DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Hawaii Five-O" or any of it's characters.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for reading my story! I hope you're enjoying it so far!

As always, thoughts are in italics. And the only thing in bold in this chapter are text messages.

Again, please let me know what you think!

ENJOY!

xo

DivaLola

P.S. I apologize ahead of time for the cliffhanger. SORRY!

CHAPTER 30

They were able to run through the show another two times before it was time for Maddie to get ready for the day. So, at 6am they called it quits and everyone, except Tina, her security team, and Maddie went back to their hotel to get a few hours of rest.

Maddie entered her dressing room limping, sniffling, and coughing next to Pete.

"How ya feeling?" Tina asked as she ate a bowl of cereal at the kitchen table. Her planner, laptop, and cell phone were in front of her. Almost every moment she was awake, she was working. There was so much that needed to be taken care of to make everything run smoothly on a daily basis and Tina thrived at that.

"Fine," she whispered so softly it was barely audible. Her throat was killing her and she was sure her fever was significantly higher. She thought she felt terrible before, but she was mistaken. Her entire body ached as if she'd gotten her ass kicked. The headache she'd consistently had since fainting at Five-O was stronger than ever. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced. Apparently getting sick and being congested on top of having a concussion was not a good combo. Her cough was dry and hurt not only her severely sore throat, but her chest and back.

"Yeah, you look fine," Tina retorted sarcastically.

"Yeah, she's not," Pete said as he grabbed her knee brace.

"Don't hook her up to that just yet. Mads, if you're gonna take a shower you better do it now. Lorali and Nikki will be here in twenty to do your hair and makeup. Your day starts early. We need to head out by 8:15am."

Maddie's shoulders slumped forward. Coughing and sniffling she stood and limped to the bathroom, wincing every step. "Your knee's pretty bad I take it?" Tina asked.

She groaned as she shut the door and disappeared into the bathroom.

"She's really sick," Pete said, feeling horrible for her. "I wish there was something I could do for her," Pete said, taking a seat at the small kitchen table across from Tina.

"Yeah, she definitely seems a lot sicker than last night. She needs sleep." Tina reached to her left and pulled her large planner towards her. She studied the day's schedule, nibbling her bottom lip. As Pete watched her he realized she'd always done that when she was hyper focused. The gesture made him smile. "I'm gonna call Johnny," she finally said.

Pete glanced at his watch. "You better do it now. He's jumping on a flight in thirty minutes."

"Where's he going?" Tina questioned.

Pete looked towards the closed bathroom door, making sure he heard the water running before answering. "He's coming here," he whispered.

"Really? Does Maddie know?" Tina asked, surprised.

"No. He's coming to take care of some things. I called him. Told him how bad things are."

"What'd he say?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"He had no idea. Maddie's been keeping him in the dark, telling him everything's fine," Pete told her. "And apparently George was, too. He's pissed."

"Wow," Tina replied, her eyes wide with surprise. "This'll be interesting." Going through her contact list she said, "I better call him now then." She hit 'call' and put the phone to her ear. It only rang twice before he answered. "Hi, Johnny!"

Pete couldn't hear what he was saying, but he had an idea from listening to her side of the conversation. He watched as Tina explained the situation. She read what her schedule was supposed to be for the day and then was quiet as she listened to his response. "Okay… sure… oh yeah… good call… Okay… I'll change it… Yeah, I'll tell her… Okay… Perfect! Thanks, Johnny! Have a safe flight! … Okay, bye!" Tina hung up and began to erase and rearrange things in the planner.

"So?" Pete asked as Maddie hobbled out of the bathroom dressed in leggings and a long sleeved thermal. "Hey, Shorty! Did the shower make you feel any better?"

Her only answer was coughing and sniffling. "Tissue?" she asked as she sat on the couch.

Pete brought a box over to her and she blew her nose. He began hooking her into her knee brace. "Wow, Mads, it's more swollen," he said, noticing the difference in her knee. No wonder she's limping so much, he thought.

She shrugged in response as she coughed.

"So, Mads," Tina began, sitting next to her with her planner. "Today's schedule's been changed a bit."

Maddie looked at her, her eyebrows raised as her shoulders slumped.

"Don't worry, nothing's been added. It's actually less busy," Tina assured her. Maddie visibly relaxed at the clarification. "So," Tina began, looking down at the revised schedule in her hands. "You'll still start with the large press conference at 9am." Maddie nodded before Tina continued. "Once that's over, you're doing an interview with Entertainment Tonight and NBC, which will air tonight. Both are short and will be shot at the same location. You will be done with those by 10am and then head to Noelani Elementary School. During the car ride there, you'll call into 102.7 KIIS FM for a quick interview with Ryan Seacrest before introducing the world premiere of your new single, 'Can't Be Tamed'. You'll talk about the music video, which will be released thirty minutes after the interview. You should arrive at Noelani by 10:30/10:45am. Now, originally you were supposed to be there for an hour, but it's been shortened to 45 minutes, which will get you back here around noon."

"Kukui?" Maddie asked, her voice so soft they could barely hear her. "The children's wing at the hospital?"

"Kukui's being rescheduled. Maybe for next week. Maybe two weeks from now. Or maybe a month. You're on vacation here, so you have time. You and Stephenie can talk about it in a few days and figure it out. It's nothing pressing... Now, because you're sick we had to reschedule the visit to the children's wing. We can't risk getting any of the kids sick. But don't worry, you can do that whenever you're feeling better and aren't contagious. Okay?"

Maddie nodded, satisfied with the plan. As long as she eventually made it to Kukui and got to visit the children's wing, she was fine. While it was emotionally difficult, she really enjoyed going to hospital children's wings. She felt like she was actually making a difference in someone's life for a little while.

"So, you'll be back here by noon and just get to chill until hair and makeup starts around 7pm. You go on at 8:45pm. Johnny's moving the meet and greet to Friday. He's gonna make it a longer special fan event. Gives you time to rest before the show. How's that sound?"

"Good," Maddie said, flashing her a genuine smile. "Thanks, T."

"You're welcome!" Tina grinned. "It's good to see you smile!"

"What are we smiling about?" Nikki asked as she and Lorali entered her dressing room.

"A lightened schedule for the day!" Tina replied.

"Woo hoo! You deserve it, and need it, girl!" Lorali exclaimed.

Tina glanced at the time. "It's almost 7am. We gotta be outta here by 8:15am, so get started on glam why I take a quick shower."

"Okay," Maddie mumbled as she tried to stand. However, the large knee brace made it difficult.

"Here, Shorty, I got ya," Pete said as he helped her to the other side of the room. As she sat in the glam chair he grabbed the ice water tank and hooked her back up to it. When he was finished he said, "I'm gonna go make sure everyone has their assignments for the day. I don't want any incidents happening." Maddie coughed and nodded.

Doc had just finished checking Maddie over. "Well, your fever is definitely a lot higher. Your lungs sound worse, but you still don't have bronchitis, so that's good. Your voice was doing better yesterday, but now with the sore throat and cough it's back to being barely there. So, only talk when you have to. During the interviews keep your answers as short as possible and speak as quietly as you can. Now, your knee is definitely worse today. I could give you an injection right now, but I'd rather give you a big one before the show tonight. That way it will take a lot of the pain away and will last through the entire show. Because we'll wait for tonight, you need to stay off it throughout the day, which means… you have to wear your brace and use your crutches during press." Maddie groaned in response. "I know it's not ideal, but trust me, it's the best way to go. Now… you're still really stiff because of your tailbone, so when I look everything over before the show, we can decide if you're gonna need an injection there, too. The burn on your arm is small and looks good. Does it hurt?"

She shook her head. "Just a little, but not bad."

"Good! If you keep it clean and dry for the day, it'll be fine to un-bandage for tonight. You're lucky it's minor." Doc paused. "Your foot is still bad. We'll just keep doing what we're doing. Your hand is doing better. Just try and use it as little as possible so the scabs don't break open."

Kendall appeared and handed him a tiny cup of liquid medicine. "Thanks, Kendall." Doc took it and handed it to Maddie. "Here ya go. It'll help suppress your cough for the next few hours." She did as he instructed, making a face as she swallowed the nasty tasting liquid.

Tina looked at her watch. "Sorry, Doc. We gotta go."

"Of course," he replied as Pete helped her to her feet. "Don't forget a jacket or sweater or something. We don't want you getting any sicker," Doc added.

"Got it," Tina said, as she grabbed Maddie's purse and jacket as well as her own before they all headed out.

Pete, Mo, Carl, and Billy walked with Maddie and Tina down the hall. "Mads, I'm not gonna go with you," Pete declared. Her head whipped in his direction, her eyes wide with silent questions. "I'm gonna stay here and make sure the stage is okay. I don't know how someone has gotten in and screwed with things, so I need to stay behind and keep looking everything over. I don't want anything to go wrong tonight, okay?"

Nervously biting her lip, Maddie hesitated. To be honest she wanted him with her, but she understood why he wanted to stay behind. "I understand, Pete."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, except when Pete spoke into his walkie talkie making sure the cars were ready.

Maddie, Tina, and the three men walked out the door off the arena's main room to find two, big, black SUV's waiting. Frank was driving one while Connor drove the other. Adam, Chris, and Tom were riding with Connor, all bodyguards that Maddie had hired a few months before.

Tina climbed in the back seat of the other SUV, joining Billy, while Carl got in the front passenger seat.

"Mads," Pete began, stopping her from getting in the car. Mo stood at the open rear passenger door.

"Yeah?" she whispered as she turned to face him.

"Be good, okay?" Pete shot her a look. "I know today is gonna be a rough day… but can you promise me you'll be good?"

"I'm not a little kid," she whispered.

"I know, and I don't mean to treat you like one. It's just… someone is obviously out for you and I don't want you getting hurt. So, just be good, okay? Don't take any chances," Pete explained.

"Okay. I'll see you later," Maddie mumbled as she turned and, with Mo's help, got in the backseat. Pete followed as he walked to the back of the car and put her crutches in the trunk.

"Mo, watch her. She's upset about a lot of things," Pete sighed, shaking his head. "Just watch her. Don't let her out of your sight."

"I won't," he smiled before walking back to the open, rear passenger door.

"Keep me posted," Pete said as Mo got in the car next to Maddie.

"Will do," Mo replied before shutting the door. The two SUV's pulled out.

As Pete had a quick bite to eat he debated asking Steve to come early. Maddie desperately needed sleep, but every time she'd fallen asleep she'd had a nightmare. Even though things weren't good between them, he hoped Steve could get her to sleep. Plus, since her nightmares were about Steve getting killed, he wondered if her subconscious would know he wasn't dead if he was close by. It's worth a try, he thought.

He'd also been trying to think of a way to make seeing Steve easier for her, but all he'd been able to come up with was having all of Five-O with him. He thought that might take a little pressure off her when she first saw him. Normally he wouldn't over think a situation like this, but he knew Maddie was barely holding on.

He'd taken a couple boxes of fan mail to her house and had gone through more than half of it, unable to sleep well when, once again, she hadn't come home for the night. He was packing it all up, careful not to mix up what he'd already read with what he hadn't. Just as he placed the boxes in his truck and climbed in the driver's seat his phone dinged. It was his generic text tone, so he knew it wasn't Maddie. He hadn't heard from her again and she hadn't answered when he'd called her the night before. Although he wasn't surprised, he was still disappointed.

Fastening his seatbelt his phone dinged again. "Alright, alright," he mumbled, pulling his phone from his pocket. Seeing he'd received two text messages from Pete, he quickly opened them. Maddie's schedule has been revised and she has more downtime today. I thought maybe you guys could come early. She'll be back at the venue around noon.

After reading the first text, Steve couldn't keep the smile from his face. Relief filled him knowing he'd be seeing her in only a few short hours instead of having to wait until late afternoon. However, he was also worried, wondering why her schedule had changed. He quickly read the second text. Oh, and can you bring her that smoothie she loves? You know the one I'm talking about?

His brows furrowed in confusion as he mumbled, "That's a strange request." Steve quickly typed back. Yeah, I know which one. We'll definitely come at 12. Why the schedule change? Everything alright?

Sitting in his truck in her driveway Steve anxiously waited for his friend to respond. Finally a new message came in. She's good. Just needs the down time. It's been a long few days. See you at 12.

Steve placed his phone back on his belt before putting his truck in drive and heading towards headquarters. While Pete had said she was good, he read between the lines. She was tired, which didn't surprise him. He just hoped she wasn't as tired as she'd been when she arrived in Hawaii.

"Four hours, Steve," he told himself, glancing at the time. As he reached a stoplight he quickly texted the rest of the team letting them know the change in schedule in case they wanted to head over at noon, too.

The morning had been difficult for Maddie. The questions the press asked had nothing to do with her show or her music, but instead were personal in nature. According to them, a source had come forward late the night before and released private details about Maddie under the guise that they were worried about her. In the quote one reporter read to her, the source, who had requested to remain anonymous, said that they were coming forward with this information hoping that it would force Maddie to deal with what was going on. She did her best to answer the questions as generally as possible, but give them enough so that they would hopefully back off. However, it wasn't working. She'd been blindsided, and was humiliated. She felt overwhelmed and was freaked out. She knew that when Steve heard the rumors, he'd be even more protective of her and she'd have a difficult time handling that. Maddie was doing her best to not think about what information the press had been given or what exactly it would mean for her. She knew that if she did, she'd fall apart.

She sat in the back seat of the SUV between Tina and Mo while Billy sat on Tina's other side. The lack of space wasn't helping her feel any less overwhelmed. As the two, black SUV's pulled away from Noelani Elementary School at 11:20am everything from the last week hit her. The car suddenly felt incredibly hot and her body began sweating profusely. Her clothes felt tight, as did her brace, and she fought the urge to pull on them. She eyed the sides of the car feeling as if they were closing in on her. Try and stay calm, she told herself. Just breathe. She inhaled a deep breath before clearing her throat. "Can we stop and get a coffee or something?" she asked, fighting to appear calm.

Billy looked at Mo, who with Pete gone, was in charge. Mo mulled it over. He didn't really like the idea of stopping anywhere. The press and fans had been uncharacteristically rough all day and it'd been extremely difficult getting her in and out of the car with her on crutches as everyone fought to get to her. He just wanted to get her back to the arena where she was safe from the outside world, but he also knew the morning had been rough for her.

"Please, Mo? It'll only take a couple minutes. Plus, I have to use the restroom."

He knew she hadn't been expecting the questions the press had asked, and although she did her best to act unfazed, he knew she'd been completely caught off guard. Feeling bad, he met Frank's eyes in the rearview mirror and gave him a slight nod. Frank turned his blinker on and changed lanes, alerting the rest of her security team that was following in the other SUV.

Mo brought his right hand to his mouth and activated the tiny microphone in his sleeve. "Change of plans. We're gonna make a quick stop." He met Maddie's eyes, enunciating 'quick stop'.

"Thanks, Mo," Mads whispered, lightly elbowing him as she wrinkled her nose. Knowing they'd be stopping shortly made the anxiety she was feeling lessen slightly.

"You're welcome, Shorty," he smiled.

They arrived at Starbucks minutes later and Maddie couldn't get out of the car fast enough. Stepping foot in the fresh air she took several deep breaths, hoping they'd help her calm down. Unfortunately, they didn't as a dozen paparazzi that had been following the SUVs jumped out of their cars and ran towards her.

"I don't like this," Mo mumbled as he handed Maddie her crutches. Carl and Frank jumped from the SUV just in time to help Mo build a wall around her. While Mo wrapped his left arm around her shoulders, the other two each had a hand hovering near their holstered weapons. Billy stayed in front of them to help clear a path to the door.

"Are you thirsty?" one paparazzo asked Maddie as he clicked away on his camera while his buddy filmed her with a large video camera. "Is that why you're stopping at Starbucks? What's your favorite drink?" Desperate to get away from everything and everyone she continued to crutch forward as fast as possible. The members of her security team from the other SUV quickly joined them, helping to keep the "vultures" away.

"Back off!" Billy yelled to a particularly aggressive photographer as he helped shield Maddie and Mo. However, he didn't listen and grabbed at Maddie nearly knocking her down. Billy didn't miss a beat as he pushed him away. He was going to go further, but her voice stopped him.

"Billy, let's just get inside, okay?" Suddenly she realized Tina wasn't with her. She stopped dead in her tracks and began to frantically look around.

"She's with Connor. Don't worry, she's fine," Mo whispered. Relief filled her and she resumed crutching forward while her security team surrounded her.

Once inside Tina appeared. "That was insane! They're so aggressive when they think they have something juicy." She paused. "Speaking of which, you okay?"

Maddie sighed heavily. Just the mention of what they were reporting heightened her anxiety and panic. "It's not true," she said.

"I know! You don't have to tell me that! I'm with you all the time. If it was true, I'd know," Tina rubbed her back briefly before saying, "You really didn't need this to happen. I mean it's literally the last thing you need to be dealing with right now."

Maddie shrugged her shoulders and nodded, agreeing, but not knowing what to say. Partly because she was feeling guilty. Guilty that she was lying to Tina. To everyone. She felt as if she was drowning and suddenly she was overcome with an intense and urgent need to get out of there. She needed some time to think, some time to process, some time to figure out what exactly her plan was. She needed time away from all the chaos.

Her eyes darted around the coffee shop as she looked for a way out. There was no way she could leave out the front door. Even if she could distract her security team and sneak out, there was absolutely no way she could get by all the paparazzi standing outside taking pictures and video through the windows. Especially on her crutches. Thankfully one of the Starbucks employees had taken pity on her and locked the front door, so none of the press could come in and get in her face. Maddie had smiled and nodded at the young girl in appreciation.

Needing to find another way out, her eyes darted around until they landed on the small bathroom at the end of the hallway. God, I hope there's a window inside, Maddie thought. "I need to use the restroom. Would you mind ordering?" she asked her best friend and assistant. "Just use my credit card."

"No problem," Tina smiled. She could tell Maddie needed a minute after the morning she'd had. Plus, she knew she felt terrible. Since Pete had let them know Steve would be there by the time they got back, Tina imagined she was freaking out as every minute went by, knowing she was less than an hour away from seeing him. "Do you want your usual?"

"Yeah," Maddie nodded before crutching towards the bathroom. Mo signaled to Billy to follow her. Although she'd been in the public eye for fifteen years she couldn't get use to the constant stares and whispers. She just didn't get it. She was a normal person just like everyone else; the only difference was she wasn't able to do anything normal. She couldn't even go to a local coffee shop without it being a complete and total circus.

"I'll wait here," Billy told her as he stood guard at the door.

"Thanks," Maddie whispered before disappearing behind the door. The second it closed she locked it. "Thank God it's a one person bathroom," she whispered. She leaned against the closed door, her eyes tightly shut as she breathed heavily. Although she swore to herself she wouldn't cry, a few tears slipped from her eyes. "I gotta get out of here," she whispered desperately. Suddenly her hand shot up to her mouth as a coughing fit took hold of her. "Ow," she mumbled at the pain in her throat and chest.

Maddie took a deep breath as the coughing subsided and looked around, studying the small bathroom. Her eyes quickly landed on the small window across from her. "It's small, but it'll do," she whispered, as she wiped her slightly damp face.

Leaning her crutches against the wall beside her, she began climbing on top of the counter that housed the sink. An action that was not easy given the large knee brace and the painful stiffness and limited range of movement her tailbone injury gave her. As she tried to get on the counter, she flipped the sink on, letting the water run so it would hopefully help cover any noises she made while fleeing. Now able to look out the small window, she grinned, seeing that it was the back of the building and no one was around outside. "Thank God!" she whispered. Carefully, and as quietly as possible, she opened the window. Once it was open she reached down and grabbed her crutches. One by one she dropped them out the window, hoping they wouldn't make too much noise and alert Billy. However, as they clattered to the ground outside, another coughing fit hit her.

Just as Maddie was about to start climbing out herself, Billy knocked on the door. "You okay?"

She took a deep breath hoping to calm the tears that were now freely falling down her face, which, she assumed, was the reason she suddenly had an intense and consistent tickle in the back of her throat making herself cough. "Yeah… (*cough*) I just need another minute or (*cough*) so. It's just so (*cough*) crazy out there. I just need a moment (*cough*) to myself."

"Understandable," he responded. "Do you want me to get you some water or something?"

"No, thank you. I'll be out (*cough*) in a minute," Maddie replied. Because it was so loud in Starbucks he didn't hear the tears in her voice, something she was grateful for.

She felt bad doing this to him, but she had to get out of there. She needed some time to herself to think everything through. So much had happened in the last week and it had all hit her, leaving her feeling trapped. The press conference had just been the last straw.

She almost had to take her knee brace off because it'd been so hard getting her leg up there without bending it. However, she was grateful for the large pipe that ran along the ceiling right near the window because she was able to use it like a monkey bar. As she held onto it she swung her legs through the open window. Thank you, gymnastics, she thought as she sat in the window with her legs dangling over. Without any hesitation whatsoever, she jumped down, doing her best to stifle a groan as her legs came in contact with the pavement below and the vibrations shot up her aching body. Knowing she didn't have much time before her security team realized what she was up to, Maddie pushed the pain from her mind, picked up her crutches, and quickly took off in the opposite direction of Starbucks.

Just knowing that she was alone and was going to have some time to herself made her feel a little better, although the tears continued to fall. Even though she was away from Starbucks, people were still recognizing and staring at her. Not nearly as many, but enough that she knew they'd easily lead Mo to her. She glanced around trying to think of a way to disguise herself, and quickly. Suddenly she spotted a small stand outside a local shop where they were selling an array of items. She knew it wouldn't be smart to buy just anything to hide her face. From past experiences she'd learned that if she bought something, in this case a hat, it needed to go with what she was wearing. That way she'd blend into the crowd more. Spotting a baseball hat that would work, she recalled a time she'd taken off and bought a crazy, colorful cowboy hat (it was all they had) to use as a disguise. However, it only brought more attention to her and because of that, Pete had found her quickly. She'd never forgotten the lesson she learned that day.

"I'll get this," Maddie quietly said to the older couple whose stand it was. She smiled at the older man as she handed him cash for the hat. It was obvious they both knew who she was, but neither said anything, something she really appreciated. "Thank you," she whispered, wiping tears from her face as she put the hat on.

"Are you okay, dear?" the man's wife asked.

"Yes," Maddie softly answered as she bowed her head trying to hide her tears. When the woman saw her bottom lip quiver she came around and pulled her into a big hug. She said nothing as she soothingly rubbed her back. After a minute she pulled away. "Thank you, I'm sorry."

"That's okay, dear. Never apologize for tears. Sometimes you just need to let them out," she said.

Maddie gave her a sad, but appreciative smile before saying, "Well, thanks for the hat, but I better go." She glanced around, taking in her surroundings. If only I knew where I was going, she thought. "Where's the nearest bus stop?"

"Where are you trying to go?" the older man asked.

Without thinking Maddie answered, "The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific." Hearing her answer, some of what she was feeling made sense. Of course, she thought. I'd be spending the day with him. He never missed a show in Hawaii.

"I was just going to head out and run a quick errand and the cemetery is on my way. I'll take you," the older woman offered.

"Oh, you don't have to do that," Maddie said as she sniffled.

"I won't have it any other way."

"Are you sure?" Maddie asked. She glanced around quickly, making sure Mo and her team hadn't found her.

"Of course!" The older woman smiled at her. "By the way, my name is Beatrice, but everyone calls me Bee."

"Hi, Bee. It's wonderful to meet you. My name is Maddie." She reached her hand out to the kind older woman.

"Nice to meet you! Now, I'll go grab the car and come pick you up that way you don't have to use your crutches so much." Bee set off across the parking lot towards her car before Maddie even had a chance to protest.

"But," she said, however realized it was pointless as Bee was already out of earshot.

Hearing a man's chuckle, Maddie turned her head. "That's Bee for you," he smiled. "By the way, I'm Charlie."

"Nice to meet you! I'm Maddie," she introduced herself, shaking his hand.

Before the two had a chance to start a conversation, Bee pulled up, rolled the window down and called to her. "Nice to meet you, Charlie," Maddie said before turning and crutching to the car. Opening the back door, she laid her crutches across the seat before climbing in the passenger seat. "Thanks so much for doing this, Bee," Maddie whispered, her voice cutting in and out.

"My pleasure, dear."

Maddie lightly groaned when her cell phone began to ring. Quickly she pulled it from her pocket to see Mo's name on the screen. Sorry, Mo, she thought as she turned it off. She just wasn't ready to come in. Returning her phone to her pocket, she wiped fresh tears from her face. She was doing everything she could not to cry, but they just kept slipping out. It was as if she'd lost control of her emotions. Unfortunately, crying was only irritating her cough and making her more stuffed up. She covered her mouth as she had a short coughing spasm.

"That doesn't sound good, honey," Bee said as they drove towards the cemetery.

"It's nothing," Maddie quietly answered.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just a little cold. No big deal." Maddie looked out the window, taking in the beautiful day.

"I wasn't referring to your cold. However, I'd say you have more than a little cold," Bee stated.

Maddie couldn't help but smile at the older woman. "I'm okay. It's just one of those days."

"Wanna talk about it?" she asked.

"It's nothing, but thank you," Maddie told her, used to being wary of confiding personal details to strangers. She never knew if they'd go to the press.

As Bee came to a red light she turned and studied the beautiful young woman. "Your heart is broken, isn't it?"

Maddie had been keeping the sobs in for days, minus her escape to the beach, and she suddenly found herself unable to hold them back. She bowed her head as her shoulders wracked with them. She was doing her best to stop, but it just wasn't working. Nothing was, which only upset her more. She wasn't one to cry in front of people, let alone a complete stranger. She wasn't just crying over Steve, but also over the entire stalker situation, the information the press now had and were hounding her about, and missing John. Plus, she was sick and exhausted. What was pushing her over the edge was how alone she felt. She thought that was probably a big reason why she couldn't seem to get over what Steve had said. Maddie needed him, but she didn't feel emotionally safe with him. It made her feel she like she had no one. After all, he was her family. She knew that was a big part of why she'd told Bee she wanted to go to the cemetery. She was drowning and needed someone to hold her hand and keep her from sinking further. Sadly, she didn't trust Steve to be that person right now. The only other family she had was John. While he had been murdered months before, she had just found out. For her, it had just happened. God, I miss him, she thought.

The harder Maddie cried, the harder and more she coughed. "Oh, honey," Bee cooed, reaching out her right hand and taking hold of Maddie's left, slightly wrapped injured one. "Tell me about it."

Maddie was never one to share her innermost feelings with people, let alone strangers, but she found herself telling Bee the whole story of her and Steve. Of course she left out the stalker part.

"Sounds like he's got his head up his 'elemu," Bee told her as she maneuvered the car into the left turn lane. Maddie couldn't help but laugh, surprised that Bee said what she did. The older woman turned to her and smiled brightly. "Now that's a beautiful sound!" At Maddie's confused look, she clarified, "Your laugh."

"Thank you," Maddie blushed.

As Bee pulled the car into the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific she said, "Look Maddie, everything happens for a reason. I know your heart hurts now, but it'll heal and you'll find someone. And you never know, it might just be Steve. But either way, don't close yourself off from love, okay?"

"I won't," Maddie told her as the car stopped inside the cemetery. She quickly wiped at her tear-streaked face. "Thank you again for the ride."

Bee smiled at her while lightly squeezing her hand. "No problem."

Maddie reached forward and gave the old woman a hug before opening the car door and stepping out. As she grabbed her crutches from the back seat Bee said, "You keep in touch! Stop by whenever you want!"

"I'll definitely do that!" Maddie told her, placing the crutches under her arms. "Thanks again!"

Bee smiled before slowly driving away. Maddie sadly watched her go. She'd enjoyed her company. Bee had been so maternal and loving and it made Maddie miss not only her own mother, but Steve's. After all, Doris McGarrett was like a second mother to her. She found that her talk with Bee had helped some as she wasn't crying nearly as hard and although she still felt alone, it wasn't such an overwhelming feeling.

Knowing it wouldn't be long before she was found, Maddie crutched into the cemetery, stopping when she came to John McGarrett's headstone. Looking directly next to it, she smiled sadly at Doris' headstone. "At least they're together now," she whispered.

Steve nervously pulled up to the gate outside the arena and flashed his VIP All Access pass to the security officer.

"Go on in," the officer instructed.

"Thank you," Steve replied, giving him a quick nod and a tight smile.

As he followed the signs to the "Crew Member Only" parking area he felt excited, but nervous. He had no idea what to expect from Maddie.

Pulling his keys from the ignition, Steve opened the driver's door and stepped out. Hopefully this will be a good ice breaker, he thought as he reached inside and grabbed Maddie's smoothie.

Walking towards the nearest entrance he flashed his pass to a security member he'd never seen before. Probably one of the ones she hired herself, he thought as he studied him. Even though Pete had done extensive background searches on each new hire, he would as well.

As he entered the building he found himself in the main room. Maddie always had one set up in every city she toured. She said it was a place for everyone to share meals, take breaks, work, and socialize. Her crew was like a big family and she wanted them to always feel that way.

"What took you so long?" Danny called from his spot at a table. The rest of the team was with him. "We left HQ at the same time. Were you just sitting in your car, nervous to see Maddie?" he joked.

Steve shot him a glare as he approached the table. The day was only beginning and Danny was already up to his usual tricks. "I had to make a stop." Steve set the smoothie on the table before taking a seat next to his partner.

"Thanks for grabbing that," Pete said tightly from where he sat across from him.

"No problem," Steve replied, surveying the room.

"She's not here," Pete said, knowing he was looking for Maddie.

Steve's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"She had a bunch of press to do this morning. She's not back yet. Soon, but not yet."

"Why the hell aren't you with her?" Steve asked, his voice rising slightly.

His tone and accusation irritated Pete, but he didn't want to get into it with Steve. He had more important things to worry about right now. "She's perfectly safe. Mo and seven other guys are with her. I stayed behind to make sure everything was good here. I've been looking over the stage all morning."

Steve eyed him suspiciously. "Why? What's wrong with the stage?"

"Nothing," Pete told him. "I always look over the stage before a show." Needing to breathe through his irritation, he grabbed the smoothie and walked the short distance to the craft services table. They had a small refrigerator and he quickly put the drink in it, not wanting it to melt.

"When will she be here?" Kono asked, purposely changing the subject. The tension between the two men was uncomfortable. They were already both covered in cuts and bruises; no one wanted them to go at it again.

Walking back to the table, Pete glanced at his watch. She should've been here already, he thought as he once again sat across from Steve. "Any minute. I'll call and see where they are." Just as he pulled his phone from his belt, he heard his voice. He turned to see his second in command jogging towards him, irritation present on his face. "Damn it," Pete seethed as he stood, already knowing what happened.

"I'm sorry, P," Mo said.

Steve glanced between the two before his eyes fell on the group of men that had entered behind Mo. His eyes fell on Tina, but he didn't see Maddie.

"What happened?" Pete asked.

"Pete, I'm sorry. I should've known something was wrong," Tina stated, stepping forward and away from the group.

"Where's Maddie?" Steve questioned.

Pete sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "She took off."

"What do you mean she took off?" Steve exclaimed as his heart began to pound.

"Let me think," Pete snapped. He was doing his absolute best to stay calm, when in reality he was freaking out. After everything that had happened, he didn't want her out there alone. Pete quickly dialed her cell, however it went straight to voicemail. "Damn it, Madeline!" he cursed before returning his attention to Mo. "How the hell did she get away? She's in a knee brace and on crutches."

"She begged us to stop at Starbucks. When we went inside she said she needed to use the restroom. Billy walked her to the door and stood outside. However, she never came out. She went out the window," Mo explained. He felt terrible. Pete had specifically told him not to let her out of his sight and he'd let him down.

"Which Starbucks?" Steve asked, standing.

Pete turned to him. "I know what you're thinking, but just stay here. We'll find her."

"We can cover more ground if we both go," Steve argued.

"Stay here, McGarrett!" Pete ordered. He knew that Maddie wouldn't go with him if he found her.

"I have," Steve began.

"I know where she is," Chin interrupted.

All heads whipped towards him. "Where?" Steve asked. "I'll go get her."

"No, Steve. Chin, where is she?" Pete questioned.

Steve stepped towards Pete, anger coursing through his veins. "I'll g-," he seethed.

"She won't go with you," Pete ground out, interrupting him.

It felt like someone had punched him in the gut. The idea that she was so upset she wouldn't go with him was devastating. How did things get so messed up with us, he wondered.

"Pete and I will go get her," Chin stated.

Steve hesitated, but eventually conceded. "Okay, but if you haven't found her in thirty minutes, I'm going to look for her. So, keep me posted."

"Don't worry, we will," Chin replied as he watched his friend sit back down at the table. As much as he was trying to hide it, he could tell hearing she wouldn't go with him had hurt.

"Mo, I need you to stay here and take care of a couple things. Make sure everyone in here has a pass. That no one is here that isn't allowed or supposed to be. Also, the canine unit has been sniffing the arena for the last fifteen minutes. Have them go over every square inch," Pete instructed.

"Will do," Mo answered.

"Okay, Frank, drive Chin and me in one car. Carl, Connor and Billy take the other one and follow us." Pete turned to the table where Steve, Kono, Danny, and Lori sat. "We'll be right back."

"Do you want me to go?" Tina asked Pete.

"Nah, stay here. We'll go get her." Pete smiled at her. "Anything happen this morning that I should know about?"

"The press was killer. They were hardcore. They got to her. A lot of rumors about her personal life. Upsetting ones that they just wouldn't let go," Tina answered.

"Great." He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I should've known she was gonna take off. Looking back, she had all the classic signs. I was just so busy calling and dealing with her schedule and I didn't see it. Not until it was too late."

"Not your fault. We'll find her," Pete said, hoping to ease her guilt. After all, Maddie was an adult. She was going to do what she was going to do. "We'll be back." Chin and Pete hurried to the SUV's with Carl, Frank, Billy, and Connor right behind them.

Danny looked at his partner. Steve always had the posture of a soldier, but somehow he seemed to be sitting even straighter and more rigid as he clenched his jaw. He was staring at the door Pete and Chin had disappeared through only seconds before. "She'll be fine," Danny said.

"I can't believe she did this with a psycho after her," Steve growled as he shook his head.

Taking advantage of the situation, Lori stood, walked over and took a seat on the bench next to Steve, so close that their thighs were touching. "Danny's right, they'll find her," she said as she lightly rubbed his left forearm.

"Thanks, Lori," Steve mumbled, fighting the urge to pull away. At least Maddie didn't see that, he thought.

Chin directed Frank from the front seat while Pete fumed in the back. "What the hell was she thinking after everything that's happened?"

"Has anything else happened since I saw you?" Chin asked, turning around to look at Pete.

"Yeah, part of her costume was messed with. Some sparks landed on her arm and burnt her."

"What?!" Chin cried. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah, it's a mild burn... Thank God!" Pete reassured him. "By the way, I bagged the costume for you. She has multiples of each costume, so she's just using another one."

"Okay." Chin turned his head and looked out the windshield. "Steve is gonna lose it," he stated.

"Yep," Pete agreed.

"When is she telling him?"

"After the show tonight, once she's back home." Pete glanced at their surroundings. "By the way, where is she?"

"The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific visiting John McGarrett."

"Of course," Pete whispered. He shook his head, angry he hadn't figured it out. "She's having a hard time, so it makes sense she went to John. Plus, she misses him. Especially the day of a Hawaii show."

"He'd take the whole day off and spend it with her," Chin added. He knew that because it's how he met Maddie. John had taken him with him the first show she'd played in Hawaii after they'd become partners. "Plus, she just found out he was killed. I don't think it's really even hit her yet."

"Then throw in the Steve stuff," Pete added, understanding why Maddie ran. Now that he knew where she was he was having a harder time being upset with her. However, he wished she had just said something. He would have taken her to the cemetery himself.

As the two SUV's pulled into the large, beautiful cemetery, they glanced around. "John and Doris are buried over there," Chin stated, pointing to the right. Frank turned the car in that direction and the three men scanned the area.

"There she is," Pete said as he spotted her sitting among headstones.

Frank brought the car to a complete stop and Pete and Chin got out. As they made their way towards her they could tell she was crying. Reaching her, Chin sat on one side while Pete sat on the other. "What took you guys so long? I've been waiting for you," Maddie whispered through her tears.

"You have?" Pete asked, surprised.

"Yeah," she sniffled, wiping some tears away. "Let me guess, Chin figured it out?" The two smirked.

"Nice disguise," Pete smiled as he tapped the bill of her new baseball hat.

She tried to laugh, but instead sobs came out. Pete reached over and placed his hand on her forehead. "How ya feeling, Shorty?"

"I'm okay," she lied. In reality she felt even worse than she had earlier.

"Don't give me that. You're burning up," Pete said, concerned.

"You sick, Mads?" Chin asked, copying Pete's actions and checking her temperature. "Damn, you're on fire!"

She said nothing as she sniffled and wiped some fresh tears away. Exhausted, her eyes briefly closed before she forced them open. "Let's head back," Chin said.

Both stood and helped Maddie to her feet. However, instead of walking, she stayed rooted in place, chewing her lower lip nervously.

"What is it?" Pete asked at her hesitation.

She coughed a couple times and wiped at her wet face again. "Is Steve there?"

Pete didn't want to lie to her. He didn't see the point or how it would be helpful. "Yeah, he is."

"And he's worried. He gave us thirty minutes to find you before he's gonna send out the entire Navy and all of HPD to find you," Chin added, hoping it would make her smile.

Maddie sighed, not ready to see him yet, something Pete detected. "Mads, you'll be fine. Just talk to him. Be honest."

She remained in place. "Do we have to go back right this second?"

"Yes," Pete told her. "Let's go."

Once they reached the car, Chin climbed in the front and Pete climbed in the back next to Maddie.

As Frank drove away, leaving the cemetery behind, Pete pulled his cell out and called Mo. "We got her. She's okay and we're on our way back. See you in fifteen."

"Got it," Mo said before hanging up and reattaching his cell to his belt. Speaking in to the microphone at the cuff of his shirt he said, "Do another once over of everything. ETA fifteen." He heard a confirmation through his earpiece before he returned his attention to Five-O. "They have her, she's fine."

Steve breathed a sigh of relief. "Where was she?"

"They didn't say."

"What'd she do now?" Ryan questioned as he plopped down beside Tina.

"Hey," Mo greeted, surprised to see him. "I thought you weren't coming in till 3pm?"

"I need to talk to Mads about a couple things. Plus, I didn't want to miss out on any of the fun with her today," he said sarcastically as he chuckled.

"How'd you know?" Mo asked.

Ryan smirked as he placed his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his hand. "I saw it coming around 3am... during that last run through. I could see it in her eyes," Ryan explained.

Steve sighed at his response. The fact they were still rehearsing at 3am worried him. Quietly he looked Ryan over. It was more than obvious he was tired and he found himself wondering what that meant for Maddie. Apparently Ryan had gone back to his hotel, to sleep he assumed, while she'd left to do press. So, he imagined she was in worse shape. The question was how much worse?

"So, what'd she do?" Ryan asked again.

"Climbed out of a Starbucks bathroom window."

Ryan burst into laughter. At Mo and Steve's irritated looks he did his best to stop. "Sorry, I know... it's not funny. But look at it this way, she's acting more like herself if she's taking off. Isn't that what you all wanted?"

"I knew she was fine," Lori commented from her spot next to Steve. Ryan immediately shot Steve a warning look, who narrowed his eyes in return.

"How was press this morning?" Ryan asked, trying to tamper his irritation at seeing Lori sidled up to Steve.

"Bad," Tina answered.

His forehead wrinkled in confusion as he looked at her and asked, "How so?"

Tina suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Just... they asked a lot of personal stuff. You know how they get when they think they have something juicy."

Picking up on her hesitation, Ryan didn't ask anything more, however Steve did. "What kind of personal questions?"

Tina faltered. "Um… just the usual."

"Really, T?" Steve said. It was obvious she was lying, he just didn't know why. "You know I could easily just watch the news or go online, so why lie?"

Before she could respond Mo turned his head listening intently in his earpiece before responding, "We're on our way." Standing quickly he continued talking into his wrist. "Jared, Josh, Bobby, and Dominic, get to the back gate NOW! They can't get through." Turning his attention to everyone at the table, he said, "Excuse me, I'll be right back."

"Do you need any help?" Danny asked.

"Nah, we got it. But, thanks!" He smiled before running towards the door leading to the parking lot.

Steve's anxiety over seeing her increased as he watched three HPD K-9 Unit officers enter the room, each with a large dog. They let the dogs lead as they sniffed every last inch of the room before disappearing down a hallway.

"I'm so excited to see Mads show tonight! I bet it's off the hook!" Kono exclaimed.

"Me, too," Lori added truthfully. She was excited. She'd always wanted to see her live.

Ryan watched as Lori found any little excuse to subtly touch Steve. It pissed him off that Seeing wasn't doing anything to stop it. Maybe he doesn't care about her in the way we all thought, he wondered. Maybe Maddie's right and we're all wrong.

The entire fifteen-minute drive Maddie sat stiff as a board. As they got closer to the arena she began nibbling her fingernails. "When did you start biting your nails?" Pete asked. She shrugged as she sniffled. "How ya feeling?"

"Fine," she lied. She coughed a couple times and winced at the pain. "Can we not let Steve know I'm slightly sick?"

"Maddie, there's no slightly about. You're sick. Really sick." He felt her forehead again. "That's gotta be like 103." She looked at him. "If you tell me the truth about how you feel, then I won't say anything to Steve," he proposed. Chin eyed him incredulously before realizing what he was doing. He knew there was no way Steve wouldn't notice Maddie was sick. He knew her too well. Plus, the sniffling and coughing would give it away.

She debated lying to him, telling him she really didn't feel that bad, but what was the point? "Awful," she admitted.

"Now, was that so hard?" Pete smirked before continuing. "Well, we'll get some food into you and then you can take some ibuprofen or Tylenol. Whichever one its time for."

"Can you make sure Doc doesn't say anything to Steve either? Or anyone?"

"What's wrong with Steve knowing?" he asked.

"He'll be insufferable."

Pete laughed. "He's already gonna be insufferable. You're gonna need to accept that. The sooner the better." When she groaned he squeezed her shoulder in sympathy.

As the SUV approached the back gate Frank was forced to stop as fans and paparazzi swarmed the car. Suddenly something hit the window to her left causing her to jump towards Pete.

"Everything's okay," he whispered as he pulled her closer.

The gate opened and Frank did his best to pull in without running anyone over. Unfortunately, when they were halfway through he had to stop again. Too many people were pressed against the car. The crowd shook the car and Maddie felt herself begin to panic as she gripped Pete harder. As the car shook more and the fans pounded on the windows and screamed, she hid her face in his shirt.

Seeing Maddie so afraid pissed Pete off. He'd never seen her this rattled before. No matter what she says, those incidents have gotten to her, he thought. He looked out the severely tinted windows. Faces were smashed against them as they tried to get a glimpse of her, screaming and crying as they held posters and signs. "Frank, get us out of here," he ordered.

"I can't. I can't move the car," Frank replied.

Chin looked back at Maddie terrified in the backseat and felt helpless. Unfortunately, his badge and gun were of no help to them right now. It was more dangerous for him to try and get out of the car to help.

Bringing his right arm to his mouth Pete contacted Mo. Although it felt like forever, help arrived a minute later. Mo, Jared, Josh, Bobby, and Dominic pushed through the crowd and to the SUV. Mo tapped on the window letting Frank know he could start pulling forward. The five men walked with the car, gently pushing people away when they tried to get past them.

Once the SUV was through, they pushed everyone outside of the arena parking lot and closed the gate. "It's never this crazy here! What is going on?" Mo exclaimed as he watched the screaming fans and paparazzi.

"This is out of control," Jared replied as they made their way to where Frank had just parked the car. Just as they got there, Pete opened the back door. Still shaken, Maddie clung to him. "Are they all still in the main room?" Pete asked as he plucked her from the car and held her.

"Yeah," Mo answered.

"I'm gonna take her back to her dressing room. Let her get her bearings for a second and then we'll be out."

"I don't want to see him yet. Not like this," Maddie mumbled into his shoulder.

"Okay, Mads," Pete whispered and then looked to the others around him. "Cover me." The group of eight men nodded and surrounded Pete as he walked towards the entrance.

"I'll tell them she'll be right out," Chin said as they entered the main room before breaking off and walking to the table where his co-workers were seated.

"Thanks," Pete mumbled, picking up the pace.

Mo held the dressing room door open for Pete. "We're good now, everyone go back to your posts," Mo instructed as he placed her crutches inside the door before pulling it closed. "We're on high alert today."

The group of men each headed off in different directions leaving Mo standing guard at the door.

"You okay?" Pete asked as he set her on the couch.

Maddie coughed, squeezing her eyes shut at the pain. "Yeah," she mumbled, her voice no more than a squeak. She cleared it hoping it would help. "I just need a couple minutes."

"I'm gonna step outside. I'll be back for you in five minutes." Seeing the hesitant look on her face he sighed. "Seriously, five minutes. The sooner you get this over with the better you'll feel. It's just Steve."

"I know," Maddie mumbled, staring at the ground.

He walked towards the door before turning back to look at her. Her eyes were wide with fear and worry. "I'm serious, Maddie. I'll be back in five minutes." He pulled the door open and exited.

"I'll be right back. I'm just gonna give her a minute," he told Mo.

"Sounds good," he replied, leaning against the wall next to the door.

Knowing she was safe in the room, Pete walked down the hall to join Five-O.

Steve's heart picked up as he saw the cluster of men enter the room. He couldn't see Maddie, but he was able to catch quick glimpses of Pete. Is he carrying her? he wondered. Is she okay?

Just as he was beginning to stand to go to her, Chin approached the table. "She'll be right out. She's a little rattled. The car was completely surrounded with people banging on the windows and shaking us back and forth. It freaked her out a little bit," Chin explained.

"Really?" Steve asked, surprised. She never got scared in those situations. It was just another example of how unlike herself she was. He knew for something to change her so significantly, it had to be something huge, which just verified what he and his team were suspecting.

"To be honest, I was scared. It was completely out of control. I've never seen it that bad here," Chin said as he took a seat at the table.

"I still can't believe she was able to get away from eight security guards on crutches," Tina stated, a small smile on her face.

"Well, it's obvious she's hung out a lot with Steve," Danny joked.

Although he was furious she'd taken off, Steve couldn't help but also be a bit proud of her. Tina has a good point, it's not easy to do what she did, he thought, trying to keep from smirking.

"I bet you guys have some stories from when you were kids," Kono guessed.

"We have a few," he chuckled.

"I bet you were a handful as a kid!" Lori laughed, briefly touching his upper arm. "I'd love to hear some of those stories some time."

Steve tensed at the feel of her hand. He'd thought she understood that he didn't want to pursue anything more than friendship with her, but maybe it was just an act. Crap, he thought. He didn't need Lori making advances when he was trying to get through to Maddie.

"What stories?" Pete asked, joining the group. He reached across the table and set the smoothie Steve had gotten Maddie in front of him. "She'll be out in a couple minutes."

"She okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, she's good," Pete answered.

"Did she fight coming back?" Tina asked.

Chin and Pete laughed, shaking their heads.

"What?" Ryan asked, smiling.

"When we saw her she asked us what took us so long. Apparently she'd been waiting for us," Pete explained.

They all laughed, including Steve. That's the Maddie I know, he thought as he smiled.

Pete glanced at his watch. "I'll go get her."

"Ready, Shorty?" Pete asked as he poked his head in the door.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she coughed. "Do I have to?"

"Yes." He walked in and grabbed her crutches. "Let's go out there for a bit. Have some lunch and then they can all come back in here."

Maddie stood and took her crutches. Once she was steady Pete walked to the freezer and pulled out some cold ice packs for her knee brace. "Alright, let's go," he said, lightly touching her upper back. Maddie groaned. "You'll be okay. You're not alone with him," he told her as they exited the dressing room. "I really think you should talk to him though."

Her forehead wrinkled. "I will. I'm not gonna just ignore him. That would be rude," she whispered.

Pete gave her a pointed look as they walked side by side. "You know what I mean. I think you should talk to him about what he said Sunday. I'm te-"

"Pete, I know you mean well, but he and I are just friends. Telling me he has feelings for me is mean when we both know he doesn't. We are friends and that's it," she said.

"You sound like you're trying to convince yourself more than me," he said. Maddie's eyes fluttered closed at his statement, her stomach falling.

The closer they got to the main room, the harder and faster her heart pounded. Right before they stepped into the main room she stopped abruptly. "Wait."

"Maddie?" Pete turned towards her. He immediately noticed her breathing was quickening. "Take a breath."

She looked up at him and frowned. "I can't do this." She moved to turn back, but he immediately stopped her.

"You can do this. You're not alone. Ryan's out there. Tina. I'll be there. Five-O."

"I'm so embarrassed," she whispered, bringing her hands to her face as she leaned her weight on the pads of her crutches.

"What? Why?" Pete asked, confused and startled by her admission.

She shook her head and returned her hands to the cushioned hand grips. His heart broke at the look on her face. "Mads," he whispered. "He didn't mean it. He lov-"

"Don't say it!" she exclaimed, not letting him finish. The sudden outburst caused a sharp pain in her throat and triggered a coughing spasm. Not wanting to cough on Pete, her right hand flew to her mouth and her crutch fell to the floor. As she coughed she glanced down at the fallen crutch laying in the opening to the main room. She looked at him with wide, moist eyes.

"It's okay," Pete whispered, leaning down and picking it up. As he did he glanced up to see everyone staring at him. He flashed them a small smile before popping back up with the crutch. Carefully he placed it under her right arm, letting go only when he was sure it was secure. "Take a breath, Mads," he softly said as she continued to cough.

It took a few seconds for the coughs to die down. Once they did, Maddie wiped at her watery eyes as she cringed, the spasm making her already incredibly sore throat worse.

Pete waited a minute, glancing through the open door to the main room a couple times. Finally he cleared his throat. "Mads, they saw me when I bent down for the crutch. They know we're standing here." Seeing she had no intention of moving, he put his arm around her back and applied slight pressure. "Come on."

Maddie felt her heart rate pick up as they stepped into the main room. How the hell am I going to act like nothing happened, she wondered as she continued crutching, staring intently down at the floor.

"I'm right here," Pete whispered as he supplied a little more pressure to her back to reiterate his words.

His words and contact gave her the confidence she needed to finally look up and plaster on a tired smile.

Steve glanced at his watch, wondering what was taking Pete and Maddie so long. Suddenly a loud crash echoed throughout the big room. His hand instinctively flew to his sidearm, hovering above. He didn't have to look to know that the rest of his team was doing the same. Steve scanned the room and saw the crutch that had fallen through the doorway. Pete immediately appeared, bending down and smiling at them before disappearing again.

"Well, we know Maddie's here," Kono joked, laughing at her friend's clumsiness.

Steve's heart quickened. It's just Maddie, why the hell is my heart racing? he wondered.

"What are they doing?" Kono asked, wondering why they hadn't come in yet.

Ryan and Chin exchanged looks, knowing exactly what was keeping Maddie. Ryan decided that if she wasn't in there in one minute he'd stand up and go help Pete.

"Is everything okay?" Danny asked.

"Yeah," Tina answered. She briefly looked over at Steve, surprised when he met her eyes. She offered him an uncomfortable smile before looking away.

His stomach dropped. She's that scared to see me? he wondered. However, he wasn't able to think long on the subject because Pete and Maddie entered the room.