Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.

Steve was relieved when the week ended. Friday was a paperwork day. Governor Denning wasn't happy that the drugs were destroyed, but at least they had the cartel leader in jail. The witness would be enough to keep him there. Plus 5-0 had saved all of the hostages.

The PR for the governor was appreciated, but Governor Denning was more relieved about the hostages. He had panicked that he would made a bad decision and someone would die. The governor had a new appreciation for Steve and Lori. They stuck their necks out to give him advice, and 5-0 managed to find the hostages minutes before they were buried alive.

Chin was getting married in a week. Christmas was two weeks later; their ceremony a week after that. Mom and Mary had helped with some of the arrangements long distance, and Steve was managing the rest locally. He and Danny chose the priest that Chin and Malia had officiating their ceremony.

Steve and Danny were ready for Christmas. Through the wonders of the internet and online shopping, their gifts were bought, wrapped, and safely hidden. Steve kept in touch with Wade Gutches and SEAL Team 9, and they told Steve about a Christmas party to make the holidays a little brighter for the families of the enlisted men.

Steve and Danny discussed it with Grace, and they decided to help at the Christmas party on base. They sent a check, but there was a need for people to set up, serve refreshments, and clean up after the party. Steve and Danny agreed to help set up the party and to serve food and drinks. Grace would be able to help; they thought that it would be a valuable experience to help those less fortunate. She lived in luxury at Stan and Rachel's, and she lived very comfortably with Steve and Danny. Steve and Danny didn't want Grace to take the necessities of life for granted.

The party started at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday; they were due at 10 a.m. to decorate the hall. Steve and Danny took time for their Saturday morning cuddle with Grace. They talked about what to expect today. Several of the families were temporarily single parent households while their moms or dads were deployed or at sea. The enlisted men and women aren't paid a lot of money, and Hawaii is an expensive place to be stationed. Danny was all too familiar with the plight of relocating to the island with the higher cost of living.

Steve fixed ham and eggs for breakfast this morning; he knew it would be some time before they took a break for lunch. They dressed in red polo shirts (bought just for the occasion), jeans, and Santa hats. The hall was a flurry of activity. Volunteers were busy hanging decorations and setting up tables and chairs. Steve and Danny joined in the heavy lifting while Grace helped with table decorations.

Just after noon the guests started arriving. They were served a lunch of hot dogs or pizza and the usual kid-friendly finger foods. Grace helped some of the younger kids with their plates and kept the babies occupied. Once the food was cleared away, Santa came out with gifts. The families were also provided with gift cards to shop for their holiday meal and some additional gifts to go under their tree.

Steve, Danny, and Grace were able to grab a bite to eat while Santa distributed gifts. Then they helped with games and a sing-a-long. Steve and Grace ended up on the floor playing soldier with some of the kids. The next thing Danny saw was several of the boys were wrestling with Steve. Grace stood by giggling at the sight of her big brave Daddy buried under a mountain of kids.

Steve discovered the afternoon that he was really was good with kids. They spilled outside where they played a spirited game of hide and seek. Grace made some new friends that day, and Steve made some new fans. Several of the kids knew about 5-0 because it was a big deal on base that one of their own ran the task force. At first, they were awed to see Steve and Danny helping out. When Steve sat on the floor to join in their game, they were a little nervous. That lasted about two minutes when they all realized that for the moment, Steve was just a big kid who wanted to play.

Danny realized that this was a kind of therapy for Steve. He was making the season a little brighter for all the kids who missed their parents the same way that Steve missed his mom and dad. He was also celebrating the salvation of a busload of kids. When the last family was waved off, Steve, Danny, and Grace packed up to leave. They were very tired and quite contented.

"Daddy, you said some of the families didn't have very much money to buy stuff for Christmas. Don't their mommies or daddies work for the Navy?" Grace had been puzzled about something all day.

"Yes Grace, they do." Steve wanted to see where Grace was going with this.

"And don't sailors protect our country the way that you and Danno protect Hawaii?"

"Yes, they do." Steve had an idea what the next question would be.

"If they're protecting our country, why don't we pay them enough money?" Grace just asked the question of the day.

"Well Grace, that's a good question. You would think that we'd pay the people who protect us enough money to have a decent place to live and food to eat. But the new sailors, the recruits, don't get paid much. And the enlisted men don't make as much as officers. And there's the fact that Hawaii is an expensive place to live. So much of what we buy is imported from the mainland. Anyway, that's why Danno and I decided that we should help out. We have so much, and it's only right that we should share." Steve tried to choose his words carefully.

"Did you see the look on the kids faces when Santa gave them their gift?" Grace was a very observant little girl.

"Yes Monkey, we did. We also saw the parents' faces. They were happy because their kids were happy. You were very good helping the younger kids out. We're really proud of you." Danny watched Grace with great interest. It was her first service project, and she was did a good job.

"Well, Daddy was good playing with the kids too." Grace was a little jealous of the other kids with her Daddy.

"Grace, for most of the kids, their daddy is away. Their moms are busy working or taking care of younger brothers or sisters. They don't have a daddy to play with them like I did today. For some of the kids, their mommies are away. They would miss some of the things that they would do with their mom. That was kind of my gift to them. For a little while, they got to play with someone like a dad would play with them. Did you mind sharing your daddy for a little while today?"

"No, not when you explain it like that. I guess that was my gift too. I'm lucky to have two daddies."

Steve knew that Grace would eventually figure it out. "Yes, you are lucky. We all are. We have each other, and we have enough of everything. We have good family and good friends. Now what should we do with the rest of today?"

"I'm hungry for something more than hot dogs. I want some red meat, preferably some expertly grilled with a nice baked potato on the side. Is anyone else interested?" Danny had worked up an appetite and really wanted a steak.

"I'm with you, Danno. Any place in particular in mind?" Steve was hungry too. Rough-housing with the kids took a lot of energy.

"One of your SEAL friends was talking about this place on the other side of the island. I got the number from him; I can call and see if they have any tables available. It's my treat since you both played with the other kids so nicely" Danny had his phone out and was already connecting. He gave Steve the name and address of the restaurant.

"What do you think Grace? Should we let Danno buy us dinner?" Steve decided he would have to find a special way to thank Danny for dinner later.

"I think we should if it means we don't have to wash dishes tonight. I'm tired."

The steak was as good as Danny thought they would be. Steve had a steak too, but Grace settled for some ribs. The men had a local beer on draft, but limited their drinking to one beer only.

"You know babe, I enjoyed today more than I thought I would. I couldn't help but remember last Christmas. I was in my crappy apartment with the Charlie Brown tree and the Santa suit that would have been too big on Shamu. I hope the families we helped today have a better year next year. I wouldn't mind getting involved in other service projects, not just during Christmas. I know we're pretty busy, but we could set a day aside every now and then." Now that he was fed, Danny was really content.

"I agree. The church organizes projects during the year. There's the day at the soup kitchen, and they serve lunch at a senior center downtown. We can do like you said, pick a day and sign up." Steve was pleased that Danny had come to his conclusion on his own. A few weeks ago, Danny would have shied away from any involvement with a church. Steve wasn't sure if they would continue attending the same church, but he was happy there for now.

Steve took the scenic drive home. Grace enjoyed seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations. Danny was just happy to be with his family. Every now and then, you get a really good day when you feel good and everything is right with the world. That was how Danny felt now. He knew that murder and mayhem would probably intrude soon enough, but he would not worry about it now.

The lights were blazing at the McGarrett-Williams home; Steve had them set on a timer. Steve and Danny walked up the sidewalk to the front door, arm-in-arm. Grace skipped ahead of them happy to be home for the evening. She figured that there would be time for a movie tonight if she hurried with her shower. She was right.

Danny found one of the old classics, the Mr. Magoo version of the Christmas Carol, on Amazon. Steve remembered seeing in when he was a kid, but Grace had never seen it. She was charmed by the songs and Tiny Tim. Grace was ready for bed when the movie was over.

Steve and Danny tucked a sleep Grace in bed. "She had a really busy day. She's really good with the younger kids." Danny was really proud of Grace. She had given her day up to help out and had a good time doing it. "You were really good with the kids too. I heard them talking. They couldn't believe that the head of 5-0, a Navy SEAL at that, was playing with them. It really made their day. And again, I apologize for saying you aren't good with kids."

"It is okay Danny. The truth is that I had never been around kids. You and Grace have done that for me. I'd like to say thank you. After all, you did buy me dinner. I have sort of have an obligation to put out." Steve steered Danny into their bedroom and locked the door. "I'm not cheap, but I can be easy for the right person."

Danny laughed at Steve's last statement. "Babe, you have got to be kidding me. You are never easy, but if you're offering sex, I'll definitely take it. I have had a great day, and you will make it nearly perfect."

They pulled off their clothes as they stumbled toward the bed. Tonight, they continued with their usual snarky banter until both were incapable of speech. Steve was determined to keep Danny on the edge without actually pushing him over while Danny wanted to see Steve lose control.

Danny's hands were everywhere; he knew the spot that made Steve suck in his breath, and he knew the spot that made Steve moan. Steve thought he could probably with the battle for control, but he was enjoying what Danny was doing too much to care. Danny watched as Steve's eyes went dark with passion. Then they found their release together.

Neither spoke for a long time. They were sprawled across the bed. "Babe, I need to buy you red meat more often." Danny felt boneless; he knew they needed to get cleaned before they fell asleep like this.

"Danno, you are amazing. I'd like to stay like this, but we'll have to save it for our honeymoon next month. Come on, I'll wash your back." Steve rolled off the bed and offered a hand to Danny. They showered, enjoying the easy intimacy. They dressed and unlocked the door before going to bed. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would prove to be busy again.