Bruce has been avoiding her. Ever since they had that meeting with General Ross, something changed with Bruce. For 3 weeks Bruce has been distant from her, he would sleep facing the opposite side from where she's sleeping, he seldom returned any sweet gesture she would do towards him, and he became cold to talk to. Natasha didn't say a word because she thought that maybe he just needed space, but it's been too long now.
Natasha was brushing her teeth, it was currently 10pm and Bruce was half asleep on the bed so she thought that now is the perfect time to open up the issue.
She turned the lights off in the bathroom then headed to their bed. She laid down beside him, wrapped her arm around his middle, then placed small kisses on his neck.
"What do you want Natasha" Bruce said, in a serious quiet voice.
"I want you to tell me what's going on" Natasha replied, she hugged him tighter and scooted closer to him.
"what do you mean" Bruce asked, a little more annoyed now.
"Don't play dumb with me Banner" Natasha was getting frustrated. She just wishes that Bruce would tell her what's going on.
Bruce took a deep breath and sat up.
Silence.
He then took Nat's hand, admiring the ring he gave to her on their first anniversary.
"Ross talked to me a few weeks back. It's just- ugh, he's got me wrapped around his finger" He said a bit agry.
"what did he say, Bruce"
"He said I had to bring myself in. And reminded me that he could take you away anytime. I just got scared, that's why I kept my distance" Bruce honestly said.
Natasha looked over at Bruce with a concerned face. Ross just never learned how to mind his business.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to worry you. Last thing I need right now is you getting caught up in my issues with Ross"
Natasha intertwined their fingers.
"But I thought we were in this together"
"I know, and I'm sorry" He apologized.
"So, what do we do?" Natasha asked. She wanted so badly to get Ross off their backs so things can just go back to normal.
"I love you more than anything. But I think we need to take a break. Just until I can get Ross to back off." Bruce didn't want this, he loves Natasha more than anything, and he would do anything to protect her. But this was the only way, and frankly, he really has no choice.
"Bruce..." Nat said, in a soft voice.
Bruce just looked at her, with a sad smile, and tears filling up his eyes.
"But were not breaking up, right?" Hurt filled her voice, and tears were falling from her eyes. Her grip on Bruce's hand became stronger, not wanting to let go.
Bruce just shaked his head as a response.
"And you're gonna come back to me?"
