DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Hawaii Five-O" or any of its characters. I do, however, own Maddie, Pete, Tina, Carl, Mo, Johnny, Karen, the stalker, etc.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi everyone! This completes everything pre-show. I will not be writing the show out. I will mention a few things from it in the next chapter and then continue on with the story. I spent wayyyyyyy too much time on this whole pre-show. Sorry, guys! Thanks for sticking with me!

I don't want to go on too long here, so I'll remind you of a couple things.

1. Thoughts are in italics.

2. Notes and flashbacks are in BOLD.

3. This takes place in Season 2 of Hawaii Five-O, but the entire story will span the rest of the seasons.

4. As always, reviews are incredibly welcome!

Because you all have been BEYOND patient, I gave you a couple Maddie and Steve moments in this that weren't originally going to be there. I hope you enjoy them.

xoxo

DivaLola

Chapter 36

Part 9

"Hey princess!" an African American man in his late fifties greeted as he and a woman walked into the dressing room.

Maddie was pulled from her terrified thoughts of her stalker as she stared at them while her brain tried to compute who they were. Finally her eyes widened in recognition. "Johnny," she replied. Immediately she realized that someone must have contacted him and told him what was happening. To say she was mad was an understatement. Sure, he was her manager, but he had more important things to worry about and focus on right now. Her eyes moved to the smiling woman standing slightly behind him. "Karen," Maddie exhaled, obvious relief and happiness in her voice. She moved to stand, but was immediately waved off.

"No. We'll come to you!" Johnny said as he and his wife walked to the couch, leaned down, and hugged her.

"It's good to see you both," Ryan stated as he stood from his chair and hugged them. "I'm gonna go and give you some time to catch up."

Kono gave Lori a look and they began to pack up the fan mail. "We're gonna do the same," she said as they headed to the door.

"I'll be there in a minute," Steve added as he closed his laptop and stood. He walked over to the couch and hugged both Johnny and Karen. "It's really good to see you guys."

"You too, son," Johnny replied. "I hear she's been a handful."

Steve laughed and glanced at a scowling Maddie. "A bit."

"Did you call him?" she asked Steve, obviously angry.

"Wasn't me, Mads," Steve answered.

"Pete..." Maddie seethed. "He's a dead man."

"He did the right thing," Johnny told her seriously. "In fact, let's talk."

"I'm gonna excuse myself," Steve said. He grabbed his laptop and before heading out the door added, "Maddie, I'm just gonna be in the main room. All you have to do is text or call and I'll come back." She silently nodded. "No shenanigans while I'm gone."

"Don't worry. There won't be any more shenanigans," Johnny responded as he shot Maddie a reprimanding look.

"Good," Steve smiled before leaving.

With it now being just the three of them, Johnny sat in the armchair to Maddie's left while Karen sat next to her on the couch.

"I'm just going to get right to it," Johnny began. "Why didn't you tell me about everything that's been going on?"

Maddie averted her eyes, refusing to look at him, as she shrugged.

"Okay, let's start with one thing at a time," he said. "This is George's last show. So that's taken care of. I'll be supervising him the rest of the day, so he won't be causing any more problems or stress."

"What about the second leg of the tour?" Maddie asked quietly. Johnny and Karen shared a concerned look at how despondent and different she was. Pete hadn't been exaggerating. Karen scooted closer to her and put her arm around her back. She immediately laid her head against the woman who had been like a mother to her.

"George won't be your tour manager. I'll talk to Barry. He'll do it. It will all be fine." He paused. "However, given what's been going on and how rundown you are, the second leg of the tour will probably be pushed back."

"What?" Maddie asked in disbelief as her head shot up from Karen's shoulder.

"We'll play it by ear, but I want you to know that I might push it back," Johnny replied. He licked his lips subconsciously before continuing. "Pete told me you have some kind of crazy stalker. What do you know about it, Madeline?"

She inwardly cringed at the use of her full first name. He might be her manager, but he was also like a father to her. When he said her full name she always felt like she was in trouble. "I only know that there's a stalker."

He watched her closely. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she lied.

Johnny sighed. "Well, Steve and his team are working on it... I heard you guys made a deal about getting rid of security for a few weeks, but you remain with him... I think that's a good idea. You'll be safe, but still get a bit of a break. However, no more taking off without security. It's too dangerous on a normal day let alone when you have a psycho after you." He stared at her, waiting for her to respond. Finally, he got tired of waiting, "Got it?"

Maddie sighed. "Fine."

"Alright, I'm going to go take care of some things." He shared a look with his wife as he ruffled Maddie's hair before leaving.

"Sweet girl, you look so tired. And you're warm," Karen said as she brought her hand up to her forehead followed by her cheek.

"I'm okay, I promise. How do you feel?" she asked, changing the topic.

"I'm doing well, baby girl!" Karen smiled. "I'm in remission."

"What?!" Maddie's head shot up. She looked at Karen, relief and happiness displayed openly on her face.

"That's right, I kicked cancer's ass!" Karen exclaimed.

Maddie dove her upper body and head into Karen's arms as she started crying. However, unlike the thousand times she'd cried lately, these were happy tears.

"Oh sweet girl, everything is okay! I'm not going anywhere." Karen kissed her head and held her for several minutes before finally saying, "Maddie, what's goin' on? Do you know more than you've said?"

The happy tears turned into tears of sadness and pure fear. Karen held her closer as she cried. Ten minutes later she felt them slow and turn into little hiccups as her body suddenly relaxed. Thank God, Karen thought as she rubbed Maddie's back tenderly. She's exhausted, the poor thing. She waited until she was sure she was in a deep sleep before carefully positioning her against a pillow on the side of the couch. She kissed her head softly before quietly slipping out of the dressing room. "She's sound asleep," Karen relayed to Joshua.

"That's really good news," he responded. "I'll make sure no one goes in."

"Wonderful. Thank you!" She grinned before heading towards the main room.

From his spot at a table Steve caught movement from the corner of his eye. He looked up to see Karen approaching. "How is she?" he asked.

"She's out cold," she smiled.

Steve's broke into a relieved smile. "Thank God."

"I heard she's been having nightmares. Hopefully, she can get some restful sleep," Karen answered.

"Me too. I'd gotten her to sleep a little bit ago, but she woke from a nightmare that made her physically ill," Steve responded. "She hadn't even slept an hour."

"Well, hopefully she sleeps longer. I can tell she really needs it." She changed the topic. "I'm gonna go to the hotel and get situated before coming back for the show."

"I'll take you," Steve replied as he stood. He knew Maddie was safe with her security team. Plus, Chin, Kono, and Lori were all at the venue.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Absolutely! Plus, it would be good to catch up. It's been way too long."

"So, I know you two hadn't seen each other in a couple years. How's it been seeing one another?" Karen asked, watching him closely as he drove.

Steve tried to fight the small smile as he thought back to kissing Maddie. "It's really good to see her. I wish she wasn't so rundown, but as soon as this show is done that'll change. She's not leaving her bed for at least a week."

Karen chuckled. "Still protective of her I see."

"Always," he replied. He paused. "I wish I hadn't let 2 years go by without seeing her. I'll make sure that never happens again."

Impatient to know more, she sighed. "I'm just gonna come right out and ask. When are you two going to give me grandbabies? I kicked cancer's ass this time, but who knows what the future holds. I want babies, Steve."

Immediately an image of Maddie pregnant with his child came to mind. "Um... I..." he stuttered, surprised by her bluntness even though he knew he shouldn't be.

Knowing he wasn't one to stumble over his words, she had her answer. "YES!" Karen exclaimed. "You guys finally realized what we've all known forever."

Steve's face pinked slightly as Karen laughed. "Well," Steve began. "We're trying to figure things out."

"Oh come on! Give me more," she demanded as her eyes sparkled with happiness. "Don't make me play the cancer card."

"She's my best friend," Steve answered simply.

"That you've realized isn't just your best friend," Karen corrected.

Knowing she wouldn't give up, he gave her a quick synopsis of what had been going on with them including the mistakes he'd made.

"You dummy!" Karen exclaimed.

"So I've been told," he muttered as he stopped at a red light.

"I know it's scary, Steve. It's a big change. But what you don't realize is that you and Maddie have never been just friends. This was always inevitable. You two just didn't realize it." Karen paused as she took a deep breath. "Something is off with that girl. Something bad. Am I right?"

Steve's jaw clenched as he sighed. "Yes, whatever's happening is bad. This isn't your run-of-the-mill stalker. And she refuses to tell me what she knows. She claims she knows nothing, but she's lying."

"Yes, she is," she replied.

Steve's head whipped around to look at her. "Did she say anything?"

She gave him a sympathetic look. "No, honey, I'm sorry. She just cried, but wouldn't tell me why. She cried until she fell asleep."

"Damnit," he growled. "I hate seeing her like this. And so far I haven't been able to do a damn thing about it. I'm flying blind here." All he wanted to do was get to the bottom of what was happening and with every dead end they hit he felt like he was letting her down.

"I know. But I know you're gonna figure this out. You'll find the son-of-a-bitch after her," Karen told him sincerely. "And when it comes to the two of you, everything is going to be fine. Just be there for her no matter how many times she pushes you away. Just stay right there. She'll get the message. Might take her a minute, but she will realize that you do have feelings for her. I promise. Unfortunately, you both are incredibly stubborn. Given how unlike herself she is, you're gonna have to be the one who bends this time." She laughed when he rolled his eyes.

Her unwavering faith in him on every level was humbling. "Thank you, Karen." He turned and smiled at her. "And, I'm so glad you kicked cancer's ass!"

Her smile was radiant as she looked at the man who had grown up so much since she'd first met him as a teenager. "Thank you!" Her smile turned mischievous. "You guys are gonna give me the cutest babies in the history of the world! I can't wait! If you could get on it I'd really appreciate it!" Karen laughed at the uncomfortable look on Steve's face.

Once they reached the hotel he walked around and opened the door for Karen. After he helped her out he folded her in his arms and whispered, "I'm so glad you're okay."

She rubbed his back in a motherly gesture. A gesture he hadn't realized he'd missed this much until now. "I know, honey. And you'll figure this out. You got this. And if you ever doubt that or need an ear, you just call me."

He released her slowly, immediately missing the contact. "Thank you. I will."

"Hey guys," a voice greeted.

Steve looked up and smiled. "Hey, T! You seem to be feeling better."

She grinned. "I am! Thank you! I just needed some sleep... I'm just making sure Gladys has Maddie's dinner order."

"She awake?" he asked.

"No, not yet. I'm gonna go wake her now."

Minutes later Tina and Chin entered with Maddie. Like he'd been doing since they were kids, Steve began taking inventory of her. He happily noticed she had a little more color.

"Hey, you," Steve greeted as Chin helped Maddie sit on the bench across from him. "Feeling any better?"

Without looking up at him, she nodded. The nightmare mixed with her stalker getting to her while he sat in the next room continued to play on a constant loop.

She's still distant, he thought. Even without looking directly into her eyes he could see fear in them. In fact, it was visible in her entire demeanor. Knowing the nightmare had to have been different than the others, he made a mental note to ask her about it when the moment was right.

"Here you go," Tina said as she set food down in front of her.

"Thanks, T," Maddie whispered. Food was the last thing she wanted right now. Her stomach was churning and she felt like she could throw up any second. However, she knew she needed the fuel.

Nearly ten minutes later almost everyone was seated for dinner. They laughed and joked while Maddie sat trapped in a mind prison of fear and worry as she forced herself to eat.

Suddenly a gruff male voice pulled her to the present. "Maddie?" Her eyes settled on a large male wearing a suit and proper security badges with his hand outstretched. Although she had never met him she had immediately recognized his voice from phone calls. Her back straightened as her demeanor immediately shifted to one that evoked more confidence. "Nice to meet you... in person," he said.

"You as well, Mr. Kern," Maddie politely responded as she gave the new head of her record label her hand. Inwardly she was weirded out. His hand was sweaty and even though the look in his eye was friendly, she could see the mischief and meanness lurking just under the surface.

"I have the contract for you to sign." He handed her a sheet of paper with black printing. As Maddie took it she pushed her food forward. "Everything's just like we talked about." The glint in his eye told her she was right that he'd try and change the terms at the last minute. She started reading it carefully.

"Wait," she began, sounding slightly panicked. "We agreed on four new songs."

"No, we agreed on eight," he lied.

Suddenly it all made sense to Pete who had been eavesdropping from his spot across the table. He took another bite to try and keep from smiling.

"How am I supposed to add another four new songs in the next three hours?" Maddie asked, feigning worry.

"If you want the time off then you'll figure it out," Larry said.

Ryan glanced at Steve and could tell he was about to say something. Before he had the chance, Ryan kicked him under the table. When Steve's focus shot to Ryan he subtly shook his head.

Maddie sighed loudly as she ran her long, thin fingers through her hair. "Okay... well..." She took a deep breath. "I'll figure it out and make it work."

As she looked for the signature line at the bottom of the page, Larry added, "There's more on the back."

Maddie didn't need to look at him to know she'd find laughter in his eyes. She quickly initialed the front side before flipping it over. She wasn't surprised by the paragraph on the back. Fucking asshole, she thought. Both are fucking assholes. She quickly signed on the line and dated it, then grabbed her phone and took a photo of the front and back before handing it back to Larry.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Maddie," he said smugly. "Good luck tonight."

"Good thing I added 10 new songs," she stated, a look of triumph on her face. "And I won't need luck."

Obviously angry, Larry clenched his jaw. She'd already signed the contract. There was nothing he could do. But then he remembered what else she had agreed to. She had to see his half-brother Jesse. He smiled knowingly at her before walking away.

"What'd the back say," Ryan asked.

"Nothing important," Maddie lied as she pulled her dinner back towards her and returned to eating.

"If it's not important why would he put it in the contract?" Ryan asked. Because Jesse was his half-brother anything having to do with Kern made him nervous, especially since no one else knew about their connection.

"Let it go," Maddie mumbled.

Before Steve had a chance to insist she tell him what was on the back, Pete said, "You anticipated that." Her eyes moved from her plate to his face. "You knew he wouldn't keep his word." She cracked a small smile. "That's why you added ten instead of four."

"Next time, Pete, have a little faith in me," Maddie said before returning her attention to her food. She knew everyone had thought she'd added ten instead of four because she was upset about Steve, but that hadn't been the truth. Sure, the additional work provided a distraction, but it wasn't why she'd done it.

"I will, Shorty," Pete told her. "Well played."

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"Wait, you prepared ten new songs in the last few days?" Steve asked incredulously. He couldn't believe she'd been able to do that given all the circumstances. "No wonder you're exhausted."

Maddie glanced at him and shrugged before returning her focus to her food. Now that Larry was gone, her mind returned to her stalker and the nightmare. She'd worry about having to see Jesse later. One thing at a time, she told herself.

"Why won't you tell me what was on the back of that contract," Ryan asked.

Maddie set her fork down and sighed. "Because, contrary to what everyone seems to think, my business is just that... my business."

All Steve wanted to do was hold her and tell her everything was going to be okay. For the millionth time he couldn't wait until this show was over. She was struggling. On so many levels. Getting her back home where it was just them was what she needed.

Maddie started to stand. "T?"

"Yeah, let's go," Tina replied as she quickly stood. She grabbed Maddie's crutches and helped her off the bench before handing them to her.

"Lockdown?" Pete asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah," Maddie replied quietly. It was earlier than she'd planned, but she needed some time to try and get in the right headspace.

Maddie was sitting on the couch in her robe as she waited for Doc. Her hair and makeup were done and her opening costume was hanging up ready for her. She'd been alone in the room with her glam team while Tina went in and out as needed. She wanted Steve with her more than anything, but she knew it was a bad idea. The last couple hours her nightmare continued to play on repeat. That and her stalker's note. I thought you'd learned your lesson already. Have a good show… She knew that security had been on high alert all day, but he'd gotten in while she'd been asleep with Steve in the next room. It wasn't so much her safety she was worried about. It was his. And her friends. And her fans. What does he have planned for tonight, she wondered for the millionth time.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Doc finally got her attention. "Maddie? You okay?"

When did he get here, she wondered. "Yeah." She tried to give him a smile, but he didn't buy it.

Over the next 12 minutes Doc gave her a shot in her tailbone, one in her knee, wrapped her foot so it wasn't bulky, but still protected, gave her a breathing treatment, gave her some last minute Advil and cough medicine, among other things. "You're good to go," he finally said. "You got this." He threw that last part in because he could feel the nervous energy coming off her, something uncharacteristic for her.

"Thanks, Doc," Maddie replied.

"Kick some ass, kid," he said as he stood and left.

"Ready, Mads?" Tina asked from her spot in the armchair to Maddie's left.

"Yeah," she answered, however she didn't stand. Minutes went by and Tina realized she was afraid to get dressed. "Everything's gonna be okay. The guys have continued to check things over while you've been in here." When she still didn't move, Tina peeked at her watch. They were running out of time. "I'll be right back." Maddie made no acknowledgement she'd even heard her as she hurried out the door and down the hall towards the main room.

Tina rushed into the main room and whispered to Ryan before they quickly took off towards Maddie's dressing room. Normally she would've grabbed Steve, but she didn't think he'd be able to get through to her, at least not in time.

"What's going on?" Steve asked Pete. The last couple hours had been frustrating knowing Maddie was there, but didn't want visitors. But at the same time he knew she was trying to get herself in the right headspace to pull off the show.

"I don't know," Pete answered. "Let me find out." He spoke into the mic at his wrist, "Mo, what's going on?"

"Not sure, boss," Mo replied. There was a brief silence before he came back over the radio. "Apparently Maddie isn't getting dressed. Tina's asking for you."

"On my way," Pete said before rushing towards the exit. Just as he reached the door he turned to Steve. "She's fine." Then he took off running.

"Hey Shorty," Pete greeted as Maddie sat on the couch in her underwear and robe. He walked towards her and sat on the edge of the coffee table. He immediately grabbed her hands when he saw the fear in her eyes. "Everything's gonna be fine. I promise."

He had nearly given up hope she'd respond when she whispered, "You won't let anything happen to him?"

Her question surprised him. He thought she was scared of getting hurt during her show, but he realized that wasn't it. She was scared something was going to happen to Steve. Knowing they had 10 minutes until show time he decided to ask her more about it later. In the meantime, he'd have to assure her enough so she'd get dressed. "I promise. I'll even tell him to wear his weapon. Will that make you feel better?"

She nibbled on her lip in thought before finally nodding.

"Okay, good. Let's get up and get dressed," Pete said as he stood. Still holding her hands, he gently pulled her into a standing position and away from the couch. As she stood she gripped his hands in hers and continued to stare at him. "Everything's gonna be fine, Shorty." Knowing she couldn't get dressed while still holding his hands he let go, having to push hers away slightly. Her team immediately pulled her robe off before helping her into the skin tight, black, sparkly jumpsuit she wore for the opening songs. The entire time she never broke eye contact with him.

When she was dressed and her 4 inch heeled black boots were on, he secured her mic pack in its designated pocket on her jumpsuit, plugged her in-ear monitors into it, and then placed one on each of her shoulders. Next, he grabbed her black harness and had her step into it before he began clipping it. It wasn't just around her legs and waist, but went up over her shoulders and clipped again below her boobs. He checked and rechecked, making sure it was secure. Satisfied, he said, "Good to go. Ready?" He glanced at his watch seeing they had five minutes before show time.

Maddie stared at him, licked her lips, and sighed. "Yeah, let's go." Tina helped her back into her robe and fastened it around her waist.

Pete smiled at Maddie confidently before speaking into the mic at his wrist. "We're moving." He opened and held the door for Maddie and Tina before joining them in their brisk walk to the main room.

Maddie's dancers were jumping in place and stretching to keep their muscles warm when Maddie, Tina, Pete, and Mo rushed in.

"Thank you guys so much for all your hard work the last few days, not to mention the last several months," Maddie added when they finished their pre-show prayer. They all cheered and wished each other a good show.

As Steve watched he couldn't remember a time he'd seen her look so nervous before a show. He wished there was something he could do to comfort her, then suddenly remembered the flowers. He grabbed them off the table before quickly making his way to her.

"Mads." He held the blue, sparkly roses out to her. "Break a leg. But not literally please."

"How?" Maddie's whole demeanor began to change as she took the flowers. "You remembered?" Her bottom lip quivered a bit as emotions she hadn't realized were there were stirred. God, I miss John, she thought. She'd never done a show in Hawaii without him.

Without thinking why she shouldn't, she launched herself at Steve who immediately wrapped his arms around her as he chuckled. His eyes met Tina's misty ones and he mouthed "thank you". "Of course I remembered. Are you ever going to tell me the story?"

"I don't know," she mumbled against him.

"Come on! They're hard to find, you know?" he whispered.

Before she could answer, Pete interrupted. "I'm sorry to break this up, but we gotta keep this moving." He felt guilty for interrupting them, but Johnny was radioing asking where they were.

Hesitantly, Maddie pulled away from Steve. She looked into his eyes, which she noted were blue at the moment, and for the first time that day flashed him her dimpled smile.

"I'll take these, Mads," Tina said as she took the roses.

As the moment was broken Maddie's fears and nerves came rushing back. Oh God, what if he saw me hug Steve like that? she worried.

"Let's go," Pete said, interrupting her thoughts. She nodded as everyone headed out of the main room and down the first hallway.

Just as they were passing the room security had been using as their headquarters, Maddie burst through the door of the bathroom to her right. She rushed to the toilet and gagged. Steve was right behind her, making sure the door closed behind him to give her privacy. He gently grabbed her hair and rubbed her back. "Everything's gonna be okay, baby."

Knowing she needed to keep her dinner down she kept herself from throwing up by sheer will power.

"It's just us," Steve whispered.

Shakily, she straightened before turning in his arms and laying her head against his chest.

"I got ya," he whispered, holding her tightly. "The show is gonna be great! Then we'll go home and snuggle in bed. You're almost through this."

There was a light knock on the door letting them know she had to get to the stage.

Sighing heavily, she lifted her head from his chest and leaned back, tipping her head back to look at his face.

He smiled down at her as their gazes locked. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before placing a tender kiss on the tip of her nose. He didn't give it a second thought when he bent his head and kissed her mouth. Before they could linger too long, another knock sounded.

"Let's get you to the stage," Steve whispered.

"Okay," she mumbled. She had needed that kiss and she'd needed him to hold her, even if just for a few seconds. She refused to think more about it. Refused to think about all his mixed signals and refused to think about her stalker.

"You okay, Shorty?" Pete asked worriedly when they emerged from the bathroom. She nodded as they resumed their walk down the hallway. When they reached the door leading to the backstage area, he turned to the group. "Alright, this is where we go our separate ways. Connor will take you to the VIP section."

Backstage, Maddie shrugged out of her robe and handed it to Tina. Pete checked her harness one last time as he hooked a cable to each side of it. She nodded nervously to him as she stood on the flying disc backstage. She slipped her in-ear monitors in and situated her head mic. The lights in the arena had gone out and the crowd was screaming uncontrollably. "You're safe, so is Steve", he mouthed as Joey, Hunter, and Cooper began raising the flying disc up to the rafters and forward to where Cooper and Billy were waiting.