[A BannerStark FanFic] More than just Science: Sparks

MTJS: Chapter 9

P.S. There might be hints of Stony (steveXtony) in this chapter.

The smooth jazz vibe went behind the scenes as Banner sat at the bar of what seems like a coffee house or pub looking place. He had ordered a glass of virgin cocktail since he did not want to be too drunk and /cause a scene/. He sighed to himself as he looked around at the display of alcohol selection behind the bartender. "Hey." A gentle voice said beside him as the other person settled down next to him.

The blonde hair peeking out from under the snapback hat, Bruce noticed as he looked over at the Captain and smiled slightly . "Hey Cap- I mean Steve." he corrects himself quickly. "Beer please. Pint." Steve said to the bartender who nodded in acknowledgement.  "So, this is rare...is  everything ok?" Steve pats Bruce's back as comfort.

The scientist swirls his thumb and made circles with water on the table. "Yes...I suppose? I really am unsure." Bruce sighed to himself. "I don't think I can stay at Tony's place anymore." Steve wipes his lips with his sleeve after taking a big gulp. "Why is that? Is he /that/ annoying?" He scoffed.

'No he isn't. Tony has been more than an amazing host to me.' "At times." Banner softly said as he took small sip. "Steve, have you ever...um...had f-feelings for someone? B-but you can't tell them because it'll hurt them...?" He asks the captain, looking at him. Steve frowns at the sudden question, "I suppose. Why such a question? Something happen between you and Tony?"

Bruce quickly shook his head in denial. " No...no...I'm just curious." He said softly. The Captain nodded "But yeah, I do have...someone I like as well. Telling them would ruin our friendship and more..." Steve sighed, looking at the TV where the news was reporting on STARK INDUSTRIES and Tony's picture showed up, "...You want to be with them but...you just can never do so." Steve took another gulp from his pint.

Bruce nodded in agreement. "I...Tony...He is my best friend. Well...I see him as my best friend. But...now, I'm not too sure. I feel like he wants to um...um...b-be more than- more than /just friends/..." Banner managed to stutter out. Steve's eyes widen at the last part, choking on his mouthful and coughed hard. "Oh gosh-! Steve! Are you okay?!" Banner pat his back to help him. Steve nodded in the midst of taking the tissues in attempt to dry his shirt.

'Banner...and Stark? Tony Stark? The guy I have a crush on...likes Bruce...and not me...' Steve thought to himself, looking at Banner in a slight daze, shocked and heart aching at the same time. Steve had a secret crush on Tony since the incident on the helicarrier.

"Steve? Steve!" Bruce waved his hands in front of the Captain to catch his attention. Steve blinks back to reality from his own thoughts. "Huh-? Oh yeah? You...and Tony...and stuff ?" Bruce nodded and stir his drink with the small cocktail umbrella. "I...I don't think I can accept his feelings. But yet...I do feel a certain level of.../connection/ with him." The scientist admitted. "Do you think I should tell him-"

"No!" Steve said rather quickly. Perhaps too quickly. "Huh?" Bruce blinks. "What I mean is that ...Stark- I mean Tony...have his own issues. The hole...Pepper..." Steve sighed "You know how reckless and playful he is. Perhaps it is just a test or a prank?" Steve suggested, hoping Banner would find logic in what he said. Banner nodded as he listens, thinking about it.

Steve took a deep breathe, "How about I go and talk to Tony about it? Hear his end and I'll let you know? I'm here for you, Bruce. I don't want you to get hurt. What do you say?" Steve asks, his voice full of concern and sincerity. He does care about his comrades, that is something no one can deny.

Banner sighed and nodded. "I...I suppose." He looks at the Captain with a warm smile. "Thank you Steve. I'm glad I have you to go to for some advice. I appreciate that so much." Steve chuckles and smiles back with a nod, raising his hand to ask the bartender for another round for the both of them. "My treat." Banner insisted.