We Need to Quit Meeting like This
AN: Thanks to Maymayliu, the guest who reviewed, Drachegirl14, and Miko Hayashi for reviewing the last chapter!
To Maymayliu: I'm glad you like the college idea! I'm thinking more and more of turning it into a story, but have no title! It's distressing, and I don't know how many people would read it since it'd be Thor/OC, Loki/OC, Bruce/OC, Steve/OC, and Tony/Pepper. People don't really like OCs xD. I would write a small continuation of what happened, but that would mess up the idea of what this story is about (them meeting for the first time, hence why you see it over and over again) BUT that scene may be included in this unnamed future-work where they're all in college!
To the Guest: your idea has been noted!
To Drachegirl14: Good to hear!
To Miko: Thank you!
I have a few tentative names for the MARVEL U idea. It will be all-inclusive, I think, meaning all the above mentioned couples (hints of Hawkeye/OC, but mostly Hawkeye/Natasha) will be written about. Some couples may be expounded on in a separate story (such as the Hawkeye/OC and Loki/OC). Anyhoo, the titles include: Of Mischief, Mortals, and Midgard, Avengers: The Academic Years, The Days of MARVEL U, Avengers Initiative: Education and Social Survival, and Heroism 101.
State your favorite title choice in the review! Gersemi and Lyra are going to be lightly mentioned in this chapter. They are characters-in-development for Thor and Loki respectively.
This idea is credited to Drachegirl14.
To my knowledge the website Drama-Rama doesn't actually exist. Shaquille O'Neal is briefly mentioned. This is just for a comparative reason and should not be taken seriously because I own none of this. Winging Bruce's meet-up attire. Not proof-read (computer's dying).
Drama-Rama Online
"Fury said you can't shut yourself off from humanity, so this is the only safe solution I could come up with." Tony shoved Bruce at the computer. Bruce frowned, muttering under his breath. He didn't think it was smart to walk among the people while they were still skittish and cleaning up. Manhattan praised him and the other Avengers, but they all kept their distance. That was more painful than fighting the Chitauri, Bruce thought.
He expected it, though. Asked for solitariness, even. That didn't mean it was painless, however. Fury thought he needed gradual reintroduction into society after being in India for so long. The Other Guy may be needed for future missions, and Bruce might need to fill certain roles as an infiltration requirement.
Tony suggested working his way up to face-to-face chatting. His starting point would be the internet. Once he was left alone Bruce typed in 'The Avengers'. Thousands of results popped up almost instantly, startling the scientist because Manhattan's cleanup and the invasion was only a week old. The search engine legend stated that most searched or viewed entries were at the top.
Thinking it would be best for interacting, Bruce clicked on the top link. He was taken to a website that was part blog and part picture-filled articles colored in dark purple, blue, gray, and turquoise. There were several navigation tabs at the top of the screen: Home, News, Blogs, Videos, and Chat. Before Bruce could click at random the main page faded to display more 'highest-rated' content. "The Avengers – The Hulk / Bruce Banner" by Cori & Co. read Bruce.
He clicked on the video.
A woman with long, dark hair popped up after he pressed play. She had green eyes that sparkled with light from the computer. Her skin was pale, made flawless and luminescent by the electronic neon glow. "Hey guys! This is Cori, putting up another installment of my opinion of the Avengers. These became really popular, apparently, so I'm tying up the loose ends."
"Some of you left me comments asking how it started…well…I basically got on my soapbox." she laughed. "People were up in arms about the aliens, and then turned on this team of…of freakin' awesome superheroes because they're nuts!" the girl exclaimed, partially admonishing and partially flabbergasted. Bruce grinned, finding her candid and opinionated. It was an interesting mix. "Gersemi and Lyra aren't with me today, as you can tell, but that's alright because I'm the one most pissed off about the treatment of the Hulk."
He felt his eyebrows rise into his hair. She was…mad? Cori didn't like how people treated The Other Guy? That was a first for people who didn't interact with him like Tony and the others had. Hope caused Bruce's heart to flutter as his stomach twisted in anticipation.
What things would she say about him? How could she possibly find anything good to say about him? Bruce awaited her words eagerly. He'd been waiting eons for someone to see him as something other than a monster. It would relax him indefinitely to know someone other than Tony and his appointed teammates liked him.
"It's a good thing Drama-Rama accepts rants because this one is loaded guys! First off: why the hell is he feared? Sure he's big and tall, but so is Shaquille O'Neal and we don't run away from him! Just blew you're mind, didn't I? Feel stupid for being selective and judgmental yet?"
A small hum of amusement left Bruce's throat. The Other Guy wasn't typically compared with celebrities. He was expecting something of the Jolly Green Giant variety. Bruce was appreciative for her strategic defense; it was a rant, but it was well thought out. She was making the Hulk relatable and trying to create a sense of humanity underneath the rage and destruction.
"Also, why am I still hearing griping about the repaving? Everyone's like 'Oh it's the Hulk's fault because he has big feet!'. Um…no. There were flying spaceships crashing to the ground. In case you don't know, flying spaceships CAN damage pavement. I'm pretty sure that giant metal centipede had something to do with it, too.
"And Stark. Or did people conveniently forget that he can shoot lasers? Yeah, it's not just the Hulk's fault, folks. Women all over the world should be loving those feet! Imagine how many roaches he could kill in one stomp!
"Great for if you have an infestation!"
Oh yes. Women all over the world would love Hulk for his ability to smash roaches. That made his date-ability shoot through the roof. He'd give her an A for effort.
"Dude, I mean, come on! If anything, give the guy a second look because he saved Tony Stark. You guys like Tony Stark, right? Well…without Hulk he'd be red and gold metal shavings after that fall." she crossed her arms under her chest, giving the viewers time to think.
"And – I'm going to cheat here, guilt by thinking of a child – think of all the joy Hulk brings to little kids. Mostly little boys, probably. I don't see a lot of girls who like to run around, make a mess, and destroy things on a daily basis. Little kids adore a big guy running around smashing things for good! Why can't you guys?" Coriander clucked her tongue, shaking her head.
"Let's review before I move on to the Bruce Banner portion." sighed Coriander. Bulleted points floated up from the bottom of the screen.
- Big and tall like (few) CELEBRITIES people have no problem with.
- Isn't totally to blame for Manhattan destruction.
- Feet could smash tons of roaches. Yes, this is a valid point women can appreciate.
- Saved Tony Stark / Iron Man.
- Kids like a superhero that smashes things as his main ability.
"Okay, time for Bruce Banner's part. Don't really know the guy, but I've read some things. This is going to be super quick because I've got lunch plans. Getting back on track." Coriander shook her head. Bruce grinned; he got absentminded like that, too.
He blushed a little, also. Few people got distracted because of him. "He's gone to India and worked for free. Apparently he's a really good doctor. One of Carmen's family friends sent me that info after finding out I'd be doing a video on Dr. Banner.
"She went out of her way, WALKED into a more developed area of India, just to find a computer and leave me a comment. THAT is dedication, folks. I don't think she would've done that if Dr. Banner hadn't done some amazing things for her village. Hate yourselves for fearing an altruistic doctor yet?"
"If not, here's something else: a man named Rick Jones did an interview while Avenger Mania exploded across the globe. Dr. Banner saved him from gamma radiation some…what…twenty years ago? I didn't realize it was so easy to hate a doctor and a hero! The media makes it look so easy! Gosh!" she gave a huff, pretending to look shocked and disgusted.
Bruce chuckled again. She certainly had a way about her. Cori was brutally honest but compassionate. It was a rare combination. He absently rolled the mouse over to the video, observing the red line inching towards the right.
Her latest Avengers soapbox moment was nearly over. Five minutes wasn't terribly long or inconvenient to spend watching this. It actually made Bruce feel…better.
"I have to run guys. No time for a wrap up. Lunch awaits! But yeah…that's my opinion on the Hulk and Bruce Banner. Hate it or hug it, but I'm still pro-Hulk!" she waved a little neon green flag momentarily. It was like her middle finger to the naysayers, Bruce assumed. The video ended, two options popping up: hate or hug.
Must be the rating system, Bruce deduced. He was pleased to find that the rant had more 'hugs' than 'hates'. After picking 'hug' another series of options became available: leave a comment, refer to a friend, or message user. Bruce chose 'message user'. Leaving a comment may go unnoticed in the ones being left behind with suggestions on the next video.
Some were even suggestion a Loki opinion video, much to his horror, because Cori's acquaintance, Lyra, had been there when Loki landed in Stuttgart. Bruce pushed all of that from his mind as the blank message field waited patiently for his comment.
It's nice to see a Hulk supporter. he typed, sending the message. Mentioning that he was Hulk may earn him a biased reply. If Fury wanted him to associate with people, he'd like to start with someone who didn't already know his secret. Or know that they were talking directly to him, anyways. The anonymity of the internet was comforting in its own weird way.
To his surprise, she replied within five minutes. The little megaphone icon beside her name must mean she's online, Bruce determined. He'd seen it while watching the video, but thought nothing of it. It was the symbol of Drama-Rama, so it was ignored.
Right? There's so few. You think any sensible person would empathize with the whole "Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde" thing he has going on. People are just making him out to be a monster when he really isn't one, I think.
He found it ironic that she referenced Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Bruce had used that analogy more than once. It was the bittersweet poetic theme of his life. She was a similar mind, and she supported him. His heart ached with gratitude.
Me too, Bruce replied. He licked his lips. There had to be a way to personalize this chat. It was probably because of her rant and the support she offered, but Bruce was craving her words. How often did he have the chance to speak with someone like her?
His mind yearned for the nice things few people said about him.
But, continued Bruce, what makes you think he's not a monster?
Judging by your first comment, she wrote, you've seen the video. I didn't have the chance to include that he has the anatomy of a human being. How can people hate something so similar to them? He's not an alien! Hulk has eyes, a nose, mouth, hair (a lot of it!), fingers, and toes!
He's just like us!
No one had ever used Hulk's anatomy as a defense. It was typically used as the main reason for people to hunt him. Her blunt honesty and observation made Bruce smile. I might actually have something to thank Fury for if this all goes well, mused Bruce.
But what about his rage? Bruce typed. How she answered this was critical. It would determine whether or not he got up and walked away or if he stayed.
Who cares about his rage? We ALL get angry. He's just louder with his rage. And taller. And heavier, so when he's pissed and he stomps because he stubbed his toe – or SOMETHING – more people know it.
I wish I had that skill. People would actually leave me alone when I'm pissed instead of asking what's wrong. Hulk has a pretty smart system going. He's not all bad.
It was impossible to laugh quietly at that. The idea of turning into Hulk because he stubbed his toe was ridiculous. She meant well, though.
He's not, agreed Bruce.
Bruce had unintentionally formed a habit. For the past three months he'd been communicating with Cori through Drama-Rama, connecting with this girl through conversations that started – but didn't stop – with The Other Guy. While working in the lab with Tony and the holo-computers he'd keep a window open to chat. She'd traded enough in-site messages with him to deem him worthy of her chat list. It was slightly more private and wonderfully encouraging.
She talked with him on a daily basis. Constantly typed things like: finally, you're here! or Noon on the dot! Man you're punctual! Don't you ever do anything ELSE on lunch breaks? (just kidding). It made him feel like they had another thing in common. He was equally excited to see her online and ready to talk. Cori was a nice change from nosy Tony and the others.
Things in Stark Tower were still a bit odd. It came with the whole 'adjusting with sudden new roommates' situation. Tony just grinned when he found Bruce surfing the site. He knew Coriander personally, and knew Bruce would find her video log in the search engine. Pulling it up and making Bruce watch it occurred to him, but he figured it would mean more if Bruce found it by himself.
The theory was steadily being proven. Bruce grinned more, was a little more relaxed with conversations, and lingered longer than normal. Proximity was becoming less and less of an issue for him. Tony was proud. "What'cha doing there, Brucie?"
"Mmm? Nothing. Reviewing those bolt comparisons and simulation runs you wanted me to see."
Bruce was also becoming more secretive, Tony noted. Embarrassed, like some high school kid with a crush. He lightly and casually rearranged the windows prior to Tony fully looking up from the glove needing repair. The Chitauri had done a number on his suit, as had the flight into the portal, but Tony wasn't totally consumed. His focus and creativity worked best when he mind wandered.
The holo-computer under Bruce's control was the perfect target. Bruce, his fellow brother in science, probably thought he could outfox Tony and hide the window with some program or push it to the back. That was not the case. JARVIS could easily retrieve it once Bruce left.
"Are you sure?" Tony teased.
"Yes." grumbled Bruce. His watch beeped. "I'm going to get lunch."
"It's one in the afternoon!" pointed out Tony.
"A late lunch. I'll be back by two...probably."
"You're going out for lunch?" Tony nearly dropped the miniature welding iron. It was all for show, of course. He couldn't be happier for Bruce. Dr. Banner frowned deeply, pushing his glassed up on his nose while giving Tony a long, flat look.
"Yes, Tony, I am. I need to get out of the house. Aside from you and your nosiness, Clint and Natasha are making it awkward." admitted Bruce.
"Yeah." Tony nodded understandingly. "I mean, you could cut the sexual tension with a knife! It's like…why not do it already? Unless Clint's scared she'll kill him with some of those sick assassin bendy moves. That's understandable."
"This is exactly why I'm leaving." muttered Bruce with a shake of his head. He shut down all of the holo-computers windows by dropping his raised left hand into his lowered right one. Tony waited five minutes after Bruce left to reopen the programs.
Cori: Um…what?
Mr. Green: I'm the Hulk. Bruce Banner. Robert Bruce Banner, actually.
Cori: You're serious?
Mr. Green: Yes. I don't believe in lying to you after we've spoken for this long. Meet me at the café on fourth and Maine and see for yourself. How does one fifteen sound? And…please…don't bring anyone else.
I'm not completely comfortable with crowds yet. I'll be wearing a grey jacket, white undershirt, blue jeans, gray loafers, and a gray fedora.
Cori: You…I…my brain hurts. For serious?! That…that's doable. I WILL be bringing a can of mace, just so you know. And a taser. It's Manhattan…have to be safe.
Mr. Green: Smart girl. I'd expect nothing less. See you soon.
Mr. Green has left the chat
"Mr. Green?" Coriander nervously slid into the booth, one hand on her purse. He was the only man wearing so much gray in the café. His dark, curly hair seemed to be raising mutiny against the hat. It left pieces of curled hair poking out in objection. "You really are Bruce Banner." Cori grinned widely, identifying him by the glasses and brown eyes Rick Jones described.
He smiled softly. "You really are Coriander." Bruce teased. Mistaking her for anyone else was impossible after watching the rest of the rants on her shared channel. Tony actually made it a group activity. They had fun laughing at her blunt opinions and absent gestures.
Her friends were equally as hilarious, though some were more outspoken than others. Bruce refused to think of them now, though. The one he'd wanted to talk to was in front of him. That was all that mattered. He cleared his throat, breaking the staring contest.
"I'd like to introduce myself: Bruce Banner." Bruce offered his hand. She smiled, sliding out her own hand to meet his. Her fingers were long and gently skirted the rough texture of his hand. He shivered.
"Coriander Henson."