#I don’t think I agree with that Betty ‘never loved Bruce Banner for what he was- only for the safe secure life you hoped he’d give you’

[daydreamerdrew]

The Incredible Hulk (1968) #277

[sunder-the-gold]

Excellent analysis and breakdown about the original Doctor Strange movie. Well worth the watch.

But, that just makes it so bizarre that Red and Blue make the mistake that they do, early in the video. They make two, actually, and they’re both bound up together and start at around 3:10. But I want to address the second half of the mistake, because of how objectively wrong they are about it.

Red says, “To their credit, there is not a lady character present, who’s trained her whole life to do exactly the same thing and then he gets it immediately. So, avoiding that trope is pretty impressive on their part. Because they didn’t do that shit in Antman, they didn’t do that shit in… like… there’s other examples. You know what I mean.”

No, Red. I don’t know what you mean. Because you can’t name any example other than Antman precisely because that’s the only time the MCU did it.

I don’t know if Peggy Carter began training to work as a soldier or spy before the Nazis started invading the rest of Europe, but I do know that Steve Rogers physically could not train to fight because he was born practically crippled. Plus, his helplessness was a big part of the reason Professor Erwin chose him, because the Professor wanted someone who knew what Peggy could not have known, because Peggy had never been as physically weak as Steve Rogers. And Captain America: The First Avenger is the closest the MCU gets to duplicating that trope in Antman.

Pepper wasn’t an engineer like Tony, so she didn’t train her whole life to have the skills necessary to become Iron-Man; nor did she seem to have any self-defense training.

Neither Betty Ross or Jessica Waters were physicists/biologists like Bruce Banner, so they couldn’t have accidentally created the Hulk.

Thor was born the god of thunder and prince of Asgard and trained just as much as Sif, and I think he’s even (in his first movie) cited as the reason Sif was given a chance to rise to her position; certainly, she was not next in line for the throne until Thor came along, nor did he take his thunder powers or hammer from her.

Hawkeye trained himself and Black Widow had her own origin separate from him.

T’Challa was born to the royal succession before Shuri, and he trained to become the Black Panther his whole life, including inventing his own version of the traditional gadgets. Shuri’s inventions were superior, but no claim is made that she surpasses him in any other regard.

Gwen Stacy doesn’t exist in the MCU and even in her own comics she didn’t train any more to be a super-hero than Peter Parker, unless you count her dance classes. But that’s at least counter-balanced by Peter Parker being a boy genius scientist who could make his own gadgets. But again, Gwen doesn’t exist, and not even that version of Mary Jane was training to become Spider-Woman or any other kind of super-hero.

And again, I love and respect Overly Sarcastic Productions and agreed with everything else they say in the video. That’s what makes this one objective mistake stand out so vividly.

[pla-teau]

WHAT IF...? EPISODE THREE THOUGHTS

GIF CREDIT @lankybrunettepartdeux EPISODE 03: WHAT IF...EARTH LOST ITS MIGHTIEST HEROES? SPOILERS AHEAD! i didn't think phil coulson and i would have the same taste in men.

i’ve missed natasha and fury talking. i didn’t realize how much until the opening scenes of them in the car. love how natasha’s over with fury’s speech about the avengers, i think it hones in that it is a really corny speech. also really loved nat’s animation in this episode like ma’am, please marry me.

seeing tony in the donut again was also awesome. glad we got a little tony before killing him off five minutes later. didn’t think this episode would quickly go dark but it did. and i’m happy it did because i am all for marvel going dark and not having everything be a possible double meaning to something darker. i wanna see that gray areas and the gory stuff every once and a while.

for a second i really thought pierce was going to be the main bad guy due to fury suggesting someone tampered with the antidote. again, completely love nat’s fight sequence in the car. really wish brumlow said fuck cause i would too if i was in his shoes.

phil coulson my beloved. i love love love how we all have collectively agreed that he’s a got a thing for buff blonds with blue eyes. same phil same. thor is gorgeous with or without that long hair but they really made it shine this episode even if it was brief. i think you can actually see the crisis coulson was having upon realizing that the man is basically steve rogers but with long hair and he’s simping. again, phil my dear - same. i’m a simp for steve and thor.

nearly sobbed seeing thor being killed by clint because i’m never gonna be prepared for thor dying on us. i actually can’t fathom it since i love him so much. from promo clips, i figured this would be its own episode like “what if…clint killed thor?” but i’m kind of happy we got to see it in this episode as it makes you believe for a split second barton was the one killing the avengers off one by one.

betty ross? okay, didn’t think we’d ever ever see that woman again especially in the mcu. also, banner? i didn’t know what i thought bruce would look like in this show but it wasn’t like that. don’t get me wrong, i like the animation style of banner, i guess i pictures something closer to looking like mark. either way, was really hoping hulk would be the exception to the plot here since yeah, he really can’t die but boy were we proven dead wrong once more.

loki in this episode was basically if he had no character development and actually got his way with earth under the premise of avenging thor. which i think loki did want. i believe he was hurting that thor was killed but despite this being loki that was still hellbent on being king, he used it as a cover to then actually take over earth. not me thinking he’d change and actually be in the avengers. really thought we were going that route with him as it would’ve been cool to see loki finding purpose being in the avengers in thor’s place and doing a sort of 180 on his whole glorious purpose shtick.

hank pym being revealed as the man behind the killings of all the avengers did take me for a loop because i was wondering who would want to do this. i was going through a whole rolodex of people in the mcu as to who it could possibly be. the fact that hope was working for S.H.I.E.L.D. made me wonder if had she not died, she would be a part of the original avengers lineup like in the comics. also, saw a lot of people pointing to the fact that bucky is the one who killed hope in that mission. odessa, ukraine is the same place natasha said was shot by the winter soldier in captain america: the winter soldier. so this must also mean that nat probably came to work for fury later on in this timeline since she’s usually his go-to agent. anyways, back to hank being the villain. he’s also clearly wearing the yellow jacket armor as he did in the comics. hank has always had disdain for S.H.I.E.L.D. as he didn’t trust them with his pym particles which would be correct to assume since we also know HYDRA is already masking as S.H.I.E.L.D. during this time. i just wonder if HYDRA did influence hank in this timeline to push him to kill everyone.

coulson being the absolute fanboy he is for steve rogers with that password is a mood. like phil my beloved, we’ve all probably had a similar password dedicated to america’s ass one way or another. knowing that HYDRA is posing as S.H.I.E.L.D. by this time, i’m wondering how they still didn’t get to steve or if fury had found him on his own- hence why he’s alone when he wipes some ice from the shield. maybe this was something between fury and a few other trusted agents as maybe he did have an idea that HYDRA was already infiltrating the agency. either way, was pretty happy to see captain marvel appear too when he said “welcome back, captain.” as to say it to both captain america and captain marvel since they’re gonna be co-captains for this new team to take down loki.

overall, i liked this episode and really shocked that they went pretty dark for this third episode. i hope that they have more episodes like this in the season. i figure the dr. strange episode will have a similar tone but i hope there’s more episodes than just these two for darker themes and darker animation.

i know i slipped with the second episode but that was because i got too emotional watching it and was sobbing by the end of the episode. i did love episode two and i think in terms of the fun, adventurous tone, it’s the best episode so far (and i think it really should’ve been the premiere episode instead). looking back on the first episode, it really wasn’t anything spectacular in terms of a new storyline or anything rather creative. it’s just replacing steve with peggy in the first avenger movie. as for the second and third episode, there was a lot changed in storylines and consequences of those changes. ie: thanos being talked out of mass genocide by t’challa and so he joins the ravangers and doesn’t torture nebula to the point of making her fully cybernetic. the most we got from the first episode was that peggy came through the tesseract portal not loki so there’s implications of that but we’re not shown much else. while with this episode and t’challa’s star lord episode, there’s a hell of a lot more changes to the storyline that we’re shown rather than left to guess and it was refreshing to see that.

[steves-on-a-plane]

The Big Day

Words: 2053 Reader Insert: Dad!Bruce Banner & Daughter!Reader Featuring: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Thor, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff.  Request: “Can you write something cute with single dad Bruce Banner where the reader (his daughter) is getting married and is like the honorary niece of Tony, Steve, Clint, and Thor, and Bruce, Tony, Steve, Clint, and Thor give speeches and take turns dancing with her at the wedding? It takes place between the events of The Avengers and Age of Ultron.” -Anon Summary: It’s the day of her father’s wedding and Reader is less than thrilled about it. She’s worried that with the addition of her her stepmother, she’ll lose the rest of her found family, including her four favorite uncles. Author’s Note: might do a part 2 on this one, I really liked the idea and it started to run away on me.

I could just stay up here. You thought to yourself. No one would notice me missing. Especially not today. You looked at yourself in your bedroom mirror. You supposed you looked alright. They’d hired someone to do your hair and some light make-up so that you’d fit in with the rest of the wedding party. Your plum colored Junior Bridesmaid dress was actually pretty comfortable, and it had pockets. Still you wish you didn’t have to wear it.

You crossed the room to look out the window. It overlooked the backyard where the ceremony would be held in less than an hour. You couldn’t believe the wedding coordinator had been able to pull off a plum and chartreuse color scheme. You’d laughed when she had suggested such ridiculous colors. But Dad had loved it, so that meant you had to too. Team Banner had to stick together. That’s what he’d always told you.

It didn’t feel much like sticking together when he decided to change the roster without your permission. For as far back as you could remember it had been just you and your dad, Bruce Banner. Team Banner was small, but efficient. The Hulk showed up a few years ago, when you were around five. It really tore your dad up, he worried about hurting you all the time. So, you were always on your best behavior and tried to avoid making him upset whenever possible. Things got easier three years ago when your Dad met the Avengers.

You were twelve then, the only kid running around with the team. Since Dad was a single parent that meant you got dragged to SHIELD HQ a lot for meetings and events. You tried to keep yourself busy by reading books or playing handheld games. You wanted to make things as easy on Dad as possible. Eventually you got to know the team and they’d offer to watch you any time Bruce needed it.

Sometimes it was something small like taking you out for ice cream while Dad worked in the lab or helping you with your homework by explaining long division just one more time. Other times it was letting you stay over for the weekend while he was away on a mission. They weren’t blood relatives, but they were family. You weren’t ready for all of that to just disappear. There was a knock on the door. You moved away from the window and sighed. Here we go.

“I was beginning to worry my date was standing me up!” Steve Rogers commented when you opened the door.

“Sorry Uncle Steve. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” You apologized.

“I get it.” Steve nodded. “A lot’s going to change after today. It’s okay if you need to take a minute.”

“Dad needs everything to run smoothly.” You told him. “I promised him we wouldn’t be late.”

“Then we’d better get a move on.” Uncle Steve offered you his elbow and you walked downstairs together. He led you into the kitchen where your Dad, Tony Stark, Thor and Clint Barton where waiting.

They were all practically talking over each other when you and Steve entered the room. Uncle Tony’s tie was still undone, though he’d at least tossed the piece of fabric over his neck. Thor wasn’t wearing a tie, or his jacket and his sleeves were rolled up past his elbows. Only Uncle Clint seemed to be fully dressed for the occasion. His shoes were shined, his tie tied and his jacket fastened at the waist.

“Does this look crooked to you?” Your dad asked Clint. He tugged nervously at his own tie.

“Young Lady Banner!” Thor was the first to notice you. He greeted you with his booming voice before encircling you in his arms. “You look beautiful [Y/N]!” He appraised when he released his hold on you. “You shall make a fine bride yourself, soon!”

“Thor, she’s fifteen!” Clint commented as he straightened your father’s tie. "Give her at least another year before you try to trade our girl off for some goats.”

“Barton our [Y/N] is worth far more than a few puny goats!” Thor huffed.

“You’re both out of your mind.” Uncle Tony laughed. “[Y/N] and I already agreed that she’s never getting married. She’s dedicating her life to science and the pursuit of knowledge.”

“I don’t remember ever agreeing to this…” You disagreed.

“Well you did.” He assured you. “You were seven at the time, but I haven’t forgotten.”

“Tony the ceremony is supposed to start in fifteen minutes. Do you need help with your tie?” Uncle Steve offered, diverting the attention away from you.

“Well, how do I look?” Dad asked you. You thought about telling him that he looked awful and that everything looked awful, but that wouldn’t stop the day from happening. It would only hurt his feelings.

“Handsome as ever.” You told him. Tony swatted Steve’s hand away and began tying his tie. Steve and Clint both turned their attention to Thor, who seemed adamant that a jacket was not necessary. While everyone else was distracted your dad moved to stand beside you.

“So the big day is finally here.” He said.

“Yup.” You nodded, still watching Clint and Steve struggle with Thor.

“I just wanted to say thank you, for being so good about everything.” He commented. You looked away from the show in front of you and up at your dad. “Things have never been easy for us, but I know it’s been really hard the last few months. I was away on that month-long mission, then all the wedding planning stuff was taking up a lot of time…” He paused to sigh.

“It’s okay, Dad.” You touched his arm, trying to assure him. “You’ve always been there when it was important. This was just an adjustment period. It was temporary.”

“Sometimes I feel like you’re the parent and I’m the kid.” He laughed. “I wanted to get you something anyway. Just something small to say thanks for hanging in there with me.” From his suit jacket pocket, he removed a small purple velvet box. He handed it to you. “Go on, open it.”

You accepted the small box and opened it. Inside was a necklace. The chain was silver, and the pendant was a series of small amethysts set in a silver crescent moon. It was beautiful. With his help you put the necklace on immediately.

“You like it then?” He asked worriedly.

“I love it, Dad!” You promised before hugging him.

“I’m glad.” He hugged you back. “I’m sorry we have to leave you to stay with Uncle Tony for two weeks while Betty and I are on our honeymoon, but the good news is once we’re back, we’ll be able to spend lots of time together and you’ll get a well-deserved break from your uncles.”

You wanted to tell him that you didn’t want a break from your uncles. That over the years you’d grown used to the sort of organized chaos they seemed to always bring with them. Sure, they were rowdy, and a little unpolished, but they loved you and you loved them. You didn’t want the fact that your dad was married to impact your ability to be with the rest of your family.

“You boys ready to get this show on the road?” Everyone looked upwards to see Natasha Romanoff calling down impatiently from a nearby staircase. She sauntered down the stairs and was followed by two more Bridesmaids; Betty’s sister and her childhood best friend.

“Why the long face, Lil’ Banner?” An hour had passed since your father was officially married. They were now legally Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Betty Banner.

The happy couple sat at a small table for two surrounded by everyone else. All the other tables were large and round, seating no more than eight people per table. You were of course seated at the wedding party table. The seating arrangement of which had been carefully charted by Betty and the Wedding Planner. As Best Man and Maid of Honor, Uncle Tony and Betty’s sister sat together. Betty’s best friend and Uncle Thor were next to them. Followed by Aunt Nat and Uncle Clint. You were sat between Uncle Steve and Uncle Tony. It was the latter, who had leaned over to ask you what was wrong.

“No reason.” You lied. You continued to push potatoes around in your soup.

“C’mon, you think I can’t tell when you’re upset? You may have fooled your old man, but not me. Your Uncle Tony wrote the book on pent up teenage aggression.” He told you. “Are you upset about having to stay with me for two weeks?”

“No, that’s not it!” You assured him. “I love the tower and I love hanging out with you! You’re the only one who lets me have dessert for dinner.” You glared down at your soup, even less hungry than you were before. “Now that dad’s married, I won’t be around the tower as much.”

“Why not?” Tony asked. “Your dad getting married doesn’t mean that things have to change between us.”

“But it’s going to.” You huffed. “He already told me I’ll be spending less time with you guys and more time with Betty.”

“Did you tell him how you feel?” Tony asked.

“No. Team Banner has to stick together.” You mumbled. “I don’t want him to think I just don’t like her.” Tony looked like wanted to say more, but the wedding planner had come over and handed him a microphone to let him know it was time for his speech.

“Be right back.” He told you with a pat on the shoulder.

“Big surprise, there’s a party and I’ve got a microphone!” Was the first thing Tony said to the crowd. This of course earned a supportive laugh from everyone. “But for once, this speech is not about me. Today, we not just celebrating the marriage of Bruce and Betty. Today we also celebrate the joining of two families. As many of you know, Betty’s parents and sister are here, even her great grandmother was able to make the trip. Some of you may even recognize Bruce’s daughter, [Y/N].” You looked up at the mention of your name and gave an awkward half-wave to the other guests.

“But what you may not know,” Tony turned to look at Betty. “Is that you’re also gaining another sister and four brothers. Because they Avengers are a family too. We argue like families do, but we have each other’s backs like family too. There’s been plenty of family dinners around the long meeting table at the tower. Uncle Clint taught [Y/N] how to ride a bike, and she taught Uncle Steve how to send GIFs on his cellphone.” Tony paused for laugher, which the crowd easily offered up. “So let’s all raise a glass, and let me be the first to say, ‘Welcome to the family Betty’!”

The meal continued while Betty’s sister gave the next speech. Then your Dad and Betty each said a few words and before you knew it, they were doing their first dance. Waiters were clearing the dishes from tables while the DJ invited everyone else to join the newlyweds on the dance floor.

“I know you might not be feeling up to it, but you’d be doing me a great favor if you joined me in a dance.” Steve told you as he offered your hand out. “Can’t have people thinking that even my own date wont dance with me.” He smirked.

“You care too much about what other people think of you, Uncle Steve.” You told him, before accepting his hand and letting him lead you to the dance floor.

“You know, I heard what you were saying to Uncle Tony earlier.” He told you. “You should spend some time with Betty and give her a chance to get to know you. I’m sure that’s what your father meant by what he said. And making room for her in your life doesn’t mean you’re losing any of us. Who else would I get to watch movies with me on Saturday nights? Which reminds me, we’re still on to watch Jaws tonight when your dad drops you off at the tower right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it Uncle Steve.” You promised.

[thorne93]

Unforeseen Chasm (Part 37)

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together.

Word Count:2041

Warnings: Language, fighting, sad moment, angst

Song for this part: Better- Betty Who

Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my novels). It’s a collaboration with the amazing @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​​. It started as a funny “What if…?” and it evolved and got huge. This took two years to write. We are both proud and happy and we hope you enjoy it. It follows from Thor 1 to Endgame in the MCU. Some of the timelines may be off in order to fit certain people, and some characters may show up earlier or in different ways than they have in the movie. But for the most part, it follows the MCU. It also has a bit of crossover with some other Marvel characters throughout the story.

Masterlist for Unforeseen Chasm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as Shannon’s parents left, you and Shannon head to the apartment. 

Once you’re there, memory lane hit you like a semi-truck. You took a look around the apartment you two purchased what seems like lifetimes ago. Your eyes traveled over pictures of you two graduating, the first day Shannon took a job with Stark, your first patent in physics… Pictures and paintings you two had bought together, that super comfy blanket you found at the mall… Every little item was a new memory. 

“Wow. I forgot just how good we were at decorating,” you said in a sort of amused, awe inspired tone. 

“Yeah, with your color palette and my great knack for finding unique items, this place really looked great,” she agreed. 

Next, you wanted to see your bedroom. You wondered if it would be exactly as you remembered it.

When you opened the door, you were stunned to find it was. All the brainwashing and time away couldn’t even change that. The black and purple comforter was still on your bed. Your walls were covered with your favorite movie posters and whiteboards. The dresser was covered in papers and pictures of years past. 

“I had your bed sheets washed periodically,” Shannon suddenly said from behind you. You turned to face her.

“Ah, yeah, thank you.” You tucked your hair behind your ear and looked around. You went to your closet, surprised at how many bright colors were in there. Now, you mainly opted for black, red, green, and purple. “I don’t even know what to take… Actually…” an idea struck in your mind. “Shannon, you said that I could have this apartment, right?” 

“Of course, Y/N. There’s not much else I can do with it. I mean this is our home.” She waved her hands around the place. “I think it’d be more suited if you had it, it’s all paid off so no need to worry about much there.” She smiled knowing her friend would stay close to her even if it wasn’t a floor away. 

You chewed your lip, hoping this didn’t sound awful. “Well… instead of me taking stuff back to the cell -- because I’d really like to stay out of it, and making it feel like home feels awful -- what if… well what if you took some of your stuff back to the tower, with Tony? I mean, you’re engaged now, and Loki and I would like a place all to our own. I’m sure he’d want to go get some things… What do you think? I mean, I don’t wanna sound like I’m kicking you and your stuff out…” 

“Um… yeah sure I can probably get Stevie to help me pack my things and have it out in a few days,” she said trying not to sound hurt. “Well I guess I leave you to it then, I’ll be in my old room collecting my things.” 

Shannon walked out of the room slumping her shoulders a bit. She knew it was childish to feel hurt because she’s not living with her bestie/sister. But it hurt knowing she no longer had a place in their home. She entered her room and was flooded with emotions and memories of when it had been just the two of them here. Shooting a quick text to Steve, she got to work placing her things in her suitcases.  

Seeing your best friend this hurt made you feel worse than when you two were physically fighting in New York. You sighed and went into her room and sat on her bed.

“You know… you don’t have to just rip all your stuff out of here,” you said, looking up at her. You took the sweater she had in her hands from her gently. “What if… we did this? Loki and I will share a bedroom, we don’t need the second. You’re welcome to stay here any time, as long as you call ahead? Just to make sure you know… it’s a good time? This was your home for years, and I don’t want you to feel like I’m booting you out.” You reached over and gripped her hand, smiling up at her. 

Shannon had been concentrating on packing so she wouldn't let the little tear slip out. She looked up at the ceiling and then at you. “It’s okay, Y/N. I get it, you want a place to create new memories with Loki.” She stopped packing and sat down next to you. “I shouldn’t have assumed everything would be like before everything happened.” She went on to say how she understands that you’re both different people and that’s fine because you two are adults. 

The rest of the day was just you two talking and remembering things that were once forgotten and after eating dinner together and watching some movies like old times, Shannon excused herself for a moment.  She headed to her room and made a call to the tower.

“Hey babe, I’m still at the apartment with Y/N. I just wanted to let you know that we’ll be home soon and that she’s decided that she would like to live here in the apartment with Loki once he gets out too.”

“You had me worried for a moment. I thought you were going to say that you two will be staying the night there.” 

“And what if we had decided that huh? We’re adults plus I figured she wouldn’t want to sleep away from him.” She walked around looking at all the things she had left in her room. “I was wondering if you could have someone come help her redecorate the place to their liking?”

There was silence on the line. “If that’s what you really want then sure we can have that done once he gets out of the cell too.”

“I’ll see you at home soon enough.”

“See you here.”

With that Shannon went back to the living room. And they finished watching the last movie they had picked. 

You turned your head to Shannon lazily on the couch as the movie started to end. It was one both  of you had seen at least twenty times. “This has been the best possible day for me being released.”

“Yeah?” Shannon asked, happy to hear that.

“Of course. I became your maid of honor, we went wedding dress shopping, we went out to that great lunch spot, I got to see Lucky, and Diane and Tom… You and I got to spend the whole day together…” 

“Yeah, yeah it was nice, wasn’t it?” 

“Mhm. And I’m sorry about the whole apartment thing,” you apologized again. “It’s just…”

Shannon held up her hand. “I get it. You and Loki have never been alone. This is a place for you to start your lives together. Tony and I have the whole tower, and I have my old floor. If you and I need time away together, we can do it on my old floor.”

“You’re sure?” you asked, still worried you’d hurt her feelings.

“I’m positive, hun.”

At that, you smiled. As soon as the movie ended, the two of you picked up all the food and plates you’d accumulated during the day and cleaned the apartment. 

“Well, I better get back to Loki before he thinks I’ve abandoned him.” 

She laughed. “No, we wouldn’t want that.” 

--------------

Back at the tower, you and Shannon parted ways, bidding each other goodnight while she went upstairs to Tony and you ventured downstairs to Loki. 

As soon as your eyes landed on him, your chest filled with warmth, then a bit of chagrin when you remembered where you two were. You walked up to the cell door, put your hand on the scanner, and entered. 

“Hi, darling,” you greeted as you walked into the living room. It was odd, to say the least, having the freedom to come or go as you please in this place. “Happy to see me back?”

“I am,” he admitted to you. “How was your day out?” he asked, putting his book down.

“It was… a little overwhelming, but overall it was great.”

“Did they give you any stipulations or anything like that?” 

You got up and headed to the kitchen, readying to make some coffee for yourself. “Uh, actually, yeah. I have a parole officer. I have to report to him a few times a week, work with him… you know…” you said, dancing around the topic. 

“That sounds stressful.”

“Actually, my parole officer couldn’t be more laid back,” you assured. 

“Oh? Is that so? Well that’s good then.”

“He can have a bit of a temper,” you added with a bit of a smirk. 

“Well just stay on the right side of that,” he encouraged as he reached around you to grab a mug and pour himself some coffee. 

“Yeah, I think I can. We’ll be working in his lab. He wants me for my physics brain so…”

“Oh, he’s a scientist? I thought on Midgard they had officers dedicated to this sort of thing?” 

You slowly nodded. “Well.. Yeah, they do. But I’m sort of a special case. A normal cop can’t exactly control me if I get out of hand so--”

“Is your parole officer Bruce Banner?” he asked point blank suddenly, cutting you off.

Shit.

You pressed your lips into a thin line and that was all the answer he needed. A man as clever and witty as Loki would of course see through the thin veil of truth you’d weaved.

“Yes… he is but--”

“Are you serious? They stuck you with that animal?” 

“Bruce is not an animal,” you calmly retorted.

“I beg to differ, or do you not remember the broken ribs and mangled face I acquired last time we met?” he demanded.

“I do, but… my love, we kind of… we brought that on ourselves, did we not?” 

“I want you to demand someone else,” he ordered. “I don’t want you working with him.”

You stared at him in disbelief. “Loki, I’m not going to do that. Bruce is highly respected in my field and if this goes well, he could really get me back in. A foot in the door doesn’t even begin to explain just how much working with him would fatten my resume. I could work for virtually any company.”

“I don’t care. You would be willing to work with the man who nearly killed me? Your career means more than my life?” 

A bitch face clouded your expression. “Now, Loki, that isn’t fair. I’m not choosing one or the other. As long as you don’t piss him off, he won’t do it again.”

“Ah, right, don’t raise his blood pressure or we could all die. It’s amazing to me how I’m the one in a cell when he’s the one that can’t be around loud noises or he could kill hundreds of people because he got shocked.” 

“He can’t help turning into a monster but--”

Loki stared at you. “But what, darling? Go ahead and finish that sentence. Let me guess: but I can? Is that where you were going with that?” 

You stared at him, your face even. “No,” was all you said to him. 

“This is amazing. You’re out of this cell for less than twenty-four hours and you’ve already turned on me.”

“Turned on you? I came back to you. I came back to this cell, which I fucking hate by the way, just to be with you, to spend the night with you.”

“Well who asked you to do that?” he asked with a cold smile. “Please, don’t let me burden you,” he coldly replied before walking into the bedroom and slamming the door behind him. 

On that note, you let out a huge sigh. Well, what to do now… 

You went into the office and tapped on the tablet, pulling up your only contact and calling it. After three rings she picked up. 

“Hey,” you greeted, not hiding your sadness.

“Hey, hun. What’s up?”

“Can I come up?” 

“Sure thing… I’ll meet you on my old floor, yeah?”

You nodded and ended the video call. Leaving the cell for the second time today, but no intention of returning in your mind this time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tag List: @essie1876​ @magpiegirl80​ @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​ @iamwarrenspeace​ @marvel-imagines-yes-please​ @superwholocked527 @missinstantgratification​ @thejemersoninferno​ @rda1989​ @munlis​ @thefridgeismybestie​​ @bubblyanarocks3​​ @igiveupicantthinkofausername​​ @kaliforniacoastalteens​ @feelmyroarrrr​​ @kaeling @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo​​ @damalseer​​ @heyitscam99​​ @yknott81​​ @sorryimacrapwriter​​ @glitterquadricorn​​ @xxqueenofisolationxx @little-dis-kaalista-pythonissama @bittersweetunicorm​​ @alyssaj23​​ @sea040561​​ @princess76179​​ @thisismysecrethappyplace​​ @sarahp879​​ @malfoysqueen14​​ @ellallheart​​ @breezy1415​​ @marvelmayo​​ @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @cocosierra94 @hardcollectionworldtrash @capsmuscles @marvelloushamilton @paintballkid711​

Loki: @lostinspace33​​ @ultrarebelheart​​ @lenawiinchester​​ @esoltis280​​ @tngrayson​​ @wangdeasang​​ @harrymewmew @jayfantasyatyourservice​​

UC: @lokis-high-priestess​

@pandacookieowo​

[mrs-dragneel-stark-solo]

Unforseen Chasm (part 37)

Part 37 of Unforseen Chasm

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together. Word Count: 2041 Warnings: Language, fighting,sad moment, ANGST!!!!!! the angst gets me sad so you know its good lol song for this part: Better- Betty Who Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my other fic series). first major Collab with my best friend @thorne93​​ what was first a simple “what if” moment turned into a two year writing session and I’ve never been more prouder of myself than when i started my first series. goes through most of the MCU plots there are some changes to accommodate for what we wanted and there is a bit of a crossover between the MCU and other characters. I hope you guys enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

As soon as Shannon’s parents left, you and Shannon head to the apartment. 

Once you’re there, memory lane hit you like a semi-truck. You took a look around the apartment you two purchased what seems like lifetimes ago. Your eyes traveled over pictures of you two graduating, the first day Shannon took a job with Stark, your first patent in physics… Pictures and paintings you two had bought together, that super comfy blanket you found at the mall… Every little item was a new memory. 

“Wow. I forgot just how good we were at decorating,” you said in a sort of amused, awe inspired tone. 

“Yeah, with your color palette and my great knack for finding unique items, this place really looked great,” she agreed. 

Next, you wanted to see your bedroom. You wondered if it would be exactly as you remembered it. 

When you opened the door, you were stunned to find it was. All the brainwashing and time away couldn’t even change that. The black and purple comforter was still on your bed. Your walls were covered with your favorite movie posters and whiteboards. The dresser was covered in papers and pictures of years past. 

“I had your bed sheets washed periodically,” Shannon suddenly said from behind you. You turned to face her.

“Ah, yeah, thank you.” You tucked your hair behind your ear and looked around. You went to your closet, surprised at how many bright colors were in there. Now, you mainly opted for black, red, green, and purple. “I don’t even know what to take… Actually…” an idea struck in your mind. “Shannon, you said that I could have this apartment, right?” 

“Of course, Y/N. There’s not much else I can do with it. I mean this is our home.” She waved her hands around the place. “I think it’d be more suited if you had it, it’s all paid off so no need to worry about much there.” She smiled knowing her friend would stay close to her even if it wasn’t a floor away. 

You chewed your lip, hoping this didn’t sound awful. “Well… instead of me taking stuff back to the cell -- because I’d really like to stay out of it, and making it feel like home feels awful -- what if… well what if you took some of your stuff back to the tower, with Tony? I mean, you’re engaged now, and Loki and I would like a place all to our own. I’m sure he’d want to go get some things… What do you think? I mean, I don’t wanna sound like I’m kicking you and your stuff out…” 

“Um… yeah sure I can probably get Stevie to help me pack my things and have it out in a few days,” she said trying not to sound hurt. “Well I guess I leave you to it then, I’ll be in my old room collecting my things.” 

Shannon walked out of the room slumping her shoulders a bit. She knew it was childish to feel hurt because she’s not living with her bestie/sister. But it hurt knowing she no longer had a place in their home. She entered her room and was flooded with emotions and memories of when it had been just the two of them here. Shooting a quick text to Steve, she got to work placing her things in her suitcases.  

Seeing your best friend this hurt made you feel worse than when you two were physically fighting in New York. You sighed and went into her room and sat on her bed.

“You know… you don’t have to just rip all your stuff out of here,” you said, looking up at her. You took the sweater she had in her hands from her gently. “What if… we did this? Loki and I will share a bedroom, we don’t need the second. You’re welcome to stay here any time, as long as you call ahead? Just to make sure you know… it’s a good time? This was your home for years, and I don’t want you to feel like I’m booting you out.” You reached over and gripped her hand, smiling up at her. 

Shannon had been concentrating on packing so she wouldn't let the little tear slip out. She looked up at the ceiling and then at you. “It’s okay, Y/N. I get it, you want a place to create new memories with Loki.” She stopped packing and sat down next to you. “I shouldn’t have assumed everything would be like before everything happened.” She went on to say how she understands that you’re both different people and that’s fine because you two are adults. 

The rest of the day was just you two talking and remembering things that were once forgotten and after eating dinner together and watching some movies like old times, Shannon excused herself for a moment.  She headed to her room and made a call to the tower.

“Hey babe, I’m still at the apartment with Y/N. I just wanted to let you know that we’ll be home soon and that she’s decided that she would like to live here in the apartment with Loki once he gets out too.”

“You had me worried for a moment. I thought you were going to say that you two will be staying the night there.” 

“And what if we had decided that huh? We’re adults plus I figured she wouldn’t want to sleep away from him.” She walked around looking at all the things she had left in her room. “I was wondering if you could have someone come help her redecorate the place to their liking?”

There was silence on the line. “If that’s what you really want then sure we can have that done once he gets out of the cell too.”

“I’ll see you at home soon enough.”

“See you here.”

With that Shannon went back to the living room. And they finished watching the last movie they had picked. 

You turned your head to Shannon lazily on the couch as the movie started to end. It was one both  of you had seen at least twenty times. “This has been the best possible day for me being released.”

“Yeah?” Shannon asked, happy to hear that.

“Of course. I became your maid of honor, we went wedding dress shopping, we went out to that great lunch spot, I got to see Lucky, and Diane and Tom… You and I got to spend the whole day together…” 

“Yeah, yeah it was nice, wasn’t it?” 

“Mhm. And I’m sorry about the whole apartment thing,” you apologized again. “It’s just…”

Shannon held up her hand. “I get it. You and Loki have never been alone. This is a place for you to start your lives together. Tony and I have the whole tower, and I have my old floor. If you and I need time away together, we can do it on my old floor.”

“You’re sure?” you asked, still worried you’d hurt her feelings.

“I’m positive, hun.”

At that, you smiled. As soon as the movie ended, the two of you picked up all the food and plates you’d accumulated during the day and cleaned the apartment. 

“Well, I better get back to Loki before he thinks I’ve abandoned him.” 

She laughed. “No, we wouldn’t want that.” 

--------------

Back at the tower, you and Shannon parted ways, bidding each other goodnight while she went upstairs to Tony and you ventured downstairs to Loki. 

As soon as your eyes landed on him, your chest filled with warmth, then a bit of chagrin when you remembered where you two were. You walked up to the cell door, put your hand on the scanner, and entered. 

“Hi, darling,” you greeted as you walked into the living room. It was odd, to say the least, having the freedom to come or go as you please in this place. “Happy to see me back?”

“I am,” he admitted to you. “How was your day out?” he asked, putting his book down.

“It was… a little overwhelming, but overall it was great.”

“Did they give you any stipulations or anything like that?” 

You got up and headed to the kitchen, readying to make some coffee for yourself. “Uh, actually, yeah. I have a parole officer. I have to report to him a few times a week, work with him… you know…” you said, dancing around the topic. 

“That sounds stressful.”

“Actually, my parole officer couldn’t be more laid back,” you assured. 

“Oh? Is that so? Well that’s good then.”

“He can have a bit of a temper,” you added with a bit of a smirk. 

“Well just stay on the right side of that,” he encouraged as he reached around you to grab a mug and pour himself some coffee. 

“Yeah, I think I can. We’ll be working in his lab. He wants me for my physics brain so…”

“Oh, he’s a scientist? I thought on Midgard they had officers dedicated to this sort of thing?” 

You slowly nodded. “Well.. Yeah, they do. But I’m sort of a special case. A normal cop can’t exactly control me if I get out of hand so--”

“Is your parole officer Bruce Banner?” he asked point blank suddenly, cutting you off.

Shit.

You pressed your lips into a thin line and that was all the answer he needed. A man as clever and witty as Loki would of course see through the thin veil of truth you’d weaved.

“Yes… he is but--”

“Are you serious? They stuck you with that animal?” 

“Bruce is not an animal,” you calmly retorted.

“I beg to differ, or do you not remember the broken ribs and mangled face I acquired last time we met?” he demanded.

“I do, but… my love, we kind of… we brought that on ourselves, did we not?” 

“I want you to demand someone else,” he ordered. “I don’t want you working with him.”

You stared at him in disbelief. “Loki, I’m not going to do that. Bruce is highly respected in my field and if this goes well, he could really get me back in. A foot in the door doesn’t even begin to explain just how much working with him would fatten my resume. I could work for virtually any company.”

“I don’t care. You would be willing to work with the man who nearly killed me? Your career means more than my life?” 

A bitch face clouded your expression. “Now, Loki, that isn’t fair. I’m not choosing one or the other. As long as you don’t piss him off, he won’t do it again.”

“Ah, right, don’t raise his blood pressure or we could all die. It’s amazing to me how I’m the one in a cell when he’s the one that can’t be around loud noises or he could kill hundreds of people because he got shocked.” 

“He can’t help turning into a monster but--”

Loki stared at you. “But what, darling? Go ahead and finish that sentence. Let me guess: but I can? Is that where you were going with that?” 

You stared at him, your face even. “No,” was all you said to him. 

“This is amazing. You’re out of this cell for less than twenty-four hours and you’ve already turned on me.”

“Turned on you? I came back to you. I came back to this cell, which I fucking hate by the way, just to be with you, to spend the night with you.”

“Well who asked you to do that?” he asked with a cold smile. “Please, don’t let me burden you,” he coldly replied before walking into the bedroom and slamming the door behind him. 

On that note, you let out a huge sigh. Well, what to do now… 

You went into the office and tapped on the tablet, pulling up your only contact and calling it. After three rings she picked up. 

“Hey,” you greeted, not hiding your sadness.

“Hey, hun. What’s up?”

“Can I come up?” 

“Sure thing… I’ll meet you on my old floor, yeah?”

You nodded and ended the video call. Leaving the cell for the second time today, but no intention of returning in your mind this time.

Unforseen Chasm Tag list- @reigningqueenofwords​ @oldfreakything​ @weclassygirl​ @adefectivedetective​ @dontbetooobvious​

Tag list- @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you​ @winchester-writes​ @winchesterenthusiast​ @georgialouisea​ @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog​   @sammysbuttcheek​ @misz-adrii​ @sandlee44​ @womanxofletters​ @natsuccs​ @childishhoebinoo​ @expecteddifferent​ @girl-next-door-writes​ @fanaticfanfiction​ @dakotapaigelove​ @sassy-spn-knight-of-hell​

[anniemar]

What's something you love that everyone seems to hate and vice versa?

As far as tumblr goes I’d say an unpopular opinion recently, maybe, is that I still love the Russo bros. I loved Endgame. I understand the criticisms, but I don’t think it’s all over for some characters. Like Black Widow. I wasn’t THRILLED by Steve’s ultimate ending, but that can be waved away pretty easily if they wanted it. I just think they had to juggle a lot of the ends of people’s contracts, etc ... I don't necessarily think it was about subverting expectations like something out of D&D/Game of Thrones or Rian Johnson/The Last Jedi. In the comics, people are always coming back. 

I’m just worried that the MCU is starting to become kinda confusing. I know that thinking about the “blip”/snap too much starts to make my brain hurt. 

ANYWAY on the vice versa, something I’ll never really vibe with is Stucky. Hate is a strong word, but yeah, I kinda hate it. 

Let’s see, what else. Oh, here’s a big one. I mean. I loved Jared Leto’s Joker. I think he did a good job, the movie was shit, but most of the actors were fun. I know he wasn’t easy to work with. The movie was a disaster, but I thought his Joker, when you take everything else away, was campy goodness, which I thought was kinda cool. 

And let’s see. I hated the MCU Incredible Hulk, sometimes I feel like it should be erased completely. I know there’s a huge ‘we miss Betty Ross’ campaign, and sure, I’d rather see her than Thunderbolt, but I don’t miss her. Mainly because I hated the movie. I hated the villain. I hated Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. I wish Ruffalo could have his own movie, but I guess he explained it once that Universal owns the rights to solo Hulk movies and they can’t seem to agree on anything. 

And randomly, I love peanut butter on most things, even with inappropriate things, like burgers. 

And I hate mayonnaise. It makes me want to gag. I’m also not fond of mustard. 

[sunriserose1023]

The Sting of the Past

PAIRING: Steve Rogers x Female Reader WARNINGS: ANGST, secrets, flashbacks, violence, blood WORD COUNT: 9027 SQUARE FILLED: Rescue Mission AUTHOR’S NOTE: Part Two of my “When You Come Back to Me Again” Marvel Angst Bingo series. Catch up with the first part in the link below. 

Previous Part: Stillness Shattered

Steve sat at the table, staring towards the window, slowly moving the chair he was sitting in from side-to-side. Natasha was sitting on one side of him, Sam on the other. Wanda was across from them, and as usual, Vision was close by her. Tony was pacing in front of the room, and Natasha was watching him, waiting for the inevitable. Tony finally stopped, turning and laying his hands on the table across from Steve, speaking slowly and deliberately.

“What were you thinking?” “Tony…”

He ignored Natasha, throwing his hands out as he spoke.

“Thaddeus Ross’ daughter? And you—you didn’t think you needed to tell any of us?”

Steve lifted his head.

“Like you don’t have any secrets from the rest of us?”

Tony stopped at that, looking to Natasha. She raised her eyebrows and stared down at the tabletop. Tony huffed out a breath.

“Ross’ daughter, Steve! How could you—“ “You can’t help who you fall in love with, Tony.”

Everyone glanced at Wanda, her cheeks flushing as she looked down at her hands. Tony sighed, shaking his head, running a hand down his face. Vision glanced towards the door as Sam reached over, giving Steve’s shoulder a squeeze. Steve closed his eyes, and Natasha picked up a clicker, transforming the wall behind Wanda to a screen that everyone turned to face. Steve sucked in a breath when a face appeared on the screen.

“Y/N Ross. Last known whereabouts were the small shop she owns.”

Natasha clicked to the next image, of the destroyed storefront. Vision stood up, and Natasha continued speaking.

“The store is completely destroyed. How it’s still standing is honestly a mystery to me, because it—“ “Has anyone spoken with Banner?”

They all looked to Tony. Natasha cleared her throat.

“Last sighting was Africa.” “Last sighting? What do you mean ‘last sighting?’ We agreed to have eyes on him at all times.” “We have a visitor.”

Everyone looked to Vision. A knock sounded at the door, and Natasha clicked to hide the images on the screen, blending it back into the wall as the door opened. A woman stood there, worry evident in her blue eyes and the way she was biting her plump bottom lip. She lifted a hand to brush at her dark hair and Steve stood up, brows furrowing. The woman let out a breath when she saw him, stepping over to him and taking his hands.

“Captain, I’m Betty Ross, Y/N’s sister.”

Glances were exchanged throughout the room, and Betty shook her head.

“Something's happened. I—I met her for lunch today, but I—I can’t get in touch with her now. I went to the store and it …”

She shook her head, tears filling her icy blue eyes.

“Excuse me. Betty?”

She looked to Natasha, who stood to her feet.

“Why did you come to us?”

Betty swallowed.

“Because you—you’re the Avengers.” “Why else?”

She glanced around, meeting Steve’s eyes.

“Because the damage to her store was …”

She shook her head, one tear slipping down her cheek.

“I know he’d never hurt me, but…” “Who?”

Betty swallowed again, looking down when Steve squeezed her hands. She closed her eyes, speaking softly.

“I spoke to him when I was in Paris recently. He was in Morocco. He couldn’t … I don’t think he could …”

Tony closed his eyes, rubbing a hand over his mouth. The phone in the middle of the table began to ring and Rhodey stepped into the room.

“General—“

He glanced around, noting the people in the room. He cleared his throat, nodding to Tony.

“The Secretary is on line two. It’s urgent.”

Tony blew out a breath, pressing a button on the phone.

“Mr. Secretary.” “Stark. We have a situation.” “That’s an understatement.”

Tony coughed to cover Rhodey’s mutter.

“What, uh … what kind of situation, sir?” “Emil Blonsky has escaped from prison.” “Oh god.”

Steve ushered a suddenly pale Betty to a chair before her knees gave out. She covered her mouth with a hand, shaking her head. Tony blinked before he went back to the phone.

“Who?” “Emil Blonsky. He’s an old colleague of mine that …”

Tony sat in a chair, dragging a hand over his face.

“Can you do me a favor, Mr. Secretary? Quit burying the lead. Who’s Blonsky? What has he done? Why are you telling us about him?” “Do you remember what occurred in New York in 2008?”

Tony shrugged his shoulders as he shook his head.

“Not ringing a bell.” “Specifically, Harlem?”

Tony slowly closed his eyes. Steve looked around the room, watching as recognition lit Natasha’s face. Steve shook his head, looking down as Betty took hold of his hand again and gave it a tug. Steve knelt down and Betty murmured to him as Tony spoke again.

“Quick question: how the hell did he escape?” “We believe he had help.” “Gamma radiation-esque help?”

Natasha avoided Tony’s glance her way, but they both turned to the phone when the Secretary’s voice came through the line.

“No, former Special Forces-esque help.”

Steve lifted his head as Tony covered his face with his hands and groaned. He laid his hands on the table.

“Ross, you do a fucking excellent job of screwing the pooch. We’ll take it from here, thank you.” “Now listen here, Stark—“

Tony hung up the phone, rubbing a hand over his eyes as Rhodey crossed his arms over his chest.

“You know he’s probably on his way here now, right?”

Tony shrugged his shoulders, leaning back in his chair, propping his feet on the table. Natasha rolled her eyes as Tony leaned his head back and closed his eyes and Sam cleared his throat as he leaned forward, tapping on the table.

“Someone want to fill me in on this Blonsky character?”

Natasha nodded to Sam before she clicked the screen back into view. She tapped on a keyboard and a video appeared on the screen. No one said anything while the video played, but when Natasha stopped it, Tony sighed.

“This was before all my …”

He tapped the reactor in his chest and Natasha nodded.

“Steve was still asleep. I was with S.H.I.E.L.D.” “I was in Afghanistan.” “I was being tortured.”

Everyone went quiet at Sam and Wanda’s statements. Betty cleared her throat, standing to her feet.

“I was there.”

She walked to the screen, gently laying her fingertips against it.

“Blonsky forced Bruce into fighting him. He went after me, and Bruce saved me.”

She shook her head.

“But Y/N was at college. She never interacted with Blonsky. They never even met. She’s barely met Bruce.”

Natasha glanced away as Betty continued.

“The damage to her store…”

Natasha clicked the image on the screen and Betty sucked in a breath. Betty nodded, shaky finger pointing at the photo.

“It was so reminiscent of Bru—the Hulk. But it would make sense that it was Blonsky.”

Sam shook his head, standing up.

“I’m sorry, I guess I’m just not getting this.”

Tony sighed.

“What happened to Banner to turn him into the Hulk was an accident. Blonsky had it done to himself on purpose.”

Sam slowly nodded as Betty reached for the screen, then lowered her hand.

“We called him the Abomination. Bruce had to become the Hulk to fight him, and they … they almost destroyed Harlem. It was almost as bad as the Battle of New York.”

Betty sighed, and Tony shook his head, stepping forward.

“Blonsky was taken into custody, put in cryo. He’s supposed to be under a 24-hour security detail. How the hell did he get out?” “Rumlow.”

Everyone glanced to Steve, who put his hands in his pockets and walked over to look out the window.

“That’s who the General meant when he said ‘former Special Forces.’ Brock’s back.”

Betty turned back from the photo on the screen and looked at Steve.

“Who is Brock ... Rumlow?”

Natasha clicked a few keys on the keyboard and a new photo appeared on the screen. Sam shook his head.

“He survived that explosion?”

Tony waved a hand, and Natasha turned to Betty.

“He was a double agent in S.H.I.E.L.D.” “Tried to kill me.”

Betty looked back to Steve, who had his back to them. Natasha sighed.

“He tried to kill me, too.”

Steve nodded, and Natasha sighed again.

“When S.H.I.E.L.D. disbanded and we all went rogue, Rumlow came gunning for us.” “We fought, until a damn plane crashed into the building. I got away, thought he didn’t.”

Sam shrugged his shoulders, and Betty swallowed as she nodded, looking back to the picture on the screen.

“Okay, so… what does he want? Why would he help Blonsky escape?” “To get to me.”

All eyes turned to Steve, who continued to keep his back to them, looking out the window. Tony moved his head from side to side.

“I’ll bite. Why?”

Steve shrugged his shoulders.

“He hates me for everything that went down when S.H.I.E.L.D. fell.” “Not too shabby of a hypothesis.”

Steve rolled his eyes, and Betty shook her head.

“But why? Why would he take Y/N? She said no one knew about you two.”

Steve glanced at her over his shoulder.

“They didn’t.”

Natasha shook her head and Tony rubbed a hand down his face.

“Well, someone clearly did. Otherwise, why take her?” “Hang on a second.”

Tony looked to Sam, who murmured to Natasha, who clicked a few keys and brought up both Blonsky and Rumlow’s photos on the screen. Sam walked forward, crossing his arms over his chest. After a moment, he pointed to Blonsky.

“He’s got beef with the Secretary.”

Sam moved his hand to point at Rumlow.

“He’s got beef with Cap.”

Natasha brought up another picture, setting it in between the two men. Betty sucked in a breath and Sam pointed at the new photo.

“She’s the Secretary’s daughter and Cap’s girl. Taking her satisfies both of their agendas.” “Fuck.”

Tony sat in one of the chairs, covering his eyes with his hands. He tapped his foot on the floor, then lowered his hands.

“If we’re going up against these guys, we’re going to need backup.” “Well, Thor’s dealing with Loki again and Clint insists he’s really retired this time.”

Natasha smiled after she said that, then shook her head as the smile slid from her face.

“And Bruce won’t answer any calls.”

She flicked her eyes to Betty, saw the redness that appeared on her cheeks. Wanda cleared her throat, shrugging her shoulders when they looked her way.

“We can handle this.” “No.”

All eyes turned to Steve as he finally turned from his spot, facing them.

“This is my fight.”

A laugh bubbled from Natasha’s lips. Steve looked to her and she shook her head, moving her chair back from the table and crossed her legs.

“If you think for one second that we’re letting you face them alone…” “I’m not asking any of you to come with me.” “You seriously think you need to ask?”

Steve glanced to Sam, then blew out a breath.

“Rumlow wants me.” “And Blonsky wants the General, but you think we’re going to send him? Try not to be so stubborn for two damn seconds, would you?”

Steve huffed out a breath, crossing his arms over his chest. Natasha and Wanda rolled their eyes, and Betty glanced from the women to Steve. Tony stood to his feet, mirroring Steve’s body language, crossing his own arms over his chest. Steve raised an eyebrow, and Natasha shook her head, speaking under her breath.

“He doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.”

Steve narrowed his eyes at her, then looked back to Tony, who wiggled his shoulders.

“Not so intimidating when someone else hits you with it, is it?”

Steve’s arms fell by his sides and he turned away from Tony, squeezing his eyes shut. Tony grabbed his arm and laid a hand on his back, while Sam sprang up from the table and did the same thing on Steve’s other side.  Steve shook his head as they ushered him to one of the chairs.

“She—she was teasing me about that earlier. Saying that I-I was…”

He put his head in his hands and Natasha stood up, walking over to him and running her fingers through his hair.

“She’s going to be okay, Steve. We’ll get her back.”

He lifted his head, stormy blue staring up at her. Natasha swallowed, pushing a smile up. She nodded to him and Betty cleared her throat.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Tony straightened, shaking his head.

“You’ve done so much already.”

Betty laughed, tears coming to her eyes.

“Please don’t patronize me, Mr. Stark.” “I meant it sincerely.”

She nodded, sniffling, looking back to Steve.

“Bring her back.”

Steve swallowed, but gave her a nod. Betty held his eyes, then nodded once. She gathered her things and walked out of the room. When the door was closed behind her, after waiting for just a few heartbeats, Tony clapped his hands together.

“Alright, gang. Let’s get a plan together.”

“So tell me about 1940.”

Steve smiled.

“What do you want to know?”

You shrugged your shoulders, sliding your spoon around the side of the ice cream container Steve was balancing on the bent knee he was resting on the couch. He mirrored your actions with his own spoon on the other side of the container.

“Tell me about life without all the technology.” “God, it was so much simpler.”

You nodded, watching as he slid the spoon between his lips. He swallowed, and you watched the muscles in his neck work, saw his Adam’s apple bob before he spoke.

“Some things are better now. Medical care, for one. Not as many people die from polio.”

You smiled, nodding. Steve sighed.

“But the media? All the TV, music, movies? Movies were a treat back then. The radio was all we had. All we could afford.”

He smiled as he pushed his spoon through the ice cream.

“Ma used to love to listen to The Guiding Light.” “The soap opera?”

Steve shrugged.

“I guess. It didn’t interest me the way it did Ma.”

You smiled.

“I used to watch all the soaps. I had pneumonia when I was in junior high and couldn’t go to school for like a week. Not much to do except watch soaps during the day.” “Did you like The Guiding Light?”

You smiled.

“I did. Your mom had good taste.”

Steve looked down at the ice cream container, a soft smile on his face. He transferred his spoon to his left hand, holding his right hand to you. You smiled, slipping your hand in his, sighing when his warm palm pressed to yours, his long fingers lacing together with yours.

“You remind me of her, a little bit. She was gorgeous, and so are you. Her hair was strawberry blonde, but it was pretty like yours. She was kind and gentle, like you are.” “Steve.” “I miss her. Every day, I miss her a little more. But you … I don’t know. It doesn’t go away, and I don’t think it ever will, but you … you soothe me, as stupid as that sounds.”

You gave his hand a squeeze, and he looked up to you, worry crossing his features when he saw the tears in your eyes. You shook your head, sniffling.

“It’s not stupid. It’s sweet. Very sweet. And you soothe me, too. You make me feel safe.”

You took your hand from his, taking the ice cream from his hands. You set it on the coffee table, then moved to crawl into his lap. Steve smiled, wrapping you in his arms, holding his hands against your back.

“The ice cream’s going to melt.” “We can buy more.”

You looped your arms around his neck, leaning closer to him, gently pressing your lips to his. After a moment, he leaned his head back, looking into your eyes.

“I’m not ready to …”

You nodded.

“It’s okay. We don’t have to. I’m fine with waiting until you’re ready.”

Steve nodded.

“Don’t give up on me.”

You gave a soft laugh.

“Never, Cap.”

He smiled, taking your face in his warm hands, holding you gently as he brought his lips to yours again.

“Where are you?”

Steve turned his head from where he’d been looking out the window, letting his mind wander. Sam sat down beside him, letting out a breath as he adjusted his gear. After a moment of silence, Steve spoke low.

“I’m going to need you to watch me, Sam.” “What, like ‘watch your back?’ You don’t have to tell me that, Cap.” “No, I …”

Steve sighed.

“I mean when we get in there. When we find them. You’re going to have to watch me, because I … I’m not sure I won’t kill Rumlow on sight.”

Sam blinked, then coughed.

“Steve.” “I know what I’m saying.”

Steve turned his head, meeting Sam’s eyes.

“Can you do that for me, Sam?”

Sam just stared at him for a moment, then gave a solemn nod. Steve held his gaze for a moment, then nodded, looking down at his hands. Sam’s voice was easy, conversational, not at all accusatory when he spoke.

“Why didn’t you tell any of us about her?”

Steve sighed.

“I wanted to keep her separate from this life. I didn't want her mixed up in this. I just … I needed someone who didn’t understand what it was like to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. or be in the military. Someone—“ “Normal?”

Steve looked over his shoulder at Sam, then nodded. A smile spread over Sam’s face.

“So you chose the Secretary of State’s daughter? And—not just the Secretary of State, but General Thaddeus Ross’ daughter?”

Steve blinked.

“Maybe I didn’t think this through.”

Sam laughed, and Steve smiled, the first one in a while. He sighed, shaking his head.

“She has to be okay, Sam. If they’ve hurt her in any way…” “Easy.”

Steve huffed out a breath as Sam laid a hand on his shoulder.

“We’ll be there soon. We’ll have her back before the sun comes up.”

Steve nodded as Sam stood up, squeezing his shoulder before he walked away. Steve rubbed a hand over his face before he leaned forward, forearms on his knees. He clasped his hands together and, not for the first time since he boarded the jet, closed his eyes and began to pray.

The bell above the door rang and you lifted your head from where you’d been sitting behind the counter, reading a book. You sat up, put a smile on your face and watched the customer come into view.

“Hi there. Can I help you?”

The door jingled as it closed behind him, and he stepped forward. Your breath caught in your throat when his sapphire eyes met yours.

Captain America.

Captain America was in your store.

You swallowed, getting to your feet, making yourself smile.

“I’m Y/N Ross.”

You held out a hand and he stepped forward, clasping your hand in his.

“Steve Rogers.”

Your smile widened slightly.

“I know.”

He looked down, letting go of your hand, and you felt an immediate loss at the warmth his hand had bled into yours.

“Can I help you find something, Captain Rogers?”

He met your eyes again.

“I, uh … I’m not sure. Would it be okay if I just looked around a minute?” “Of course. Take your time. Just … holler if you need anything.”

Steve smiled at you, nodding before he stepped down one of the aisles. You sat back in your chair, putting your head in your hands. Nothing like making a fool of yourself in front of the most beautiful man you’d ever laid eyes on. You could feel your cheeks burning, and you shook your head before you lifted it again, tucking your hair behind your ears.

“Miss Ross?”

You turned in the direction of his rich voice, and the smile on his face might have made your knees go weak if you hadn’t been sitting down. Steve motioned down one of the aisles.

“Could you give me some information?”

You smiled.

“Absolutely.”

“Do you drink coffee, Miss Ross?”

You smiled.

“I do, but I prefer my coffee to taste as little like coffee as I can get it.”

Steve raised an eyebrow and you shrugged your shoulders.

“I like frou-frou drinks. Hazelnut, French vanilla, even chocolate. Ooh, mint chocolate is my favorite, but that’s a Christmastime flavor.”

Steve shook his head, a smile on his face.

“Would you … like to get coffee with me sometime?”

You swallowed.

“I’d love to.”

The bell above the door jingled and you glanced that way, eyes widening when Steve stepped through the door, a cup of coffee in each hand. You smiled as he made his way to you, holding out one of the cups.

“Hazelnut caramel macchiato. I hope you like it.”

You blinked, hand reaching to take the cup from him.

“It’s actually my favorite.”

Steve smiled.

“Really?”

You nodded, feeling your cheeks flush as your fingers brushed against his as you took the cup from his hand.

“Careful. It’s hot.”

“No kidding,” your traitorous brain whispered. You blew on the tiny hole on the lid, flicking your eyes up to see Steve smiling down at you. Your cheeks burned more as Steve chuckled. You motioned towards the counter, and he followed you, sipping from his coffee as he walked. You walked behind the register and sat on your stool, taking a sip and closing your eyes as you held the warm liquid in your mouth before swallowing it.

“This is perfect.”

Steve smiled, looking down and bringing his coffee cup to his lips as he murmured so softly you almost didn’t hear him.

“Yes, it is.”

“That was fun.”

Steve was behind you as you walked up the back steps of your house.

“You like it out here?”

You glanced over your shoulder, meeting his blue eyes, then taking a look at the property behind him.

“Sometimes it’s lonely, but then again, I am kind of a loner.”

Steve lifted an eyebrow and you laughed.

“I am! I had to learn to be self-sufficient at an early age.” “Really?” “Yes. Do you want to come in? We can talk about it some more.”

You watched as he swallowed, glancing at the door behind you. You smiled, reaching up to tuck a piece of hair behind your ear. You stepped closer to him, speaking softly.

“Nothing has to happen. I’ve just had a really good time with you and I’m not sure I’m ready for it to end.”

Steve nodded, bending his head and brushing his nose against yours, then speaking just as softly.

“I don’t trust myself to be alone with you.” “And that’s a bad thing?”

Steve barked out a laugh as he leaned his head back. He lifted a hand to brush his fingers along your cheek, and you felt warmth rise in the wake of his touch.

“I know things are different now, but in my time…”

You nodded, moving your hands to press against his chest.

“Are you trying to keep my virtue intact, Captain Rogers?”

He groaned, looping his arms around you.

“What if I am?” “Then that’s just something else I can add to the list.” “What list?”

You smiled up at him as you slid your arms up his chest to loop around his neck.

“Things I find charming about you.”

Steve smiled, rolling his eyes, and you turned from him, slipping the key into the door. You dropped your keys back into your purse and turned around to face him again.

“You’re such a good guy, Steve. I—“

Your words died as his arms surrounded you, lips finding yours and kissing you unmercifully. You dropped your purse as you wrapped your arms around him, holding the back of his head as his tongue coaxed yours into a slow dance that you felt in every cell in your body. His hands pressed against your back, pushing you closer to him, until you could feel his heartbeat crashing against your own.

Far too soon for your liking, he pulled back, pressing one last gentle kiss to your lips before standing tall again. You held onto him until your legs felt steady, and you looked up to find a grin on his face.

“You might think I’m a good guy, but I never said I was a saint, Y/N.”

You blinked a few times, and Steve moved his hands down your arms to give your hands a squeeze. You looked down, then met his eyes again.

“Goodnight, Y/N.” “Good … goodnight, Steve.”

He smiled at you, stepping back and watching you open the door and step into your house. Once he heard the lock click, he turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, inside, you had your back to the door, leaning against it as you slid down to the floor, staring into the distance as it hit you like a ton of bricks.

At least eight weeks of getting to know each other, a few cups of coffee, one true date, one incredible goodnight kiss. That was all it took.

You were in love with Steve Rogers.

“Hey, come on now. Open those pretty eyes.”

You moaned, trying to lift your head, but it felt  so heavy. Pain filled your senses, seeming to seep from every inch of your body. Your arms were heavy, but that was because … they were suspended above your head.

“Come on, sugar.”

That put a bad taste in your mouth. Who was saying that? You shifted, trying to get comfortable, gasping when you were slapped across the face, hard.

“What the hell, man?! Don’t break her fucking jaw.” “You know she’s awake. I heard the change in her breathing.” “How many times do I have to go over this? The sedative is tough to come out of. Not to mention the way you manhandled her all the way up here. She’s not the one we want here, remember?”

You blinked your eyes open, blinking over and over again to try and clear them, but the blurry scene in front of you made your already aching head throb. A man knelt before you, but not the scarred one you’d seen in your store. He smiled, and you felt a chill roll down your spine.

“There she is. Look alive, love.”

The scarred man laughed at the face you made.

“Blonsky. She’s disgusted with you.”

Blonsky rolled his eyes.

“And the rest of the world is disgusted with you, so I guess we're even.”

You coughed, closing your eyes at the pain that sent through your body. You lifted your head, meeting the eyes of the scarred man.

“Why?”

Your voice was scratchy, the words coming from a dry throat. The man sighed, crossing muscled arms over his chest.

“It’s not you. You’re just …” “A means to an end. An unfortunate casualty.”

You closed your eyes, hanging your head. You couldn’t give up hope that Steve would come for you, but you didn’t want him walking into what you were almost certain would be a trap. You just couldn’t shake the feeling that not all of you would be making it out of this one.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

Steve glanced up, blinking to try and ebb the memories swimming through his head, trying to ground himself in reality again. Tony was in front of him, and Steve nodded as Tony sat across from him.

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

Steve shrugged his shoulders.

“I wanted to keep her as separate from all of this as I could.” “I think you mean sheltered.”

Steve shook his head.

“I didn’t want her to have to deal with this. Flying on quinjets to God knows where. S.H.I.E.L.D., before everything imploded.” “Cap.”

Steve looked up.

“No, I’m not trying to get your attention. I’m adding to your list. You don’t want her to deal with Cap.” “I am Cap, Tony.” “Not necessarily.”

Tony stood up, pacing as he talked.

“I mean, sure. I am Iron Man. But I’m also Tony Stark. Pepper doesn’t—didn’t …”

He sighed.

“She called me Tony. Not Iron Man. We’re the same guy, but … not.” “Are you trying to say something about Cap being my alter ego?” “Yes and no. You’re one and the same, but … Cap is a role you play. He always has been, whether it’s against Nazis or Asgardians or your friendly neighborhood terrorist.”

Steve just watched him and Tony sighed as he sat back down.

“Correct me if I’m wrong. She doesn’t know when we go on missions.”

Steve was quiet, so Tony went on.

“But she deals with the aftermath of those missions?”

Steve raised an eyebrow and Tony nodded.

“She cleans you up, bandages your boo-boos?” “Tony.”

He smiled, holding his hands up.

“I’m just saying, it sounds like she gets it. You don’t let her see Cap, but she helps you … decompress, if you will.”

Steve nodded.

“She does.” “And you can just be Steve around her.”

Steve closed his eyes and nodded. Tony stepped over, gripping Steve’s shoulder.

“We’ll get her back.”

Steve swallowed, nodding as he closed his eyes.

“Can I ask you something?”

Steve smiled from his place at the table, where he was sipping coffee and watching you. You had your back to him, slowly stirring a big pot on the stove. You glanced over your shoulder and he smiled.

“Anytime you want.”

You rolled your eyes, but smiled. You swallowed and turned back to face the pot, letting out a breath. You tried to get your thoughts in order, jumping and giving a nervous laugh when Steve stepped up behind you, laying his hands on your hips.

“What is it?”

You let out a breath.

“Do you want to move in with me?”

Steve was quiet, and your heart dropped. He stepped away from you and you suddenly felt so cold without him touching you. You closed your eyes, moving to the refrigerator to pull some more ingredients out. Steve took hold of your wrist and you smiled, pulling out of his grip.

“Forget I said anything. I’ve got to grab the cream.” “Just wait a second.” “Can you just add a cup of this to the pot? I have a-a thing I forgot about.” “Y/N, stop.”

You closed your eyes as he turned you to face him.

“Look at me.”

You shook your head and he sighed.

“Please look at me.”

You opened your eyes, hating yourself that you couldn’t stop the tears that had welled up. Steve sighed.

“It’s not that I don’t want to.”

You looked away and he took hold of your face, forcing you to look at him again.

“I’m still trying to come to grips with this world. What I’m used to, people don’t move in together. Not unless they’re married. My whole life, that’s all I’ve known. That’s the norm for me.”

You blinked, a tear slipping down your face that Steve caught on his thumb.

“I just … I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I know I’m not, but … god. It’s like I’m waiting for my mom to walk in and catch me. I’m trying everything I can not to feel that way, but …”

He sighed and you sniffled.

“I get it.”

You smiled and moved away from him, back to turn the fire down under the pot of soup you were making. You gave a shaky sigh and Steve wrapped his arms around you from behind, putting his face in your neck. You closed your eyes, lifting your head to try and make yourself stop crying.

“I want a life with you.”

You opened your eyes and he went on, voice muffled from your hair.

“I want to marry you and move into this house and cocoon the both of us away from the rest of the world.”

You turned to face him, and he kept his head down, shaking it as he spoke.

“But I can’t. I can’t walk away from the Avengers. I can’t not be there if someone needs me.”

He lifted his head, and the breath caught in your throat when you saw the tears sparkling in his blue eyes.

“And I can’t have even the possibility of you being in danger just because someone knows you’re mine. I hate having to sneak around and hide like we do, but … god, Y/N. I can’t risk anything happening to you. I can’t … I won’t make it.”

You threw your arms around him, closing your eyes as his arms snaked around your waist, pulling you to his chest. Your throat felt thick, but you forced the words out.

“It’s okay, Steve. We’re okay.” “No, we’re not.”

He stepped away from you, sniffling and wiping a hand under his nose. You wiped your eyes and he put his hands on his hips.

“Do you think I’m ashamed of you?” “What? No!”

You shook your head.

“Are you … is that why you think I asked you to move in? No. Steve, I … I just want to spend all the time with you I can. And I hate it when you sneak off after I’ve fallen asleep.”

He shook his head and you walked to him, laying a hand on his cheek, rubbing your thumb over his five o’ clock shadow.

“I love you.” “I can barely do anything with you. We can’t even go and get a damn cup of coffee.” “You think I care about that?”

Steve stepped away from you, putting his hands back on his hips. You shook your head.

“What is it that you have a problem with?”

Steve shook his head.

“Everyone out there knows me.” “So what?!”

He blinked at the sudden volume you put into your voice and you shook your head.

“They don’t know you. They know of you. They know Cap. They don’t know you.”

He blinked again and you stepped to him, tears in your eyes as you poked your finger into his chest.

“I know you. I know what a wonderful man you are. I know the way you think, the way you act. I know what it’s like when you wake up in the morning, what you do before you go to sleep at night.”

You shook your head, letting your hand fall.

“I know that you like the taste of coffee and the smell of fresh cut grass. I know you hate zucchini, but you’ll make yourself eat it because it’s good for you. I know that your hands are big but gentle, you think you’re too sensitive, and you used to be allergic to strawberries. And … I have never had anyone look at me the way you do and I’ve never felt safe with anyone except you.”

He took a step towards you and you took a step back, trying to keep the distance between the two of you.

“I don’t feel like you’re ashamed of me. You’re trying to keep me safe, and I get it. I may not understand it completely, but I don’t have to. I trust you, Steve. I know you and I love you.”

Your back hit the counter, and you sucked in a breath as Steve stepped into your personal space, laying his hands on the counter on either side of you, caging you in. You swallowed, meeting his eyes.

“Those people may think they know you, but they don’t. I do.”

His head dipped and his lips found yours. You moved your hands to grip his bulging biceps, and he reached a hand back and pulled his shirt over his head.

“You’re right. You know me, in ways no one ever has. Even Bucky doesn’t know some of the things I’ve told you.”

You blinked, tightening your hold on his arms.

“Everything you’ve told me, I’ll take it to my grave, if that’s what you want.”

Steve’s face twisted as he moved his hands from the counter, wrapping them around you and pulling you to his warm chest. You closed your eyes and he shook his head.

“I don’t ever want to think about losing you.” “You’ve got me right now.”

Steve sighed.

“I feel like I’ve wasted so much time with you already.”

You shook your head.

“It hasn’t been wasted.”

You leaned back until he looked at you again. You studied his face, shaking your head once more.

“You’ve been like this ever since you got back from Sokovia. What happened there that you haven’t told me?”

Steve took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

“I just … I saw a future. One I should have had. But it … I didn’t fit in it. I don’t fit in here.”

He stepped away from you, hanging his head.

“It’s not the forties anymore. I’m trying so hard to fit into this time, but … I just don’t fit.”

You gave a shaky sigh, going to him and grabbing his hand, placing it over your heart.

“You fit. You fit with me.”

You pulled him into your arms, closing your eyes when he buried his face in your hair.

“You fit right here with me.”

The jet slowly touched down and Steve was the first one off. He looked at the desolate land around them, eyes focusing on what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse just ahead.

He turned at the sound of footsteps behind him and watched Tony deplane, followed by Natasha and Wanda, Vision, and finally, Sam. Natasha walked up beside him, letting out a breath.

“You sure you want to do this?”

Steve glanced down at her and she smirked as she tied her fiery hair into a ponytail. Wanda, just behind her, did the same thing. Vision stepped beside Steve and scanned the warehouse.

“Top two floors are empty. There’s an underground basement—“ “Which is exactly where Blonsky wants us. Don’t give him what he wants.”

Steve nodded at Tony’s statements. He swallowed, keeping his eyes on the warehouse as Sam stepped up. Steve pointed with two fingers.

“Post on the roof.”

Sam nodded.

“I can send Redwing in, get him to scan the entrances and exits.” “Do it.”

Sam pressed a few buttons on his armpiece and the small drone flew from its resting spot on the pack Sam wore on his back. Steve felt an itch between his shoulder blades, and he blew out a breath, slowly shaking his head. He turned at the soft clearing of a throat beside him, and Wanda stepped to his left, shaking her head, speaking low.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

Steve swallowed, but nodded once. Natasha lifted a shoulder.

“It would be weird if you had a good feeling, you know?”

Steve let out a huff, all of them turning when Sam let out a curse.

“Redwing’s down. Or … destroyed. I don’t—“

The girls jumped when an explosion sounded, fire suddenly pouring from the side of the building. Tony reached out, but Steve had already taken off running. Tony sighed, closing his helmet, holding out his hands as he flew forward.

Steve stepped into the building, eyes scanning the room. He felt a presence behind him, a few moments before he heard Natasha’s husky voice in his ear.

“All clear.” “There seems to be two heat signals on the floor above us.” “Just two, Vision?”

There was a pause, a short break before Vision’s voice sounded again.

“I’m only picking up two. And I do believe one is Ms. Ross, Captain.”

Steve swallowed.

“Is she okay, Vision?” “I’m sorry, I cannot tell that from my current location.”

Steve hung his head, and Tony’s voice came through his communication earpiece.

“Goal here is to rescue Y/N. I’m sure the secretary would like us to bring Blonsky and Rumlow back alive, so …”

Steve glanced to his left as Sam walked up beside him, face turned from his communication device, speaking low enough for only Steve to hear.

“Do what you gotta do.”

Steve gave a nod, lifting a hand to touch the device in his ear.

“You all know the drill. If you get hurt, hurt ‘em back.”

He clenched his jaw to keep himself from finishing the thought, from saying what he really wanted to make sure happened to Rumlow and Blonsky. He swallowed again, glancing to Sam when Wanda’s low voice came over the comm.

“Locked door, end of the hallway, floor above you. Vision’s waiting on orders to go through the wall.” “Hold.”

Wanda must have nodded, and Steve started towards her, Sam on his right, Natasha behind him. Tony’s voice came through the comm again.

“I tried to check outside, but of course there are no windows, so I’m at a loss here.” “Stay where you are. Keep an eye out for the H--”

Steve stopped himself, glancing back at Natasha. Her cheeks went red as she stared into the distance. Sam cleared his throat, speaking low.

“The Abomination, I believe he was called.”

Steve gave a nod.

“The Abomination, then. Tony, you’re the only one with enough firepower to take him down.” “Captain, I’m a bit offended at your lack of faith in me.”

Steve smiled at Wanda’s soft statement.

“I apologize, Miss Maximoff.” “She’s got a point, Cap. I could use her.”

Steve glanced to Natasha, who gave him a nod. Steve nodded, speaking softly as he, Natasha, and Sam silently made their way up the stairs. They came upon Wanda and Vision, and Steve spoke so softly he barely made any noise at all.

“Wanda, see if you can find Tony. The two of you could definitely take care of … Blonsky.” “Yes, sir.”

Steve rolled his eyes, swallowing as she descended the stairs. He turned to the locked door and squared his shoulders, taking hold of the doorknob and lifting the door off its hinges. He tossed it aside, spine straightening when he heard Rumlow’s rough voice.

“All about the grandstanding, aren’t you?”

Steve turned to face him, sucking in a breath at the sight of his scarred, mangled face. Brock nodded, waving a hand in front of his face.

“Kind of takes your breath away there at first, doesn’t it?” “Where is she?”

Brock let out a laugh.

“Cutting right to the chase, huh?” “I swear to God, Rumlow.” “That’s not very Christian of you, Cap.”

Sam’s hand on his chest was the only thing that stopped Steve from putting his shoulder down and running until he rammed it into Brock’s torso. Sam straightened, murmuring “Steady” under his breath until Steve calmed the slightest bit. Brock bared his teeth, tilting his neck to one side, the bones giving an audible crack as he did.

“Sam Wilson. Sam motherfucking Wilson.” “Sorry, I don’t remember your name. What was it again?”

Brock narrowed his eyes, then tilted his head to the other side, the bones in his neck giving another audible crack.

“Two for one. This’ll be great.”

Sam went to open his mouth, closing it quickly and grunting when Brock rushed forward, each of his hands landing punches on both Steve and Sam’s faces. Sam and Steve, even double-teaming, were no match for Brock. Brock landed a kick to Steve’s chest, sending him flying backwards, and when Sam knelt beside him, Steve shook his head, blood leaking from his split lip.

“He’s enhanced.”

Sam nodded.

“Got to be.” “Fight fire with fire?”

Sam gave him a grin.

“Let’s call in the big dogs first.”

Before either of them could say a word, Brock’s head snapped back as Natasha was on him, effortlessly crawling up him and locking her legs around his neck, bringing him to the ground.

Steve caught her in his arms when Brock kicked, sending her flying, and Natasha coughed as Steve backed out of the room with her. He set her on the ground, kneeling beside her, watching as she coughed and sputtered and shook her head.

“You okay?”

Natasha shook her head.

“Back—corner.”

Steve’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at her. She shook her head again, wincing as she held a hand to her chest. She spoke again, the words coming rushed, yet spaced out, due to the wind being kicked out of her.

“The back wall … doesn’t … match the rest … of the … the room.”

Steve let the words register and he leaned closer.

“You think it’s a facade?”

Natasha shrugged her shoulders, coughing again.

“I think … she’s back there.”

Steve nodded as he clenched his jaw. He stood up, walking when Natasha waved him on, jogging back into the room and immediately diving into hand-to-hand combat with Brock. Sam was wincing on the ground, trying to push himself back into a standing position, but Steve could see an obvious deformity just under his elbow. Steve ducked, jamming his fists into Brock’s torso, leaning back when Brock let out a laugh and stepped around him.

“Is that all you’ve got, Captain?”

Brock spit out the title, and Steve ground his teeth together before he straightened his spine. He brought his fists up by his face and sneered at Brock.

“I can do this all day.”

Brock let out a yell and ran forward, landing blow after blow on Steve. Steve did the best he could to block the punches, but Brock was relentless. Steve landed a few punches of his own, but Brock wasn’t phased. The only respite came when Brock finagled Steve’s legs out from under him, making him land hard on his back. Steve stared up at the ceiling, letting his head roll to the side to see Sam sitting with his back against the wall, chest heaving. Natasha was nowhere to be seen, and Steve couldn’t even account for Tony, Wanda, or Vision. He let out a shaky breath, moaning as he rolled to one side, wincing as he pushed himself up, at the burning pain that filled his chest, what he could only imagine was his broken ribs trying to repair themselves. He shakily got to his feet and Brock rolled his eyes.

“I’ve had enough of this. Haven’t you?”

Steve shook his head.

“I told you. I could … do this all day.”

Brock let out a laugh.

“Maybe so. But can she?”

Steve’s eyes widened as Brock walked to the back corner of the room, to the space Natasha had noticed early on. Brock kicked the wall and it crumbled, and Steve watched as two men stepped through the dust and plaster, carrying every piece of Steve’s heart between them.

As Steve gave a broken scream, Sam jumped up, gritting his teeth against the pain in his broken arm, his chest, and his legs, grabbing hold of one side of Steve. Natasha held the other side, and Sam would swear it was only by the soft touch of her hand to his cheek that Steve stopped dragging them across the floor in his attempt to make his way across the room. Brock grabbed the girl the men held between them, and the moan she gave when he grabbed a handful of her hair sent a shock of relief through Sam’s body. She was bleeding, limp, bruised … but alive.

“Easy. Take it easy.” “Y/N—“ “Easy.”

Natasha’s low voice kept up a steady murmur, a bit of white noise to block out the screaming of Steve’s heart. Brock gave a laugh, lifting Y/N’s bruised and battered face.

“Every punch you threw, she felt. Did … did I forget to mention that?”

Brock gave another laugh, and Sam planted his feet in an effort to hold Steve back.

“You’re dead, Rumlow. You hear me?!”

Brock rolled his eyes, turning and punching your torso. You cried out, head falling forward when Brock dropped your hair from his fist. Brock nodded to the two men holding you up, and they started to move back.

The one on the left, then the right fell forward, knocked out—or worse—thanks to a blast from Tony’s—well, Iron Man’s—hands through the collapsed wall. You crumpled between them, but Brock caught you before you hit the floor. Brock shook his head, disgust evident on his scarred face as he looked to the trio in front of him.

“I guess they were right, huh? If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

He moved you to stand in front of him, one arm around your torso holding you upright against him. He moved his other hand to grasp your chin, forcing your head up.

“Come on, now sweetheart. Open those pretty eyes for me.” “Rumlow, I swear to God—“ “Ah, I don’t think so.”

You screamed as Brock’s hand gripped your arm, his grip tightening until everyone in the room heard your bone crack.

“Stop! Stop. God, please, just stop.”

Steve wrenched himself free from Natasha and Sam’s holds and he held a hand to his chest.

“Take me. Do whatever you want. Just let her go.” “No.”

Steve went still at your soft voice, and his eyes locked on yours, bloodshot and bruising, yet still the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen. A soft smile came to his face as tears filled his eyes.

“Hey, you.” “Good God, Rogers. She’s ruined you.” “Let her go. Now.”

Brock let out a laugh.

“See, here’s the thing.”

He moved his hand to your throat, your eyes widening as his grip tightened little by little.

“Very soon, and I mean very, very soon, Stark and the others will discover that the Abomination has a kill switch. A, uh … suicide gene, if you will. And by that, I mean—“

Your knees buckled as the entire building shook, plaster and dust falling from the ceiling, a dark grin on Brock’s face. The fire from the bomb the Abomination had strapped to him roared outside, and Natasha’s hand flew to her ear.

“Tony? Tony, do you copy?”

She met Sam’s eyes, shaking her head.

“Wanda? Vision? Anybody, talk to me.”

When she got no response, Brock sighed.

“Damn shame. Anyway, back to this.”

You gasped as his hand tightened around your throat. Steve took a step forward and Brock stepped back, shaking his head.

“Don’t come any closer, or I swear to God, I’ll snap her neck. Neither one of us wants that, so just stand down, Cap.”

Steve clenched his jaw, but nodded, taking a step backwards. Natasha and Sam began slowly making their way around the room, and Brock sighed.

“Call your dogs off, will you? Either one of them takes another step and I’ll toss her out the window.”

Steve held up a hand and Natasha and Sam slowly walked back to their places by the door. Brock shook his head, glancing out the window that had been hidden by the false wall that you’d been held behind, watching the fire rage through the snow.

“I lost everything because of you. Everything we’d worked so hard for. We infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. without anybody noticing. We brought them down, and for a moment, we were on top of the world. And then, all of that was gone. Thanks to you.”

You gasped again, feet leaving the floor as Brock lifted you up by your neck. You stared at Steve, shaking your head, praying he’d stay back. You didn’t want to die, but you couldn’t see any other way this would end. Steve stared at you, tears in his blue eyes and you tried to smile at him. You knew your face had to be turning red as hard as it was to breathe, and black spots were dancing in your vision.

That’s why you didn’t trust it when you thought you saw something glowing red through the far window above the staircase, way behind Steve.

You met Steve’s eyes again and moved your mouth, hoping he could understand you.

It’s okay. I love you.

He shook his head, reaching a hand for you, and that’s when everything gave way to chaos.

Tony burst through the shattered wall, hitting Brock with a blast to his back that sent him jolting forward. He kept hold of you, yelling when a glowing red ball of fire hit his side. You turned your head in time to see Steve reach behind him, and that was the moment time seemed to stop.

It all happened in the same second. There was no avoiding it. Brock pushed you forward at the same time Steve grabbed his shield. Brock stumbled behind you and hit the ground hard, screaming as Wanda enveloped him in glowing red ropes. Vision hovered over him, knocking him out through the stone in his forehead. Natasha turned at the same time Sam did, as Tony’s feet landed on the ground, as Wanda and Vision lifted their heads from where they were holding Brock.

“Oh god.”

Natasha’s low, terrified voice broke through the sudden, piercing silence, Steve’s eyes widening when you came into his vision.

“No.”

You stood there, frozen to the ground. Your hands held onto Steve’s shield, the one he’d thrown at Brock with all of his strength, but when Brock had pushed you forward, you caught the brunt of the blow instead. You opened your mouth, wanting to say something, anything, but unable to as blood poured from your lips.

It was funny; you knew you should be feeling pain—an enormous amount of pain—but you weren’t. You lifted your eyes, locking onto Steve’s, seeing the horrified look on his face. You wanted to smile at him, to tell him everything was okay, even though it was so very not. Instead, you just stared at him as blackness began darkening the edges of the room you could see, giving way to tunnel vision, until there was nothing.

TAGS: @marvelangstbingo, @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan, @captain-rogers-beard, @bionic-buckyb, @deaniebean, @shynara51, @wolfarrowepz, @captain-s-rogers, @m-a-t-91, @lovemesomepietro, @dudahmoraesevans, @the-obsessive-fangirl, @mrs-squirrel-chester, @winchesterenthusiast, @katecupcakekate, @iamwarrenspeace, @until-theend-oftheline, @evansrogerskitten, @thatgirl-xx-thatgirl, @thisismysecrethappyplace, @jjsoccer11

[hulksmashin-bannerpackin]

Hearts Mend

Pairing:
 Bruce Banner X Reader

Summary: Sequel to Heartbreak! You do have to have read the first one to understand it so here it is:

Heartbreak

It had been a year and a half since Y/N L/N had disappeared, a year and a half since she had left a hole in the heart of the Avengers and a year and a half since Bruce refused to stop looking. Whenever he had free time he was finding new ways to track her down. He scanned the news for any sign of a glimpse of her, he built machines specifically designed to track her energy signature he even resorted to weaving codes into the internet he knew she undoubtongly would see asking her to come back.

Bruce sighed for the umpteenth time as yet again he came up with nothing again. His heart sank as he he heard the alarm signalling there was a mission, that meant he’d more then likely have to end his search for today. He thought about all the times Y/N never gave up on him, all the times she helped calm the other guy and all the times she noticed when he was having a bad day and did whatever she could to make him happy. He couldn’t give up on her, not after all the times she never gave up on him.

He stood and felt the bones pop in his crack as he stretched to his full height. He hoped there wouldn’t be a code green today.

————-

Bruce sat huddled in the corner of the jet listening to his headphones, he tried to calm down but all he could think about was how he and Y/N had sat down together and designed the playlist after Tony had bought Bruce a brand new iPod and pair of headphones. The other guy was getting harder and harder to come back from and Bruce knew that it was directly his fault, he almost wanted to stay and smash, vent out all his frustrations and stress at the lack of success in finding Y/N.

He clicked his iPod off and pulled off his headphones, there wasn’t much of a point it wasn’t working so he tuned into the conversation.

“You need to treat this more seriously Tony!”

“I am taking it seriously.” Tony said choosing to ignore Steve’s glare. “And I seriously think it doesn’t matter. Their weapons are always flawed in some way or another, we can still take them out.”

“Steve is right Tony. The fact is AIM’s tech has gotten significantly better in the last year and it’ll only mean problems if it keeps improving.” Natasha pointed out as Tony simply rolled his eyes.

“I don’t know Nat, I’m with Tony on this one.” Clint spoke up as he was fiddling with one of his specialty arrow heads. “They send em in and we knock em right out.” He simulated shooting a bow and arrow while making a little whoosh noise.

“I too agree! They haven’t made anything we haven’t been able to take out yet.” Thor smiled triumphantly in agreement.

Natasha rolled her eyes.

Men.

She turned her gaze to Bruce, noticing he was watching their conversation.

“What do you think?” She turned around fully to face the scientist, her eyes slightly softened.

Bruce gave a small shrug, averting his eyes and pretending to be disinterested. He ignored the rest of the conversation.

—————-

One day Tony ended up finding Bruce sitting pathetically on the floor of his lab surrounded by broken equipment. It had all just gotten too much for Bruce, he let go, he hulked out and ended up destroying all the work he put into finding Y/N.

Tony stepped out of his Iron Man armour and grabbed a lab coat draping it over his friend with a sad gaze. “Bruce, I think it’s time to stop looking for Y/N…” Tony said quietly and reluctantly. Bruce didn’t move or speak, opting to continue to stare at the floor for a while before he exhaled and nodded. He supposed the time finally came to give up.

I’m sorry Y/N, I failed you…

—————

Bruce tried to move on and for the most part it worked. He continued to work and fight and build. He helped Clint design arrows, he had movie nights with Tony and he spent evenings with Natasha. Everything was relatively normal again. Except the dull ache in his heart always remained. The tinge of anger that still flared when he saw internet articles with wild theories about what happened to Y/N, most of which did not put her in a good light.

He just felt incomplete again. He use to feel like this when he was on the run and he had honestly thought the feeling went away because he joined the Avengers, lived comfortably again and had friends now and to be fair most of it was but he lost the feeling of completion when he lost Y/N. It reminded him of the pain he felt whenever he thought about Betty.

How could he be so stupid as to loose two women who had loved him? How could he be so stupid as too continue his relationship with Natasha when he didn’t put his whole heart into it? He had always been close friends with Natasha, they understood each other on a deeper level so they had a stronger connection and he supposed it was because he was so selfish that he didn’t want to loose another important person in his life. It was times like this Bruce remembered what a terrible person he truly was.

————————-

“I don’t think this working out anymore.”

Natasha announced, startling Bruce and causing him to look up from his Starkpad.

“Wha?”

“Us.” She interrupted. “We should break up.”

“Natasha I-”

Once again Bruce was interrupted albeit in a gentle manner as Natasha sat down beside Bruce and held his hand. “I don’t want to loose the close friendship that we have, other then Clint you’re the only person here who understands me.”

She placed a USB in the hand she was holding. “I found her.” Bruce’s eyes widened as he looked almost dumbly at the USB in his hand.

“How?” His voice was quiet as he closed his fingers around the small device.

“There are some things that a computer can’t do that the Black Widow can.” Natasha said proudly.

Bruce pulled Natasha into a tight hug. “Thank you Natasha, you mean so much to me.”

She accepted the hug and allowed herself to enjoy the moment. “And you know I adore you.”

————–

And so Bruce Banner once again took the roads and traveled alone. The difference was he wasn’t running, he wasn’t heading anywhere without a direction or purpose. Now he had a goal and he was going to bring Y/N back.

It took Bruce awhile to find the little down in Alaska she was hiding herself away in. She was definitely off the grid, it was a wonder how Natasha had found her. He got off the bus he had taken and looked around breathing deeply. The air was so fresh. He smiled as he thought for a moment that maybe if he found her they could stay here together, so he could selfishly keep her to himself but he shook the thought from his head. Their place was home with the Avengers.

————

Y/N was sitting at her work bench drawing up designs when she heard her door knock. She narrowed her eyes and cautiously made her way to the door. She wasn’t expecting anyone so she she focused her energy ready to blast whomever the intruder was if they were dangerous. She opened the door and gasped when her eyes met the beautiful brown ones she knew so well. She quickly attempted to slam the door closed but Bruce quickly stuck his foot out, grunting slightly as it stopped the door, he channeled some of Hulk’s strength to force open the door.

Y/N squeaked as she stumbled backwards. She got her footing back and still backed away from Bruce. “How did you find me?” She refused to show how happy she was at seeing him. She scanned him quickly, he looked scruffier then usual, unshaven and he somehow looked more tired then usual and that was saying something as Bruce more often then not looked tired.

Bruce was doing the same as Y/N, eyes taking in her appearance, his hands twitched at his side at how much he wanted to pull her into a hug and never let go. There was so much he wanted to say to her. A thousand possible things words his lips wanted to spill but he could only manage out one small sentence.

“Come home.”

Y/N blinked in surprise before frowning and looking away from the man she longed to see again for over a year. “Bruce, I can’t. You shouldn’t of come.” She said quietly.

“No. You’re lying Y/N. I know you are. You have to come home. The team isn’t the same without you.” Bruce stated stepping closer to her, closing the door behind him.

“I can’t come back Bruce.” Y/N started to tear up and Bruce couldn’t take it anymore. He crossed the small distance between them and pulled her into his arms. Even if Y/N wanted to pull away and fight she couldn’t. Her body moved on its own as her arms wrapped tightly around Bruce’s waist. She inhaled sharply as her head dipped against his neck and she started crying.

“It’s okay.” Bruce placed a hand against her head, holding her in place against him, where she belonged. “I’ve got you now. It’s okay.” Bruce let her cry and held her, trying to remember everything about this moment, take in all the details. He felt the hole in his heart finally start to mend and he knew that she was the reason. “Please come home.”

Y/N finally pulled away, breaking from his grip and wiped her eyes with her palm. “I can’t Bruce. I’m sorry I can’t. Please, leave.” She couldn’t do it, she couldn’t be reunited with Bruce and have that taken away from her by knowing she could never have him. “I can’t go back…” She walked to her work bench, indicating Bruce to follow her as she placed her hand on the large sheet of paper spread across the bench.

“They’d never, accept me back…”

Bruce’s eyes followed her hand. “Y/N…” He knew what the drawings were as soon as he laid eyes on them. “Why?”

“They helped me fix my suit… I was out of control then. I could of killed myself but more importantly I could of killed other people.” She looked at her drawings of weapon designs, when she started running AIM approached her and she had reluctantly agreed to help them build weapons in exchange for a new suit that could channel her energy powers safely. “I always built in defects though, they never noticed. I always made sure they weren’t strong enough to stop you all.” She smiled sadly. “The Avengers would never take me back. You shouldn’t either Bruce. Forget me, go back with Nat and be happy.”

Bruce slowly approached her and once more pulled her into an embrace. “We broke up, we figured we worked better as friends. Besides I got a letter and I found out the one I loved more then anything had actually reciprocated my feelings.”

Y/N’s eyes widened and she craned her head to look up at Bruce only to feel his lips pressed against her own. She was frozen. She couldn’t comprehend what was happening. So she shut off her brain and let her heart take charge for once and kissed him back, allowing all the hurt and all the passion to pass through her.

“Come home, if you don’t I’m staying here with you but… Everyone wants you home Y/N.” Bruce said after he pulled away from her lips, keeping his tight hold on her. Y/N smiled shyly as she allowed herself to enjoy the hug, for the first time in years she finally felt… Complete…

“Okay.“

Permanent Taglist: @insanityismysanity12345 @greenangrysnowflake @zadyalyss @kitchensink-to-me @becaamm @theweirdlunatic @itsjackothy @surfin-the-sun @bluebird-burning-gold

[ladyknightskye]

The 13 Ghosts of Darcy Lewis (13)

Summary: Halloween is one of Darcy’s favorite holidays, but the spooky fun is about to be hijacked. Now, Darcy must traverse a nightmare vision of the Avengers Compound and collect the 13 ghosts of the Avengers before midnight or else the spell will never be broken. However, she’s going to have some mighty monsters to fight - the Avengers themselves.

Author’s Note: Now it’s Pepper’s turn to be awesome.

Chapter 13: Empathy (Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde)

Characters: Pepper Potts, Bruce Banner, Hulk

Relationships: Pepper Potts & Bruce Banner

Warnings: None

           While Darcy was wrangling her own pair of ghosts, Pepper found herself in a position that she had always hoped to avoid. Instead of going through the forest – Pepper had seen her own share of horror movies thank you very much – she decided to go around it. That meant going near the lab buildings, which she hadn’t even thought to be wary of. However, the proof of her folly was currently standing in her path, his bulk blocking her it.

           “Shit,” she muttered, staring into the flaming eyes of none other than the Hulk. Quickly, she thought back to everything Tony had ever told her about the Big Guy. Her mind instantly latched onto something Tony had mentioned to her once almost three years ago.

           “It’s amazing Pep,” he’d moaned while laying across their bed. “He just lets Romanov mosey up to him and calm him down! Meanwhile, if any of us get near him he growls! He punches Thor every time!”

           Think, Pep, think. Why? Would the Hulk react to any woman like that? Why would men set him off? Time to find out. “Hey, Big Guy,” she said in her most soothing voice. It was the voice she used on Peter and Tony when they got mopey. “How’re you doing?”

           The angry tilt of his eyebrows lessened, and his grimace slowly left his mouth. “Good,” he said, his voice an inhuman rumble.

           “Good,” she said, her enthusiasm only slightly faked. She smiled brightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied the gray figure of his ghost. She couldn’t tell who it was, but she thought maybe she had an idea. She and Betty had become good friends, and she knew being scientific geniuses wasn’t the only thing Bruce and Tony had in common. Suddenly, inspiration struck. “Do you know me? Pepper? Tony’s fiancée?”

           Hulk cocked his head, eyes curious now. “Yes,” he answered.

           She held out her hand. “Nice to meet you,” she said, adopting the tone and posture she used on new business associates. It seemed to work as Hulk gingerly used a finger to shake her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

           “You . . . Don’t think I’m Bruce?”

           The full, grammatically correct sentence caught her a little off guard, but the sharp businesswoman in Pepper was too savvy to be totally surprised. “No. You’re your own person. Maybe a little angrier than most people would like, but you are you.”

           Hulk blinked his eyes and then slowly, gently, reached out to touch Pepper’s face. She allowed the intimate touch, sensing that this was what he needed. Empathy, she thought, was the key to being good at wheeling and dealing, and that empathy served her now. Another hand came into her field of vision, and though she didn’t recognize the man, she still smiled at him. The ghost laid his hand on her wrist. He didn’t say a word, but she knew that he was grateful. She looked back up at the Hulk, and then felt a heavy weight on her wrist. When she looked back down, the ghost was gone, and a chunky bangle rested on her wrist.

           “Thanks.”

           Pepper smiled. “Glad to see you back Bruce.”

           Bruce Banner stood before her in a green shirt and purple pants, his glasses perched on his nose. “I, uh, have no idea what’s going on right now.”

           Pepper laughed, and proceeded to tell him all about their crazy night, including the fact that Fury was a raging lunatic and Steve a vampire. “So Steve basically sexually assaulted Darcy and ran off with her? And you thought it was a good idea to go off after them alone?” he asked incredulously. She was so glad that he wasn’t going to dwell on the whole we’re-currently-stuck-in-a-spell part.

           “I wouldn’t call it a sexual assault. Just . . . I have the feeling that Steve would like to eat her in other ways.” She decided to never tell Bruce how much she enjoyed sharing TMI with him. His face did interesting things when he was embarrassed and disgusted at the same time.

           Then his face smoothed out. “Well, it’s not like we already didn’t know that Steve and Bucky had a thing for Darcy.”

           “And Bucky?” Pepper asked. “Steve, everyone knows about. But Bucky?”

           Bruce gave her a look, and a sad smile. “Well, I think me and Natasha are really the only ones who suspect, and maybe Clint, Fury, and Hill, but you know, none of us feel the need to share. Spies and reclusive scientists and all that . . . But I watch Bucky sometimes. He’s really careful not to show it around other people, but he watches her a lot. And there’s this look in his eye.”

           Pepper nodded, suddenly scouring her brain for anything she might have seen herself. “But how would that wash with Steve being interested?”

           She received a droll look. “I guess me and the super secret spies are also the only ones who realize that Steve and Bucky have been in love with each other since 1940, too.”

           “What?!” Pepper nearly shrieked. “Shut up!”

           Bruce laughed, beginning to stroll down the path towards Steve’s house. “Come on Pepper! You ever think about how touchy-feely they are with each other?”

           “I live with Tony Stark,” Pepper replied flatly.

           He turned back to her and nodded with an agreeing frown. “True. But beyond the Tony touchy-feelies. You’ve never noticed how they . . . orbit? Kinda in the same way that Natasha orbits Sam or Vision orbits Wanda?”

           She stopped and thought about that, and found herself seeing exactly what Bruce was talking about. “Holy crap,” she muttered. “So, do you think they want to include Darcy in their, um, thing?”

           Another droll look. “Oh yeah. Yeah they do.”

           “Okay,” she said skeptically, “how do you know?”

           “Walked in on them talking about it once.”

           “No way!”

           “Way.” He laughed. “You should’ve seen Steve’s face. I let them think I hadn’t heard a thing, but I totally did.”

           Pepper laughed, and the two of them amicably walked down the concrete path from the labs around towards Steve’s house. “Pepper,” Bruce said upon hearing a shrill cry in the night and the answering howl of another creature, “what do you think’s happened to the others? I don’t see anyone else, and the Compound was crawling with people.”

           She shrugged. “I don’t think we’re . . .” She trailed off when she peered into the pond outside of the labs. The party had taken over the conference side of the main building, as well as the bottom floors of the lab wing and the sculpted gardens that ran between the two buildings. Hill’s house was situated beside the garden, but had a little lawn and gate between it and the main gardens. Looking down into the water, she didn’t see her reflection, she saw two of the janitors, whose names she unfortunately didn’t know, laughing and giggling with drinks in hand. “I don’t think we’re in the same reality anymore.”

           Another howl in the night sounded closer than before. Bruce looked into the trees that bordered the other side of the gardens, leading out into the miles of jogging trails. He held out a hand to Pepper. “Come on, we need to find Darcy.”

           She took his hand, grateful for the warm feeling of another human being in this nightmare.

[fanaticfangirl001]

The Cure

Bruce Banner x Betty Ross Author’s note: Takes place right after Avengers shwarma scene. The Cure by Lady Gaga is in this and the song is amazing.

@imagine-assembling-the-avengers

@ursulaismymiddlename   

@unified-multiversal-theory

Bruce sits eating his shwarma plate avoiding the tomato. Clint and Natasha sit beside each other drifting into one another’s chair while Steve tries not to dose off. Thor happily gnaws on his sandwich and Tony is having an existential crisis. One thing Bruce learned from his short time in Tony’s lab is that existential crises are very normal for Tony. If Bruce were that type of doctor he would try to help him. The man behind the counter saws off meat from the log for more shwarmas as the small bell placed above the door rings.  Look up Bruce recognizes the woman and hopes to whatever deity is willing to help him that she doesn’t remember him. “Nico, you’re still open. “The woman says placing herself at the bar. “For you I stay open til the end of the world, Betty.” Nico gestures with the butcher knife. “Nico, forever the charmer. It’s still a no though.” Betty drums her fingers on the counter. “My son Alec, he’s a pretty boy, a pretty boy for an even prettier lady.” Nico lays the tray with a sandwich on the counter. “I don’t doubt that he’s a looker, I mean you’re not so bad yourself.” Betty pulls out her wallet to pay. “No charge.” Nico insists. “Fine.” Betty puts the ten-dollar bill into the tip jar. Bruce looks back up to see if Betty’s gone and is caught by her. He looks back down at his sandwich. She goes back to the counter drops off something and walks right passed him.

“What was that?” Tony asks. “I did have a life before Calcutta.” Bruce answers. “Was she in it?” Clint asks. Bruce nods taking a bite. “You’re not running after her.” Steve asks groggily. “Nope, I gave up on that pipe dream a long time ago.” He takes his remaining sandwich and dumps it in the trash. “I should just leave.” “I’ll go with you, I can show you some more of the lab.” Tony offers. Bruce nods, “I’d like that.” He stands to walk to the exit pushing in his chair. “Banner, there’s a note for you.” Nico, the cook, wipes off his hands and hurries the note to Bruce, having taken his name for the order. He pockets the note not reading it. Bruce will deal with her later. Bruce, we need to talk about how we left things. 917-548-5466 -Betty

Bruce sighs. He left her to protect her. She knows that, he knows that but deep down in the recesses of his brain he wants to be selfish. Instead of hurting her he’d rather wrap his arms around her and collapse but he can’t. Not with the other guy around. Against his better judgement, Bruce agrees to meet with Betty at her apartment. He knocks on the door then checks his watch. Right on time, not late, not early.

Betty opens the door with a small smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come.” “You said we’d talk. I’m open to talking.” Bruce comes in and sits on the couch. “Do you want anything to drink?” She gets up. “No, thank you. Um Betty I think this would be easier if one of us go first.” He suggests. “Right, right. I asked you to come so we could talk about us…the possibility of us being an us again.” Betty starts. “You know why I left.” “You didn’t have to.” Betty looks up from her hands. “That’s not true and you know it.” “Fine, you didn’t have to leave me, I could have come with you. I was in Brazil. “She reminds him. “I didn’t want to get you involved more than you already are.” “It’s my choice whether I’m involved or not, besides did he hurt me?” Betty tightens her lips to not let anything else slip out. “No, he didn’t hurt you but.” Betty interrupts Bruce. “No, Bruce you were the one to hurt me.” Bruce takes Betty’s hands “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “I know that. I just want to know now, what you want?” “What I want?” He asks. “Yes, you’re back in New York now, unless you have plans on leaving.” Bruce takes a deep breath and swallows. “I want to not wake up terrified of myself, I want to not feel alone. I thought I could do the right thing and just leave you alone, but I can’t.” “What does that mean?” “It means I still love you. I never stopped.” Bruce answers. “Me too.” She whispers. Betty wakes up feeling pinned to the bed. After remembering what happened last night she looks down and sees Bruce nestled on top of her. His clothes are on the floor while hers are stung about the room as her bra spins around the room on the ceiling fan blade.

Cover you as you desire When you fall asleep inside my arms May not have the fancy things But I'll give you everything You could ever want, it's in my arms

She wants this moment to last forever. Just her, and Bruce.

So baby tell me yes And I will give you everything So baby tell me yes And I will be all yours tonight So baby tell me yes And I will give you everything I will be right by your side

[daydreamerdrew]

Comics read this past week:

Marvel Comics:

The Incredible Hulk (1968) #274-279

These issues were published across May 1982 to October 1982, according to the Marvel Wiki. All were written by Bill Mantlo. The breakdowns of issue #274 were drawn by Sal Buscema, which was finished by Joe Sinnott. Issues #275-278 were penciled by Sal Buscema and inked by Joe Sinnott. The layouts of issue #279 were drawn by Mark Gruenwald, which were finished by Greg LaRocque.

In issue #274 Bruce finally acknowledges that the Hulk’s personality isn’t completely gone, even though the Hulk has made his presence known by taking control when Bruce got upset several times since this change in them where Bruce is able to switch between their human body and gamma monster body at will. The Hulk lashes out, and there’s nothing different about this instance other than perhaps that Bruce’s confidence has been building, and finally Bruce thinks, “Maybe the Hulk side of my persona isn’t dead- but only deeply submerged within my subconscious- but not so deep that that a momentary fit of rage can’t dredge it up! If I’m to use the powers of the Hulk, I’ll have to keep a tighter rein on my emotions than ever before- because from now on I won’t have the excuse of acting out of ignorance or mindlessness!” I do also think part of Bruce’s hesitation about acknowledging this/confusion is because he now has access to the Hulk’s memories and remembers what he does, when before the change in them was definitive both because of the physical transformation and because Bruce didn’t remember what the Hulk did.

I liked the phrasing in the opening of issue #275 that this change in the character could either be “a more humane monster, or a more monstrous man.”

I liked the contrast between Bruce and Betty’s mindsets in these issues, where Betty is upset and pulling away from Bruce just as it seems to him that his life is getting back on track. She is not thrilled to see Bruce fight as the Hulk in issue #275, saying, “Don’t you realize the horror of what’s happening?! The man I love is the Hulk- and for the first time he’s reveling in that fact!” Again in issue #276 she says, “Oh, Bruce- Bruce!” looking horrified while in contrast next to her Bereet cheers for the Hulk. She was already on edge when Bruce first appeared in the Hulk’s body; at the first sign that they were under attack and Bruce was going to have to defend them in issue #275 she exclaimed, “I knew it! Some new danger! There’s always danger whenever the Hulk is present! That’s why I wanted you to find a cure, Bruce- So you’d be out of danger forever!”

In issue #276 Betty tells Bruce, “I stood by you because I believed you wanted to find a cure, Bruce- to be free of the Hulk forever. Your new condition is a compromise- one I can’t accept.” She tries to abandon Bruce in a time of need, explaining, “I can’t take any more mock heroics, any more insanity. Maybe I’m just a coward. Maybe the Bruce Banner I thought I loved never really existed.” She does ultimately agree to help him one last time, but in a moment of high tension she takes this mentality to an extreme in issue #277 by questioning, “Why should we want to?” and saying, “The world would be better off if we let the monster perish.” At the beginning of issue #278 Leonard Samson finds Betty alone in the destroyed Gamma Base in the middle of the desert, having been abandoned there by the group in an unseen scene. She tells him, “No one knows how I feel anymore! Not even me!”

The rest of issue #278 is dedicated to Bruce securing a presidential pardon for himself for all of the Hulk’s past crimes. And issue #279 is all about an absurd celebration for the Hulk, where just about every superhero ever comes out for the ceremony. To me it’s more extreme than the World Stinger Day celebration in Dragonfly and Dragonfly-Man (2019) #5, which I read last week, where an international holiday is declared for Stinger and he also gets a kiss in the cheek from the winner of the annual Fortune City beauty pageant, free ice cream for life, a special badge that allows him to “search any premises without a judge’s warrant,” and a car. The one hiccup in the Hulk’s festivities is Betty’s presence in the crowd with Leonard Samson, now cooled down she seems to be wishing him luck before disappearing.

Fawcett Comics:

the Captain Marvel stories in Whiz Comics (1940) #87 and Captain Marvel Adventures (1941) #74 and The Marvel Family (1945) #13

In this batch of 7 stories I read the Captain Marvel appearances in July 1947, according to the issue cover dates. The stories ranged from 7 to 9 pages.

The stories “Captain Marvel and the War of the Gods” (written by Otto Binder; artist unknown) in Whiz Comics #87 and “Captain Marvel and the Fate of the World” (written by Bill Woolfolk; drawn by Pete Constanza) in Captain Marvel Adventures #74 contain both appearances of the Wizard Shazam and Captain Marvel’s empowering gods and an anti-war theme, neither of which are recurring stapes in these Captain Marvel stories.

In the Whiz Comics story the god of war Mars incites conflict among Captain Marvel’s empowering gods with the thinking that “with Captain Marvel out of the way, I can plunge the earth into the most terrific war of all times!” The story is kicked off by an anti-war lecturer Billy was going to interview getting killed, of who Billy said favorably, “If enough men like him keep working for peace, there will never be another war!” And the Wizard Shazam gives Billy a tip he needs to prevent the assassination of another peace advocate. In his concluding broadcast Billy said, “As long as Captain Marvel is on the job, he’ll see to it that we have peace, not war! But he can’t do the job alone! It will take the efforts of all of us, working together, to keep Mars, the god of war, from wrecking civilization!”

In the Captain Marvel Adventures story the gods decide, “This little planet has been torn with war, misery and mortal greed for thousands of years! In vain, we’ve searched for some sign of improvement… I think it’s time we admitted we made a mistake, and ended the world once and for all!” The Wizard Shazam gives Captain Marvel the responsibility of convincing the gods to not destroy the Earth that night, which he does succeed in doing, proving that “There is hope, after all, for a world where such love exists!”

[jmesbirk]

Royally Yours: Part Nine

Bucky Barnes x reader

Summary: You’re unwillingly engaged to the Crown Prince of another kingdom, whom you had known as a child but then lost contact with. Time, deceit, and politics brings you two back together, but it’s a dramatic stretch to the ascension of the throne.

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Grant Ward, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Pepper Pots, Peggy Carter, Bruce Banner, Lincoln Campbell, Betty Ross, Clint Barton (more to be added)

Word Count: 1.5k

A/N: WOW OKAY LETS FORGET ABOUT MY SLIP UP YIKES

PART EIGHT  PART TEN

Last Time:

“God help us stop her,” Rebecca murmurs. The sun sets, and the plan forms.

Now:

   You had never loathed someone before, nor had a touchable force of aggression against you, but as Lady Natasha walked by you with her chin held high and a smirk on her face, you felt a bubbling sensation of disgust in your chest.

Rebecca holds onto your arm tighter when Natasha suddenly stops, and approaches you both.

“Your Highnesses,” she greets. Rebecca is the one to answer.

“Natasha.”

It was decided that neither you nor Rebecca should allow Natasha to have any idea that you both knew of her intentions. Grant had become watched, and James had been bypassed during breakfast, and every route both you and Rebecca took through the castle had become a scouting mission for any sort of eyes that cut through you with dislike.

So far, only the candle servants had given their cold shoulders to you.

“Are you enjoying your stroll?” Natasha asks sweetly.

“Very much,” Rebecca replies, raising her chin. “If you’ll excuse us, we’d like to return to it.”

You leave Natasha in the hall, and roll your eyes once she’s behind you.

“I will never understand why women always feud more than men,” you say.

“At least our quarrels are over dresses and men rather than honor and pride,” Rebecca responds.

“I don’t believe that’s any less rivalrous,” you reply.

Rebecca chuckles as your path takes you towards the gardens, and you can see where James is shooting arrow after arrow into targets placed in the field.

He’d been there for two journeys around the castle halls now, only accompanied by guards who stood watch and held his arrows for him. True to Rebecca’s word, the prince is an excellent marksman, frequently having to switch between targets as the arrows are pulled from the haystack’s center by a guard.

“I’m worried for him,” Rebecca says suddenly, stopping the walk as you both stand on the other side of a dying hedge yards from James.

“As am I,” you reply.

Rebecca glances at you, and sighs. “I want to tell him what Natasha is up to, because she is his ex-lover, but anything we do outside of the plan can ruin your reputation, especially since the kingdom only knows you two are engaged.”

“Honestly,” you mutter. “We just need to find a way to expose her before she can speak out.”

“We could always get rid of Grant,” Rebecca replies delicately. “You can make him leave court publicly.”

“How though?” you ask her. She purses her lips before her eyes widen and she smirks.

“Let’s go hunting,” Rebecca suggests. “We’ll invite Bucky and Grant and a few guards, and we’ll find a way for them to fight, and when Bucky is angry enough, he will force Grant to leave.”

“It’ll help if we have Steve,” you add. “He’s protective over Bucky, and we both know he’ll be the one to hold a fight against Grant.”

Rebecca nods. “We’ll do it today, while there’s still light.”

As you two had been talking, you’d been walking towards Prince James, who had recognized you both approaching him and now stands waiting.

“You two look thick as thieves,” he comments, and Rebecca exchanges glances with you.

“Bucky, we were wondering if we could go hunting today,” Rebecca says, and James’ eyebrows raise.

“Hunting,” he repeats. “I thought you didn’t like hunting.”

“I don’t,” Rebecca agrees, “but Steve is back for the first time in a while, and I thought it would be nice if he, you, myself, (Y/N), and Grant all went out for sport.”

Bucky glances at you, and you make yourself smile at him to deflect his suspicion.

“Alright,” he says slowly, and then turns to his guards. “Can one of you find Steve and tell him we’ll be hunting in an hour, and someone else alert the stable to prepare five horses?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Two of the guards nod obediently and then walk off to their assignments. The prince turns back to you two.

“I hope you know how to ride, (Y/N),” Bucky says. “I don’t like to go slow.”

Your cheeks redden, and Bucky chuckles.

“I meant a horse,” he continues.

“I will try to keep up,” you reply, letting Rebecca take your hand and drag you away from Bucky.

“Good God,” she mutters. “Such a damn flirt.”

…

“Peggy?”

You turn as the second princess rides up to your group, smiling.

“Hello,” she greets in reply, flanking Steve. “You all looked like you were going hunting, so I thought I’d join.”

She doesn’t look for acceptance of this proposal, and you admire her strong spirit for coming uninvited.

“I hope you’re not queasy,” Bucky says to her, and she flashes him a smile.

You and Rebecca both trade looks, and then glance ahead at Grant. He’d only agreed to come because you had invited him, but the glares he issued to Prince James behind his back were becoming annoying. He was lucky both of the princes were too absorbed in their quiet conversation to see his looks. Guards trailed after your now six horses, mumblings of their conversations barely reaching your ears as you sidled up alongside Rebecca.

“We need him to piss Bucky off soon,” Rebecca says once you’re close enough to her. Her eyes stay ahead, as do yours, focused on the movement of Grant’s head and the sway of his reins.

“I can’t initiate anything,” you reply, “or else he’ll know I’m the one that wants him gone.”

“You’ll have to submit to Bucky too,” Rebecca adds, glancing at you. “Grant’s your subject, but forcing him to leave will have to be something you begrudgingly accept to do under Bucky’s order.”

“I’m prepared to do that,” you say, pursing your lips when you thought of what Rebecca had told you of whom you thought to be your closest friend plotting against you.

“Grant,” Peggy calls from her horse, and your advisor looks over at her.

“Your Highness,” he responds, his horse breaking twigs under its hooves.

“What is your purpose here?” Peggy asks him.

Grant raises an eyebrow, appearing irritated with the princess.

“I was invited by my queen,” he replies, and Peggy nods, glancing back at you before saying:

“And do tell me, does your queen know of your plans to spoil her virtue?”

Your jaw drops and six horses come to stop instantaneously, James’ horse whirling around. Grant has become wordless, and you openly gape between him and Peggy, stunned.

Rebecca doesn’t dare whisper to you, but her lips are parted as well, eyes as wide as saucers.

“What?” Bucky demands, glaring between you and Grant.

You swallow, and look at James with a genuinely surprised expression. Spoiling virtue was far different than lying about it. You suddenly feel sick.

“Bucky, I-”

You start to say, but his glare cuts you off as he approaches you steadfast on his horse.

“You were going to end your virtue just to end our marriage?” he demands, knowing full and well everyone around the two of you knew the truth of the arrangement.

“No!” you all but shout. “James, he and Natasha have been planning on destroying my reputation.”

James stares at you, his gaze analytical before he glances back at Grant, who had begun to steer his horse.

“Don’t move,” Bucky glowers at him. Grant shifts on his mount.

“Bucky,” Rebecca speaks up. “It’s true. I heard them plotting in Natasha’s room a few days ago to lie about (Y/N)’s purity to attempt to annul the union.”

Bucky clenches his jaw, but he seems to believe his sister because he looks to the guards next. “Guards, arrest Grant and lock him in a cell until I’m ready to question him.”

“Wait!” Grant yells, becoming confronted with the prince’s guards. “I can explain this! (Y/N)!”

“Get him out of my sight!” James orders, and the guards yank Grant down from the saddle. You look away, at the legs of Peggy’s horse as Grant continues to battle the guards holding him.

“(Y/N)!” Grant yells at you. “(Y/N)! Just listen to me, damnit!”

You ignore him, remaining still even long after he’s out of earshot.

“How did you know?” Rebecca suddenly asks Peggy, and she gives her a small smile.

“Natasha was a childhood friend,” Peggy replies. “She believed I was wed unhappily to Steve and confided with me in her plans to ruin (Y/N). James, she wants your crown.”

James continues to stare at you, and you finally lift your gaze to meet his.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks you, and you exhale slowly.

“If we had told you, you would have confirmed the rumors that he had already taken what he wanted from me by jailing him,” you respond.

“This is treason, (Y/N),” James says evenly.

You let out a soft breath. “I haven’t committed anything against you, James. I don’t love Grant nor have I let him into my chambers.”

Your blush in saying this aloud remains constrained, despite the eyes watching you.

“I believe her, Buck,” Steve speaks up. “You know (Y/N) doesn’t like lying to you.”

“I believe her too,” Peggy adds. “The way Natasha and Grant spoke about her virtue was like it is still there. She’s still honest.”

“I never said I don’t believe her,” Bucky snaps at them both, and then runs a hand through his hair. He straightens his back. “We’re going back to the castle. Come on.”

He takes the lead of the group again, this time alone at the front as you, Rebecca, Peggy, and Steve gradually fall into formation behind him, silent as the wind whistles through the trees and birds cry overhead.

You inhale slowly, the cold air stinging your throat, and follow the future king.

TAGS:

@a-steroides @princeofsassgard @soundslikehuman @crazybarnes @creativexdreamer @fav-fan-fic @allyp1023 @sergeant-james-bbarnes @topthis808 @pretentiousaf @blues--sargent @aboxinthestars @bailieinabottle @flibertigibbet23 @thinks--for-thanking-of-me

[planetejobn]

How Hulk Sequels could have fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Part 1

“A stand-alone Hulk movie will never happen because Universal has the rights to the Hulk and for some reason, they don’t know how to play well with Marvel" - Mark Ruffalo on why the Incredible Hulk will not get an stand alone sequel. 

Movie rights are a messy business... One company owning a character can mess up or hinder plans for another company. The rights to the Character, in this case "The Hulk", is no different. Marvel can use the character in future Avenger movies or any other Marvel movie they see fit. This is why we can see him cameo in  Thor: Ragnarok and the upcoming Avengers movies as The Hulk story arc but we haven't seen a sequel to the the Phase 1 Hulk movie that came out alongside Iron Man back in 2008.

If it were to happen here is my Idea of how Marvel could have done the sequel

The Incredible Hulk: 2

The movie takes place during phase two a few months after Ironman 3  and it will adopt the Fall of the Hulk's storyline . The movie focuses more on Banner than the Hulk and takes place in Los Angeles, California, then moves on to a remote town in Arizona.

It will have introduce Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) and then reintroduce Amadeus Cho, Leonard Samson, Betty Ross and her father.  The villain's of the sequel will be The Leader  and the U-Foes as his henchmen and by now The Leader would have somehow escaped Shield custody and flee to a small town in Arizona where he would be conducting experiments on the residents. His goal  is to lead a army of Hulks just like the comics. 

In the movie  Betty would contact Bruce about the Leader's location and so that Hulk can confront the leader without anybody being in danger. Jennifer also tags along as well. It turns out to be a trap as Leader uses Betty to trap Bruce and somehow de-powers him. Samson is in the area visiting family and Cho is in town because of a field trip. Leader sets off his experiment that affects nearly the whole town not hitting Cho since he was in the outskirts but here it would introduce Samson to his powers and transform Betty into Harpy. It would also introduce the U-Foes as the whole town is now full of Hulks for the Leader to use and Bruce is imprisoned and defeated...Or so it seems...

  The next half of the movie will have Samson and Cho saving Bruce and cooking up a plan on how to get Bruce his powers back and save the town. As the Leader prepares his Hulks, he let the U-Foes know that this was only the blueprint and that he is going to affect more cities with the machine he created to transform people and states. Leader boasts that not even the Avengers can stop him. Meanwhile Bruce finds out that if he reverses the effects of the gamma wave that turned the people into Hulks, it will also give him his powers back.

Bruce agrees and the final battle ensues as Bruce, Cho and Samson race to the Leader's location...As they sneak past the Hulks only to be met with Harpy. An angered Bruce musters up a bit of strength to transform and he does but only manages to transform into the weaker incarnation of Gray Hulk. Harpy flies past every one only to pick up Jennifer and take her to the Leader base. 

Samson tells Bruce to get into the building while he holds off the Hulks and Cho follows. The climax of the movie is that the Hulk is at full strength without the machine.  Samson injects Betty with a serum that was intended for Hulk and it turns her back to normal for a few seconds, but as she gets  angry she turns into Red She-Hulk...All three fight the U-Foes as Cho is reversing the effects on the machine. 

S.H.I.E.L.D. finds out what's going on and heads to Arizona, The Hulk bursts through the doors as he faces the Leader one on one.  The Leader lets Hulk know that even though the machine is destroyed and the people are back to normal, he has a gamma bomb that has been absorbing gamma radiation from all the Hulks including Banner and the longer Bruce stays the Hulk, the more powerful the gamma bomb becomes. This forces The Hulk to transform back into Bruce which leads him into a battle of wits with  the Leader. The fight ends with a punch to the face by Bruce.

Banner goes to the cell where Jennifer is severely injured and needs blood, however Cho calls Bruce to let him know that S.H.I.E.L.D  is coming,. The heroes don't not enough time to escape and save Jennifer. Bruce he gives her a blood transfusion because of the healing properties within his blood.  The movie ends with The Leader in custody and Thaddeus eyeing Bruce; Bruce breaks up with Betty as her powers leave her,  saying he is "too dangerous to be around"  He turns into The Hulk and leaps away at the anguish of losing Betty again. The post credit scene will show Walters at home feeling the effects of the blood transfusion as she slowly turns green!"

 Welp! That's how I see the sequel...  Up next will be about how I think they can make the Incredible Hulk 3 - Planet Hulk (it takes place after Age of Ultron movie and it will focus more on the villain - Red King. His love interest is  Caiera the Oldstrong, setting is Sakarr and leads into Thor Ragnarok...)