Staring is Caring: Brutasha

Chapter 14

Bonus part :) Hope you enjoy.

Bruce's POV:

Not even halfway through the third episode of The Wheel of Fortune, I start to feel a little drowsy. I glance at Tasha who is still wide awake and focused on the TV. I tell myself I'll just sleep through the rest of this episode and wake up at the start of the next. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out that way.

I wake up sometime during a different episode but am too tired to stay awake. I close my eyes again and fall back asleep. The next time I wake up, I find Nat separating herself from me and moving the blanket completely over my body.

I hear her mumble, "Good night, Bruce."

She plants a kiss on my forehead and starts to leave.

Involuntarily, I speak up almost unintelligible. "Tasha," I mumble.

I see her smile through my half-open, half-closed eyes. I don't know what to say, but she seems to know what to do.

"Go back to sleep, Bruce. You've had a busy two and a half days."

I ignore her and sit up anyways.

"Bruce, c' mon."

I rub my eyes and push away the blanket.

"I'm fine. I got a good," I check my watch, "forty-ish minutes of rest."

She rolls her eyes. "I need to go see Peter. His aunt called and told me he wanted some help training. Apparently, he got into some trouble at school and refused to use his powers."

I nod. "Okay. It's awfully early though."

"I guess I can stay for coffee and some cereal."

I smile and get off the couch. We walk to the attached, small kitchen. There is only a pantry, microwave, and a circular table that can fit four people. I check the pantry for Fruit Loops and, to my surprise, find five boxes.

"Why are there so many boxes of Fruit Loops?" I question as I grab one.

"I told Tony we needed cereal and I think he bought all the ones the store had. There are more in the main kitchen."

"He is too rich. If he didn't already have Pepper to keep his head on straight, I'd tell him to get a life."

Natasha hands me two bowls and I fill both with the colored circles.

"He should start his own charity. Oh wait, he already donates what most people consider a fortune to students in debt."

I shake my head. "I wish someone had paid off my student debt."

She pours milk into each bowl and hands me my bowl accompanied with a spoon.

"Thank you."

We walk back to the couch and continue our conversation, gossiping about our friends and joke around while eating our breakfast.

Natasha's POV:

"Do you have time to stay for dinner?"

I look to Peter's aunt who has just stepped inside his room. I check my watch: 5:39.

"I promised some of the team I'd meet them at the Tower for dinn-."

"Well, they're welcome too! How many people do you expect to come?" Ms. Parker interrupts.

"Just three others. Tony, Pepper, and Bruce," I answer.

"Perfect. Stark can pay." I hear her say as she leaves the room.

I look to Peter and we both start laughing, knowing Tony will end up paying.

At six, Peter and I finish so he can change out of his suit since he insisted on training in it. I grab my phone and call Bruce.

"This is Bruce."

"Hey, Bruce. Would you be willing to come to Ms. Parker's for dinner? We've all been invited."

"Wow. That's gotta take guts to invite someone like me in an enclosed, small area."

"Bruce-."

"I was joking, don't worry. I'll be there."

"That wasn't funny. Could you do me a favor and call Tony and tell him there has been a change of plans?"

"Of course."

"Okay."

I don't feel like saying goodbye. It's probably because I'm reminded of when Bruce did leave. I shiver at the memory.

"Natasha?"

"Yeah?"

Silence.

"Bruce?"

"Sorry, I just don't know what to say."

"Me neither."

More silence.

"O-Okay. I-I guess I will g-go call... Pepper."

Bruce sounds uncertain about hanging up. It sounds like he has something else to say, but I don't push.

"I'll talk to you soon. Bye, Bruce."

I hear him faintly say goodbye and I hang up.

I shake off the odd feeling left behind by our conversation and dial Tony's number.

"Romanoff, what can I do for you?"

"Just letting you know we've been invited to the Parkers' for dinner."

"Sure. What time should I be there?"

"Shit," I mumble.

"Did I do something wrong?" He questions.

"What? Oh, no. Could you tell Bruce to be here at 6:30?"

"Sure. Is that all?"

"Yep. See ya soon, Stark."

"Bye, Romanoff."

He hangs up and I go find Ms. Parker.

I find her in the living room reading a magazine.

"So what's for dinner, Ms. Parker?"

"Probably shwarma or pizza. Whichever most people are in the mood for. Also, how many times have I told you to call me May? We are both adults and you are pretty much my nephews god-aunt if that is a thing."

"Sorry... May."

She smiles. "So, what's new with you?"

I look at her puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you and Bruce were pretty close last time I saw everyone."

"Oh. I guess we're a thing now. I mean, it's kinda hard to date someone like us."

"It's hard to date anyone, you've just got to decide if it's worth it or not. So do you think it's worth it?"

"I'd like to think that whatever it is, it's worth it."

She nods and goes back to her magazine.

I nod and wait awkwardly for someone to arrive.

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A little extra part because I feel like every Brutasha fan needs some extra Bruce and Natasha awkwardness and fluff after Endgame. Thanks for reading :D