Sunlight started to peek in between the grey curtains of the decent sized room. It was very unusual for Bruce to stay at this hour inside Natasha's private quarters. Typically, he'd leave before the break of dawn not wanting to get caught by the other residents in the tower.
They've been secretly sleeping in each others bed for months now, closing the proximity between them night after night. It was wrong for so many different reasons, he thought, but she's very persuasive and he can never deny the exceptionally blissful feeling everytime he spends the night with her.
He woke up today to find half of her body resting on his. Her arm was draped over his midsection, one leg wrapped on his and her head placed on his shoulder. His face flushed as her position registers inside his mind. It still a blur to Bruce how someone as gorgeous as Natasha, would want a man as dork as him.
Looking at the clock at the wall that says seven in the morning, his heart started to beat faster. He knew some of his co-Avengers roam around the tower early in the morning. Bruce wanted to exit the room as fast as he could but unfortunately, her position would make it hard for him to do so without waking her up. He wanted her to get rest as much as possible for he knew how little she does.
"Mmmmm.." Natasha emited a soft sound making him aware that she's awake. She nuzzled his shoulder before lifting her face to see him.
"Good morning."
"Good morning. You're still here," She replied with an amused look on her face.
"Uhm, you made it difficult for me to leave," He said, eyes on her arms still embracing him.
The response made her lips curve upward. She adjusts her body so her head rested on his heart, hands roaming up and down his chest. "I really like this, Bruce."
He likes it too. During these stolen moments, she's his and he's hers. It makes him forget his troubles for a while. Sometimes he thinks about being able to care for her outside their secret quarters. He knows and understands though why they don't let the others know. He doesn't want to be in the spotlight either.
"What are you thinking about?" Nat asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"I think, I should probably go now. Most of the team are up and you know, they might find out about, uhm, this," Bruce is unsure how the others might react. He's certain they'd ask him a million questions.
"I really don't mind if they'll know about us."
The answer took him by surprise. "You don't?"
"Yes"
"Then why are you avoiding me when we're with the rest of the team?" The tone in his question demanded an answer.
"Because I make you uncomfortable and it's the last thing I want especially if we're on a mission," She replied earnestly, moving her body up to sit on the bed so she can see him.
"You don't care what they'll think?" He fears they'll judge him for his poor decision making. He knows that with his condition he's a threat and he's putting her in a bad situation.
"Why should I? Their opinions don't matter to me. I know what we have Bruce and I want it to work," She brushed his hair with her hand, hoping it would soothe him from his worries. "Are you afraid of what they'll say?"
"Of course, I know what they'll say. I mean, there's the other guy, your not safe with me. Also, look at you and look at me, I'm not suited for you," He took her hand from his hair as he spoke.
"Those are your issues not theirs. We've talked about this. I can handle the big guy, we have the lullaby for that. And I want you. Don't keep on saying that you're not the one for me, stop fighting it," She tightened her grip on his hand, not wanting him to let go.
His issues won't go anytime soon but he doesn't want to talk about it right now because time is not really on his side. He replied instead by getting up the bed, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips.
"I really need to go now. We have a briefing at 8," The words slip out as soon as his lips left hers.
She nods. "I'll see you later then."
"Okay," He stood up, wore the shirt and slacks he had on last night. He gave her another kiss before heading to the door.
Bruce stepped out Natasha's room, gently closing the door. He turned around to walk to his flat when he noticed three men stopping their gait at the sight of him.
Tony looked paralyzed from the neck up, Steve's blush quickly spread across his face and Thor mischieviously grinned. Bruce wanted the ground to swallow him alive.
"Uhm, good morning," He greeted the three of them awkwardly.
"It is indeed a great day doctor," Thor replied still beaming.
"Please don't forget about our meeting with Ms. Hill at 8," Steve stated, face as red as a tomato. Tony remained at loss for words.
"Yes, ugh, see you all later," He hurriedly left them and went straight to his room. No more secrets, he ponders, let's just see what will happen next.