Dear Ari,
Do you think we could see each other? Meet up somewhere, maybe? It's been a month since you left. A month since we've seen each other. That's too long, Ari. We need to get away from the stress of work, even if it's just for a few minutes. We need each other…
I highly doubt that Parker is more annoying than Thor. There's just no way! And I know that you won't give in to his continuous flirting. I have faith in you.
Yes, you have told me how much you love me and I never get sick of hearing you say it. I love you and miss you, too.
-Bruce
He never took down the drawing that had been vandalized. He just couldn't bring himself to do it. There were a lot of memories in the one simple little piece of paper.
Banner didn't look up at the sounds of the door opening. The unannounced visitor said nothing as he walked right up to Banner. "Hello, Steve."
"Hi," the captain replied. "I know that this is a really stupid question, but have you talked to Ari since she left?" Banner simply held up the letter that he had just finished writing. "Is she okay?" Steve asked the scientist.
"Yeah, she's fine."
"Well, I'm glad to hear it. "Steve turned and began to walk away.
"Why the sudden interest?" Banner asked suspiciously. "You've never asked about her before."
The captain stopped and faced Banner again. "I thought I saw her when I went for a walk the other day, but I can't be sure."
"Where did you see her?"
"She was in one of the little coffee shops down the street. But like I said, I can't be positive that it was her." Steve shrugged apologetically. "I can keep an eye out for her if you want?"
Banner nodded silently. Steve directed his attention towards the bright red words that were scrawled across the familiar drawing that was hanging on the bulletin board. "Haven't you learn yet?" He read aloud. Banner cringed at the words. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Banner chewed on the inside of his cheek. "My, um… past relationships. They didn't go very well…"
"Who wrote this?"
"I don't know," Banner shrugged. "My best guess would be Natasha."
"Oh," Steve said, agreeing with the accusation. They both stood in awkward silence. "Well, I should probably be going. I'll see you later." He left the laboratory has Banner silently laughed. Steve was starting to pick up on the modern lingo.
After he was gone, Banner went over to the defaced drawing. He grasped the bottom of the page, about to tear it from the bulletin board. He hesitated, then sighed as his hand dropped back to his side. He still couldn't take it down.
Banner looked at the letter that he was still holding in his other hand. He read it over, making sure it was ready to send. There was one more question he wanted to ask her. He went back to his desk, took the pencil out from behind his ear and began to write.
P.S. Where were you on Wednesday morning around ten?
