I am so sorry for leaving everyone hanging! With working the whole summer, moving out from home and into a flat on my own, and starting uni there was just too much going on to write. At the moment I am on leave for another month so the last chapter of this should be up quite quickly. Then stay tuned for part 2, which might take a while again as I want to start writing a few chapters so you don't always have to wait so long :)

tell me what you think of the new chapter, comments are my motivation 3

Chapter 9

"what the fuck do you mean 'he is on a mission?' " Emma screamed at Fury. Nervously she paced the large office to which he had dragged her. It was underground, but a simple video system made it seem as if they were looking down on the valley. Fury had brought her there after he little explosion. Seemingly Steve was again away on a mission.

"Miss Frost, calm yourself. You are disrupting our systems. Steve is alright and will be home soon. You should go rest" his gruff voice did not calm her one bit, but she could get all the information's she needed from his head. This primitive way of looking for answers was too slow for what she needed. She could go after him, no, he wouldn't like that. What did she care about his liking anyway? He had broken his promise. Again.

Emma marched up to Fury and placed her index and middle finger against his temple.

The young blond soldier marched towards him and gave a court nod. He stood opposite of him and crossed his arms.

"I want to know if there are other missions than the main mission."

"You know Rogers that that is none of your concern. If it were, you would know about it", Fury smirked at him and turned around to gaze out of the window. The soldier was right, secrets had brought on the fall of Shield, but there was a certain lack of distrust that could prevent all reestablishments of Shield.

"It could endanger everything, all our agents and every civilian in the area, Fury." The Captain's voice stayed cold and unfazed, challenging him. He had agreed to go on every mission to disrupt Hydra's plans, yet here he was demanding more information than was meant for him.

"Concentrate on your mission, Captain. You are now the leader of a new team." Fury looked at him briefly. Steve flexed his fists in frustration.

"Fine. We will infiltrate the Hydra camp and find out where they keep the chips for the hovercrafts. Do not send in reinforcement until we ask for it, if we are missing longer than two weeks then send in a spy."

"Is your little girlfriend not turning up or in on the plan?" Fury raised his eyebrow at his opposite. Although Shield quarters are larger than average military compounds, the gossip vine works perfectly. No news is safe. Another reason for not giving away too much information to the Captain.

Anger flashed over Steve's face and he turned to leave.

"She is coming here. She will understand. Give her access to my room. We might even be back before she gets here." Steve left the office to start his mission.

Exasperated Emma tore her fingers from his temple. Anger boiled in her stomach at Steve who again had not felt the need to inform her about his leaving, but also at Fury and his manipulating everything. Steve had gone too far this time thinking she would cave under his self-imposed responsibilities.

"Miss Frost, I do hope you understand that I can't let you follow him. It could endanger the mission." Emma met his gaze with fierce anger at being held back again. She knew she could not follow him, but just waiting around would not cut it either.

"I know how these teams are lead, Mr. Fury. I hope my partner does so as well. Also, I expect to be informed as soon as we have news from him, and about his arrival."

"Of course, Miss Frost." With a glance her direction he then leaned down and took something out of a drawer. Slowly he placed a chip card onto his desk and slid it towards her. "This is for you. You have access to all facilities. Including the offices. I hope I can trust you with this, and that there will be no more occurrences of destruction of our buildings or threatening of my employees." Carefully Emma took the chip card, placed it in her pocket and fixed Fury with a harsh gaze. She knew what game he was playing. He was granting her access to make her feel secure, as if she could do what she wished, as if she knew something. He was just trying to make her one of the flock, following him with the other sheep they call agents.

Emma strode out the office, slamming the door behind her and leaned against the wall of the hallway. She closed her eyes and tried to breathe away the prickling of tears in the corner of her eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. Opening her eyes, she was blinded by the white and empty hallway. No pictures on the walls, no windows, no warmth. Walking down the hallway a shiver ran down her spine, as she hoped for it all to be untrue. Holding on to Steve's promises was like trying to catch a snowflake: as soon as you caught it, it melts away in your palm.

She made her way out of the basement and away from that awful place. Snooping around wouldn't help her anymore. When he got home he would have to tell her. They would have to sort it out together. As she walked towards the car she decided not to unpack her things and to stay in a Bed and Breakfast until Steve returned. She could send him a text, then he would know where to find her. Defeated she drove away from the factory and towards the village. Emma left the car on a public car park then started asking around in the local Bed and Breakfasts for a room. Most inns did not want someone, who could be away as soon as the next day or stay for as long as the holidays. It was a risk not everyone was willing to take, but after a while a small inn offered her a bed at a good price.

Then she collected her bags from the car and retreated with a small snack to her room. Emma was not in the mood for a lot of hassle, so she lay down on her bed after having eaten her snack. The room was too small and hot for her liking, so she opened the windows and lay back down again, while removing the rest of her clothing. Unconsciously she took her smartphone out of her pocket to see if there were already news about Steve or even from him. Fury would surely inform Steve about her visit and her irritation at their "new" system. In fact, there was nothing new about it except them removing all the levels of security. Fury still knew everything, Steve was still trying to find out everything and everyone else thought they knew something, when in fact they didn't.

Staying at Rosie's B'n'B - come find me when you are back, we really need to talk. Hope you are safe, E xx

Cuddling herself against the pillow she stared at the small chip card Fury had given her. Cleared access to all buildings and rooms. Not that Steve had made an effort for her to get one. With a few clicks on his computer Fury was able to hand her over an access key. Steve trusted her less than Fury did. Disappointment flushed through her veins. Slowly she lay the key down on the small bedside table. The thought of Steve's distrust kept her up for hours until she fell into a restless slumber for a small while. Suddenly she was awakened by a nervous shuffling next to her. The sun was starting to rise and coated the creamy walls in a soft orange glow. With a slight groan she drew her thin blanket closer around her body and looked at the old fashioned alarm clock on her bedside table. Five thirty. Still the middle of the night. Where had the blanket come from? Had she not fallen asleep above the covers because of the heat?

"Good morning, I'm sorry I woke you up" whispered a gruff and tired voice from a chair across the room. Confused she sat up to look at him. There was no need for alarm, as she would recognize that voice anywhere. He was still fully dressed in heavy combat gear with his shield leaning against the chair. Steve let his hand run through his hair after raising it away from his tired face. Why had he not come to bed? Lay down next to her? When had he come in?

"You're back", sleep still coated her voice as she tried to focus on what to say. She wanted to be mad at him. Call him out for his mistakes, but it was just too early in the morning and he was safe. Relief washed through her tense form, releasing her. With a slight nod he got up from his chair and started pacing the length of the small room. Tentatively she asked him if something was wrong. Steve's pacing was usually reserved for his annoyance and anger at Fury, not for her. Was he angry at her for some reason? But she had not done anything, had she? Of course she had. She had blown up a window at Shield, but surely he would not be that mad about that? Not when she had a right to be mad at him.

"Nothing. Not now, sleep."

"Well then lie down with me." she got up from the bed, walking towards him, stopping his pacing. Carefully she placed her hand against his cheek and pressed her bare self against him. The cold metal and rough material of his gear did not disturb her. Feeling it against her skin gave her reassurance that he was really there, he was really safe. Fury had not lessened her worry about Steve. He had only distracted her from being mad at Steve.

"You need to stop sleeping naked with the window wide open. I didn't even need to ask for a room, all I saw from outside were the windows wide open and I knew it had to be your room." He pulled his face away from her hand and stepped out of her embrace. His hardened gaze fell away from her face as he sat down and sighed heavily. "It's an invitation to burglars and any kind of strange people. If you want to sleep naked, then at least close the windows."

"What? But I was hot. It's just too warm. Also, we are on the first floor. No one climbs the house walls to see if potentially someone is naked" Emma moaned at him drawing her eyebrows together in confusion. "What could happen in a small village like this? Or at the academy? It's silly Steve. What's really bothering you?" worried she sank down on the bed in front of him. The soft bed no comfort for her returning worry.

"Emma", he shouted at her angrily. In one fluid motion he pulled her up, stared at her and flung her back on the bed. With a shatter she heard him throw the windows shut. A crack indicated the need for a new window. A shiver ran over her body as she watched him lean his forehead against the window shard, breathing slow and deep. His moist breath creating small fog clouds on the window.

"Please come to bed, Steve. You're exhausted, you need a break", her whispered plea reached him faintly. After closing the curtains, he slowly took off his shoes and the heavy gear. In the darkness Emma could still see his silhouette move towards the bed and shortly after felt the bed dip on her left side. Quickly she scrambled up to her side of the bed in an effort to not anger him even more. Steve pulled the blanket up around her quivering form and placed one hand heavily on her hip.

"Enough of your games, Emma" he whispered harshly making her flinch under his grip. Not wanting to test his temper she tried to stay as calm as possible. He would be fine in the morning. He would recognize that he had gone too far. Whatever made him angry, they would talk about it. There was no reason to fear him. Steve would never hurt someone. Steve would never hurt her.

"Sleep, Steve" her whisper was met by another arm sneaking around her, while pulling her tight against his chest. No escaping him. The position was highly uncomfortable as she settled her side on his elbow. Her head rested against his shoulder, feeling his warm breath against the nape of her neck. Slowly his breathing evened out as he drifted off to sleep.

Emma lay there waiting for him to wake up again and explain what happened on his mission. Her restlessness keeping her awake, not daring to move away from his hot body. Against her hopes she did not fall asleep again, Steve's grip had slowly lessened during the few hours, but she feared to wake him if she moved. From her side of the bed she could see the chair he had sat on before, with his heavy boots lying under it. She dreaded the sight of the floor as she saw the now dried mud clinging to it. It had been dry all day before, so he must have been somewhere where it was wet. His shield rested on the light upholstery, fascinated she stared at it as the sun shone on it. It was beautiful, no one could say any different. Although Steve threw it about, worked with it, the shine it emitted and the sound it made, when colliding with something. It was definitely his most prized possession.

A low mumbling made her turn her head back towards her partner. Strands of Steve's blonde hair fell in front of his eyes whenever he slept. He always looked so peaceful when he slept. Not now, he still looked tired.

"Sometimes I forget, Steve" she whispered quietly against his seemingly still sleeping form as she lay her head down against his chest. Her small hand rested on his chest, where she supposed his heart to be.

"forget what?" his sleep drowned voice whispered back at her,

"That you are still hurting, that you are just a broken man out of his time. I failed you", tears started pooling in her eyes at the realization. She had been hired to "cure" his depressions, but she had let him go, blinded by their feelings for each other. Distraction from the depression that was all it was. She had not done her job right.

His eyes fluttered open against the bright light. Carefully she reached out and let her finger run through his hair. His forlorn eyes locked with hers, as he slowly lay his hand against her cheek.

"It's not your job anymore. I can do this; you just need to trust me" he shifted his weight to draw her in closer to his form. "I can make us happy, I just need some more time."

"Time is not what you need, Steve..." hesitantly she placed her hand on his cheek. "We need trust and being together. Time without a change is worth nothing for us. It's also not your job to make us happy. I used to be your therapist. I shouldn't have let you continue without the therapy sessions. Even now, I am your girlfriend. You should trust me with your problems, I should be helping you cope."

Steve looked at her, watched her small frame move with her shallow breathing. She could see him processing what she had said, but they still needed to talk about a lot. If they wanted to work, then they would have to sort out these little things that were destroying their relationship. Carefully Emma moved out of his grip, sat up and moved the blanket away. First they could get ready and get food, then they could speak about what was wrong with their relationship.

Sighing Steve also got up from the bed, and together they got ready for the day in silence. She dressed in a light yellow dress with white polka dots, while Steve had to change into his combat gear again. Slowly he lifted up the shield and fastened it with the magnet on his back.

"I should go back to Shield so I can change" Nervously he scratched at his neck, a slow blush creeping into his cheeks. "I don't want people to run around gossiping or worse, worrying that there's danger near, if they see me in combat gear." With a small nod she motioned for them to leave the room. The hallway of the bed and breakfast was small and traditional with creaking floors, heavy curtains and family portraits. Emma locked the door up behind them, then informed the front desk about the broken window. They then took her car to Shield after stopping at a local baker for breakfast. silently they listened to the radio, as the news came up.

A ship on its way to Panama was found this morning sunk in the Gulf of Mexico by a search helicopter. Divers are looking forsurvivors. No one is yet sure, if it was an accident, or if something happened on this ship. Supposedly it was transporting for Dray manufactures. The ship was reported missing this morning at 6 am, after the communication had been down for several hours. The CEO of Dray manufactures Louis Del Aro will hold a press conference at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

He clenched his fist, rolling his shoulder. The news and his reaction to them made her feel unsure about his involvement. Maybe Steve had something to do with that, or maybe she was reading too much into his reactions. He did not look tense, but a slight scowl had settled on his lips as he stared at the passing greens. Reaching out, she lay her hand around his fist, opening it carefully to take his hand. Hardly anyone was on the road, which gave her the chance to drive more relaxed without being rushed by other people. The car rolled towards the gate, only stopping for a second for the gate to open. Then she slowly maneuvered the car towards a parking slot.

Together they made their way upstairs and entered his small flat. His flat was neat and tidy just as she expected it from him. His experience from the military still very prominent in this aspect of his life. They had taught him to be tidy, to be fast about his cleaning. When there was something lying about it was usually Emma's things. Steve tried to hold on to these aspects and Emma saw no reason to discourage him. The small things that gave him the feeling that he is no stranger in this new world, those were the important things.

"Can we talk about your mission? About why you didn't even send me a text, even after Fury asked you about me." Emma sat down on his bed, as he moved about shedding his gear. He took off his clothes, then moved towards the bathroom, leaving the door open. Sighing Emma followed him and sat down on the toilet lid, as he stepped under the shower.

"There's nothing really to discuss. I know I should have at least texted you, but there was no time." Hot steam filled the bathroom as he scrubbed the sweat and grime off his body. Emma crossed her leg over the other and leaned her elbow on it. Although the sight of his body usually made her imagine things, all she could focus on now was his tired voice.

"Steve, I saw Fury's memory of that day. Just a 'Sorry on a mission' would have cut it. I would have been a bit miffed about it, but I would have understood it better than not knowing at all what is going on. This is what we fight about all the time. You don't tell me things. I understood not to ask about Shield affairs until you are ready to tell me, but at least tell me when you are leaving", her plea met a strained sigh.

"I know, Emma, I know. I'll try and remember that." After a short pause, his voice turned slightly bitter. "What about not listening to other people's thoughts anymore? Do you listen to mine? I told you, that I don't want that."

"Steve, I don't listen to your thoughts. I promised you that. Why are you so defensive? I only listened to his thoughts, because I don't trust him. Fury manipulates everyone around him, he keeps everyone calm by giving them slivers of information. Everyone thinks that he knows something, but they don't. I needed to know what is going on. That you are really on a mission."

"I am not defensive! I just don't want your nose in everything. How can you be so disrespectful to other people's business? Never EVER pull off a show like that again. You embarrassed the both of us yesterday." Through the fog of his hot shower she saw him lean heavily against the tiles of the shower stall. His large frame shaking. Although the hot water should soothe his tense muscles, he looked more tense than ever.

"Please come out of there. Tell me what's wrong?" softly she stood up again, walking towards the shower stall, then pacing back. His pausing made her take off her shoes and clothes. Carefully she joined him under the shower, lay her small hands on his back and started to knead out the tension. Her skin turned an angry red as the hot water beat down on her.

"You could just see for yourself, why do you even bother asking? I bet you already did", although his voice was rough, he did not push her away. He let her knead his back, but the tension never really left him.

"I promised you I wouldn't" she whispered in his ear over the beating of the water.

"Do it, I want you to", defeated he turned around in her embrace, then looped an arm around her and turned off the shower. The cubicle seemed smaller now with him crowding against her body. She opened the doors, they stepped out. He took a large towel off the rack and softly rubbed her dry, wrapped the towel around her and picked up her dress from the floor to hang it on the bathroom hanger.

Slowly Emma picked up her underwear, put it back on and passed him the damp towel. With a slight nod towards the bedroom he dried himself off, then walked out and put on a pair of briefs and a T-Shirt. The material clinging to his slightly damp skin, proving to Emma that he never lost the tension. Heavily he sat down on the bed, while Emma kneeled next to him, placing her fingers on his temples.

When Steve left Fury's office he made his way directly towards the jet. Sharon was already waiting in it in combat gear. Natasha sat at the head of the jet, preparing to take off. Several agents strapped themselves in where they sat. Everyone prepared for this new mission they were so unprepared for. After the disaster on the other Hydra ship, where Natasha had nearly cost them the mission, they had no chance of knowing what would happen. Sharon and he sat down, strapped themselves in and waited for the take off. It was easy to work with Sharon. They were on the same page. No different missions from his. Quietly they discussed their plan of attack. Steve suspected that Dray manufactures covered the import of supplies to finish the Hovercrafts. Slowly they were running out of time to stop Hydra from launching their genocide program.

"Steve, I found it. Prepare to jump, people." Natasha shouted above the noise of the jet itself. One by one the agents released themselves before jumping out. Sharon jumped first, Steve would be last to go. These men and women were his responsibility. This time everything would run smoothly.

One by one the parachutes opened and Steve hoped that every one of them would land safely in the water just as planned. If only one of them landed on deck or hit the ship, it would be crucial. As soon as he hit the water, he looked around for familiar small lights in the dark. They had trained this. Missions in the dark, climbing up a slippery surface. Stark had invented magnets to make climbing the side of the ship possible. He had listened intently to Tony's ramble, but all he really gathered was that with the help of magnets they would be able to climb the ship. He envisioned it like the old comic strips of thieves climbing walls with suction cups.

When they reached the top deck Steve motioned for Sharon to take her team downstairs, while another agent took a team round the other side. He would stop the ship and disconnect the communication systems. The ship seemed oddly quiet for a Hydra transport. On his way up to the control room there were only three guards. Even before they noticed his presence he had them down with a hard blow to the back of their heads. Yet when he got to the control room he altered the other teams. There was no one there. There should have at least been someone steering the ship. Nothing.

"Something is wrong; the ship is too empty. Update me on your situations. Now." His earpiece crackled quietly.

"hardly anyone down here either. We'll update you as soon as we find something" Sharon whispered into her microphone, before a similar news came from the other team.

Quickly Steve disconnected the communication, stopped the ship and then ran down to meet the others. Why would Hydra not guard something so important to them?

As fast as he could he rushed under deck. Empty hallways seemed to drag on for ever as he searched his teams. His heavy footsteps echoed loudly in the otherwise silent ship. When he turned a corner, through a large door, he was greeted by a large cargo hall. Underneath him stood the rest of his agents. Carefully he went down the stairs towards his team. All of this made no sense. There was nothing there. No cargo, no watchmen. Sharon stared at him worried.

"Did you have luck finding anything?" tentatively she moved forwards, placing her hand on his arm. Worry etched itself deeper into her eyes as he shook his head.

"Nothing. We need to get out of here. Something here is a trap for us, even if we don't know it yet. Natasha, is there any other plane on your radar?" Nervously he glanced around, then motioned for his team to follow him.

"Nothing, Captain. Everything is silent. Not even another ship.", came a concerned voice after a small while. Natasha must have triple checked everything to be sure. He could see the team starting to worry. Something there was a trap for them, but as long as they didn't know what they might not make it out alive.

"Sharon, take the team on deck and to Natasha. I'll double check everything down here. Maybe you missed something."

Before Sharon had the chance to reply he took off down another hallway. Every cabin on the way was empty, every office, every little space deserted. This ship was a distraction, or a trap, but either seemed weird. Sending out an empty ship would be too expensive. How could their information have been so wrong? They had worked out everything, he himself had made the plans. They had tracked every little piece of information. There was no way that Hydra could get the engine parts of the hovercraft other than shipping them, and this was the right ship. No other ship except the HB1945 had enough storage room for such large parts and was fast enough for their plans. They couldn't even have switched the ships, because the HB1945 is due in Singapore in a little under two hours. They had checked every aspect? How could it have gone so completely wrong?

Even if this were a trap, then what were they waiting for? They were in, they have been for 7 minutes now. Nothing had happened, or had they missed something? Steve glanced into every room, checked the kitchen, the storage. No one there. A deck lower were rows of cabins. Some beds had been slept in, yet hardly any cabin held mementos of family and friends. There was another door at the end of the hall. Captain's cabin probably. With long strides he pushed the door open. The insides of the room made him shiver in fear. Every wall was plastered with pictures. Pictures of Emma, of Bucky and Miranda, Sharon and himself. Pictures at the Xavier Institute, pictures at the new Shield building. They had been a step ahead of them all the time. They knew everything about them.

But this couldn't be all. There had to be something there. Anything. In haste he searched the desk, tearing through papers and pictures, ripping open the drawers. A quiet whizzing tore his concentration away from the desk. Searching around he noticed a small camera at the ceiling. Steve stepped closer to make sure that he was not fooling himself again. A loud beeping tore him back to the job at hand, his eyes roamed the room.

03:45.

As fast as he could Steve ran from the room. No one would notice a clock as a timer.

Emma slowly slid her fingers away from his temples and broke her connection to his mind. He had made it out. Carefully Emma wound her arms around his neck, pressing herself tightly against his chest. She could feel him deflate under her touch. The exhale of a soft sigh tickled her neck.

"that's horrible, how did they get all those pictures?" she whispered against him, worried for their safety, the safety of her students, Steve.

"I don't know. I know nothing anymore" his mumble was not lost as he gathered her in her in his strong arms. He buried his face in her hair, stroking large hands over her back. "I don't want you to leave the windows open at night. I don't want you here, or anywhere else where they might attack you. You are not safe near me" although his voice was soft the demand was clear as day.

"No, Steve. We can't run away and live in fear forever" she stared at him and pulled herself out of his embrace.

"Emma, how can you not understand?" with an annoyed sigh he got up from the bed. They were discussing the same things again and over again. Turning his back towards her, he started dressing himself for the day.

"Oh, here we go again, Steve. I already told you that I am not afraid of Hydra or any other weird organization hell bent on killing you. It won't happen. Simple as that. We cannot live our life in fear. I won't let that happen to you again. You have spent enough time like this."

"Emma! I already told you, I am not willing to risk your safety. You are going home. Today", Steve yelled at her. Frustrated he ran his hand through his shaggy hair.

"What!? Are you kidding me? I am not going home!" her scream tore through the room. Shivering she stood up and quickly pulled her dress on. Angrily they faced each other.

"Yes, you are."

"Steve this is stupid! I came here to see you! We hardly see each other anymore!"

"Emma, I am not risking your safety for a holiday!"

"No one spoke of a fucking holiday! I am at school most of my time, you are here! We both work full time! This is the only time we see each other and you promised me that you would spend time with me!"

"That was before I knew that Hydra had spies everywhere! That they knew about us and where to find you!"

"Of course they knew about us! I was at Shield; we were already dating at Shield!"

"But how could they know about your school?"

"I don't know!" she yelled back.

"We are not discussing this any further. You are going home. Today." Without letting her say another word he strode out of the room. Tears of frustration rolled down her cheeks. With long strides she followed him out of the apartment.

"Where are you going?" she yelled after him.

"Training. I can't do this now. Go home, Emma." His cold voice made her stop in her track, watching him leave. A soft sob escaped her lips as she slowly went downstairs. She wouldn't go home. He would calm down in a little while and they would talk about it. Like they talked about it before. Everything would be fine, he just needed a little time to calm down.

Emma walked down the hallway and out of the building. There was a soft breeze, so she decided against taking her car. Slowly she walked back towards the village and sat down in a small diner. Gloomily she stared ahead, as the elderly woman came up to her to take her order.

"What can I get you, dearie?" she asked cheerily. Bright rosy cheeks, a big smile and almond formed blue eyes leaned down towards Emma, while wiping off a beefy hand on a light blue frilly apron. Although small stains decorated the apron she had her hair neatly curled, with small earrings and a matching pearl necklace to decorate her otherwise chunky appearance.

"just a coffee", she sighed. Sadness clouded her vision as she thought back to Steve's angry words, his ignorance and boldness. Always the same old story, the same things they fight about. Somehow she hardly recognized the man anymore.

"Dearie, trouble always seems less bad with a piece of my special chocolate cake. Shall I bring you a piece?"

With a slight nod Emma acknowledged what the waitress said, but could not care less about it. She was just here to give Steve a few hours of space, then they could leave for a few days. Be alone. No Shield or Hydra on their backs. Just a small holiday, even just a day out or a day in the village. Everything would be fine, as long as Steve took some time away from Shield. Just to calm down. While Emma hung in her thoughts about possible ways to get Steve to agree to some time away the waitress brought over a large cup of steaming coffee, with an extra dish of cream and sugar. Then she placed a floral plate with a large piece of chocolate cake and custard in front of her.

"Eat up, everything will see brighter after that sugar bomb", she giggled softly, leaning the try against her heavy bosom. Emma gazed at her for a second, confused why she was still standing there looking at her expectantly.

"Go on, try it!" With a kind smile she urged Emma to try the sugary goodness. Emma had to admit, it was a fantastic cake. Extremely chocolaty and spongey, not too hard or dry, and the custard gave it just the extra little kick to make it one of the best things Emma had ever tasted. She emitted a soft muffled moan of delight.

"It's so good" delighted Emma munched on her cake, devouring the whole piece while disregarding her coffee.

"Lovely! You know dearie, some problems always seem worse on the surface. I don't know why you were so upset, when you came in here, but I know that you are too young to look so exhausted."

"My partner has a difficult job. Everything is unsafe in his eyes. So unsafe that he is scared to spend time with me although we hardly see each other", she sighed heavily, sipped at her coffee and finished off the cake.

"All men are scared. Especially with a pretty little thing like you. You don't want to disregard his fears as they might be reasonable even if it sounds a bit extreme. Talk to him calmly. I am sure you will think of things to do"

"But he wants me to go home, I don't live here. We really don't see each other a lot" Frustrated Emma stared outside again. A deep frown settled on her lips as she thought about going home, going back to the academy, being alone.

"Well then convince him that going home is not the safest option. If he really is concerned about your safety, then that is your ace" with a wink the lady turned away from Emma as a guest hollered at her for more coffee. With a booming laugh and a wave of her tray, she fetched the coffee pot and went to refill the customer's coffee. Most people in the small diner seemed to be regulars, it would explain the way they spoke to the waitress.

Maybe the waitress was right. She could convince Steve, that she wouldn't be safe alone at the institute and she would be alone. Jean and Scott were away on a holiday, Ororo and Xavier took the remaining students on a holiday down the coast. Her safety wouldn't be guaranteed. Steve wouldn't like that. Hydra had pictures of her at the institute. It was so simple, how had she not thought of that before? Of course Steve's fears were not figments of his mind, after what they had done to James she should have expected such a reaction. James and Miranda. She hadn't even seen them yet, she would have to ask Steve about them, when she got back.

She waved at the lady for the bill and asked for another piece of that cake to take home for Steve. He wasn't such a sweet tooth as she was, but she was sure he would enjoy that. The rich chocolatey taste with a nice glass of red wine could be the start of a wonderful evening.

With the small box Emma made her way back towards Shield. Her dress swayed around her legs, as she walked with a fast spring in her step. New hope of some time spent together settled in the pit of her stomach. A soft smile graced her lips as a slight breeze swept through her hair. Blonde locks bounced on her shoulders as she jumped up the stairs to run into the building. Now that she had an access card all she had to do was whizz it through the machine, wait for the little light to turn green and run in. No more hassle with that horrible woman at the front desk.

Quickly Emma ran down the hallways, to a lift and took it down to the seventh floor. The seventh floor was all big rooms with training facilities. There was a running track, climbing walls, boxing squares, everything one could think of. Emma knew this floor was one of the most important to Steve. He must be very glad to have it. She suspected he would be in the boxing area, so she disregarded all the other rooms. When she found the door marked "boxing", she could hear a loud moan echo even through the door. Probably one that hit the matt against Steve. Not taking more notice of it she opened the door prepared to speak to Steve about their holiday again.

Yet the moan was not one of surprise or hurt, but pleasure. Emma stood frozen in place as Steve and Sharon writhed against each other on the matt. His naked chest glistened with sweat. The loud sound of the door falling into its lock startled him into raising his eyes to hers, as she stared at the sight in front of her.

"Emma", shame, fright, surprise coated his voice as he halted in his movements and swallowed. Suddenly his throat seemed so tight, that no other words could follow with an explanation.