Facing your own demons (MarvelDC contest entry)

Before the storm

Natasha didn't like the idea of living in, the newly named, Avengers tower. Then again she wasn't sure it was exactly ideal for any of them.

Tony ended up staying in New York after the battle had ended. There was a lot of clean up, repairs and politic's to deal with. Some of which SHIELD offered to take care of considering all the work the Avengers had already done. 

Thor only lived there part time. He spent the other half in Asgard, keeping peace between the nine realms and all that junk. It was clearly a hard job and very time consuming. But with a certain someone moving  just outside the city for research, everyone found the god becoming much more punctual.

Steve, of course, stayed in the city. Given it was the only place that at least resembled the home he used to know. He owned his own apartment and it wasn't too far, though he did tend to spend several night's a week at the tower. Tony didn't mind, he had a room set up for him anyways. Steve spent most of his days assisting in any way he could and ended up seeing Tony a lot because of it. Believe it or not, the two had actually reached an understanding...to an extent.

Clint, for his actions under Loki's control, was temporarily relieved of duty until he could get things back in order. Seeing as he was temporarily off duty, he decided it would be pointless to continue staying at the SHIELD base. He was all packed up and ready to leave town when Tony made him a generous offer. So the archer moved in with Stark. The only payment he had to give was being the occasional entertainment to the engineer.Though he wouldn't say it, Clint still enjoyed the company.

Almost immediately after the battle, Banner fled the city. Then he fled the country. No one was surprised by this. They all knew he didn't want to be there in the first place. It took a while, but Tony finally got a hold of his location. It took him a week to finally coax Banner into the idea of coming back to New York. Tony had to play every card he had. Damn that man for being so insanely stubborn! Tony had to practically beg for him to fly back with him. And Tony Stark doesn't beg. He finally got him with saying something like "I need your help, Banner.  If there's an accident I'll be left to suffer all on my own!" Dramatic, yes, but effective. The man was on a plane by the end of the night.

That left Natasha. Fury had convinced her that she needed to keep on eye on them, The rest of the Avengers, especially Banner. She didn't like hearing that. It's not that she hated him per say, But she certainly didn't trust him and she certainly didn't know about how she felt living with him. Fury was persistant and Natasha was forced. So there she was two weeks later, bags packed and ready to go.

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First chapter of my fanfic for the Marvel/DC contest! This will become a Avengers/ Bruce Banner fanfic. No slash. Friendship.