Bruce had finally moved in the last of his belongings into his new home by Wednesday afternoon. He was busy occupying himself by setting up his bathroom while simultaneously waiting for his seven o'clock dinner with Tony to come around when his phone rang. Natasha's name appeared on the screen and Bruce accepted the call in a heartbeat.

"Sorry, Banner," she began. "Got called on a mission. It looks like you've been trying to reach me…"

"Natasha." Her name escaped in the form of a laugh. "Yeah. Yeah, I tried calling…and visiting your apartment."

"I didn't worry you, did I?"

Bruce could sense her smiling. "A little…" He recalled his nightmare, then his early morning trip to her apartment and the ruckus he caused her neighbor earlier in the week. Bruce was tempted to ask if said neighbor mentioned anything to her. He began to laugh, making Natasha curious.

"What? What happened?"

He shook his head, his smile a mile wide. "Nothing, nothing, it's, uh…" He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. "You'll think I'm an idiot."

"Uh oh," she smirked. "Now you've gotta tell me!"

"I was worried," Bruce began. "Really worried."

Natasha furrowed her brows. "If I had service, I'd have called you."

"No-it's not your fault at all!" he swore. "Nick told me it was urgent."

"You called Nick?" she snorted.

Bruce felt his cheeks flush. For someone who thought she had gotten hurt, or even kidnapped, he felt he acted appropriately. "I did," he admitted.

"This sounds like a long story for us to talk about over dinner."

"Yeah," he laughed. "Is that still on for Friday?"

"That's our new tradition, Banner," she matter-of-factly informed him. "Actually, I just got home. Wanna get some pizza somewhere?"

Bruce's dinner plans with Tony were thrown straight out the window when he agreed without any second thoughts. "I can meet you at your apartment."

"Gives me time to shower," she nodded. "We can hit the place across the street from me."

"I'll be right over, then," he promised.

"I look forward to it."

Bruce ended the call, completely dismissing his night out with Tony.

JARVIS picked up on the conversation and messaged Bruce over the intercom. "Forgive my prying, Dr. Banner," the program interrupted. "I detected new plans being made. Shall I inform Mr. Stark?"

His mouth hung open as the realization hit him. "Oh…" He couldn't disappoint Tony, but he also couldn't call back Natasha and cancel on her. "I, uh… Is Tony down in the lab?"

"He is currently enjoying a drink on the third floor."

"Thank you, Jarvis," Bruce nodded. "I'll talk to him." He wondered how much Natasha would hate him if he invited Tony out for pizza. Tony tagging along would mean that he would have to tell The Tale of the Missing Assassin before Tony, who was likely to mock him right alongside Natasha. Bruce hated himself for getting tangled up in such a mess.

"Hey!" Tony raised his glass to Bruce as he entered the room. "Give me ten minutes," he promised.

"Actually, Tony…" Bruce stuffed his hands into his pockets and stared at the floor.

Tony instinctively knew rejection was coming, and he gave his partner a dejected stare.

"Tony…" Bruce forced a sideways grin. "Something came up…" His friend continued to stare in silence. "Can we have dinner tomorrow night?"

"What came up?" Tony pressed. "Something-someone more important than me?"

"I made plans with Natasha… a week ago," he sheepishly lied.

Tony arched a brow. "You just saw Romanoff."

"That was last week."

"So you're a thing now, or what?" he prodded.

"No. No, we're not!" Bruce clarified as he waved his hands. "We're friends."

"Then are we friends? Cuz as a friend, I'm feeling neglected."

"You can come with us?" Bruce suggested, his offer sounding more like a forced question.

Tony wrinkled his nose as he swigged the contents of his glass.

"Tony…" Bruce sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry. I got caught up in talking to her and we made plans."

"We made plans," Tony reminded his partner. "When you moved in."

A set of heels clacked against the floor, forcing both men to glance up. "How about we have dinner instead?" Pepper suggested.

"Done," Tony agreed. "I'd rather not dine with the traitor in our midst."

Bruce exhaled with a laugh, but he feared Tony's comment shouldn't be taken lightly. "I'm really sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Dr. Banner," Pepper reassured, linking arms with Tony. "This guy's long overdue for our date night."

"We had one last week," Tony corrected.

"No," Pepper deadpanned. "We didn't." She began to drag Tony away.

"Must've…dreamt it, then," he muttered.

"You dream about me?" Pepper asked in mock surprise. "That's sweet."

Bruce watched the couple leave with a soft smile. He owed Pepper big time. But for now, he had somewhere to be…

Natasha answered the door in her jeans and a T-shirt. "Been a while," she smirked, allowing Bruce inside.

"You don't even know," he sighed with a laugh.

Natasha quickly tied her damp hair up in a ponytail and grabbed her purse. "I'm looking forward to hearing this story."

Bruce waited for her to lock up before saying anything. "For starters, I've moved into Stark Tower."

"Congrats," she smiled. "Having fun doing late night science?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "Not yet. I've barely unpacked."

"What about this 'calling Nick' deal?" Natasha interrupted.

"Right," he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, the night after our dinner, I called to tell you I was going to move in with Tony. You never answered, so I assumed you were busy. And then I texted you, but the next morning, I had no answer." He paused as they stepped into an elevator. Natasha punched the button for the main floor while he continued. "I, uh, was getting a bit worried. You didn't answer any calls or messages. I tried to recall you mentioning leaving town over dinner, but you didn't."

"This wasn't my first sudden mission," Natasha confirmed. "Won't be my last, either."

They left the elevator and made their way outside. "I remember you mentioned waking up early, so I decided to try visiting you, bright and early. Too early…" Bruce kept his eyes glued to the ground as he felt the embarrassment catching up to him. "I knocked, I tried the doorbell… even some yelling." He forced a laugh. "I upset a neighbor."

"Why come so early?" she asked.

Bruce recalled his nightmare, but he had no desire to tell Natasha any of that. "I had a bad feeling something happened." He stopped and focused on her face.

Natasha managed a sideways grin. "I can take care of myself," she gently warned. "You should know better."

He imagined an ugly bruise across her face and his hand reached out to stroke her cheek. She was fine, he told himself. "It was a really bad feeling…" He thought back to the missed calls to Betty that went permanently unanswered.

"Seems more like you overreacted." She carefully watched him, wondering if his "bad vibes" linked to his loss. The thought was making her feel guilty despite having done no wrong. "I'm sorry." She placed her hand over his. "Next time this happens, just assume I'm away. Only temporarily." Losing Betty took a huge blow to his heart, but if he was seeing her as a replacement to fill that void, then she saw that as a positive sign. The poor guy needed someone to lean on.

Bruce never meant to upset her with his pathetic story. He lowered his hand and brought it close to his side. "I'll remember that next time."

Natasha shook her head and laughed. "Liho never tells me she misses me. Good to know someone does."

Her comment struck him harder than she intended it to. Natasha didn't deserve to feel alone. "You have Nick," he corrected.

"True." She began to walk and Bruce followed.

"Do you ever… talk to your neighbors?"

"I keep to myself," Natasha replied.

Bruce recalled the bitter old man threatening him to leave. "That may be for the best."

Natasha arched a brow. "Did you try to make friends, Banner?"

"If anything, I made an enemy," he laughed.

"So…" They finished crossing a street and Natasha could smell cheese and garlic nearby. "How's life with Stark?"

Bruce stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I think we've had our first disagreement, but Pepper saved me."

"Oh, boy…"

"We had dinner plans tonight," Bruce explained.

"And you chose me over him?" Natasha grinned, pleased with herself.

"I was more interested in seeing you, to be honest," he chuckled.

"Good answer," she winked. Natasha spotted the pizzeria and held open the door for Bruce. "Dinner's on me tonight," she told him.

Bruce followed her to a booth and took a seat across from her. "You don't have to do that."

"I'm gonna be needing a few drinks. I'll pay," she promised.

"Was the mission that rough?"

She scanned the drink menu while waiting on their server. "It kept me busy."

"Do you suppose Fury will ever need me sent out?"

She watched him beneath her long lashes. "Only if worse comes to worse…"

He pursed his lips and nodded. "Good to know…"

Natasha ordered a beer and was surprised when Bruce chose the same. "Rough week?" she teased.

"I have a drink every now and then," he informed her.

"Think I'll get to see drunk Banner?"

He relaxed in his chair and shook his head. "Not tonight."

"Living with Stark's gotta be rough-I'll give it a week," she wagered.

"You don't think we'll last?" he playfully asked.

Natasha shrugged. "I can't see the Science Bros. lasting under the same roof."

"Science Bros." The nickname made him chuckle.

Their beers were brought over and Natasha asked for a slice of Hawaiian pizza while Bruce ordered a slice with spinach.

"Where were you sent to?" Bruce asked before sipping his beer.

"Classified," she winked.

"Wow. That secretive, huh?"

"It's something you get used to…" She didn't feel right making that comment. Natasha knew that Bruce wasn't a fan of secret keeping. She casually sipped her drink and noticed that Bruce paid no mind to her comment.

"What if you get seriously hurt? I mean-say you break a leg. What happens if a neighbor asks what happened?"

Natasha nonchalantly smiled against the rim of her bottle. "That's happened before."

"You're kidding," he breathed.

"Broke an arm. Said I fell running in the park."

"Nothing seems to stop you," Bruce noticed.

"What's life without some risks?"

Bruce shook his head as he drank. "I'd much rather live a safe life."

"Opposites attract," Natasha mused. "Must be why we get along well." She raised her glass to his.

"I'll drink to that." He clinked his bottle against hers and drank.

Natasha was first to finish her beer, and she was quick to order a second when their pizza arrived.

Bruce found himself occasionally glancing around the pizzeria every time the door's bell jingled.

Natasha caught on to his reactions as they ate. "The guy that harassed you is doing time," she promised.

He instantly focused his attention on her. "Am I that easy to read?"

"You've had bad luck with pizza joints," she pointed out. "At least, from what I've seen…"

Bruce swallowed the contents of his drink. "I suppose it's good to put our fears to rest."

She wondered if he was making a point about the other guy. Or her subconscious was telling her that she was still in fear of the big green giant…

"I'll have another beer, please," Bruce told their waiter when he approached.

"I'll take another. Sam Adams this time." She smiled at Bruce as she pulled apart her crust."Should I be concerned you're having a second?"

"You said you were buying," he reminded her. "I'm kidding!" he quickly added. "Two's my limit."

"I take it I'm showing you a good time, then," she noted.

Bruce chuckled and adjusted his glasses. "You always do."

Natasha finished eating her crust while awaiting their next round of drinks. "You want some help moving in?"

"I'll be fine," he promised. "The dining room will be all ready for Friday."

"Seven?"

"Or earlier, if you'd like," he suggested.

"I'll bring dessert."

"Suppose I should see if Tony's interested…"

Natasha rolled her eyes and drank. "Does he really need to know?"

"I can't be rude to my landlord."

"You can't be rude to anyone," she corrected.

Bruce was quiet as he took a fast gulp of beer. In his current state, he wouldn't hurt a fly. The other guy was a completely different story.

"You trying to challenge me, Doc?" she wondered, eyes on his throat as he knocked back his drink.

"I have a feeling you'd beat me."

"Your bottle's a third empty. I haven't touched mine." She pulled her untouched drink closer to her chest.

Bruce managed an awkward grin. "I feel like you want to challenge me."

"We're having fun, aren't we?" She raised her bottle and winked when he tapped the butt of his drink against hers. Natasha was first to start chugging. She wasn't sure if Bruce decided to join in until she heard glass smack their wooden table right as she was swallowing her last mouthful.

Bruce proudly lifted his empty bottle. "Do I get a prize?"

"I'm buying tonight, remember?" As promised, she paid the bill before leaving with Bruce in tow. Natasha couldn't help but notice Bruce's grin seemed wider than usual. "Don't tell me you're drunk," she snorted.

He shook his head, eyes forward as they walked a busy street. "I'm fine."

"Bruce…"

He adjusted his glasses, his cheeks feeling warmer than usual. "Not quite," he admitted with a laugh.

Natasha gave him a light pat on the back. "Looks like I'm walking you home."

"That isn't necessary, Natasha. I'm not drunk, I swear."

"Really? Cuz you can't seem to walk a straight line."

Bruce stopped to stare down at his feet.

"Joking," she confirmed. "But I should walk you home. You live with Stark now-did you remember that?"

"I do remember," he matter-of-factly replied.

"Oh, yeah?" Natasha swore that if her teasing sparked his anger, she'd stop. For now, they both seemed to be having fun.

"I can walk you there," Bruce nodded. "I'm more than capable."

"Maybe you should try reciting something. You know-to prove you're not drunk."

Bruce cleared his throat. "The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division," he recited. "Formed after the second World War with one notable founder being Tony's father-"

"Eidetic memory?"

"Yes. I've done my homework on your organization, Agent Romanoff."

She shrugged. "Seems more like you went on Wikipedia."

He laughed. "Always nice to have your sense of humour around."

"Is that your favourite thing about me?"

"Yes," he hummed. "What is it that you like most about me?"

After crossing a busy street, she decided to give him the first answer to come to mind. "You've got a big heart."

He smiled to himself as he allowed his fingers to brush against hers. "Natasha?"

She brought her hand closer to her side. "Yeah?"

"The reason why I came to visit you so early was… I had a nightmare. I hurt you… I mean, the other guy hurt you…"

Natasha's eyes flickered to his face. "It was just a dream."

"What if it was a premonition of some kind?"

She wished happy "drunk" Bruce would return. "You won't hurt me," she promised. "Remember your music? Focus on that. And breathe…"

"We don't know how effective that is…"

"Bruce…"

He fell silent for the remainder of the walk. Once the entrance of Stark Tower came into view, Bruce stopped, making Natasha do the same. "If I ever hurt you… I'm sorry," he breathed. "So sorry…"

"You won't hurt me," she assured him with a pat on the cheek.

The smell of beer on her breath mingled with his as he leaned forward. "Natasha." Bruce tilted his head before pressing a soft kiss to her lips. He reached for her hand, but she stepped back as the kiss deepened.

"You might be a little tipsy, Doc," Natasha mentioned. "Sleep it off, okay?"

He furrowed his brows as the deed sank in. "Did I… really just do that?" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. Sorry, Natasha-you know what, I must be a little… tipsy…" His eyes fell to his scuffed shoes.

Natasha was relieved that she wasn't being viewed as a Betty substitute. Regardless, his action wasn't welcomed. "Better me than Stark, I guess."

"Hilarious," he dryly remarked. "I'll, uh…call you. Tomorrow, maybe."

"Dinner Friday," she reminded him.

Bruce nodded, then quickly headed for the tower. He slapped himself in the face once he was alone in the elevator. "Idiot! Idiot Banner!" he grumbled. Natasha played it off so nonchalantly, but for all he knew, she was off plotting revenge. He was starting to have second guesses about another dinner with her.

Thankfully, Tony had the perfect diversion for him the next morning.

"You really think this suit will be strong enough?" Bruce wondered. He had joined Tony in the lab after breakfast. Tony had nothing to say in regards to their cancelled dinner plans, but Bruce attributed that to the fact that Pepper joined them for breakfast wearing one of Tony's Iron Man shirts.

"Ran some tests with Jarvis," he began. "This thing can handle up to a thousand pounds of weight."

"The other guy weighs more," Bruce warned.

"Got it covered." Tony took a quick gulp of his coffee. "It emits a sonar moments before the suit's integrity's compromised. The sound should distract you and give me time to fly out of your reach."

Bruce wasn't entirely convinced. "Where do you plan to test this?"

"I've got access to some islands. Completely abandoned," he winked.

"You're sure?"

Tony playfully slapped Bruce's chest. "What do you say?"

He silently eyed Tony for a moment. "So long as no one's around…"

"Great!" Tony exclaimed. "I'll get the suit packed up!"

Bruce waited for Tony to leave before giving Natasha a call.

She answered after the second ring with a sly "Dr. Banner…"

"I'm sorry about last night," he began.

"Wasn't my first drunken kiss," she replied.

He forced a chuckle. "The reason I called, actually, is because I have some urgent plans. Business."

"With Stark? What is it?" she prodded.

"He's testing the Mach Nine-or maybe it's Mach Ten…"

"And he's not inviting spectators?" she questioned.

"He's testing his suit against the other guy," he solemnly answered. "I really don't want spectators."

"Oh, yeah?" she asked with interest. "Sounds like a good time to test if music can bring you back to normal."

He nodded. "That's my plan."

"You sure I can't join? For moral support?"

"I'd rather not," Bruce advised.

Natasha slowly exhaled. "You know I'm not mad, Bruce."

"I know," he quickly answered. "I just…" The Natasha from his dream glowering at him as she covered her bruised cheek haunted him. "I want you to know what's happening... Bringing the other guy out has me all nerves…"

"You'll be fine, Bruce," she assured him. "Focus on the music and try to remember to breathe."

"I'll keep that in mind," he promised. "Thank you, Natasha." Hearing her voice made things a tiny bit better.

Natasha ended the call and pulled up Tony's number. "I know you're up to something today. Tell me where and when, and don't let Banner know…"