Evermore

Chapter 28

Early in the morning Natasha was awoken by someone calling her name and shaking her softly. She opened her eyes and saw Bruce hovering over her, and she looked at him confused.

"It's time to get you home," he whispered.

The next 30 minutes were spent taking the dog out, then a quick shower and changing into the clothes she had arrived in. Her bag was still packed from the last time she thought she was leaving, but she went ahead and put the firefly Bruce made in a small pocket and zipped it.

Tony came by and said he would come back for Fanny and lead them home from there, but he needed to suit up first. Natasha nodded and she left the door open a bit, letting Fanny come in and out as she pleased.

Bruce came in while she was putting her backpack on. He looked nervous and upset, and she'd be lying to herself if she didn't feel sad.

When he was in front of her, she could see the tears in his eyes. She hugged him to her and when they broke the hug, their faces were inches apart.

It was like they were magnets and soon his lips were on hers and she was kissing him back. It quickly turned passionate as she deepened it and put her arms around him while he put his around her waist.

When they parted, she couldn't deny how strongly she felt about Bruce anymore, but her mind and heart were at odds.

Her mind was telling her that it wasn't fair to either of them and she would get hurt again because of the curse. Her heart was telling her that she would be safe with him, to give him a chance.

Natasha felt her walls come back up on reflex as the truth hit her like a sack of bricks. She was falling for him, but she knew she couldn't stay. She had to go home to her sister.

"I'm sorry," he said, referencing the kiss.

"It's okay," she replied.

"I shouldn't have-"

"Bruce. It's okay."

"I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

He let go of her waist and lightly squeezed her hands, his eyes giving away his heartbreak as he told her, "You've got to go before the next storm hits."

She nodded and they both headed down the stairs. This was the first time the two of them had been completely silent while going down the steps. She wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to.

At the doorway she said goodbye to everyone, including a crying Morgan. Natasha held back her own tears as she hugged them all one by one. Bruce held himself back near the stairs, but she could see him wave and she waved back.

Tony was airborne and then grabbed her by the arms and lifted her a bit. She looked behind her at the group one last time but saw that Bruce was gone, then Tony took off at the speed of light.

The flight only took less than a minute and Natasha marveled at how quick the suit was, while also realizing why he never flew in harsh weather. If he hit something, he could get seriously injured with how fast he went. She supposed that if the suit went any slower the storms would compromise his vision.

When they landed, he told her to wait where she was. In less than a minute he was back with Fanny. Natasha put the dog on the leash and Tony led them out. After a few minutes, she could see the dry ground just a few steps ahead.

She looked back and thanked Tony, who nodded and looked like he was fighting the urge to speak. Then she and Fanny were on solid ground and met with warmer weather. When Natasha looked back, Tony was gone and so was the snow. As if none of it ever existed.