Wow, it's been too long…anyway, I'm not dead, I've just had soooo much work to do. However, one more week and then I get a two-week holiday! Which means…. more updates! So this is a short update to tell you I'm still here

"An assistant" He finally said, rubbing his forehead.

"Pardon?" I asked, somehow dazed by his answer.

"I'll agree to let you work as my assistant," he repeated, lowering his hand and sighing softly.

"What would I do?" I asked, curious about the job.

"Normal things like paperwork and recording data but I've set up a small clinic so I'll need you to help me with caring for the ill in the city I'm living in at the moment" he explained quickly.

"Which is where?" I asked, looking into his eyes. Bright, bold letters grew until the answer was written on his forehead.

Mexico.

My normal self would've groaned in response: I'm not the biggest fan of heat, or the sun for that matter, but if I showed any sign of hesitation or annoyance, he might think I'm not that desperate.

"Okay then" I nodded, forcing my inner thoughts down my throat.

"Obviously, you'll need a place to stay, so…for now, you can stay with me until we find you a place" he added nervously, emotions of discomfort fluttered in his eyes.

"I don't know how to thank you" I mumbled, dazed. It's like a fairy tale and he's the hero rescuing the damsel in distress. My inner self glared at being called a 'damsel in distress' but I couldn't think of a better description.

"You're putting up with me. That's enough" He smiled sadly, uncertain about something but his thoughts didn't focus on it.

"So, are we heading straight there, or…" I began as he shook his head, suddenly remembering.

"No, I need to pick up supplies from various places. It's going to take a while" he shrugged apologetically.

"I've all the time in the world now" I retorted as he stood up with the messenger bag still strapped over his shoulder.

"Well, then. Ready, Ms. Evrett?" He asked, holding out his hand.

"Of course, Mr. Banner" I replied smirking, grabbing his hand as he pulled me up.

"This should be interesting" I heard him mumble behind me as we walked back out of the coffee shop and into the city.

"This way," he motioned down the street as we walked past the horde of people heading to the various office blocks.

"Are we heading to your car?" I yelled over the people as I gently pushed people out of my way.

"Yes" he yelled, focusing on getting past the people.

I had to force my way through the crowds to check his eyes every few minutes, making sure that he wasn't about to get angry.

I was like a mother looking after her son, except in a way; he was doing the same for me.

"So, where's are first stop?" I asked, dodging traffic as he just glided through the masses.

"Pharmacy" he replied, stopping outside said shop.

Politely, he held open the door as I threw myself inside, glad to be out of the crowds.

"I hope Mexico's less full," I mumbled, brushing off imaginary dust off my shoulders before following Bruce down the aisles.

"So, what do we need?" I asked, brushing over the various labels.

"Gloves, Painkillers, vitamins. Nothing out-of-the-ordinary" he brushed my question off, picking out random bottles from the shelves.

"Can't you get these in Mexico?" I asked, curiously.

"The city has a limited medical market so the prices are beyond anything I can come up with. The people of the city need medical service but they can't afford it" he continued.

"So you're the saint to help the innocent," I stated, helping him carry the items.

"More like the monster wanting to atone" he mumbled breathlessly. For some reason, it made me glare at him but he was too focused on his task to notice; his eyes fixed on the rows of labels.

"Right, that should be enough" he whispered to himself, leading me to the counter.

The cashier eyed us warily as she scanned over the items.

"Here," he handed over some sort of ID.

She glanced at it before realization hit her. She smiled up at Bruce before handing back his card.

"It's a pleasure to see you, Doctor" she nodded before confidently scanning the items.

"Doctor?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I have to be registered to help the people" he shrugged, not feeling the need to explain as he handed the woman a few notes.

"A pleasure" she nodded respectively as he grabbed the bag and led me outside again. The sun was starting to set as the fog of the streetlights and the glowing windows lit the streets, along with lines of car lights.

"So when are we heading to Mexico?" I asked shyly, walking slightly behind him. I've only just realized that I'd been bombarding him with questions and I really don't want him to regret taking me with him.

"Can we make a deal?" he asked suddenly, spinning around to face me, which startled me and nearly made me jump back.

Regret flashed across his face before it was overcome with seriousness.

"Okay" I nodded, looking into his eyes for some clue. For some reason a barrier appeared in his thoughts. A mental block.

"I want you to hear my words, not my thoughts," he explained curtly.

I was stunned by the fact that he could resist my power; no one has ever done that before. What is with this man and constantly surprising me? I hope this isn't a regular occurrence…

"Can we leave the questions until we get to my car, please?" he asked, sharply.

His eyes had frosted over, giving him a cold glare that froze my movements.

He looked like a different person: so cut off, so emotionless, so distant.

"Uh…sure" I whispered quickly and dejectedly while desperately trying to separate from his gaze. Great, I've annoyed him, the only man on Earth who is a walking health hazard when he's annoyed.

"I'm sorry, I'm not used to...well, this" he sighed loudly, motioning between us.

"I'm not used to company so my manners are lacking, to put it bluntly" he added, annoyed with himself.

"Of course" I nodded, understanding but still put out.

Is he always like this: a ticking time bomb?

"C'mon. I'll take you to my car" he mumbled, not wanting to start a conversation as we silently walked beside each other to the four-storey car park across the road from the pharmacy.

Far-reaching rows of car colours and models flanked us as the dim-orange lights barely illuminated them.

The clicking of our footsteps gave a shallow click in the air as he guided me to the other side of the car park before eventually standing in front of his car: a dark orange Hyundai Veloster.

I immediately recognized the model; it was my mother's car, even the colour was the same.