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[You haven’t attended a party until you’ve attended a party thrown by Tony Stark. Clint Barton had seen dozens of these types of shindigs, but usually he watched from the wings, the shadows, a rooftop across the street while Natasha danced and faked laughter and shmoozed with all the guests. So maybe there were more impressive parties, but as one of the few Clint had actually been invited to it definitely ranked at the top.

Still, old habits died hard, and he was always watching, alsways scanning for trouble, his eyes on his partner more than anywhere else as if waiting for some signal to take a shot.

Bringing a glass of champagne up to his lips, he takes note of Bruce looking just as uncomfortable as ever. The man was pretty much uncomfortable in his own skin, never mind the monkey suit. He sidles up next to the doctor.]

I dunno, I think he could have fit a few more people in here. I don't think it's quite half of the city's population yet.

[Bruce smiles, despite his discomfort in the stuffy surroundings. He's not so sure that Clint's estimation isn't that far off. Another reason not to be entirely at ease. He doesn't like crowds unless he's hiding in them and considering he's one of the guests of honor, he can't exactly do that here.]

I'm beginning to think Tony only looked into the ARC reactor because it was the only way he could power a party like this without blacking out the half that wasn't invited.

You make a good point. [Clint chuckles. Finishing his champagne he sets the empty glass on a passing tray and takes another full one to replace it.]

You much of a dancer, doc? [His eyes scan the room again, forever watching, forever searching] I'm sure we can find you someone in all these people who won't tramp on your toes.

[Bruce shoots Clint a sideways glance, afraid for a second that the other man is asking. He lets out a small laugh at himself and shakes his head.]

No, not much of a dancer. [He follows Hawkeye's scan around the room.] It's not my toes I'm worried about.

[When he spots Natasha on the dance floor he stops.] What about you? Have you picked out a partner yet?

[Maybe Bruce wasn’t worried about his toes, but a brash enough partner who was clumsy and unapologetic might be enough to worry about. The toes were possibly just the starting point.]

Well you know Stark isn’t gonna let you out of here early, so you might wanna think about giving it a shot.

[For all they knew there was security just outside the doors or maybe JARVIS was on high alert, so even if Tony himself didn’t notice people leaving, Clint had no doubts that someone would and put a stop to it.

At the question of his own dance partner he made sure to look nowhere in particular as he gave a shrug]

I’ve picked out plenty, just trying to decide who’s lucky enough to get me first.

[His smile tightens the tiniest bit around the edges at Clint's easy confirmation of his fears. He's stuck here, at least for a little while. Maybe Clint is right. In which case, he knows exactly who to ask.

He glances over at Clint, but pulls his attention back towards the crowd before he speaks.] Is it a tough decision?

[Clint notes the uneasiness in Bruce’s demeanour, he’s trained to notice these things, but he doesn’t mention it.]

Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint anyone. [Noting a rather pretty blonde looking their way, Clint throws her a charming grin] There’s a lot of beautiful women here tonight. The night is young, doc. I’ll even give you first pick.

[Bruce smiles and this time it's genuine.] First pick, huh?

[He looks around the room and shrugs.] Actually, I was thinking of asking someone that I know for sure Tony will witness me dancing with. [He paused.] You haven't seen Pepper, have you?

[Clint grins back, satisfied, because winning a genuine smile out of Banner, especially in a situation like this, is an accomplishment in his book]

Anyone you want.

[He’s actually curious as to who Bruce will pick out of all the beautiful women gathered, and even more curious if he’ll actually go through with asking them. Clint wasn’t so convinced he wasn’t just playing along for now until he could make a run for it]

Pepper?

[That was a surprise, though the logic was sound, even if the intention was a bit hazy. Quickly scanning the room again, Clint discreetly nodded his head off to one side]

She’s right over there with our humble host, but I’m sure they won’t mind you cutting in.

Making Tony mind is what I had in mind.

[He knows Pepper won't mind of course. If anything, she'll play along and milk it for all it's worth. Tony on the other hand, well there's a 50/50 chance that he'll either be annoyed or amused. Probably both.

It's a shaky theory, but one possibly worth exploring anyway. Bruce watches them dance for a moment, Pepper smiling against Tony's shoulder and he sighs, letting the impulse for petty revenge get pushed back and locked away with all the other parts of him he doesn't want to share with the world.

He turns to Clint.] On second thought, I think I'll spare Pepper the embarrassment of my dancing skills. [He moves to shift the conversation away from himself.] Why don't you ask Natasha to dance?

Edited 2012-07-04 18:29 (UTC)

[That was not the response Clint suspected, particularly not from Bruce. He looked over at the other man in surprise.]

Well, I’m sure if you phrase the request just right you can accomplish that.

[But just as quick as Bruce suggested it he seemed to rethink it. Still, Clint decided to file that away for future reference.]

Oh, I will. [His tone is nonchalant as his eyes search out Natasha in the crowd. He finds her almost instantly, years worth of training doing the exact thing help of course.] Figured I’d wait until she got bored and irritated enough with these high brow ‘gentlemen’ before I played hero and swooped in to save her. [He grins as he says it, eyes fixed on her] Besides... it’s fun watching her turn them down.

[Bruce bites back a grin.] I see.

[And he does see that what he took as hesitation is actually a strategic move on Barton's part. He probably shouldn't have expected any less from the tactician, especially considering his partner and opponent is Natasha.

It is fun watching her tun them down.] I should've had more faith.

[Clint had seen Natasha pull this act dozens of times over the years, pretending to be interested to all the banal things the mark has to say just hoping to gleam a single useful fact, or more often than not to gain his trust so the information would be more forthcoming later. To the untrained eye the act was seamless, but Clint could tell she was bored already.

Tearing his eyes away from her, he looks over at Bruce with a hint of confusion.] Faith in what?

Edited 2012-07-08 12:03 (UTC)

[Bruce shakes his head, finally allowing himself to take a sip of his drink. One won't hurt and it gives him something to do.] Nothing.

[He lowers his glass and then swallows quickly, his eye catching a familiar face approaching them.] Agent Hill?

[Maria had ditched her SHEILD uniform for a fitted blue cocktail dress that hugged her curves nicely. Though her expression was still as cool as ever, it was an undeniably attention grabbing change.

She nodded at them briefly.] Dr. Banner. Agent Barton.

[Clint watches Bruce a moment longer, contemplating the words and the shake of his head before being drawn from his thoughts by Maria’s approach. Looking her up and down, he let’s out a low wolf whistle.]

Agent Hill. Nice dress. [And it was. Not only that, but it looked good on her, even though it was strange seeing her out of her uniform. Clint was used to seeing Natasha dressed up on missions, even though she never failed to take his breath away, but this was a real treat.] This party must be pretty important to get you to leave the base.

[Maria gives Clint a stony stare that dares him to whistle again and Bruce finds himself biting back a smile. He takes another sip of his drink in an attempt to busy his mouth.]

Fury gave me the night off.

Are you enjoying the party? [Bruce liked Maria, but somehow in this setting and this light things felt different than they had on the helicarrier.]

I am. [He must not have been the only one to feel it, because Maria shifted on her feet and tapped the underside of her glass impatiently.]

[Clint just smiles innocently back at Maria]

You mean he can actually function without you? My whole world view has been shaken.

[Maria might have looked great, but she didn’t look entirely comfortable. Clint quickly took in her impatient movements]

Wow, really? You don’t sound like you’re enjoying it much. [Suddenly he was grinning again. Clapping a hand on Bruce’s back, Clint gave him a little push toward Maria] There is only one remedy, and that’s dancing!

[Bruce grits his teeth at the small push forward and is halfway through shaking his head when he looks up and sees Maria assessing him as if she's actually thinking about it.] I think I'll save your feet from that disaster.

[He straightens up though and gestures towards Clint.] Barton, was just saying hw he was looking for a partner though.

[Maria regarded both of them for a moment before finishing her drink and placing it on a passing tray.] Is that true, Agent Barton?

[Clint only grins wider at Bruce’s clear annoyance of his actions. He’s not surprised when Bruce makes an excuse not to accept, nor when the joke is suddenly turned back on him.]

Actually, I was saying how I was trying to decide which of all the beautiful ladies here would get the privilege of the first dance with me.

[In truth, he wasn’t a fan of these types of parties or dancing... well, most of the time. Given the choice he’d prefer an upbeat country band and some good old line dancing, or something with some real moves.]

[Bruce has to hand it to Clint for not loosing the least bit of cool at the suggestion. Somehow, in this setting, Maria seems even more intimidating than usual. He's actually relieved that she didn't push for a dance, because the thought of shuffling awkwardly with her sounds terrifying.]

What a lucky girl that will be.

[Maria's tone is entirely deadpan as she meets Clint's eyes. She appreciates Barton's skills in the field and his sense of humor on occasion but here it comes off as pure cockiness.]

Any contenders?

Edited 2012-07-27 14:58 (UTC)

[Clint can’t help but read Maria’s words and look as a challenge, and he has never been one to back down from a challenge. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he exaggeratedly scans the room again before holding his hand out in Maria’s direction]

What do you say, Agent Hill? Up for making a few ladies jealous?

[Well, maybe there’s only one he’d ever be interested in making jealous, but he’s pretty sure Maria is the last person that would illicit such a reaction]

[Bruce bites back a smile as he glances between the two SHIELD agents in front of him. There is a short stand off before Maria gives her version of a tiny eye roll and takes Clint's hand.]

Step on my toes and you'll regret it.

[The tone is matter of fact, but Bruce thinks there's definitely a bit of amusement in the eyes. He gives a small laugh.] I'll just wait here.

[The invitation had come as something of a surprise to Betty. She hadn't been aware that Stark Industries was interested in her research, but it was as good an excuse as any to take the opportunity to go to New York City again. Her memories of it may not be the greatest, but this was the last place she saw him. It seemed only fair to return every once in a while.

Maybe this visit would allow for a shopping trip. No one could say that Betty Ross wasn't able to entertain herself in most any situation.

She felt a little bit alone in the large crowd. Regretting the fact that Leonard couldn't accompany her this time. It wasn't the relationship he or she hoped for, but a solid friendship that helped to keep her grounded.]

[He is moving through the crowd towards the band when he spots her. He stops short, feeling his pulse jump and immediately going into damage control mode he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

He's going to kill Tony. Or at least let Hulk have his way with him the next time the opportunity arises. He must have known. He could've warned him.

He lets out another slow breath just as he manages to catch her eye. Now there's no going back, even if a huge part of him never really wanted to. He moves towards her, giving her a small smile.]

Hello, Betty.

[She's glad that the glass of champagne had been empty when recognition came. In the process of setting her glass down on a passing tray, she'd seen someone that looked familiar. The only thing that kept her from instantly knowing him was the knowledge that it was impossible for him to be here.

He'd never risk it. With so many people, and in the city...]

Bruce. [Betty's breath goes a little uneven, the need for air secondary to the need to know she's not hallucinating this. Her hand reaches out to touch his tux unconsciously.]

...when I stopped getting letters I thought- [She'd thought that her father had closed that last lingering connection once and for all between them. She couldn't afford to think that something had happened to him.]

I didn't expect you to still be here.

[He's not prepared for this at all. Not for the look on her face, or the explanation he owes her. Not for the months of silence between them. He can feel the other guy willing to take over, to smash and pound all feelings into oblivion and he pushes him back as hard as he can, willing himself to get a hold of the emotions running through him.] I wasn't... I was in India for a while.

[He takes a deep breath.] I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stopped writing, I just thought... [He swallows.] Things might be easier that way.

I've always wanted to see India. [In a reluctant, but resigned way, she lets her fingertips fall from his suit. Betty understands, even if she will never agree. She was willing to give up everything to follow him once, she would have done it again in a heart beat.]

Easier for you. [It's hard to hold back the urge to cry, or hug him, but this isn't the time or place for an emotional display. Betty tucks her hair behind her ears and offers him a small smile.] ...I'm glad you're here.

[She'd seen the hulk on the news, of course. It was the deciding factor in what had drew her to this city again.]

[The guilt is sharp as it cuts through him. She's right, it was easier for him. He told himself that it would be easier for her too, to let her move on with Leonard. Nothing about this moment is easy though, least of all the look she's giving him, or the soft smile that follows.

He wants to pull her close and never let go. To let himself relax against her familiarity, but he knows that can't last. Things are different now.

Still, even if he thinks he should at least try to keep his distance he reaches for her hand as she pulls it away and gives it a soft squeeze.] I'm glad you're here too.

[And he is. There's so much he wants to say to her, but all that comes out is the obvious.] You look amazing.

[They are different. He's found a place for himself, made a new life. Betty can't ignore the fact that somehow, he's taken a step forward for himself. It would be selfish of her to want to undo that.]

It's a new dress, I- [She looks around, once again aware of all the glitter and gold of the event.] didn't want to feel out of place.

[But she does.]

[He gives her a small smile. He knows she feels as much out of place as he does. This has never really been either one of their scenes. He can remember having to go to University fundraising events in what feels like his past life and then sharing a pint of ice cream on the couch between them afterwards in their finest, Betty's weary feet propped up on his lap.

His heart aches at the memory and it forces him to look away from her. He wonders of she does that with Leonard now.] Is Leonard here?

No, I didn't ask him. [She was careful about how much she included her friend. Not wanting to hurt him either, by pretending to feel something she couldn't.]

I'll have to get some pictures with you, he'll be happy to see you well. [Betty knows that Bruce and Leonard haven't always seen eye to eye on some things, but they were far more alike than different. Scientists and philosophers that she could respect in contrast to the influence of the military on her life.] ...what is this Avengers group I keep hearing about?

Sure. [He says, forcing a smile at the mention of pictures. He's not so sure Leonard is as anxious to see him next to Betty, but he's not about to turn down an excuse to be near her for a little bit longer.

He looks back up at her, studying her face for a moment before speaking.] What have you heard?

[Betty hesitates a moment before clarifying. It might be kinder to them both if she just let's Bruce assume things are still going with Leonard.]

Only that people don't know what to make of the incident in New York City. Some big hoax? That's the kind of thing they tried to spin after we were here last time.... and, I saw picture of him. You. The other you.

Yeah, it was him. [Pause.] Me. [These days it's hard to tell where he ends and the Hulk begins. He's come a long way in accepting the other guy, but it doesn't make things any easier, especially when he's looking at Betty. She's the most important thing the other guy cost him.]

The Avengers is an initiative that brought me and some other people together to fight. [It's funny, explaining it that way now. Fighting as the Hulk is a concept he's gotten used to, though he can only imagine what it sounds like to her.] Captain America, two spies, Tony... [He gives her a small smile.] Stark, I mean. And me. It shouldn't work, but it does somehow.

Edited 2012-07-13 18:09 (UTC)

[Pride for his accomplishments swells back up. Betty grasps his hands and holds them, smiling a little brighter now as he continues to describe his new life.]

That's wonderful, Bruce. I really think this is great. [Not that she likes the idea of him fighting, per say. But Betty knows first hand what the Hulk means for Bruce's own invincibility. Or near invincibility. She'd seen him fall from a military carrier plane and hit pavement, after all.]

You know, my father has nothing but bad things to say about Tony Stark. Which means he's probably someone I'd like.

[He's almost too taken by the warmth of her hands, but as usual the sincerity and sweetness n her tone touches him in a way that no one else does. He wants to tell her more, but he doesn't know if it's fair.

He can't help but laugh at her comment about her father, or the mental picture of General Ross being put upon by Tony Stark.] I can introduce you later, if you'd like.

[He squeezes her hand.] It's so good to see you.

I would like that very much. [Suddenly all of the things going on around them seem so unimportant. Betty wants nothing more than to steal him away to someplace they can talk. There are so many things to tell him, the advances she's made in her research.]

Let's get something, just us, like going out for a late night pizza. [She would rather do that with him then be here with all the champagne the room had to offer.]

Okay.

[The word comes out of him so quickly he doesn't have time to think about it. When he does think about it a second later he decides he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to think of repercussions or how hard it is going to be when they have to say goodbye again. All he wants is every minute or hour or moment he can have with her.

He looks around the room, wondering if he should say goodbye but decides better of it, instead weaving through the crowd, Betty's hand firmly in his.] It might be a little late for Stanley's.

[It feels like they're running away again. Sometimes, Betty thinks that it's the only way they can ever find time for each other. They have to grab these moments and steal them away from the whole world. Each one, more rare and precious than the last.]

I could talk him into opening up for us. [States away, it's a joke, but it's also a truth. Betty had a way with certain people, often just for the sake of mutual fondness would closed doors open upon her request.]

Isn't this the city that doesn't sleep? [Her fingers weaved between Bruce's, everything feels right in the world.]

[He shoots her a small grin as they move towards the doors. He's positive that Stanley would do just that if Betty asked. There's not many that can say no to her sweetness.

He's surprised anyone can sleep after what went down just a few short weeks ago, but then again people and New Yorkers specifically, had a way of pushing unpleasant memories back and moving on.] There's probably half a dozen pizza places in a mile vicinity.

[He nods at a security guard in a black suit at the door and he moves to open the door for both of them, the unseasonably cool air that blows over them is a literal breath of fresh air. Well, fresh in the New York sense, anyway. They are surrounded by skyscrapers.] Well, maybe not this neighborhood. But close.