Hello everyone! I decided to update since I'm going on vacation for a few days and it was time for the new chapter. I hope you like the direction I'm taking this in. I didn't add as much Tasha/Bruce dialogue because I want to establish the other characters and the overall mood. I hope you enjoy and thank you in advance for reading and/or reviewing!
Every surface of New York City was smothered with a cold, white powder. For two days straight it had snowed powerfully, almost turning into a full blizzard before stopping on the third day. Children, pets, and even adults –a lot of them drunk from the season's traditional drink of eggnog – were colorful dots in contrast with the snow. Stark Tower was no exception to the weather. It was a week away from Christmas and Pepper had bargained with Tony for decorations all over the tower and inside. Lights were strung across the large sign and Tony's personal office area. Inside, the hallways held mistletoe, tinsel, and other variations of the holiday's decorations, much to Steve, Thor, and Pepper's delight. Banner was pleased, because this was his first Christmas with...family since he was a child. He had to become accustomed to the word, as they were all the closest things in his life to stood in the middle of his freshly decorated lab, thanks to Steve, and pondered if he should join the others in Tony's study or stay and work. The sound of excited voices and running brought him back to reality and gave him enough warning to unlock the lab door before Steve and Thor burst in.
"C'mon, Doc, we're going to go to the park and try ice-skating and play in the snow!" Steve's face was flushed with excitement and he was tugging on a pair of gloves the group gave him for his birthday.
"Yes, Banner, I am pleased with this snow and I think you would be too," Thor nodded, the top of his fuzzy hat moving with the motion.
Bruce shifted and gave a half shrug, "I don't know, I'm not exactly built for ice-skating." But the Captain and the demi-god scoffed and pleaded. Before they became too much, Natasha strode in, clad in a light blue parka and gloves.
"Please, Bruce?" The sides of her curls were pressed against her head from the ear muffs she wore.
He sighed and inwardly admitted defeat. Honestly? Bruce felt excited. It had been a long time since he enjoyed the snow, and the feeling of people wanting his company. He pulled on his coat, gloves, and a hat before joining the others at Tony's elavtor. Tony grumbled and complained about getting his hair wet, but Banner knew that it was an act because he caught the look on the bearded man's face when he saw the winter wonderland.
"Fucking Narnia." Clint laughed and shuffled the snow. It had begun to fall again, but slowly this time, kissing the cheeks and ground gently.
"Narnia? What is this Narnia you speak of?" Thor looked at Clint. Everyone was silent for a moment before their laughter rang out. Only Thor and Steve looked puzzled.
"It's this magical place from a book," Pepper scolded everyone and answered Thor.
Steve and Thor nodded and ignored the chuckling, running ahead to slide and kick the snow.
"They're like children," Natasha appeared beside Bruce and tucked her arm into his. He could feel the warmth of her body, and was slightly taken aback before settling himself.
"It's quite hilarious but also endearing," He said quietly, remembering the first time he laid eyes on the dusty coldness.
"Russia is cold and snows a lot, so I'm not that ecstatic, but it's pretty nice to see it so peaceful for a change." Natasha smiled up at him.
Bruce's heart gave a small lurch, but he shook it off and returned the smile. "Do you miss it? Home?"
"Sometimes, but this is my home now and it's a lot better." He nodded at her response, knowing exactly how she felt. Homes aren't based upon actual structures or buildings, they're based upon the people inside of them and the dynamics they share.
Before too long they had reached the park and began their adventure. Tony and Clint were hesitant to participate at first, but soon everyone joined in for snowman making and then a snowball fight. They split into teams of two. Pepper didn't want to take any chances against the Avengers and chose to be referee instead. The teams were Bruce and Tony, Clint and Natasha, and Steve and Thor. After a series of rules and the making of fortresses, the fight began. In between throws, Tony began to ask Banner questions.
"So, big guy, you and the Black Widow?" Tony grunted and threw a snowball that nearly hit Clint. He heard his 'son of a bitch' and laughed before turning to face Bruce who had stopped to stare at his partner.
"What do you mean?" he asked, tossing a ball towards Thor and Steve's hideout.
Tony snorted and looked to his companion, "I'm not blind and it doesn't take a genius to see. Even Pepper noticed how you two have been lately."
"W-we've been friends. I don't think it's her intentions for a...romantic relationship." Bruce dodged the snow and flipped off Clint, which earned him laughter from everyone. It wasn't often Banner used profanity or any type of rude gestures.
"If you say so," Tony gave him a sideways glance that made Bruce roll his eyes and they both continued.
After the match and Steve and Thor were declared the winners, they made their way back to Stark Tower. The immediate warmth had each of them moaning with content after peeling away the many wet layers they had on. It was nearly dinner when everyone resurfaced back in Tony's office. The mood was one that is expected and wished for by many people during the holidays: an easy happiness. Takeout was ordered from a local Chinese restaurant that Natasha favored – Bruce's suggestion – and they spent the rest of the night watching Christmas movies and laughing as if they were a true family.