Chapter 5

Bruce Banner

"Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale." Bruce's therapist says in her silky voice.

Bruce breathes in deeply through his nose and out through his mouth.

"Very good." The therapist purrs.

Bruce smiles faintly.

"Now tell me, what makes you angry?" Sheila asks.

"Tony Stark acting like he knows everything. Clint and Natasha's romance. Thor tearing up the house. Steve babbling on and on about how he saw Peggy. Pepper and Tony's relationship. Seeing parts of the city in ruins knowing I caused that damage." Bruce replies.

Sheila strokes her chin thoughtfully. Not for the first time Bruce marvels at her beauty. Soft, wavy, chestnut colored hair that falls to just above her waist. Green eyes that sparkle with joy. Slim and curvy. He wonders halfheartedly if she would go out to dinner with him if he asked.

"Bruce?" She snaps her fingers in front of his face.

He shakes his head like a puppy and looks at her.

"Yes, Sheila?"

"I was talking to you." She says peeved.

"Sorry." Bruce mutters.

"I'm thinking you need a change of environment for a couple days. Or you can always talk to the people in Tony's apartment about your case. Maybe just move downtown for a couple days or a week."

"Okay. I think I'll just talk to each person separately because I really do enjoy staying with them."

"It's up to you, Bruce. But remember we don't want another accident." Sheila leans forward and rests her elbows on the desk.

He gulps as her eyes twinkle at him in amusement.

"Now I do believe our time is up. I'll see you Thursday at ten. Okay?"

Bruce nods at her.

He stands up and smoothes out his shirt. He watches as she writes something in her planner. She looks up and smiles at him. She waves her hand at the door to dismiss him.

Bruce laughs and turns away. Then he decides to turn back.

"Sheila?" He asks softly.

"Yes, Bruce?" Setting her pencil down she stares at him with a smile tugging at her lips.

"Would you like to go out to eat tonight?" He stammers.

"I'd love to." Sheila grins at him.

"Okay. How about six at..." He trails off unsure of himself.

She laughs, "Let's go with six at the new steakhouse."

"Okay. Sounds good to me."

"I'll meet you there."

Bruce nods and smiles weakly at her. He walks out the door to his car. Sliding into the seat he grins and lets out a whoop. He's just like a little boy.

Almost driving over the speed limit he rushes back to Stark's tower. Humming faintly to himself he presses the button for the main floor.

"Welcome back, Mr. Banner." JARVIS calls out over his speakers.

"Thank you, JARVIS."

"You seem to be in a good mood, Mr. Banner"

"JARVIS, please just call me Bruce. And I have a date tonight."

"A date? How wonderful! Good for you."

Bruce laughs and thanks JARVIS.

He steps out of the elevator still laughing and stops dead in his tracks to see Clint and Natasha kissing, Tony fighting with Steve, Pepper attempting to cook, and Thor is holding some girl's hand on the couch. He sighs as no one notices that he's back.

He places his thumb and middle finger in his mouth and whistles sharply. Everyone stops what they are doing and turn to him.

"What are you all doing?" Bruce asks exasperated.

The room explodes into talk and Bruce slams his hands over his ears.

"Stop!" He yells.

Thor raises his hand.

"Yes, Thor?"

"Could I speak first?" He asks in his gruff voice.

"Sure why not. Everyone else isn't patient." He glares at everyone else in the room. They all glare back.

"Bruce meet Jane Foster." Thor exclaims proudly and crosses his arms over his chest.

Jane Foster rings a bell in Bruce's head.

"Pleased to meet you, Bruce. I'm Thor's girlfriend." Jane smiles lovingly at Thor and he smirks back.

Jane Foster! Now he remembers. Her mother is Beth Tigano. Beth was his lover back when he was in his early twenties. They were engaged until she broke it off for James Foster. A young eighteen year old architect.

"Is your mother Beth?" Bruce whispers but his voice carries through the silent room.

"Yes. Beth is my mother," She stares at him puzzled and then it dawns on her, "My God you're Bruce Banner. Her first fiancée."

They stare at each other in shock as the room erupts into chatter.

A/N Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this chapter! Sheila and Beth belong to me. Once again thank you!:)