Marvel One Shots (X Reader) REQUESTS ARE OPEN!

Hotheaded | Bruce Banner

Pairing: Bruce Banner x reader
Warnings: Any you'd expect when HYDRA is involved also Y/N struggles with anger
Requested by: anon (if anyone wants to start anonymous when requesting just say)
Pronouns: They/Them
Authors note: This turned out way more angsty than expected

"Who is that?" Bruce asked as he walked into the meeting. He had been working when Fury called about a threat. Initially thinking it could be handled easily he continued to work, but upon entering it was clear by the other's expressions that he was wrong.

Everyone turned back to the live surveillance feed. Steve was sat by the screen, opposite Bruce. "Y/N L/N. They were brought in after setting light to their boss's office."

"Shouldn't this be a matter for the police?"

"This wasn't just arson, Banner." It was more complicated than that. Steve explained that they hadn't used petrol or matched or anything else to start the fire. According to the witnesses, the carpet around them simply burst into flames. And apparently, it wasn't the first time.

SHIELD had been tracking them for years. Too many times had they been linked to unexplained fires, but each time they were let off on a technicality. No witness had seen them deliberately start one, and there was never enough evidence for court. Taking them in like this was all the team could do to prevent them being taken to the Raft.

Bruce recognised the cell. It was built for him. It was understandable that they were in there given the circumstances, but he couldn't help the twinge in his heart while watching them. He had been in the same place too many times: curled up in the corner, disorientated and alone. As the team continued to discuss the situation, he silently left the room and made his way to the cell.

They barely flinched as he entered, but he couldn't miss them hugging their knees a little tighter. Sitting down beside them, Bruce relaxed against the wall with his leg stretched out in front. "What's your name?" He only asked once they took and interest in his presence, trying to be friendly.

"Aren't you afraid I'll hurt you?" They mumbled, almost too quietly for him and definitely inaudible to the others.

"I know you don't want to; that all the reassurance I need."

"I thought you would be smarter than the others." Y/N suddenly snapped, letting him understand why the fires kept starting.

Over the upcoming weeks, Bruce realised these powers of Y/N's were the embodiment of their emotions. They burnt hard and bright, lashing out at their surroundings. The first time it happened was of course Tony's fault. Joking about them being hotheaded so early in the morning earnt him a pair of singed trainers much to everyone else's amusement. Through this new understanding, he guided them with the same exercises he used. He was like the perfect therapist (even more perfect than the actual therapist Fury arranged for them).

Sometime, however, Y/N's anger just got the better of them. Which could be useful in some situations. Fuelling their powers with emotions made them an unstoppable force in battle. Their first mission ended as quickly as it began: no one dared fight the blaze. But just as the Hulk needed Veronica, Y/N needed limits.

No one was quite expecting it, though. Y/N couldn't join the missions without confirmation from their therapist, so everyone assumed it would be fine.

Over the last few missions it built up. The rage at HYDRA's abuse of innocents; the guilt of not being able to save everyone. It was just too much to bear. So it all came flooding out in the worst way possible.

HYDRA had a new base dedicated to experimenting on children. They hoped raising an army of super soldiers would be the key to finally winning. Y/N was the one to discover this. Usually they felt the anger bubble inside them and they could harness it, but not this time. This time it burst out in its blazing glory, encasing everything around them. The Avengers barely made it out before the building was engulfed, the scientists were not so fortunate.

"You're the kindest man I've met. I don't know how you don't get angry." Y/N asked Bruce on the way home. He sat beside them, much in the same way as their first meeting.

"Of course I get angry, Y/N." He held their hand to his chest in an attempt to ground them. "I'm always angry. I've just learnt how to control the other guy."

"You make it sound easy," they scoffed.

"It's never easy, Y/N. But I will be here to guide you; to support you."