[Bruce is genuinely surprised about what the Hulk did. Not that he went into hiding, that is what they are used to and it's an instinct they share. Maybe some part of his other self recognized the pain, guilt, and devastation within him and felt they needed to go farther than usual. Going that far was a genuine mistake, from the video he saw of Hulk lost in space. Waking up to what he did felt like the worst possible outcome, the one that used to keep him up at night, that the Hulk would take over and hurt others. And he did. Bruce doesn't know how many he killed in the ring, but it was substantial.
He doesn't want to be lost in those thoughts, he wants to focus on her. He hesitates only a moment before setting his drink aside and moving down to sit next to her. This is the kind of affection he secretly wanted from her for long before he realized that there were feelings involved. He felt safe with her. Bruce isn't always aware of his own feelings, so it was startling the first time he thought about her as anything other than a friend. He then decided it didn't matter, as she would never return them, and he couldn't do anything about it.
They lost so much time and their chance together, or so he thought, and he still is uncertain. But if she wants to be close to him, that he is happy to provide. He tentatively puts an arm around her, like a shy teenager might in a movie theater.]
Nat, I want you to know .... [Bruce keeps her hand, lacing their fingers together. The moonlacing is strong between them at the moment.] If I did crash land somewhere on Earth, I would have contacted you. I wouldn't have let all of you stay in the dark, even if I didn't come back.
If I stayed away, it would mostly have been because I know how much I'd want to come back.
[Bruce was happy for the first time since the Hulk. He had a home and friends and a lab. He felt like he was living again, and wanted to keep on living. For the first few months he was skittish and kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for them to push him away or get tired of dealing with the danger of his presence, but he eventually got comfortable. And then he lost all of it. He sighs and runs his thumb on the side of her hand.]
I didn't want to bring trouble on all of you. After Johannesburg and Ultron, continued association with the Hulk and I would hurt the Avengers' public image, more so than it already did.
[It is all very rational but stems from a place of deep emotion and fear. He loves his friends and he couldn't see any other way to protect them than to disappear.]
It would have been wrong, you coming with me. [He swallows, looking away.] That wasn't the life you deserved. [On the run, unable to help their friends again. But he was weak and when she offered, he wanted it, selfishly. He made a lot of bad decisions during Ultron.]
[ His comments about the Avengers' public image gets a wry laugh from her as she leans back on the couch and stares up at the ceiling, lips twitching in a dry hint of a smirk, although it held no real humor. ]
I think we damaged the Avengers' public image pretty thoroughly on our own. I'm pretty sure your presence wouldn't have actually made things worse at that point. We're a magnet for trouble, Bruce. Every single one of us. At least as a team, we're a little better equipped to tackle those problems when they crop up out of nowhere. [ A pause, before she wrinkles her nose in a wry grimace. ] Well. Most of the time.
[ As for the rest of it... well. they'd all made some bad decisions during Ultron, hadn't they? She wishes those bad decisions had ended there, and not continued on to the struggles that had followed. They'd only made worse decisions then. ]
The Hulk can always make things worse, Nat. I agree we're all trouble makers, though. I miss all of it, before we created Ultron. [It was this period of time when everything was going well so it couldn't last, but he does long for it.] We're not going to be able to get that back easily, but I'd settle for something similar enough to it. [Meaning all of them at least attempting to get along and being able to be in the same room together. Specifically Tony and Steve. Everyone else is fine with each other, as far as he knows.
He's able to look at her the way he wants when she stares up at the ceiling. He allows himself a moment to simply appreciate her. His visible admiration of her was always done quietly and subtly in the past, and he doesn't want to be accused of staring, but he is being indulgent for this one moment. He snaps himself out of it and shrugs, glancing away.]
Well it sure beat being stuck in the Hulk, but ... you know me. Deserve is not something I feel qualified to estimate for myself.
[ She can feel his eyes on her, just as she can feel when he snaps his gaze away, head turning with it. Her gaze comes down then, a smile lingering on her lips at his reaction. She takes advantage of him forcefully looking away to lean up and press a light kiss against his cheek. Daring, yes, but... it just felt right, in the here and now. ]
Then trust me to estimate a little, hmm? You deserve more than that, Bruce. Maybe we all do.
[ A pause, before her voice drops to a quieter tone, thoughtful. And somehow... determined? ]
Finding our way back to that family again... or as close as we can get to it. It's not impossible. That would be good to have again.
[The kiss on his cheek feels like a brand; it's warm and lingers after she leans back. He looks back at her, color in his cheeks, and he smiles, feeling a little bewildered. He's far from against it, but it's an adjustment, to feel so free and welcome to touch her and vice versa. He is always so careful of her boundaries, but maybe that's him making them for her, not ones she intentionally put between them.
He reaches out to cup the face he admired, caressing her cheek with his thumb.] Maybe it's possible. [He agrees quietly.] I'm not usually the optimist, but I don't think we're broken for good. [If he means the team or Steve and Tony or the two of them, it could mean all or none.]
All this touching, just so you know, is going to feed us for at least a week. I might be able to get a new pair of shoes even. [Bruce is teasing while also speaking the truth, curling her hair behind her ear. He's been getting by barely with Chroma, but a few hours with her and he feels flush with it. Or maybe that's just her, making him feel that way.]
I'm hoping to scientifically get to the bottom of how this is happening. Why it works. [He isn't going to accept it's magic just yet. Bruce darlingly leans in to kiss the cheek he has been touching, making it quick, like he's still expecting it to cross lines despite her doing it first.] It, uh, heals people too, apparently. [He mumbles, unnecessarily shy.]
I think it is. [ Her voice is soft, as she leans into that soft touch, soaking it up, her eyes locked with his. A corner of her lips twitch upwards in a crooked smile, and that resolute tone still lurks in her tone. ] I'm not ready to give up yet. We've made more impossible things happen before, after all.
[ He leans in to kiss her cheek, and she's actually a little surprised at the movement, even if she'd done the same a moment before. But that's often how it had been with them, hadn't it? Her daring to dance a few steps forward and then waiting to see if he would meet her halfway or dance backward and away. Sometimes she didn't know the outcome - sometimes she wasn't sure he knew the outcome. But this... this was nice. ]
Does it? [ Amusement flits across her face at the mention that this can heal, along with everything else. She curls a little closer to him, setting her wine aside for the time being. ] Does that mean you are that kind of doctor now?
[ She doesn't even bat an eyelash that he won't accept the "it's magic" theory. She suspects Tony will be doing the same. Hell, so might she - even if she has seen things that she's not sure science will ever be able to explain. ]
I'm not ready to give up either. [He agrees, a bit more firmly than before. Maybe she is giving him strength again, she's always good at that, or helping him to focus on the better parts of their history. And that there are still things that are within their power, when in a place where they're powerless to get home.] We figured out time travel, I would have thought that was impossible. [Or just too dangerous and improbable.]
And let's face it. [He says very dryly.] There's only two people who we need to convince. I'm pretty sure the rest of us are on the same page. [Tony and Steve aren't there, all right? He can pin the nail on the head.
Bruce is more accustomed to dancing backward or rather fumbling backward, his list of reasons why not long enough to stack between the two of them. But so much has happened since then, for both of them. It's been years. It's been multiple traumas. Isn't there a point where they deserve this? There's no where to run at the moment and he doesn't want to. He wants to be right here and she does too. ]
This is more useful than actual medicine here, so I guess this is definitely the type of doctor I am. [Is he going to resent that just a tad? Probably. But he is better at compartmentalizing, and seeing touch as healing is an easy angle.] I can be any kind of doctor you want. [He tries hard to make that sound flirty and he makes a face. Fail, Banner.] That did not sound good at all out loud.
Lucky for the rest of us, we can be pretty convincing, when we wanna be.
[ Her lips quirk at his dry tone, because she's not about to let those two stand in her way. She never has before, why start now?
And then he tries to be smooth in his flirting and just...
Natasha starts laughing - a choked attempt to stifle it before just giving up and letting herself dissolve into mirth, leaning her forehead against his shoulder as she shakes with laughter. ]
It was a valiant attempt. I appreciate the effort. I feel like I should be offering some kinky fantasies here as a comeback but I think you might melt right through the floor if I tried.
[There were many ways to react to her laughing at him, but it's Bruce, so of course all he can do is blush and chuckle with her. He is not smooth at all, he's never been. Both women in his life had to be as blatant as possible before he even noticed they were interested.
Flirting is not a skill he's had to work at, and if anything this failure should teach him not to try, but he likes seeing her laugh. He likes making her laugh. She could use it, after all she's been through, and if him being ridiculous gets her there, it's worth the embarrassment.]
That's probably a good call, although I think it would be fun for you. You might get me to blush so hard I pass out.
[He smiles bashfully and kisses the top of her hair where it rests on his shoulder.]
You're the one who likes dorks who can't flirt, so this is your fault.
[ She smiles, remaining resting against him, comfortable and content for the moment. This is... nice. A stolen moment she hasn't had the likes of in far too long. It has her reluctant to relinquish that feeling just yet, wanting to savor it as long as possible. ]
[This is bliss, honestly. His feelings for her have never changed, will never change. He's as sure of that now as he is will be in five years. Having her in his arms no matter what way it is, Bruce is happy. It's too bad it took this situation for them to have a peaceful time like this, but he has no regrets at the moment.]
You've got lousy taste in men, kid. [He echoes, from that flirty moment at the bar when he thought for a moment maybe his life was taking a good turn.] Me, I have great taste. I fell for this woman who is amazing in every possible way. [Bruce settles his head briefly on top of hers.] Smart, funny, strong, empathic, accepting, beautiful. Sure, most of the time she's laughing at me, but I don't mind that.
[ Her eyes slide closed as she soaks up this closeness, the easy comfort of it. How long has it been since she's had something like this? She can't even remember. Maybe those brief moments before he left, but... ]
Mmmm. Sounds fake. I still think she's the lucky one.
[ She can't help but smile at his callback, though. Remembering that night, before it had all gone sideways. Ah, if only they could have frozen time there for a while...
Maybe that was why she was beginning to think this place really might be a gift. ]
[He didn't think they'd get this again, and he also didn't think they'd get to talk like this. There was always so much unsaid between them. Maybe if things hadn't gone so wrong with Ultron this is where it could have headed for them. Two people who understood one another so well and had this natural balance not easy to find. For the first time Bruce is feeling a little selfish and willing to be happy they're there, if only for this.]
Maybe we both were lucky. Or really unlucky with timing.
[It's amazing how she makes him feel both thrilled and relaxed at the same time. Warm and calm.]
Do you think .... [He hesitates, even with them being this comfortable with each other, even with the certainty that Natasha wouldn't be here if it wasn't what she wanted. With their flirting and dancing around the subject, while addressing it, being more direct could throw things off. But Bruce feels like he doesn't want another few years of question marks at this point.] That the window is closed or that it could be opened again? [She asked him once, if they missed their window, and until now he thought it was slammed shut and locked multiple times.] Sometime. Maybe.
[ For a moment, she's silent, her eyes still closed. And she's glad he can't see her face, because she's not sure she can successfully hide the sudden rip of aching agony that tears through her.
Oh, how she wishes.
His words float through her memory now, haunting her. We don't always get what we want. She hates that he'd been right. Again.
But he doesn't know that. She can't tell him that. Not yet. She's not ready. not ready for any of them to know. It's already affecting how Clint's treating her - she can see it every time he looks at her. She can't yet bear to see that mirrored in Bruce's eyes. In Steve's. In the others.
So she pulls out every bit of acting skill she possesses to tip her head back and smile at him, letting it warm her eyes. Focusing instead on the here and now. ]
[Her initial silence worries him because he is always worried if he stepped out of line. If he reads a situation wrong, and it isn't that he has a problem if he did. He respects Nat and her decisions, and if she let him down gently he would hear that and accept it without any bitterness. So much time passed, more so now for her, and if his choices led him to lose this, he is an adult. He understands that's the way life is.
He doesn't move and waits for her to process. Because she is so very good at what she does, and because he is worried about seeing a different reaction so he wouldn't be able to observe what's going on in her otherwise, he doesn't see anything she doesn't want him to.
He believes her. Bruce smiles back, relieved. Also more than a little shocked now that he got an affirmative, because does he deserve something so good? Deserve is always something he struggles with. But his heart pounds and he feels a light-headed and he is slightly giddy. That all shows because his face is open, so she can see her deception works. His head lifts to touch her cheek, looking back down at her. Caught in this moment.]
Is it ... out of line if I kissed you right now?
[Despite everything he asks permission. The one and only time they kissed was more of a goodbye one than anything but he doesn't want to presume.]
[ She feels a pang of regret. It wasn't a lie, not outright. But it was an evasion. She doesn't know if that's the right choice - it's probably not, especially when she feels so torn over it.
But right now, in this moment? She just wants to cherish the way he's looking at her, just a little longer. The way his hand feels against her cheek.
Dark lashes flutter against her cheek as she leans into that touch. ]
I can go hunt for an engraved invitation, if that clears the matter up any. [ She shifts slightly, moving in closer, her eyes on him. ] Yes, Bruce. I want you to kiss me.
[Bruce knows very well how sometimes white lies are necessary and that everyone processes grief in their own time, so he will understand. He too understands the value in letting this be just about them. You both deserve a win, Steve said to him, a long time ago. They've gone through so much apart and they are happy, in this moment. They've been happy snuggling on the couch, flirting, talking through once painful things, and damned if he doesn't care at this moment about deserve.
He chuckles at the joke and caresses her cheek with his fingers.] I think a yes will suffice.
[She gives him one and he is filled with nerve but the good type. He doesn't hesitate now. Bruce leans down, closing what little space is between them, and kisses her softly. it's as if nothing else about this place matters but her, she is the eye of the storm, the singular thing his world revolves around at the moment. Her lips are soft and while he noticed how the moonlacing made all of their touches stronger, this kiss burns almost immediately.]
The world doesn't end. The roof doesn't cave in. The apocalypse doesn't trigger.
Maybe they're not as jinxed as they both fear?
She makes a soft sound against his lips, leaning up to meet him. One hand lifts to curl around to the nape of his neck, fingertips brushing through the dark hair there as she holds him close.
[There were so many times in the past he thought about kissing her, wanted to kiss her, before he even knew she was feeling the same way. It was somewhere along the lullaby, after it worked for the first time, and it was because of her. She gave him that, and he was exhausted but hopeful and he was struck with how beautiful her smile was. The impulse to kiss her then took him by complete shock but it happened more frequently after that. He's an expert at pining.
Their one kiss was so fast, desperate on her end since she knew what she had to do and this time he wants it to linger. It's been a long time since he's really gotten to kiss anyone, and he treasures it. Bruce lets the first kiss break but they're still so close and he says to hell with it and kisses her again, this time with more intent and passion.
And the best part about it is that his heart is definitely starting to pick up in speed, but there is no trace of Hulk's curiosity in him he can sense. All he knows is Nat's taste and smell and the feel of her long hair when his fingers run through it.]
[ She's careful - even though she's certainly willing, she's been around him long enough to know his own fears and doesn't want this moment spoiled by anything. He's still five years behind her and she has no idea what sort of deal he's got with the Hulk right this moment, and she's gotta admit, she's far more fond of kissing Bruce than she would be his counterpart.
But he doesn't seem concerned, so for the moment, she follows him, letting him control the speed and the pace of this, although she is right there to meet him every step of the way.
She shifts, arms resting against his shoulders as she tips her head up towards him, giving him free rein. Her tongue playfully teases against his lips as she makes a soft hum of enjoyment, thoroughly relishing every stolen moment of this. ]
[Bruce is always concerned, just a little, and the moment he feels anything nearing green he'll be the first to spring back and get himself under control. As he told Tony, the concept of turning into the Hulk in an intimate situation is the obvious reason he's never tried, and it's been an active worry of his since coming here. This place makes people feel a certain way and that can be trouble for a dangerous split personality like his. So far he's been very, very lucky.
And this has nothing to do with the moons at the moment. This is her and him and Bruce finds himself unusually greedy in the face of being allowed to want someone again. At the least he is allowed to kiss the woman who owns his heart without fear and that is a gift. All these years between them and this isn't dead. It's burning back to life again.
His arms wrap around her waist in a close embrace, slightly clumsy in execution because practice is not something he's had in a decade, but he is a quick learner. Bruce hums right back, in agreement and in amusement, only breaking the kiss due to a required few seconds of breathing. Which he's doing shallowly at the moment, nuzzling her nose affectionately with his, not pulling away.]
I adore you. [The word is used very precisely, the same ones she said to him. There's nothing to be pushed off of this time, so the sentiment stays instead. He never got to use the words or echo them at her, his feelings suppressed so skillfully. But he's done with it. He gently kisses her again to seal it to them. She doesn't need to say it again. She only needs to know where he's at.]
[ Kissing is recoverable. If they get more intimate... well, that could cause some problems if the Big Guy suddenly showed up, but it's not like she hasn't been aware of that from the beginning.
But she's not overly worried about that at the moment, not when he's so calm and relaxed and clearly enjoying himself. And this contentment is easy to immerse in, as she curves into the wrap of his arms around her. It feels... perfect. Laughing softly, she nuzzles back against him.
Her eyes lift to his, however, at his words. Her words, actually, offered back to her, all this time later. Her dimples deepen for a moment as she pulls back enough to search his face. ]
You remember...
[ Maybe that shouldn't surprise her, but in a way, it does. ]
[For the first time in a long time he wants to try. It might stall a few times, if only for his hang-ups and anxieties, but if she is willing to be patient ... it could happen. He also can't deny that knowing there is someone he and the Hulk can trust to be with will be a giant relief when it comes to this place and its control over people. If she wants him the way she seems to, if she can accept him for who and what he is, he'll have a refuge to come to, a safe place and a welcoming embrace. He feels hope. Also, well, excitement and desire and a touch of giddiness.
He loves her laugh and the soft intimacy of their little touches. He breathes in her air and starts trailing kisses on her cheek and draw, finding contentment in this bit of freedom. Bruce doesn't know how much he'll be allowed, but this is a request for it. One arm stays around her while the other moves up her back and through her hair. She's so close. He could see every eyelash if he looked closely enough.
He raises an eyebrow at her, surprised she didn't know that moment between them was seared onto his mind forever.]
You said I adore you, kissed me, and pushed me off a cliff. [Dryly.] Not something I'd forget. [The last thing he remembered, before coming back to himself on Sakaar.] I thought I would never get to kiss you again. I accepted I might adore you in secret from then on. [Color flushes into his face but he stays firm, close, open to her in a way he was closed before.] I know five years in the future I would feel the same. Those feelings don't go away, not for me.
[It's so focused and eternally loyal of him, but true. He still loves Betty with everything in him, albeit from a respectful distance since she moved on with her life. Just as he kept his distance from Nat.] I don't expect the same. I just never got to tell you the truth.
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He doesn't want to be lost in those thoughts, he wants to focus on her. He hesitates only a moment before setting his drink aside and moving down to sit next to her. This is the kind of affection he secretly wanted from her for long before he realized that there were feelings involved. He felt safe with her. Bruce isn't always aware of his own feelings, so it was startling the first time he thought about her as anything other than a friend. He then decided it didn't matter, as she would never return them, and he couldn't do anything about it.
They lost so much time and their chance together, or so he thought, and he still is uncertain. But if she wants to be close to him, that he is happy to provide. He tentatively puts an arm around her, like a shy teenager might in a movie theater.]
Nat, I want you to know .... [Bruce keeps her hand, lacing their fingers together. The moonlacing is strong between them at the moment.] If I did crash land somewhere on Earth, I would have contacted you. I wouldn't have let all of you stay in the dark, even if I didn't come back.
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I know. I know you wouldn't have. I wouldn't have blamed you if that's what you needed to do, though.
[ She glances down at how their hands are locked together, fingers entwined. ]
I would have understood any steps you needed to take to be able to walk away. It gets harder, after a while, doesn't it?
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[Bruce was happy for the first time since the Hulk. He had a home and friends and a lab. He felt like he was living again, and wanted to keep on living. For the first few months he was skittish and kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for them to push him away or get tired of dealing with the danger of his presence, but he eventually got comfortable. And then he lost all of it. He sighs and runs his thumb on the side of her hand.]
I didn't want to bring trouble on all of you. After Johannesburg and Ultron, continued association with the Hulk and I would hurt the Avengers' public image, more so than it already did.
[It is all very rational but stems from a place of deep emotion and fear. He loves his friends and he couldn't see any other way to protect them than to disappear.]
It would have been wrong, you coming with me. [He swallows, looking away.] That wasn't the life you deserved. [On the run, unable to help their friends again. But he was weak and when she offered, he wanted it, selfishly. He made a lot of bad decisions during Ultron.]
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I think we damaged the Avengers' public image pretty thoroughly on our own. I'm pretty sure your presence wouldn't have actually made things worse at that point. We're a magnet for trouble, Bruce. Every single one of us. At least as a team, we're a little better equipped to tackle those problems when they crop up out of nowhere. [ A pause, before she wrinkles her nose in a wry grimace. ] Well. Most of the time.
[ As for the rest of it... well. they'd all made some bad decisions during Ultron, hadn't they? She wishes those bad decisions had ended there, and not continued on to the struggles that had followed. They'd only made worse decisions then. ]
That wasn't the life you deserved, either.
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He's able to look at her the way he wants when she stares up at the ceiling. He allows himself a moment to simply appreciate her. His visible admiration of her was always done quietly and subtly in the past, and he doesn't want to be accused of staring, but he is being indulgent for this one moment. He snaps himself out of it and shrugs, glancing away.]
Well it sure beat being stuck in the Hulk, but ... you know me. Deserve is not something I feel qualified to estimate for myself.
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Then trust me to estimate a little, hmm? You deserve more than that, Bruce. Maybe we all do.
[ A pause, before her voice drops to a quieter tone, thoughtful. And somehow... determined? ]
Finding our way back to that family again... or as close as we can get to it. It's not impossible. That would be good to have again.
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He reaches out to cup the face he admired, caressing her cheek with his thumb.] Maybe it's possible. [He agrees quietly.] I'm not usually the optimist, but I don't think we're broken for good. [If he means the team or Steve and Tony or the two of them, it could mean all or none.]
All this touching, just so you know, is going to feed us for at least a week. I might be able to get a new pair of shoes even. [Bruce is teasing while also speaking the truth, curling her hair behind her ear. He's been getting by barely with Chroma, but a few hours with her and he feels flush with it. Or maybe that's just her, making him feel that way.]
I'm hoping to scientifically get to the bottom of how this is happening. Why it works. [He isn't going to accept it's magic just yet. Bruce darlingly leans in to kiss the cheek he has been touching, making it quick, like he's still expecting it to cross lines despite her doing it first.] It, uh, heals people too, apparently. [He mumbles, unnecessarily shy.]
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[ He leans in to kiss her cheek, and she's actually a little surprised at the movement, even if she'd done the same a moment before. But that's often how it had been with them, hadn't it? Her daring to dance a few steps forward and then waiting to see if he would meet her halfway or dance backward and away. Sometimes she didn't know the outcome - sometimes she wasn't sure he knew the outcome. But this... this was nice. ]
Does it? [ Amusement flits across her face at the mention that this can heal, along with everything else. She curls a little closer to him, setting her wine aside for the time being. ] Does that mean you are that kind of doctor now?
[ She doesn't even bat an eyelash that he won't accept the "it's magic" theory. She suspects Tony will be doing the same. Hell, so might she - even if she has seen things that she's not sure science will ever be able to explain. ]
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And let's face it. [He says very dryly.] There's only two people who we need to convince. I'm pretty sure the rest of us are on the same page. [Tony and Steve aren't there, all right? He can pin the nail on the head.
Bruce is more accustomed to dancing backward or rather fumbling backward, his list of reasons why not long enough to stack between the two of them. But so much has happened since then, for both of them. It's been years. It's been multiple traumas. Isn't there a point where they deserve this? There's no where to run at the moment and he doesn't want to. He wants to be right here and she does too. ]
This is more useful than actual medicine here, so I guess this is definitely the type of doctor I am. [Is he going to resent that just a tad? Probably. But he is better at compartmentalizing, and seeing touch as healing is an easy angle.] I can be any kind of doctor you want. [He tries hard to make that sound flirty and he makes a face. Fail, Banner.] That did not sound good at all out loud.
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[ Her lips quirk at his dry tone, because she's not about to let those two stand in her way. She never has before, why start now?
And then he tries to be smooth in his flirting and just...
Natasha starts laughing - a choked attempt to stifle it before just giving up and letting herself dissolve into mirth, leaning her forehead against his shoulder as she shakes with laughter. ]
It was a valiant attempt. I appreciate the effort. I feel like I should be offering some kinky fantasies here as a comeback but I think you might melt right through the floor if I tried.
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Flirting is not a skill he's had to work at, and if anything this failure should teach him not to try, but he likes seeing her laugh. He likes making her laugh. She could use it, after all she's been through, and if him being ridiculous gets her there, it's worth the embarrassment.]
That's probably a good call, although I think it would be fun for you. You might get me to blush so hard I pass out.
[He smiles bashfully and kisses the top of her hair where it rests on his shoulder.]
You're the one who likes dorks who can't flirt, so this is your fault.
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Mmmm. Just the one dork, really.
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You've got lousy taste in men, kid. [He echoes, from that flirty moment at the bar when he thought for a moment maybe his life was taking a good turn.] Me, I have great taste. I fell for this woman who is amazing in every possible way. [Bruce settles his head briefly on top of hers.] Smart, funny, strong, empathic, accepting, beautiful. Sure, most of the time she's laughing at me, but I don't mind that.
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Mmmm. Sounds fake. I still think she's the lucky one.
[ She can't help but smile at his callback, though. Remembering that night, before it had all gone sideways. Ah, if only they could have frozen time there for a while...
Maybe that was why she was beginning to think this place really might be a gift. ]
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Maybe we both were lucky. Or really unlucky with timing.
[It's amazing how she makes him feel both thrilled and relaxed at the same time. Warm and calm.]
Do you think .... [He hesitates, even with them being this comfortable with each other, even with the certainty that Natasha wouldn't be here if it wasn't what she wanted. With their flirting and dancing around the subject, while addressing it, being more direct could throw things off. But Bruce feels like he doesn't want another few years of question marks at this point.] That the window is closed or that it could be opened again? [She asked him once, if they missed their window, and until now he thought it was slammed shut and locked multiple times.] Sometime. Maybe.
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Oh, how she wishes.
His words float through her memory now, haunting her. We don't always get what we want. She hates that he'd been right. Again.
But he doesn't know that. She can't tell him that. Not yet. She's not ready. not ready for any of them to know. It's already affecting how Clint's treating her - she can see it every time he looks at her. She can't yet bear to see that mirrored in Bruce's eyes. In Steve's. In the others.
So she pulls out every bit of acting skill she possesses to tip her head back and smile at him, letting it warm her eyes. Focusing instead on the here and now. ]
No time like the present to find out, hmm?
[ Especially when it's all she has. ]
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He doesn't move and waits for her to process. Because she is so very good at what she does, and because he is worried about seeing a different reaction so he wouldn't be able to observe what's going on in her otherwise, he doesn't see anything she doesn't want him to.
He believes her. Bruce smiles back, relieved. Also more than a little shocked now that he got an affirmative, because does he deserve something so good? Deserve is always something he struggles with. But his heart pounds and he feels a light-headed and he is slightly giddy. That all shows because his face is open, so she can see her deception works. His head lifts to touch her cheek, looking back down at her. Caught in this moment.]
Is it ... out of line if I kissed you right now?
[Despite everything he asks permission. The one and only time they kissed was more of a goodbye one than anything but he doesn't want to presume.]
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But right now, in this moment? She just wants to cherish the way he's looking at her, just a little longer. The way his hand feels against her cheek.
Dark lashes flutter against her cheek as she leans into that touch. ]
I can go hunt for an engraved invitation, if that clears the matter up any. [ She shifts slightly, moving in closer, her eyes on him. ] Yes, Bruce. I want you to kiss me.
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He chuckles at the joke and caresses her cheek with his fingers.] I think a yes will suffice.
[She gives him one and he is filled with nerve but the good type. He doesn't hesitate now. Bruce leans down, closing what little space is between them, and kisses her softly. it's as if nothing else about this place matters but her, she is the eye of the storm, the singular thing his world revolves around at the moment. Her lips are soft and while he noticed how the moonlacing made all of their touches stronger, this kiss burns almost immediately.]
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The world doesn't end. The roof doesn't cave in. The apocalypse doesn't trigger.
Maybe they're not as jinxed as they both fear?
She makes a soft sound against his lips, leaning up to meet him. One hand lifts to curl around to the nape of his neck, fingertips brushing through the dark hair there as she holds him close.
It's perfect. ]
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Their one kiss was so fast, desperate on her end since she knew what she had to do and this time he wants it to linger. It's been a long time since he's really gotten to kiss anyone, and he treasures it. Bruce lets the first kiss break but they're still so close and he says to hell with it and kisses her again, this time with more intent and passion.
And the best part about it is that his heart is definitely starting to pick up in speed, but there is no trace of Hulk's curiosity in him he can sense. All he knows is Nat's taste and smell and the feel of her long hair when his fingers run through it.]
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But he doesn't seem concerned, so for the moment, she follows him, letting him control the speed and the pace of this, although she is right there to meet him every step of the way.
She shifts, arms resting against his shoulders as she tips her head up towards him, giving him free rein. Her tongue playfully teases against his lips as she makes a soft hum of enjoyment, thoroughly relishing every stolen moment of this. ]
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And this has nothing to do with the moons at the moment. This is her and him and Bruce finds himself unusually greedy in the face of being allowed to want someone again. At the least he is allowed to kiss the woman who owns his heart without fear and that is a gift. All these years between them and this isn't dead. It's burning back to life again.
His arms wrap around her waist in a close embrace, slightly clumsy in execution because practice is not something he's had in a decade, but he is a quick learner. Bruce hums right back, in agreement and in amusement, only breaking the kiss due to a required few seconds of breathing. Which he's doing shallowly at the moment, nuzzling her nose affectionately with his, not pulling away.]
I adore you. [The word is used very precisely, the same ones she said to him. There's nothing to be pushed off of this time, so the sentiment stays instead. He never got to use the words or echo them at her, his feelings suppressed so skillfully. But he's done with it. He gently kisses her again to seal it to them. She doesn't need to say it again. She only needs to know where he's at.]
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But she's not overly worried about that at the moment, not when he's so calm and relaxed and clearly enjoying himself. And this contentment is easy to immerse in, as she curves into the wrap of his arms around her. It feels... perfect. Laughing softly, she nuzzles back against him.
Her eyes lift to his, however, at his words. Her words, actually, offered back to her, all this time later. Her dimples deepen for a moment as she pulls back enough to search his face. ]
You remember...
[ Maybe that shouldn't surprise her, but in a way, it does. ]
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He loves her laugh and the soft intimacy of their little touches. He breathes in her air and starts trailing kisses on her cheek and draw, finding contentment in this bit of freedom. Bruce doesn't know how much he'll be allowed, but this is a request for it. One arm stays around her while the other moves up her back and through her hair. She's so close. He could see every eyelash if he looked closely enough.
He raises an eyebrow at her, surprised she didn't know that moment between them was seared onto his mind forever.]
You said I adore you, kissed me, and pushed me off a cliff. [Dryly.] Not something I'd forget. [The last thing he remembered, before coming back to himself on Sakaar.] I thought I would never get to kiss you again. I accepted I might adore you in secret from then on. [Color flushes into his face but he stays firm, close, open to her in a way he was closed before.] I know five years in the future I would feel the same. Those feelings don't go away, not for me.
[It's so focused and eternally loyal of him, but true. He still loves Betty with everything in him, albeit from a respectful distance since she moved on with her life. Just as he kept his distance from Nat.] I don't expect the same. I just never got to tell you the truth.
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