"I don't want to go," Ale mumbled, pulling a pillow over her head.
"Squirt, you have got to wake up or Sophie is going to kill you. She has a breakfast with Tonnie and Jason and you are expected to be there. You have to get dressed up and be irresistible so Jason falls even more in love with you and Eliot has to sit in the car a block away in case something goes wrong and then you are going to go to the studio and kick ass—again," Hardison said, walking around Ale's room in the suite opening up her shades.
"Hardison, I feel like I have been hit by a bus and dragged thirty feet behind it. I do not want to go to breakfast with Jason and I do not want to go to dance, where Jason is now my dance partner because Tonnie thinks we are a power couple. She is an unsafe teacher who hires unsafe teachers and if I wasn't used to working hard I could be seriously injured. Instead, I just feel like one, big, bruise. Please do not make me go to breakfast. Tell Sophie that I ran away or cut Tonnie's power at her house so she can't come or do SOMETHING. Please," Ale begged, her voice muffled under the pillow.
Hardison felt bad for the girl. She and Sophie were in the spotlight a lot for this job, but all Sophie had to do was watch Ale dance. Ale, on the other hand, was working eight hours a day. The con was taking longer than expecting, and Tonnie loved Ale much more than they were expecting.
Today was the day Parker was breaking into Tonnie's office, since Jason is off and the studio is opening later on account of the breakfast. Hardison was going with her to break even further into the security systems…all he could get into now were the video feeds to the dance rooms that Tonnie used to keep an eye on the dancers. After today he would be able to tap into the phone lines and the computer.
Nate was going before CPS to try and get Tonnie's studio on some kind of radar for child abuse. He wasn't quite sure how to do that yet, but he was going to.
"Ale, I know this is tough. But I promise, it's going to be worth it. Just go today, have a nice breakfast, enjoy some more dancing, and tonight when you get home I will have a massage waiting for you from the best masseuses at the hotel. I promise. Just please get ready…Eliot and Sophie will kill me if you aren't ready on time. They are getting ready, too, and put me in charge of you."
"Why wouldn't they put Parker in charge of me?"
"Because Parker is protective of you in a very insensible way, and if you wanted to convince her that today was going to be a horrible, horrible thing for you she would have hidden you in the air vents. She doesn't like you having to do things you don't like to do…not ever since she understood what happened to you with Buchamp's men. That's why she gets so angry with Eliot. He forces you into a box. She knows how that feels," Hardison shrugged. "So even though Parker offered to get you ready, we all knew that the two of you would be repelling down buildings as fast as the ropes would let you to simply skip breakfast."
"You know us so well," Ale sighed, taking the pillow off of her head. She flipped over allowing Hardison to pull the covers off of her.
"You really are one big bruise," he winced.
Ale's legs had big bruises on them from Ale getting dropped so much. Her feet had some cuts from the different dance shoes she was wearing every day and her arms had small bruises from Jason lifting her, him holding on too tight for fear of dropping her.
"I tried to tell you," Ale shrugged, standing. She winced, patting Hardison on the shoulder.
"Thanks," she smiled, going into her bathroom.
"For what?"
"Making me do this. I owe it to the people at the studio. If you wouldn't have been the one to come in this morning I would have stayed in bed," she shrugged. "You really are a big part of this team, Hardison. It's amazing what you do, even if people don't always understand it."
Hardison nodded, waiting until Ale went into the bathroom to allow the tears to form in his eyes. Sure he was always joking about being underappreciated, but he really did feel that way sometimes. Not to mention that his job wasn't nearly as cool as repelling or playing mind tricks or beating people up. He just had his computer.
Ale made him feel like that was enough—he felt badly that she had been through everything she had, but he was so happy that it lead her to them.
He left Ale's room, Sophie, Eliot, and Parker all sitting in the living room.
"What took so long?" Ale asked, flipping through a magazine.
"She wasn't feeling great," Hardison shrugged, sitting down next to Parker. She scooted closer to him, peeking over his shoulder as she watched him play a game on his computer.
"What do you mean?" Eliot asked, his heart racing. Although he hadn't spoken to Ale, he still cared for her—a lot. It was killing him to be with her every day, watching her in the practice room either with Hardison at the hotel or with Sophie and Nate at the studio, and not being able to talk to her because he didn't know how to make up for what he had done.
"She is just really, really sore. Tonnie isn't a safe teacher and neither are the rest of them. It's just been a lot," Haridison shrugged, Parker sighing.
"When are we leaving? I'm bored."
"As soon as Ale is ready, mama," Hardison smiled, Sophie and Eliot still looking at Hardison.
"But is she okay?" Sophie asked.
"She'll be good. She's tough. I'm ordering a massage for her tonight. It will be fine."
Ale came out of her bedroom, Eliot sucking in breath.
She looked beautiful. Sophie smiled at Ale, the outfit she was wearing the perfect mix of rich yet vintage. Ale's skirt was flared and was a deep navy with thick white stripes, the white tank top she wore tucked into it radiating off her skin. The skirt was short, showing off Ale's legs, and the combat boots she wore had faded American flags on the inside flap she tucked over each other.
"I figured that Jane wouldn't want to be completely perfect for this little brunch," Ale smiled, tugging nervously on the sloppy side braid she put in her hair. It was perfect, making her look windblown, as well as a bit young.
"It's perfect," Sophie smiled, standing. "But look at you," she sighed, looking at all of Ale's bruises.
"I'm fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "Can you help me with my makeup?"
"I think you are all set. None today. You look beautiful."
"Don't I need something to make me look younger?" Ale asked, looking up at Sophie with knit eyebrows.
"Not today," she smiled. Ale nodded, grabbing her dance bag and slinging it over her body.
Eliot, Sophie, and Ale all piled into a cab, all putting in their comms.
"If you guys need me just call," Eliot said, Sophie being the only one to respond. He found a bench nearby, pretending to read as he listened to everything going on in the restaurant, as well as what was going on with Hardison and Parker as they broke into the studio, and Nate as he tried to convince people that Tonnie was a danger.
He was having a hard time, though, seeing as he had no clue what he was talking about.
He needed Ale with him—he needed his perfect team member on his side.
"You look beautiful," Jason breathed, Ale forcing herself to blush and accept his kiss on the cheek. He pulled her chair out for her, Ale sitting down next to her mother and the empty seat Jason was supposed to fill. He sat down, scooting a little closer to Ale.
"What do you think you are going to have?" he asked, leaning close to Ale, talking lowly.
"I don't know. What are you thinking?" she smiled sweetly, batting her eye lashes at him. She held up the menu, Jason taking the other side as they studied it together, ignoring their mothers' conversation.
Jason, even though he was only a little younger than Ale in real life (by two years), was much less mature. He thought women were into all of those pick-up lines and winks and macho men. If she hadn't been playing the bashful and rebellious Jane she would have told Jason to grow up and treat a woman right a long time ago. For now, however, she was supposed to be so completely taken with Jason and fall all over herself to get him to like her.
It was exhausting.
Ale had called Quinn to tell him about the job and had apologized in advanced for allowing Jason to 'woo' her. He had just laughed and told her to have fun and that he couldn't wait to hear all about the job when she got back.
"Right, Jane?" Sophie said, looking at Ale with raised eyebrows.
"I didn't hear what you said," Ale said, looking down at her folded hands.
"I was just saying how much you were loving the studio."
"Oh, yes. I love it. It's amazing," Ale smiled, making her eyes brighten to look more excited.
Ale was a natural grifter. Sophie loved watching her work. She hadn't had to give her a single bit of advice or coaching. She told her what to do and she just did it, even whipping out some of her own material. It was wonderful. People liked Ale naturally, and with her added people skills it was magical.
"Thank you so much for having me there. You have all been so welcoming," Ale smiled, the waiter coming back to take their order.
After breakfast they walked to the studio, Sophie catching a glimpse of Hardison and Parker as they walked down the street.
"Nicely done, guys," Ale whispered, Sophie smiling beside her. "Perfect, actually."
"Thanks, Sparky," Parker chirped.
Ale went into the studio behind Jason, Tonnie, and Sophie, taking her bag from Jason, who had insisted on carrying it, and going to get changed.
She didn't really want to dance today, but she knew she had to. The con was almost over, though, and she should only have to be at the studio for one more week. It wasn't going to be that bad.
Sophie was watching Ale dance when she heard Ale wince, Jason gasp, and silence fill the practice room. The teacher in there had turned off the music, asking Ale if she was alright. She was currently up on Jason's shoulders, having had him just swing her up there by her arms. Sophie gasped as well, noticing Ale's shoulder blade sticking out of her back.
"What's going on, Soph?" Nate asked, worry growing in his chest.
"Talk to us Soph," Eliot sighed. All they could hear was Ale wince and the teacher say something to her, as well as Sophie gasping.
"I'm fine," Ale breathed, Sophie watching as Jason helped her down. "My shoulder is just out of place."
Sophie could tell Ale was fighting back tears. She was breathing deeply, holding her elbow to her chest.
"I think we need to rethink that lift," Ale laughed, starting to pace.
"I'm so sorry," Jason said, looking over to Sophie who was standing with Tonnie. "I told you that would be too much," he said, looking back at Ale.
"I'm fine, really," Ale said, almost pleading with him. "There is a clinic right down the street, I'll just go get this fixed and come back and we can finish up the day. Seriously," Ale said, looking between the teacher, Tonnie, Jason, and Sophie.
"Not a good idea," Eliot said over the comm.
"You don't have a say in it," Ale snapped, her eyes widening when she realized what she said so she whipped her head in Sophie's direction. "Last time this happened you over reacted and took me out of dance for a week. I was behind for so long. Just trust me on this one. It's not a big deal and happens all of the time," Ale recovered, Sophie wanting to agree with Eliot. Ale was far too convincing, though.
"Fine," Sophie shrugged.
"I'm so proud of you," Tonnie gushed, seeming relieved. "You are a true dancer."
Ale was about to walk away when Jason grabbed her good elbow, pulling her into the corner.
"You really don't have to do this," Jason said slowly. "She is out of control."
"What do you mean?" Ale asked, sucking in a deep breath.
"She always does this. She pushes people too far. It never bothered me because she made it seem like we were going to be famous and get wonderful things and be rich and perfect, but I really, really care about you and she has gone too far. I shouldn't even be your partner…I haven't danced in years. And I'm not that good. She just…she is so focused on money. She even cheats the family out of it. Like your dad…he is spending crazy amounts of money on your lessons. She is a fraud. Seriously. Just…go to the clinic and don't come back," James pleaded, Ale not sure what she should say.
She could hear the team's chatter, all of them shocked that he opened up to her.
"Guys, seriously, why are you so surprised? We all opened up to her. Everyone opens up to her. It's just the way she is. Now, stop so she can focus," Hardison said. "Take it away, Squirt."
"James, that is really sweet of you to be worried about me, but I'm really fine. I'll be back after I get this fixed, okay?" Ale said softly, planting a kiss on James' cheek.
"You don't get it," James sighed, almost begging Ale to believe him.
"I get that you are the nicest guy I have ever met. But I need to dance. I just have to. So I'm going to go take care of this, and then I'll be back. You can be my partner or you can find a new one for me. Either way, I'm dancing."
Ale walked over to Sophie, her fawning all over her just as a mother should.
"We will be back in a jiffy," Sophie smiled, waving to Tonnie.
Once they got on the street Sophie smacked her on the arm, causing Ale to yell out in pain.
"Seriously, Sophie. Come on," she grunted, catching her breath.
"Sorry," Sophie said quickly. "But really…we could have gotten you out of there."
"And had to re-plan the entire con? No way. We have to get the kids out of there."
"How did you know that there was a clinic?" Nate asked, coming over the comms.
"I saw it when we first got here, and then I saw it again when we walked from breakfast this morning. I'm not going there, though. That is where Tonnie sends all of her students and I don't trust any establishment that knows about her and hasn't reported her. If one of you can follow my instructions you should be able to just pop it back in place and wrap it up, good as new," Ale said, walking in the general direction of the van Parker and Hardison were in.
"I'll do it!" Parker offered, everyone except Ale immediately telling her no.
"I'll do it," Eliot said. "I already know how. I'll meet you at the van," he grunted, Ale rolling her eyes. Of course Eliot would know how to reset a shoulder.
Ale was still angry with Eliot…what he had said was said out of anger, yes, but it was still said. And there are some things you just don't say, and he knew that, and he still said it. And he had respected her wishes not talking to her, but she was also a little upset that he hadn't tried to break her wishes and apologize.
He was the one, after all, who was being a jerk. He should have to apologize.
"I know you don't want to, but that looks painful, and he is the only one who can help without putting you in danger," Sophie whispered, looking at Ale.
"Fine. But I'm not talking to him, still."
"Never said you had to, darlin'," Eliot said without meaning to. He was used to Ale's playful stubbornness and his answer had come naturally…before he could remember that she hated his guts.
Rightfully so, of course.
Ale and Sophie eventually made it back to the van, Hardison gagging when he saw Ale.
"That is not normal," he winced, helping her into the back of the van.
"You are very right. It isn't. That's why I need it fixed. And thank you for earlier," she smiled, sitting down, letting out a deep breath.
"No problem. We get each other," Hardison smiled, Sophie pacing outside of the van.
"Does it hurt?" Parker asked, looking like she wanted to poke Ale's shoulder.
"Yes. Not as much as other things but yes, it still hurts."
Eliot showed up at the van, Sophie talking to him softly.
"Ale, are you okay?" Nate's voice asked quietly over the comms.
"I'll be fine, Nate."
"Not what I asked," he laughed.
"The hardest part is getting it back in. If Eliot doesn't get it right it can get jammed and hurt a lot more and then he'll have to fix it again, and then it will just be a little sore."
"What can I do to help, because, once again, this is my fault," Nate sighed.
He didn't know why he had such a soft spot for Ale. Well, he did—he felt responsible for her because of what happened when they first met—but he also felt like she was alone. Like she needed him and Sophie, as well as the rest of the team. She didn't have people to look out for her anymore…she needed people to be worried. And he saw her as he saw Parker…the daughters he never had. They had childlike beings that made it so easy for them to sneak into your heart. He would never admit it, but he loved his team, especially the ladies who filled it.
"Tell me about what progress you have made today. Just distract me. I blocked most of what has been going on today out…I had to focus on the new dance. And creepy Jason's hand on my thigh during breakfast," Ale said, shuddering a bit.
Eliot climbed into the van, going to stand behind Ale's spot on Hardison's chair. As Nate began to talk he took Ale's shoulder in his hands, focusing on putting it back in place. When he thought Ale was distracted enough he moved her shoulder back in place, knowing as soon as he did it that it wasn't right.
Hardison had been listening to Nate and Ale talk, adding some humor in the conversation to distract Ale. When Eliot moved his hands, however, Ale went pale, all of the color draining from her face.
"Sorry," Eliot said lowly, Ale doubling over in the chair, breathing in deeply and letting it out slowly. Hardison took her hand, Ale immediately giving it a quick squeeze.
"What did you do to her?" Parker snapped, standing up and putting herself between Eliot and Ale.
"Her shoulder isn't exactly right. I just need to readjust it again," Eliot said calmly, although he felt horrible. He knew that putting a shoulder back in the wrong place was more painful than it getting pulled out, and he hated that he did it to Ale. Then again, he was only doing his best.
That didn't make him feel any better.
"Parker, I'm…fine," Ale breathed, sitting back up. "It's not his fault."
Hardison could see the pain in Ale's eyes as she spoke, trying not to cry so Parker wouldn't get mad. Even though she was mad at Eliot, she was still defending him.
Hardison always knew she was a part of the team.
"Fix it," Sophie said, looking at Eliot with raised eyebrows.
"You trust me?" Eliot asked, looking down at Ale. She nodded slightly, asking Nate to keep talking.
Eliot popped Ale's arm back into the socket, finally getting something right.