Evermore

Chapter 17

As she carefully made her way downstairs after getting ready the next morning, Natasha had to stop halfway and take a breather. When she sat down, she saw Steve and Tony from between the spindles, but she knew they could not see her, especially since they were deep in conversation.

"I'm telling you I think this could be it," Tony exclaimed.

"I don't know, I think we're getting our hopes up," Steve said. "There's a difference between-"

"You're no fun!"

"I'm being realistic. We're running out of time and these things take longer than a few days."

Tony turned and grabbed Steve's shoulder to stop him in his tracks, "But, I spend more time with him than you do. What if- and I mean WHAT IF, this is it?"

"What are you two yammering about," Clint asked as he walked up to the duo.

"I wish to join the conversation," Thor exclaimed as he ran up to the group.

"Alright, let's take this elsewhere," Steve said.

Natasha saw the group leave, their voices overlapping as they talked over each other.

She sat in her spot, confused. This wasn't the first time she had heard strange conversations, but they always left her wondering what everyone was talking about and the one she just heard was no different. "What the f- "

"Hey."

She looked up to see Bruce towering over her with a nervous smile on his face. His black curly hair was a mess and she knew he didn't bother styling it.

"Hey," she said.

"Want some help?"

"No."

"Want me to bring you a plate of food?"

"No."

"Are you always this stubborn?"

"Yes."

Bruce nodded, seeming to accept that answer and sat next to her on the steps.

"What are you doing," she asked, more annoyed due to the lack of coffee than anything else.

"You don't want help or food, so I thought you'd settle for some company," he answered kindly.

"Anyone ever tell you that you shouldn't talk to an injured woman before she's had her coffee?" she joked.

"No," he smiled at her, clearly amused. "But I know what coffee does to your system."

"You're a dork," she said while smiling and turning her head to look straight ahead. She heard him mumble something in another language again, but he spoke so fast she could barely translate it. Something about beautiful. Did he call her beautiful?

She turned to face him. "What," she asked softly.

"Um- No- nothing," he said as his face went red. "Can I at least help you down the stairs?"

"I've got it," she said, then used the wall to balance herself as she stood.

She must not have hidden her pain very well because she heard him say, "I can't take it anymore." Then she felt a pair of arms around her as she was lifted off of her feet, once again, being held bridal style.

Natasha glared at Bruce, "Really?"

"I can't just sit back and watch this," he said. Then he began speaking in German, calling her stubborn, as he carefully walked down the stairs.

"Do you always mumble in a foreign language when you're frustrated?"

"Yes."