Disclaimer : I do not own Hawaii Five-0 in any way shape or form. No money is made from this. It is purely Fanfictional fun.
Second Disclaimer : This fic touch upon some elements of off-screen abuse to a minor as well as child endangerment and child abandonment. It's nothing too graphic. Please be warned. Just in case.
. . . . .
Steve doesn't know why he was here. He doesn't have a clue why he was taking a walk in the middle of the night, in a secluded part of the island, in the outskirts of the forest, heading straight for a sacred place, guarded heavily by the Kapu.
His head felt heavy. He can't think. It's like he is dream walking. Only walking. Moving aimlessly. Maybe he was taking a walk to clear his head. He doesn't know.
All he knew was that he felt melancholy. Sadness. Felt deep sorrow. Mournful in a way he cannot explain. But one thing he does know for sure – is that he felt desperate. Despair. Which was what got him out of the house in the first place.
The further he was from his house, the greater he felt something in the air. There was an urgency that he cannot detected. It weight on him. Very persistent. It was so crucial that his soul tells him that he needed to be somewhere and fast. The air whispers that he was running out of time.
So Steve jogged faster. Heading deeper into the woods. He kept his eyes out. Being mindful of his surrounding. While he had his badge and his gun, he wasn't as fortified as he would normally like. And he was very close to a Kapu territory.
Out of the blue, Steve sensed there was something important nearby. Not far from him. Just hidden. Out of sight. Covered by a thick bushes.
Steve gingerly went towards one of the thick undergrowth. The closer he got, the heavier the atmosphere. Goosebumps and chills raked all over him.
After feeling around, and moving some of the thick branches off, Steve got a good look at what the universe have been urgently telling him.
Everything just stopped.
Time just stop. The whispers that has been battering his being just stop. The air practically halted from the flow of the universe.
If Steve was a lesser man, he would have stumble backwards in shock. As it is, he could only stare. Stared at the sight before him in stunned silence. It was heartbreaking!
It was a baby. It was a baby – heavily abuse and neglected. Extremely malnourished and possibly starved to death. They were skin and bones. Just skeleton at this point. Unloved and uncared for, if the blanket and unchanged diapers was anything to go by.
Steve nearly wept. The baby was a few weeks old – Maybe a few months old. It was still so small. Too small. And with all the wounds and the malnourishment… Steve doesn't know what to think.
Steve touched the baby, he needed to confirmed before he call it in. This time, he did gasped in shock because upon touching the baby, they whimpered. They whined weakly. Barely making any sound. Their eyes opened a sliver and Steve's legs gave out.
Alive! The baby is still alive! But they were already at death's door.
Now, logically, Steve should call for the ambulance. Should alert HPD and put a manhunt on the animals who left the babe out here to die. He should….
But he couldn't. The moment Steve saw there was still proof of life, Steve panicked. He knew, looking at the baby, he knew that the EMT might not get there in time. Or the baby might not make it.
He wasn't joking. He felt it. The child was literally on death's door.
It was the eyes. The eyes that has given up on hope. Given up to live.
There was another place that Steve could take the baby. It was closer. And it might be the only thing that can preserve this life.
Up ahead, there lies a secret sacred temple of the ancient Hawaiian gods. A sacred ground that was heavily guarded by the Kapu and it was not widely known. The local community – especially those born on the island – kept it a close guarded secret. It was a worship site and a ritual ground that was still in used. Only those who still worship the Old Gods went there.
Steve opened his senses. Praying to the Gods for guidance. The whispers came to him immediately.
' To the temple,' the voices in the wind told him. ' Bring the Keiki to the temple.'
Steve gathered the babe in his arms and sprinted straight towards the temple.
. . . . .
When the Kapu saw him, they wanted to waylaid him. But Kawika, who was there, saw what was in his arms and let him through.
Steve quickly went to the centre pavilion. Where the main praying hall situated. Inside held statues of all the Hawaii pantheon, positioned vertically on both side of the room, with the Chief God, Kane, stood at the head.
Steve stood at the centre before bowed reverently to the Gods. He lowered to his knees , the dying babe held securely in his arms. And said to the Gods in ancient tongue that Mamo once taught him as a hobby.
"Ō Kane! Creator and Lord of light. I beseech you, spare this child. Grant them your strength, your mercy. Let them live. Let them know the grace of your light, the foods of your table. The joyful blessings of your spirits. Ō Gods and Goddesses, please… spare this child. Let them live!" Steve sat there, praying to the gods. He didn't realised that tears were flowing like a river down his face.
Turning his face aside to Haumea; Goddess of fertility and patron of childbirth and childcare, the only thing Steve can uttered was, "Please. Please… Let this keiki lived."
The Kapu, who escorted him, were also kneeling in reverence, praying with him to the Gods. While the rest stood on guard. None of them dared to utter a word. They knew that the fate of the little one rested at the hands of the Gods. And only Steve fervent prayers might what spare the child's life.
It was in this setting that Chin and Kono arrived with Kawika in tow. They paused at the door, bowing to the gods in the pavilion, before coming closer, kneeling next to Steve.
"Steve," Chin called him, gently. His hands grasped the commander, lightly. His eyes gave the man a once over, before settling on the child in Steve's arm, gauging the little one's condition. He breathed a sigh of relief. It was faint, and he can't barely see it. But the babe is not dead. He sent a silent thanks to the Gods for their kindness.
"Come on, boss," Kono whispered kindly. She herself was trailing soothing comfort to her distraught leader. "The ambulance is here. Let's get the keiki to the hospital, yeah."
They both help Steve up. Steve hold the babe tighter to his chest. Taking great comfort that the babe still breathed.
The Kapu accompanying them to the ambulance. Steve nearly fight the first responder when they wanted to pry the baby from him. It was only by the soothing voice of Chin and Kono that Steve finally able to let go. Kono will go with Steve to the hospital while Chin stayed behind to secure the scene.
. . . . .
Danny waltzed-in to the waiting room in a fit of aggravation. "You! I can't believe you. I can't even…. I'm so mad at all of you right now," Danny hissed to his teammates. The three Hawaiian that comprised the Five-0s taskforce was waiting for the doctor that was treating the baby that they brought in. They were still waiting for any news when the last of their member joined them. "Why didn't you call me? Huh. You forgot your phones? What? They don't exist? I found out about it indirectly. I had to hear it from some guy down at the diner while I was getting my daily morning coffee. You lot hear me? While I was getting coffee! What the hell, guys!" Danny ranted at them. This was just low for them to exclude him in something that was very important.
Steve was still muted ever since they left the temple. Kono was praying. She held a Tiki medallion in her hands as she silently prayed for good news. It was Chin that answered Danny.
"Sorry, Danny. A lot was going on. Didn't get the chance to do anything else." Chin sounded apologetic. "I just got in myself. It was really a bad night."
Danny was not having it. "You excluded me. Why didn't you call me? You three were at a crime scene. I don't know a thing what's going on," Danny said flatly. He wanted to throttle someone. Mostly his teammates, who wasn't in his good book right now.
"It was a Heiau site, Danny." Chin told him, calmly. But his tone was reproachful and his eyes were stern. "This sacred ground is forbidden to outsiders. Only certain people are allowed there – and they are mostly the priests and the guarding Kapu. Its not open to the public and no tourist are allowed. Not even the governor of Hawaii can enter." Chin stressed strongly when he saw that Danny was about to protest. Danny's mouth snap shut in shock. Chin continued, "And to be honest with you, Danny, after your disregard with the last Heiau, The Kapu and the Royal House have banned you from setting foot to any Heiau site for at least, a year. Steve had to go to bat for you and the Elders were really not happy. But bottom line, any future disrespect – especially from a haole – will not be tolerated," Chin explained politely. The sharp smile on his face however, was telling anyone that the scolding was anything but polite.
"Excuse me," Danny exclaimed in disbelief.
"You were extremely rude that time, Danny. You didn't realised there was repercussions to your disrespect. You could have been punish heavily. If you were rude at this temple grounds, you likely get executed by the Kapu. It is this very reason we didn't bother to call you in."
"We got a job to do!" Danny snapped at him.
"And you are still banned from the Heiau. Look, any and all sacred sites – temples and rituals grounds alike – are still under the Royal House's purview. Not under the government of the US. There is a reason why Hawaii is still steep with its tradition and culture, Danny. I'm not going to go into history and treaties right now much less talking about who has authority over what. You just need to know that we didn't mean to exclude you. We had a good reason on top of being occupied." Chin finished.
Danny could only stared at Chin in shocked speechless. His mind was all over the place. Most centred around the notion that – these people are interfering with an investigation now? He can't even – What the hell? Danny was still wondering how the heck they even got derailed into a historical discussion when a petite doctor with a clip board in her hands strolled in. "Commander McGarrett?"
. . . . .
Steve looked at the baby boy that they brought in in ultimate shocked.
He had just seen the attending paediatrician, and let's just say, the conversation has been very illuminating. Heart wrenching – devastatingly heart wrenching – and mind blowing at the same time. But enlightening all the same.
The keiki's heart stopped a couple of times while they were treating him. That left not only Steve shaken, but the surgeon and the nurses as well. It was a very close call, they said. Keiki was wrapped in Gods' mana they also said. All the deep bruises – and boy, the number of coloured bruises was enough to enraged all the doctors and nurses – will fade in time. There are some wounds that alarmed them and they had reported it to Chin, and they are worried about the malnourishment – but the baby is on the mend. Slowly but surely. They are monitoring the babe closely, just in case.
Psychologically, was another matter.
Steve wanted to hurl or punch something. He wished he can have the surgeon's confidence. But they all knew these few days is going to be very critical. Despite the doctors tried to reassured him, the keiki was not out of the woods yet. Not for a while, at least, by his own personal estimation.
There were another revelation that was disclosed to him. Now that one – he tried so hard not to think about. Compartmentalised. Put it on the back burner... At least for now. Too much was going on. And he can't think straight. All he knew that the newly development were impossible. It shouldn't be possible. It couldn't be!
Nevertheless, here he stood, outside of the NICU Ward, looking at the baby through the observation window.
Little keiki was full of tubes. He was literally buried with IVs. They needed to get his strength back up. Get some metabolism in as well all the nutritions he would need to get better. He was also wired to the monitor. His heart beat was steady as he slept in healing sleep. Thankfully, he was placed in an open cot and was closer to the observation window.
Just looking at the babe make his heart ached.
Steve doesn't know how long he stood there. Just watching the baby boy while the nurses do their rounds on each incubator. He must have brood long enough because the next thing he knew, Chin was there and was looking in on the babe as well.
"Any updates?" Steve asked him.
"Yeap," Chin affirmed. A file was on his hand and he flipped them open once he had his fill on the little one's current status. "Mum died in childbirth. So the keiki got sent to the next of kin, her half-sister. Apparently, they had a major fallout and their relationship was so bad that it is practically none existence. The father is unknown and wasn't in the picture. Just some one night stand if we believe the aunt right. The aunt was some piece of work. She has nothing nice to say, kept on insulting and defaming her decease sister, and definitely have a less than savoury opinion towards her nephew. Now her husband is some nasty son of a bitch. And I'm saying this nicely," Chin reported and from his clipped tone and body language, he was very riled up. And everyone knew Chin didn't get rile up easily. With a firm tone, Chin continued. "Lucky I had Kono check them out with me. If it were Danny..." Chin paused. He took a deep breath, composing himself before he finished his explanation. "They're the ones guilty, Steve. The aunt could care less the fate of her nephew. The uncle have no conscious, ranting how the babe should be dead. In fact, he unwittingly admitted he was the one that left the keiki to die."
"So we got a confession. That's good. What about the aunt?" Steve asked. He was half relieved that this case was basically done. And half angry on the behalf of the keiki because – what the hell?! Steve thank his lucky stars he excluded himself from this case. Because if he were there…
Forget Danny. Steve would have kill them with pleasure.
"Guilty of child neglect." Chin replied. "The abuse came from the husband. He was not pleased that keiki was noisy. The aunt did us all a favour and said to us point blank that she doesn't want to see the keiki ever again."
Steve nodded hearing that. His mind goes back to all that he knew about this case up until then. It was a sad affair. Devastating even. What he can't figure out was why the aunt kept the child for as long as she did when she could have given him away for adoption. From what he read out of this file, the mum died a few months back. It was plenty of time to arrange for an adoption. Then, a stray thought came to him that nearly makes him winced. "Don't tell Danny," was all Steve could say at that point.
Chin chuckled. His eyes twinkle merrily. "Too late. Who do you think organised everything with child services? Once he heard everything from Kono, he immediately get to work on making sure the keiki won't be getting back to them. He was more than happy to get those filthy pigs – Danny's words, not mine – lock up behind bars for good."
Steve groaned. He'll the hearing that rant in the near future. Danny will be inconsolable.
"There's another thing I need to bring to your attention, Steve. The Kapu wants a pound of flesh." Chin told him, cautiously.
Steve's face snapped up at that. "What?"
Chin looked solemn. "It has to do with the location. The site that the keiki was abandoned at was too close to their territory that it could implicate them. They wanted to know if there are other things going on. Kawika was furious –."
"Kawika knew full well this is Five-0's case. Why did he want a pound of flesh?" Steve interrupted. This makes no sense. The Kapu have jurisdiction on certain things, but they don't have jurisdiction on criminal cases. They usually don't meddle in this kind of affairs.
"Leaving a baby for dead on a sacred ground makes them enraged on the keiki's behalf, I'm guessing. Prison time will not cut it. They wanted the uncle at the very least." Chin sighed heavily. His hand ran the back of his neck to release the tiredness and stress he was feeling. Juggling between The Kapu and his duties with Five-0 can be very stressful. It was a delicate balance. "We can interrogate further if the uncle have any malicious and nefarious intent involving the Kapu. If it were just a random chosen location… well, maybe we can appease the Kapu somewhat."
Steve nodded. He did not envy the extra work Chin had to do. Chin, being a member of the Kapu, sometimes had to toe a fine line. It doesn't impede with their duties, thankfully. They just have to be mindful. "Do it, Chin. And keep me apprised on that front. I really don't want to step on the Kapu's toe or deal with the Elders again."
Chin suddenly grinned mischievously. "You know they adore you, right?"
Steve scowled. "They said I was an impetuous crazy little Keiki!" He did not pout. He's in his prime and they still call him keiki.
Chin laughed and gave Steve a mock two-finger salute and walk back the way he came from. Before he got very far, he parted one last thing to Steve. "Oh, before I forget, Mamo wants to see you."
. . . . .
Steve looked at the Infants and Toddlers section and all related products in horror.
He's currently at the mall. Trying and failing to buy necessary items for the baby. The wide selection of brands and the list of items needed were daunting. That doesn't included the gender-based colours and design yet.
Lucky for him, he had downloaded a checklist for newborns on his phone. It was an impressive list. There was a lot of stuffs that he doesn't even considered. It was divided into categories, sub-divided into 'Must Have's and 'Optional'. It's a great help on what he should get but he'll still buy everything that was on that list.
He really doesn't know where to start browsing though. The mall was huge and there a few stores that he could check out. Just looking at the list of stores under 'Kids' category alone was mind-boggling. He recognised some fashion brands that he and Mary had wore once upon a time. He'll probably stick to the same brand for clothing later. The most important thing he needed to buy was the essentials items and stations for the nursery. And getting a car seat. And a stroller. Oh, and a baby tub for baths.
Yeah, Steve was out of his depth. He should have brought Danny with him since he's the only one with the experience. But Danny was unavailable and the rest of the team are still in the process of closing the keiki's case. Last he check in with them, the team's are collecting more evidence and proofs so that they can close the case as tight as possible.
Plus, nobody knew that he'll be taking the babe home with him. Well… except the doctors and child services, of course. He didn't tell anyone anything, really. That's going to get him in trouble with the team when they finds out. No doubt they won't be pleased with him keeping secrets from them.
He breathed a sigh of relief for passing all the background checks and procedures and red tapes in order for him to get custody of his little keiki and bring him home. Documentation submitted and interview went just fine. Even his house inspection went without a hitch. All that is left was preparing the nursery for the little one.
Steve had thanked his lucky stars that he listened to Danny and renovated and refurbished the house. Because he already did redecorated his house, he hardly need to baby-proof anything.
After the whole fiasco with Nick Taylor, and how his house was filled full of bullet holes, he had wanted to just cover it all up. Danny had persuaded him otherwise. By complaining loudly and fiercely about how his house needed an upgrade, badly. He fussed about the ancient and outdated furniture – read; argued bluntly and at length with something involved sanitisation that he don't remember, grumbled about the old paint, criticised heavily about his lack of security system, and generally about his personal touches was nonexistent.
Naturally, this got him upset. Because Danny had – aside from Craftsman styled architecture of the home – insulted everything about his house. Everything. All of it.
And then when Danny saw how persisted he was about fixing the house by himself, Danny had been even more unimpressed.
As luck would have it, work got into the way and he can't complete the house repair by himself.
After much contemplation, It took him a while to conceded that Danny might have a point. Not that he'll ever admit to that. Danny was smug enough as it is.
So, with great reluctance, he hired Kamekona and Flippa to helped out. He decided to go all the way and renovated the house by enlarging it and gave the interior a complete makeover. He needed more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, add a powder room on the main floor, revamped the laundry area, updated and expanded the kitchen and improved the windows.
Danny joked that he might as well tear down the house and rebuild a new one. Steve had been scandalised.
Anyway, he left Kamekona and Flippa in charge of finding him a builder for his house. Since the Tupuola cousins knows everybody on this island, they knew the right person who can expand his house in the same house style.
But to be on the safe side, he did gave Kamekona and Flippa some incentive. He paid them extra to ensure that all the renovations are legal and above board. He really don't want any problems down the line.
One thing he dreaded to do was replacing the furniture. Seriously, the fight with Nick and his men trashed a lot of his stuff and the interior. Both downstairs and upstairs. Therefore, he dragged Danny to go furniture shopping with him.
On hindsight, he should have taken Chin or Kono with him. Because Danny was very demanding and very nitpicky. He found faults with every furniture Steve had chosen. Vetoed the colour, rejected the style, ranted about the lack of comfort or the general unsuitability of said furniture and harangue him with the art of interior design – all while passionately telling him that he needed to choose something that was safe for his daughter.
First of all, there was nothing wrong with neutral tone such as brown and green. Tan and Olive Green were acceptable colours. There was a reason he chosen earthly colours as he wanted wood-made furniture to go with as they are more sturdy and affordable. And second, how in the world they got derailed and everything was about Grace?
Danny had disagreed. Loudly. Complete with hand flailed to emphasized his point. "No, Steven. We will not paint the living room in military colours. Living rooms should be bright and inviting. Not drab and despondent!" Apparently the colour scheme were unaccepted.
In the end, after a head-pounding headache courtesy of Danny's passionate tirade, Steve had decided to let Danny have his way. His only rule was that he wanted minimalist style and design, leather sofa set and no red colour.
Danny looked please as a puppy and completely took over the shopping spree. He went around the store with a spring on his steps. Steve dutifully doled out the credit card upon payment.
All in all. Steve was basically ready to bring home an infant. He just needed to set up the nursery and he's golden.
So, back to his current dilemma – shopping for the baby.
It took Steve a while to find the store that specialises in Baby Essentials. It was a big store that sell everything that he needed with a few different brands. And with wide selection of variety to choose from to boot.
It was just too much and so overwhelming that Steve was rooted where he stood at the entrance as he look around awkwardly and with a little terror.
See, the thing is – he had never done any major shopping in his life. Heck, even when buying the furniture, he delegated it to Danny as it was made obvious that he has no fashion sense. Danny's words. Now, he really needed to get the nursery set up and he don't know a thing about purchasing baby items.
Again, Steve thanked his lucky stars. Because the store clerk came to him with a welcoming smile. "Hi! Welcome to our store. What can I help you with, Commander McGarrett?"
Steve smiled at her like she was his saviour, even if his smile might have felt strained. "Hi! Yeah… I need a lot of help. I've just recently been made a single father… and I have no clue where to start or what I'm doing."
The salesperson looked at him with sympathy and she led the obviously overwhelmed Commander of Five-0 taskforce deeper into the store to start with the basic necessities and go from there.
. . . . .
It took Steve three days later to finally have the time to see Mamo.
The investigation have concluded properly. It took a bit of time as they were all being very, very through. The perpetrators was charged and found guilty. Chin had interviewed the uncle extensively about the choice of location where he abandoned the keiki. It was fortunate of him that he chose the place at random. The Kapu was satisfied that nothing was untoward. The enormous paperwork was filled and filed. Now they have a long weekend of downtime.
Steve found Mamo near the forest reserve, where he lived. He was in his garden, deep in meditation, surrounded by blooming flowers. The air was calm and peaceful.
Steve hesitated to disturb him. When Mamo was one with the nature, he could take a while. Oftentimes, he would joined Mamo in his meditation. But he was feeling overwrought and restless that evening. He won't be able to concentrate.
"Aloha, keiki," Mamo greeted Steve. His eyes were still shut but his lips quirked in a soft smile.
Steve grinned sheepishly. He could never take Mamo by surprise. Mamo always knew he was there before Steve announced himself. Steve went over to him and knelt down, greeted him in the way of the spirit – heads pressed and sharing breath as they were wont to do. "Aloha, Mamo."
Steve always welcomed Mamo's company. He used to sought Mamo out when he was a kid and he would pester him for stories and lores, legends and myths from times of old. Being in Mamo's presence was serene and peaceful. He liked to think, he was Mamo's favourite. Mamo never turned him away when he visited. Even when Mamo would tell stories to the other children; with him, Mamo would teach him things. Things like – how to listen to the wind. Feel the water and the waves. Sensed and perceived his surroundings. Be one with his empathy.
It was a lesson Steve took to heart. And he never forgotten them. Even when he was sent away and served the Navy, his teachings helped him tremendously.
Steve sighed and bury his head against Mamo's shoulder as Mamo's arm circled him in a hug. Mamo gave good hugs. Once upon a time, Steve wished he could have them forever.
"How are you, Steven?" Mamo asked him. His voice murmured low and soothing. "I heard you have quite the trying week."
Trying was an understatement, Steve can't help thinking. It was emotionally wrecked all around. And it took a toll on his soul.
Steve straightened up and sat cross-legged on the ground beside Mamo. He took a deep breath and uttered plainly. "Mamo, I'm…. I have a conundrum…"
By then, Mamo had finished with his meditation and gave Steve his full attention. "What's on your mind?" he asked softly.
Steve fidgeted. Oh, he have plenty on his mind. Where do he even start? He ran his hand across his hair in anxiousness before blurted out what troubles him before he could chicken out and clamp up. "You've heard the babe that I found and brought to the temple. It turns out that the keiki is biologically related to me. But that is impossible, Mamo!"
Yes. When the baby was brought to the hospital, the compulsory paternity test proved that the baby was biologically Steve's . That revelation he has with the paediatrician had shocked him to the core of his being. So much so that he had blue-screened and shut down for close to a minute. It nearly got him into big trouble with the doctors since it was an abuse case of a minor and a deeper trouble with child services because of it. Thankfully, because he didn't know the babe's existence until that very night, he wasn't implicated. His extreme shock and devastation worked in his favour. It also helped him got custody of his baby boy smoothly.
Still, despite the fact that he is now a biological father to a baby, he still maintain his stance that the very existence of the keiki was impossible. See, the thing is – he hasn't copulate with anyone when he returned to Hawaii. Not within the first year. And before that, he was hot on Hesse's trail to even indulged in a one night stand. He simply doesn't have the time as it was a critical mission. Given the timeline, the babe would have been conceived within the first couple of months of his return to the island.
Three things that would make it impossible for him to mingle with the intention to fornicate was one – his dad just died and he was mourning. Two – he was actively flushing out Hesse from the island. And three – he was busy with the creation and set up of the Five-0 taskforce.
When did he have the time to go out and get laid? It was inappropriate and just plain wrong.
It perplexed him even now. He couldn't possibly be responsible in the creation of his son.
"Why do you say that?" Mamo pressed patiently.
Steve blushed and groaned long and heavy in his mind. Already, Steve felt his face flushed in embarrassment and was tempted to get up and start pacing. He can't understand how some people can talk about their feelings openly. He was having trouble just to form words as it is. It was nerve-wrecking and a little upsetting deep down. "It's not feasible that the keiki is mine, Mamo. I haven't… I have been celibate for few years. Until very recently, there wasn't… I haven't the time to indulge. I've been busy!" Steve tried to explain rapidly in hopes that he can get it off his chest and wishing Mamo didn't realised what he just said. This confession was mortifying. He can't believe he was telling Mamo all this. It was private. Personal. And yes, even telling Mamo he hadn't had sex in a long while makes him wanted for the earth to open up and swallow him whole. "There is no way that the child is mine!"
Mamo patted Steve on his knees indulgently. His eyes alight with amusement. He definitely knew something – likely knew what's going on even before he did – as Steve suspected. Mamo always knew everything that has been going on on this island. It's just how things are. "Perhaps it's the will of the Gods." Mamo answered kindly.
That did not help Steve one bit. Nor does it assured him. How is that the Will of the Gods? What did he do for such blessings? He's just a son of Hawaii protecting the islands with a zeal and aggressiveness that oftentimes more rash and foolhardy. He knew the way he did things can be extreme. So much so that Danny complaint about them all the time. Extreme enough that Danny ranted about Steve being a danger to the civilised society. So for Mamo to say what he said… it just doesn't make sense. This is him they're talking about! "I don't follow. How is that the will of the gods? What does it mean? I don't understand how the baby is biologically mine. Mamo, speak plainly!" Steve was seconds away from completely freaking out. He felt like a headache coming on and the revelation about it involving the gods was baffling and mystifying.
Mamo laughed heartily. His whole demeanour softened in fondness for the boy he once had nurtured. "Oh Stevie. It was a gift. The combination of a few factors from both you and the keiki is what makes it possible. Don't you remember that night? You were crying. The tears flowed was the tears from your heart. It was the tears that give the keiki life. It dripped into the keiki's mouth. Your tears was what the Gods used for the transition – changing the keiki's DNA to yours. Yes, you did not physically create the child. It was the product of the Gods' magic. Your fervent heartfelt prayers was heard across our pantheon, Steve, and because of it you are blessed with the blessings from all our Gods. Kane acknowledged you and you have Haumea's love. You prayed for the keiki with all your heart. Now, you are rewarded by being a parent of one."
Steve sat there, stunned and speechless. He was gaping unattractively, he knew. His mind keep circling in a thought of – 'Mamo must be joking' or 'this is a prank!'. But Mamo was never for such tasteless humour. So, what he was told can't be possible. There's no way it happened. Steve stuttered. "That can't be…. It can't be… I'm me!"
"Yes, Steve. Because it is you. That's why it's a gift. This is your reward."
"What reward? For what? I don't deserve any reward!" Steve exclaimed, very much in shock. Because really – what the hell?!
Mamo's eyes softened and he would have wept. This sweet boy was once full of life and vitality. But the Navy had hardened him. Taught him to repressed and that his life was nothing compared to the nation. Mamo knew that time hasn't been kind to his 'favourite'. He could feel it. He could see it. Especially the moment he laid eyes on Steve when he returned to the island at long last. "Oh Stevie. You do deserve this. You have given your all to this land. Embody the Hawaiian spirit. The Gods knows and acknowledged. They know what you have endured and sacrificed. But most of all, Steve, they know your heart." Mamo laid his hand right on Steve's heart and told him with certainty. "They know you. And they know you'll take good care of him. Trust the Gods just as they trusted you."
"But–."
Mamo silenced him with a finger on the lips. He brought Steve forward and pressed their foreheads together. Willing Steve to calm and believed in him. "It's okay. It is a gift. There are no string attached. The keiki is for you to love and raise. He is yours henceforth, Steve. He is yours."
Steve gulped and breathed shakily. "I've only been back slightly more than a year. It is hardly enough time for me to be blessed by a reward… I've only just begun and my tenure in protecting these islands is too short to be worthy of any blessings!"
"You have served in the Navy with distinction. The Gods took that into account. Every step you took, every decision you made, every prayers you uttered as you move forward in your life, the Gods heard. I heard the echo of your prayers while you were away. Always. Take it from me. You have been a protector of this land your whole life. You are worthy."
Steve was silent as he took in Mamo's words. The truth was that the prospect of fatherhood was terrifying. He had never entertain the possibility of having a kid. This blessing was so unexpected and the Gods doesn't reward easily. "You'll help me with the keiki just like how you were with me, won't you? I have a feeling the Hawaiian spirit will be strong in my son just as I am. Raising him would be a challenge. I'm terrified that I'll fall short to the Gods expectation."
"Don't be silly, keiki. You'll raise your boy just fine. And I'll be happy to help him with his gift like I did yours." Mamo told Steve grinning mirthily. "Now, come with me," Mamo said as he stood. He start walking towards a direction, leading deep into the woods. Steve quickly followed.
"To where?" Steve asked him.
"Just to the spring," was all Mamo answered.
"Any reason?" Steve persisted. The forest reserve does have a few natural spring located deep in the woods and on a higher ground. But the ones they will be going to was a smaller spring that was relatively unknown and secluded. It was a sacred site mainly used for worships and purification rituals. It was a small pond with clear waters that has a grotto and a small cascading waterfall. Mamo, being a high priest, used this particular spring for cleansing rituals.
While this spring was not that deep in the forest and the closest to Mamo's abode, It was still a bit of a climb to get there. It was already late in the afternoon.
Mamo huffed in exasperation. "You haven't been cleansed in a long time, Stevie. Let's purge you of all the negative energy in your life, yeah. It's time for you purify and rejuvenate yourself. I know for a fact that you are aching deep in your bones. At the rate you are going with these faithless criminals, we might as well make purification a regular thing." Mamo scolded Steve as he walked.
Steve trailed behind, sheepishly.
. . . . .
When Steve woke up that morning, he knew things going to be different. Subconsciously, something was going to change. He just doesn't know what.
Well. Now he does.
Steve had come home after another visit to Mamo's – only to see the Camaro parked at his driveway.
Upon entering his house, he was greeted with Danny, glaring belligerently at him from their living room – staring directly towards him like he has been waiting for quite a while. Danny said not a word. Just glaring daggers at him with arms and legs crossed. Steve froze, blinking in surprise. Usually, Danny would be puttering about in the newly renovated kitchen. Now that the kitchen is bigger with better appliances, Danny indulged himself with cooking up whatever recipes he remembered from his mother and inherited from his beloved grandmother. Danny was never silent or not moving. To see him static was jarring.
Danny got up and sauntered over to him, looking deadpanned as ever. He looked at the box that Steve had been holding – a box full of baby gifts from Mamo and some from Kawika and the Kapus as a congratulatory presents – and simply snatched it before silently making his way upstairs.
Steve had stood stunned at Danny's weird behaviour before remembering his half done nursery and quickly scampered up the stairs – nearly tripping over Grace's plush toys that's somehow all over the place. It's supposed to be in Grace's bedroom and a few of those soft toys were placed on the sofa; why was on the floor near the stairs? – after Danny, all the while cursing his carelessness in his head.
Just as he feared, he found Danny standing in the nursery, humming to himself as he eyed around the room contemplatively. Danny laid the box on the dresser and began to take out onesies and baby clothes as well as a mitten and a hat.
Steve only looked on helplessly. Danny was ignoring him. And he knew Danny well enough that when Danny was ignoring him like this, it means he's in trouble.
And it didn't take a rocket science to figure out that Danny – and by extension the rest of their little Ohana – knew about him and the baby.
It doesn't escaped Steve's noticed that the nursery have a few new items that wasn't in the room before or he never bought. There was a baby monitor attached to the crib. The mattress and the pillows were already fitted and blanket all laid out and ready. There was a pup-seal soft toy for the keiki and by the bed, a yet-to-be-assembled baby bassinet.
All those he did not buy. He'd say it again.
"Danny. I can explain," that came out weak even to Steve's own ears.
"Yes, Steven," Danny said in sweet tone. Steve inwardly winced. That tone usually meant he was in the dog house. He's definitely sleeping on the sofa for the unforeseeable future. How the heck Danny managed to kick him out of his own bed was still a mystery.
Danny brandished out a folded paper and slapped them on Steve's chest. Once Steve took the paper, he went back into taking out baby gifts from the box. Steve looked at the paper and sighed heavily.
It was a paternity test result, showing him as the father of the little keiki. He loved his Ohana. Really, he adored them. But it was obvious on how they've gotten the record.
Additionally, he really should have guessed that Danny would not let certain matter slide. When children was involved, Danny was extra diligent. There's no room for error and he would not accept shit from anyone. He would go over every little detail, painstakingly, so that the case can concluded with ultimate success.
When he saw that the father wasn't in the picture, Danny would have investigated why. Because to Danny, the poor infant deserve a parent that would love him.
Damnit. He hoped he have more time. Enough to figure out what to say.
"Chin and Kono know?" Steve asked resigned.
"Most definitely." Danny answered with a sweet, sarcastic smile. "You are in so much trouble, my idiot repressed friend. You are in the dog house, you realised. There's going to be repercussion. I'll have you know. You're going to grovel. Kowtow to us until we all forgive you. You'll be responsible for coffee and Malasadas run for the foreseeable future. Better have Chin's Pani Popo ready and Kono's favourite milkshake and Guava Cake. And my Malasadas better be double!"
Steve stared at Danny, dumbfounded and exasperated. When Danny said Malasadas' run, he meant buying the Pani Popo at a certain shop that Chin was picky about, milkshake – he meant extra large coconut milkshake and he better buy two or else Chin will give him the stink eye, and double the Malasadas was Danny's speak of a dozen of mix of Apple Malasadas and Lilikoi Malasadas. Oh, and he better get some Coco Puffs while he was at it. The amount of sugar – and the burden on his wallet – was enough to get him shuddering.
They better not say anything about his extra large Pineapple juice. Because if they going to indulged in a daily basis, he deserved to have his own guilty pleasure, Godsdamnit!
"Oh, and we're having a grill and barbecue tomorrow. Chin and Kono are coming over, bringing more baby gifts for the new Five-0 baby."
. . . . .
Their little grill and barbecue was a success!
It's more potluck style. Each of the team came with a selection of ingredients they wanted to grilled. Danny came with some burgers and sandwiches. Kono brought appetizers like sweet potatoes, skewers and nachos. Chin brought some ahi and shrimp, fresh from the wet market. He, of course, was ordered to provide the steak and beers. Beef steaks. The expensive kind…
They also brought more gifts for the baby just like Danny said they would. Kono had brought more outfits and a few more toys, while Chin had gifted him with a wooden rocking chair with intricate carvings that he purchased from a distant cousin. Steve had watched the team's assembled the chair with disbelief. He had thought the keiki was old enough that he won't need a rocking chair. That got Danno babbling about the benefits and usefulness of a rocking chair.
Danny already gave him his gifts. Apparently, the baby monitor and the bassinet was from Danny. When he dropped by and Steve wasn't home and stumbled upon the nursery – his ears are still ringing because Danny was upset that Steve had kept the baby a secret from the whole team – he took an inventory that Steve might have missed and got them. The fact that Steve doesn't have a baby monitor infuriated him fiercely. But at least it gave Danny the incentive to get one.
Steve doesn't have the heart – and the courage – to tell Danny that he doesn't have the intention to get one. He was worried about the risk of hacking with that thing. He heard the stories, okay. It was ridiculous fear he knew, but he can't help it. Plus, even if he decided to get one, he's not sure which brand to get. He was still on the fence and was going through consumer's rating when Danny take the matter out of his hands.
So now that the house was cleaned up and all the foods cleared, Steve and Danny retreated to their bedroom.
Yes. Their bedroom. Apparently they are in a relationship and have been – more or less – living together without him realising it. It took him to see Danny casually rearranged his wardrobe – to maximise space for his clothes and ties – and him seeing half of the closet was full of Danny's garments, for him to caught a clue.
Steve had been stunned. Danny – once he realised Steve had cottoned on – was outright smug. No wonder his house is full of Grace's toys.
"You sure you didn't fathered the babe?" Danny asked him softly. They were cuddling on the bed. Hugging each other snugly, feeling sleepy and content.
Steve's face scrunched up tiredly. While they were dining, earlier. He had came out to the team and told them the truth. About him and the Keiki. Told them how he did not fathered the child but by the blessings of their Gods, he was now the keiki's biological dad. His Ohana was sceptical at first. Especially Danny, he scoffed at the notion of 'Magic altered blessings', but that was Danny being Danny. But they did hear him out. Chin and Kono didn't take too much to convince. They knew the Gods better than he did. Knew that the ancient gods worked mysteriously and that whatever they did, had meaning and purposes. If he said that the gods really blessed him for his service in protecting the land? They believe him. Being spiritual themselves, they will not question the gods. They knew Steve was more in tune with the higher power. Not psychic exactly. Just more aware and sensitive to such otherworldly nature. Danny needed more concrete proof. Because blood never lies and the paternity test already proved it. So he had Mamo on the phone. And leave Danny to have a long conversation with the high priest.
"Danny, I have been busy with established and running the taskforce for about a year now and before that, I have been actively chasing Hesse across the globe. Based on the calculations, the baby would have been conceived around the time when I was in the Navy, at the earliest. I wasn't even in the country as you very well know. And even if he was conceived a week later when dad died – well, you know how I was when we first met. You've seen with your own eyes how tenacious I was with my mission. When have I got the time to come home to Hawaii, have a one night stand that ended up getting some girl pregnant? I may be grieving, Danny, but I'm not that irresponsible. It's impractical for me to be distracted at the time I was hot on Hesse's trail."
"Just want to make sure." Danny mumbled. He hummed lazily while rubbing Steve's collarbone gently with his cheek. He sighed when Steve rubbed the back of his head in return. "Like you said, it's impossible and shocking. I'm not sure I believed it."
Steve kissed gently at the top of Danny's forehead. "You and me both, Danno."
Danny snorted. He could just imagine. Steve must have panicked tremendously. Not at the magic mojo that occurred but the notion of sudden fatherhood. In his mind, Steve doesn't think he'll make a good dad. That he won't measures up. Steve might have been awkward with kids, but Danny knew he'll be a good parent. Just look at how he treated Grace! "When's the kid coming home? And have you figure out the name yet? Grace has been pestering for any information on her new baby brother. She can't wait to meet him."
"The doctors not sure when he can be discharge. They want to make sure he healed properly first. Probably in a week if all goes well," Steve paused briefly. "I'm glad Grace's trilled. I haven't decide on the name yet. Still thinking about it." Steve said flippantly.
"Let me guess… You want to name him Jack or John. After your dad," Danny pestered with a smile.
Steve love Danny all the more for it. "Don't think so. As much as the sentiment is appealing, it doesn't seem right. It has to be something Hawaiian though. At least the middle name."
"Why do I have the feeling that he's going to be named related to the ocean or water-based?" said Danny jovially. With how gung-ho Steve is about the Navy, it won't surprise him one bit if he turns out to be spot on.
Steve grinned happily at Danny. "You know me so well."
"You're ridiculous, babe. You realised. The poor kid is going to be tease mercilessly if you name him after a seal pup. He won't thank you for it." Danny told him laughing.
Steve brought Danny tighter to him. He would never get enough of that laughter. Never. "Some of the selections are adorable, Danno. There's nothing wrong with naming him after an ocean theme."
"Your funeral." Danny told him as he settled down, snuggling deeper into Steve.
Before sleep claim him, a stray memory resurfaced. Danny's eyes opened wide and he quickly looked up to Steve. "Did I really got banned from the Heiau?" Danny asked awkwardly. "Was Chin joking? Did I really got banned? Steve! Steven. Answer me. Did I really got banned from the Heiau?"
Steve tilted his head back and laughed out loud.
~The End~
. . . . .
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-Elvina P.