"I take it, your friend is well." Clear, sea blue eyes thoroughly inspected every inch of the caramel skinned woman before him. Sitting tensely, on the edge of the singular green chair within the small living room. They were in the middle of a long awkward silence before Alana felt a need to communicate with her friend. Something Bucky could admit to himself, he easily understood. For if his best friend since childhood, ever needed his assistance, everything would be dropped on a dime.

Alana unglued and slowly began lifting her nervous eyes from the cell phone received from Director Fury upon her return into the fold. Bucky was seemingly content to just sitting on the love seat across from her. Watching with a cautious careful eye, after telling him she needed to touch base with Liara. There was a strong unshakeable gut feeling, down deep within. Something was strangely off with the Wolf, and Alana just could not shake the feeling. Barnes seemed to completely understand her predicament without any questions, fuss or hesitation. Quieting himself, allowing the women's conversation to flow normally, until she herself was satisfactory with the situation. A forced, stressed smile slightly curved her lips. "Well, she seems to be nothing less than her sarcastic self. But of course, there's more there than she lets on. There always is."

Barnes leaned forward, propping himself up. Using his metal hand as a crutch. The slight grimace given, seemed to ease the stressed woman. "She'll be okay. I've never met a stronger woman."

Red and orange eyes narrowed, completely bothered by this statement. "What exactly is that supposed to mean? No, nevermind."

There was a quick chuckle which rumbled from deep within the thick man. "Come on, I give your friend a well-deserved complement. Do you not agree?"

A quick tighten of a right cheek, knowing she had to be reading more into his statement than he intended. "Sure sure."

"Okay I see. What you need is a distraction." Barnes lifted from his seat, extending a careful black glove covered metallic hand. "Come on."

Alana hesitantly accepted, using his weight to pull herself upright. A quick quaint smile followed by instantly righting her wrinkled clothes.

Bucky noticed her slight reluctance, "or we could call it a night. It is late after all."

The light wrinkle of Alana's innocent brow was enough for him. The tall, clearly capable male opened the door. Always the gentleman, as the thin woman took her lead. "Lucky for you, I do not require sleep."

Large fire colored eyes caught sight of his confusion as his statement came more across a question. "That is good?"

There was a light airiness to the woman's tone. "Not because of the hour. But in the fact, it's not something my race does. There's actually no need for it."

"Dawww you're like a certain big loveable sweetheart like that, you know." The chipper voice boomed an echo vibrating in the back of Alana's head started her. "And you claim to hate him. Wow. Forever rude."

"Are you okay Alana? Something seems to be troubling you. Are you truly alright with having a cup of coffee with me?" The man at her side, noting her slight hesitance.

A husky, beyond amused laugh rumbled from her throat. "You better answer him. You can't me, but ayyyturn up, he wants a cup ofcoffee. So that's what they're calling it these days. You know, I am partial to calling it what it is. Ohhhhh, let's see by your rising stress level you want, no, need me to shut the fuck up. I mean if I'm bothering you so much just speak up. What's that? Cat got your tongue? Funny enough, that's what'll be happening to your boy soon enough. Ha, I toldyou he wants to eat all your dried up stale cake. And add just a lil bitmore cream to your already café con leche." A certain yellow eyed woman was indeed enjoying her own handiwork. Putting this man alone with Alana, forced the woman to engage Barnes. Something Liara already knew she would never do on her own. Alana was good at wanting to help everyone else, but seemed to forget herself somewhere in the process.

Alana shook her head, completely clearing her thoughts. "Yes, I was just wondering why I ever created a link between the raging, foul, and uneducated filth with no home training to begin with." There was a ping from the device clutched in her right hand. She dared opening the text message.

Bucky watched as the petite woman slid the phone into her front jeans pocket, "I take it, it wasn't at all that important?"

"You could say that, now how about we discuss the reason you ask so many questions about Liara." The question had even shocked her the second it left her mouth. It wasn't in her character to be so bold. However, the fact this man was with her, but kept bringing up another woman was beginning to get just a little under her skin. She was tired of these twenty-one questions about another person and wanted the truth. Once and for all.

There was a nod, knowing he had over stepped his bounds. Barnes lifted an arm, refraining Alana from continuing. As the woman halted, he turned to face her directly, willing to give his complete honesty. Trying his best to make up for his error in approach. "You are right, and I am sorry. My intentions were never to hound you with questions concerning your friend. I understand you taking up for Liara, and feel threatened. Hell, I know Alana. Believe me, I know that feeling all too well. More than others, I'd dare say. The sense of duty. Like it's somehow your place and no other's, to be their keeper. Their sole protector. I just need to understand, perhaps, get a better handle on just why I dislike her, yet feel as if I know more about her than my mind allows me. Once again…"

Alana felt beyond horrible now. She had snapped. When all this time, all Bucky really wanted was a piece of his memory back. Now she had felt even worse, misconstruing the signs. Just knowing he was somehow using her to get in good with Liara. Alana had taken too many past experiences and cast them against someone completely innocent to the fact. Now she was going to be kicking herself for some time to come.

With a heavy heart and sorrowful eyes, she looked up to study the beyond ruggedly handsome man. His looks. This is what made her mind go straight to him being well within Liara's radar. He was exactly the type of man the She Wolf would be overly nice with. Then again, Liara did with every man. They were easy for her, something which is hard for many girls, that woman flourished in. Alana bit her bottom lip before she cut the broad man off. Her face changed to reflect her true sediments. "Bucky, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap, much less at you. It's just when you have so much going on in your mind…"

"Liara." Barnes smirked, in being able to read what was really going on.

His remark took her a little off-guard, however she continued.

"Liara." Her rolled eyes, on reflex to the name, provoked a deep chuckle from the man standing curiously close in front of her. Which in turn caused her insides to become weak. She cleared her throat, daring to continue. "See we have this link. One she, I and Phe possess. Meaning, we three can communicate freely, telepathically. It's a nuisance really."

Barnes narrowed his lips, as he thought in her words. "Actually, I beg to differ. If Steve and I were to be able to communicate as such, we'd be just that much better on the battlefield. Whatever she said to you, you really shouldn't let it get to you. Besides cutie, I thought we were changing the subject and talking on us."

Alana's head lowered swiftly as his last sentence took form. The lump in her throat was overly dry, as her mind began racing. Why was this man smelling better and better? And just was was he standing so close again? Why was he just so… Jesus this man was perfect, he could read through the lines of her meaning. Wait. If he could read through the lines, she knew she needed to right herself and quick. If not, he would be reading through her body language, and this was the last thing she needed. For Bucky Barnes to know that just his presence alone drove Alana into unchartered feelings.

Plump lips tried their hand at speaking, "Right. Coffee. Speaking of which, from what I've seen of you and Cap, the two of you don't need anything more than your mere chemistry. It's already like you two are reading each other's minds. Now, a cup of joe is really calling my name."

Her comment Barnes took in stride. "So, you've been watching me, huh."

"Don't kid yourself. I had to watch the films for research." There was a playful roll of her flamed eyes. Ones that seemed to lighten the atmosphere. "I needed to see how the sidekick worked alongside our Leader."

The taller man grabbed at his heart as he turned to lean on the wall at Alana's right. "Ouch. The sidekick huh?"

The giggle came from nowhere with her delight, which was written entirely over her face. "Yes. We all can't be the best now can we."

"And she turns the knife." Bucky made a suffering face as he clutched his shirt tighter.

"And she's about to leave you," the small framed, petite woman pushed beyond her company.

Bucky tucked the loose strands of hair back behind his ears, to their home. Quickly jogging to the woman's side. He looked down upon her, as a comment escaped him. "You're easy."

"Not at all. More complex than anything." A slight shake of her head, understanding his compliment.

"Not to me." Big bright eyes paired with a questioning brow gazed up to him, as he finished his thoughts. "I mean it. I really don't have to try with you. It just fits. Ever since I've been back to normal so to speak, the only one I feel I never had to try with is Steve. However, being around you, I know different. Alana, thank you. Your friendship at this point in my life, means a lot."

A slender hand reached to lift the man's chin, forcing him to take in her face fully. "I am glad that you feel as if you can trust me, Bucky. That means more to me than you could ever know. I'll try my best to never let you down. But you may feel different about me in the long run. I'm not as perfect as most around here at all."

Barnes reached a hand to cover hers, which now rested on his cheek. "I really don't see how. You think you aren't like everyone else here? From what I can tell, you're absolutely right. You're far better. And before you ask how. Let's see, you are about the most truthful here. You actually care for others, and mankind in general. I've been informed of all you have done for everyone here. That little Miss, speaks volumes. And to think, you did all that with what you call your evil side still within you. So, can you please do me a favor and not speak ill of my friend again. Especially one that has these beautiful eyes of fire."

Alana could not help but swallow a breath. He was so unbelievably handsome and the fact Barnes was sweet even after everything which happened to him, tore at her heart. "I respect you Bucky Barnes, but you can't tell me how to see myself, sorry. That is something you and I will always disagree on. Everything else you stated I can think on, but that, I'm not budging."

"Everything?" A smile caught his face.

"Okay, well not the friend thing, but everything else." A shy chuckle forced Alana to lower her head as well as her hand from the fair cheek it cupped. Catching herself in mid feeling, she nodded, "come on, you promised me a coffee, and I'm really craving one."

"Great. I'm glad we had this moment. Brings everything just a little more into perspective." Barnes took a huge huff.

The pair made way down the long corridor until stopping before the elevator shaft. A light-skinned hand reached for the button, which dimmed two seconds after it went aglow. The double doors opened, and the two made their way aboard. There were stolen looks between the couple during their trek, which lasted only two floors down.

The steel doors opened to reveal an almost empty mess hall. There were S.H.I.E.L.D. agents scarcely about. Some alone, taking in a late-night snack, while others in little groups about. No one paid anyone else any attention, which seemed to be right down the alley of the two only seeking a small refreshment.

Alana pulled on Bucky's jacket, as she spotted a brewing pot. "Over here. We came right on time."

Barnes skimmed and scanned the inhabitants of the cafeteria. Feeling a bit out of place. "Do you mind if we sit outside?"

"That's actually a good idea. Too many people for my liking. How do you take your coffee?" Orange flamed, red eyes looked over her shoulder as she began pouring their cups."

The man closed in tight on her. "That's my job. I invited you, so shall I? Now I ask you the same question."

"Cream and sugar, of course." A giggle as the man whispered along with her 'of course' statement.

His tone was light, "Let's go. There's a table out there with our names on it."

Bucky led the way across the long mess hall to the glass doors leading to the gazebo area, so they would have a bit of privacy in continuing to enjoy each other's company.

As Alana passed through the threshold, the change of climate was welcoming. It was a warmer than normal night. She directed her friend to a well-lit area. The table was quaint enough. Small, square, and spacious for the two. The petite woman chose her seat and neatly sat down.

As she studied Barnes, Alana noticed him staring just behind her. "Your friend is here."

"Who?" The Celestial was at a loss.

Alana quickly turned. When her eyes took sight of a woman, feet kicked up on a table as she ever so slowly lifted her yellow eyes from a tablet within her grasp.

Liara righted the chair, shoved the device behind her, to rest in the hem of her jeans. Then made for the entrance of the building, as a voice piped up. "Liara, what's wrong?"

"Nada sexy. Excuse me, but there's fresh coffee in there." Liara had made it well inside, before hearing two different conversations. One behind her, the other coming down the hall to the sole entrance of the small cafeteria.

"Do you mind?" The need in Alana's eyes was huge, as she turned to the company she came with.

In not being able to refuse his interest, Barnes nodded. "Of course. Please, be my guest. I'm not going anywhere."

A caramel shade hand found its way around Liara's upper arm, as the She Wolf began. "I really need for you to go outside and enjoy your date."

"This is not, wait omg it's a…" Alana had just realized what was happening.

A motherly contented huff. "Please don't ruin this Alana. He really likes you, same as you do. He is nice and I know you agree, but you are all up in here with me, just why again? I sooo want this for you. You deserve it, but girl you are sooo getting on my last one. I was nice enough to leave you alone. Even after you hurt my poor little feelings. Now, move. I want a cup of coffee, it's actually dark and rich, and better than expected."

"Wait, since when do you drink it and how?" Alana watched as Liara began filling a large cup with the hot liquid.

"Hot, and brown. Just like I love my men." A smirk given to the cup as she chose and poured French Vanilla creamer into the drink, filling it entirely to the brim. Finally placing a lid on top.

In watching her friend. "No sugar?"

"What the fuck would I do with a sweet man? Fight over other men with him?" Liara lifted the hot cup to her lips, savoring the flavor.

Alana only shook her head as she looked up to her friend. "I…"

"Now. Get your sexy ass outside, before your man thinks that you are trying to get me to join in. I mean you never would give it to me, so maybe just maybe you'll give some to him. Besides I have something waiting on me. Now can I please go?" Liara raised her brows as she blew into the small lid opening.

A huge let go of breath, knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere with the blue haired woman. "I worry about you."

"Which you shouldn't, mother. Look, if I promise to talk to you after the mission will you please go service your man?" Liara took a look over her friend's should to the handsome man, waiting patiently just outside of the glass barrier. "I know you felt what happened, which is why you won't let well enough alone. But look at me. Just as fine and sexy as evah. Now, get the fuck out of my face, a dick needs riding."

"Bruce's and Fury's, you mean." Alana looked satisfied with herself.

Yellow eyes danced as dimples sunk deep within the She Wolf's cheeks. She delightfully scrunched her nose as she made a sultry moan, "no. I was talking about your boo. However, since you brought those two up. I only find it right to answer that respectfully. Nicholas is right now taking care of that, fucking shame I can't be there to watch, that shit right there, ooooh! That gets me off. God, you have no fucking idea. Nothing like watching a man take care of his stress. Then again, riding that bitch is too much fun."

"You are so disgusting." The small-framed woman turned a revolted lip.

A truly delighted laugh escaped the broad built woman. "And yet here you stand. Oh, and as for your friend, he has that handled as well. You'll see."

Alana took a look to the side of Liara's left shoulder as the taller woman tilted her head motioning to the entrance. Her eyes enlarged, "wait, is that?"

"The love of his pathetic life. I know right, this is going to be so much fun. He's supposed to be with Red. Life mane." Her voice, overly chipper enjoying the look on her friend's face. A heartfelt laugh as she continued. "This is going to be so much fun. I get to fuck with you and him, blessings just rolling in. God is good."

The narrowed eyes on her face only meant she was trying to read her friend. Which she really was finding a lack at being able to as the other woman took her leave. "Liara, where are you going?"

"Unlike others, some take their jobs seriously. Bye boo. Make sure not to get my arm nasty. Or I'll rip it off and beat your ass with it, then show you the correct way to use it."