A/N: This is totally different from anything I've ever done before… It's not crackfic like I usually do, which is so weird to write. Plus it's not the most cheerful character, but I seem to have an unhealthy obsession. :P Anyways, like I said, totally new style, so be easy on me!
I'm at war with the world
And they try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I'm slipping from your arms
-Awake and Alive: Skillet
Bruce couldn't stay. He had known it when he first joined the Avengers; when he had first agreed to help Tony with his newest project. He had known it wouldn't last. That being said, he hadn't exactly pictured sneaking away into the night, a duffel bag over one shoulder. He definitely didn't expect an alarm to go off, complete with flashing lights.
"Damn it!" He cursed, tossing the bag into a convenient closet. Must have tripped it somehow. He thought nervously.
"Jarvis, do not tell anyone what I was doing." He instructed.
"Understood sir." He wasn't sure if he was imagining it, or if the AI's voice really was that reproachful. Steve was the first one on the scene, unsurprisingly. The noise had stopped, leaving the lights to flash eerily.
"What's going on?" The Captain was alert as always, while Bruce attempted to maintain an air of sleepiness.
"Sorry, I was in the lab and got hungry. Must have tripped it somehow." He said quietly, eyes trained on his feet as usual. Steve sighed.
"Jarvis, shut off the flashing lights and turn on the hallway lights." Steve ordered.
"Of course, sir." By the time the lights were on, the rest of the Avengers had gathered, minus Tony who was probably still sleeping somewhere.
"False alarm everyone, go back to bed." Steve said, before walking off himself. Bruce headed for the kitchen, figuring that it couldn't hurt to grab a snack, and make sure everyone was asleep before he left.
That didn't take long, and he was soon walking back to get his bag.
"Jarvis, make sure I don't trip anymore alarms." He whispered.
"Yes sir." Was that a sigh? Since when could AI's sigh? Bruce shook his head and headed out the door. One last look at the tower from the street, then he disappeared into the night, ignoring the ache in his heart.
The next morning…
Bruce had been surprised at how easy it was to book a flight to India. Without General Ross searching for him everything was easier. He wasn't constantly looking over his shoulder, which certainly helped with not Hulking-out. However, the rocky flight definitely wasn't helping. He clutched the armrests, trying to concentrate on breathing and not taking out a plane of innocent people. He closed his eyes and wondered if the others had realized he was gone yet.