When Thanos snapped his fingers five years ago, He stripped away the two most important people in Anastasia Miller's life. The man who adopted and raised her - Sam Wilson. And her best friend Wanda Maximoff.
One year into the Blip, Anastasia reconn...
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Bruce arrives at the snow covered compound a little under an hour after leaving Anastasia's house. Thankfully he found a spare coat in the back seat and he was able to change out from the Brooklyn sweater. The last thing he wanted to do is give anyone a clue as to where he was, Or what happened.
He knows he should feel guilty. He had sex with a taken woman, and in the house she shares with her boyfriend. Except he doesn't. He doesn't feel shame, guilt, or even a smidge of regret. Instead, he is the one who feels hurt. How could they get so close, just for Anastasia to be ripped away from him?
He laid on the gas the entire drive here, only to struggle dragging his body out of the car now that he's parked amongst the growing snow.
'Listen to what Scott has to say. Resist the urge to punch Steve in the face. Avoid being cornered by Natasha by any means necessary. Get out.' His hands flex around the heated steering wheel, a green hue fighting to replace his tan skin. 'Go in, talk to Scott, go home.'
Huffing, Bruce reluctantly climbs out of the black Lexus. Ignoring the blistering cold, he charges up to the compound's main entrance. Raising both palms up to the cameras scanner, a red beam rolls over his body and confirms his identity. The AI he and Tony programmed announces his presence, and greets him by name. The lock beeps as it opens and the moment he clears the doorway, Steve is already rounding the hall corner.
' Terrific.'
"What the hell took you so long, Banner?!" Steve asks, his accusatory tone is accompanied by a tight jaw and arms crossed over his chest.
Bruce scoffs, striding past Steve and toward the sound of another man speaking in the distance.
'He doesn't love her. Doesn't protect her. Doesn't get her the professional help she needs.' Bruce mind races faster than his legs, unfortunately Steve swiftly falls into step beside him still speaking.
"I know Nat blew you off,"
Bruce stops dead, tilting his head as he meets Steve's scowl with one of his own as Steve continues.
"But you've got to pull it together. We have a real shot here, Bruce. We need you to have your head in this."
'How can my head be in anything when all I can think about is how uncomfortable your fucking brick of a mattress is.' Bruce' jaw ticks, nostrils flaring as he fights to keep all the things he wishes he could say at bay.
"Hey, fellas," Natasha sulky voice draws in effort to gain the mens attention.
Only Steve who turns to find her waiting in the doorway of one of the many conference rooms. Bruce doesn't miss the way Steve's scowl softens as Natasha speaks. "Care to join us in here?"
'Not one fucking bit.' Bruce inhales a deep breath, a failing attempt at soothing the anger radiating through his veins.
He can see Anastasia laying in her bed every time his eyes close. Her mess of platinum hair draped over the silk pillow case, how peaceful she looked despite falling asleep crying. He knows she'll be hurt when she wakes up in the morning alone. He couldn't leave a note without running the risk of Steve finding it, He can't text her about the situation for the same reason. He isn't sure if Steve would stoop low enough to read her text messages, however he wouldn't put it past him.
