It had been playing on his mind all night. Why would Barton look at me in that way? He shook his head and continued staring at the test tubes in front of him. Now, he'd lost his train of thought. Where was he? The lab. What was he doing? Testing something. But he couldn't remember what. A small growl was heard. He flinched and looked around. There was nothing. He held a test tube and tapped it gently. Another small growl was heard. He flinched again. Not today, Big Guy. Not today. And you think another incident is gonna happen over voices in my head? Not today.
He walked out of the lab. Slowly, he strolled along the corridor, he turned his head at all angles. Then stopped. And breathed in deeply. He closed his eyes. Exhale. He took another step forward. Inhale. Exhale. Another step again. Inhale. Inhale. Exhale. Exhale. Another step. But then he thought to himself, how can I inhale twice? He knew exactly what he was making a play for.
"I SAID NOT TODAY," he murmured threateningly to himself. A deep, rumbling chuckle echoed back.
What happened to him? In the space of 24 hours, just the noun 'Harlem' completely threw him off for the entire day. The thoughts of General Ross sitting in his office at that moment, laughing to himself made him feel like his heart was about to leap out of his chest. And then it suddenly stopped. And then it was suddenly quiet.
He turned back to walk to the lab, and his jaw gently tensed. Pepper stood there for a moment. Not a single breath was heard. Her skin appeared more ghostly than before. Bruce took his glasses off and stared back. Bruce always knew that Pepper kept a distance, but over the period he had stayed at her home, she became more immune to his awkward murmurs, quiet exchanges and odd looks. Today, however, for the first time, she didn't see Banner as a mild mannered man with a slight problem; she just saw the problem as Banner.
"Hello B-Bruce."
"Hi Pepper."
She quickly turned in the other direction and headed towards the elevator. Bruce shook his head.
Bruce felt like he wanted to get another gun and give it another try. But it would be hopeless. He laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling. The Other Guy wasn't going to let him go. It was as if the Other Guy thought he could have more control over him now Bruce was caught off guard. "Well Banner. You're definitely gonna be leaving soon," he said bluntly.
"Dr Banner, Nick Fury has requested your presence with the other Avengers. It is advised that you would be dressed in formal attire," Jarvis said.
Bruce sighed. "Yes Jarvis, thank you. Tell them I'll be ready in 10 minutes."
Once dressed in a black suit, with a silvery black tie, he went into the elevator. As he stood there, he looked up towards the ceiling. "Jarvis, what is the occasion? We usually wear whatever to meetings with him?"
Jarvis never replied. "Jarvis?"
The doors opened and he raised his eyebrows in shock. "Tony… what is this?"
He stared at the green balloons which said 'Happy Birthday' in spidery black writing, and golden spindles of ribbon was tossed everywhere. His eyes then focused on Tony, who was in a nicely tailored suit, with a matching bow tie. Natasha had a slim fitting black dress on, with red lipstick. Her hair was in loosely curled ringlets which formed around her face. Clint had a blue shirt on with a black checkered blazer with matching trousers. Maria Hill was also in the background, with a Peplum red dress on, which Bruce could recall Pepper had worn once before. Pepper wore a long white dress, with smoky black eye shadow. Steve wore a simple black suit, however understated and classy. Many other personnel from the Helicarrier were also present to in formal attire, although it made Bruce feel slightly uncomfortable.
Tony walked up to him and put his arm around his shoulder. "You didn't think that I would do anything, did you?" He smiled.
"Tony, you didn't have to-"
"Listen, Banner. You are one of the most humble, genuine and realest guys I have met in my entire life. And despite Mr Ragey in there, I know that he's going to enjoy every moment of this. You deserve this. We care about you Bruce." Then Tony gave Bruce something he hadn't felt in a long time. A hug. Tony wrapped his arms around him in a warm, brotherly hug.
Bruce didn't know how to react. But he knew where traditions lie. He gently placed his arms around him too. After a few seconds, they pulled away from each other. "Thank you."
As Bruce was about to walk towards the appetisers, at the counter, Tony gently held him back as everyone started to mingle. Bruce smiled weakly in suspicion. "Bruce, I know that it's hard to live and deal with all of us. The Avengers, SHIELD, I don't even think you trust me yet." Bruce chuckled softly. "But I want to make today really special for you. And I think she's gonna be glad that she can make it special for you too." Tony motioned his head in the opposite direction. As Bruce turned around, her warm breath collided with his cheek. He could remember her scent. Oh, he knew exactly who it was. Without a second thought, he whispered "Betty."
Her clear blue eyes met his, and hugged him tightly. "Bruce."