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[Bruce tugs at his tie, loosening it the tiniest bit as he looks out across the massive ballroom. He's attended black tie affairs before, but nothing like this. He tries not to think of the collective wealth in this room, or the amount of it being worn around necks and wrists tonight and how far it would go in other, far less desirable places in the world.

A caterer offers him a glass of champagne and he takes it reluctantly when she refuses to move on. Obviously, Tony's coached the staff.] Thank you.

[He holds it awkwardly, calculating just how long he should stay before he slips out.]

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[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.

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