I haven't written a Bruce fanfic before and it was my desire to make him as...well, 'Brucey' as possible. I didn't start this off as a love story just yet because my goal is to let them form a valid friendship beforehand. I feel that both Natasha and Bruce aren't ones to just thrust themselves into anything above a physical pleasure with someone they don't trust. I hope you all enjoy. Thank you in advance for reading and/or reviewing!
Bruce Banner twists his hands, staring out the window. The storm raging outside makes him feel cooped up, trapped, and he can't run, not like he would have done even a few months ago.
Natasha watched him from the doorway, wondering how someone so dangerous could be so fragile and shy. She cleared her throat. "Bruce?"
He turned, a soft smile masking his face, one meant to disarm. "Agent Romanoff. I didn't know you were back."
"Always with the formality," she offered him a smile, "You can call me Natasha, or Tash if you'd like. My plane landed this morning."
"It's good to see you in one piece." He moved away from the window. "You flew in this weather?"
"I appreciate that." She walked further into the room and occupied an empty plush chair. "Unfortunately. Fury demanded my presence. He said, and I quote, 'Agent Romanoff must be here to follow my orders and no others, is that clear?" She gave a mock shudder. "Quite scary."
"Nick Fury does manage to be intimidating. Even... the other guy... takes him pretty seriously." Bruce took a seat opposite her on the end of the couch. "Did he have orders for you?
Her laughter rang out. "He told me to stay out of trouble and no more missions until he has a meeting with us. He didn't specify a time, though." She looked at his tired eyes, the slight purple coloring beneath them. "Is everything alright, Bruce?"
He shrugged one shoulder, turning his eyes back to the window. "It's... everything is alright, more alright then it's been for me in years, but at the same time..." He looked at her. "It's strange, being here, being around people. It's amazing how alone you can feel even when you've been hiding half your life."
"You're not alone in that feeling," she chuckled and ran a hand through her hair, leaning back. "I just hate to see you always so... destroyed."
"Destroyed?" He asked. "That's... a new one. Most people just say... well, it's colorful."
Her brows furrowed and her curiousity peaked. She knew she shouldn't pry, but she asked, "What do they say?"
"'If it wasn't for the one time in ten he maybe saves the world, I'd have thought Banner would have been put down by now.'" He quoted, looking unconcerned. "Things like that."
Her eyes clouded slightly before turning back to their normal color. "I'm...sorry you have to endure things like that, Bruce."
"I'm used to it." He smiled at her. "But I'm sure you have better things to do than listen to my life."
"You act as if it's a burden. I find you incredibly fascinating in many ways."
Bruce looked puzzled for a moment. He wasn't accustomed to compliments, especially not from beautiful master assassins. "I..don't understand. You find me fascinating?" he asked, incredulous and humor in his voice.
She looked at him, sighed, then gazed out against the stormy clouds and heavy rain, "You really don't...well, how do I explain..." she bit her bottom lip with a vague thoughtfulness, "You are an attractive, shy genius who is a valued part of the Avengers. Despite Jolly Green inside of you, you're a great guy. He can be too when we need to kick ass." Natasha gave a slight shrug and continued, "The Hulk, from my basis of knowledge on the whole thing, is a part of you, but he can never mask who you truly are." Her eyes turned back to his, heart racing a little too fast from her out spill, and hoped that her words would have a positive effect on him.
He leaned back against the soft couch, soaking in her words. His brain calculated and analyzed every word in hopes to find a trace of sarcasm or untruth. Finally he spoke, "T-thank you."
"For what?" she asked.
Bruce had the ghost of a smile on his face. His eyes were deeper than usual, an almost playful glint to them. "Myself and a lot of others have never really thought of the other guy in that way." His grin widened, "And for calling me attractive."
Natasha smirked and nodded her head, "Always happy to give you a confidence boost, Doc."
They sat there in a comfortable silence, the sound of the rain and their breathing the only indicator of life around them. Suddenly, JARVIS's voice broke the silence. "Dr. Banner, Agent Romanoff, you are wanted in the conference room with the rest of the Avengers and Director Fury."
They let out a short 'okay' and gave each other a quick smile before making their way to their next mission.