Evermore

Chapter 25

The next few days were filled with chaos. Tony set several things on fire, Clint got stuck near the ceiling and Thor struck lightening in the middle of the castle.

When Natasha didn't see Bruce during meals, Pepper told her that he was in the lab with Tony.

When she had reached the two-week limit since her foot had been sprained, she tested the waters a bit and was thankful that it wasn't painful to put weight on it anymore. However, she didn't want to push her luck and kept as much weight off of it as she could.

She was about to go down the stairs when Bruce came rushing up. Natasha knew what he was about to do.

"Bruce...," she said as she glared at him when he was in front of her.

He smirked and lifted her into his arms. She rolled her eyes and continued to glare at him.

"My foot is feeling better, do I need to be carried today?"

"Yes. Thor broke some glass and it's all over the place, and you only have one shoe on."

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Can I at least walk down the stairs?"

"No."

"Now who's stubborn?"

"Still you," he teased.

After a few seconds she broke the silence, "I haven't seen you in a few days."

"Tony and I have been working on an experiment and we tend to lose track of time. Even when Pepper pulls him out, I stay in the lab."

"If my foot wasn't injured, I'd drag you out. You need to rest every now and then," she said concerned for his health.

"I promise I'm fine. I went to bed early last night and got a lot of sleep."

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she understood why he didn't let her walk. Glass was all over the floor and on a few steps. Aside from a few paths that had been cleared, it was a hazard. For once, she was glad that Bruce insisted on carrying her.

"Is anyone cleaning this," she asked in what Yelena called her "mom voice."

"Yeah, we're working on it. Not easy with only a few adults and it happened early this morning. Pepper is staying with Morgan, so she doesn't get hurt. Don't worry about Fanny. We took her outside before you got up, and Thor's been carrying her everywhere and keeping her company."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

He put her down once they reached the kitchen, which was clear of glass. The other men greeted her with the usual, "Hey, Natasha."

Steve handed her a plate of food and she walked to the nearest seat.

"Hey! You didn't limp" Clint exclaimed happily when she sat down.

"It feels a lot better."

"I'll check it after breakfast," Bruce said as he put a cup of coffee in front of her.

The rest of the meal was mostly quiet until Thor said, "Another!"

"Don't even think about it," Natasha said while looking at her plate, knowing he was about to smash the cup.

"Yes ma'am," Thor said.

She looked up when she heard Clint and Tony snickering. The others were paying attention to the food on their plates, while Thor went to get more coffee.

After breakfast Bruce checked Natasha's ankle while the others eagerly awaited her diagnosis.

"Looks like we can unwrap your foot," Bruce said with a smile. "All clear."

The other men cheered like their favorite sports team just won a game.

"Party tonight," Tony said. "Let's clean up the glass!"

When the others left, Bruce shook his head in amusement then said, "Glad your foot is better."

"Thanks." She got out of the chair and Bruce lifted her into his arms to carry her back to the steps. She glared at him as she told him, "Last time, Banner."

When they reached the top step, he put her down and started fiddling with his hands. "So, for Tony's party. I was just wondering if-if you wanted to go with... um, with me?"

"He was serious?"

"Tony never jokes about a party, especially when he's the one throwing it," Bruce replied with humor in his voice.

She smiled and said, "Yeah, I'd like to go with you."

He gave her a wide smile and said, "Okay. I'll umm.. I'll see you later tonight. Do you know how to waltz?"

"No, but I pick up on things easily."

"Tony and Pepper are better teachers than I am, so if you want, they can teach you."

"That'd be great," she said with a small smile.

He started to turn then stopped himself and faced her. "Oh, and before I forget. I made you this."

He reached, pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her. When Natasha took it, she saw that it was a firefly molded in yellow glass.

"Bruce... thank you," she said with tears stinging her eyes.

"I thought that maybe it could give you some sort of comfort," he said while fiddling with his hands. "I couldn't help but think that if I had something that reminded me of the good times with my mother, then I would want it. I just wanted to give you something to remember those good times with your parents."

Natasha hugged him tightly and felt his arms around her. No one had ever done what he did, and she was moved by how much he cared and listened.

When they parted Bruce smiled bashfully and as always, she couldn't help but smile back.