Marvel Oneshots

Nightmares (Bruce Banner)

Bruce woke up with a start, his chest heaving, cold sweat dampening his skin. The remnants of his nightmare clung to him, vivid and haunting. His breathing was ragged as he sat up in bed, eyes darting toward your empty side.

It was only a few hours ago that you had stormed out after a heated argument. Bruce hated fights, especially with you, but tonight's disagreement had spiraled out of control. You had left, needing space, and Bruce had reluctantly let you go.

Now, in the dead of night, his mind replayed the nightmare like a horror film on repeat. He dreamt of you in danger, your face contorted in fear as you called out his name. But no matter how fast he ran, no matter how loudly he screamed your name, he couldn't reach you. You were slipping away from him, fading into nothingness.

He swallowed hard, running a trembling hand through his hair. The image of you, alone and hurt, wouldn't leave him. Bruce knew his fears were irrational, but it didn't make them any less real to him. The Hulk had always been a looming shadow, and now, after the argument, his subconscious had twisted his anxiety into something darker.

Bruce fumbled for his phone, hands still shaking, and hesitated. He didn't want to push you, but the thought of you being out there, upset, and without him made his heart ache. His thumb hovered over your name in his contacts before he pressed the call button.

It rang once. Twice. Each second that passed felt like an eternity. Finally, your voice came through the line, soft and uncertain.

"Bruce?"

His breath hitched at the sound of your voice, relief washing over him. "Y/N, I—are you okay?"

You sighed on the other end, and he could almost hear the tension between you. "I'm fine. Just needed some air."

"I—" Bruce's voice cracked, and he swallowed again, trying to find the right words. "I had a nightmare. About you. It felt so real, and I just—I couldn't reach you. I was scared I'd lost you."

There was a pause, and Bruce held his breath, waiting for your response. When you spoke, your voice was softer, the anger from earlier melting away. "Bruce, you didn't lose me. I just... I needed space to think. I'm sorry I left like that."

"I'm sorry too," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I hate fighting with you, Y/N. I know I can be difficult sometimes, but I—" He hesitated, trying to put his emotions into words. "I can't lose you. The thought of it terrifies me."

"Bruce, I'm not going anywhere," you reassured him gently. "We're going to have arguments, but it doesn't mean we're done. I just... I need time to cool down, okay? We'll talk when I come back."

Bruce nodded, though you couldn't see it. "Okay. Just... be safe. Please."

"I will," you promised, your tone lighter. "I'll be back soon."

After hanging up, Bruce collapsed back onto the bed, the weight of the nightmare still lingering but fading with each beat of his heart. You were okay. He hadn't lost you. That was all that mattered.

He closed his eyes, hoping that the next time he fell asleep, his dreams would be filled with something much brighter—something more like you.