Author's notes: It's Monday again. Yey! Thank you so much to everyone who's been reading this, Remeber to leave a comment (Even if it's to say it's sh*t. Seriously, I wanna know). Two things I forgot to mention last week: English is not my first language (I'm Brazilian so... Portuguese wired brain working here), and I took this story as a test on my English skills so I'm not using any translation software or dictionary. I decided to rely solely on my (brief) experience as an English teacher (and google when I forget how to spell a word). I triple check every chapter, but any mistakes are completely my fault and you can aim your tomatoes at me.

Second: I'm using a timeline made by the website Collider to situate this story (It isn't official but it's the most coherent I found), the only major alteration I found is that it places Iron Man 1 in 2010,instead of 2008 (it actually works better for me that way, so I'm going with it).

That's it for today, hope you enjoy this and will expect to hear from you guys.

Trigger warning: mention of violence (brief description of an accident involving the death of children).

From the sidewalk Lilian could see the superheroes inside the building. God knows why their first meeting would be occurring in a hangar but she didn't have a habit of questioning the decisions of the people paying her, not when she trusted them. And she trusted Nat.
They had known each other since The Academy and Nat had taught her everything, if she had such things as friends, one might say Nat was her best friend. But don't tell Maria Hill.
She tried to make herself known before reaching the door, tried to let them know that she was there, about to burst through the heavy glass door and intrude on their bad ass superhero pose moment. She would have succeeded, if the spectacularly handsome blonde wasn't shouting at them, to get their attention.
- Avengers! - His voice was loud and commanding, there was no mistake about who was boss when this guy was in the room. - Assemble.
Lilian snorted. Not on purpose, but still very loudly. She dropped her gym bag on the floor and graced the blonde man in a tight red white and blue suit with a slow clap.
- That was beautiful. - She tested giving a few more steps into the building, hoping none of the other heavily armed people would kill her instantly. She would hate to be forced to hurt them. - Did you rehearse that expression in the mirror or does it just come naturally to you?
Before Lilian could finish the sentence he had already jumped the rail from the second to the ground floor. Nat, who had been standing right by his side, had sprinted downstairs and inserted herself in his way.
- Who are you? How did you get in here? - He seemed angry, but his eyes were the perfect depiction of fear. Nat placed a hand on his chest, right over the white star.
- She works for us. Lilian, the new skills trainer. Remember? - Recognition seemed to dawn on him. Nat turned to Lilian, annoyed - Maybe next time knock? Someday you'll get your neck snapped and I won't be there to save you.
- When that day comes y'all better run for the hills, 'cause the end of the world will be afoot. - Lilian snickered. - Besides, Captain Rogers and I are already acquainted.
- We are? - His expression was confusion, but that was expected. Lilian allowed his eyes a moment to roam her features.
- Honestly, I'm hurt. - She layed a hand over her heart, feigning disgruntlement - How could you have forgotten our wild, steamy night of passion?
Every single pair of eyes was on the Captain now, who had turned so pink in the cheeks he made Lilian think of badly applied makeup in teenage girls.
- I d-didn't - the Captain stammered - I mean, I couldn't have. Right? I would... I would never do that. For-forget that. - Nat had tears in her eyes from trying to contain the waves of laughter, unsuccessfully.
- Shame on you, man - the tall black man with the weird metal backpack said, patting the Captain on the back - I thought you'd be different, you know? That you'd be a gentleman and all that. This is disappointing.
Nat was full fledged cackling now, her face covered by her hands. The Captain was still staring at Lilian, mouth agape and confused expression.
- But I didn't... I don't remember...
- Because you haven't - Nat intervened, probably feeling sorry for the guy. - Lilian used to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. You probably crossed paths at the Triskelion.
- Think short blond hair and a lip piercing - Lilian addressed the Captain - I used to hang around with the accounting crew.
Lilian could almost see the cogs turning inside his head, the smoke coming out of the rusted metal grinding against each other and the little lightbulb flicking above his head.
- Right, I remember you - his face went from recognition to anger in .2 seconds flat - We never had a night of wild, steamy passion! - The words seemed so out of place coming from his stoic, level headed figure that everyone was laughing now.
- I know, I'm sorry. I lose the friend, but I don't miss the joke. - Lilian offered her hand - Lilian Shadow, your new Special Skills and Physical Endurance Trainer.
- Steve Rogers - his hand was big and warm, and his handshake was sure and almost too strong. Almost. - I trust you already know Natasha.
- She better - Nat picked Lilian's gym bag from the floor - I taught this little weasel everything she knows. What the hell do you carry in this thing? - She dropped the bag back down
- Bricks - Lilian responded with a serious face - So, who are the rest of my victims?
Steve, and Lilian felt weird thinking of Captain America as Steve, motioned the black man from before.
- Sam Wilson - the man offered his hand, which Lilian shook - but in the field I go by Falcon. Former PJ, part time counsellor at the VA, part time super hero.
- It is a pleasure and an honor. - Lilian turned to the rest of the group, a Slavic looking woman, a black man in his 40's in an Ironman-like suit and a purple flying man with a cape.
- Colonel James Rhodes - a silver hand was thrusted in front of Lilian - but my codename is War Machine.
- I'm Wanda - the only other woman in the room said, choosing a shy wave instead of a hand shake. - Wanda Maximoff.
- You don't have a superhero name? - Lilian asked. She looked disappointed.
- Not yet. I'm hoping they will coin me one soon.
- I believe you are entitled to choosing your own alias, Wanda - the purple flying guy had somehow lowered himself to stand right behind Lilian. - Hello, my name is Vision. I am an android built by Tony Stark and Dr. Bruce Banner. I also don't have a codename, but due to the eccentric nature of my name I assume it is safe to say I won't be needing one.
Lilian didn't know whether to take it completely seriously or to assume the guy was joking. She gave Nat a 'is this guy for real?' sideways glance.
- Yep. - Nat put an arm around Lilian's shoulder - He's not even the weirdest thing we ended up with. You'll get used to it.
- Well, it is very nice to meet all of you. I can't wait to make you all cry and ask for your mamas, like little babies. - Ignoring the shocked and confused faces she turned her attention back to Steve, still forcing her brain to make the connection that Captain America's name was something as simple as Steve. - The very irritated looking and unkind military guy at the gate said my personal belongings would be delivered to my room. If you guys don't mind I could use a shower and a fresh set of clothes. I had 2 days to pack, vacate and move my entire apartment. - She grabbed Natasha's head with her right hand - Somehow it slipped this beautiful mind that you people own several jets, so I had to put up with 2 hours in the economy class next to a pubescent gun aficionado plus another hour of traffic from La Guardia, 'cause someone thought I deserved that.
- Geez, somebody doesn't like you very much - Colonel Rhodes pointed out.
- It seems so, but don't worry. At least I had time to get acquainted with your files.
- Wait up - Sam interjected - You already knew who we were? Why'd you make us introduce ourselves?
- You can learn a lot about a person by the way they introduce themselves. Besides, it'd be creepy if I came in here knowing shit about y'all. I'm already weird enough as it is, don't need to freak you guys out more than strictly necessary. - with that she picked up her gym bag, locked arms with Natasha and let herself be escorted to her new sleeping quarters.

-X-

Lilian was expecting living quarters. Not a camp dormitory where she'd be assigned a bunk bed, but maybe a very simple, plain room with a bed and maybe a dresser, down the hall from the communal showers. She didn't expect the staff suite ('cause there was no other way to describe what that room was): a large white room, that according to Natasha could be painted in 4 hours if Lilian wanted to choose a specific color, with large windows facing the door, a double bed on the far right wall, a lean metal desk set against the windows and two doors on the left wall, closer to the door. Obviously no one had ever lived there, but that seemed to be the standard issued Avenger room.
- Make yourself at home - Natasha plopped down on the bed - the door on the right is your bathroom, the one on the left is the closet. I think your stuff is gonna be in there.
- OK. - Lilian exclaimed walking into the closet to find her suitcases and boxes already there - Who is the lunatic that put up the money to build this place. And please don't say the US Government - she added before Nat could answer.
- Actually lunatic is an accurate adjective. The property belongs to Stark Industries, it used to be a storage facility until Tony decided that we were a fraternity, apparently, and remodeled the whole thing. Everyone on the team has a room like this, - Lilian was about to interrupt her - as well as the staff. Doctors, scientist, engineers, trainers... It's the same thing for everyone.
- Seems a bit much. - Lilian wandered into the bathroom. It had a bathtub. A real life, honest to God bathtub. - What would I need my own bathroom for?
- Privacy? - Nat rebutted - Because you're a grown woman who has a full time job and deserve to have nice things for yourself?
- I know, but I still think is too much. I'm not complaining, really, this place is beautiful. It's just orphan brain... - Natasha gave her a knowing look - With time you get used to not having your own stuff and sharing everything else that you do have. Maybe I'll choose some color, put up some paintings and definetly some blinds 'cause this sun is going to destroy my retinas in the morning.
- You're so dramatic - Natasha got up from the bed and made her way towards the door - I'll let you freshen up and unpack. Do you want me to send some food for you?
- No, just let me know what time is dinner and where the cafeteria is.
- Dinner's at 7 and we eat at the dining Hall. There are signs everywhere but if you get lost just ask H.E.L.E.N - Natasha was already in the hallway
- Wait - Lilian jumped out of the room - Who's H.E.L.E.N?
- Hello, Ms. Shadow. - A disembodied voice sounded through the hall - I am H.E.L.E.N, Household entertainment liaison and electronic network. I am an AI buit by Mr. Anthony Stark to serve as a guide and assistant at the Avengers Compound in Upstate New York. - Natasha already had a hand in Lilian's shoulder, predicting the scare H.E.L.E.N would give Lilian.
- It's OK. Vision used to be an AI too, you read his file. H.E.L.E.N is great, she can help you with anything you need. Except moving furniture. - she looked proud of her joke, even if it wasn't a very good one.
- Don't worry Ms. Romanoff, even though I lack a physical body I can arrange for personnel to carry out the manual labor I am incapable of performing. So Ms. Shadow may feel free to request my assistance should she need to move some furniture around.
- If this daisy turns into Skynet Imma let her kill you first. - Lilian said to Natasha's back, as that one was already more that halfway through the corridor.
- Ms. Shadow, if you don't mind. - the disembodied voice spoke - Now would be an optimal opportunity to configure your biometrical data into the building's system.
- Alright, what do I do? - Lilian answered, as she tried not to look at the ceiling.
- Place each os your right hand fingers into the biometrical reader next to your door, one at a time. They will be the primary mechanism to unlock your door as well as security clearance based rooms. If you'd like we may also set up a backup password, in case your fingers are damaged or your fingerprints are stolen by Czech mercenary pirates who sell body parts on the black market.
- Do you have a lot of experience with that? - Lilian pressed each of her finger on the bio scanner - Body parts stealing pirates?
- Not really - the AI responded - Unless you count novels and fanfiction. - That stunned Lilian more than every other thing this bizarrely soulful AI had said.
- You have the habit of reading?
- It is not necessary for my pre-programmed task, but I enjoy reading books about police investigations and international crimes. - she almost seemed shy, maybe embarrassed.
- That's cool. Is there anything else I need to do? Any other security measures?
- None - H.E.L.E.N sounded a bit more cheerful - I will notify you when dinner is ready and assist you with navigating the compound. If you wish to bathe, there are towels in the top left drawers of your closet.
- Thank you H.E.L.E.N - with that Lilian walked back into her room to retrieve towels and a change of clean clothes, hoping to be able to take a relaxing bath after a very agitated 24 hours.

-X-

- So the two of you are friends? - Steve was pretending Natasha needed someone to hold the punching bag so he could talk to her.
- Lilian is not the type of person who has friends. - Natasha's fist didn't falter - She has coworkers, and close acquaintances. I don't think she's called anyone her friends since she was twelve.
- Seems like a sad way to live - Natasha knew he was fishing for intel, trying to make her think it had been her idea to divulge information on the newest member of the staff.
- If you're so interested in her personal life go ask her about it. I wouldn't want people prying into my business, I'm not about to do that to her. But of one thing you can be certain: she's the best trainer we could have hired. - Steve felt slightly ashamed as Natasha walked out of the gym, and proceeded to try and organize his thoughts by doing what he did best... Punching stuff.
Physical exertion had always had a calming effect on Steve, he found that by driving your body to the edge of exhaustion your mind would be free to sort out all the conflicting information. It had worked when he first came out of the ice, punching a bag had made his mind clear to start understanding everything that he had lost and everything he would have the opportunity to gain. It didn't surprise him then when he remember why Lilian's persona struck as so familiar. Not two years before, Natasha had suggested he asked Lilian out on a date (the memory was particularly vivid because Natasha had just kicked Jasper Sitwell from a rooftop). Steve had, of course, denied his friend's suggestion by saying that he wasn't ready to get involved with someone who made the choice to pierce their lip.
Technically it was not a lie. He did think piercings were a very uncomfortable and useless fashion trend, but it wasn't what Steve was afraid of. He had thought about moving on, Peggy had asked him to, but the 5'4" 90lbs kid from Brooklyn inside his head kept telling him he should not betray his girl like that. That his heart belonged to Peggy and it always would. It was irritating at some times, and Steve managed to keep other women away from his thoughts by focusing on all the "wrong features" they possessed.
Seeing Lilian as the short accounting assistant, with shoulder length dirty blond hair (always in a complete state of disarray) and a lip piercing had been easy. He could toss her on the pile of "too 21st century looking to be appealing", but seeing her today had been complicated.
Her short stature was compensated by the heeled boots she wore and her hair was no longer short, blond or resembling an Eagle's nest. Instead she had elbow length slightly frizzy waves, and they looked to be a deep brown that shimmered red under the light. And without the lip ring Steve could (even if just for a fraction of a second and really out of pure habit) picture her back in the 40's: a beautiful dress that matched her eyes, styled hair with pins and a pearl necklace to finish the look. She would have been the synonym of perfection.
Steve only realized how hard he was hitting the bag when it split in half and flew 30 feet backwards into a wall. What had he been thinking? Fraternizing with a staff member? Absolutely not, it was way too unprofessional for his liking. He would just forget about it, put it out of his head and develop a good working relationship with the woman.
- Captain Rogers - he was dragged out of his inner monologue by H.E.L.E.N - Dinner will be served in thirty minutes.
- Thank you, H.E.L.E.N - he responded from the door. Maybe a cold shower would set his mind straight.

-X-

- The dining Hall will be the next door to your left. - the disembodied voice of H.E.L.E.N guided Lilian through the maze that was the compound.
- Thank you H.E.L.E.N - She pushed the shiny metal door and halted immediately. The "dining Hall", much like the "standard living quarters" was not what she expected. Once again, considering there were about 200 people residing in the property, Lilian had expected a cafeteria, long rows of benched tables where everyone could sit together and share meals. She didn't expect this, the mahogany table, the high cushioned chairs, the marble counter tops.
The dining hall was exactly what you'd hope to find in a Victorian mansion, but with two 10 seat tables, instead of one.
- Seriously, is Stark insane? - Lilian reached the table and touched the wood. - How does everybody eat in this place? Taking turns?
- There are other dining halls - Colonel Rhodes explained - Every department has its own building and its own facilities. This one is just for us... Active field agents and the ops training staff.
- Still excessive. - Lilian scoffed and took a seat next to Natasha, who was seated at the right head of the table. - By the way, I'm going to need everyone's schedules so I can build my training program.
- NO! - Sam interjected - No work talk during meals.
- Sorry, my bad - Lilian apologized
- Not your fault. - Steve tried to soothe the awkwardness - You didn't know.
- Tell us about you, Lilian - the brunet with the Slavic features... Wanda asked
- Well - Lilian swuirmed in her chair, uncomfortable with all the eyes trained on her - I used to work for S.H.I.E.L.D, in the covert infiltration squad.
- I thought you said accounting - Colonel Rhodes interrupted
- That was one of my assignments. - it seemed Lilian now had the Captain's full attention - Director Fury had found some discrepancies in the financial reports for Project I.N.S.I.G.H.T. and asked me to take a closer look. I had just found the whole HYDRA situation under layers of shell companies when he was shot. Maria put me in a helicopter the next day and staged an accident involving a bus and a body from the county morgue. - there were winces in all faces, except Natasha's. - After the incident at the Triskelion I took 6 months R&R and started working for the CIA, but Maria Hill still calls me when somebody stirs up shit like that murderbot did.
- Why did you take 6 months off? Were you injured? - Sam's concern was genuine, Lilian could see it in his eyes.
- I wasn't supposed to be there. My assignment was to assist law enforcement in evacuating the area, minimize civilian casualties, but I got distracted trying to fish two little girls out of the Potomac. When the first helicarrier fell they were thrusted into the river and couldn't get out. - Lilian's voice was the only sound in the room, the lasagna in her plate half eaten - I had them almost at the edge but one of the turbines from the third helicarrier came off and fell on them. Broke my left arm in 3 places, shredded both girls into confetti. If I had just turned around and gotten to an ambulance it would have been fine, but as I was getting out of the water I saw a guy lying on the ground, not moving. So I called for backup and gave him CPR for 8 uninterrupted minutes, until the ambulance arrived.
- Jesus! - Colonel Rhodes was clearly trying not to be emotional - No wonder you took a semester. I would have retired.
- Do you know if the man made it? If he is ok? - Wanda's voice was sweet despite her strong Russian-like accent. Lilian hesitated for a second, analyzing her lasagna and realizing she had lost her appetite, and swiftly turned to look at Steve.
- Well, he clearly made it. - Every head turned to the Captain - And he also seems pretty ok to me. If you'll excuse me I'm not hungry anymore, but I do need some sleep.
Nobody had said a word as Lilian stood up and made her way out of the dining hall. Trying to remember the way back to her room, she still had to ask H.E.L.E.N for directions, twice.