I had fun writing this chapter because I liked the idea of Natasha and Bruce being these strong heroes but can't even decide on Christmas presents. This is more Bruce again, but Natasha is avid in it. It switches from Bruce to Natasha to Bruce again and then finally on Natasha. Thanks in advance for reading and/or reviewing!


Bruce's eyes were wide and intrigued as he followed a swaggering Clint and Tony through the large department store. The crowd of people, all in various shapes and sizes, surrounded the petite form of him. He pushed his glasses up his nose and hurried to catch up to his friends.

"It smells like a damn horse stable in here," Clint nose was wrinkled slightly as he looked towards Tony and Bruce.

"That's what you get around Christmas. A bunch of hurried people who would rather get the latest deals than bathe." His voice carried a chuckle.

With Christmas just a few days away, they each needed to a bit of last minute shopping. Tony had created most of his gifts, yet wanted to buy Pepper something special. Clint, who was currently in the twines of relationship with Agent Maria Hill, was in the same boat as Tony. Bruce sighed as he felt like the outsider, but his heart gave a small lurch when his mind drifted towards Natasha. That was the main reason Bruce was daring the obnoxious crowds in uncomfortable blue jeans and a thick coat. He'd rather be wearing cotton pajama pants and a sweater. Tony picked up a rather expensive purse and with a hoping face, and turned towards his two companions.

"That is the ugliest fucking bag I've ever seen," This from Clint who's eyebrows were furrowed. He pointed to the bag beside it, a cream colored leather that was compact yet suitable.

Tony picked it up and shrugged, "I always thought I had good taste, but I can never understand women's accessories. What do you think, Banner?"

Bruce was looking around the store, caught in his own little world before Tony startled him with the question, "I-I, uh, it looks like something Pepper would like." He gave a reassuring grin.

Clint held out the basket he carried and Tony tossed the bag in. "Careful, Tony, it's real leather," scolded Clint. He always had an eye for the fancier of materials – his words, not Bruce's.

"Now to find Natasha something!" Tony's grin stretched his face, taking off years of wear and tear. He took Bruce's arm and directed him towards the jewelery.

What in the world have I gotten myself into, Bruce thought to himself with an eyeroll.


"So," Pepper's voice held curiosity and humor as she looked at Natasha over the rim of her cup. The two women, both different in appearance except for their caring eyes but similar in their hearts, were lounging in a small cafe.

"So?" Natasha's delicate eyebrow rose at her friend.

"How are things with Bruce?" She sat her cup down and crossed her legs, the knowing smile on her lips.

Natasha stared at Pepper for a moment before sighing in defeat. There was no use in lying. "There is really nothing with Bruce. Not that I don't want there to be, but...he's so damn cautious and shy." She shrugged and took a drink of her own coffee, letting the warm liquid soothe her throat. "You know how I am, I don't want to just rush into a relationship, but there is just something about him."

The blonde woman smiled as she thought of Tony, the usual ball of butterflies taking flight in her stomach. "I know what you mean." She took another sip and looked towards the wintery sky. "What have you gotten him for Christmas?"

"A sweater, two books, and something else but I'm not telling you," She smirked at Pepper.

"But you have to, it's girl code," Pepper argued with a laugh.

Natasha rolled her eyes, "Oh, you mean the code you made up about five seconds ago?"

With a pout Pepper gave up, "Fine, fine, you don't have to tell me. Why don't we go back to the Tower? The boys should be done shopping by now."

The red haired woman laughed and nodded, "I'm excited to see their faces after bracing that crowd."


He was surrounded by wrapping paper and tape. Good god, what was he doing? There were five unwrapped presents in the bag beside him, as well as three messily wrapped boxes to his right. The wrapping paper, comically green, was strewn across his suite floor and cut with imperfect lines. It had been a long time since Bruce had wrapped anything, let alone presents for people he truly cared for. The two gag gifts he had chipped in on, for Maria and Fury, were located underneath the large and extravagantly decorated Christmas tree in the group's most used sitting area on the second to top floor of Tony's tower. Bruce grinned to himself as he began to wrap Tony's present, a bright red bow tie that went along with a pair of ruby cuff links. Thor's present was next.

He had went to the costume store and bought a few things that reminded him of what Thor described of Asgard. He sighed and decided on putting them into a bag instead of attempting to wrap them. Clint and Pepper's presents, both gift cards to a stylish boutique in the middle of downtown, were surrounded by a lot of wrapping paper and put into large boxes. Bruce grinned at his idea of a joke. Steve's present consisted of two vintage Captain America comic books and a gift card to Italian restaurant he loved. Last was Natasha's gifts. Banner felt that familiar tingle inside of his chest and let out a small sigh. He delicately placed the old Russian music box onto the tissue paper, wrapping it gingerly and slowly. After much deliberation and the need to escape the frenzy of the store, Bruce walked past an antique store. He noticed the box and immediately felt a connection to it. Natasha's face flashed in his mind and he knew he had to buy it. After the presents were wrapped and the mess was cleaned up, Banner flopped on the bed and let out a small groan. He had forgotten how much Christmas with family took out of him.


The red of her curls bounced when Natasha leaned her head back with frustration. She hated wrapping gifts. She hated the crinkle of the paper, the way the tape stuck to everything and she hated the fact that all her hard work would soon be in the bottom of the trashcan. Even with her hatred, she smiled at the thought of her friend's faces when they opened her presents. Natasha stood up and closed the door before returning to her spot, pulling out a large box from under her gold trimmed bed. Inside of the box lay Bruce's final present. She chewed on her lip as an inner debate took place. What if he doesn't like it? What if he hates it and in turn hates me? Get it together, Natasha. She put the gift back into the box and shoved it under her bed again, rolling over to lay on her side. The cool of the wooden floor felt wonderful against the blush of her cheeks. If he doesn't like it, I'll shoot him.