Part 3

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Steve picked up his coffee and took a long sip, trying to relax. He'd just whipped up a bowl of white frosting to adorn the pan of cinnamon rolls Malia had made. Chin's wife had returned to work at the hospital, but had developed quite an affinity for baking during her recovery from the gunshot wound she'd sustained that summer. She'd made pans of cinnamon rolls for every member of the five-O team, that only needed to be popped in the oven and topped with frosting. With Malia's current track record for baking, Steve had no doubt they were in for an amazing breakfast. Still feeling restless, he opened the fridge to double check that the package of peppered bacon was there and ready to cook. Cinnamon rolls or not, they still needed the protein.

Which somehow brought him back to the dilemma that had been plaguing him since he'd woken up at his 5 am wakeup time. He'd deliberately turned off his alarm but his internal clock was impossible to reset. He'd made coffee, finished a few last minute preparations for the day and sat down to read. That was all pretty par for the course as far as his usual morning schedule, at least for the hour he usually had to himself before his kids got up. And therein lay the dilemma. Steve had determined they should be able to sleep in on Christmas, and while that was fine, he found himself struggling with the idea of not working out. Only in cases of an early morning work call, did he consider skipping starting his day out without a run, a swim, lifting weights, or sometimes all three. And until the night before, he'd had no intention of changing his routine just because it happened to be the 25th of December.

But after their night together, after hearing their stories about Christmases made up of "lasts" Steve had determined that his kids should be able to relax and enjoy the holiday morning. His internal voice would not shut off however, reminding him that he wasn't getting any younger, that the criminals wouldn't take a day off just because he was, and simply that he was deviating from his routine which really bothered him. Nothing was really stopping him from going outside and working out on his own, but the nagging worry that Nahele and Myah might wake up while he was outside, kept him from opening that back door. Christmas morning should be about them, about fun and presents and a delicious breakfast, and perhaps not about preparing themselves for the harshness of the world.

And so although he felt as antsy as a dog with fleas, he was determined to restrain himself and settled down on the couch with his coffee and a book. They would play football later, he reminded himself. He could get his workout in then. J would probably be joining them, after all, and Steve had no intention of letting that young buck get too big for his britches. Not that Nahele was any slouch either.

An hour and a half later, Steve had read three chapters in his book, polished the floor, cleaned the bathroom, and dusted every possible flat surface. He was about to remove and clean the light fixtures when he heard teenage movement on the stairs.

"What are you doing, dad?" Nahele asked, a note of suspicion in his voice.

"Nothing." Steve hastily screwed the light fixture back in place. Cleaning it probably was a little excessive. "Merry Christmas." He grabbed Nahele in a hug. "You sleep well?"

"Yeah." Nahele smiled and glanced over at his hanging stocking, a boyish look of excitement on his face.

Steve chuckled. "We have to wait for Myah to break into those. Get yourself some coffee. Then I have something for you."

"Alright."

Steve quickly grabbed the envelope he'd had stuffed in the top drawer of his desk and joined Nahele in the kitchen. The teenager was standing quietly by the sink, carefully blowing on his steaming mug of coffee. His eyes were bright in anticipation and he took the envelope from Steve.

"You know I'm not scared of you handing me paperwork in yellow envelopes anymore." Nahele commented.

Steve rolled his eyes. "I hope not."

"A DS-11?" Nahele looked up at him, questioningly.

"It's the paperwork to get you a passport. If you're up for it, I think it's time you saw a little of the world beyond this island."

"You serious?"

"Course I am. I figure we'll start with the mainland, but you let me know if there's somewhere else you want to go."

"Okay… I'd like to see snow. I definitely want to try snowboarding. I'd like to backpack in the mountains. We should visit Jersey."

"Make a list, buddy." Steve smiled.

It was only a short while later that a sleepy Myah made her way down the stairs. "Merry Christmas guys!" She kissed Steve on the cheek and gave Nahele a hug, which he briefly returned, before picking her up and dumping her on the couch.

"Finally." He started to pass out their stockings.

"Hmm." Myah smirked. "That's so cute. Looks like somebody's excited that Santa came."

Nahele shrugged and wasted no time in taking stock of his stocking's contents. "Aw, yes." If there was any doubt who had filled their stockings, it was removed by Nahele happily slapping a New York Mets baseball cap onto his head. Danny had started educating Charlie about the history of his favorite team and when Nahele had expressed an interest, he had been welcomed with open arms.

"These are adorable!" Myah was admiring a pair of soft brown moccasins. "And they're soft!" She slid them on and wiggled her toes back and forth. A continued inspection of her stocking revealed nail polish, a beaded anklet and lotion.

"Guys, smile." Steve snapped a couple pictures and then finally turned his attention to his own stocking. He chuckled slightly as he pulled out a box of ammo for a SIG-Sauer P226 Navy. The next item he pulled out was a thin photo album that looked like it only held one or two pictures. Curious, he flipped it open and caught his breath. The little boy in the photo could not have been more than five and with his huge serious brown eyes, Steve recognized Nahele right away. The picture looked like it had been taken for some sort of school event, as he was wearing a green wreath on his head and a lei made of nuts. His head was cocked to the side, with a quizzical expression that Steve still often saw on Nahele's face. Where had Danny gotten a hold of this?

Carefully Steve turned the page and his jaw dropped. He didn't even remember a picture having been taken, but there he was in full camo with a baby girl tucked into his arms. She had a tuft of dark hair, a soft green sleeper and was fast asleep. Steve noted that he was not looking at the camera but down at the little girl. His little girl. He felt his eyes well up. I'm a detective, he recalled Danny telling Myah the night before. Finding things is what I do. His friend could not have found him a more precious gift than if he'd paid a million dollars.

Steve suddenly felt the concerned gaze of his kids, and took a deep swallow, determined to pull himself together. "Ok, guys, what's next? Presents or cinnamon rolls?"

"Presents!" They both chorused.

"I'll get Nahele's?" Myah asked and offered simultaneously. At Steve's nod, she ran upstairs.

"Close your eyes." Steve instructed and watched as Myah carefully carried the eclectic guitar down the stairs. It had been too big to wrap and its size was too unique to make it a surprise so they had kept it hidden underneath her bed.

"Merry Christmas!" Myah squealed. "From me and dad!"

Nahele's jaw dropped at the sight of the instrument. "Are you for real?" He took the guitar and gently stroked it. "Seriously… thanks, guys. I can't wait to try this out."

Steve handed Myah a small wrapped box next and nodded to Nahele, who slipped into the study.

"Is it uh….a workout band? Like a jump rope?" Myah asked hesitantly, having pulled out a black rubber band with a small strap on one end and some sort of attachment on the other.

"You like jump ropes, right?" Steve asked teasingly.

"Yeah…" confusion still evident in her voice.

Steve nodded at her to turn around and when she did she saw her brother standing with a beautiful turquoise and white surfboard that the ankle strap she'd been holding could attach to. Myah froze at the sight and then let out a squeal.

"A surfboard?! For my own? You're finally letting me?" She ran over to the board and ran a hand over it, much in the same way Nahele had handled his guitar. Steve and Nahele shared grins. When Myah had first arrived in Hawaii, she'd had little to no experience swimming in the ocean and Steve had had no intention of allowing her on a board until her skills had dramatically improved. After almost daily swim lessons he'd allowed Kono to start teaching her the basics a couple of months ago, but he knew she wouldn't really start to improve until she had her own board.

"Thank you guys!" Myah grabbed each of them in an enthusiastic hug before nodding to Nahele, who made another trip up the stairs. Steve was startled when his son descended carrying another guitar case.

"I'm tired of you messing around with mine." Nahele said with a grin. "You're long overdue to pick this up again, and I don't want to hear any excuses about being afraid of crowds."

"Yes sir." Steve said softly, beyond touched at their gesture. "Thank you." He gazed down at the beautiful acoustic.

They all sat for a moment, basking in the happiness of such heartfelt gifts. Finally Steve stood. "Guess I'd better put the cinnamon rolls in and start the bacon."

Nahele glanced at his phone. "Better wait until after. I don't want to workout with all that on my stomach."

"Agreed." Myah said. "As much as I hate to wait. Hey, do you think Kono will take me surfing today? Would that be rude to ask? Maybe it would. I'll ask tomorrow." In her bubbliness, she answered her own question.

"Fine, but I figured we'd skip the workout today. You know, it being Christmas." Steve eyed his kids who were looking at him like he'd sprouted a second head.

"Yeah, very funny… this coming from the person that made me work out with a sprained ankle." Myah rolled her eyes.

"You had two arms and another perfectly good leg." Steve responded. "But today-"

"Each day you must choose the path of discipline or of regret." Nahele quoted. "This is a test right?"

Steve sat there flabbergasted for a moment, until he saw the slight quirk of Nahele's mouth and realized they were teasing him. "You know what, get up and get out there, right now!" He rose from his seat, ready to chase them towards the workout that was now very much back on. "You want me to pull back out the twelve days of Christmas?! Because I will!"

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The house was packed to the brim and filled with laughter, and smells of the food Kamekona had supplied. The group had decided to draw names and do a Secret Santa with gifts. Steve had already opened his gift of several specialty coffee bean roasts, and had expressed his thanks to Adam, Kono's boyfriend. The man was slowly becoming more comfortable around the team and all its members, as they were slowly coming to accept that he could be trusted in spite of his family's past business dealings with the Yakuza. Steve could only imagine Adam's nerves about having drawn his name for the gift exchange, imagining that the only person more intimidating would have been Chin Ho.

A loud shriek from the living room drew his attention and Steve saw Joanie slamming her little fists into the couch cushion, her face streaked with tears. A red faced Mary was attempting to comfort her, but it was to no avail. Steve suspected that all the changes to her routine, all the stimulation and excitement of extra people and gifts, an overabundance of sugar, and probably far too little time spent napping, had finally caught up with her. Mary also insisted on trying to capture every moment of the holiday on her phone which in Steve's opinion didn't help matters. Joanie's screams continued to escalate and as Mary tried to distract her with toys, the toddler turned to direct her rage onto her mother and Mary had to cross her arms over her face to protect herself.

Before he had time to think Steve strode across the living room and picked the little girl up.

"Steve, don't." Mary protested weakly. "It's not her fault. It's Christmas."

Steve briefly observed that she looked almost as tired as Joanie did. He rolled his eyes at his sister. "You can't let her hit you, Mar. And nobody hits my sister." He carried the still struggling and crying little girl through the kitchen and out onto the patio. Joanie had inherited Mary's temper and stubbornness, and she fought to get away. Unphased, Steve sat down and turned her away from him, wrapping his arms around her so she couldn't hit or kick him. Realizing that resistance was futile, Joanie's shrieks turned to sobs and her little head drooped. Immediately, Steve loosened his grip and started to let her turn to face him.

"No…" Joanie whimpered. "Hold please."

"I am going to hold you." Steve hesitated. "What, you need to fight a little more?" Going off his hunch, he tightened his arms around her once again, and felt her begin to struggle against him, though with less force this time and only for a few seconds before going limp again. This time, she allowed Steve to pull her around to face him and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Steve supported her little body and rubbed her back. When there were no more tears, he said softly but firmly. "I know you're frustrated… but you don't hit your mom, ever, you understand me?"

Joanie was only two but was bright for her age and Steve knew she understood him. He felt her nod and she dropped her head onto his shoulder, and it was only a few minutes later that she was fast asleep.

Mary crept out onto the patio and looked tentatively at them. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah, I think she's just over exhausted."

Mary sank down onto the chair across from them.

"You look exhausted too. I better not see you throw a fit in there." Steve gave her a playful grin.

Mary rolled her eyes in response. "I kind of want to. I think… I think I just tried to do too much. I just wanted to give her the best Christmas possible."

"She knows you love her. That's clear to everyone. Why are you so worried about it?"

"Well… I guess I feel like I missed out on a lot of stuff when I was little, with Mom… being gone. I don't ever want Joanie to feel like that."

"You planning on faking your own death any time soon?" Steve asked bluntly. "Or disappearing from her life?"

"Never."

"Then you don't need to worry about it. Love her and be there, and I think you'll be good. All the other stuff is just extra."

"I do like doing the other stuff. I like being busy and we've had a lot of fun decorating and watching Christmas movies."

Steve had his own opinion on how fun decorating at Mary's house had been but he held his tongue. "I mean that's fine. Do stuff you guys enjoy, but don't do it because you think you have to earn her love."

Mary shifted uncomfortably. "Wow. Way to let me down easy."

"Part of my charm."

"Hey guys." Myah poked her head out the door. "I set up the pack n play in my room if you want to let her sleep in there."

"Thanks, kid." Steve said.

Myah smiled at the tiny sleeping blond and then looked at Mary. "See I told you."

Mary shrugged and smiled. "You were right. You might be one of my favorite people, but don't rub it in."

"Right about what?" Steve asked.

"I was afraid you were going to spank her." Mary admitted.

Myah shook her head. "I told her you wouldn't, that she was too little. I think Mary thinks you whip us every night of the week, Dad."

Steve snickered as he slowly stood, careful not to jostle Joan. "Would you be less of a brat if I did?"

Myah gave him a pursed lip look of annoyance. "Nice. And here I was, defending you…"

Steve managed to transfer the sleeping child to the bed Myah had made up for her, and then made his way back downstairs. He was glad to see Mary looking more relaxed as she chatted with Malia. He was surprised to hear a knock on the door, wondering who would be coming who would feel the need to knock. The glimpse of red hair through the frosted glass panel in the door gave it away.

"J!" He greeted the teenager warmly. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas Steve." J was looking warmed by the greeting.

"Since when do you knock on this door?"

J shrugged. "Well… I didn't want to intrude… since it's Christmas…"

Steve cuffed him lightly on the shoulder and shook his head. "You good? How's your day?" Though he'd offered, J had declined participating in the Secret Santa gift exchange, saying he wasn't sure what the holiday was going to look like, now that his mother and aunt were living with him on the island. He didn't want to risk someone missing out on a gift if he wasn't able to show.

"It's okay." J shrugged. "I'm pretty sure mom's zoned out now with her wine and a crime novel. I got these." He motioned down to his feet to show that he was sporting new athletic footwear.

"Oh, nice." Steve said.

"Socks too." J said dryly.

Steve's heart twisted a little as J's feelings about the rather impersonal gift shone pretty clearly through his brown eyes.

"Alright, come here. I got something for you and then you can get some food."

J returned the enthusiastic greeting he received from the rest of the group, then turned to follow Steve. "You… you didn't have to get me anything. I said I wasn't going to do the gift exchange with everyone."

"I'm not everyone." Steve handed J a small unwrapped black box. "I'm not great with the wrapping though."

"Me neither." J muttered, as he carefully opened the box. His eyes widened when he took in the sight of the sleek multi-tool, tactical knife.

"I had it sharpened." Steve said. "Because it's not new. I carried that in Afghanistan." He picked it up and showed J the initials on the side. S.J.M. "I got the J underlined for you."

J swallowed and Steve thought he saw him fighting tears. "I… I can't believe… I mean are you sure? I mean wouldn't Nahele, or Myah…"

"I'm sure they'll get saddled with plenty of my stuff." Steve cut him off. "So don't worry about that. It's come in pretty handy for me more times than I can count. I think you're the man for it, as I know you'll use it wisely."

J nodded. "Thank you." He shifted awkwardly, and sensing what he wanted, Steve grabbed Nahele's best friend in a bear hug that nearly lifted him off his feet, then tousled his hair. "Get some food. You're going to need it for later."

They'd both just rejoined the group in the living when there was a round of laughter.

"I'm sorry, did I get the wrong holiday?" Danny was asking in disbelief. "Max, it's not Halloween!"

"That's irrelevant." Dr. Max Bergman protested.

"Yeah it's… it's really nice." Myah said, carefully pulling the rest of the wrapping paper away from what Steve could now see was a model skeleton.

"As you can see, I chose a size appropriate for a teenager's room." Max said.

"Perfect for what teenager's room?" Lou growled in amazement.

"For a teenager wanting to go into the sciences! Myah's a little late in learning basic anatomy, but I think this will help her catch up."

"She's fourteen!" Danny exclaimed. "How is that late?"

Max pointed. "Myah tell me what this is?"

"The uh… the knee cap."

"The patella. You've got no time to waste. That's why I've included a Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy for reference."

"I didn't know you were interested in the sciences, Myah." Malia said, sitting down behind her and putting a gentle hand onto the teenager's shoulder.

"Well… just keeping my options open. But regardless, I think he's adorable. Plus if I decide to have an emo phase, he'll fit right in."

"An emo phase?" Steve said, curling his lip at the thought.

"Here, Charlie!" Myah reached out a hand to the little boy. "Help me put a Santa hat on him."

At nearly four, the sandy haired little boy was still in a cheerful mood and had immediately climbed onto Myah's lap to assist with the hat and scarf. Steve was happy to see that Charlie, much like Adam, was finding his place in the group.

Danny took advantage of his empty lap to refill his coffee cup and join Steve leaning against the door frame.

"Charlie's having a good time." Steve observed.

"Yeah." Danny smiled, and then met Steve's eyes. "I've got some experience under my belt though. He got an early bedtime last night and we kept it dark and quiet so he'd sleep in. It was actually really nice because Grace and I got to have coffee together. She's growing up so fast." His tone was wistful and then he rolled his eyes at the scene in front of him. "This is ridiculous. It's like Frosty the Snowman, 5-0 style. As long as that thing doesn't come to life."

Steve snorted. "And as long as we don't find any real ones anytime soon."

"Or ever."

"That would be preferable. But we might be out of a job if that happens."

"If I had to change careers because there was no more crime, I'd be a happy man."

Steve scanned the full living room. Malia and Max were looking over the Netter, with Myah in front of them, still dressing the skeleton with Charlie. Mary had taken over the recliner and had her feet up and her eyes closed. Will had received a chess set as a gift and had set it up on the ottoman. Nahele had challenged him, and being a much more experienced player, J had immediately positioned themselves ready to aid Will as needed. Adam had also taken an interest and was observing the game over the back of the chair. Kono was looking pleased at this and was chatting with Kamekona and Flippa about past Christmas celebrations. Lou had grabbed Renee's hand and led her through the kitchen and out the door. The knowing expression he shot Steve, indicated that he clearly intended on creating a little holiday romance with an oceanside stroll. Joe and Chin were discussing the reloading press Joe had received for his gift. Jerry was taking in their conversation regarding making their own ammo with wide eyes. Sam and Grace were curled up behind Myah, happily examining the polaroid cameras they'd received. Sam's was pale pink and Grace's was light purple, of course. Their gifts had come from Chin and Malia, who had already whispered to Steve that she had one tucked away for Myah as well.

"Don't spoil her, Malia." Steve had told her. "She'll be good with whatever she gets."

Malia had shot him a pursed lip look of determination that told him she was going to do what she wanted regardless.

Myah actually did seem to be enjoying the skeleton as she and Charlie posed the model to be opening a gift himself.

"You should name him." Grace said. "Mr. Bones?"

"Mr. Boner!" Charlie yelped with delight.

Steve and Danny choked simultaneously on their coffee, as Nahele, J and Will in true teenage boy form, burst into laughter.

Myah maintained a poise beyond her years and did not skip a beat. "His name is McRibs. McRibs McGarrett." She smiled and raised the skeleton's arm to give the older boys the finger.

"Myah Joelle!" Steve attempted to scold, but there was no heat behind his words. Yes, Danny was right. If he had to change career paths because crime became non-existent and he could guarantee safety for all the people in this room, he would do it with a happy heart.

Clearly confident she was in no danger, Myah gave him a little smirk. "I guess he needs a middle name that starts with a J though. Since we all have J names in our family."

"You do?" Sam asked.

"Huh." Steve said. "Jack, John and Joelle. That actually never occurred to me."

"Guess you have a new standard for any future girlfriends, Steve." Danny said, smirking himself.

Steve rolled his eyes. "Great. I'll make sure to add that to my background check."

"Background check? Uncle Steve!" Grace scolded.

"You don't think we won't do full background checks on all your boyfriends, Gracie?" Steve shot back.

Her cheeks went pink, and both Myah and Sam made faces at him on her behalf.

"You bet we do." Danny confirmed.

"That's right." Steve muttered, putting an arm around Danny's shoulders. "Got to keep this family safe. Mele Kalikimaka!"

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Author's Note: Thank you so much guys for the lovely reviews. I love your thoughts and feedback. I know I said at the beginning that this story was going to be in 2 parts, but decided to split it into 3 instead and have been too lazy to go back in and change it, lol. Again, I wish I could have shared this story during the actual holiday season, but that just didn't happen. I've got 2 other stories in the works, so until next time! Let me know what you liked, what you didn't and what you wish for!