Fic: Hulks Own Trickster series, Bruce/Loki
Title: We are Family?
Warning: awkwardness, slash, trying to be humorous, crackish
Pairing/Characters: Bruce/Loki, avengers ensemble, jane, coulson
Hulk's Own Trickster Series: Fluid Connections, First Date Disasters, We are Family?
Disclaimer: Do not own the characters! sadness.......
Rating: pg-13
Summary: Bruce has been seeing someone secretly and the avengers have caught on, now they want to know who it is!
(also written for avengerkink prompt)
It was late at night....or was it early morning the next day?
He had been working on some new plans he lost track of time. Pepper hadn’t even come by to let him know. Actually, she probably did but he didn’t pay attention.
He rubbed his eyes and stumbled into the kitchen, only to find that he was not the only one awake.
“No, do not do that!”
It was Banner.
“What are you doing up so late....err...early, Doc?” Tony spoke, causing Bruce to look up, slightly startled.
“Ugghh, couldn’t sleep.” Bruce stated, grabbing a box of chips before scurrying away from the kitchen.
Tony was sure he heard Bruce tell whoever was on the other side that “it was not ok to turn the suit pink, no matter how funny it would be.”
Tony was sure that should alarm him, but his brain wasn’t really functioning as it should be at the moment. Huh.
He walked over and decided to just have some coffee and head back to work.
…...........................
Natasha walked into the gym and noticed that Bruce was there, taking a run on the thread mill. Now that Natasha thought about it, Bruce had been running outside lately, even when it rained. She wondered why he was running inside this time. Of course, he was perhaps tired and he just didn’t want to run outside. Natasha was sure it was more. She was never wrong about such things.
She placed her water bottle down in order to fix her shoes. She didn’t do it on purpose, but she saw that Bruce’s phone was blinking. He had a text and a number of missed calls.
Natasha bit her lip, before deciding to leave it alone and work out.
For the rest of the day, she couldn’t focused, thinking about who Bruce could be talking too.
Bruce didn’t have anyone else but them, that was the truth. So who could he be talking to?
Did the others know? Did S.H.I.E.L.D. know? Could this be a liability?
Natasha frowned and decided that she would now keep a close eye on Bruce.
…................................
Steve Rogers walked into the living room, ready to watch the new show he had been addicted to. Supernanny. Coulson had introduced him to it and it was indeed an amazing show.
Bruce was curled up on one of the chairs, reading a book. He looked more relaxed than he had seen him look in a while. He was also wearing a new hoody. Huh.
“Hello Bruce.” Steve greeted the other, settling down in front of the television.
“Hi Steve.” Bruce looked up and shot him a smile, before looking back down at his book.
“Is that a new sweater?” Steve asked, curiosly. It looked really nice, like one of Tony’s.
“Yes, it is.” Bruce responded offhandedly still immersed into his book.
“Where did you get it? I would like to get one too!” Steve stated, though in reality he was thinking of getting one for Tony’s birthday.
“I don’t know, it was a gift.” Bruce muttered, before falling silent.
Steve realized that that was the end of the conversation. He wondered who had given the sweater to Bruce. Had Tony given it to him? He felt Tony was the only person who would really use such nice sweaters and would know where to get them. Then again, it was Pepper who did all the work in the end.....
….......................
Clint was making his way to Coulson’s office, bored and in the mood to bother the agent. Of course, on his way there, he met with Bruce. Clint got the sudden smell of cologne, and had Bruce just gotten out of the shower.
“Hey, you going out on a date?” Clint asked teasingly, until he realized that Bruce was blushing and that yes, Bruce was going out on a date. Wait a second.
Bruce was going out on a date. Bruce was dating someone? For how long now?
Did anyone know about this?!
“You are dating someone?! Since when?!” Clint blurted out in shock.
“That is really none of your business, now if you excuse me, I am going to be late.” Bruce scowled, pushing pass Clint.
“Wait, wait! Are you going to tell me who it is? Come on!!” Clint cried out after the other.
he needed to talk to Natasha....and Coulson....did they know? and if they did, how come he hadn’t been told?
….......................................
Thor was making another bout of coffee, something that everyone else was trying to wheen him off. It wasn’t happening anytime soon.
“Thor, it really is not that healthy to drink that much coffee.”
Thor turned around to see Bruce, coming in from the outside.
“Bruce! Have you been out enjoying yourself?” Thor boomed out, causing Bruce to wince and look around.
“Keep your voice low, people might be sleeping.” Bruce muttered, watching as Thor nodded.
“I apologize, I sometimes forget.” Thor beamed and Bruce just had to shake his head because Thor just reminded him of a overgrown puppy.
“I am sure everyone is passed out by now.” Bruce stated, going over to grab some water.
“Did you meet up with a lady friend?” Thor inquired, causing Bruce to splutter out his water.
“What?!”
“You look like you were on this thing you call a ‘date’.” Thor stated, while downing the whole pot of coffee.
“Right....” Bruce was slightly distracted watching Thor down the pot of coffee instead of drinking it of a mug. It did saved people from washing dishes....
“Uhh....I was out with someone.....” Bruce shrugged, sipping at his glass of water. Thor stared at Bruce intently, tilting his head to the side in confusion.
“That scarf looks mighty familiar, I believe I remember seeing my brother wear a similar scarf....” Thor stated.
Bruce finished his water and quickly placed his glass away before he ran away to his room....he would not admit to running away, he was just really tired and wanted to head back to his room.
….........................................
Coulson walked into the lab and leaned his hip on one of the counters. Bruce stopped and watched Coulson, who just watched him in return. Bruce tried to think of anything that would cause the other to be angry.....
“I have been hearing rumors that you have been out late and seeing someone.”
Bruce was not sure if that was a statement, a question, or what.
“This has been going on for a couple of months now. I have been patient, waiting for you to come to talk to me, instead of having us push into your life. I know you know this was and will be happening. We cannot allow any hacking into our organization.” Coulson stated, lips pursed together. Bruce winced and looked down, quite admonished and feeling bad about keeping it a secret.
“Do we have to do it the easy way or the hard way?” Coulson asked, crossing his arms and giving him the look.
Bruce frowned and pondered the question and his answer.
“Could I answer that later?” Bruce felt like a child under Coulson’s stare.
Coulson clicked his tongue, before turning around and walking out of the lab.
Bruce sighed and rested his head on the counter.
They would all find out sooner or later.
…..................................................
“Look, I already know who it is. Well I have an inkling from the clues you have given me. Just let the others know!” Darcy hissed, leaning into Bruce’s personal space.
“Easy for you to say.” Bruce muttered, looking up from the microscope.
“It should be easy, just tell them, ‘we are dating and you can stick your comments up your ass because haters gonna hate.” Darcy stated smugly.
Being the luck of the two, someone walked in right as Darcy said that.
“You two are dating?!”
It was Jane.
“Jane!” Darcy grinned, standing back while Bruce just pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Hello Ms. Foster, how can I help you with?” Bruce asked, standing up as well.
Jane looked from Darcy to Bruce to back to Darcy. There was something unreadable in her eyes, before she turned around and stormed out.
“Well, everyone will know in the next five minutes that the two of us are dating.” Darcy stated, going over to wrap her arms around Bruce’s right arm.
“Yes, because life was not complicated enough before I even started dating....” Bruce was dreading this.
“If I say that I am beginning to actlike a girl....would that be sexist?” Bruce sighed, dropping back down on his stool.
“Yes, yes it would.” Darcy stated gravely before bursting out laughing.
…................................................
Bruce was avoiding everything and everyone. He started sleeping in different places as to not get caught. His boyfriend.....whoa....
It definitely felt weird calling him that....he hadn’t had a boyfriend, since that time in college.....and he hadn’t had a girlfriend since Betty. It was surreal to use such a term. There was no way that the other wasn’t his boyfriend.....Bruce had gotten over that and decided that yes, they were dating and he was his boyfriend.
A boyfriend who was enjoying Bruce’s miserableness.
Of course, Bruce knew it wouldn’t last that long.
….................................................
“Why are you sneaking about like a virgin teenage girl, whose parents have grounder her and forbidden her to see any boys?” Darcy grumbled, letting Bruce in through the back.
“I will never get used to your comparisons.....” Bruce grumbled back, moving pass the kitchen into the living room....
Which was occupied by all the avengers.
Bruce turned to glare at Darcy, who shrugged.
“What?! I got promised a new ipod!” Darcy cried out.
“Last time I let you hide in my lab when Jane is looking for you.” Bruce glared at her, before turning back to look at the others.
“So, are you and darcy-”
“No.” the two chorused.
“You two are always together.” Jane spoke up, from where she was, looking like she was sulking.
“He is the only other normal one here.” Darcy shrugged.
“The jolly green giant?” Tony snorted.
“Oh please, so says the alcoholic, low self esteem, uses a suit to compensate, and only emotional and deep interaction is with machines!” Darcy snapped, crossing her arms and glaring at Tony, who glared back.
“Right, while you two flirt with each other, can we get back to the case in hand?” Natasha snapped, turning back to Bruce who had been inching away.
“Who are you seeing and why are you keeping her a secret?” Steve asked, the only one really concerned. Except for Thor....oh wait....
“I recognize that coat.....” Thor trailed off, beginning to frown as he scrutinized the coat.
Bruce remembered at that exact moment that obviously Thor would recognize the coat.
“Isn’t that my brother’s coat?”
“Thor, you get those type of coats at a store and I am sure that whoever.....” Clint trailed off when he saw Bruce’s wide eyed look.
“Oh.....that is Loki’s coat.” Clint muttered, causing a sudden silence to fall upon the living room.
Bruce closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had to calm down and stay collected. He had to channel Coulson who was never flustered apparently.
“I knew it!” Darcy broke the sudden silence with her excited shout.
That seemed to break the silence and everyone began to talk. Bruce winced at the sound. He felt his temper begin to flair.
“SHUT UP!” He roared, voice letting some of the Hulk out. His hands were fisted as he took deep breaths, trying to calm himself.
The others quieted down and watched as Bruce calmed himself down.
“This is Loki’s coat and I have been seeing him.” Bruce stated firmly, having gotten himself under control.
Thor stood up abruptly and everyone just watched warily as Thor walked over to stand in front of Bruce. Thor just stared down at Bruce, and the others were not sure if Thor was angry.....
“What exactly are your intentions with my brother?” Thor asked firmly, arms crossed in front of his chest.
“I.....” Bruce frowned as he thought what his intentions with Loki were. He didn’t know. He had been trying to not feel guilty every time he was with Loki. He tried to not doubt Loki and not think that it was all joke.
“Wait, hold up a second, have we forgotten that this is Loki....our enemy?” Tony drawled, standing up as well.
“How do we know that he is not just using Bruce to get information.” Natasha inquired from her place on the cough, not needing to get up to command the room.
Bruce winced, because it was definitely more painful hearing that thought voiced out.
“That is rude, why can’t someone be actually interested in Bruce?” Darcy cut in, glaring at the others.
“Loki is not known to be the most trusth worthy or to always tell the truth.” Steve stated, looking over at Bruce in concern.
Coulson stood up and walked over to stand in front of Bruce.
“Am I the only one who didn’t know that Banner was into guys?” Clint pipped up, causing Coulson to turn around and glare at him.
“Bruce, ignore everyone else, and tell me your side of the story.” Coulson stated, voice softer than Bruce had ever heard it.
“I am pretty sure telling my story will only make things worst and make me sound more pathetic.” Bruce stated, glancing around at the others before looking back at Coulson.
“There is nothing wrong with finding love and comfort in someone Bruce.” Coulson stated, placing his hand on Bruce’s shoulder. Bruce didn’t look at anyone else, because really....he did not want to talk about his love life, he did not want to talk about how lonely he felt, about how no one cared for him, about how sad he had been and how Loki made things better.....
That usually wasn’t the best reason to get into a relationship becase it led to dependence and Bruce knew this....but.......he was not going to say that he sounded like a girl, because it really was a bit sexist......he just sounded....more pathetic than his usual awkwardness created.
“My brother would not lie about such a thing, I know him.” Thor stated, face softening.
“I think we need to have Loki come in for questioning.” Natasha stated, getting up, voice clipped.
“Would that be such a good idea?” Bruce quickly asked, not sure how he felt about bringing in Loki to be questioned.
“Of course it is, we have to let him know that if he hurts you we will hurt him, Thor’s brother or not.” Steve stated, standing up determinedly.
“I am not-” Bruce was about to protest but Tony cut him off.
“I agree, Loki must come and properly ask permission to court our Doctor.”
Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose as the others started discussing his relationship with Loki as if he wasn’t there.
“Look, Loki is not-”
“Yes, he is, this weekend actually. No excuses.” Coulson commanded, eyebrow raised.
“Do I not get a say on this, really?” Bruce growled, feeling his anger bubbling up again.
“Look, we are a family and we look out for each other.” Tony stated, causing every to stare at him incredulously.
“What?” He scoffed, offended.
“I never thought you would say that....”
“Or that you knew the word family....” Clint snickered.
Bruce sighed because honestly, this was more of a hassled that it needed to be. He didn’t have to deal with this type of things when he was by himself, back in India.
Things were quiet, peaceful, he saved people. He was left alone. He wasn’t happy, he hadn’t ever been that happy.....not really....he shook his head and decided to go ahead and invite Loki over.
…...............................................................
Loki had taken it all in stride.
He was actually really excited to come to a family gathering. He also mentioned how that meant that Loki would have to take Bruce back to Asgard so he could meet Loki’s family.
Bruce was worried, because well, Betty’s father hadn’t liked him. He wasn’t sure that Odin would like him any better......
The moment that Loki walked in, Thor was hugging him.
“Brother! I am happy that you have found someone....else....to settle down with!” Thor grinned.
“Alright, down boy, down.” Loki stated, pushing his brother away.
“I would like to let you know that if you are to do anything....anything wrong....you will never be safe.” Coulson stated,
very simply and nonchalantly before walking away.
Darcy was ecstatic and asking Loki questions left and right, while Natasha glared daggers at Loki.
Tony and Steve were arguing over something and Bruce really just wanted it all to end. When did his life become a romantic comedy? when did it become a comedy? Actually, when did romance make his way into his life?.........
“Alright, everybody shut up.” Tony stated, motioning with his hands for everyone to quieten the hell down.
“Today we are here to witness the union-OW!! what was that for?!” Tony muttered as he rubbed the back of his head.
“Look, Bruce is with Loki. Even though we do not like it completely, and we don’t trust Loki completely (or at all coughed Tony) we will accept this and learn to be ok with this. (until they break up coughed Tony again) So how about we congratulate the couple?” Steve ended and Bruce really decided that he had enough.
“I am tired of this. I am going to my room.”He grumbled, turning around and walking towards his room.
…...............................................................
Bruce was still not sold over them all being family. He didn’t think they were at that point yet.... but they were closer than when they had just all joined the team. They knew little quirks by now, what time they slept, what they ate, and schedules.
No, they weren’t family and they would never be the conventional family....but they were getting closer and well.....they would never be the conventional family and that would be ok....
Now....Loki wasn’t quite part of that family.....but....maybe he would be.....