Chapter 7: A little advice from Tony Stark

A/N: Hello everyone. I know I said that I would post a new chapter in the school holidays, but just don't question my actions. Because, to be honest, I just felt like it. It was a sudden, spur of the moment kind of thing. So I'm sorry if this isn't really good or if it wasn't what you were expecting, but just a warning: There's no action in this chapter or the next. It's more on the luvey-duvey and talking side, so sorry if you get kinda bored. Thanks for being such awesome people! Adios!

Clint Barton POV:

'So Banner, are you up for the job?' I asked as everybody looked at him eagerly waiting for a response. He looked at all of us blankly like he was still figuring out what was going.

'How did you find me?' He asked.

'We told you already. Stark keeps cameras all over the apartment and we found a video mentioning where you were going next. So we kind of, as some might put it, tracked you down.' Steve said and chuckled a bit. Banner bit his bottom lip and looked down, not daring to look one of us in the eye.

'So, what do say?' I asked again. 'This might be a bit of a shock to you so just take your time.'

'What? No, of course not, this is just a tad bit surprising is all. Umm, you know what? Let me think about it. Excuse me for a minute.' He said coolly. A bit too coolly if you ask me. He got up from his seat and walked over to his room.

'Uhh, okay.' I said as he slammed his door shut.

After it happened, I just kept etching my brain trying to figure out; was it something I said?

…

Steve Rogers POV:

After a day of failure, we then head backed to headquarters. Well, now we have absolutely no trace of Banner! He's ruining everything! I hope he rots in his grave. I know it sounds harsh, but you can't just do that. You cannot just ditch all of your friends who have risked their lives with you and fought for what was right then turn your back on them. That is just cowardly. Maybe he wasn't really a soldier in the first place.

I sat on my bed, resting my chin on my knees.

'I'm sorry Peggy' I sighed. Would Peggy have wanted me to give up? Most likely not, but with how things are going over here. It doesn't look good. I thought in my head.

Knock! Knock!

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, I groaned getting up and mumbled miserably on my way to the door.

'Uhh, hey Steve.' It was Tony Stark.

'Hello Tony.' I greeted. 'Want to come in?'

'Well, that's sort of the idea.' he said letting himself inside. He took a minute to observe what was around him before sitting on my bed.

'So, umm, what did you want?' I asked politely but at the same time confused. He looked at me and sighed, putting his head down.

'Look man, I know it's tough, but you got to move on now.'

'Uhh, did I really look upset when Banner took off? Look, I know that there's nothing we can do about it and I know that we have to move on, and I did. Don't talk to me about manning up.'

'No, I'm not talking about Banner, Steve. I'm talking about the girl.' My hand slightly twitched when he said those words.

'What girl?'

'You know damn well. Now you just have to face facts Steve. Peggy is not coming back.' I was about to speak when he cut me off.

'Now, the old me would have fixed you up with some hot chick for the night, but I know from past experience that it doesn't solve anything. But take my new advice and get back in the game. Meet people, find a nice girl, and fall in love with her instead of imagining someone who isn't here.'

'Fall in love? How can I when I love someone already?'

'You can in time. I see how miserable you are Steve. Acting all tough and soldiery like, but really, all I can see now is your pain.' I looked down at my feet and a tear rolled down my cheek. I tried to hide it; I couldn't bear to let anyone see me like this.

'I just... can't stop thinking about her.' I was able to finally choke out.

'Yeah, I know, but you can't stay in this state forever. Face it Steve. It's either my choice or die unhappy and alone.' As much as I hated it, Tony was right. I knew that sooner or later, I'm going to have to face reality, anything to get out this funk.

'I-I haven't been on a date in years, or never.' I chuckled, making eye contact with him.

'Well now's a good time to start.' Tony said looking back at me with a smile.

'Wow, of all the cocky crap you say all day, I would have never imagined you saying something like this.' I said in dis-belief realizing that Tony Stark gave me this advice. He chuckled as he stood up to hug me, for the very first time. Maybe Tony and I were friends after all.

'Well, take it from someone who has experience of being in love.' Tony said pulling away, immediately thinking of Pepper. He never really did say a proper goodbye to her, maybe now's the time to start making things right.