Steve and Maddie: The Early Years
Chapter Seven: First Heartbreak
Disclaimer: I have my plans for world domination in front of me, and it clearly states here that Steve McGarrett is all mine. Unfortunately, they are in crayon...
There is no exact timeline to this story, they are just oneshots from different times in Steve and Maddie's childhood. So if things skip forwards or backwards...don't worry...
Maddie stared at the surrounding trees and felt a lone tear slip down her cheek.
It felt as though her heart was breaking, and each crack hurt just that little bit more.
Despite the fact that it was almost 85 degrees outside, Maddie felt cold and clammy.
She wanted to go home, climb into her bed and let her mother fuss over her. But that was never going to happen now.
Her mother was gone.
H50H50H50
He watched as his mother listened into the phone. He saw the precise moment she was told that her best friend was dead. Her eyes filled with tears, and she placed a shaking hand over her lips.
Steve couldn't imagine what he would feel if anything happened to Maddie. He pushed the thought away, and looked back to his mother.
She frowned, sadly and covered the phone with her hand. ''Maddie went for a walk...'' She said, quietly, hinting for him to go and find her.
Steve nodded, and headed into the study where his father was looking over a case file.
It was saturday, and supposedly his day off...but John McGarrett didn't really have those anymore.
''Dad?'' Steve said, quietly.
John looked up tiredly, ''Yes, son?''
''I need a ride...'' Steve stated, uncertainly.
Maddie hadn't come to their house, which meant there was only one other place she could be.
H50H50H50
An hour later they pulled into the car park at the bottom of the trail.
John lifted the backpack off the backseat and handed it to Steve, ''Be careful out there.'' He said, sternly. Steve assured him he would, and headed out.
Steve and Maddie had gone hiking for the first time without their fathers, about six months ago. They had found a clearing, and claimed it as their own.
When he got close, Steve stopped and squinted through the thick trees. He moved a branch out of the way, and he finally saw Maddie sitting on the ground with her back to him.
He sighed sadly, and joined her on the hard, dirty ground.
Her eyes were closed, but Steve could see that she had been crying. Her clothes were smudged with dirt, and ripped in some places from branches. Her arms were covered with scratches.
Steve kept quiet; he knew she would talk when she wanted too. So, he stayed right there next to her, letting her know that he was there, no matter how long it took.
H50H50H50
Maddie heard a twig snap, before he sat down. He didn't say anything. Neither did she. But after awhile, she scooted closer and rested her head against his shoulder.
A few moments later, he placed his cheek against the top of her head.
''You feel cold...'' He whispered.
Maddie grimaced, ''I can't feel my fingers,'' She whispered, hoarsely.
He took her hands, and rubbed them between his own, warming them up.
''How did you know where I was?'' She asked, watching him warm her hands.
''You didn't come to our house...'' He replied.
''Oh...'' She sighed.
They fell quiet again, until Steve felt a drop of wetness hit his arm.
''You know she isn't really gone, right?'' He said, softly.
Maddie raised her head, to meet his eyes. ''How do you know?'' She asked, tearfully.
Steve instinctively brushed the tears away.
''Remember what my dad said about all the Hawaiian legends?'' She nodded. ''Remember the aumakua's?'' Another nod. ''Well if anyone was stubborn enough to stay around to protect you, it's your mom.''
Maddie smile at him shakily, before her face crumbled and the tears started in earnest.
Steve just held her tightly, until her eyes ran dry.
''Steve, I want to go hom now.'' She hiccupped, some time later.
He smiled at her as she stood up.
''Good...because my butt's gone completely numb,''
That earned him a tiny laugh, as Maddie pulled him to his feet.
Neither of them even noticed, that they didn't let go as they walked back down the trail.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Sorry for the depressing chapter, but the next one will be a bit more upbeat...
