He was floating in the air, eyes closed, being carried by an unknown force.
Arms. Strong arms. Don't let go...
Bruce opened his eyes that morning staring at his bedroom ceiling. It was still very early so he closed his eyes again and curled up tighter on his bed, trapping the warmth.
Bruce's eyes opened again.
He looked around.
He was in his room, not his lab.
Odd.
He roused himself slowly and got out of bed. He still had his clothes on from the previous day, so he changed and then went to his lab.
It was just as isolated as usual.
Bruce sighed and walked over to his desk to try and finish some of his work but noticed a note next to his pen. He read it aloud to no one in particular:
"Sorry about that, Doc. It had been a long day.
I tried to wake you but I couldn't, so I carried you to bed.
Anyway, thanks for the scotch.
- Clint."
He threw the note in the trash and continued with his work.
-o-
Clint awoke with a start, not knowing where he was. He shot up, looking around, analysing his surroundings.
A bedroom.
He got up from the bed slowly and left the room.
His panic drifted away as he saw the snoring mass that was Bruce Banner, drooling over his work.
I must have fallen asleep and he carried me to his bed.
Clint smiled. He walked over to Bruce to try and wake him.
No such luck.
Clint lifted Bruce bridal-style and started to walk back to the bedroom.
In his sleep, Bruce became a little restless and snuggled closer into Clint's chest like a child.
Clint looked down and smiled at how vulnerable Bruce looked. He slowed to a stop and his smile faded as he continued to look at Bruce.
Clint thought of how this man's life had been ruined because of his accident.
You would never guess that this man has probably killed people because of the Other Guy.
But then again, he isn't the Other Guy, he's Bruce Banner.
He looked sadly and Bruce then continued to the bedroom.
Clint laid him on his side where he himself was sleeping earlier and pulled the sheet over him.
He sat on the bed next to Bruce and felt a sudden pang of sadness go through him.
Clint sighed and tried to compose himself.
He stood up and went for the bedroom door but stopped half way.
Clint turned slowly and walked back over to the head of Bruce's bed and leaned over.
He placed his lips on Bruce's temple.
When Clint stood back up, he left the room quietly and left a note on Bruce's desk.
He went straight to his own quarters when he left to get a good night's sleep.
-o-
Bruce had been working for an hour or so when an officer came in.
"Meeting with Fury, ten minutes." he said. Then he was gone as quickly as he had come.
He sighed and got out of his chair and left.
"The Avengers Initiative." shouted Fury.
Everyone looked around at each other.
"That's why you're all here." he said. "You each have your own special talent or ability which makes you invaluable to S.H.I.E.L.D."
Clint was staring at Bruce from the other end of the room. He could see his jaws clenching.
"What if we don't want to be a part of this thing?" asked Steve.
"Holler." added Tony.
Steve looked at Tony as if he had just burped without excusing himself.
Fury sighed.
"Trust me, you will."
"So what's my special ability, huh?" said Bruce.
"You become a great green monster and do a good bit of smashing." said Tony, as if it were obvious.
"No," said Fury. "You're here for your extensive knowledge of gamma radiation."
"And because he becomes a great green monster who goes smash!" repeated Tony.
Bruce's breathing became heavier and more stressed.
Clint suddenly got up and walked over to Bruce.
"Barton, sit back down." demanded Fury.
"With all due respect, sir," said Clint. "Shut the fuck up."
"... What the hell did you-" Fury started.
"Shall I repeat it?" Clint asked innocently.
"C'mon, let's get some air." he whispered in Bruce's ear.
Bruce stood up, his whole body still tense.
Fury finally noticed this and took Clint's advice.
He put his hand on Bruce's shoulder and walked him out of the conference room.
Clint guided him through several corridors and doors, with Bruce still worked up and tense.
They finally reached their destination - Clint's quarters - and went inside.
They stood by the door and Clint stared at Bruce; he put his hands on his shoulders.
"Are you alright?" Clint asked quietly.
Bruce shook his head very slowly.
"Okay, right calm down, breathe." he said.
He rubbed Bruce's shoulders very gently. This helped Bruce a little.
Bruce's bottom lip started to quiver. Clint noticed and his heart sank.
He pulled Bruce into an embrace.
"Shh, it's okay, it's okay." he whispered.
Bruce let silent tears fall onto Clint's shoulder. His shoulders were convulsing.
"I'm a man too, you know," he whispered between sobs. "I'm not a monster."
Clint hugged him tighter.
"I know."
Arms... Bruce thought. Strong arms...
"Don't let go..." Bruce whispered.
"I won't."
A/N
Thanks for the positive reviews for Ch. 1. :D
Hope you enjoy.
Again, reviews are welcome/encouraged. :D