"Skylar? Skylar, are you okay?" Bruce asks softly, patting my cheek lightly.

I open my eyes but then quickly shield them with my hand from the bright flourescent lights. I have a dull headache. I squint and shake my head, clearing my mind. "Wha-what happened?" I ask, rubbing my forehead.

"You passed out," Bruce answers. His facial expression is very concerned.

I sit up on the cot. I then realize Bruce carried me over to the bed. "Jesus Christ, am I going to pass out every time I use my powers?"

Bruce sits back in his chair and looks at the computer in front of him. He types and clicks the mouse a few times. "No, I don't believe so. I think you're just still weak from your coma. You're so powerful that your weakened body couldn't handle it. And I found that you are dehydrated. I shouldn't have pushed you this early. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Bruce." I look down at my arm to find an IV. My stomach shifts at the sight. I look away before I vomit. "Wow," I mumble. "That was something, wasn't it?"

He looks back at me. "Oh, yes, it was. I've never seen anything like it. Your ablilities are marvelous." There is a twinkle in his eye. He shakes it out of his head and returns back to whatever he is doing on that damn computer.

I throw my legs around the side of the bed so they are hanging off. I grip the edge of the bed and hang my head. We sit in silence for a few minutes. During this time, my thoughts can't help but wander back to Steve. I'm still so puzzled about the situation. What can I not remember? I guess Bruce would know. He was there. "Bruce, can I ask you another question?"

"Sure, Skylar," he mutters, fully enveloped in the screen in front of him.

"What happened that day? The day I went into a coma? Steve... Steve said that I couldn't remember something and that's why he has been so upset."

Bruce's concentration is broken. He lowers his gaze. "You mean, what happened after the doughboy closed around you?"

"Well, yeah." I bite my lip, preparing for my answer.

He takes his glasses off and turns, but doesn't look up. "Well," his voice is somber. "I couldn't see how it started but when you were within the doughboy, your powers must have activated. A giant, white orb formed. It started out small but then it spread across the entire city. It dissolved all the doughboys, destroyed all the minions and incapacitated Arnim Zola." He looks up at me with soft eyes. "It was the most astounding thing I have ever seen."

"Then what happened?" I ask, completely emersed in what he is telling me.

He clears his throat and lowers his gaze once more. "You lowered back down to the ground and we all ran right to you. Steve held you in his arms as you said your last good-byes." He starts to grow red with embarrassment.

"And..?" I question, impatiently.

Bruce sighs. "You... you told Steve you loved him; that you always had." He ducks his head, waiting for my reaction.

I look away from the man, thinking. I try hard to remember but there isn't anything coming. I don't know how I feel about this. Why is Steve so angry? Was he expecting me to wake up and say "I love you"? I guess I didn't think about it. I don't remember saying it so I didn't want to drop a bomb like that yet. It's as if it never happened for me. I am in love with him. But what am I to do? Then it comes to me.

My gaze shoots up. "I need to talk to Steve."

"What? Now? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Bruce crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.

"Yes. Steve and I need to fix this. I'm not going to let this fucking coma ruin my relationship with the man I love." I slam my fist down on the bed. Before Bruce can object, I'm to the elevator.

I travel up to my room to get changed out of this weird body suit. I reach my room and observe the damage I caused with a dismal heart. I stare at it for a few moments and then continue to get ready. I pick out a lacey bra and panties--just in case. Once I'm finished, I grab my messenger bag and then I'm making my way toward the door. Just then, I feel a hand around my arm.

"Skylar, wait," Bruce calls after me.

I turn to face my fellow Avenger. "What is it, Bruce?" I ask, looking up into his deep brown eyes.

His eyes shoot to the ground. He looks uneasy but then he makes eye contact with me. "I don't think you should go." I give him an uncertain look. "I mean, I think you should give Steve a couple days. Sometimes when you're apart from someone, you realize how much they mean to you."

"But I was away from him--for six months! And he technically was away from me too. I need to make this right. I can't let this relationship die. I need him." I bite my lip, wanting to stop the word vomit.

"I know, but he just needs time to cool off. Plus, it's really late. You need to rest. Another screaming match will not help you. I'm telling you this as both your doctor and your friend." Bruce puts his arm on my shoulder. "Please," he pleads.

I stare at the white tiling on the floor, thinking. "Fine," I sigh deeply.

"Alright! Great, then! Now let's go get you into bed. You need that beauty sleep." He winks at me.

Notes

So this is a short chapter. And sorry this is late. I had a crazy last week. I had to go back to the psych hospital. But anyway. What do you guys think?

Skylar's Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/skylar_12/set?id=57394646