A/N: Big Thank you too all who reviewed, favorited, and started following. I hope you like the update! :)

Question: Obviously, Pepper and Tony are going to play a vital role, but! *When/Which other Avengers do you think should be involved? As Cameos or what? I'm taking suggestions. I'd like to have all of them involved at some point just to add some humor. Very interested to see your imput. It will be considered.*

Thanks in advance!


Whose 'Betty'?


Bruce had always been restless in his sleep, probably since he was just a small child; always tossing and turning, crying, whimpering, moaning, or sometimes screaming. No matter how he tried to repress all emotions and keep to himself, both Pepper and Tony knew better. The couple of Stark tower could only conclude that his frequent bouts of emotional turmoil had to do with the anxiety and stress of his past.

Tony heard him, he always did. Sometimes both he and Pepper would linger outside the door and wait, while other times, Tony would run in and shake him out of it and surprisingly, both Pepper and Tony never seemed to mind. He was no longer just a 'friend' at this point and more like a family member.

They knew that despite Banner's constant protesting, he needed the comfort that they were more than willing to offer. Even when he was awake, it was a constant battle against negative talk or an emotional outburst. Typically, they'd be centered on things Tony had a slight clue, about such as his messed up family life, General Ross, or just from the tension of 'the other guy'.

But last night was different. Last nights tearful trembling included the name of someone obviously dear to him. He cried harder than he ever did before, burying his reddened cheeks into his pillow with his body glazed with a light layer of sweat, only evident through his thick curls and light gray top. It wasn't a usual occurence for him to go right to crying, as opposed to throwing whatever was in his way in aggressive revenge for his unnecessary torment.

Tony hesitated to wake him, noticing how intense his dreaming had become. His mind was racing, wanting so badly to know who this lady was to have such a deep-seeded impact on him. Banner's tears were no doubt outwardly exposing a broken heart. Tony felt his ears pull back upon hearing her name. He never even thought to ask if Bruce had any luck as far as love went. Rather, he just assumed that he was always single, cursed in a solitary and lonely state. His curiosity had gotten the best of him now that such information had subconsciously slipped from his friend. Information he no doubt either wished to forget or keep a secret.

The morning could not come quick enough. Stark just had to know;

Who was this young woman who Bruce had so affectionately refered to as 'Betty'?


"Please! I don't have anything else!" Elizabeth pleaded, bargaining with the cab driver with a tearful stare as she held out her $20. She glances downward, tugging at her mother's locket hanging around her neck, - She knows its her next resort.

The hispanic gentlemen sighed heavily feeling pity for the girl. She had been trying to bargain for over 20 minutes and he knew she was desperate. He replied in his broken english changing his mind, "I can do 50 miles free Senorita. Si? Esta Bien?"

She breathed heavy, smile over her face as she replies with sincere gratitude, "Gracias! Thank you! Thank you!"

He smiles jumping into the cab, "De nada. Donde? Where to?"

She pants catching her breath as she's finally able to sit after all of the walking. She runs her fingers through her hair closing her eyes as she sees stars, "I'm trying to get to New York. Can you head that way? I can find another cab after 50 miles."

He shakes his head, "No, not in 50 miles. 20 minutes from Jersey to big city. No charge."

Betty widens her eyes in shock, "I can't do that, we're at least 75 miles until Jersey. I don't want you to loose your job."

He just smiles in reply, "Not good zapatos for walking."

"My shoes?"

"Si. Ciudad, too much walking."

She leans her head back closing her eyes once again, "I know. But it will be worth it. Thank you for your help."

"De nada. No problem."

Betty smiles glancing out her window. Her body sinks into the chair as she recalls all her memories. Her dark bangs swoop forward as she gently brushes them from her way. Her head pounds, as she loses her smile. Her eyes fill as she whispers into her fist held gently over her mouth;

'Bruce, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.'


Pepper Potts lightly pushes on the door to the lab as she carries her small tray. Her eyes give a glance around the room, as she directs a smile towards Dr. Banner. He remains 'busy', eyes too focused on his forefinger aimlessly circling over the table in a constant motion. She shifts her weight, wanting to ask without making him uncomfortable.

She steps closer resting a tender hand over his shoulder the way she always did when he looked like he was hurting. He glances up at her before realizing his brown eyes are tearing. He nervously gives a quick chuckle feeling worthless. She gently rubs her thumb over his shoulder keeping her voice low and sweet;

"What do you need?"

Bruce shakes his head 'no' covering his mouth with his hands as he closes his eyes. He tries to remain unphased and respectful though he's craving solitude more then anything else. Pepper leans in giving him a quick and gentle hug, the way she always did. Not like a lover would, but just like Pepper. Similar to the way a brother or sister would display affection if the other was aching.

Tony Stark's entry to the lab gave him a clear view of his friend's distraught physical appearance. He saw Pepper wrapping her arm around him from the back with his eyes shut tight, keeping his hands clasped and over his mouth. His elbows rested firmly on the table to keep him balanced on the stool as Pepper tugged at his shaky form.

Stark shut his eyes confirming his inital suspicions, - Oh yeah, last night was bad.-

He slowly headed over to him parking himself across from the two-some. Eventually, Pepper pulled away pulling in her lips as she raised her eyebrows demonstrating her concern. She determined it was best to let Tony handle it being that Banner hadn't said one word all morning.

Tony leans forward in his stool tapping his foot on the rim, "You know, you don't have to work today if you don't feel like it."

Bruce just breathes in response, unable to utter a sound. The engineer looks at him sympathetically, "I'm almost positive you don't want to talk about it, but just know that I heard you last night. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here."

The doctor releases the hold over mouth only to rest his forearms on the table, burying his head within them. His thick locks fall over his arms as he breathes heavy struggling hard not to release any more tears.

Stark rests his hands on the table, lowering his chin on top of them. His eyes are wide as he contorts his lips. He knows from the way Bruce responds, he might never know anything about this 'Betty' person. But Tony knows that the more Banner withdraws, the harder it will be to pull him back, (and the more Pepper will yell at him later). He decides to stay at the table his heart filled with empathy as he just waits.

Bruce remains quiet as his back reacts to his heavy breathing and restrained emotions. It shouldn't bother him that much, but it does. He knows they parted for the best, and he still believes it is better that way. No doubt in his mind she's already moved on to someone else probably with a loving family and children to keep her happy, satisfied, and complete. And while he would never wish anything but the best for her, he knows that can not deny what he's really feeling. He misses her, that he wants her, and he still needs her.