𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑?

PART 8: The Bathtub

EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

Laura stands at the window, staring outside at Natasha and Bruce still kissing in the rain. A smile forms on her face. She's seen Natasha go through a lot, and this moment felt like a rare victory for her friend. Just then, the door behind her opens with a creak. Clint steps in, his thick, wet raincoat dripping onto the rug as he pulls it off. His face lights up with a grin as he sees Laura looking out.

CLINT
(grinning)
"Well, that was one awkwardly long ride."

Laura turns away from the window and walks toward Clint as he throws his wet jacket over a chair. She steps into his arms, and Clint gives her a small kiss on the forehead, pulling her in for a comforting hug.

LAURA
(playfully)
"And how's that?"

Clint's smile widens as he holds her in his arms, his voice lowering as he begins to recount what happened during the drive.

FLASHBACK - EARLIER THAT DAY

After a long drive, Clint finally arrives at the Avengers compound. He had received a call from Steve, telling him that Bruce had returned and was looking for Natasha. Clint enters the compound and sees Bruce pacing anxiously across the floor of the headquarters.

Bruce stops pacing as soon as he notices Clint standing at the entrance.

BRUCE
(stressed, hurrying over)
"Clint! Hey!"

Clint walks toward him, offering a firm handshake.

CLINT
(cheerfully)
"Dr. Banner, good to have you back."

They shake hands firmly, and Clint wastes no time.

CLINT
"I've heard you're looking for someone."

Bruce, looking hopeful, straightens up.

BRUCE
(slightly excited)
"You do?"

Clint nods, a small smirk forming on his lips.

CLINT
"She's at the farm."

Bruce's hopeful expression falters when he hears that Natasha is still far away. His shoulders sink.

BRUCE
(sighs)
"Oh... uh... when will she come back?"

Clint chuckles lightly, folding his arms.

CLINT
"I think the better question you should ask is: 'how long will the ride be'?"

Bruce blinks, confused, clearly not getting Clint's point at first. Clint raises an eyebrow, shaking his head before turning back to the door, holding it open. He glances over his shoulder, waiting for Bruce to catch on.

Bruce stands frozen for a second, still processing.

CLINT
(irritated, slapping his forehead)
"Banner, are you coming or what?"

Finally understanding, Bruce quickly rushes after Clint, trying to play it cool. But his awkwardness is evident. They both step out of the compound and get into Clint's car.

The drive begins, the first few minutes passing in relative silence. It's clear that Bruce and Clint aren't exactly the closest of friends, and the conversation topics run dry pretty quickly. As they drive, the awkwardness in the car builds. Bruce fidgets in his seat while Clint grips the steering wheel.

Eventually, Clint clears his throat as the rain starts hitting the windshield.

CLINT
(trying to break the silence)
"So... uh... Natasha told me about what happened... uh... between you two."

Bruce stiffens at the mention of Natasha, feeling uncomfortable. But he knows there's no way out of this conversation now.

BRUCE
(awkwardly)
"Really?"