natashasbanner

[natashasbanner]

Dear Writers

Okay I saw part of this question going around, and I think a poll might be easier, but also I was ridiculously curious about whether writing linearly or not affects the outcome of single vs multi docs, as well as

#one doc #linerarly because my brain won’t let me go out of order #which i why I’ve only ever finished a handful of multichapter fics in the 12 years I’ve been writing

[natashasbanner]

I CAN’T BREATHE

#little known fact about me: i love taylor swift #literally was at night one of the eras tour in atl last week #and speak now is my favorite album and i’ve been waiting for this since she started the rerecordings #can’t freaking wait for this #also it’s late and i have no one to squeal about this with #apologies

[natashasbanner]

I just saw the strange sentiment of "who wants to read their own fic?" And I just want to put out there that it's actually fine and wonderful if you read your own fic? I don't know about you, but personally I am out here writing the fics I want to read (and the occasional gift), and what's the point of writing the exact thing I want to read if I don't then, you know, read it? I put time and effort into that thing. I made it so I could have it. I wanted it to exist. I refuse to create it and then leave it without my love.

So if you're out there and you read your own fic and you wonder if you're the only one, please know that you aren't. And if you're out there and you haven't read your own fic, give it a try! You wrote that beautiful thing for a reason, and you deserve the ability to read it. You brought something creative into the world and it deserves attention- including your own!

#i just started doing this maybe a year or two ago #and let me tell you it's so nice #would 100% recommend

[natashasbanner]

i ship it

[natashasbanner]

runnin’ home (to your sweet nothings)

Summary: Natasha comes home to Bruce and it's more than perfect.

or pure Bruce/Nat fluff :D

A/N: It's been a while, but Sweet Nothing on Taylor Swift's new album inspired this little one shot. Please enjoy :D

Also on AO3

X

Natasha felt the tension leave her shoulders as she pulled up next to Bruce’s car. It had been two weeks since she’d been home and the relief she felt as she quickly threw the car into park was almost overwhelming. 

She climbed out of the car and hurried toward the front door. Her past self might have been embarrassed at her own eagerness to see Bruce; her outward display of a supposed weakness. But in the years since her “death”, she’d allowed herself to grow comfortable in the relationship they built after the dust from Thanos settled. 

The front door was unlocked when she tried the handle and she couldn’t help the soft smile that tugged at her lips as she pushed it open. She gave him grief time and time again about his lax approach to their home security, but he always shrugged off her concern. Some habits were harder to break than others, she thought as she closed the door behind her. 

There was music playing softly from the kitchen as she toed off her shoes accompanied by the delicious smell of something she couldn’t wait to taste. She could hear him humming along to the song and followed the sound. 

“Nat, is that you?” His voice called out as she came around the corner. 

“You expecting someone else?” She teased and chuckled as his head snapped around at the sound of her voice. 

“You’re early,” he said by way of greeting, grinning at her. 

Natasha crossed the kitchen to where he stood at the stove and slipped her arms around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder. 

“Whatcha making?” she asked softly. 

He kissed her cheek and she could feel him smile against her before he turned back to the pan sizzling in front of them. One of his hands covered her where they rested on his stomach while the other reached for the spoon on the counter. 

“Taste,” he said, scooping a small bite from the pan and held it to her lips. 

Natasha obliged him and hummed appreciatively as the flavors exploded on her tongue. 

“Good?” He asked with raised eyebrows. 

“Good,” she confirmed with a short nod. 

He smiled and reached out to turn the stove down. Natasha loosened her hold on him as she turned around to face her. 

“It’s got to simmer for a little while,” he explained, bringing a hand up to her cheek. 

She smiled and tilted her head into the touch. 

“Hi,” she said softly. 

He let out a short sigh, goofy smile plastered on his face that she was helpless to anything but return. 

“Hi.” 

“I missed you,” he whispers as if they aren’t the only ones in this house too big for two. 

“Missed you too,” she was quick to respond. 

“How was your trip?” He asked, leaning in to bump his forehead lightly against hers. 

Natasha sighed and closed her eyes. “Too long.” 

“You can tell me all about it while we eat,” he promised with a soft chuckle. 

“And several glasses of wine?” 

Bruce leaned back to look in her eyes. “Already chilled and ready to be poured.” 

Natasha smiled and slumped against his body with her head on his shoulder. 

“Have I told you how much I love you,” she said, her words slightly muffled against his neck. 

Bruce laughed and Natasha lifted her head to mock glare at him. He moved his hands to settle on her lower back to hold her against his chest. 

“You might have mentioned it a few times,” he said and pressed another kiss to her cheek. 

She rolled her eyes with a small smile on her lips. 

“Do you need any help finishing dinner?” 

“If you want to slice up the bread that would be great,” he suggested. 

Natasha nodded and went to turn toward where she’d seen the loaf of bread on the cutting board, but his hold on her held strong. She raised an eyebrow in question and saw his smile turn into a smirk and his gaze fell to her lips. 

“I think you forgot something,” he said. 

“Well let me remedy that,” Natasha said as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his. 

Bruce hummed against her lips as she pressed them more fully against his. Natasha closed her eyes as his lips parted slightly to deepen the kiss. 

“I love you, too,” he said when she broke the kiss. 

Natasha stamped another kiss on his lips and reached behind her to move his hands from around her back. He chased her lips and Natasha obliged him with another quick peck. 

“The food,” she reminded him, nudging him back toward the stove. 

Reluctantly, Bruce dropped his arms and Natasha moved to gather the bread and cutting board to stand at his side as he stirred the food in the pan. She bumped her hip against his and he turned his head to smile at her. 

A warmth spread through Natasha that always followed his soft looks. It took a while to fight the urge to shove that feeling down, but now she embraced it. She returned his smile and went to work slicing up the bread. 

Bruce started humming again as he continued to stir the food, adding a few more spices here and there. They worked side by side in comfortable silence, their arms brushing every so often. 

Natasha never imagined that this is where her life would lead to; she’d hoped but couldn’t picture it. She wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

When she was finished with the bread, she leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek. 

“What was that for?” He questioned as he switched the heat on the stove off. 

Natasha shrugged and leaned her head on his shoulder. 

“Just because,” she told him softly.

#brucenat #hulkwidow #bruce x natasha #please enjoy :D #my fic

[natashasbanner]

My sister finally convinced me to watch Stranger Things and now I am emotionally damaged. Wtf was that???

#for years she’s been trying to get me to watch this show #but i never really got into it #but because season kept showing up on my tik tok #i finally gave in and now i can’t function #son of a bitch

[natashasbanner]

seen a lot of these with your favorites, but reblog with the CURRENT book you are reading, show you are streaming, the last movie you watched, and any game/puzzle/crafts you’re working on 

#reading: the lost apothecary #streaming: Below Deck #movie: Turning Red

[natashasbanner]

wishing on dandelions

Summary: Druig finds the courage to finally tell Makkari how he feels and I comes from the most unlikely place.

Inspired by Ruth B's song "Dandelions"

A/N: The floodgates have opened and I cannot stop writing these too. I think it's because I watch Eternals almost everyday lol. I was working on two other Drukkari fics when this idea struck me and I had to write it. I hope you all enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

Druig sat on a blanket in the sprawling grass of Ajak’s property. Clouds drifted lazily through the sky as the sun shone down on him causing sweat to bead down the back of his neck.

He pulled at the grass at the edge of the blanket and twisted a few blades between his fingers as he watched the scene before him.

Further down the hill, Phasto’s husband and son were playing catch together. They’d been outside since the sun rose that morning. Druig suspected that that was Phastos’ doing, keeping Jack occupied so he didn’t ask too many questions about his “friends from college”, who just so happened to have super powers. But the kid didn’t seem to mind.

Makkari had joined them not too long ago, eager to join in on the fun. Their game had quickly turned from simple catch to Ben and Jack chucking that ball as hard as they could and Makkari using her super speed to snatch it out of the air in the blink of an eye. Every time Makkari would catch a particularly difficult throw, Jack would erupt into a fit of giggles when she tossed it back. It made a small smile tug at Druig’s lips.

He wondered what it might be like, to experience such delight at something as simple as throwing around a baseball.

Druig watched as their game of catch quickly turned into a very serious game of tag. Makkari jogged around at human speed to avoid getting tagged before zipping expertly out of reach when Jack got too close.

Her smile rivaled the sun in radiance and Druig decided that he could watch her like this for the rest of eternity.

Eventually, their game ended when Jack grabbed Makkari around the waist and pulled her to the ground before she could speed away again. They both stayed on the ground, a fit of giggling taking them over. They only stopped when Phastos and Thena came walking back from the Domo. Phastos had spent the last few days working on repairs and a few improvements. According to him it would be at least another week before it was ready for a trip into deep space.

Druig watched as Jack sprung up from the ground and ran to the pair, excitedly chattering on about how much fun he’d had playing with Makkari. Phastos grinned and showed Jack how to sign his thanks and ask her to play again later.

Makkari held a hand against her chest and nodded emphatically, assuring him that their game was far from over. Jack grinned up at her and let Phastos lead him back to the house, Thena and Ben following after them.

Makkari stood and brushed the grass from her jeans before her head turned toward Druig. In a brilliant flash of gold she disappeared and reappeared on the blanket beside him.

Druig felt his heart skip a beat when she laid her head on his shoulder and let out a sigh.

He chuckled and signed, Worn out by a ten year old? You’ve lost your touch, Makkari.

She lifted her head to give him a playful glare, but her content smile returned a moment later.

You should join in next time, she told him.

Druig chuckled and shook his head. “It’s more entertaining from up here.”

Afraid you’ll lose to a kid? She teased, giving him a gentle nudge.

“Terrified,” he told her sarcastically. “He’s taken a real liking to you.”

Makkari smiled softly and ducked her head. He’s a good kid, she signed dismissively.

Druig watched her play with the sleeve of her shirt in awe. She really had no idea the effect she had on people. Druig had felt it the moment they arrived on Earth, the pull to be near her, to make her smile. It was like gravity and only a fool would resist falling into her orbit.

They sat together for a little while, content to just soak up the beautiful day while it lasted. Druig continued picking at the grass while Makkari sat back on her hands with her face turned to the sky.

She cracked an eye open when he let his gaze linger on her for too long, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel embarrassed or look away.

What? She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re beautiful,” he said without hesitation, and smiled when he saw her cheeks darken as she bit her lip.

Flirt, she accused.

“Can you blame me?” He asked seriously and Makkari’s brows furrowed.

Something behind him caught her eye and she reached across his lap to pluck a dandelion from the ground. She held it out to him and nodded her head for him to take it. Druig raised an eyebrow, but accepted the gift nonetheless.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” He asked, looking between her and the dying weed.

Make a wish, she explained and reached behind him to grab one for herself.

“A wish?” Druig repeated. “On a weed?”

Makkari rolled her eyes and held up her own dandelion.

You make a wish and blow away the seeds, she signed and closed her eyes. After a few beats she blew on the fluffy white wisps. They floated away in the wind and she opened her eyes with a smile.

See?

Druig nodded and looked at his own dandelion. He felt a little foolish making wishes on weeds, but he was always more than happy to indulge her whims. With one more glance at Makkari, who smiled encouragingly, before he closed his eyes.

He could have very easily just pretended to make a wish, but he thought for a moment. If he believed that wishes could come true, there was only one thing he ever wanted.

It was her, always had been. He’d spent so many nights dreaming of her smile, the way her brows wrinkled in annoyance at his teasing, the way she always seemed to find the good in everything. How long had he wished he wasn’t afraid to tell her how she made him feel, how she was the light at the end of his tunnel of turbulent thoughts? He’d been so afraid that she would hate him for turning his back on him when they’d finally reunited. But the moment he laid eyes on her and she smiled it felt like no time had passed.

He’d promised himself that he was going to finally tell her after Ikaris almost killed him on that volcano, but he couldn’t find the words. His old fear that his feelings wouldn’t be returned seized him once again and he held his tongue for fear of losing the friendship that they had.

And so he wished for courage.

He wished for her.

When he opened his eyes, Makkari’s were on him, studying him like one of her beloved artifacts.

What did you wish for? She asked curiously.

Druig smirked. “I’m not telling you,” he said seriously.

Makkari’s mouth fell open and Druig couldn’t help but chuckle.

Why not? She asked.

“It won’t come true if I tell you,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.

She rolled her eyes before raising her eyebrow.

What if I told you my wish? She offered.

Druig made a show of thinking it over for a moment, tapping his chin and furrowing his eyebrows.

“I might be persuaded,” he conceded, feeling his hands begin to sweat.

Makkari hesitated for a heartbeat before she slowly raised her hands.

I wished for us to stay together, no matter what there is to face out there.

She pointed toward the sky and Druig felt his heart clench.

“Wish granted,” he said, a lump forming in his throat. “In this life and the next, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than by your side.”

Makkari smiled and reached over to squeeze one of his hands.

Your turn, she signed, looking at him expectantly.

If Druig’s palms were sweating before, they were practically dripping now. His heart pounded against his ribcage and his mouth went dry.

“I-“ he started, but faltered.

Makkari gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and Druig took a deep breath before going on. It was now or never.

“I wished for courage,” he finally told her.

She tilted her head to one side, her eyes searching his.

Courage? She questioned. To do what?

“To tell you,” he paused, anticipation making his hands shake. “To tell you that I love you.”

He watched shock wash over her face and he closed his eyes, unable to watch her find a way to let him down easy.

Her fingers against his cheek shocked him and his eyes flew open to find her looking at him with a watery smile.

I love you too, Druig.

It was his turn to look shocked, but a little voice in his head told him that she didn’t mean it the same way he had.

He opened his mouth to apologize and tell her that it was okay if she didn’t feel the same but she covered his lips with her finger.

I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.

Druig’s brows shot up before he let out a soft chuckle.

“I thought I was supposed to be the mind reader,” he joked, tension seeping out of him.

Makkari laughed silently and stroked his cheek with her thumb. She pulled her hand away and Druig missed the contact immediately.

I have had millenia with you, Druig. I don’t need to read your mind.

“You never said anything,” Druig pointed out.

Makkari sighed. Maybe you weren’t the only one who needed some courage.

Druig laughed at that. “We make quite the pair, don’t we?”

I’d say so.

Druig smirked as they gazed at each other, their revelation settling between them. He felt absolutely giddy and he could see her own joy reflected in her eyes.

He cleared his throat and looked down at his hand before he met her eyes again. He briefly wondered if it was too soon to ask for something he’d only dreamed of before now.

But it seemed Makkari was already one step ahead. She scooted closer to him, her eyes drifting to his lips. Unconsciously, Druig leaned in to meet her until their foreheads pressed together. Their breath mingled as Druig brought his hand to her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch and tipped her head up slightly to brush her lips against his.

Druig moved to capture her lips, but he suddenly froze and pulled away when Phastos called out to them from the house.

“Love birds, lunch is ready!”

Druig groaned and rolled his eyes and Makkari looked at him in confusion. He pointed to Phastos who signed what he’d just yelled and she rolled her eyes too.

“Great timing man!” Druig yelled back as Makkari laughed.

She stood from the blanket and offered her hand. Come on.

“I’m not hungry,” he said defiantly, but took her hand nonetheless.

We both know that’s a lie, Makkari signed, shaking her head.

Druig huffed for show, but didn’t argue as she slipped her fingers through his and pulled him toward the house. He tugged on her hand when they reached the back door and she turned to look at him, confusion written all over her face.

“Wait,” he said, scuffing his boot against the aging wood of the porch.

What’s wrong? She asked.

“I’m not ready for this moment to end yet,” he told her honestly.

She smiled softly and took a step closer to him.

We have an eternity of moments to create.

There was so much certainty in her eyes that Druig had no choice but to believe her. He brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.

She reached out to pluck something from his hair and held up one of the dandelion wisps they’d blown into the wind. She let it go and he watched it drift back into the yard.

In his distraction, he didn’t notice her rock onto her tiptoes until her lips pressed against his in a quick peck. Too soon she pulled away with a wink and hurried into the house, leaving Druig to stare after her like a lovesick teenager.

He shook his head and followed after her, unable to wipe the goofy grin from his face. In all his years he’d never imagined he could feel so happy. He didn’t even care that Phastos had rudely interrupted their first kiss.

And to think all it took were a few wishes on dandelions.

[natashasbanner]

wishing on dandelions

Summary: Druig finds the courage to finally tell Makkari how he feels and I comes from the most unlikely place.

Inspired by Ruth B's song "Dandelions"

A/N: The floodgates have opened and I cannot stop writing these too. I think it's because I watch Eternals almost everyday lol. I was working on two other Drukkari fics when this idea struck me and I had to write it. I hope you all enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

Druig sat on a blanket in the sprawling grass of Ajak’s property. Clouds drifted lazily through the sky as the sun shone down on him causing sweat to bead down the back of his neck.

He pulled at the grass at the edge of the blanket and twisted a few blades between his fingers as he watched the scene before him.

Further down the hill, Phasto’s husband and son were playing catch together. They’d been outside since the sun rose that morning. Druig suspected that that was Phastos’ doing, keeping Jack occupied so he didn’t ask too many questions about his “friends from college”, who just so happened to have super powers. But the kid didn’t seem to mind.

Makkari had joined them not too long ago, eager to join in on the fun. Their game had quickly turned from simple catch to Ben and Jack chucking that ball as hard as they could and Makkari using her super speed to snatch it out of the air in the blink of an eye. Every time Makkari would catch a particularly difficult throw, Jack would erupt into a fit of giggles when she tossed it back. It made a small smile tug at Druig’s lips.

He wondered what it might be like, to experience such delight at something as simple as throwing around a baseball.

Druig watched as their game of catch quickly turned into a very serious game of tag. Makkari jogged around at human speed to avoid getting tagged before zipping expertly out of reach when Jack got too close.

Her smile rivaled the sun in radiance and Druig decided that he could watch her like this for the rest of eternity.

Eventually, their game ended when Jack grabbed Makkari around the waist and pulled her to the ground before she could speed away again. They both stayed on the ground, a fit of giggling taking them over. They only stopped when Phastos and Thena came walking back from the Domo. Phastos had spent the last few days working on repairs and a few improvements. According to him it would be at least another week before it was ready for a trip into deep space.

Druig watched as Jack sprung up from the ground and ran to the pair, excitedly chattering on about how much fun he’d had playing with Makkari. Phastos grinned and showed Jack how to sign his thanks and ask her to play again later.

Makkari held a hand against her chest and nodded emphatically, assuring him that their game was far from over. Jack grinned up at her and let Phastos lead him back to the house, Thena and Ben following after them.

Makkari stood and brushed the grass from her jeans before her head turned toward Druig. In a brilliant flash of gold she disappeared and reappeared on the blanket beside him.

Druig felt his heart skip a beat when she laid her head on his shoulder and let out a sigh.

He chuckled and signed, Worn out by a ten year old? You’ve lost your touch, Makkari.

She lifted her head to give him a playful glare, but her content smile returned a moment later.

You should join in next time, she told him.

Druig chuckled and shook his head. “It’s more entertaining from up here.”

Afraid you’ll lose to a kid? She teased, giving him a gentle nudge.

“Terrified,” he told her sarcastically. “He’s taken a real liking to you.”

Makkari smiled softly and ducked her head. He’s a good kid, she signed dismissively.

Druig watched her play with the sleeve of her shirt in awe. She really had no idea the effect she had on people. Druig had felt it the moment they arrived on Earth, the pull to be near her, to make her smile. It was like gravity and only a fool would resist falling into her orbit.

They sat together for a little while, content to just soak up the beautiful day while it lasted. Druig continued picking at the grass while Makkari sat back on her hands with her face turned to the sky.

She cracked an eye open when he let his gaze linger on her for too long, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel embarrassed or look away.

What? She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re beautiful,” he said without hesitation, and smiled when he saw her cheeks darken as she bit her lip.

Flirt, she accused.

“Can you blame me?” He asked seriously and Makkari’s brows furrowed.

Something behind him caught her eye and she reached across his lap to pluck a dandelion from the ground. She held it out to him and nodded her head for him to take it. Druig raised an eyebrow, but accepted the gift nonetheless.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” He asked, looking between her and the dying weed.

Make a wish, she explained and reached behind him to grab one for herself.

“A wish?” Druig repeated. “On a weed?”

Makkari rolled her eyes and held up her own dandelion.

You make a wish and blow away the seeds, she signed and closed her eyes. After a few beats she blew on the fluffy white wisps. They floated away in the wind and she opened her eyes with a smile.

See?

Druig nodded and looked at his own dandelion. He felt a little foolish making wishes on weeds, but he was always more than happy to indulge her whims. With one more glance at Makkari, who smiled encouragingly, before he closed his eyes.

He could have very easily just pretended to make a wish, but he thought for a moment. If he believed that wishes could come true, there was only one thing he ever wanted.

It was her, always had been. He’d spent so many nights dreaming of her smile, the way her brows wrinkled in annoyance at his teasing, the way she always seemed to find the good in everything. How long had he wished he wasn’t afraid to tell her how she made him feel, how she was the light at the end of his tunnel of turbulent thoughts? He’d been so afraid that she would hate him for turning his back on him when they’d finally reunited. But the moment he laid eyes on her and she smiled it felt like no time had passed.

He’d promised himself that he was going to finally tell her after Ikaris almost killed him on that volcano, but he couldn’t find the words. His old fear that his feelings wouldn’t be returned seized him once again and he held his tongue for fear of losing the friendship that they had.

And so he wished for courage.

He wished for her.

When he opened his eyes, Makkari’s were on him, studying him like one of her beloved artifacts.

What did you wish for? She asked curiously.

Druig smirked. “I’m not telling you,” he said seriously.

Makkari’s mouth fell open and Druig couldn’t help but chuckle.

Why not? She asked.

“It won’t come true if I tell you,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.

She rolled her eyes before raising her eyebrow.

What if I told you my wish? She offered.

Druig made a show of thinking it over for a moment, tapping his chin and furrowing his eyebrows.

“I might be persuaded,” he conceded, feeling his hands begin to sweat.

Makkari hesitated for a heartbeat before she slowly raised her hands.

I wished for us to stay together, no matter what there is to face out there.

She pointed toward the sky and Druig felt his heart clench.

“Wish granted,” he said, a lump forming in his throat. “In this life and the next, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than by your side.”

Makkari smiled and reached over to squeeze one of his hands.

Your turn, she signed, looking at him expectantly.

If Druig’s palms were sweating before, they were practically dripping now. His heart pounded against his ribcage and his mouth went dry.

“I-“ he started, but faltered.

Makkari gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and Druig took a deep breath before going on. It was now or never.

“I wished for courage,” he finally told her.

She tilted her head to one side, her eyes searching his.

Courage? She questioned. To do what?

“To tell you,” he paused, anticipation making his hands shake. “To tell you that I love you.”

He watched shock wash over her face and he closed his eyes, unable to watch her find a way to let him down easy.

Her fingers against his cheek shocked him and his eyes flew open to find her looking at him with a watery smile.

I love you too, Druig.

It was his turn to look shocked, but a little voice in his head told him that she didn’t mean it the same way he had.

He opened his mouth to apologize and tell her that it was okay if she didn’t feel the same but she covered his lips with her finger.

I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.

Druig’s brows shot up before he let out a soft chuckle.

“I thought I was supposed to be the mind reader,” he joked, tension seeping out of him.

Makkari laughed silently and stroked his cheek with her thumb. She pulled her hand away and Druig missed the contact immediately.

I have had millenia with you, Druig. I don’t need to read your mind.

“You never said anything,” Druig pointed out.

Makkari sighed. Maybe you weren’t the only one who needed some courage.

Druig laughed at that. “We make quite the pair, don’t we?”

I’d say so.

Druig smirked as they gazed at each other, their revelation settling between them. He felt absolutely giddy and he could see her own joy reflected in her eyes.

He cleared his throat and looked down at his hand before he met her eyes again. He briefly wondered if it was too soon to ask for something he’d only dreamed of before now.

But it seemed Makkari was already one step ahead. She scooted closer to him, her eyes drifting to his lips. Unconsciously, Druig leaned in to meet her until their foreheads pressed together. Their breath mingled as Druig brought his hand to her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch and tipped her head up slightly to brush her lips against his.

Druig moved to capture her lips, but he suddenly froze and pulled away when Phastos called out to them from the house.

“Love birds, lunch is ready!”

Druig groaned and rolled his eyes and Makkari looked at him in confusion. He pointed to Phastos who signed what he’d just yelled and she rolled her eyes too.

“Great timing man!” Druig yelled back as Makkari laughed.

She stood from the blanket and offered her hand. Come on.

“I’m not hungry,” he said defiantly, but took her hand nonetheless.

We both know that’s a lie, Makkari signed, shaking her head.

Druig huffed for show, but didn’t argue as she slipped her fingers through his and pulled him toward the house. He tugged on her hand when they reached the back door and she turned to look at him, confusion written all over her face.

“Wait,” he said, scuffing his boot against the aging wood of the porch.

What’s wrong? She asked.

“I’m not ready for this moment to end yet,” he told her honestly.

She smiled softly and took a step closer to him.

We have an eternity of moments to create.

There was so much certainty in her eyes that Druig had no choice but to believe her. He brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.

She reached out to pluck something from his hair and held up one of the dandelion wisps they’d blown into the wind. She let it go and he watched it drift back into the yard.

In his distraction, he didn’t notice her rock onto her tiptoes until her lips pressed against his in a quick peck. Too soon she pulled away with a wink and hurried into the house, leaving Druig to stare after her like a lovesick teenager.

He shook his head and followed after her, unable to wipe the goofy grin from his face. In all his years he’d never imagined he could feel so happy. He didn’t even care that Phastos had rudely interrupted their first kiss.

And to think all it took were a few wishes on dandelions.

#drukkari #druig/makkari #my fic #please enjoy :)

[natashasbanner]

A Promise

Summary: In the aftermath of the Emergence, in the quiet of Ajak's farmhouse, Makkari and Druig find each other.

A/N: Hello, I've been obsessed with this pair since the first time I saw Eternals and I finally decided to try my hand at writing them. I hope you all enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

The old floorboards of Ajak’s old farmhouse creaked and Druig’s eyes flew open. The living room was dark and still from his makeshift bed in front of the couch. He listened for the creaking, but none came and he chalked it up to the house settling.

He closed his eyes again and shifted into a more comfortable position when there was the unmistakable sound of someone coming down the stairs. Druig pushed himself to sit up, his aching muscles protesting the motion.

He squinted in the dark, trying to catch a glimpse of who was wandering the house at this late hour. He expected Thena to appear at the bottom of the stairs, restless as she was or even Phastos’ son looking for a late night snack.

But to his surprise and delight it was Makkari who peered around to corner. Her eyes widened when they fell on Druig, clearly surprised to find him still awake.

Druig reach over to turn on the small lamp next to the couch and squinted against it’s soft glow.

Did I wake you? She asked, lingering in the doorway.

Druig shook his head.

She pulled at her fingers for a moment before she signed, you should rest.

I could say the same for you, he signed.

Makkari looked down at her feet and swayed slightly. He waited for her to look at him again before he asked, is everything alright?

She hesitated for a moment, her hands held limply in front of her before she finally answered. I couldn’t sleep.

Druig tilted his head as he took her in, sensing there was more she wasn’t saying. He held out his hand in offering and made room on the floor next to him.

“Sit with me?” he asked.

Makkari nodded and crossed the room to his side. She placed her hand delicately in his and lowered herself to the floor beside him. Druig scooted closer to her and she sighed as she leaned back against the couch. They sat like that for a long time before Druig finally asked,

“What’s on your mind?”

Makkari lifted her head to meet his eyes again and it is only then that Druig see the tears welling in them. Instinctively, he reached out to cup her cheek and used his thumb to swipe away the few tears that escaped.

She took a shuddering breath and leaned into his touch, covering his hand on her cheek with her own.

“You were checking on me?” He asked, the pieces starting to fall into place in his head.

She nodded and closed her eyes again. Druig pulled her close and she buried her face in his neck as she let her tears flow freely.

Druig felt tears of his own prick at the corners of his eyes and swallowed around the lump forming in his throat. The memory of nearly being crushed to death sprang to the front of his mind as Makkari cried. There’d been a moment when he thought he was never going to see the light of the surface again, rocks pressing down on him from all sides.

In that moment, he realized that it was true what the humans always claimed. That in the moments before death, your life flashes before your eyes. Moments of his eternal existence, played on a reel in his mind’s eye. From the day they first set foot on this earth, to the moment his fellow eternals walked into his colony. All of his happiest moments, his deepest regrets threatening to swallow him whole.

And for a moment the fight left his body. How could he claw his way out when the weight was too much to bear. But then he saw her, her smile that made him weak in the knees, the joy he felt reuniting after all the time they’d spent apart. His beautiful, beautiful Makkari.

It was in that moment that he decided he wasn’t going to die at Ikaris’ hand. He’d crawled his way out of that hole and lived to see humanity saved. He wouldn’t say it was worth it, but he surprised himself and that’s what he was choosing to focus on for now.

He wasn’t sure how long they sat there, but eventually Makkari’s sniffles quieted and she pulled away to look him in the eye again.

I thought I lost you.

Druig placed his hand on her thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I know,” he said. “But I’m not on going anywhere, anytime soon. Promise.”

The corner of her mouth quirked and Druig’s eyes were drawn to her lips.

Makkari’s breath hitched slightly and in that moment the world shrank until it was just the two of them, their faces inches apart. His heart pounded in his ears as he looked beck into Makkari’s eyes, asking the question he’d longed to ask for millenia.

Makkari bit her lip and nodded her head ever so slightly.

Time stood still as Druig leaned closer, gaze locked with hers. He hesitated when their noses touched, but Makkari closed the remaining space between them.

Their kiss was light at first, just a brush of her lips against hers. It was like a spark that shot through him and warmed him from the inside out. He knew she felt it to when she brought her hands to hold his face and press her lips more firmly against his.

Druig’s hands fell to her waist and without thinking he pulled her toward him, practically into his lap. He couldn’t help himself. He’d waited long enough for this moment and now that it was happening, he craved whatever she was willing to give.

Makkari smiled against his lips and Druig was helpless to do anything but return it.

Makkari was the one to break the kiss all too soon and rest her forehead against Druig’s. She slid one of her hands from his cheek and let it rest against his chest. He felt her fingers curl into the sign for “I love you”.

Druig smiled and bumped his nose against hers. He covered his hand with his and pressed another chaste kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath that morphed into a long yawn.

Druig chuckled and finally pulled away. “We should get some sleep.”

Makkari nodded reluctantly, but stole another quick kiss before she started to stand. Druig caught her hand.

Stay? He asked, hoping it wasn’t too much to ask.

What about the others?

Please?

She bit her lip before she grabbed the extra pillow from the couch and tossing it nest to his. Druig grinned and turned out the light while she made herself comfortable beside him.

They laid facing each other, legs tangled together like it was the most natural thing in the world. Makkari reached for his hand and Druig intertwined their fingers. He let his thumb run along the back of her hand and he watched as her eyes drifted closed in the moonlight.

When her breathing evened out, he finally let sleep take him with a smile.

And that’s how Thena found them at dawn, hands still clasped between them, foreheads touching.

#morning reblog because i posted this at 2 in the morning

[natashasbanner]

A Promise

Summary: In the aftermath of the Emergence, in the quiet of Ajak's farmhouse, Makkari and Druig find each other.

A/N: Hello, I've been obsessed with this pair since the first time I saw Eternals and I finally decided to try my hand at writing them. I hope you all enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

The old floorboards of Ajak’s old farmhouse creaked and Druig’s eyes flew open. The living room was dark and still from his makeshift bed in front of the couch. He listened for the creaking, but none came and he chalked it up to the house settling.

He closed his eyes again and shifted into a more comfortable position when there was the unmistakable sound of someone coming down the stairs. Druig pushed himself to sit up, his aching muscles protesting the motion.

He squinted in the dark, trying to catch a glimpse of who was wandering the house at this late hour. He expected Thena to appear at the bottom of the stairs, restless as she was or even Phastos’ son looking for a late night snack.

But to his surprise and delight it was Makkari who peered around to corner. Her eyes widened when they fell on Druig, clearly surprised to find him still awake.

Druig reach over to turn on the small lamp next to the couch and squinted against it’s soft glow.

Did I wake you? She asked, lingering in the doorway.

Druig shook his head.

She pulled at her fingers for a moment before she signed, you should rest.

I could say the same for you, he signed.

Makkari looked down at her feet and swayed slightly. He waited for her to look at him again before he asked, is everything alright?

She hesitated for a moment, her hands held limply in front of her before she finally answered. I couldn’t sleep.

Druig tilted his head as he took her in, sensing there was more she wasn’t saying. He held out his hand in offering and made room on the floor next to him.

“Sit with me?” he asked.

Makkari nodded and crossed the room to his side. She placed her hand delicately in his and lowered herself to the floor beside him. Druig scooted closer to her and she sighed as she leaned back against the couch. They sat like that for a long time before Druig finally asked,

“What’s on your mind?”

Makkari lifted her head to meet his eyes again and it is only then that Druig see the tears welling in them. Instinctively, he reached out to cup her cheek and used his thumb to swipe away the few tears that escaped.

She took a shuddering breath and leaned into his touch, covering his hand on her cheek with her own.

“You were checking on me?” He asked, the pieces starting to fall into place in his head.

She nodded and closed her eyes again. Druig pulled her close and she buried her face in his neck as she let her tears flow freely.

Druig felt tears of his own prick at the corners of his eyes and swallowed around the lump forming in his throat. The memory of nearly being crushed to death sprang to the front of his mind as Makkari cried. There’d been a moment when he thought he was never going to see the light of the surface again, rocks pressing down on him from all sides.

In that moment, he realized that it was true what the humans always claimed. That in the moments before death, your life flashes before your eyes. Moments of his eternal existence, played on a reel in his mind’s eye. From the day they first set foot on this earth, to the moment his fellow eternals walked into his colony. All of his happiest moments, his deepest regrets threatening to swallow him whole.

And for a moment the fight left his body. How could he claw his way out when the weight was too much to bear. But then he saw her, her smile that made him weak in the knees, the joy he felt reuniting after all the time they’d spent apart. His beautiful, beautiful Makkari.

It was in that moment that he decided he wasn’t going to die at Ikaris’ hand. He’d crawled his way out of that hole and lived to see humanity saved. He wouldn’t say it was worth it, but he surprised himself and that’s what he was choosing to focus on for now.

He wasn’t sure how long they sat there, but eventually Makkari’s sniffles quieted and she pulled away to look him in the eye again.

I thought I lost you.

Druig placed his hand on her thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I know,” he said. “But I’m not on going anywhere, anytime soon. Promise.”

The corner of her mouth quirked and Druig’s eyes were drawn to her lips.

Makkari’s breath hitched slightly and in that moment the world shrank until it was just the two of them, their faces inches apart. His heart pounded in his ears as he looked beck into Makkari’s eyes, asking the question he’d longed to ask for millenia.

Makkari bit her lip and nodded her head ever so slightly.

Time stood still as Druig leaned closer, gaze locked with hers. He hesitated when their noses touched, but Makkari closed the remaining space between them.

Their kiss was light at first, just a brush of her lips against hers. It was like a spark that shot through him and warmed him from the inside out. He knew she felt it to when she brought her hands to hold his face and press her lips more firmly against his.

Druig’s hands fell to her waist and without thinking he pulled her toward him, practically into his lap. He couldn’t help himself. He’d waited long enough for this moment and now that it was happening, he craved whatever she was willing to give.

Makkari smiled against his lips and Druig was helpless to do anything but return it.

Makkari was the one to break the kiss all too soon and rest her forehead against Druig’s. She slid one of her hands from his cheek and let it rest against his chest. He felt her fingers curl into the sign for “I love you”.

Druig smiled and bumped his nose against hers. He covered his hand with his and pressed another chaste kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath that morphed into a long yawn.

Druig chuckled and finally pulled away. “We should get some sleep.”

Makkari nodded reluctantly, but stole another quick kiss before she started to stand. Druig caught her hand.

Stay? He asked, hoping it wasn’t too much to ask.

What about the others?

Please?

She bit her lip before she grabbed the extra pillow from the couch and tossing it nest to his. Druig grinned and turned out the light while she made herself comfortable beside him.

They laid facing each other, legs tangled together like it was the most natural thing in the world. Makkari reached for his hand and Druig intertwined their fingers. He let his thumb run along the back of her hand and he watched as her eyes drifted closed in the moonlight.

When her breathing evened out, he finally let sleep take him with a smile.

And that’s how Thena found them at dawn, hands still clasped between them, foreheads touching.

#drukkari #druig/makkari #my fic #please enjoy :)

[natashasbanner]

little wonders

Summary: Natasha and Bruce's daughter is excited for her first snow.

A/N: All the snow recently inspired this little story. I hope you all enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

“Saylor, time for bed.” Natasha said as she walked into the living room.

Their daughter made no effort to move from her spot draped over the back of the couch with her nose pressed against the window. She’d been there since she’d overheard Bruce telling her that there was a snowstorm coming and they’d been happy to indulge her excitement, but it was starting to get late.

“Saylor,” Natasha repeated, her tone becoming a little more stern.

Saylor sighed and turned to look at her mother with puppy dog eyes. “Five more minutes,” she pleaded, poking out her bottom lip for added effect.

“I gave you five more minutes, ten minutes ago. It’s time for bed, you have school tomorrow.”

“But I didn’t get to see the snow,” Saylor whined.

“You can see the snow in the morning,” Natasha said reasonably, but the six year old wasn’t having it.

She slid down from the back of the couch to pout with her arms crossed defiantly. “But I wanna see it falling, I never got to before in my whole life.”

For a moment, Natasha felt sympathetic. Saylor was right, for most of her life they’d lived in warmer climates, but Bruce’s new job brought them to the mountains over the summer. Tonight would be Saylor’s first snow, but school wasn’t cancelled yet. Her hands were tied.

“What if I make you a deal?” Natasha asked.

Saylor looked intrigued, but cautious. “What kind of deal?”

“If you go to bed right now, me and Dad will wake you up the second it starts snowing. How does that sound?”

Saylor’s eyebrows raised and Natasha watched as the wheels turned in her head for a moment. Eventually, she uncrossed her arms and nodded her head in agreement.

“Okay,” she said reluctantly before her face turned serious. “I don’t wanna miss any of it.”

“I will wake you up before a single snowflake touches the ground,” Natasha said.

“You promise?” Saylor asked.

“I pinkie promise.”

Saylor immediately held out her pinkie and Natasha hooked hers around it to seal their promise.

“Ready for pajamas?” Natasha asked.

Saylor nodded and slid from the couch. She yawned so big that she stumbled back into the couch. She held her arms up for her mom and Natasha was helpless to do anything but hoist her daughter up onto her hip.

Saylor laid her head on Natasha’s shoulder and started listing all the things she couldn’t wait to do when it snowed.

X

After quickly getting into her pajamas and brushing her teeth, Natasha had Saylor tucked into bed.

“Can you leave the blinds open?” she asked as Natasha turned off the lights.

“Of course I can.”

“Is Daddy home yet?” Saylor asked, barely able to keep her eyes open.

Natasha heard footsteps on the stairs and smiled. “I think he is.”

Bruce’s footsteps drew closer as Saylor continued to fight sleep until Bruce popped his head in the room.

“What are you still doing up?” he asked as stepped into the room.

“Daddy,” Saylor said excitedly despite how tired she was. “I wanted to see the snow. But it didn’t start yet.”

“That’s too bad, Bug.” Bruce said sympathetically as he sat on the edge of her bed.

“But Mommy promised that you guys would wake me up as soon as it snows,” Saylor told him, no longer able to keep her eyes open.

“Oh really?” Bruce asked with a smirk, looking up at Natasha who only shrugged.

Saylor didn’t answer and when Bruce looked back down at her, she was sound asleep. He leaned over to kiss her forehead and slowly stood from her bed. Natasha tucked her blanket around her and also kissed her forehead before they quietly left the room.

Once Saylor’s bedroom door was closed, Natasha had Bruce pinned against the wall.

He quickly got over his surprise and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her flush against him.

“Hi,” he said softly.

Natasha smiled and slipped her arms around his shoulders. “Hi.”

“So which one of us is going to be on snow watch tonight?” he asked with a soft chuckle.

“The way I see it, they’re going to cancel school any minute. We can wake her up early if she doesn’t beat us to the punch. And maybe she’ll even take a nap if we wear her out early,” Natasha explained.

Bruce looked impressed. “Smart.”

“I’ve still got a few tricks up me sleeve.”

Bruce grinned and leaned in to kiss her. When he pulled away he said, “You’re amazing.”

“I try,” she said with a smug grin. “How was your day?”

“Long, but good,” he told her honestly. “I’ll tell you all about it over a glass of wine and a hot bath.”

Natasha raised her eyebrows suggestively. “I like the way you think.”

Bruce chuckled and pushed away from the wall, taking her hand to pull her toward their bedroom.

“I should hope so,” he teased. “You agreed to marry me.”

“Haha,” Natasha said sarcastically, shaking her head at him. “You’re so funny.”

“We have a kid together,” he continued, laughing heartily as he opened their door.

Natasha rolled her eyes, but followed him to the bathroom.

X

Natasha woke with a start and a very cold hand against her cheek. Her eyes flew open and she found Saylor standing beside their bed, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Mommy,” she whispered with a grin. “There’s so much snow.”

Natasha smiled and her heart filled with so much warmth that she thought it might explode.

“Let’s go see it,” she whispered and through the blanket back to get out of bed.

Saylor danced in place and Natasha scooped her up and headed for the stairs. She made a quick stop at the back door to slip into her boots before opening the door to the deck.

Saylor gasped as they stepped out into the cold. Her little head head tilted toward the sky. It was still dark, the sun not yet peeking over the mountains, and the snow glittered in the lights on the deck. Everything was still and quiet and Saylor took it all in in wonder.

“What do you think?” Natasha asked after a few minutes.

“It’s beautiful.” Saylor whispered and held her hand out to catch flakes in her palm.

Natasha’s cheeks hurt from how much she was grinning as she watched Saylor.

The deck door opened behind them and she turned to smile at Bruce. He had a blanket in his hands and one of Saylor’s hats. He’d thrown on his coat and a hat and looked handsomely sleep rumpled as he walked over to them.

“Just got a text that school’s cancelled,” he whispered as he wrapped the blanket around Natasha and Saylor, his eyes on their daughter.

“No school?” Saylor asked, still watching the snow fall.

“Nope,” Natasha confirmed. “We get all day in the snow.”

Saylor yawned and stuck her tongue out to catch more snowflakes.

“You guys havfta try this,” she said and Bruce and Natasha did the same.

They stayed on the deck until Saylor started to shiver. Once they were inside, Bruce made breakfast while Natasha made everyone hot chocolate. Saylor sat at the sliding glass doors to the deck, tracing shapes on the fogged surface as she watched the snow continue to fall as the sun rose.

X

“Do I have to wear the scarf?” Saylor asked, almost whining.

Bruce was getting her ready to go back outside. “Yes, it’s too cold.”

Saylor grumbled, but held still long enough for Bruce to secure the scarf and help her into her mittens. The second they were clipped to her coat, she ran for the front door and had it thrown open before Bruce’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Don’t you want to wait for Mom?” he asked.

“Mommy!” she yelled in the direction of the stairs.

“I’m coming,” Natasha called down.

She appeared at the bottom of the stairs in her own coat and snow pants.

“Let’s go,” Saylor said impatiently.

She pushed the door open and ran across the porch and down the stairs before her parents had a chance to step outside themselves. She made it to the middle of the yard before she flopped down in the fluffy powder.

Bruce and Natasha watched from the porch as she rolled onto her back with the loudest giggle. She flung her arms around in the snow, creating a haphazard snow angel.

“Let’s make snow angels,” she called out as she pushed herself back to her feet only to flop down again in a new spot.

They hurried into the snow and laid down on either side of Saylor. She reached for their hands and moved their arms in sync with hers to make a triple snow angel.

X

“Hey, watch this,” Natasha whispered to Saylor.

After making snow angels, Saylor decided that it was urgent that they make a snowman.

Bruce was on the other side of the yard rolling snow for the torso and Natasha and Saylor were finishing off the base. Saylor looked up and Natasha showed her the snowball she’d been making.

She grinned and turned to chuck it at Bruce. Saylor giggled when it hit him square in the back. He yelped and spun around to glare in their direction.

“It’s on.” he said before ducking to start making a snowball of his own.

Saylor gasped and and hurried to hide behind the base of their snowman. Natasha followed behind her and started scooping up snow.

Bruce’s first snowball whizzed over their heads and Saylor squealed. She quickly started scooping up as much snow as she could hold to help Natasha.

“Ready?” Natasha asked after they had a small pile of snowballs between them.

Saylor nodded and Natasha counted down from three before leaping from their hiding place to pelt Bruce with all that they had. He quickly held his hands up in surrender and dropped into snow beside them.

“I’m no match for you two,” he said and Saylor flopped on top of him.

“We got you good,” she gloated.

“Yeah you did,” Bruce said with a laugh, wrapping his arm around Saylor.

Saylor laid her head on his chest and Natasha watched them with a small smile.

“You two forget about our snowman?” she asked after another minute.

Saylor jumped up and was all business again. “Daddy, we have to finish him.”

Bruce pushed himself back to his feet and turned to head back to his abandoned ball of snow, but he stopped short and pulled Natasha to him by the waist.

“Truce?” he asked, pushing his hat away from his eyes.

Natasha reach out to brush snow out of his hair. “Truce,” she agreed.

He leaned in closer and kissed her cheek before he whispered in her ear. “I think that one is losing steam.”

“Then we better make this quick,” she whispered back and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

He pulled away and smiled at her before walking back to his snow ball.

“Mommy,” Saylor called out for her. “We have to make the head now.”

X

After they finished the snowman and made a few more snow angels, they had to all but drag Saylor back inside. She resisted being stripped out of her snow suit, but started to settle once she had on her favorite comfy sweats.

Natasha made more hot chocolate and they settled on the couch together to watch one of Saylor’s favorite movies. Ten minutes in, Saylor crawled into Bruce’s lap and five minutes after that her soft snores filled the air.

“That was fast,” Bruce whispered as he moved a few curls from Saylor’s face.

Natasha scooted closer to the two and laid her head on Bruce’s shoulder. “I told you.”

“How long do you think we have before she wakes up?” he asked quietly.

Natasha shrugged. “Probably an hour if we took her upstairs.”

She moved to stand up, but Bruce shook his head and tightened his hold on Saylor. Natasha smiled over at him and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

They fell silent, the low sound of the movie filling the room. Bruce watched Saylor sleep, running his fingers through her hair when she stirred. Natasha watched them, still in awe that this was her life now. It felt like a dream, one that she never wanted to wake up from.

“You know what I’ve been thinking?” Bruce asked.

Natasha looked up at him with raised eyebrows. “What’s that?”

“I think Saylor needs a sibling,” he said, pressing a kiss to their daughter’s head.

“Yeah?” Natasha asked, getting over her initial shock.

Bruce looked at her and nodded his head. “If that’s something that you’re open to.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” Natasha told him honestly.

Bruce smiled and started to lean down, but Saylor started to stir and he froze. Natasha chuckled softly and met him halfway for a kiss.

As she pulled away, Saylor shifted and blinked her eyes open.

“Can we go back outside now?” she mumbled tiredly.

Natasha shook her head and chuckled. “Not yet,” she said softly.

Saylor yawned and snuggled closer to Bruce’s chest. “Okay,” she mumbled and closed her eyes again.

Bruce and Natasha looked at each other and quietly laughed as Saylor drifted back to sleep.

“I wouldn’t mind a few more little ones running around this place,” Bruce said wistfully.

Natasha let out a laugh at that. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, big guy.”

Bruce smiled over at her. “I love you, Nat.”

She grinned to herself and leaned her head back against his shoulder. “I love you too.”

The movie captured their attention again and Natasha found herself drifting off. But right when she felt herself giving in to the pull of sleep, two little feet kicked against her leg and Saylor giggled from Bruce’s lap.

It seemed that sleep was going to have to wait.

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #my fic #please enjoy :)

[natashasbanner]

secret moments in a crowded room

Summary: Natasha let Tony talk her into attending a Stark Industries fundraiser. But she didn't have to suffer alone.

A/N: This is loosely based on the song Dress by Taylor Swift and a prompt I got years ago. Also the title comes from the song. Please enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

“Why so glum, Agent?”

Natasha rolled her eyes, but turned at Tony’s greeting. She offered a small smile when she saw the ridiculous outfit he’d donned for the evening.

It was another Stark Industries fundraiser and Natasha didn’t have a good excuse not to duck out of this one and Tony knew it. It was a masquerade themed event, being so close to Halloween and Pepper’s team spared no expense to get the rich donors in attendance to reach a little deeper in their pockets.

Tony had gone all out. His suit was themed after the Iron Man suit finished with a masked that looked like the face plate of his helmet to cover half of his face.

Ignoring his initial question, Natasha gave him another once over. “You really went all out for this thing, huh?”

Tony rolled his eyes and took the empty stool beside her at the small table she’d commandeered.

“We’ve got charities to fund,” he said dismissively and fixed her with a look. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Natasha sighed and took a sip of the drink she’d been nursing. “Events like these aren’t really my thing.”

“I’d be convinced if I didn’t know you better,” Tony said, not having any of it. “But I’ve seen you charm a room full of ambassadors with a bat of your eye lashes. What’s really got you haunting this corner?”

Natasha bit her lip and looked down into her drink. “It’s nothing.”

She felt Tony’s eyes on her for a long moment before he sighed and stood again.

“I’ve got to make my rounds again,” making it seem like another wormhole had opened up over their heads. “Try to enjoy yourself.”

She offered a small smile and watched him weave his way back into the crowd to return to Pepper’s side.

She looked back down at her drink before deciding to down the rest in one swallow. Tony was right to call her out on her lie, but she wasn’t going to tell him the real reason she’d been sulking in the corner.

And sulking was a bit of a strong word. She was just disappointed that a certain scientist had yet to make an appearance.

Like her, he avoided these events like the plague and had even weaseled his way out of a few more than she had. But he’d promised her that he would brave the event because Tony had cornered her for her RSVP.

But Natasha had been here for almost an hour and either he had a really good disguise or he’d decided not to come. And Natasha was starting to get antsy.

She caught a side door opening in her peripheral and watched Bruce make his way through the crowd of people. Finally, he made his way to her table.

“You’re late,” she said once he was within earshot.

“Sorry,” he said as he sat down on the stool Tony had just left. “I had to find something to wear.”

She gave him a once over with her head tilted, taking in his all black suit and plain black mask. It was simple, but he cleaned up nicely.

“You look fine,” she pointed out.

Bruce chuckled and shook his head. “You didn’t see the tux Tony had pick out for me.”

“Let me guess, it involved a lot of green?” she asked, struggling to hold in her laugh at the mental image of Bruce in a bright green tux with a mask to match.

“And sequins,” Bruce added with a roll of his eyes.

They lapsed into silence for a moment as Bruce took in the room and Natasha watched him.

“This isn’t so bad,” he commented after a few minutes.

“No,” Natasha agreed. “And there’s an open bar,” she added, pushing her empty glass around.

“Do you want another one?” he asked, already sliding from his stool.

The corner of her mouth quirked and she slid her empty glass across the table. “Since you’re offering.”

“Your usual?”

“Please,” she said.

He nodded with a small smile and headed in the direction of the bar. Natasha watched him go with a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Stark told me you were over here moping over here,” Clint said from behind her. She hadn’t heard his approach, but she’d never let it show. “But you look fine to me. You think he’s lost it?”

“Probably,” she said with a shrug. “But I think it’s unrelated.”

“Were you moping?” He asked, leaning against the table.

Natasha shrugged again. “Maybe a little.”

“What changed?”

The corner of her mouth lifted slightly and her eyes drifted back to the bar. Bruce was standing at the end as he made what looked like awkward small talk with the men waiting beside him.

Clint followed her line of sight and turned back to her with a knowing smirk.

“Well it looks like you’re fine to me,” he said, his eyes scanning the room. “I should go find my date.”

Natasha nodded as he walked away and slipped seamlessly back into the crowd. She over to the bar again and was happy to see that Bruce was making his way back to their table.

He set her drink down in front of her before he sat back in his stool. They sipped their drinks in silence for a while, alternating between people watching and stealing glances at each other.

After a while, the live band performing changed and the new band’s music was substantially more upbeat and people began making their way to the dancefloor.

Natasha noticed Bruce tapping the table to the beat and she was struck with an idea.

“You wanna dance?”

Immediately, he tensed up and looked at her with wide eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Come on, it’ll be fun,” she insisted, already standing from her stool.

He still looked hesitant and Natasha rounded the table. She leaned in and lowered her voice when she spoke.

“When are we going to get another chance to really let loose at one of these events again?” she asked him seriously.

He looked thoughtful for a moment before he asked, “what happened to keeping things low key?”

She had to chuckle at that. “That’s the whole point of a masquerade.”

“Nat,” he said, looking at her seriously. “You’re not fooling anyone with that hair.”

“It’ll be fine,” she promised and she knew he was sold.

He finished the rest of his drink and stood. She held out her hand and he took it easily and slipped his fingers between hers. She lead the way to the dancefloor and stopped along the edge of the crowd that had formed, perfectly blending in.

Bruce tentatively placed his hands on her hips while his eyes roamed the people around them.

“It’s fine,” Natasha whispered in his ear, slipping her arms around his neck.

She felt him relax and slowly she lead him through their dance until he finally loosen up completely. The song changed to something more sultry and Natasha caught him lick his lips before his arm slipped completely around her waist to pull her flush against him.

They moved together to the music in their corner of the dancefloor. From the corner of her eye she saw a few heads turn in their direction, but for the most part no one paid them any mind.

“Have I told how lovely you look tonight?” Bruce asked, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

Natasha smirked and shook her head. “No, but I’m listening.”

“Your dress,” he said, stumbling over his words slightly as he continued. “It’s very, it suits you.”

She moved her hands from his shoulders to rest on his chest to look him in the eye. “I thought you might like it.”

“You look stunning,” he told her, his eyes shining in the low lights.

Natasha bit her lip and ducked her head and leaned back in to whisper in his ear. “And I thought you’d enjoy taking it off.”

Bruce’s entire body tensed for a moment before he fell back into the step of their dance. He didn’t say anything but she could feel the curl of his smile against her forehead.

She pushed away from his chest and he took her hand to spin her around before pulling her close again.

“Should we get out of here?” Natasha asked with raised eyebrows.

“After you,” he said without missing a beat.

Natasha smirked again and took him by the hand. She lead the way through the crowd to and side door she’d clocked earlier. There was a camera shutter behind them as they slipped through the door, but she didn’t think much of it. Her main focus was weaving through the hallways of the tower to find an empty room.

X

Banging on the door roused Natasha from her light sleep and she sat straight up in bed.

“Banner open up,” Tony’s voice rang through the door. “I have a bone to pick with you and your girlfriend.”

Natasha looked over and saw that Bruce was sound asleep. She gave his shoulder a shake and he stirred, but didn’t wake.

“Bruce,” she said and shook him again.

His eyes opened and his brow furrowed in confusion as Tony’s knocking started up again.

“What’s going on,” he grumbled, pushing himself into a sitting position.

“Tony’s at the door,” Natasha whispered, sliding back down the bed to hide under the blankets.

“I’ll get rid of him,” he promised and leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

He slipped out of bed and grabbed a robe as hurried to the door. He opened the door a crack to address Tony.

“What the hell, Tony?” he asked.

“I should ask you the same,” Tony said with an offended scoff. “You and Romanoff just had to steal the spotlight last night.”

Bruce ran his fingers through his hair. “What are you talking about?”

Tony shoved what looked like a magazine in Bruce’s face. “No one’s talking about the fundraiser. All they care about is the mystery man sneaking out of the party with the Black Widow.”

“I’m sorry?” Bruce said with a shrug.

“You two couldn’t keep you hands to yourselves for one night?” Tony asked incredulously.

“We didn’t think anyone saw us leave,” Bruce said apologetically. “I’m sorry, Tony.”

Tony seemed to deflate a little and pressed the magazine against Bruce’s chest. “I take it you won’t be joining me in the lab today.”

Bruce rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe later.”

Tony sighed dramatically. “I’ll see you later then,” he said and left the doorway.

Bruce closed the door and came back to bed with the magazine in hand. Natasha snatched it away the moment it was within reach.

She scanned the headline and rolled her eyes the second she saw the photo. It read; “Caught in the Spider’s Web, Mystery Man and the Black Widow sneak out of Stark party”. Below it was a blurry picture of her and Bruce sneaking through the side door last night. Bruce was hardly recognizable and the only thing that identified her was her hair.

She laughed and tossed the gossip rag aside.

“So much for keeping this low key,” Bruce said with a sigh.

“Everyone who matters is already on to us,” Natasha pointed out.

Bruce nodded his agreement and scooted to her side to wrap his arm around her waist.

“You’re right,” he conceded.

Natasha grinned and rolled over to face him. “So,” she said slowly. “Now that you’re free for the day, what do you want to do?”

Bruce smirked and rolled on top of her. “I can think of a few things.”

“Oh yeah?” Natasha asked cheekily.

“Yeah,” Bruce repeated and in the next breath his lips were on hers. And everything else slipped from her mind.

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #my fic #please enjoy :)

[natashasbanner]

Wouldn't Change a Thing

Summary: Bruce is finally meeting the in laws, but Natasha is prepared for the worst.

A/N: Happy New Year! Here's some fluff to kick things. Please enjoy :) For the prompt: you can make a fictional scene from the black widow movie where, with Bruce’s help, Natasha manages to reunite the family by recreating that scene where they’re eating together from trailer three, where Melina scolds Natasha for her posture and Bruce comments on her and her bad habit of putting her foot on the table, I don’t know, I think it would be funny, maybe?

Also on AO3

X

“You’re nervous,” Natasha said, as casually as could be as she came into the kitchen.

Bruce looked up from the pot he was stirring at the stove. “Can you blame me?”

“It’s going to be fine,” she assured him, wrapping her arms around his middle and resting her head against his back.

He clasped one of her hands as he continued his preparations for dinner.

She sighed and squeezed him tight. “Because it’s true.”

Bruce lowered the heat on the stove an put a lid on the pot of stew. He turned in Natasha’s arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“I don’t mean to be so tightly wound, I just want to make a good impression.”

Natasha smiled up at him. “I know, but I’m more worried about the impression they’re going to make on you.”

Bruce chuckled and extracted himself from her arms to turn back to the stove and check on the bread baking in the oven.

“They can’t be that bad.”

“You’re right, they’re worse.” Natasha said with a chuckle and moved to sit on the counter beside the stove.

“But they’re your family,” Bruce countered and Natasha scoffed and rolled her eyes. “And they mean a lot to you.”

“Yeah, let’s just hope the five of us make it through the evening,” she said, shaking her head.

Bruce opened his mouth to say something else, but he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Natasha slipped off of the counter and gave Bruce’s arm a squeeze as she passed him.

“Let the circus begin,” she called over her shoulder as she rounded the corner to answer the door.

Bruce just chuckled and shook his head.

He heard the front door open followed by Natasha speaking Russian irritatedly. Bruce wasn’t anywhere near fluent yet, but he was certain she’d said something about just barging into her home.

“You were taking too long,” another voice responded, sounded equally irritated. “It’s cold outside.”

Bruce recognized Yelena’s voice from her video chats with Natasha, but had yet to meet her in person.

“Natasha!” a male voice boomed through their small entryway, Alexei. “It’s been far too long. We brought vodka.”

There was a clinking of glass bottles which meant they brought more than one.

“Where is the kitchen, I brought baklava,” another woman’s voice said. It had to be Melina.

Footsteps started in his direction and Bruce quickly straightened his posture and brushed his hands down the apron he wore. This was the moment of truth.

Natasha was the first to appear in the kitchen and she quickly crossed the room to Bruce’s side and took his hand.

Yelena was right behind her followed closely by Melina and Alexei. If Bruce ever felt like he was under a microscope under Natasha’s gaze, the three of them giving him a once over felt like they were looking at the core of his very being.

“So you’re the big green one?” Alexei asked, the first to speak up.

Natasha sighed and Melina smacked Alexei in the stomach. He huffed and frowned, but kept quiet.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Banner,” Melina said, stepping forward with her hand extended.

Bruce accepted her hand shake, it was brief but firm and she stepped back with a small smile.

“Yelena, help your mother with the dessert,” Alexei said, clicking his tongue at Yelena.

Yelena grumbled under her breath in Russian, but took the dish from Melina nonetheless. Bruce stepped to the side and motioned for her to set it on the stove. Yelena offered him a tight smile before looking at Natasha.

“I’m going to need something stronger than vodka to make it through the night,” she muttered.

Natasha chuckled and gave Bruce’s hand a squeeze. “How long before dinner?” she asked him.

“Twenty minutes,” he assured her.

“While we wait, we’ll have a drink,” Alexei exclaimed excitedly.

Natasha and Yelena exchanged a look before Natasha let go of Bruce’s hand and turned to Alexei and Melina.

“Let me show you to the living room,” she said and lead the three out of the kitchen.

As soon as they were out of sight, Bruce let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. That went as well as he’d expected.

X

Twenty minutes later they all sat around the table, dinner freshly served. There was a few moments of silence while everyone dug into their food. Bruce was pleased that they seemed to be enjoying it and shared a soft smile with Natasha.

But then Melina clicked her tongue and pointed at Natasha. “Don’t slouch.”

Natasha sighed, but straightened her posture nonetheless. “I do not slouch,” she argued.

“You were doing it just now,” Melina chastised.

“I was not,” Natasha argued and it took all of Bruce’s willpower not to chuckle at the conversation.

“You were,” Alexei said, putting his arm around Melina’s shoulders.

Natasha rolled her eyes and Bruce put his hand on her thigh under the table.

“Yelena, how many times do I have to tell you that you need to eat more,” Melina chastised, turning her attention to Yelena. She reached for the serving spoon to add more stew to her bowl.

“I don’t want anymore,” Yelena whined, trying to pull her bowl out of Melina’s reach. “I got enough.”

Melina ignored her protests and added another piece of bread to her plate for good measure.

Yelena grumbled under her breath in Russian again and continued to eat.

“My children,” Melina said, looking at Bruce now. “Always so stubborn.”

Bruce offered a small smile, but didn’t say anything, not wanting to be in the middle of this odd family dynamic.

“Tell me doctor,” Alexei said once his bowl was empty. “What are your intentions with my Natasha?”

Bruce nearly choked on the bread he’d taken a bite of.

“No,” Natasha said, pointing her fork at Alexei, a deadly look in her eye. “This isn’t an interrogation.”

“You’re slouching again,” Melina said, sounding exasperated.

“Oh give it a rest,” Natasha groaned, leaning back in her chair. “All of you.”

Yelena dropped her spoon into her bowl, looking offended. “I didn’t even say anything.”

“It’s fine,” Bruce assured Natasha with a soft squeeze on her thigh. He looked back at Alexei.

“I care about Natasha, very much and I want to make her happy. As long as she’ll have me.”

Warmth blossomed in his chest and Natasha covered his hand with hers on her leg.

Yelena shifted in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. “Gross.”

Bruce chuckled at that, not offended in the least. From what he knew about Yelena and Natasha’s relationship, it was just the way that she operated.

“Yelena, be polite.” Alexei said, never breaking eye contact with Bruce. “That’s all I ask Doctor.” He nodded his head at Bruce and Bruce expected he had the man’s respect.

X

After they finished dinner and ate Melina’s baklava and drank more vodka than Bruce thought was humanly possible, it came time for Natasha’s family to leave.

“We will see you again very soon,” Alexei promised as the five of them stood on the front porch.

“We look forward to it,” Bruce said pleasantly.

Natasha snorted and muttered, “speak for yourself,” under her breath. Bruce bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing.

“Thank you for having us,” Melina said with a small smile. She reached out to gently squeeze Natasha’s arm and offered Bruce another small smile before gesturing for Alexei to head for the car.

Yelena lingered on the porch, watching the other two talk quietly by the car.

“That went better than I thought it would,” she said looking back at Bruce and Natasha. “I was expecting bloodshed.”

Bruce just chuckled and shook his head. He saw the corner of Yelena’s mouth quirk slightly and she raised an eyebrow. Just like Natasha.

“You stick around long enough, you’ll find out what we’re talking about,” she told him.

“That’s what I keep telling him,” Natasha said, looking up at him with a sweet smile that turned his insides to mush.

She only looked away when Yelena faked like she was throwing up and said, “gross”.

Bruce chuckled as Natasha glared at her. “It was great to finally meet you in person, Yelena.”

She scuffed her foot against the wooden steps and Bruce saw the corner of her mouth quirk ever so slightly.

“Likewise, Doctor,” Yelena said softly.

The car horn sounded behind them and Yelena rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be a stranger,” Natasha said and Bruce nodded his agreement.

“I’ll try,” Yelena conceded. “I’m a very busy person.”

Natasha shook her head and they watched Yelena walk to the car, grumbling under her breath as she went. They waved as they pulled out if the driveway and when they were out of sight, Buce felt Natasha relax beside him.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head.

“See,” he said, trying to keep the smugness out of his tone. “That wasn’t the end of the world.”

Natasha looked at him and shrugged her shoulders in reluctant agreement. “This time.”

Bruce turned to head back into the house and Natasha followed his lead.

“Next time we should invite your cousin over too,” Natasha suggested with raised eyebrows.

“Now that would be interesting,” Bruce said with a chuckle. “Maybe for the holidays?”

Natasha shrugged. “Gives us some time to get prepared.”

“It’s kind of nice,” Bruce said, as they settled on the couch together. “That these things have become so normal.”

“It is strange,” she agreed.

“But I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bruce said almost wistfully, the winding path that lead them to this point played in his head.

Natasha chuckled and laid her head against his shoulder. “I’d tweak a few things.”

The laugh that bubbled out of Bruce surprised even himself. “I guess that’s fair.”

“But only if we still end up here,” she quickly amended.

Bruce smiled to himself and turned to kiss the top of her head. Yeah, he thought to himself, he wouldn’t change a thing if it meant the biggest thing they had to worry about were fights breaking out at the dinner table.

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #my fic #please enjoy :)

[natashasbanner]

Can you write an Fic with Bruce visiting Nate’s grave and maybe meeting Ylena?

wish you were here

Summary: Bruce visits Natasha's grave in Ohio and meets someone he never expected.

A/N: I watched Black Widow again on a recent flight and was inspired to fill a couple prompts based around the movie. Please enjoy :D

Also on AO3

X

Leaves crunched under Bruce’s boots as he made the trek to Natasha’s grave sight. It was quiet save for the rustle the leaves in the fall breeze. Bruce pulled his coat closer around his still healing arm, careful not to crush the flowers he was carrying.

He’d gotten the letter about her gravesite a few months ago. It had been delivered to his doorstep with no return address or postage, just his name neatly printed on the envelope and an address written on the note inside with a copy of Natasha’s obituary. Bruce had been hesitant about the letter, but a quick search had revealed the tiny cemetery outside of Dayton.

The path started to open up and Bruce immediately spotted her headstone. It was already surrounded by stuffed animals and flowers. A smile tugged at the corner of Bruce’s mouth as he stopped in front of it. In all the time that he’d known Natasha, she’d wanted to right the wrongs of her past by doing good in the world. She’d worried that there’d never be enough, but she had no idea how much she was loved, the inspiration she’d become to so many. It made him want to cry.

“Wish you were here,” he whispered and tears pricked the corners of his eyes.

He kneeled down and placed the flowers he brought among the other gifts. He sat back on his heels despite his body protesting. He still wasn’t back to 100 percent almost a year after he wore the gauntlet.

He sat there for a long time, not really sure what to do. He felt like he should say something, but everytime he opened his mouth the words died on his tongue.

“Took you long enough to find this place,” a voice said, startling Bruce and nearly making him fall over.

He looked around to find the source of the voice, but came up short.

“Who’s there?” He called out, searching the surrounding trees.

He started to push himself to his feet when a figure stepped out of the shadows. She was young, a few years younger than Natasha had been, with eyes just as intense.

“You sent me that letter,” Bruce said as the woman approached him.

“I did,” she said with a short nod. Her jaw was set and her posture rigid.

“Thank you,” he said and she softened ever so slightly.

“My sister spoke very highly of you,” she said, standing on the other side of the headstone. “She would’ve wanted you to know this was here.”

“You’re Yelena?” Bruce asked, finally putting the pieces together.

Natasha never talked about her life before SHIELD much, but she’d mentioned Yelena more than once. Though not sisters by blood, Natasha had cared a great deal about the girl.

Yelena nodded and placed a hand on the headstone. “I am.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Bruce said, not sure what else he could say. “Though I wish the circumstances were different.”

Yelena took a deep breath and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “After Natasha came back into my life, she didn’t talk about the Avengers very much. But when she did, she always mentioned a doctor with kind eyes that she missed terribly.”

Bruce ducked his head and a tear slipped down his cheek.

Yelena cleared her throat before she spoke again. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Bruce assured her. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

Yelena offered him a half smile and silence fell over them. She walked around the headstone and kneeled down beside Bruce. She brushed some leaves away from the headstone and rearranged some of the flowers and stuffed animals that had been knocked over by the wind.

“Why here?” Bruce asked when the silence had stretched on too long.

“What?” Yelena asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Her grave,” he clarified with a pang in his chest. “Why here?”

“It’s a long story,” Yelena said softly. “Complicated. But we were happy here, once upon a time. This place meant alot to us.”

Bruce nodded and looked back at the headstone. “I grew up not too far from here.”

“Really?” Yelena asked, genuinely curious.

“Yeah.”

Silence fell over them again and Bruce’s legs were screaming from the hard ground. But he wasn’t ready to go just yet.

He felt like there was a boulder sitting on his chest, preventing his lungs from expanding. God, he missed her so much and everyday was harder than the last. He wished he could bring her back, would give anything for just one more smile, one more small laugh, one more soft glance across the quinjet. Any one of them could have ended up on that planet, why did it have to be her.

His breath hitched and tears dripped down his face without him realizing. He used his good hand to wipe them away and began to push himself to his feet. He struggled a bit and Yelena took his arm and helped him up.

“Thank you,” he said, avoiding her eye while he tried to gather himself. Yelena remained quiet.

Bruce took a few steadying breaths before he finally looked at Yelena again. “You know where to find me, if you ever need anything.”

Yelena blew out a soft breath. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Goodbye, Yelena.”

“Goodbye Doctor Banner,” she said with a nod.

Bruce watched her sink back to the ground and reach out to touch the headstone. There were tears shining in her eyes now and he suddenly felt like he was intruding. He quickly headed back to the path and out of the cemetery.

He knew it wouldn’t be the last time he set foot in Ohio or spoke to Yelena again.

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #my fic #please enjoy :D

[natashasbanner]

Did You Propose?

Summary: A sleep deprived Tony accidentally lets Bruce’s secret slip in front of Natasha. 

A/N: I was inspired by an edit made by @broadwayfan92 to write this little fluff piece. Please enjoy :)

Also on AO3

X

Tony yawned as he emerged from his room at the Avengers Facility. He paused in the hallway to stretch his arms over his head and crack his back. The smell of coffee and bacon wafted down from the kitchen and his body moved instinctively toward the delicious smell. 

When Tony rounded the corner into the kitchen, he found Bruce at the stove and Natasha sitting at the island with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. 

Natasha’s head turned as Tony shuffled in and smirked before taking a drink of her coffee. Bruce turned to grab the other mug on the island and caught Tony’s eye. 

“You’re up early,” Bruce commented, glancing over at Natasha for a moment. 

“Good morning to you too,” Tony grumbled and dropped into the stool beside Natasha. 

“Coffee?” Bruce asked. 

Tony nodded and gratefully accepted the mug he offered. 

“When will Pepper be back,” Natasha asked conversationally, turning slightly on her stool. 

“She called last night,” Tony answered, bringing the coffee mug up to his lips to take a sip. “Her trip has been extended a few days, something about hammering out the last details of a deal.” 

“So you’ll be haunting the halls a little longer?” Natasha teased, bumping her shoulder against his. 

“Getting sick of me already, Romanoff?” Tony asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Natasha shrugged and looked back at Bruce. “You’ve been looking a little run down.” 

Tony’s lip quirked and he cleared his throat. “You looking out for me?” 

“You’ve been keeping Bruce up all hours of the night,” she trailed off and Bruce glanced over his shoulder from the stove. Tony caught her wink at him and hid his own smile behind his coffee mug. 

“So purely selfish motivations,” he asked with a chuckle. 

Bruce cut off any response she might have had by a plate loaded with french toast, bacon and eggs in front of each of them. 

“You outdid yourself, Bruce,” Tony said as his stomach growled loudly. 

“It’s nothing really,” Bruce said with a shrug and stood with his own plate of food on the other side of the island. 

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Natasha said softly. 

Bruce’s lips quirked into a bashful smile and he ducked his head and started eating. Tony watched them while he ate. For two of the most emotionally closed off people he’d met, they were sickeningly sweet with each other. But Tony was happy for them, they both deserved to be happy. 

“Oh, Bruce, I almost forgot,” Tony said, when he’d finished his food. “Did you propose?” 

All the air was sucked from the room the second the words left his mouth and everyone froze. Bruce’s fork clattered against the countertop and Natasha nearly choked on her coffee. 

Bruce’s eyes widened as he just stared at Tony, but it was Natasha who found her voice first. 

“What?” she asked, her head whipping back and forth between Tony and Bruce. “Bruce?” 

Bruce remained frozen and Tony was helpless to anything but stare back at him, frozen. 

“Somebody say something,” Natasha said. 

“In my defense, I haven’t slept in a week,” Tony said and saw Bruce’s jaw tighten. “I don’t know what day it is.” 

Bruce sucked in a deep breath and blew it out with a sigh. He turned his attention to Natasha who was still watching them both with an eyebrow raised. 

“Nat,” Bruce said softly, but faltered. 

Natasha’s face softened. “Bruce?” 

“I wanted to do this tonight, I had it all planned,” he said, reaching to pull something out of the pocket of the sweater he wore over his pajamas. “But there’s no time like the present.” 

His gaze cut to Tony for a moment before settling back on Natasha. She stood slowly and rounded the island to stand in front of Bruce. He held the ring up and opened it to reveal the ring. Bruce had shown him a few days ago, a purple stone set on a winding silver band that looked like vines twined together. Tony thought it was beautiful and by the hitch of her breath, he guessed that Natasha thought the same. 

“Will you marry me?” Bruce asked. 

Tony held his breath as a slow smile spread over her lips and she looked up at Bruce. She took his free hand and squeezed his fingers. 

“Yes,” was all she said, but it was enough to make Bruce’s face light up like the sun. 

With shaking hands he took the ring out of the box and slid it onto Natasha’s waiting ring finger. She took a moment to admired it before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a kiss. 

Tony sat awkwardly while the kiss went on and when they finally parted he wasted no time jumping up from his stool and clapping his hands. 

“This calls for champagne,” he said, walking over to the cooler. “No hard feelings on ruining the surprise?” 

Bruce chuckled and shook his head. “No hard feelings.” 

“And dinner’s on me,” Tony added, pulling a bottle out of the cooler and grabbing three glasses from the cupboard. “You two love birds should celebrate in the city.” 

“Only seems fair,” Natasha said, accepting a glass from Tony. 

Once all their glasses were filled, Tony held his up to toast. 

“Congratulations,” he said simply. 

Bruce and Natasha clinked their glasses against Tony’s, but only had eyes for each other. Tony drank his champagne before he slipped out of the kitchen unnoticed. 

He wanted to kick himself for ruining Bruce’s proposal, but everything worked out in the end. He headed back toward his room and as he reached the door, his phone started ringing. 

He smiled when he saw Pepper’s smiling photo staring back at him. 

“Hi honey,” he said, pushing open the door. “You’ll never believe what I just did.”

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #my fic #please enjoy :D

[natashasbanner]

I know I don’t get on here anymore but can we pleeeeeeease talk about that first Shang Chi credit scene!!

#dude this movie is top tier Marvel #holy shit #i have so many things to say