Serpent - An Avengers Fan Fiction

Chapter Nine - Bruce

"He's holding a masked ball," Fury was saying, but Bruce was finding it difficult to pay attention to their brief.

"A masked ball?" Tony laughed. "I thought this guy was a threat?"

Fury ignored him and continued. "He's hosting it at The Blue Swan Hotel in the city. That place has more security cameras than the White House, and the manager has given us access to view all the rooms Sethos has hired for the evening. Initially this could be seen as a good thing for us. We'll be able to see him from every angle, our eyes will be everywhere. However, we don't know why he has chosen such a public space. He knows we are after him - so why hold such a big event right where we can see him?"

"He wants to be seen," Steve stated. "It's Loki and Germany all over again."

The door to the bridge opened and closed but no one looked up to see who it was. All they saw was another S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform.

Bruce let the others discuss the motives of Sethos, preferring to keep to himself. It's not her, you fool, he told himself for the billionth time that day. Her hair is wrong, her accent is wrong. Hell, she's not even English! Ever since he'd seen Natasha's sister, he had not stopped comparing her to Erin. She had no family either.

"Agent Romanoff, you and Rogers will attend the ball. We've got you down on the guest list." Fury was explaining.

Put her from your mind, he thought. But it was never as easy as that. She's dead and gone.

"Send me," suggested Tony. "I'm the better dancer - no offence, Captain - and let's face it, no snake could bite through my suit. You can't say the same for the Captain's leotard."

"Your face is too well known, Stark. Mr Rogers is going, and the only suit he will be wearing is a tuxedo." Fury retorted.

"Uh, no disrespect, Director, but if we're not suited up how are we meant to bring down Sethos? It's a little hard to fight in a tuxedo." Steve said.

"No one will be bringing down Sethos." Fury said calmly. "Romanoff, you will get close to Sethos. Find out what he's up to and why. Rogers, you will watch her back. We will have a few other agents there but you are her main guard so stay close. You hear me?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Romanoff, a few dresses have been delivered to your rooms. Choose one and take another with you. Leave it somewhere in the building - a bathroom maybe - in case there's trouble and you need to change your look."

"Yes, sir." Natasha nodded.

"Once you've picked out a dress, take it to Sector 8G. They'll fit it out with the necessary listening devices. Report back here when you are done to receive your profile for tonight. You are dismissed."

Natasha stood and left quickly. Bruce knew exactly what she was thinking. If the dresses had been delivered to her room, their was a chance that whoever had taken them had seen her sister. 

Stark leaned forward. "So what is my task?"

"You, Mr Stark, will remain on the bridge and observe," Fury explained. "As will Dr Banner."

Bruce looked up, having completely missed their conversation. "Sorry?"

"You are staying on the bridge with Stark to observe the...Dr Banner, are you well?" Fury had suddenly noticed how distant Bruce was. 

Bruce felt the eyes of Steve, Tony and some of the agents on the bridge on him. "Yes, Director, quite well." When Fury didn't seem convinced, he added, "I just haven't been sleeping well lately."

"Then I suggest you get yourself some rest before tonight. I have a feeling it is going to be a long one."

"Right," Bruce said, standing and nodding a goodbye at those around the table. Once in the corridor Bruce let out a deep sigh. He was relieved to be alone again, away from Tony's stares. The man probably meant well, but Bruce was tired of his constant questions about Erin. Is the man so insensitive? he thought. 

He set off for his room, hoping to get a little shut eye before returning to the bridge that evening. Unlike Tony, Bruce was did not feel that he was being left out of the party. In his somber mood, he doubted he would make good company tonight. If I could just get Erin out of my head. I did it once, I can do it again.

But as he lay fully clothed on his bed waiting for sleep to claim him, his mind filled itself with her image. The soft brown locks that tumbled over her shoulders, the sparkle in her bright, blue eyes, the sweet smile that lit up her face every time she looked at him. Natasha's sister has blue eyes, said the small voice in his head. 

Bruce groaned and rolled onto his side. "She also has red hair," he said aloud to the room.

Hair can be dyed...

"And contact lenses can be bought that change eye colour."

True...but-

"The dead cannot be brought back to life." Bruce sat up and rubbed his eyes. Clearly, sleep was not going to come easy.

When evening came, Bruce returned to the bridge to find Natasha scrutinising a file on the table in front of her. Steve was also learning his profile for the night. Both were already dressed. 

Steve wore a simple but smart black tuxedo with a black bow-tie tucked under his collar. He didn't look particularly comfortable. He fiddled with his back mask whilst he read his file. Natasha had chosen a deep blue gown that matched her eyes, with an elegant mask of the same colour. Her hair was half up, half down, and a string of blue gems rested around her throat. Bruce had to admit, she looked the part.

Even agent Barton, who stood beside Fury, was having trouble keeping his eyes off her. 

When she noticed him come in, Natasha closed her file and went to Bruce. "Help me with this?" she asked, holding up her mask.

"Sure."

She placed the mask over her face and turned around, handing him the ribbons to tie it into place. Bruce looped them over one another, tying them in a bow over her hair. She turned around then and handed him an earpiece and her blue earrings. Taking one, she tucked her hair out of the way and pushed it through her ear lobe. "She's missing," Natasha whispered, so quietly he had to strain to hear her.

"Your sister?" Bruce muttered back.

She nodded and took the other earring. "She was gone when I got back to the room, but I didn't have time to go find her."

"You want me to look for her tonight?" he guessed.

"If you get a chance. I can't risk her being found out by Fury."

"You can trust me."

"Thank you, Bruce." Natasha took the earpiece and fitted it into place. 

"Agent Romanoff, Mr Rogers, are we ready?" Fury asked from across the table. They both nodded. "Then it's time. Agent Barton will fly you down. Good luck."