Now within the Director's firm and reassuring grasp, Liara was escorted down the hall. Onward past various rooms, the man continued ushering the She Wolf. He could tell what was now his dear friend still struggling. Trapped deep within her own mind, beyond trying to figure things out. A shell of a body just moving, going through the motions. Her slow movements were overly indicative of this. Too willing, overly dependent in him. For anyone else, this could be chalked off to normalcy. However, for someone like this particular woman, detesting the mere touch of another. Unheard of.

She was here once before, Nick could remember it all too well. It had to be close to twenty years ago. They were stationed in the same town. She with HYDRA and he, of course with SHIELD. Liara, as she always was, beyond ready to help him in his own personal vendetta to take his conflicting organization down. Seemingly carefree to any repercussions to her actions.

She was undercover from her own men, overly enjoying herself with the self-treason. He and Liara functioned flawlessly as a unit. Fast, swift. Unseen and unheard. Mainly due to her speed and skill. A profound ability to adapt and completely complement his style.

The battle which ensued, escalated quickly. In fact, this was the first occasion Nick Fury actually saw Guerra on a battlefield personally. Which left him somewhat taken back, leading him to open his eyes on the benefits of having this woman and her abilities on his side. Well full time, not just on a whim. The fashion in which Liara was fluid with her combat skills, without breaking any strides as she slung him aside to safety. Proceeding to take down the outnumbering men who had him in a tight spot, all within just seconds. Even after the three bullets she had taken, by jumping between him and their incoming fire.

After this everything went south, and fast. Cutting the dead silence, a blood-curdling scream before Liara crashed hard to the ground. She covered her ears quickly with a panic, before mustering one last growl. Fury heard nothing, only scooped his partner from the ground. Slinging her over his shoulder, finding the heavy brush enough cover to safely check on her thoroughly.

The stern dark-skinned man, currently walking a slow pace, took a heavy huff as he shook memories off.

"Come on Guerra. You need to kick in and save your damn self. It's taking you too goddamned long to right Liara. She needs you." The man who had his hands wrapped tightly around the woman's shoulders, sternly whispered in a right ear.

No response. Not even a flinch.

The Director of the band of misfits, continued down a barely lit corridor. He was two doors from his destination, as he received a call over his earpiece.

Fury pushed on, however this time in a rush. " ."

"Sir. The utmost importance." The female voice sternly pushed back. The urgency, unmasked.

No answer.

"Sir?!" The question more a statement.

Nicholas refused to tear his attention from the woman currently in more need of his aid. They rounded one last corner. He called out to a teammate whom he knew, more than capable of assistance, when catching sight of him before the man completely entered his own dormitory.

The average height, fair-skinned man turned slowly around. Catching sight of the incoming duo. Taking more than note, a distant devoid and emotionless face. Paired with glassed over, bewildered yellow eyes were more than enough, compelling concern.

"Well don't just stand there, Banner! Help me with her." Nicholas demanded to the other gentleman.

There was a slight hesitance before the scientist trusted himself thoroughly, to even give a helping hand. "Umm, sur... of course. What happened. Is she…"

Fury unlocked his door, softly and carefully guiding the currently frail super-human safely inside. "Exactly what in the hell does it look like doctor? Even the strongest have weaknesses."

Following two steps reluctantly behind, the overly awkward scientist latched the entrance closed. "Yes, I completely understand this, however. I meant, her state. This is something I have never…"

There was a nod, as Fury cut the other man off. "I've seen it only once before. Liara has shied away, as well as Guerra. Both lost somewhere inside, refusing to take control. I have been there, and through this with her before. When you have been with her this long, you get the pleasure of seeing even the not so wonderful sides. And with this magnificent woman, you better believe the bad outweigh the good."

Nicholas led the olive-skinned woman to his bed, guiding Liara down. He sat close, bending down only to right himself with her legs in hand, extracting shoe by shoe. The dark-skinned man took a long look over the woman currently imprisoned within her own mind. Dull yellow eyes only stared forward. Oblivious to any of his actions.

Nick followed his care by lightly pushing her back, until her head laid flush with one of his hard pillows. On reflex the man stood tall after pulling the covers to her waist.

Bruce observed with a quick building, jealous inner rage. How could this particular man, one so cold and calculating, be so tender with this woman? Just what was their relationship? Was it always as he imagined? They continuously seemed so familiar. Overly accustomed to the closeness of each other. His emotions were beginning to get the better of him.

"I do not think that is true in the least." Masking his bothered state, the best he could muster.

"You may be right. However, I don't have the time to stand here with you and argue about it either, doctor." A rub at his goatee.

The overly fidgety scientist furrowed his brow while watching the Avengers Director leave from the bedside. To rummage through the long bottom drawer on a dresser which sat on the wall facing the sole entryway. He returned handing him a syringe. "What is this?"

"The last time, the only way I could cure her, was for some pretty damn drastic measures to be taken. This could be considered the same thing. Inside is the remainder of what you gave me some time ago, doctor Banner." Fury saw the expression change as soon as he mentioned it.

"The serum, which made…" Bruce began as he took in the vial within his right hand.

"Guerra pissed more than a damn little bit at me," the taller man finished the doctor's sentence, with his own version. "Look, I need for you to give this to her."

The furrow deepened while the scientist wet his lips, changing his gaze from the small glass needle to the woman in the bed, "with her stamina, I highly doubt this is even barely enough."

"Which is why once again you are going to take care of her." Fury pushed past the man with more rage within than a little bit.

There was a change within Bruce, one he himself not quite understanding. He hated confrontation, however in this instance, it seemed only natural. "Why should I and just why are you not going to administer this yourself? You claim you have seen her in this debilitated state, making you the most qualified in assistance. She is only here because of you anyhow, so I somehow feel this is your problem to solve."

There was a smirk on the dark-skinned man, accompanied with a huff as he stopped reaching for the door. Nick turned to the shorter man, walking up to place a reassuring hand on Bruce's right shoulder. "Trust me, neither of us want to see my way of fixing things. Look doctor Banner, when I stated I took drastic measures, believe me I did exactly that. Just take better care of her. I have complete faith in you and can understand you are hesitant. I get it, she isn't your fan club president, yet you are a doctor first and foremost. You took a vow to protect, or am I mistaken? One of us has to be the bigger man here. You can't hurt her. Hell, no more than I have, to say the least."

Bruce changed his gaze from the truthful eye of the Director, to the anti-stress serum filled vial Fury used years ago to make himself seem dead to the world. A deep calming breath. "You are right. I am going to do what I can, however if I am unsuccessful?"

Fury gave the body in his bed a once over, "you're a smart man."

Banner took in everything the man before him did. Furrowed his brow before lowering his head when an inspecting eye returned his gaze before leaving. Fury yanked the door open, "Oh Banner, I'm going to need a rush on that. I need her back asap."

There was a nod given to the bald head of the Director as the man fully exited the room. A huge intake of breath was let go as Banner turned to take in the woman fully entrapped within her mind. His feet had him at her side before his mind even began to think of what needed to be done. A slow shake of his head, for he knew it was not he, yet the other residing in his shared space. The same one provoking anger, no that was personally him. Then again, the jealousy could as well have been he himself not the overly angry beast. However, these feelings were ones he hadn't felt in so long, they all seemed so new and he, of course unused to dealing with them. Making it so much easier to lay the blame on the Big Guy.

Bruce grabbed a right olive colored hand as he now lowered himself on the bed, next to Liara. While taking her pressure, he studied the ring she wore around her thumb. This was the first time he actually took the time, or be given the chance to see close up, and it was indeed a male wedding band. What was this feeling as he rolled his eyes closed? Disgust? It was completely taking over him, whatever it was.

He wasn't upset by Liara, yet at himself. She did, of course what he wanted for her. Even if it still stung, thinking of how she did take a husband. That thick piece of white gold should have been his, and currently around his finger. Tony was right. Each and every time, the flamboyant man he took on as his best friend, told him out of all the women ever taking a fancy to Bruce, Liara was the perfect one. Her broken, filled in the cracks of his equally yet different defects. Like glue. Jigsaw pieces, completing the puzzle. Bruce himself knew it the first double-take of her in his lab, after four long years. Too many feelings and emotions were thrust upon him. Without her actually doing anything. Just her being in his presence. He just had to do as his friend stated, stop being afraid. However, with that being said, easier than done.

Bruce laced his fingers with Liara's as he tossed the vial aside on the nightstand beside the bed. He refused to even try this concoction on her. She deserved better than to be a guinea pig. He raised her hand softly brushing his lips upon it. Her mind may not have been reacting, but her body was in full swing. Which led him to his only option. "You are going to be overly pissed with me, but I need you back."

Banner leaned down and pressed his lips softly upon Liara's. Nothing. What was he thinking? Was he taking advantage or was he trying to help her? He took a deep breath. Knowing he should not do it again, but her mouth just begged to be taken. He traced her soft heart shaped lips.

Not a second later, Bruce tried again. This time the chills covering her body were heavier, followed by a quick twitch of her fingers which remained between his. He shied quickly away to take in her eyes. They were just as vacant as before. The scientist released Liara's hand as he now brushed a stray blue lock from her right shoulder. "Damnit Liara." He took another glance to the vial followed by running his hand hard down his face as he was beyond compelled to taste her once more. "I am just about all out of options. What the hell?!"

This time Bruce kissed Liara hard. A hand found and softly cupped his left cheek. An agreeing moan filled his parting lips, while they returned his actions in like. Another hand grabbed his collar and pulled him closer as he tried to back away. Fortunately for him, he was considerably stronger.

The laughter escaping Liara came from her diaphragm. Bruce could do nothing but be uncomfortable. He knew she was going to say something. Anything she said would make this even that much more awkward. The laughter stopped the moment he placed his hands on either side of her face, propping himself up. However, her crooked smile was still intact. Her eyes refused to blink as she stared deep into his. There was a shuffle of her right hand as she huskily chuckled again while raising her brows in unison once.

Liara extracted a small device, while staring at the man who sat partially covering her. It made a clicking sound as it powered on, which died down before it began to hover in the air. The small contraption flew around the room as it emitted a fan of lasers. While the machine was doing its job, there was another giggle, this time followed by a suck of the teeth. Bruce knew he was going to be embarrassed, but this time he could actually admit, he could care less.

Between her giggles, she finally found her voice, as she could tell the man with her was waiting. "In Nicholas' bed. Damn."

Banner only furrowed his brow. "Is it?"

"Is it what? His bed or erasing footage that you'd not want anyone to see? That'd be a yes to both." Liara took in the beautiful contrasting colors of Bruce's hair as he turned his neck to watch the tiny contraption.

"I mean you have no shame. Look at you, making out with your ex…" Liara was shut up by way of another hungry kiss.

As the man lifted from her, Liara forced her voice to be heard. "That's not fair. I don't care how much you like all this, you just can't do that. I mean much less in this bed."

Bruce sat next to Liara, who stayed content on staying in her same lax position. "Why, because you forget that you belong to me?"

There was a cocky lift of a left brow as her smirk deepened the dimple on her left cheek. "I belong to no man, wanna try that again?"

"And yet you kiss me back just as bad, you are aching for it, just as much as I want it." Banner, refusing to back down.

A tsk, pushing off his statement, even though she could admit she was loving this new tone coming from the man beside her. "You're reading too much into it."

"I do not think I am." Bruce was adamant.

Yellow eyes rolled. "You wouldn't."

"So, tell me you are over what we have." The scientist turned to view Liara as she stared holes through him. Her piercing stare, mesmerizing.

"I am so completely over what you want. I told you, ain't no way I am doing this the way that you want it. I'm beginning to feel you are embarrassed your dick gets hard for me. But the fact you were making out with me in this of all beds, kinda sorta redeems you, ever so slight that it may be." Liara shook her head as her arms crossed, showing her defiance.

The man raised his hand, and squeezed at the bridge of his nose. "Liara, I find this in no way shape or form, funny."

"And I do? However, the fact you reek with jealousy is kinda cute, because it is not something you give off. But I hate jealousy you should know that by now."

"No, you are not a jealous person." Banner tucked a leg under his knee as he turned to face her directly. "Completely different reasoning as to think someone else could not be jealous over you."

"Which is stupid, you are supposed to have this thing called trust. You know that thing? Yeah, that cancels out all that jealous bullshit." A smug, 'try me' face given back.

A deep breath, "which could be considered, however given certain and present situation, jealousy seems a completely logical emotion."

"I took three tainted bullets for him. He bled me to death after extracting the bullets from my body. This is why he told you to not do what he did." His gentle eyes seemed the hardest objects to focus on. Her head lowered, as Liara took to playing with her nails.

"My God Liara." Bruce now upset at past reasons to what transpired. "Wait you heard."

"The way you challenged him?" The crooked smile, giving away every bit of her enjoyment. "Yeah. I hear everything. Just can't find a way from that state."

This information, did nothing but provoke the scientist in him to need a solution. "What provoked this?"

"Doesn't matter." A shrug.

His bothered brow tensed, only a fraction of a second. "I think it does."

"I know it doesn't." Yellow eyes rolled, back down to her hands.

Bruce let go of a angered huff. "Don't do this Liara."

"Are you going to change your stance?" Her eyes pleaded, she knew they did. Why was he going to say 'no' once more?

Banner lowered his head as he shook his answer. "Liara you know my view."

Her bright yellow eyes, now staring a hole in the side of Bruce's head, since he seemed unman enough to face her, while she spoke. "Which is complete bullshit. You were pissed cause of my situation. You had Nicholas backing down. And yes only because of who you are. Cause let me tell you, he would've given it to anyone else who would have challenged him that way. And you kinda made him own up to one of his nightmares. Which takes a lot, you know. He hates talk of that day, still. I don't know why though. Been through worse."

"Because he cares for you Liara." He turned to face the bright yellow that peeked through thick black lashes.

" . are you still on that? Woooow. You're always going to be jealous of a man that has nothing to do with me in that way. No! Don't even get those gears in motion. I loved playing that hand against you, but now. Now you're just pissing me the fuck off with it. If I fucking wanted him, better believe I could have him. Just like a slew of others, men and women, but funny enough I was hidden in the shadows all up on guess who? Yeah green and white. And I don't like white boys like that. So you want to try that one again." Liara was now beyond pissed, the man at her side continued to live in the past.

His tone, more than upset. "Shut up Liara, you are babbling."

Liara felt accused. "No. I'm speaking truth. You just hate hearing it. You always run from feelings. I know, I used to do the same fucking thing. But I was fixed. All I ever wanted to do was the same for you. But I'll never be able to. And I'm sorry. I'm just not strong enough to put off what I feel for you. Even if you don't return even half of that. I'm not the same girl anymore. I cannot and refuse to go back to that place."

"I never asked you to." Bruce, feeling remorse over pushing the woman laying at his side.

"Yes, yes you did. Ever since I came back." A stiletto nail pressed at his chest. "He's the only one that wanted what I did."

Bruce took her hand in his. "He, he'll…"

"You fucking better never say he'll hurt me. We all know better." Liara stared at their linked hands, trying to mask her conflicting emotions, her voice becoming distant and forced. "I need to go, Jekyll."

A nod, still holding her hand in his. "Okay, but we are going to my lab. I need to evaluate you further."

A slow nod. "I'll meet you there."

"I said we're going to my lab." Banner pulled Liara to her feet.

The woman yanked herself free, as she stared into the brown eyes, which were not having any of her crap. "And I said I'll meet you there."

A hand raised to his right hip. "That is cute, now let us go."

"I really am. But I know of a million better places to be than up in your lab. And you really shouldn't do that, makes you look like a straight bitch."

Bruce had to admit, he loved the reaction Liara gave him when he closed the space between them. But he wanted to check on her thoroughly, so seeming upset would have to be his go to. "Fine, you have a choice. The easy way or the hard."

The husky chuckle given back, only upset Bruce. "Good, now you know how I feel when you hate on my boo like that. Just one of the many reasons he and I both hate you."

With her remark, he jerked her hand along. "What do you see in him?"

"Everything that you are." With her statement, he stopped them both abruptly. Took one look into her truthful eyes, and he finally understood. Liara would never be afraid of Hulk, partly because she as well held a demon at bay. But mainly she could see the entire picture, where no one else, including himself ever could.

Liara held her free hand up as her contraption swiftly flew back to rest in her palm. While she tended to it, Bruce felt it in his best interest to release her. Knowing she would come with him, without any hesitation. "Are you finished?"

"Yeah, he was just taking care of the cleanup. We can go whenever you're ready." A soft smile given to the man who stood the same height.

The duo walked silently down the dim corridor, both just content on having the other at their side. They took a right, to the opening which housed the elevator shafts. Liara pressed the up button, then turned to lean on the wall. She took a deep breath as she tipped her head as well resting it on the flat cold surface.

"Your jealousy is misplaced." She closed her eyes, as she heard the rapid lowering of the compartment, and waited on his response.

Bruce cleared his throat as he finally heard the elevator arriving. "Forgive me?"

"With Nicholas." Liara pushed off the wall, to be the first entering the small cubicle.

Banner followed as the beep echoed down the empty hall. The doors opened and closed before the man gave his retort. "I really do not see how I am."

"He's my best friend. He knows the most about me, more than any of you here could ever possibly begin to know." Liara extended her hands backward as she rested them on the railing surrounding the four shiny brown walls. She peeked over at the look on the gently aged man. Clearly not buying any of it. "Okay, there might have been a time, a million years ago mind you, that he and I could have, might have been a thing. But guess what? He was stupid. Much like you'd understand, and he wasn't enough man for me, basically. He wanted me to be his girl, but hidden just like this other guy I know. See he had this mission. He was to make this Mark fall for him, she did. They did what any animal does. He wanted to keep me, as they say this day and age, as his sidepiece, but I don't share my food, let alone my man. So that shit wasn't flying, needless to say. Anyhow, he did the right thing. Mainly, he really had no choice. I left after finding out about the baby. I took the high road. I could never break up a family, no matter if he loved her or not. He had a child he made, voluntarily. Granted, I knew the relationship was destined to fail, as it did. She found out the real him. They divorced, his son is like what, my outer age appearance. I do look thirtyish, right? Anyhow, he'll forever be like a brother to me."

Bruce tucked his arms into his elbows while listening to the woman, finally tell of her past with Fury. "So basically, you just confirmed my suspicions."

"Oh my god. Okay, ." Liara rolled yellow eyes as she raised her top lip.

A light furrow of Bruce's brow. "Is there a chance for reconciliation."

"No, just like there will never be a chance that you'll see all these rolls again." Attitude was given with a snake of a neck and a turned lip.

A nod returned. "He still cares for you."

"Oh my god, I still care for me too, I can't believe it, isn't that amazing." A smile and raise of neatly arched brows.

"Why are you always so sarcastic?" Bruce quickly becoming irritated with his counterpart.

A roll of the eyes as she crossed her arms. "Same reason you refuse to have feelings."

"I need to know what provokes these mishaps of yours." The scientist pulled at the top button of his pale blue shirt. "I have never seen you like that."

"Awww, you care. Is that really why you brung me here? Ugh, I was triggered okay." There was a light furrow, which didn't go unnoticed. "There's someone in your lab. Anyhow, this time it was a smell. Last time was those stupid ass bullets. I'm good now, so you don't have to worry your pretty little head anymore sweetheart. You know the cure, baby."

Banner began. "Hold on a second…"

"And she stinks too." Liara interrupted as she poked her lips out, in disgust.

The man in the compartment lowered his head into his hand. Although in all honesty, this did peek his interest. Who would be in his lab at this godawful time of night.

The elevator stopped on their floor with a bounce. A smile came to Liara's face with the sensation, as the scientist gave his displeasure. Bruce motioned for Liara to exit before himself. He was feeling quite uneasy. With each step taken, getting them just that closer to his laboratory. He took a gander to his side. Liara, seemingly unaffected by this unseen force. Anxiety. Just what he needed.

"Why are you so stressed? Know what you need. Nevermind. The only one that could give you that refuses to any longer." Liara piped up, as Bruce held open the door for her to pass.

Liara entered, smelling the lab. The woman was here for quite a while, for the entire room was impregnated with her aroma. And right on cue, the woman heard them entering, and Liara's comment, which she replied to before yellow eyes could turn to face her.

Her voice soft and meek. Shy and overly proper. "Give you what Bruce?"

The complete shock on Banner's scruffy face told the entire story. There was no need for words, as the She Wolf studied him. In one second, this woman got every sense of his being out of whack. His heart was beating uncontrollably. His mouth over-salivating, enough to need to swallow various times. His body heat had risen considerably, much to the point he was unknowablely wiping the sweat from his brow. He was too nervous to even try to walk, his ever so slight wobble gave proof. But the way his eyes did nothing but show his full emotion, was what did him in. "Bet...ty."

There was a chuckle, pulling Banner from his trance. "Oh shit."

Bruce took tore his eyes from the woman who stood behind one of his lab tables to the one walking up to him. He took another gulp as he shook his head clear. "Umm…"

Chipper yellow eyes narrowed as the plump cheeks rose with a huge crooked smile. "Have fun loverboy." With one last raise of playful brows, Liara left the two alone, to catch up on old times.