DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Hawaii Five-O" or any of its characters.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hello everyone! I am so glad to be posting this update, you have NO idea. Or actually I think you might as I've continued to get reviews and private messages asking for an update. Don't worry, I am not going to abandon this story.
A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS UPDATE...
1. The song Maddie is rehearsing is called "Come and Get It" by Selena Gomez. I'm not a dancer and I described what she was doing as best I could when I don't know terminology or anything like that. I describe it as more of a vibe. So, if you watch Selena's official music video for this song, that is kind of like how Maddie and her dancers are performing it. Not everything Selena does. More the way she moves her body, hips, and arms.
2. When Maddie is singing, the lyrics are in bold as well as flashbacks.
3. Like always, thoughts are in italics.
ENJOY!
xo
DivaLola
CHAPTER 36
Part 4
As they walked into the massive main room, Steve, Kono, and Lori were surprised to see that a makeshift floor covered in fluorescent pink tape had been placed on one side of the room.
"Which one first?" Maddie asked as she slowly sat at one of the tables.
"'Come and Get It'," Lyle answered.
Nodding, she untied her left Converse and pulled it off before she unhooked her brace and freed her knee. Slowly she tried to bring her right foot up, wincing at the pain in her knee as she attempted to bend it.
Anticipating that, Lyle knelt in front of her and untied her right shoe before carefully sliding it off. "No socks, you'll slip," he said as he eased her socks off.
"Thanks," Maddie murmured.
"I'll be right back. I forgot something," Lyle said and jogged off quickly.
Once he sat beside Maddie, Steve checked his phone hoping there was news from Pete or Chin. He prayed her stalker had just been messing with them and hadn't gone for Tina.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to give you anything before tonight," Doc said, appearing.
Steve immediately eyed her doctor as he squatted in front of her, his hands carefully sliding over her swollen knee. "The swelling's gone down a bit thanks to the ice," he said as he gave her a quick, teasing, smug look. He brought his eyes back to her knee and studied it as he gently checked her range of motion. He looked up at her and met her eyes. "What do you wanna do?" Maddie said nothing, only stared at him hoping he'd know what she was wanted. He looked at Steve. "Do you know how long she'll be rehearsing?"
"No longer than forty-five minutes," Steve answered adamantly as he shot Maddie a look. He'd already decided if she was still rehearsing after the forty-five minute mark, he would physically take her back to her dressing room to rest whether she fought him or not.
Doc smiled at Steve's overprotective behavior. He was glad someone was taking control of the situation because he wasn't sure how much longer Maddie could keep going like she had been the last several months. To be honest, he was shocked she'd lasted this long. Four months was a long time to go without much sleep, especially with the kind of schedule she had.
Understanding Maddie's silence, Doc nodded and pulled out a large syringe and vial of liquid from his bag.
"I'll give you enough to last an hour and fifteen minutes, but that's it, Mads," Doc said. He had decided to give her more than forty-five minutes worth just in case she ended up rehearsing longer. The last thing he wanted was for the injection to wear off before she was done. "I don't think you'll be able to do this without it." He pushed her legging up to the middle of her thigh and extended her foot so it was resting on his thigh. He bent her knee the littlest bit before filling the syringe with the liquid from the vial.
Watching, Steve unconsciously slid towards her, completely closing the space between them. He leaned back against the table and extended his arms, resting them on the tabletop behind them.
Kono, who was standing in front of Steve with Lori, squinted her eyes. "I can't watch," she murmured as she closed her eyes and turned her back to her friend.
Maddie smirked. "I thought you dealt with dead bodies on a regular basis?" She forced a smile as Doc used an alcohol pad to clean her knee.
"That is nothing compared to what he's about to do to you. That's gonna hurt like a bitch, sistah," Kono replied, her back still to Maddie. Just the idea not only made Kono's knee hurt, but gave her the Heebie-Jeebies.
"It's really not that bad," Maddie lied, causing Doc to snort. He debated reminding her how she'd practically screamed bloody murder the first time he'd done this to her on Sunday.
Steve didn't like what he was witnessing. Was this how she'd been getting through the last several months? Or was this just a recent thing? This can't be good for her, he thought, no matter how long it's been going on.
"How long have you been doing this?" Steve asked. At his tone she knew he wasn't happy, just like she'd predicted to Doc days before.
Doc met Steve's gaze. "Since Sunday." He paused, focusing on the syringe as he flicked it to get rid of any air bubbles. Satisfied, he looked back at Steve. "Don't worry. I haven't been doing this for months. I'd never do that." Steve felt a small sense of relief at his assurances. "Don't move, Mads," Doc instructed as he prepared to inject the needle into her knee.
While Steve knew she was trying to be brave since she had an audience, he saw her brace for the pain. Knowing she wouldn't make the first move, he placed his right arm around her back. He then took his left hand and grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers as best he could given they were both using the same hands. Then he pulled her against him.
Knowing how painful the injection was going to be, she leaned her head against him. In response, he tightened his hold on her, bringing her even closer.
Doc's experiences over the last several days had taught him it was better not to let her know when he was actually going to give the injection. So, without notice, he slid the needle into her knee.
Although it was excruciating, Maddie said and did nothing. There was no gasp. No groan. No hiss. However, Steve felt her grip tighten on his hand as she stoically forced herself not to outwardly react to the pain.
Noticing her chest wasn't moving, he dipped his head to the right and brought his mouth to her left ear. "Take a breath," he whispered, his lips ghosting over her ear while he wiggled his fingers against her ribs.
Maddie did as he instructed while Doc slowly, almost painfully so, pushed the liquid from the syringe into her knee. "There you go," he mumbled as he gently pulled the large needle from her skin. "Should take effect in a couple minutes."
Maddie assumed his statement was more for Steve's benefit than her own since she knew the drill by now. With the injection finished, there was no need for her to be comforted by Steve, so she slipped her hand from his and pulled away, forcing his right arm to drop from her back.
"Hey, Mads."
"Hey, Claire!" she greeted one of her female dancers. She looked to then five women behind her. "You guys just arrive?"
"Yeah," another one of the women answered as she set her bag on the floor and yawned. "Not gonna lie, I could've easily slept 'til tomorrow morning. Maybe even 'til tomorrow night."
"Well, after tonight you can sleep straight through to Saturday if you want, Avery," Maddie smiled.
"Hey, Steve," another woman greeted as she plopped down on the floor near everyone and began stretching.
"Hey, Harper," Steve smiled at the blonde.
Knowing she also needed to stretch, Maddie began to slowly stand. Although he didn't move, Steve kept an eye on her. If she stumbled or needed any assistance, he was ready.
Slowly she put a bit of weight on her knee, testing it. At the intense pain, she immediately realized that the injection hadn't kicked in yet.
Recognizing that her knee wasn't "ready", Claire took a few steps towards her. She wrapped her left arm around Maddie's waist while the singer put her right arm around her shoulders. Slowly, Claire helped her away from the table. Satisfied they were in a good spot, she carefully helped Maddie to the floor before scooting several feet away. The two women spread their legs and began individually stretching.
"By the way, these are my amazing female dancers," Maddie stated as she tried to lean forward and to the right, reaching her fingers towards the toes of her right foot. However, the stretch was proving to be incredibly difficult thanks to the ungodly pain in her injured tailbone.
Needing a brief reprieve, she straightened and pointed down the line of the females sitting on the floor stretching. "Starting there at the end you have Nancy. Then Avery and Mia. Naomi and Harper. And this is Claire." Each woman waved and said hi as she was introduced.
"Hi," Lori smiled as she sat in the spot Maddie had just vacated next to Steve.
"Aloha! Nice to see you guys!" Kono grinned. As they continued to stretch, their flexibility became apparent. "Just watching you makes my body hurt!"
Maddie and her dancers smirked and giggled politely. It wasn't the first time they'd heard something along those lines, and they knew it wouldn't be the last.
Suddenly Lyle reappeared and set a bag on the floor before kneeling in front of Maddie. Carefully, he placed one hand on her back and took her hands with the other. Gently, he began to slowly pull her towards her right foot. Normally, he didn't help her with this stretch, but with her tailbone injury, he knew she needed assistance. "Hopefully we can get some of the stiffness out of your hips," he said. "Tell me when it becomes too painful."
She nodded, thinking it was already really painful. However, she said nothing.
"You guys look beat," Kono observed, taking in their weary faces and the dark circles under their drooping eyes. Scary thing is, she noted, they all look a thousand times better than Maddie.
"We are," Mia answered a split second before she let out a loud yawn. She laid down to take a short break and turned her head to look at Maddie. "Mads, how are you still alive? We at least got some sleep last night, and a couple more hours than you all the other nights, and we all feel like we've been hit by a truck. And then a bus, followed by a car." She smirked and rolled her eyes. "Seriously, how are you still going?"
Steve prayed she'd make it through the show without her body deciding it'd had enough. He'd already seen her pass out; he didn't want to see it again. He had been terrified as he'd watched her exhausted blue eyes roll back in her head a quick second before her body had dropped like a ragdoll. But the worst part had been the sound her head had made as it smacked the marble floor. And just to keep his blood pressure continuously raised, she'd had three dizzy spells that resulted in her briefly fainting for a few seconds. But those had been nothing compared to that first one.
"I guess I'm just badass," Maddie replied. "I-" She hissed loudly at the pain in her tailbone. Lyle immediately let go.
"You were supposed to tell me before it got to that point!" he chided.
Steve clenched his hands into fists at his sides as he watched her push herself.
"I'm fine," she lied, trying to convince not only him, but herself.
Lyle only sighed in frustration as he began to stand. "Lean back," he ordered. As she did, he took hold of her left leg and set it against his chest, her ankle almost on his shoulder. "I don't want you stretching your hamstrings how you normally do. We'll do it this way and keep you off that right knee as much as possible." He paused, glancing down at her right leg on the floor. "Straighten your right more," he said.
While Maddie laid flat on her back with her left leg against him, he began to slowly lean against her leg, effectively stretching her hamstring. "Flex your foot."
"Geez," Lori said, her eyes wide in disbelief as she watched Lyle slowly push Maddie's leg past a 90-degree angle with the floor. "You're really flexible."
Lyle glanced at Lori. "That's nothing compared to how she normally is. It can actually be really difficult to stretch her because of it."
Don't even go there, Steve told himself, trying to ignore the fantasies he was conjuring.
Suddenly she grimaced and groaned. "Damn it! Would you tell me before it gets to that point!" Lyle exclaimed.
"I'm fine!" she lied. However, they both knew the stretching was killing her tailbone and surrounding muscles.
"Your hips are stiffer today," Lyle stated and glanced over at Doc who was watching closely. He'd gone to him earlier asking if he'd watch her run through a couple songs because he'd noticed her hips were tight. He was pretty sure it was the reason she was struggling with her balance, which was causing her to struggle with some choreography. He was praying Doc could do something.
Satisfied he'd stretched her left hamstring enough, Lyle slowly lowered her leg to the floor. As he began to reach for her right, Nancy yelped in pain. He immediately stopped as his head shot in her direction. "Nance? You okay?"
Nancy hesitantly nodded, cradling her left shoulder.
Maddie propped herself up on her elbows and watched as Doc and Lyle walked to her.
"Let me see," Doc instructed as he knelt beside Nancy.
"What happened?" Kono asked, watching the scene unfold.
"Nancy hurt her shoulder the other night in rehearsal," Maddie responded, worriedly chewing on her bottom lip.
"Mads, keep stretching," Lyle ordered as he helped Doc.
Knowing she needed help, Steve stood from the bench and walked the few feet to her. As their eyes met, he reached down and gently took hold of her right leg.
"It's okay, Steve. You don't have to do this. I got it," she said, her words coming out rushed. He ignored her and carefully brought her leg to his chest, her ankle near the left side of his head.
"Tell me when, Madeline. You shouldn't let it go far enough where it's painful... I mean it," he chided, using her full first name to convey his seriousness. When she didn't respond, he raised his eyebrows. She nodded as she swallowed hard, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach.
"Is that as straight as you can get your knee?" Steve asked, his eyes quickly glancing between her knee and eyes. She tried to straighten it, but winced. "Don't then. Don't do that," he admonished.
With his left hand on her right ankle he began to slowly push his hard, muscular body against her leg while their eyes never left one another's. He licked his bottom lip out of habit as his right hand began to gently slide down the inside of her calf. Her mouth immediately went dry.
As his large hand reached her knee, it slowed as the tips of his fingers carefully skimmed her injury. Maddie's breathing quickened as his right hand lightly moved to the top of her thigh.
He tried to ignore her flexibility. Ignore the pressure of her leg against his body. He struggled to keep from imagining what it would be like to be on top of her, her legs over his shoulders as… Don't go there, he told himself, fighting for control over his hormones. His body was reacting quickly. His stomach was in knots. Not nervous knots, but knots of desire, of want, of need. His tongue peeked out to moisten his suddenly dry lips.
Curious if she was feeling a fraction of what he was, he casually slid a finger to the pulse point behind her knee. His heart sped up as he felt her racing pulse, and searched her eyes for a sign of the feelings her scrambling pulse was giving away. Pride, but also annoyance, filled him. She was hiding her emotions well.
He had made the decision not to push her until after the show, but because he was churned up and they were in this position he decided to test the waters. He teasingly slid his fingertips to her inner thigh, just above her knee, and watched her mouth unconsciously part slightly.
Oh my God, Maddie thought. Everywhere his fingers touched left a trail of smoldering fire. She wanted him, something her body was making her extremely aware of. Not once had a man ever made her feel like this from a simple touch and look.
As she laid there, her leg against him, looking into his eyes, she realized she'd always be in love with her best friend. That she'd never love anyone the way she loved him. And it would never lessen or go away. The realizations caused her heart to ache knowing he didn't feel the same and that even if he did, they could never be together.
Telling himself he was still testing the waters, Steve slid his fingers higher up the inside of her thigh as he increased the pressure against her leg. He smiled inwardly, feeling her pulse jerk as she licked her lips and swallowed roughly. His eyes flitted back to hers and immediately saw they'd changed. There was a look in them that nearly shattered his control. He wasn't sure how to describe it, except that he could see the warmth, desire, and need swimming in her brilliantly blue eyes.
He smirked sexily at her as his eyes darted from her eyes to her slightly parted lips, and then back again. He licked his in yearning, wanting nothing more than to be on the floor, Maddie pinned beneath him as he ravaged her mouth… as well as other parts of her.
Steve's smirk sent a flicker of self-consciousness through her, and her thoughts whirled with questions and doubt. Can he tell how badly I want him? she wondered, the beginnings of panic setting in. Does he know what he's doing to me? Is he smirking because he can tell and finds it pathetic?
Although still turned on, she crashed back to reality. The reality that he'd played her, and broken her heart. Trying to break the spell she quickly averted her eyes and began nibbling at the soft skin of her lip.
Assuming her sudden nervousness had to do with her desire, and the fact this was new for them, Steve's smirk grew as he increased the stretch. Deciding that this time he wouldn't stay quiet, but say something and see what happened, he cleared his throat.
Maddie glanced nervously at him out of the corner of her eyes. Seeing his smirk had grown, she became more nervous, worried he was silently laughing at her. Continuing to gnaw on her lip, she began fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, mortified by the situation.
"You look nervous," he quietly stated, only loud enough that she could hear. His voice was low and gruff. It oozed sex, and caused her clawing ache of desire to increase.
"N-," Her voice cracked. She cleared her throat, hoping to suppress and smother her escalating longing. "No, I'm fine," she claimed, her voice tight and clipped as she fought for control over her feelings.
Steve grinned smugly. Hope filled him that he might have a chance to fix things between them. "You sure?" he asked, his grin growing. And somehow, it became even sexier.
Maddie swallowed, pursing her lips and looking away. "Uh huh," she answered quickly.
He had to fight to keep from laughing happily knowing she was just as worked up. Relief and excitement filled him.
"I don't know, you seem pretty nervous to me," he teased, his voice still low and gruff.
Maddie inwardly cursed Steve and the fact she seemed to have zero control over her body and emotions. "You need to work on your skills of perception then, because you're wayyyy off," she countered, shooting him a scowling glance. "And you solve crimes for a living?" She rolled her eyes and forced a small, sarcastic smile.
Oh that's it, he thought playfully. This is war.
Maddie swallowed audibly as she watched his eyes fill with mischief. Oh crap! she inwardly cursed, knowing him well enough to know he was up to something.
"Huh, really?" Steve began, his eyes smiling in amusement and another emotion she didn't recognize. "Because, it really looks like-" The fingers on his right hand inched a little further up her inner thigh before stopping and rubbing. The light skimming of her thigh was affecting her more than if he'd added pressure. She fought to not react to the shiver that ran through her entire body. There was no way she'd give him the satisfaction. She wouldn't give him another opportunity to laugh at her feelings.
"...I'm making you nervous," he finished. "Am I making you nervous, Maddie?" he asked as he flashed her a look of pure innocence. Again, his fingers moved the tiniest bit up her inner thigh and then stopped. Slowly he gave her that lazy, one-sided smirk he was so good at, and he felt her pulse jump as her face flushed.
Embarrassed and angry with herself for letting him get to her, Maddie forced a scoff. "Nope," she lied, turning her head to the side as she prayed, and hoped, she sounded believable.
"Hmm," Steve said. "And you're sure? I mean, absolutely sure?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
She glanced sideways at him. "Yep," she unintentionally snapped as she fought to hide her emotions. She wanted, no needed, him pressed up against her, using more than just his hands. Just take a deep breath, she ordered herself. You can do this. He's just being an ass. Don't let him see he's getting to you. She prayed her inner pep talk would help.
"This doesn't make you nervous?" he asked, feeling his cargos tighten as he sensually slid his fingers up the rest of her inner thigh, stopping only two inches from her girly parts. Her entire body immediately, and visibly, tensed. God, she wanted him like she'd never wanted another man.
Steve wanted her so badly it hurt. It physically hurt. He wondered what everyone would think if he threw her over his shoulder and carried her back to her dressing room, locking the door behind them. Images of their tangled limbs flashed in his head and he nearly moaned in frustrated longing.
If he can do that with just a look and a simple touch, imagine what he can do-, Maddie began, fantasizing. However, she wouldn't let herself finish. It was pointless. She didn't want to start thinking like that when it was never going to happen. She was already heartbroken enough. She didn't need to make it harder for herself. Plus, her father's words still rang in her head. He'll never have feelings for you… Steve, he'll never love you… He knows too much of your past. He'll always see you as damaged and broken.
Feeling Steve's fingers begin to rub her inner thigh pulled her from the haunting words. With her head still to the side, her eyes shot to his. She felt her heart break as his eyes laughed. He really has just been teasing me this whole time, she thought. It really is just a joke to him…
She had assumed it was, but now... knowing? Her heart crumbled. It was quick, but her bottom lip trembled as hurt and embarrassment filled her eyes. Although she regained her composure quickly, Steve saw it.
Because it had happened so fast he thought he might've imagined it. But he could still see the faint remnants of hurt in her blue eyes. He frowned in bewilderment. What'd I miss? he wondered. What just happened?
She couldn't handle him mocking and teasing her any longer regardless of whether she needed more of a stretch. She looked away quickly before meeting his eyes. There was an odd look in hers, one he didn't understand. "That's good," she told him as she forced herself to maintain eye contact. "That's enough of a stretch."
Steve's stomach tightened as her eyes fell from his. He watched as she threw her invisible, protective walls up. "Mads," he whispered, flattening his right hand on her thigh before sliding it back to her knee. Gently he began to rub back and forth, hoping to provide a bit of comfort, or whatever she needed, to get her to relax and keep her from pushing him away.
After fighting so hard to control her emotions, Maddie panicked. Desperate to end whatever mean and hurtful game he was playing, she tried to pull her injured right leg from his hands.
"Stop it, you're gonna hurt yourself," he ordered, tightening his hold on her leg.
However, she wasn't listening. She only knew she needed to get away from him, and fast. It felt like the walls were closing in around her as her breathing quickened.
Steve furrowed his brow, concerned and confused, as her leg struggled against his arms. "Madd-," he began, further tightening his grip on her. However, it didn't matter when she suddenly gave it all she had and violently ripped it from his hold.
A searing, sharp pain tore through her knee as she freed it. It was excruciating. So painful that it blurred the edge of her vision and she let out a yelp. Everyone's heads swiveled towards her as Steve knelt in front of her, worry and guilt knotting his stomach.
With Nancy good to go, Lyle and Doc hurried to where Maddie laid on the floor, her eyes squeezed shut as she gripped her knee.
Steve wanted nothing more than to touch her, but he was afraid if he did he'd make whatever was going on worse since he had no idea why she'd suddenly panicked.
Doc quickly glanced at Steve. "What the hell happened?"
Steve's guilt-ridden gut clenched at the worried and slightly accusatory tone. "She tried to pull her leg away when she was done. I told her to stop," he explained, tapping into his training and compartmentalizing his emotions. "She didn't listen and..." He trailed off and with a flick of his wrist signaled to Maddie lying on the floor in pain, her right arm thrown over her eyes.
Kono suddenly appeared behind and to the left of Steve and subtly laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently before walking around the three men gathered around Maddie. She stopped near her friend's head and squatted down. "You okay, sistah?" she asked, soothingly tangling her hands in her auburn hair.
Maddie took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. She wasn't sure how she'd been able to keep the tears from falling. Tears from both physical pain and her broken heart.
She slid her arm from her eyes. "Yeah, I'm okay." She forced a smile, hoping it was convincing.
Kono snuck a quick peek at her boss still kneeled at Maddie's feet frowning before her eyes flitted back to Maddie. "Nice try, but that was pitiful. Completely unbelievable," she teased. She was grateful when Maddie chuckled lightly.
Seeing she was going to be fine, Steve rose silently and walked out of the room, disappearing into the hall. He needed to take a walk, get some space and fresh air.
Kono sighed, filled with sadness as she watched her boss walk away. She knew he and Maddie were in pain, and she wished she knew how to help them, but it was something they needed to figure out on their own. However, she told herself if there wasn't any improvement in a couple weeks she'd figure out a way to get through to them.
The pain had settled a bit in Maddie's knee, allowing Doc to rotate it and look it over. "You're okay, Mads," Doc assured her. "You just aggravated it. You have to be more careful."
"Let's get you up and back to the dressing room. We'll let you rest for a little bit and then we'll rehearse," Lyle stated as he helped Maddie sit up with the help of Doc and Kono.
Now sitting, Maddie's eyes darted around for Steve. Where'd he go, she wondered. Knowing she was in desperate need of a distraction, she shook her head. "No, I'm okay. Let's just rehearse now."
"I don't know, Mads. Let's let your knee relax for a bit," Lyle said hesitantly.
"I'm okay. Promise," Maddie assured him.
"John?" he asked.
Doc sighed. "Mads," he began, "I think it'd be better to wait a little. I know the pain hasn't completely passed."
"I'm fine. We're doing this." She reached her hands out. "Can you guys help me up?"
"Ready?" Lyle asked after they got her standing. Maddie nodded before taking a hesitant step forward, and then another, and another. Although it was still painful, she could at least put her full weight on it.
"Damn sistah," Kono smiled. "What was in that injection?"
Maddie chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.
"That's crazy," Lori said. "You're walking as if nothing's wrong. Did it also help the pain?"
"A small amount," Doc divulged. Maddie glared at him, annoyed at his honesty.
"I'm sure I don't need to say this," Lyle began, "but I've marked where the stage is using fluorescent pink tape. Obviously it's not exactly to scale, but it'll work." Everyone's eyes scanned the large floor that had been laid down and took in the taped outline. "Back there," he continued, pointing to the area furthest away, "is Stage 1." He paused, eyeing Maddie and the dancers to make sure they were paying attention. "You can see where the catwalk comes off Stage 1." He pointed to where the pink tape formed an outline of a long, runway that jutted off the center of Stage 1. "And there's Stage 2," he divulged, signaling to the pink outlined rectangular area coming off the runway. "And, like we always do when rehearsing without the actual stage, Stage 3 will be that." He pointed to a tall, metal contraption on wheels appearing to be at least 6 feet high. At the top was a flat surface that could be reached by stairs on one side.
"Gotta love the death trap," Claire cracked as they all eyed the dangerous apparatus. "Thank God you're the only one using it in this rehearsal. I hate that thing!"
Maddie chuckled, agreeing wholeheartedly. The thing was scary, and she always dreaded rehearsing on it, and that was when she was at the top of her game and not injured.
"Alright, you guys ready?" Lyle asked.
Without saying a word, Maddie walked towards the back of the temporary floor, her six female dancers following closely behind. All seven women were barefoot.
"Ready?" Lyle asked, taking a seat on the bench.
Maddie closed her eyes and let her breathing even out as she prepared herself for the pain. She took one last deep breath and exhaled before opening her eyes and nodding.
Lyle turned to his left and fiddled with the iPod hooked to a set of medium sized speakers on the table. Finding the correct song, he turned his head back to the women standing close together in the middle of Stage 1. "Maddie, don't give it your all. Stop at 75-80 percent. Save some energy." She nodded in understanding. "Alright, you're under the stage about to be brought up," he told them, trying to put them in the moment. He looked at Doc, who took a seat on his left. "Keep an eye on her hips, and tell me what you think."
With Maddie in the center, three dancers positioned themselves on each side of her, forming the letter "V", with Maddie front and center. The women straightened, their bodies lengthening in preparation while they looked down at the floor.
"Here we go," Lyle said, his finger hovering over the 'play' button. "5…6…5. 6. 7. 8!" He hit play and the music began.
A kind of tribal sounding drum beat with what sounded like a male voice chanting came through the speakers. Lyle, Doc, Kono, and Lori watched as Maddie and her female dancers stayed in position for the first five seconds before slowly beginning to move their hips in a way similar to a belly dancer. Their movements started off very subtle, and steadily became more pronounced as they brought their hands and arms into the mix.
Fifteen seconds into the song, Maddie lifted her head and began lip-synching while they moved in complete unison.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
What the hell happened back there? Steve asked himself as he entered the hallway. I thought we were both on the same page. He shook his head in confusion as he passed a closed room with a "Security" sign taped to the door. He turned, heading down the next hallway.
With his hands fisted at his side, he recalled how Maddie's bottom lip had trembled and the way her eyes filled with hurt and what had appeared to be embarrassment. "Embarrassment?" he muttered to himself. "Why was she embarrassed?"
That threw him for a loop. The hurt? Okay, he could understand that because he knew he'd hurt her Sunday. What he didn't understand was why it had suddenly appeared in that moment. But, the embarrassment? That quick sliver of embarrassment... That had him completely stumped. How'd she go from being turned on to embarrassed and hurt? he wondered, bewildered.
He thought back, trying to recall exactly what had happened the second before things had changed. I'd only been rubbing her thigh, the same as I had before that, he remembered as he passed two rooms, one across the hall from the other. The signs told him one was the dressing room for Maddie's male dancers and the other for her female dancers..
Frustrated and upset, not to mention puzzled, Steve ran his hand through his dark hair. How had he managed to make things worse? However, he knew the answer. He'd let his emotions and desires take over and, in doing so, had pushed her too hard.
He'd had his reasons for deciding to wait until after the show to talk to her. Or why he hadn't acted on any urges. Upon arriving at the venue, he'd known that she was upset and hurt, not to mention in physical pain. He had assumed she was going to be exhausted, and once he'd seen her, it was obvious she was that, and so much more. She was barely hanging on. He had worried that if he'd pushed her to talk, that she'd get upset and push him further away. And judging by Maddie's sudden, panicked reaction a few minutes before, he'd been right in his initial instincts.
His pace slowed as he passed her dressing room, his eyes unconsciously lingering over her name. Now what are you gonna do? he asked himself.
Without knowing where he was going, he turned down another hallway, passing a door marked "Wardrobe". How the hell am I going to fix things? he wondered. Suddenly his pace slowed as he realized there was a very real chance that he wouldn't be able to fix things. His stomach plummeted and he felt sick at the idea. He closed his eyes as the intense fear of losing her rattled him to the core. However, he only gave into the emotion for a split second before his eyes snapped open, determination glittering in them. "No," he said aloud, his voice forceful. "I will get through to her." He began walking again.
Reaching the end of yet another hallway, he noticed a door marked "The Doc". His lips turned up in a small smile. Instinctively he knew that Maddie was the one that had dubbed Dr. Jonathon Warsten "The Doc".
He turned left as he thought about the horrible pain he'd left Maddie in. He felt guilty for that. "If only I hadn't pushed her," he mumbled regretfully as he came to an outer door.
As Steve exited the building, he squinted as the mid-day sun beat into his eyes. He took a deep breath, inhaling the clean, Hawaiian air. Leaning against the wall he tried to come up with a plan to get through to her. He knew she would never tell him what she was hiding if they weren't on better terms. And for the moment, that was most important. He knew they wouldn't be able to see what was between them if some psycho got to her. "Speaking of psycho..." he mumbled as he pulled his phone out and quickly glanced at the screen. Licking his bottom lip out of habit, he sighed loudly, frustrated, and worried, he still hadn't heard from Pete or Chin.
"How the hell didn't I notice something was wrong with T?" However, he already knew the answer. He'd been so focused on Maddie that he'd missed the signs. Sure, he'd picked up on a couple, but hadn't been paying close enough attention for them to fully register.
The same thing had happened when he'd first seen Maddie and hadn't realized she was sick as a dog. He knew he'd been missing something, but had been too focused on where he stood with her to realize what it was. He knew that in normal circumstances he would have known she was sick the second he laid eyes on her.
What happens if the next thing I miss puts her life in jeopardy? he asked himself as he ran his hands up and down his face in frustration. Every muscle in his body tensed at the thought. He knew he had to take a step back emotionally and stop worrying about where they stood. They'd talk about it once the show was over. Until then, he needed to pay more attention to what was going on around her. It was different when she was in the safety of her home, but here, she was out in the open. Pete ran security tight, but they could only control so much. He glanced at his watch. He'd been gone long enough. Now that he had a plan, he felt himself begin to settle and headed back inside.
"Hey McG! What's up?" Carl greeted as he approached from the other hallway.
"Just got some air. You?" Steve replied as they began walking towards the main room.
"I was at the backstage door, but was relieved by Connor," Carl answered as he, unsuccessfully, tried to stifle a yawn. "I'm gonna take a quick power nap while I have the chance."
"I guess when Maddie doesn't sleep, neither do you guys," Steve replied, however, he already knew that was the case.
Carl chuckled, shaking his head. "Not as much as we'd like, but we make it work. It's all about shifts... Speaking of sleep... has she gotten any?"
Steve sighed. "A little bit." He glanced at his watch again. "But she'll be getting more in thirty minutes whether she wants to or not."
Laughter erupted from Carl. "Good luck with that!"
Steve chuckled as he shot him a look of understanding.
"She feeling any better?"
"A little because she took some meds, but they'll be wearing off soon." Steve paused. "I don't know how she's been able to rehearse like this."
"She's tough, that's for sure," Carl stated, admiration in his voice.
Steve nodded, a prideful smile tugging at his mouth. "Strongest person I know."
Carl glanced over and saw the look on his friend's face. He'd been wondering what was going on between the two since they drove away from Maddie's on Sunday. "So... Sunday... things seemed weird when we left the house. Even though she's trying to hide it, she's seemed upset ever since. Do you know why?"
Steve inwardly tensed. He debated whether to feign ignorance, however Carl had always been easy to talk to. He'd always been the one the team members went to if they needed advice, or if they just needed to talk or vent. He took a deep breath before audibly releasing it. "Yeah... that was my fault."
Surprised at the admission, Carl's head snapped to look at his friend. "What do you mean?"
Knowing Carl would listen without judging, Steve began, "Things are... well, changing between us. And... we're just... trying to figure it out." He paused, picking his next words carefully. "My response to your question that morning hurt Maddie pretty badly."
"Damn! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to cause any problems between you guys. I was just kidding around," Carl replied, feeling horrible.
"No, it's not your fault. I'm the one that... kind of panicked in the moment, and said something stupid. It's my fault." Steve paused before glaring at his SEAL brother. "And if you ever tell anyone I admitted that I panicked, I'll kill you and leave behind no evidence."
"Your secret's safe with me," Carl chuckled before growing serious. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No. I appreciate it, but this is all me. I gotta get her to realize I didn't mean what I said, but she's not really in a trusting mood when it comes to me right now," Steve admitted. There was a moment of silence as the two continued walking towards the main room. "I just hope I didn't screw up for good, that I haven't lost her."
Carl was taken aback by his candor. Steve had never opened up to him like this before. Not about something so important. He knew he had to be terrified he'd lost Maddie.
As they entered the next hallway, the room marked "Security" came into view. Wordlessly they both slowed as they approached the door.
Carl reached out and grabbed the doorknob. As he turned it he looked back at Steve. "I know you guys will figure it out. You'll get through to her. It's harder than normal because she's not herself right now, but you'll get through to her. I know it. You're made for one another... you'll make a good team."
Steve felt the familiar tug of both fear and excitement at his friend's words. "Thanks, Carl. I appreciate it."
"Anytime!"
"Go get some rest, you look like crap," Steve joked, his words effectively letting him know he was done opening up.
"Might want to take a good look in the mirror," Carl countered before disappearing in the room.
Steve smiled and shook his head before turning and walking down the hallway. Although he'd been uncomfortable confiding in Carl, he felt a bit better now.
As he reached the main room, he leaned against the frame of the open doorway and watched Maddie rehearse, glad no one had noticed he was back. He enjoyed being able to watch her without anyone observing his every move.
It was odd. He knew she was surrounded by her female dancers, but he didn't see them. He only saw her. He was in awe as he watched her. He didn't know how she did it. How she moved so effortlessly. How each and every move she made seemed completely natural as if it hadn't been choreographed. As if she hadn't spent hours and hours rehearsing the choreography. It was as if her body was telling him a story, the same story being told by her lyrics.
As Maddie began lip-synching the first verse, she and her dancers moved to the ground, their legs outstretched to their left. It was a risky move. With her stage as large as it was it would be easy for her, or anyone, to "disappear" when performing sitting down.
As Kono and Lori watched the performance for the first time, they were floored. Although sitting, Maddie was captivating. She and her dancers used their arms and legs in such a way that made them look long, lean, and elegant. Their moves were beautiful and dynamic. The way they used their hands and arms was so graceful and feminine. And even though they were all sitting, their legs still out to the side, they continued to roll their hips in a way that was both sensual and sexy, however not overtly so.
You ain't gotta worry it's an open invitation
I'll be sittin' right here real patient
All day all night I'll be waitin', standin' by
Can't stop because I love it, hate the way I love you
All day all night maybe I'm addicted for life, no lie.
Leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, Steve continued to watch her. God, she really was born to do this, he thought. Even barefoot in leggings and a shirt, her hair in a ponytail and makeup worn off, she commanded your attention.
His eyes flitted to a few crewmembers in the room. He noticed that although they were busy working, they couldn't help but watch her. She was captivating. There was no other word for it.
He nibbled his bottom lip and smiled as his eyes remained fixated on her. He was so damn proud of her and everything she'd accomplished. She was one of the biggest stars in the world, a fact he often times forgot since she was just Maddie to him. Always was and always would be. But moments like this, moments when he saw her in her element, he was reminded of just how special she really was. How truly talented she was.
As Maddie began lip-synching the first pre-chorus, she and her dancers, who were still in a "V" formation, moved from their seated positions to their knees.
I'm not too shy to show I love you, I got no regrets.
I love you much too, much too hide you, this love ain't finished yet
This love ain't finished yet…
So baby whenever you're ready…
Wanting to be near Lyle and Doc so Steve could eavesdrop, he walked to the table and took the seat between them and Lori.
She waited a beat before leaning slightly towards him, resting her hand on his forearm as she whispered, "She's fantastic, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she really is," he replied. "She's beautiful."
Lori felt a twinge at his statement. "She is," she agreed.
Although she was worried about Maddie and Steve's relationship, she'd been a fan of hers and had always wanted to see her live. She'd been secretly ecstatic when Maddie had given her a ticket to the show. Taken in by one of the biggest singers in the world rehearsing in front of her, she turned to look at him. "I'm so excited to see the show tonight. I've always been a fan..." Steve's head snapped in her direction, shocked by the admission. He couldn't help but smile at her excitement as she continued. "...since I was in 8th grade, when her first song came out." She glanced back at Maddie and her dancers before turning back to Steve. "In fact, her music got me through some tough times. High school was a hard time for me." Realizing what she'd just said, that in her excitement she'd admitted too much, her cheeks flushed. "Anyway, um... I'm excited for tonight. And, I know if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't get to see this... so, thanks," she said, embarrassed. She pulled her hand from his arm and brought her attention back to Maddie and her dancers.
Taking in her slightly pinked cheeks, he chuckled softly as he leaned towards her and whispered, "Oh my God! You're a super fan!" Pulling away, he laughed harder as her blush darkened. He nudged her. "I'm just teasing, Lori." He paused. "But seriously, it's no big deal. I'm glad you came." His smile suddenly filled with mischief. "Why didn't you say anything before? That you're a fan, I mean?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I didn't want to seem like a dork." She paused, nervous to continue. "Plus, I was pretty intimidated at her house. I mean, she's Madeline Lily. It's intimidating! ... And, I guess I didn't want her to think I was a crazy fan." As well as you, she silently added.
"Are you a crazy fan?" Steve asked, narrowing his eyes as he smiled.
"A fan? Yes. A crazy one? No," Lori answered. Although she was embarrassed, she was enjoying their real conversation. They hadn't had one since they'd met for drinks, and even then it hadn't been the same as it had been when they'd had dinner.
He smirked. "That's good. Wouldn't want to have to arrest you," he joked, but then grew serious. "But you know, Maddie would love to know what you just told me."
"Oh my God! You can't tell her!" Lori hurriedly whispered. Everything she'd admitted to Steve was true, but she didn't want Maddie knowing. She hadn't even wanted him to know. She blamed the magic and excitement of it all. That she'd gotten too wrapped up and excited seeing her rehearse. Somehow, that had made it real for her. That she was Madeline Lily and not just the woman who had Steve's attention.
"Don't worry, I won't tell her. It'll be our secret." He paused. "But," he emphasized. "The next time Danny is arguing with me about a case, you better take my side just so we can shut him up sooner." He gave her his signature one-sided smirk.
"It's a deal," she grinned. "But you can't hold this over my head and use it against me forever. There needs to be some kind of expiration date on it," she rebutted, reveling in their banter.
He narrowed his eyes and smirked. "I'll take it under advisement." He smiled fully as she shook her head. Taking a deep breath, he gave her a more serious look. "But seriously, Lori. In all honesty, you should tell Maddie. I know her and she'd love to hear it. It might even make her day." He smiled, causing a warmth in her chest. "Just think about it," he whispered, rubbing her left shoulder in a completely friendly and non-romantic gesture.
"I will. Thanks, Steve," Lori smiled before they both turned their attention back to Maddie and her dancers, who were now on their feet singing the chorus. As she watched the singer, she couldn't keep the large smile from her face.
Maddie had seen Steve return and sit beside Lori. But that wasn't what caused the ache in her chest. It was seeing Steve turn to Lori, smiling and joking. Obviously she couldn't hear what they were saying, but she didn't need to. The way he smiled at her, the way he rubbed her shoulder, it was enough to trigger her father's words again. Steve, he'll never love you… He'll always see you as damaged and broken.
Pain filled her, and, although it was causing her physical pain, she was suddenly ecstatic to be rehearsing. She desperately needed the distraction. Wanting the emotional pain gone and forgotten, she began pushing herself, losing herself in the song. She was no longer giving it 75-80 percent, but everything.
As Maddie continued the chorus, she and her dancers approached the front of Stage 1.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
"What the hell?" Lyle mumbled, his eyebrows knitted together as he watched Maddie intently. "Maddie, dial it back! I said 75 percent, not 110!" he yelled. He groaned, rubbing his forehead in frustration when she continued to give the performance everything she had. "Damn it!" he cursed. "She's gonna run herself into the ground before the show even starts."
Knowing Steve had been gone when Lyle had instructed Maddie to hold back, Kono leaned forward from where she sat on Lori's other side and turned her head to the left. "Boss," she said, and explained what he'd missed.
Maddie and her dancers stopped at the front of Stage 1, the taped off catwalk directly in front of them. Still in their V-like formation, they performed the rest of the chorus.
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're re-e-a-dy, ready
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Maddie spun forward as she finished the chorus and began the second verse. She started walking down the catwalk as her dancers followed, leaving three feet between each of them.
You got the kind of love that I want, let me get that.
As the drum hit after she sang 'let me get that', they did a jerky move and froze briefly before she continued.
Let me get that, yeah.
Maddie rolled her body, the movement passing all the way through to her hips as she spun forward with her arms in the air moving gracefully and sensually with her body. It was a sequence that was excruciating to the area surrounding her tailbone. However, determination forced her to dance through the pain.
And baby once I get it I'm yours no take backs.
"Are you seeing what I mean?" Lyle asked Doc. "Her hips aren't pulling off the rotations. There's less movement in them than our last run through this morning."
Lori's eyes widened. If what she was seeing wasn't a lot of movement, she wondered what was.
"She might be giving this run-through all her energy, but the movement in her hips is maybe 50 percent of what she usually has, probably even less," Lyle told Doc.
"Holy crap," Lori muttered, making Kono laugh.
"I know, right?" Kono stated, glancing quickly at her new colleague. "She may be a klutz most of the time, but man does she kick ass at her job. There's a reason she's at the top of her game."
"I see it," Doc stated, his right arm crossed and supporting his left elbow while the fingers from his left hand rested below his bottom lip. He watched Maddie closely, studying her movements. "It's the fall she took Sunday night. If she hadn't kept going, but rested, it would be a lot better. Instead, the constant dancing and movement has made it worse. Her tailbone and nearby joints are starting to stiffen."
"Great," Lyle quipped, his tone conveying his frustration and concern. His eyes fluttered closed as he shook his head. What more could go wrong? he wondered. However, immediately regretted it. He wasn't necessarily a superstitious man, but with everything that had happened in the last four days, he didn't want to put the idea out into the universe.
While they'd been speaking, Maddie had continued on through the second verse. She and her dancers made their way down the marked off catwalk as they utilized their hips, arms, and bodies while dancing.
I'm gon' love you for life I ain't leaving your side
Even if you knock it ain't no way to stop it
As she reached the last line of the second verse, Maddie and her dancers reached the end of the catwalk where Stage 2 began.
Forever you're mine baby I'm addicted no lie, no lie
As they entered the second pre-chorus, their movements slowed and became more fluid.
I'm not too shy to show I love you, I got no regrets.
So baby whenever you're ready…
All seven women stopped as Maddie looked around. Live she would look around at the fans flirtatiously, but it was something that happened in the moment. The look and emotion would come once she was in front of thousands of screaming fans. Their excitement was always an adrenaline rush, which she knew would help her get through the show.
When the chorus came in they became more dynamic in their movements as they returned to their 'V' formation. However they were more spread out than before, taking up most of Stage 2. Their steps continued to be reminiscent of Indian style dancing, their hips moving in a sexy and sensual way, and their arms, hands, and fingers making large, graceful, and sometimes sweeping, movements.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Lyle choreographed it so Maddie would spin forward several times, rolling her hips and body as she did so to get to the very front of Stage 2. Knowing what was coming, he stood and made his way forward, stopping close to her, but not close enough that he'd be in her way. As Maddie spun, Lyle took another step towards her. In rehearsals, she'd consistently gotten dizzy at this part and had even fallen a couple times. With the show only hours away he couldn't afford for her to fall and hurt herself further, so he stayed close in case he needed to catch her.
Just find a focal point. Zero in on it, Maddie silently instructed as she spun. However, the dizzy feeling escalated quickly and before she could finish the final spin, she found her world whirling and wobbling in all sorts of ways.
"Crap," Lyle muttered, noticing that, although her spins had started out tight, they were now becoming sloppy. He took a rushed step towards her.
Maddie's heart pounded as she prayed she wouldn't go down, especially in front of Steve. However, her prayers weren't answered and she lost control of her body.
Just as she stumbled out of the middle of the final spin, Lyle grabbed her. His arms encircled her tightly as her head swayed back and forth slightly.
Steve fought the urge to go to her. Instead, he splayed his hands on the tops of his thighs, his fingers pressing into his cargoes.
Lyle held Maddie only a split second, long enough for him to whisper, "keep going". He felt bad having her continue, but he had no choice. If she got dizzy and stumbled on stage tonight, he wouldn't be there to catch her. She'd have to keep going. He just prayed that if it did happen, she'd only stumble, as opposed to fall.
Once Lyle let go, she quickly turned before taking a few sloppy steps forward.
Everyone worriedly watched her shake her head slowly trying to shake off the dizziness. Images of her fainting at Five-O flashed in Steve's mind as her eyes fluttered closed for a brief second. He exhaled a breath of relief when her eyes opened and she jumped right back into the performance as if nothing had happened.
"Damn," Doc cursed.
Lyle quickly walked back, stopping near Steve and Doc. He sighed and shook his head. "Can you do anything about that?"
Doc sighed. "I wish I could, but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. She hit her head hard when she fainted last week. And, all the smaller falls and the lack of sleep have only slowed down the healing process. She's just not 100%. Not even close." He paused briefly to take a deep breath. He watched her as he spoke, "To be honest, I think that dizzy spell has more to do with over exhaustion than the concussion. My bet is get her to get some sleep and you'll see improvement in a lot of areas." Maddie and her dancers did a move that involved them to put almost all their weight on their right bare feet as they ground it into the floor.
"Oh, I bet that hurt," Doc winced, his eyes immediately going to Maddie's wrapped foot.
Kono closed her eyes briefly, feeling Maddie's pain. "I'm surprised she didn't let it show. I mean that had to hurt!"
Lyle glanced over at her and smirked slightly. "She wouldn't. Not when she's performing. I don't know how she does it, but she hides it. Even when she's not performing, for her to appear uncomfortable, in pain, or not feeling well, it means she's really not feeling good or whatever's going on is excruciatingly painful. Infinitely worse than she lets on."
As much as Steve hated what Lyle had just said, he knew it was the truth. Maddie was tough as nails. He revered that about her, but it only caused him to worry more, knowing that with her outwardly showing she felt awful and was in pain that it was abundantly worse than she was letting on.
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're re-e-a-dy
Steve watched as two men suddenly rolled a tall metal tower on wheels a few feet in front of Maddie seconds before she ran up the stairs to finish the chorus.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
"Be careful, Mads!" Lyle yelled. The fact she'd just been dizzy made him extremely nervous. He didn't want it to happen again while she was up there, because if it did, he knew she'd fall. He looked at the two men keeping the tower in place. "Make sure you hold it steady. I don't want it rolling around while she's up there. Not even a smidge."
Maddie lip-synced the bridge as she stood on top of the contraption. Whenever she performed this part of the song, she was into it. She'd often times get on her knees or she'd open her arms wide and throw her head back. It was always different. It just depended on the moment and how she was feeling, how the crowd was affecting her. However, this was a run-through, so she didn't do any of that. Plus, she knew she needed to be extremely careful. From past experiences she knew that the practice tower she was standing on could roll from the littlest movement. Because of that, she simply stood in place and lip-synced the bridge.
This love will be the death of me, but I know I'll die happily
I'll know, I'll know, I'll know
Because you love me so… Yeah!
As the chorus came back on, Maddie began rolling her body, her arms in the air doing the exact same movements her six female dancers were doing on Stage 2. Suddenly the tower abruptly jerked. She threw her arms out and bent her knees to try and steady herself as she nearly lost her balance.
"Careful!" Lyle yelled as he watched her, by some miracle, regain her balance. There was a hint of panic in his voice. His eyes flicked to the men holding the tower. "I told you to keep it steady!" he hollered, his panic and worry coming out as anger.
The men's eyes conveyed their apologies while both their stances tensed. Quickly, they each got a better hold of the apparatus.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Maddie ran barefoot down the tower's stairs to join her dancers on Stage 2 as they finished the song.
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're re-e-a-dy
When you're ready come and get it
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Maddie and her six dancers stood in the middle of Stage 2 trying to catch their breath. As soon as the song had finished, Maddie's right hand flew to her mouth and she started coughing. It had been taking an incredible amount of energy to stifle it while she'd run through the song, although she hadn't been completely successful and had coughed every thirty seconds or so.
"It was better," Lyle stated, approaching them while they tried to catch their breath. As he did, the two crewmembers rolled the tower to the side of the room.
He waited to continue and give his critique of the performance until Maddie stopped coughing. However, it didn't look like that was going to happen any time soon. He turned and flashed Doc a concerned look.
"I was afraid this was gonna happen," Doc mumbled as he stood. Before he could walk to Maddie, Steve caught his eye and held out his hand. It took a second to realize that he was handing him her inhaler, which he'd kept on him just in case. Doc smiled, nodding his head in appreciation before taking the object and quickly walking to Maddie.
Although he wanted to, Steve forced himself not to go to her. Not only had he made the decision to back off a bit, but he knew it wasn't a good idea after what had happened when he'd helped her stretch. Plus, she was working. He knew she wouldn't appreciate the overprotective gesture while she was focused and working. And he couldn't blame her; he was very similar when he was working a case.
Given the circumstances and the current state of their relationship, Steve knew he'd need to choose his battles carefully. Knowing her as well as he did, and given everything that was going on, he had a feeling she was going to put up a fight at the end of the forty-five minutes. So, he decided that that would be the battle he'd fight, and although he knew it'd be incredibly difficult, he chose not to intervene until then.
Doc walked over to Maddie and gave her a puff from the inhaler. As she breathed in the medication he turned to Lyle. "This is probably gonna be the biggest hurdle we have to overcome for tonight."
Lyle sighed. There wasn't anything he could do. Not hours before the show. Especially a show that was airing live on HBO. The show and choreography were set. They couldn't be changed. She needed to nail it if she wanted her vacation time. Which, they all agreed, wasn't about what she wanted, but about what she needed. "Is there anything you can do?" he finally asked Doc.
Doc was quiet as he pocketed the inhaler and shook his head before turning back to Lyle, his arms crossed. "Yeah, there is." Before Lyle could get excited he continued. "But... I'm already doing so many things to keep her going..." He paused, sighing loudly. "At some point you have to ask, 'will it do more harm than good'?"
Lyle was quiet as he thought about Doc's question. "I mean, you're right, but we're so deep into this and we're almost there. You just gotta keep her going until midnight. So what? Another ten hours or so?"
Steve's jaw clenched as he tried to keep his anger from exploding. He not only hated the way the conversation was going, but he hated what they were saying. Just keep her going for another ten hours? he thought, irritated. She's a human being! An exhausted human being. You don't talk about her like she's some robot. But at the same time, they were right, and he understood that, which pissed him off on an entirely different level.
Steve forced himself to bite his tongue as he watched Maddie carefully. She looked so tired as she tried to keep herself from coughing. Her lips were pursed as she attempted to ignore the tickle in her throat until it became too much and she'd let out a small, tight cough before the pattern repeated itself.
Doc sighed. He knew Lyle was right. They were too deep into this. If he didn't do what he could, his efforts, along with everyone else's, over the last several days would be moot and pointless.
As much as he disliked it, he had to do what he had to to keep her going. He also knew that she needed to get some sleep before the show or his efforts would be pointless. He'd talk to Steve. If anyone was going to convince, or worst-case scenario, force her to get some sleep, it was going to be him. "Alright. I'll be right back. I just have to grab something. We'll test it to make sure it's going to help."
As Doc left and headed towards his makeshift office, Lyle turned towards Maddie and her dancers. "Mads, your timing continues to be a bit off on the second chorus. And your transition after you come back down the stairs from Stage 3 is still a bit sloppy." He paused, feeling like an asshole for what he was about to say even though he had to. "And whether you get dizzy or not on those spins, you have to force yourself to keep standing and keep going. Now, more than ever, you have to focus on one single point as you spin. It will help. I promise."
What the hell is wrong with Lyle? Steve thought, his temper flaring. She can't help the dizziness.
"I know," Maddie said, her tone clipped. She clenched her jaw in irritation, but not with Lyle. She was irritated with herself. Irritated and disappointed.
Hearing her tone, Steve turned his gaze to her and immediately saw how upset and disappointed she was with herself. He knew her too well. It was all in her eyes. Damn, he thought, knowing she was going to push herself that much harder. He fixed his stare on her, hoping she'd feel it and look his way.
Maddie did her best to ignore the feeling of Steve's eyes boring into her, but eventually gave up and finally, annoyed, took a peek in his direction. It was unnerving and obnoxious; especially when she was trying to focus on choreography and staging. As she peered over at him, he immediately caught, and held, her tired eyes with his. He shot her a look. A look she understood completely. He was wordlessly warning her, telling her not to push herself too hard, to be careful.
Because Maddie was already frustrated she couldn't nail choreography she normally could have done in her sleep, Steve's wordless lecturing and warning look only proved to piss her off. Her dad's words were still running on repeat in her head as well as how Steve had teased and made fun of her feelings for him ten minutes earlier. Now she wasn't just hurt, she was mad. He'd led her on and rubbed it in her face, and now he was trying to tell her what to do?
Although she thought she was hiding it, Steve saw a bit of her stubbornness and anger peek through. It was in the way her eyes slightly, almost imperceptibly, narrowed at him. In the way her lip barely twitched, almost as if she was unconsciously snarling. He sighed, realizing his warning look hadn't had the effect he'd hoped. He knew she was going to do the complete opposite of what he wanted and he fought to remain silent and not get into it with her. Choose your battles, he reminded himself.
"While we wait for Doc let's run it again. We'll start at the second pre-chorus. You were great up till that part. And even then, it's just small issues here and there," Lyle explained as he walked back to the table while the women took their spots.
TO BE CONTINUED...