Toni rummaged through her closet a bit frantically, she had said ten minutes…and it was nearing nine. She had absolutely no idea what the hell she was going to wear, and absolutely no idea why she cared. She ran calloused fingers through her hair roughly, jeans and a messy t-shirt weren't gonna cut it, and she defiantly wasn't going to wear one of those stupid cocktail gowns that she owned solely to keep Pepper from killing her. She didn't look good in sparkles anyway.

She sat down on her bed taking in the mess of clothes before her. This was why she didn't date, all the work, all the trouble. But Bruce had looked so…happy. He wanted her. Not just in a lets have mad rabbit sex way, but in an I want be with you just to have you around way. Toni didn't want to let him down, especially when he hardly ever got that excited. She was screwed, totally and irrevocably screwed, he already had her wrapped around his finger, and they hadn't even gone on the first date yet.

"Fuuuuck!" She fell back on her bed and buried her face in her hands. She knew she was over the ten minute meet time, and she really didn't want to go down there in jeans and a holey shirt.

Heavy knocks fell against her door, "Stark. Open up."

Fucking Fury, right fucking now? She opened the door and glared furiously, "What's doin patches? Come to drop another assignment? Because if you have I'm gonna have to…"

"Shut-up Stark." Well wasn't that a slap in the ass? Fury smirked at her expression and held up a hanger that had something trailing off it, she couldn't see through the protective paper, but it looked suspiciously like a dress. Fury's eye laughed at her and he held the hanger out to her solemnly, "Captain tells me you have a date tonight. I figured you could use all the help you can get."

Toni looked at him suspiciously; Fury never went out of his way to help her. She carefully pulled the paper off, and saw a simple red dress with gold accents flowing off the hanger in her hand. Her eyes widened and she gave Fury a dazed look, "What is this?"

"For a self proclaimed genius you're pretty slow on the uptake aren't you Stark?" He smiled mockingly, but his mild tone belayed his words, "I hear you had a date, and I took time out of my busy schedule, to make sure you would look presentable."

Toni looked at the dress silently, then back at him, "Why?" Wasn't that the question of the day? Fury could barely tolerate her on a perfect day, what the hell was he doing buying her dresses for a date that was supposed to be between her and Bruce?

He must have seen the confusion on her face, because his mocking smile turned into something slightly more genuine, "Contrary to popular belief I don't hate you Stark," could've fooled her, "you just annoy the shit out of me. I don't really want to see this crash and burn, for you and Banner's sake." He gave her a look that clearly said he wanted it to go well. Fury would never admit it to anyone, but stark was something of a soft spot for him. She was a pet project that paid off, and when necessary she stepped up to the plate and acted like a real adult. Without her, he doubted the Avengers initiative would be working the way it was.

Toni nodded mutely, unable to process the idea of Nick Fury, master spy extraordinaire…being nice…to her.

Fury smirked and walked away, casually looking at his watch as he went, "You'd better hurry Stark; you're already three minutes late."

Toni gave her watch a desperate glance, then scrambled into the dress and tried to make her hair look presentable. Whoever decided that curls were a good thing was dead wrong. No matter how she tried she couldn't get her wild hair to do what she wanted.

Toni looked in the mirror for a moment and was surprised by how harassed she looked. Her stomach hurt, and she felt breathless. Overall this was starting to seem like an awful idea, but the dress looked gorgeous on her, the soft material clung to the edges of her shoulders and flared out softly at her waist until it stopped in light ruffles to her knees. Gold beading edged the bottom of the dress in graceful swirls and loops. She actually looked…pretty. Like an actual woman instead of a grease monkey. She may dislike the guy…but Fury had taste.

She couldn't believe she was actually doing this... This was so far into unchartered territory that she doubted she could find her way with two hands and a map. Toni looked at her watch, and if she didn't hurry Bruce was going to think she stood him up.

Toni grabbed her only pair of flats and ran down the hall, hopping comically as she tried to pull her shoes on in a rush. She slid into the elevator and selected the garage floor. Whose brilliant idea was it to live in a huge tower with a bazillion floors? Oh yes, hers. "Jarvis!"

"Yes, Miss Stark?"

"I need you to make sure the elevator doesn't stop for anyone else," she tapped her foot nervously and stared at the floor sign, "Where's Bruce?"

"Dr. Banner is currently in the garage Miss. Stark. Do you need me to relay a message?"

"Nooope." Toni smoothed out the dress restlessly and waited for the annoying ding to signify her arrival into the garage. The ride took forever, and Toni was just beginning to understand why walking into Mordor was a bad idea, when the doors opened.

She ran out of the elevator…and straight into Bruce. They both tumbled to the floor painfully, Toni landing half on top of him and slamming her head against his sharply on the way down. They groaned painfully, and Toni rubbed her nose trying to ease the stinging sensation lacing through it. Well this was a wonderful start to a date.

Their pained groans filled the cavernous garage. They both lay on the ground for a few moments, too dazed to stand up gracefully. Bruce got up first, Toni watched as he eased himself onto his knees, then upward into a standing position. Which gave Toni ample time to take him in; he'd obviously tried to brush his wavy hair into some fancy type of style, but the graying locks stubbornly refused and played about his eyes loosely. He was wearing his nice shoes and a pair of chemical stain free khakis, and, Toni noticed very appreciatively, the purple shirt of se…science.

She eased up onto her knees rubbing her forehead softly as she did. Damn his head was hard. Which, given how stubborn he could be, shouldn't have been much of a surprise. She smiled up at him, delighted by the sheepish smile he gave back. "Fancy meeting you here Brucey."

His strong hands wrapped around hers softly, and carefully pulled her onto her feet, "I'm sorry Toni," he brushed her dress off gently, "I should've watched where I was going. I didn't mean to run into you."

Toni's heart squeezed painfully at the look on his face. Bruce looked like he expected her to call the whole thing off over a silly accident. It broke her heart, not that she'd ever admit that, to see that look on his face. The world had obviously taught him that he wasn't worth forgiveness, and anger welled up inside her hot and stinging. Toni pushed it aside quickly and smiled at him before kissing him softly.

It was completely unlike their earlier kiss, but no less fantastic. She cupped his face in her hands softly, slightly disappointed that he'd shaved, but delighted that he'd taken the effort to look nice for her.

He seemed surprised, but kissed back easily, falling into sync with her. They stood there for a few moments, leisurely kissing, holding each other close and just enjoying the moment. Bruce pulled back softly, but kept his hands around her waist softly. She was pressed up against him softly, but he was so calm. Completely at peace, something he had come to expect around her. Well…unless she was topless...then all bets where off on control.

Beep...beep...beep

Toni watched as he gave his wrist watch an embarrassed look, she couldn't help but laugh. He gave her a look, but relaxed and smiled softly, chuckling along with her.

"You ready to leave?" He brushed errant curls out of her eyes and looked at her expectantly.

"I was born ready," she smiled cockily and began walking toward her car, only to be stopped by a soft hold on her wrist. She looked over her shoulder and gave Bruce a confused look, "You getting cold feet there big guy?"

Bruce laughed softly and shook his head, "Let's walk. It's a nice night. We can pick up something along the way," he pulled her closer gently, mindful of her delicate skin, "then walk around central park." He laughed at the dumbfounded expression on her face, "Yes Toni," he smirked, "walk. Like move your feet against the ground to get from point A to point B."

"But," she looked at her Ferrari longingly, "it's a new car." She gave Bruce her best puppy expression, the one that only sometimes got her out of trouble.

He only laughed, "No Toni," he gave her car a look, "you know how many people you could feed for the price of that car?" He shook his head softly and laced his fingers through hers lightly, "Besides, it's a nice night, and if we walk we can spend more time together."

Toni could feel her face heat up ever so slightly when he wound his calloused, graceful fingers through hers gently, tugging her along softly, imploring, but not demanding that she follow. She nodded mutely, and couldn't help but smile at the jubilant look in his eyes. She really couldn't deny him anything, and who was she to reject more time with him?

They walked out of Stark tower into the humid nighttime air. They slipped into the bustling New York crowd easily, assimilating right into the mindless flow of people. Toni smiled when he wrapped his arm around her waist softly, and she in turn pressed closer against him, letting him lead her through the flowing crowd. They moved together seamlessly, and only stopped when Bruce found a small hot dog stand. Toni smiled slightly; no one in the world would have thought to take her out…to a hot dog stand. She wasn't upset though, far from it, the gesture seemed so…Bruce. He wasn't flashy or into expensive things, he'd seen enough of the world to appreciate the smaller things that people took for granted. Like New York hot dogs.

He smiled shyly, and handed her the hotdog, before taking her hand and leading her toward central park. They walked through semi-lit paths contently, munching on their hot dogs, until they found a bench in a secluded area and sat, shoulder to shoulder. They watched people go by, until the crowd dwindled away, and they were left alone in their own secluded piece of Central Park.

Bruce held her close, and ran his fingers through her soft curls gently, earning small purring sounds from a completely blessed out Toni. Head rubs were defiantly ok. She snuggled closer, trying to ignore how girly she felt, and let her head rest on his chest, Toni got lost in the steady rhythm of his heart. His heart beat was much more powerful than her own; the scientist in her vaguely wondered if it was because of the Hulk.

The question must have been written on her face, because he sighed softly and spoke, "My heart is bigger than average, pumps blood harder than a normal man's." Bruce looked forward resolutely, as though he were speaking of something distasteful, "When…he…comes out, my heart stays the same size, to make up for that the gamma…mutated my heart. My body wouldn't be able to withstand the change if my heart was normal sized." He looked at her sorrowfully, bitter lines edged around his expressive brown eyes, "No part of me was unaffected by the accident. I can't even….." he trailed off and moved away from her subtly, "I can't even kiss someone I care about without worrying that I'll change."

Toni reached out to him, but he shook his head and barreled on, "You have to know these things now Toni. Because I can't…get to far into this," he motioned between them vaguely, "only to have you leave because I'm not enough," He looked at her brown eyes dark with regret, "I can't get too physical with you, hell I might never be able to have sex again. I can't give you that, if we go far enough I might never be able to sleep with you Toni," his voice took on a wistful edge and he looked at her longingly, "As much as I may want to, it could never happen. I'll always have to be careful of my heartbeat. I'll always have to watch my temper, I'll…."

Toni pressed her finger to his mouth lightly and shook her head solemnly. She waited until she was sure he'd listen, before holding his face in her hands lightly and looking at him seriously. She wasn't serious often, hell she couldn't even take her own life seriously, but she wasn't going to play around with this, and she certainly wasn't going to let him think he wasn't good enough for her. "Bruce. I don't care." His eyes widened incredulously, "I could care less if we were together for twenty years and we never had sex."
He arched his brow at her, and she scowled darkly, "I'm serious. Do you see this face? This is a serious face Bruce," she flicked his nose lightly and smiled softly at the look he shot her, mild mannered her ass. "I don't….it doesn't matter. Do I like sex? That shouldn't even be a question."

His shoulders slumped slightly, but she made him look her in the eye, "Bruce, not everything in life is about sex. I haven't had sex with you, and this is," she took a deep breath and fought back the slight tinges of panic. She was never this open with anyone. Ever. The idea of opening up like this, setting herself up for the type of pain that could follow almost threw her into a panic attack. But Bruce needed to hear this, and honestly she needed to say it, "This is the happiest I've ever been in my life. Not just tonight, but everything. All the time I've been around you, working with you, and arguing, and fighting alongside you."

Toni looked at him helplessly, and tangled her fingers in his hair to anchor herself to earth, "I can't think of a single moment when I've been happier. So all the problems you think you're going to have, and all the… whatever that goes along with it, I don't care." she let out a slow breath, wondering when the hell she became so sappy, "It doesn't matter. You're my science buddy, and we'll work it out."

He looked at her silently, and Toni wondered if she had made a mistake by telling him all of this. That thought died a painful death when he pulled her to him desperately, and clung to her for dear life. Nothing else in the world mattered at this point. Nothing. She clung to him just as tightly, thankful that he didn't find her little speech pathetic.

"Thank you." His voice washed over her in a hoarse whisper, like he was fighting back tears. He pulled her down gently, and kissed her lightly, little sipping kisses that made her head spin deliciously. He let his forehead fall to rest against hers gently, and he closed his eyes when she let her hands come to rest against his chest slightly, elegant fingers curling up into his shirt and holding him in place deftly.

They stayed like that for hours, content to just be, until it grew too cold for them to stay out. They huddled together, hands intertwined comfortably as they made the trek back to Stark tower. They walked in through the garage silently, and entered the elevator together. They rode shoulder to shoulder, until Bruce threw her a mischievous look, and stopped the elevator suddenly.

What…the hell…? She looked at him then at the elevator panel, and was cut off by him pinning her to the wall gently, grinning from ear to ear the entire time. She shuddered softly at the feel of him pressed so tightly against her., and couldn't stop herself from running her hands up his back, feeling the muscles there tense and relax under her fingers, to tangle them in his hair softy. His broad hands run up her back smoothly and she arched with them letting her hips press against his.

"Natasha…." He nipped her ear gently and she gasped softly, delighted by the breathless tone in his voice. He roamed along her jaw softly, nipping and sucking at the delicate skin softly until he reached her lips. He traced the tip of his tongue across them lightly, and let out a soft growl when Toni rolled her hips against his slowly.

Her fingers scratched his scalp lightly, and she whimpered softly when he nipped at her lip gently, before soothing over the little sting with his tongue. She opened her mouth to his and let his tongue battle with hers gently. He tasted absolutely, wonderfully foreign; like far away deserts and long forgotten forests. Bruce tasted wild, and Toni couldn't get enough.

His mouth traveled across her neck, stopping at her fluttering pulse, she moaned softly as he did absolutely wonderful things with his tongue. She had no doubt there'd be a good sized mark there, if the way he bit her was any indication. She wasn't complaining though, far from it. Toni let her head fall back against the wall with a sharp thunk, whimpering helplessly when his hips ground back against hers, "B-Bruuuce," he chuckled lowly and She, Toni Stark, blushed at the familiar hardness pressing against her so smoothly. She bit her lip, keeping herself from calling his name. She wasn't normally so vocal. His hands dug into her waist softly, and the small bites at her collar slowly became rough and possessive.

Her eyes widened when his hands slid under her and hoisted her up until her chest was level with his face. Her legs wrapped around his waist reflexively, and he pressed harder against her grinding directly where she needed him.

Her moans mixed with his growls harmonically, and she had just enough presence of mind to realize he was growling. Not moaning. She looked down through her haze, and watched as his skin slowly tinted green. Damn it all if that wasn't hot, but she was also smart enough to know it wasn't good. Even if those two things were usually the same in her book.

"Bruce," she tried to pull his head up to look at her, but he wouldn't be moved. His hips thrust against hers, and she couldn't hold back a moan, which only served to encourage him. As much as she wanted to continue, Bruce would never forgive himself if he Hulked out, and they were in an elevator after all.

"Bruce. Stop!" Her tone became sharp, and he instantly looked up at her, familiar brown eyes slowly bleeding to green. "Bruce honey," she ran her fingers through his hair softly, trying to ignore the unfulfilled ache between her legs, "we need to calm down," she pressed her hand over his heart lightly, and was startled at how wildly it was beating, it was practically beating out of his chest. Where was his damn watch?

She looked around and spotted it on the floor, the strap was broken. Obviously his…transformation had started a while ago, and she had been too…ahem…busy, to notice. She ran her fingers through his hair soothingly, letting the air between them loose its charge. He shook softly, obviously trying to pull himself together. "Shhh," she held him close, "it's alright Bruce, it's alright." She crooned to him softly, trying to help him pull himself together.

He relaxed under her hands slowly, panting gently before pulling away softly. He looked up at her mournfully, "I'm sorry Toni. I just…thought I could stop myself."

"No worries," Toni smiled happily, "I had a good time."

He looked at her blankly for a few moments, before giving an amused shake of his head, "You are something else."

"I'm a genius, millionaire, sex goddess, philanthropist. What would you expect?"

"Some humility?"

"I said genius not miracle worker."

They laughed together softly, and Bruce lowered her to the ground gently, keeping her pressed against him softly, before pulling away slowly. He looked down for a moment, and then turned the most adorable shade of red before starting the elevator up again.

She smirked, "cold shower type of night?"

Bruce shook his head and kissed her temple lightly, "Seems like it."

Toni ran her hand against his hip gently, smiling innocently, "You know, if you need some help…."

He grabbed her hand at the last moment, and kissed the palm gently, letting his eyes tinge green before pulling it in again, "You have no idea how badly I want that," he kissed her forehead tenderly, "but I can't…trust myself enough. Slowly Toni," he flashed her a rueful smile, "I know I'm not setting the best example," he smiled at her laughter, "but we gotta try."

"I know," she let her head rest against his chest lightly, slightly glad that his heart was back to a normal peaceful rhythm, "let's see how long that slow lasts."

Bruce smiled and brushed her curls out of her eyes lightly, "We'll see."

The doors slid open to his floor silently, and he kissed her softly, letting that be the only point of contact between them, "goodnight."

She smiled warmly, "Goodnight." She watched him walk off silently, and barely had enough self control to keep from sliding to the floor before her legs gave out. She slumped to the floor weakly and stared at the doors. That man….was going to be the death of her.