issue. Because I still don't know exactly what the issue is."

"I know." Nahele said softly. "I really… don't want to talk about it. I said I'm sorry. Can we just forget about it?"

"No." Steve's voice was firm. "Boy, I know you. And last night was completely out of character for you, so no way am I going to just let it go."

"Maybe it is in my character though." Nahele finally looked up and there was an angry glint in his dark eyes. "Did you ever think about that? That I might be nothing like any son you'd actually want?"

Steve stared at him, caught completely off guard. "No, I didn't, because it's not true. You are my son and you're exactly who I want. Just because you're making some bad choices doesn't change that." At his words, the glint in Nahele's eyes changed to one more of sadness than anger and he clenched and unclenched his fists, clearly fighting tears.

"Come here."

Nahele obeyed and Steve pulled him against his chest. His boy, who at the rate he was going, might very well be taller than Steve was when he was done growing. Nahele's posture was rigid, and Steve could tell that he wanted very much just to relax and accept both the hug and Steve's words, but for whatever reason was unable to do so. Determined to meet him where he was at, Steve hugged him even tighter. He felt Nahele drop his head onto Steve's shoulder, but his body stayed rigid as though the barriers were still firmly in place. "Whatever's going on with you…" Steve said in a soft growl, "I'm here. I've got you and we'll get through this together." Nahele nodded and then returned Steve's hug, gripping him for a moment like a life preserver. They stayed that way only for a moment, before breaking apart. "Go warm up." Steve ordered.

The back door slammed as Nahele exited and Myah entered the kitchen looking tentative. Steve raised an eyebrow at her.

"I wasn't eavesdropping, I swear!" she said immediately, holding up her hands in defense. "I just didn't want to interrupt you guys."

Steve eyed her for a moment, letting her squirm a little longer than necessary. Seeing her heartfelt expression, he actually had no trouble believing her words, but knowing her penchant for listening in, felt it better to keep her on her toes regarding the matter. "Alright, hydrate, then let's go."

H50 H50 H50

"All right." Steve sighed, looking up at the palace and then back at Myah. "Have a good day… and behave yourself."

"I will try." Myah responded honestly.

Steve snorted and then actually let out a laugh in response. "I believe in you. And right now I envy you. This week is crawling by. For a variety of reasons."

"Well, try to stay awake in your meetings." Myah leaned over and kissed Steve's cheek. "I love you, dad."

"Love you too. Beat it."

When Myah stepped off the elevator onto the second floor, she saw Chin and Danny gathered around the main console desk. "Good morning guys."

"Morning, sweetie." Chin said. "Put your bag in my office and then you can come back out here. I got you hot chocolate from Picasso's." He pointed to a styrofoam cup sitting on a nearby table.

"Awww, thank you." Myah tossed her backpack into Chin's office and picking up the steaming cup, relaxed onto a stool.

"He's bribing you to be good." Danny said softly, a teasing undertone in his voice.

Myah made a face at him. "He is not. He's just being sweet and thoughtful and uh… are you?" she asked Chin.

"No, I'm just being sweet and thoughtful."

At that moment Lou stormed out of his office. "I am about ready to lock that girl in her room and throw away the keys! That innocent sleepover she went to last weekend… I just found out they had boys sneaking into the basement!"

It was unfortunate timing as Myah realized suddenly that he was talking about Sam, and being well aware of the party he was referring to, took a larger sip than she meant to and scalded her mouth. Although she made a valiant attempt to suffer in silence, she couldn't help the initial gasp and it drew their attention onto her.

"And just what do you know about it, young lady?" Lou asked, his dark eyes scrutinizing.

"I… my drink was just hot." she tried to play it off.

"Well?"

"Uncle Lou," Myah spoke, deliberately keeping her tone gentle. "Sam is one of my best friends, but we don't go to the same school, so our school friends are different."

"Hmm…" Lou grumbled, but appeared to relax a little at her words. "Speaking of which, I forgot my coffee." He stepped back into his office.

Danny raised an eyebrow at Myah and said softly, "Nice diversionary tactic."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh. The fact that you have different school friends has nothing to do with whether or not you're aware of Sam's weekend plans."

"Uncle Danny, you could be a detective when you grow up."

"Very funny, smart alec."

Lou rejoined the group, with no more questions directed at Myah, for which she was thankful. She pulled out her phone to send a quick text to Sam and Grace. "Sam, fair warning, your daddy is not happy about Nani's party."

Sam answered with an emoji frowning and crying waterfalls of tears.

"You guys make me feel like a goody two shoes." Grace responded. "What's the point of not being grounded if my 2 best friends are on lockdown?"

"One of us needs to enjoy her freedom." Myah texted back. Noticing Chin had pulled up a giant shot of a magazine cover, she tucked her phone away, curious to hear about the case.

"This photo was taken six months ago in Phillip Van Horn's home office." Chin said. "It's filled with Hawaiian artifacts. After CSU finished processing the scene, every item in this picture was accounted for, except one." He zoomed in on an item shaped like a leaf.

"What is that?" Danny squinted. "That's an artifact?"

"That's a scrimshaw. Do you know what a scrimshaw is, Myah?"

"No."

"It's an engraving or carving done on bone or ivory. In this case, a piece of whale bone. According to his insurance company, that piece is almost one hundred and fifty years old. And what makes it even more interesting, is that is the least valuable item on the list that they sent over."

Danny grimaced. "Not according to the people that executed the Van Horns."

Chin nodded. "This family seems to have a past shrouded in mystery. You guys see this?" He zoomed the screen in even closer on the artifact revealing what looked like a crest. "That's the crest of the Royal League. It's an old Hawaiian secret society that no longer exists. Now our victim's great great grandfather, Jonas Van Horn was believed to be a member."

"Huh." Lou peered at the picture. "A secret society? What do we know about them?"

"Other than the fact that it was disbanded seventy years ago, not much. There is somebody that could tell us more about them, but uh…" Chin trailed off.

Myah sat up straight, waiting for him to continue. She thought this was all incredibly interesting and it occurred to her that similarly to science, history was actually quite interesting when used in the real world. She wondered at Chin's hesitation and apparently Danny did too.

"What? Who is it?"

Chin grimaced and then finally said, "Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you. Myah grab you backpack. We're going on a fieldtrip."

"If you two or three, rather, can manage it, I'll follow up with that club and their security footage." Lou said.

"That's fine. I need to go over a couple of ground rules."

"Whatever you say." Myah said immediately. She had no intention of any sort of repeat of the day before, as well as being genuinely interested in the research part of this case.

"Oh, not just for you." Chin said. "Danny, this goes for you too."

"Oh." Danny quickly turned back to the table. "Ground rules for me too?"

"Especially you."

Myah hid a snicker, but wasn't quite in time to avoid a light pop on the back of the head from Danny.

"Don't mention that we're law enforcement. In fact, we'll need to hide our badges."

Danny's eyebrows shot up. "What about guns?"

"Uh… that should be fine as long as it stays holstered. Handshakes are also fine, just let him initiate the contact. And unless you guys have written some dissertations I don't know about, do not mention JFK, Area 51 and definitely not the Apollo Moon Landing."

At this point, both Danny and Myah were staring at Chin in amazement.

Danny shook his head. "Can we…uh.. feed him after midnight?"

Chin shook his head. "Like I said, I warned you. Let's head out."

Myah stood up to grab her backpack when a thought occurred to her. "Uncle Chin, do I get to ride on your motorcycle?"

"Well, I wasn't going to make you walk."

Myah clapped her hands in excitement. She had loved both times Chin had taken her for a ride, but they'd never gone farther than the neighborhood.

"Now, I don't know about that." Danny objected. "She can just ride with me, and be safely surrounded by metal and not to mention, be wearing a seatbelt."

Chin shrugged and Myah gave Danny her most sorrowful expression. "Please, Uncle Danny? I'll be wearing a helmet."

"You're welcome to wear the helmet in the camaro. I thought you liked my car."

"I do. Your car's awesome. But please let me ride with Chin today? He is technically my uh… my keeper."

"Your keeper?" Chin chuckled. "That's one step above jailer."

"My bodyguard?"

"Sure. Let her ride with me today Danny. Better get it out of her system with me than some hooligan that doesn't know what he's doing."

"This is against my better judgment, but all right." Danny shook his head. "I better not ever catch you riding around with some hooligan on a motorcycle."

Myah squealed. "Thank you!"

In her opinion they arrived at their destination far too quickly and she could hardly stop smiling when Chin parked the bike. They joined Danny in approaching a small brick house with a dark green and white striped awning stretched across the front. Chin gave the front door a firm knock and a dark haired middle aged woman opened the door.

"Chin ho Kelly!" She greeted him warmly. "Look at you all grown up. Get your bony behind in here, and give me a big hug." She planted a kiss on his cheek as he stepped forward.

Chin laughed and said, "Nice to see you, auntie. My friends and I are here to see Jerry. We need his help."

The woman stepped back and her eyes widened in puzzlement. "You need Jerry's help? You sure?" At Chin's nod, she stepped aside and allowed the three of them entry. Still shaking her head she led the way to a door and pulling it open, said simply, "He's down there."

A rather rickety stairwell led down to a dimly lit basement and while Chin moved confidently, Myah noticed Danny stepping in close behind her and putting a protective hand onto her shoulder. The unfinished basement was crowded with tables and shelves, all filled to the brim with books and papers, as well as dvd and video tape cases. A sheet was hanging from the ceiling as a makeshift projector screen and Myah thought she heard what sounded like a documentary playing.

She had to admit she was startled when the documentary stopped and the same voice narrating, yelled out, "Hey, who's there?!" The silhouette of a large man with wild curly hair appeared behind the sheet and Danny pulled her protectively behind him.

"Jerry, it's Chin ho Kelly!"

"Chin ho?!" The sheet was suddenly pushed to the side to reveal a smiling man and Myah breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey buddy!" Jerry reached out and nearly picked Chin up in a bear hug.

"Jerry, these are my friends, Danny and Myah."

When they exited the house, a short time later, Myah was still shaking her head as she processed the encounter. "I like Jerry." she informed Chin.

"I like him too. He's just got his… oddities."

"Did people make fun of him in school?"

"Yeah. He always let it roll off of him, but kids can be cruel. You know that. Somebody set you up to take the fall for damaging your teacher's car."

"Yeah…" Myah shrugged. "I can take care of myself though. You don't have to worry."

" I can't help but worry about something like that." They had reached where Chin had parked his motorcycle and he handed her the spare helmet.

"Well, when I get back to school, I'm going to find some way to make… the person who did it, incriminate herself."

"Why not stand up for yourself when you were first accused?" Chin asked curiously.

"I don't really want to talk about it, but someone could have gotten hurt if I did."

Chin helped her onto the back of the bike. "You know, you really try to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and maybe make some bad decisions because of it. We're ohana, Myah. We'll always have your back."

Myah ducked her chin. "I know."

When they pulled up to the palace, they spotted Danny standing outside talking to Joe White. "Uncle Joe!" Myah gave him a hug.

"There's my girl." He squeezed her back.

Danny was on his cell phone, but hung up and looked at Chin. "We got a hit on that sketch. You ready to suit up?"

"Let's do it." Chin looked at Myah. "I'm sorry, Myah…"

"She can come with me." Joe offered. "I'll keep her in line."

"Thanks a lot." Myah responded dryly, though she didn't doubt it. "Let me just get my backpack." It turned out that she didn't have much time for homework as Joe had his own ideas about what was important regarding her education. Firearm maintenance was at the top of his list and Myah wasn't sure she would ever have clean fingers again. Regardless, she found the time enjoyable and was not upset when he told her he'd be picking her up on Thursday as well.

H50 H50 H50

"Yo Nehele!"

Nahele turned at the sound of Noa's voice. The captain of the football team moved quickly to catch up with him and J. "Listen, my brother Neil's having a party Friday night and you and Red here, are both invited."

"By party, you mean fight club?" J asked.

Noa laughed. "Consider yourselves the entertainment. Two little junior surprises. I knew this guy," he cuffed Nahele's shoulder, "when he was just a skinny little mama's boy. Who knew he'd turn into such a beast, eh? And you Red, for a haole, you're a monster."

Nahele rolled his eyes. "Message me the info, man. I'll see." He and J continued towards the school door.

"You think your dad will be cool with a party?" J asked. "Aren't you grounded this weekend?"

"Yeah, but that's none of Noa's business." Nahele sidestepped around a couple deep in a makeout session. "I'm not going to sneak out either. I really… I just want things to go back to how they were. With my dad. I don't even care right now about getting punished, although that was no joke, believe you me. I think I really disappointed him, lying to him and being a jerk." Nahele felt a lump in his throat and fought it off, although he knew that of all his friends, J wouldn't care. "I just can't worry about this crap anymore."

"I think that's good, man." J responded. "I mean, if I had what you had, I wouldn't want to mess it up either."

Nahele's heart twisted a little. "I didn't come by it honestly… no pun intended. I guess you'll have to rep for both of us at the party."

"I don't know." J shrugged uncomfortably. "I probably won't go if I don't have you to watch my back."

Nahele felt a twinge of guilt that his friend would be missing out because of him but tried to shrug it off. He nodded sagely. "That's probably a good call."

J seemed to take Nahele's words with the humor that he'd intended and rolling his eyes, lightly punched him in the shoulder. "Not that I can't handle myself."

"Yeah, right. Later bro." They parted ways with J heading to football practice and Nahele to his car. He wasted no time in getting to work and quickly texted Steve that he had arrived. He desperately wanted to leave it at that, but Steve had been very clear when giving him his instructions, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Nahele squared his shoulders and approached his boss.

"Hey… uh Kamekona?"

"How's it, bradda?"

"Uh… good. Can you do me a favor?"

"Depends on what it is."

Nahele closed his eyes, feeling his face burn with embarrassment. "Can you shoot Steve a text and tell him I'm here? On time?"

"Oh…" Kamekona's eyes narrowed a little with perceived sympathy. "Sure. You on a short leash now, bradda?"

"Yeah, I guess so. You'll tell him?"

"Yeah, will do, will do."

Wanting nothing more than to get to work and to move on from the embarrassment of the moment, Nahele nodded and said, "Thanks."

Kamekona apparently did not share his sentiment. "Hold on, what's going on with you, huh?"

"Nothing, I just screwed up. Hey, we got customers, I better go." Nahele turned on his heel and feeling confident Kamekona would not follow him, quickly got to work clearing off and cleaning a couple of vacated tables. There was already a crowd forming and he was beyond thankful for what looked like a busy afternoon and evening to throw himself into. His body was so tense he knew he would have gone crazy sitting still. His mind flashed back to that morning in the kitchen. All he wanted was to cry and curl up in Steve's lap like a child. He'd noticed Myah taking advantage of the physical affection that Steve offered more and more often and he envied her. She was only 14, he reminded himself and a lot smaller physically.

Steve had told him they'd get through whatever was going on together and Nahele desperately wanted to believe him, but for the first time since he could remember, he doubted that Steve would actually be able to help him.

There was live music playing outside one of the resorts near the shrimp truck on Wednesdays and as such it was the latest night of the week that Nahele usually worked. It was almost ten when he finally hung up his apron and told Kamekona he was heading home. The other man nodded and eyed him closely.

"I got a last minute party gig tomorrow and Friday. You'd be out until 11 for sure. You want to work it?"

Nahele immediately nodded. "Yeah, definitely. I just… uh… just need to check with dad."

Kamekona nodded in approval and Nahele suddenly wondered if he had been set up. He felt a swell of irritation at the very idea, but pushed it aside. "I'll text you."

Sliding into the car and sitting down for the first time since he'd clocked in, Nahele let out a breath of exhaustion. Sighing he picked up his phone and texted Steve: "Just clocked out. Heading home now." Another wave of embarrassment swept across him at having to be supervised so closely, as though he was a child. He couldn't deny though, that he had brought this upon himself. Steve had always kept a general idea of his schedule, and since he'd been adopted, Steve had insisted on being in the know even more about how Nahele spent his time away from home. Being required to text his comings and goings and even worse, having to have his boss confirm it, was something new entirely and Nahele prayed it was only temporary.

The house was dim when Nahele pulled into the driveway and he found Steve sitting in front of the television.

"Hey." Steve greeted him. "You look tired."

"It's all good." Nahele stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "Is it okay if I work late tomorrow and Friday? Kamekona got a last minute gig."

Steve eyed him. "Yeah. As soon as Kamekona confirms the hours."

Nahele squeezed the top of the stair rail in frustration. He knew Steve was not being unreasonable. He knew it was his own fault for blowing off work and then lying to his dad. He knew Steve hated being lied to and wanted to trust him, because he always had in the past. But somehow in spite of knowing all those things, Nahele only felt anger and frustration. "I'm not a little kid!" he growled.

Steve muted the television and slowly turned to face him, although he stayed seated. "I'm well aware. But trust is earned and when you earn mine back, you'll get your freedom back."

"That's not fair. It was one time." Nahele could hardly believe himself, arguing like this with Steve. If someone had told him a year ago that he would dare speak to his friend, his mentor, his hero, like this, he would have laughed in disbelief.

"Oh, you think it's unfair?" Steve's voice went low and frighteningly stern. "Were you unaware how I feel about being lied to?" He waited and his expression clearly demanded an answer.

"No." Nahele answered in frustration.

"And being that you're not a little kid, I assume you're aware of the risks that come with my job? Do you have the street smarts to know how dangerous life can be?"

Nahele nodded, his lips pressed tightly together. Just as all the facts were lined up and reasonable in his head, Steve's words made perfect sense as well. But none of that touched the wave of anger that was threatening to spill out of his mouth. Steve apparently did not appreciate his lack of answer, and slowly stood and Nahele took a step back, suddenly reminded of just how frightening the ex-Navy SEAL could be.

"I… I know. I know. I'm sorry."

Steve's posture relaxed slightly at Nahele's apology, and he gave a slight nod of acknowledgement. "Honestly, the last thing I want to do is go at it with you." he said softly. "Hell, Nahele, there isn't anybody in this world I'd rather hang out with than you. But I'm your dad." His voice grew steely. "My first priority is to teach you to be a good man and to keep you safe. So lying is a big deal, even if it's just once. You understand me?"

"Yes sir." Nahele's voice was choked with tears, but he was desperately determined to keep them at bay. "You want me to have Kamekona text you?"

"Yes."

Nahele couldn't help but hear the fatigue in Steve's voice. Slowly he turned and made his way upstairs. Sitting on his bed, he felt very alone. He knew his dad was a staircase away and he knew he would be welcome if he went back downstairs and threw himself down next to Steve. He only wished he could do that. Flop on the couch and pour his heart out.

Myah was only a hallway away. It had been weeks since she'd slipped into his room and curled up on the rug at the foot of his bed. She'd done it almost every night during the week leading up to school starting, but not since. They didn't discuss her need for security and he usually fell asleep so quickly that there was never time for any conversation. At least that's what he pretended. Myah liked to ask more thought provoking questions, and lying in the dark, he usually felt too vulnerable to consider the answers. Now he longed for his brat of a little sister to be on his rug.

Nahele remembered his trepidation when he'd learned that Steve was going to be taking on guardianship of his cousin. He'd been concerned about how it was going to affect his life and jealous that Steve would no longer have time for him. He'd never have guessed that Myah's move to Hawaii would be the catalyst to having an actual family, and that he was actually gaining a sister. Myah looked up to him and for the first time, Nahele actually felt strong and very much desired to be worthy of her admiration.

Nahele's thoughts turned to J, the person that was quickly becoming his best friend. He knew J likely felt even more alone than he did, with no parents at home to care about his comings or goings. His mother was still on the mainland and his father was there for business more often than not. Even when his father was home, he did not add anything positive to J's life, at least not from what Nahele could tell. He'd only met Carter Aarons once, but the man had been brisk and busy, seeming irritated at J for even existing. J had not said so exactly, but Nahele was certain that the reason his friend couldn't pass his drivers license test was due to the stress his dad placed on him. J was a natural athlete and seemed to excel at whatever he set his mind to, but his dad's constant yelling and criticism had seemed to affect him to the point where J was completely paralyzed where driving was concerned.

Nahele didn't want to think about Kaili, but somehow that seemed to be the natural sequencing of his uncontrolled thought patterns. Nothing warm partnered with his memories of his biological father. Kaili had been harsh with his mother and completely inattentive to Nahele for the most part. He'd laughed when he'd misbehaved unless it was something that embarrassed him in front of his friends, in which case he'd drag Nahele back to his mother and berate her. All in all, he was a terrible husband and father, but even worse was his complete disregard for human life.

The bedroom suddenly felt stifling as the last face Nahele wanted to picture filled his mind. When Haukea Wong had made it known that she was one of the smartest persons in school, Nahele hadn't thought anything of it. She wasn't particularly approachable and her last name was too common for him to have immediately put the pieces together. It wasn't until she'd read part of an essay aloud that she'd mentioned her uncle, Russ Wong, who'd been murdered almost eight years prior, but whose body had only been recovered earlier that year. The name and situation had hit Nahele like a ton of bricks and it didn't take much detective work on his part to make the connection that it was Kaili who had inflicted the lethal gunshot wound and had buried the man, all while Nahele sat in the car, looking at his comic book.

He knew Russ Wong wasn't the only person Kaili had killed, but Haukea was the only relative he knew personally. He didn't think she had made the connection as she was new to the high school, with her family having recently moved. But having to stare at the back of her head, knowing that her family had suffered so much, because of his family… Nahele didn't know how he was going to move past it. That stupid assignment was compunding his pain like a jackhammer and having to hear about it from Haukea of all people…

Nahele rolled out of bed and started doing push ups. He wished he could do burpees, but that would be too noisy. His arms started to ache, and he rejoiced from the pain, but he couldn't seem to relax. Finally he sat up and reached for his guitar. Praying that it wouldn't wake anyone up, Nahele started to lightly strum. At long last, he started to feel the tension drain from his body.

H50 H50 H50

Author's note: Happy Friday to the best readers and reviewers ever. Thank you so much for all the feedback. It's always interesting in discipline scenarios, some people think the character gets off too easy and others, too light. I actually think that's perfect because I think that's the struggle most parents face, and with Steve being relatively new to the parenting journey, I wanted to show him still trying to figure things out. I am starting to feel like I'm drifting hardcore into angst territory with all three McGarretts. I think no matter what the next story is about, it will be complete fluff and happiness, lol. The next chapter is very close to completion, I just decided it was two long to keep both parts together, but in my notes, I called it The Reckoning, so that's coming. Not fun fact: I probably would have posted last night, except as I was sitting on the couch all cozy, enjoying the quiet, a mouse sauntered across my living room and my attention was then divided. Sleep tight, you little gems.