Avengers, Actually

"It will be a wonderful life"

(Don’t Worry Baby – The Beach Boys)

Day 1: Friday, december 11.

BRUCE 

Bruce woke up at five a. m. to meditate. No, it wasn’t the same as yoga, like Tony had teased him when he revealed what had actually help control the Hulk, he did that for about two hours before he took a shower. Once in the shower all the thoughts he tried to push away would come to his. Lately, it had been mostly Natasha. If he went back to when they first met, when they first talked to each other about something that wasn’t the Avengers or the countless times Natasha “happened to be in the neighbourhood” he was at, he couldn’t tell when he fell in love with her, because even if it was hard even say it out loud, he was in love with the woman. He dressed up in a suit and left to the conference room from the hotel he was staying at, promising himself to not think about the full lips, red hair and mesmerising curves.

He finished his conference, which would have gone great it there hadn’t been any press – he hated to get his picture taken – or people had actually asked about his project and not the Avengers, don't get him wrong, that was the best part of his life and that’s exactly why he didn’t want to talk about it. He sat at the bar, trying to get away from people, the bar was almost empty except for an old man who was playing pool by himself. He wasn’t planning on staying too long, it had been a long day and he felt tired.

“Hey, doc” the old man said, grinning at him, “Nice conference”

Bruce frowned, “Thanks” 

“Reminded me of my days back in Med school” he added with a smiled, “Wanna play?” he pointed at the pool table.

“Maybe next time” Bruce answered.

“You waiting for someone?”

“No” Bruce said, “I don’t know” he added, the old man nodded and continued playing alone.

Bruce was eating the peanuts from the glass bowl in front of him, when the bartender put a small glass in front of him and then poured something in it.

“I didn’t order anything”

“The woman over there sends it” the man said pointing at a dark corner.

Bruce smiled to himself. He waited a few seconds and then stood up, the old man winked at him as he walked towards the redhead.

“Hello, handsome” Natasha greeted when he sat next to her, she finished the drink in her hand, “I was in the neighborhood” 

“So you say” Bruce smile, he liked that sort of game they played. No, it wasn’t a game, not for Natasha and not for him, the game they started long ago was over. This was real. 

“I heard your speech” Natasha said, “People loved you”

Bruce could have just say thanks, but he felt daring, “I don’t really care about those people” he said looking at her in the eyes, They stayed in silence for a while.

“What do you-” Natasha started.

He kissed her before she could finish the sentence. Natasha didn’t pull back, it wasn’t until Bruce felt his lungs were lacking air that he broke the kiss.

“I know what you mean” The woman whispered against his lips.

Bruce nodded and leaned again to kiss her.

“Excuse me, the bar is closing, sir” the bartender said, looking embarrassed to interrupt.

Bruce left out something like a growl and Natasha laughed softly. He left a couple of bills on the table and they walked silently towards the elevator. Natasha smiled when Bruce pressed the number ten.

“I had the presidential suite, you know?” Natasha said, Bruce smiled to himself, he never asked for an expensive room when he was at hotels.

When the elevator doors opened Natasha waited for Bruce to guided her, she followed him to his room and waited for him to invite her in. Once inside the room they stayed in silence, Natasha sitting on a wooden chair in a corner of the room and Bruce untying his tie in front of a mirror across the room. Natasha snorted softly when Bruce cursed having trouble with his tie, the fact that his hands were shaking didn’t help, she walked towards him with the man looking at her reflection in the mirror.

“I can tell you didn’t tie this” She said with a playful smirk, her fingers ghosting the nod, “It’s a very good nod” Bruce tried to chuckle, instead he let the breath he didn’t know he was holding out. Natasha untied the nod without struggle, “there you go” she said quietly.

“Thanks” Bruce whispered, Natasha’s hands still on his chest, he then put his hand over hers and leaned in to kiss her.

There was a knock on the door.

“Sorry, sorry” Bruce said resting his forehead on hers, “So sorry” Natasha nodded.

Bruce then opened the door, the young man outside greeted him politely and handed him an envelope. It was the plane tickets Pepper had told him she would send, inside there where one ticket for him and another one for Natasha. How come Pepper always knew when Natasha was with him.

When he closed the door and turned Natasha was sitting on his bed, looking around the room. Bruce walked towards her and sat next to her.

“Pepper sent the tickets” He said after a few seconds in silence.

“How come she always knows when I’m with you?” they both laughed softly, “She seems to be the only person I can’t hide from”

“Is she?”

She shook her head, “No”

He kissed her again.

This time there wasn’t hesitation or nervousness, there was something Bruce couldn’t quite put his finger on. Natasha smiled inside the kiss when Bruce started unbuttoning his shirt, the tie long forgotten on the floor, along with her shoes and the envelope he had on his hands a few seconds ago. They had talked about this, they had been on this… relationship for about two years and they had never gotten physical, but after a lot of research and a lot of talking, Bruce knew it was already time. It was finally the right time.

The position they where was getting uncomfortable, Natasha then sat on his lap, both of her knees on each side of his hips and her hands on his shoulders, a soft touch that traveled from there to his navel and finally his chest, she dip her hands under the unbuttoned shirt and opened it letting the man’s chest exposed. She was waiting for him to undressed her, instead he looked at her, drinking the beautiful sight in front of him. Bruce could tell she wanted him to take control, ever since the bar when she waited for him to break the kiss and on the elevator when, even thought she knew where his room was, she waited for him to take her.

Control was something Bruce struggled with and she was giving it to him. And unlike him, Natasha always had control and she wanted to lose it.

He looked up at her and cupped her face softly, his right hand still on her hip. His left hand then started a path downwards, caressing her neck and then her naked shoulder, and then, finally reaching back to unzip her dress. He did it slowly, Natasha’s breathing becoming heavy, and when he finished he pulled the dress over her head, the dark purple lace exposed. He ran his index finger under the left strap enjoying the way she shuddered under his touch, because Natasha Romanoff didn’t shudder. The thought of having that effect on the woman made him realise how hard he was and how much Natasha wanted him. He caressed her lip with his thumb.

“Kiss me” he said.

She kissed him, just a peck first, but then it became more deep, her mouth opening to let his tongue explore the inside, Bruce could tell now what was it that he had felt before, it was yearning. All this time she had been wanting Bruce as much as he wanted her and he didn’t want to wait anymore, he stripped her from her underwear, breathing in hard once he had her completely nude, he swallowed. He stood up and unbuttoned his pants, she looked at him, now naked in front of him, her eyes traveled from his chest to his crotch, he cleared his throat and she smiled shyly.

Bruce smiled back, Natasha Romanoff was never shy.

He then climbed the bed and accommodated on top of her, one of his knees between her legs. This was the moment he always stopped and overthink everything and Natasha knew it.

“Don’t” the redhead said, she caressed his arm softly, their lullaby, “It’s alright”

“I’m scared“ He whispered softly.

She kissed his forehead and whispered back, “I trust you”

Bruce heart skipped a bit, “I trust you” 

And that meant so much more for him than “I love you” coming from Natasha Romanoff.

They were both naked and tangled in white sheets, he stared at the ceiling for a few seconds caressing Natasha’s back while the woman played with the hairs on his chest.

“What happens now?" he asked, Natasha chuckled, “I mean-“

“Whatever you want” Natasha said, she looked at him, “I already told you what I want, you and me. Us. Together”

“I want that too” he kissed her.

They stayed like that for a couple of minutes until Bruce felt Natasha’s breathing slowing down, he looked at the clock on the nightstand, it was already two a. m. He had barely two hours to sleep, he felt himself drift off after a couple of seconds.

Day 2: Saturday, December 12.

They arrived at the tower at nine and were greeted by Wanda and Steve. Natasha hugged Steve and planted a big kiss on his cheek and then Wanda hugged her, Natasha had told Bruce that Wanda and her were close, being the only women at the New Avengers facility, Wanda always came to her when she had doubts. Bruce shook Steve’s hand and waved at Wanda, who was smiling at both of them as if she knew what had happened, he immediately felt nervous.

“Pietro just left to the airport to pick up Clint” Steve said picking Natasha’s luggage.

“Hey, I can do that” Natasha glared at him playfully, “Gimme” but Steve refused, walking fast towards the rooms with Natasha behind him.

Wanda then grabbed Bruce’s luggage but he hurried to carry it himself, “It’s really heavy”

“It’s fine” She waved her hand and the bag started floating.

“That’s… impressive” He said.

“Thank you, Dr. Banner”

“Bruce is fine”

“Bruce” she said with a nod, “Natasha speaks a lot about you” She mentioned as they walked towards the rooms.

“Yeah, we-“

“She thinks a lot about you too” She added, “Specially today, it’s very…” She pause, like looking for a word, “Overwhelming?” Bruce swallowed.

The elevator doors opened. Vision then walked in, he had told them that he like walking more than he like floating around, he was talking with Maria Hill, Bruce noticed Wanda’s eyes lit up.

“Wanda” Vision walking towards them, “Dr. Banner”

“Bruce” he shook Vision’s hand, “Just Bruce”

“Bruce, Wanda” Maria hugged both of them, “Fury sent me with this” she said showing them a big yellow folder, “For Tony”

“He’s in his laboratory” Wanda said, “He hasn’t been out yet, Steve says he’s really busy”

“I’ll try to reach him” she said entering the elevator.

It was just him, Wanda and Vision now. Great, the only two mind readers he knew and he couldn’t help thinking about Natasha. He looked at Wanda, who was looking at him back with her head slightly tilt in confusion.

“Wanda” Vision said in a warning tone.

“I can’t help it” she answered.

“Yes, you can” the man answered in a softer tone, “We should not peek into other’s minds” Vision said. 

“I apologize, Dr.-“ Wanda looked at him, “Bruce”

“It’s fine, really” Bruce said, “No worries”

“This is your room” Wanda pointed at the room. The luggage was already inside.

“Thanks”

“Where is Pietro?” Vision asked as he and Wanda left the room.

Bruce waited until the doors closed to sit on the bed, he didn’t notice how tired he was until he lay on the bed and his eyes started feeling heavy. 

“Bruce” Tony’s voice woke him up, “Hey, man”

He opened his eyes to find Tony grinning at the door, “Tony” he groaned, “What time is it?”

“Noon” Tony answered, “Clint is here, he asked about you”

“I’ll- I will be there in a minute”

The man sat on his bed and let out a yawn, he was surprisingly not tired at all, putting his shoes on he turned to see Tony, still standing in the door with a huge smirk on.

“So” he said, “Pepper told me you were with Natasha”

“Yeah” he answered hesitantly, “So?”

“She seems… Satisfy?” Tony smirked, “Is Black Widow going to be my new mommy?”

“Tony” Bruce warned.

“I’m just saying” Tony shrugged, “Hawkeye cooked italian and he is forcing us all to eat together” he said walking towards the door.

“Just dont-“ Bruce said, Tony looked at him from the door, “Don’t tell anyone just yet, okay?”

Tony smiled, “Don’t worry about it, buddy”

“Thanks” 

“Everyone already knows” Tony chanted before closing the door.

Bruce sighed and shook his head.

When he left his room, Wanda passed by his side with a couple of floating books behind her, she then sat with Natasha on the living room while Steve and Pietro were playing video games, Steve was getting a hold of it, and on the balcony Vision and Thor were talking.

“Tasha look at him! Tony stop” He heard Clint as he walked towards the kitchen, he was  hitting Tony with a wooden spoon, while he was trying to take another piece of garlic bread.

“But it’s garlic bread” he whined.

“Clint, let the poor man have his bread” Natasha said winking at Tony who smiled triumphantly when she gave him a piece of bread.

“Hey” Bruce said awkwardly

“Bruce, man” Clint waved, “We were waiting for you”

“I was resting” he said quietly, “It smells good”

“It smells delicious” Thor exclaimed entering the kitchen, he hugged Bruce and lifted him for a few seconds, the man reddened when Natasha chuckled, “I am starving my friends!" he rubbed his belly, Wanda chuckled and offered him a piece of garlic bread, "Thank you my dear Scarlet Witch! there is nothing that can compare to this” he grabbed the piece of garlic bread and put it in his mouth, “The Garlic Bread” he said with his mouth full.

“Why don’t you tell him anything” Tony complained looking at Clint, “Widow, you are my favorite now” The woman smiled at him and pinched his left cheek.

"No fighting, boys" Natasha said.

“Bruce, can you take the plates to the table?” 

“And yes, Bruce, there is a dining table now, Pepper keeps spending my money to buy me useless furniture” Tony said.

“Tony” Bruce rolled his eyes grabbing the plates.

He was putting them in the table when Steve offered to help, Bruce could tell Steve wanted to say something and that it was about Natasha, did Steve know? Did Natasha already told him? Why was he so worried about people knowing they were officially a thing now?

“Bruce” Vision appeared behind him, he jumped, even thought the man-droid, as Tony called him, walked he was very stealthily, “Steve” the man nodded at him.

“Vision” Bruce said, he was about to leave a plate on the table but it fell, before it hit the wooden floor it stopped.

“I am sorry if I startled you” Vision said looking concerned, the plate floated until it was on the table.

“It’s fine I just- I got a lot on my mind” Without wanting his gaze traveled towards the living room where Natasha was talking with Pietro now. 

“I can see” Vision answered.

“I’ll get the wine!” Tony exclaimed. 

“Well, we finished” Steve said, clapping Vision in the back, “Let’s have some italian”

Bruce smiled softly at the Captain, While Clint and Thor brought the food, everyone started sitting.

Natasha sat next to him followed by Clint, Wanda chose to sit next to Tony saving a sit for Vision next to her, Bruce had forgotten that the man ate, and oh boy he did! he had told him that it was one of the things he enjoyed the most.

Bruce wanted to laugh when Thor clapped Wanda’s shoulder and sat next to her, inviting Vision to sit next to him, Pietro was the one who snorted a laugh instead, Wanda glared at him and Steve shook his head.

Everyone was talking animatedly and complimenting Clint on his food, Bruce’s gaze traveled towards Tony who was grinning at him, then he realised Wanda was also looking at him, a little less obvious than Tony but still, he started feeling nervous, then he felt Natasha’s hand over his’ under the table. He smiled internally, Natasha Romanoff didn’t hold hands. He didn’t look at her and she didn’t look at him, instead he squeezed softly and she did the same.

Everything was alright.

"I keep thinking something's bound to go wrong, but she looks in my eyes and makes me realize, and she says don't worry baby"