Chapter 5

The following morning her fears were confirmed when she woke up to an empty bed. Andy sighed and pulled on some sweatpants and a tank top. She went into the kitchen area and started to make chocolate chip pancakes, her comfort food. As she was preparing the ingredients she knocked over a measuring cup full of milk, she looked down at it and started to cry, literally cry over spilled milk. If she wasn't so upset, she would have laughed. Steve walked in and looked over at her.

"Oh babydoll, let me help you." He helped her clean up the mess then he took her into his arms and dried her tears.

"Come in baby, let's go talk." They went back to his room and sat in the on bed.

"Is this about last night?" He questioned and she nodded.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't even thought about doing that, you have every right to be mad at me." She sobbed and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Doll I'm not mad, it's water under the bridge. I'm sorry you didn't get to finish last night, but I had to let you know that wasn't ok." He told and she nodded in understanding. "I promise I can give you what you need and I will, you just have to have a little patience. Now, how about I make up for last night and then help you finish making breakfast?" He offered and she smiled. It's was quick and sloppy, but she couldn't have been happier, Steve even let loose a little once or twice. He freaked out a bit when he saw that he had left some bruises on her hips, but she told him she would wear them proudly. Afterward they went into the kitchen and resumed breakfast. Tony walked in and sniffled the air.

"Chocolate chip pancakes?" Tony asked.

"Yep, you're just in time." Suddenly Steve And Tony's communicators went off.

"Sorry princess, looks like Capsicle and I have to go." Tony said and grabbed a pancake for the road.

"See you tonight, I wish I could stay." Steve said and kissed her.

"It's ok, I have to make a conference call with Professor Xavier. Love you."

"Love you too." As soon as Steve left Andy call the Professor, she knew his class schedules so she was confident he'd answer. Andy sat there nervously as he picked up and his face appeared on screen.

"Miss Stark, long time no see. How are you doing?"

"I'm ok, but there is something I need to talk to you about." She said, biting her lip.

"Something to do with your powers?" She nodded.

"I find myself wanting to use them for the wrong reasons." She confessed.

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean, could you give me an example." He face heated up. Could she really tell her mentor about trying to take advantage of her boyfriend during an intimate moment? Andy made her confession through guilt ridden tears.

"Well this certainly isn't a step in the right direction, I suggest meditation and careful note taking. If you have any other issues I would advise that you come visit the mansion."

"Thank you professor."

"It's no problem Andrea, please come to the school soon, the staff does enjoy your speeches." She gave him a soft smile.

"Will do Professor." After hanging up she retrieved some candles and put on some soothing music before starting her meditation. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes. Her mind was racing and she could feel the emotions of the whole tower at once, wasn't this supposed to be relaxing? She tapped into something, something dark. A chill bolted down her spine and she gripped the carpet. Visions of death and destruction flashed behind her eyes. She broke the connection and sat back on her heels.

"Ok, meditation was a bad idea." She mumbled under her breath. She knew those thoughts and emotions had to be coming from a prisoner, she had to go somewhere away from everyone. That was when an idea popped into her head.

"Hey Jarvis, can you call Matt Murdock for me?"

"Of course Miss Stark, would you like his work number or personal line?"

"Personal." Jarvis dialed and Matt's voice rang through the speakers.

"Hello?"

"Hey Matt it's Andy, do you mind if I use your sensory deprivation chamber for a few hours? I need some peace and quiet." She asked hopefully.

"You know you're always welcome at casa Murdock." Andy left a note for Steve that said she was visiting a friend, she would explain the rest to him later. After a few hour of uninterrupted thought and relaxation she climbed out of the chamber and saw Matt.

"Hey Murdock." She greeted and started drying herself off.

"Hey Start, long time no… well.. Hear I guess." He said and chuckled.

"Thanks for letting me use the chamber Matt, I really needed it."

"Want a drink before you go?"

"I feel like I shouldn't be drinking in front if a lawyer." She joked.

"Why? I can't see you." He snickered.

"Raincheck? My boyfriend should be back from his mission by now, I need to get back." Matt was disappointed, but understanding. Andy and Matt had dated when they were younger, but it didn't work out, it had been around the time her powers were developing and the stress was too much for their relationship to handle. Andy gave Matt a quick hug and left. When she got back to the tower she found Steve in the bath.

"Hey sexy." She said and leaned down to kiss him.

"Hey baby, how was your day?"

"It was ok, I missed you."

"I missed you too. How about you get in here with me? I could wash your back… or other parts." He chuckled devilishly. Andy undressed and sat down between Steve's legs. She relaxed against his chest and he lightly massaged her scalp. Andy turned and started nibbling on Steve's neck. The door opened, Andy's face reddened and she nearly jumped out of her skin. There was Bucky standing in the doorway, with a shocked look on his face.

"The tower is under attack." He announced and left at record speed. The two got out of the tub and quickly dressed.