Her eyes watched the fan blades above--round and round and round. Pulling his college sweatshirt tighter around herself, she shivered, wet hair soaking through her pillow. 'Harboring a fugitive...' She'd heard the whole conversation, and she couldn't very well stay with him now. Cassie couldn't put Stephen at risk. What if Janet changed her mind?

     The door slid open with a creak, and Wong stuck his head in, checking to see if she was awake. Her eyes traveled over his face before she turned her head, staring at the far wall.

     "Cassie? Is there anything I can do?"

     With a heavy swallow, she shook her head.

     "Doctor Strange said he'd like to speak with you...if you're feeling up to it."

     "I suppose."

     She waited anxiously till Stephen entered her room. His face revealed his relief, and she knew Janet's concession was what made him smile.

     Strange approached her and reached down, helping her to sit, with a hand under her knees. His eyes met hers for a brief moment, and she tried to return his smile. He grinned and sat on the edge of the bed.

     "You get cleaned up?"

     With a wordless nod, she stared at the sheets.

     "Wong gave you my sweatshirt?"

     Again, she merely nodded.

     "How bad is the pain, Cassie?"

     "It's fine."

     His smile fell, and he grimaced, reaching forward and placing a hand under her neck. Still, she wouldn't meet his eyes.

     "Either you're in a lot of pain...or you're upset?"

     Cassie remained silent, unsure what to say. A heavy sigh left his lips as he struggled to find something to say.

     "I'm sorry, Cassie."

     Her eyes jumped back to his, surprised. "Why didn't you return my calls?" she murmured softly.

     Guilt clouded his eyes for a moment. "Cassie there've been things going on, and I didn't have-"

     "You-you didn't have time for me?" she stuttered, throat clenching.

     "No, Cassie--not that. It's just-"

     "You took the key..."

     Uncomfortably, he rubbed the back of his neck. There was a long, reigning silence.

     Finally, he cleared his throat and stood, pacing to the far side of the room, near the window. "Cassie...I thought it would be better to give you some space. Thor assured me that-"

     "What if I needed you though?"

     "I'm not your guardian. You're a grown adult," he snapped unexpectedly.

     Her words died in her throat. "I-I know..."

     The flutter of her voice surprised him, and he turned, gaze softened. "I'm sorry... I am. I know--I know it was harsh." His eyes grew wide, and he took two steps forward, placing his hands on her shoulders as she tried to sit. "No. No you're not." Gently, he forced her back into the bed.

     "Stephen...I just...I'm getting the hang of...of...this," she held out her hands, as though that would explain, "and I just think-"

     "Getting the hang of it is not the same thing as mastering it, Cassie."

     "But I-"

     "No. You're my responsibility..."

     "I'm a grown adult, Stephen," she retorted back to him.

     "You know you need my help."

     "I'm not asking to...to...have you ignore me again. I'm just--just not going to stay here."

     "Why?" His eyes were pleading with her.

     She shook off his grasp and exhaled, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Well, like you said...you're busy...with big, important stuff apparently."

     "Cass-"

     "No, Stephen. I know you're working with...with whatever her name was, and I don't need to be in the way anyway."

     "Cassie, listen-"

     "Besides, I'd rather do anything but focus on my...abilities right now. Anything but think about them."

     Stephen didn't say anything. His eyes were focused on her, however. "Where will you stay?"

     "I've got a place...an apartment."

     Slowly, she placed her bare feet on the floor and tried to stand. Her legs threatened to give out, and Stephen suddenly stepped forward, catching her by the arm. With a jab of pain in her gut, Cassie clenched her abdomen, resting her forehead on his chest.

     "You can't even walk right now," he murmured into her ear.

     "It was just a second of pain," she protested. Pulling away with a grimace, she stuffed her hands into the sweatshirt.

     "All right, Cassie. But please, call me. We can't afford another accident. Things are happening, and if Stark decides that he won't put up with you anymore...well, there are many different people who could easily detain or dispose of you. So, if things aren't going well...or you need me, I promise I'll answer."

     She smiled weakly and nodded.

     "Here." He reached into his pocket and pulled out her cellphone. "Stark found it. He also managed to grab a couple of your books from the wreckage. They're by the door."

     She nodded gratefully, taking her phone.

     "Keep the sweatshirt."

     She glanced down at the sweatpants and sweatshirt Wong had given her. A smile crossed her face, and she inched forward, wrapping her arms around his neck.

     "Thank you," she whispered.

     He didn't say anything, and finally, he pulled away, nodding toward the door. Quickly, she gathered her wet clothes and shoes and walked to the door, not stopping to look at Stephen. Wong stood in the hallway, but she didn't speak to him either, determined to leave.

     **********

     Cold air hit her face, and the concrete was wet beneath her feet. With shaky hands, she dialed his number.

     "Hello?"

     "Steve?"

     "Cassie?!"

    "Yeah...I-I need a ride."

     "Are you okay?"

     "Yes...but please just...just meet me outside my school."

     "All right."

     She heard the hesitation in his voice before he hung up. Biting the inside of her cheek, she stared at the screen. 1:05 am. And Steve was still willing to come pick her up.

     **********

     Cassie smiled at Steve, waiting for his cute, boyish smile. Instead, he merely grimaced. He approached quickly, placing both hands on her shoulders but not making eye contact. His eyes roamed the area. For what, she wasn't sure.

     "Steve?" she prompted.

     Briefly, he held her gaze, and then his eyes widened. "Are you okay?"

     She blushed, nodding. His fingers slid under her eye to a large, swelling bruise.

     "Cassie...where is he? What did he do to you?"

     "Huh?"

     "Your date? Where is he?"

     "Oh...no...no, I-I-didn't go on the date."

     His face scrunched in confusion, and he slid his fingers down her arm to her hand, observing the cuts along her arm. "So he didn't hurt you? What happened?"

     "I--um, well-" Her eyes lowered to the ground, and Steve observed her quietly.

     "Cassie?"

     "I-I lost control." She felt his grip tighten on her hand, and shame began to overwhelm her.

     "You what? Like Bleecker Street?"

     She nodded wordlessly, ashamed.

     "Cassie, I'm so sorry..."

     His words caught her off guard, and she glanced up, eyes wide with surprise. She found nothing but sincerity in his.

     "Come on."