Fic: Hulks Own Trickster series, Bruce/Loki
Title: First Date Disaster
Warning: angsty, awkwardness, slash
Pairing/Characters: Bruce/Loki, Darcy
Hulk's Own Trickster Series: Fluid Connections, First Date Disasters, We are Family?
Disclaimer: Do not own the characters! sadness.......
Rating: pg-13
Summary: It is the first date. Bruce is wondering if he is doing the right thing. Loki is wondering if he himself is being serious. Doom ends up helping out in the end.....
(also written for avengerkink prompt)
Bruce sighed as he leaned against the doorway, his tea gripped tightly in his hands. The news were on, talking about what was going on in the Mexico-US border. Bruce sometimes wondered if they, as superheroes, could help with all of the world problems....
“Hey! What happened to all the pizza boxes?!”
Bruce looked over to where Tony was poking around the fridge closet.
“Those boxes were months old, that is unhealthy and disgusting.” Bruce responded before sipping his tea.
“Now what are we going to eat?!” Tony cried out dramatically.
“Would you stop your annoying whining? I am trying to watch TV.” Clint called out from where he was sitting in front of the TV, while eating some spaghetti.
“Hey, where you get the spaghetti?!”
“It’s on the stove.” Steve informed Tony as he walked into the kitchen area to get something to drink. Tony glanced at the stove surprised, before shrugging.
“Why are you just leaning there?” Thor asked as he walked passed Bruce.
“I have to be back in lap to check my results in a couple of minutes.” Bruce explained, glancing over at Thor, before looking back at the TV screen.
Suddenly his watch beeped alerting him that his results should be done by now.
“I take that back, I need to go back now.” Bruce sighed, heading back to his lab.
“Dr. Banner, heading back to your lab?” Bruce stopped when he saw Coulson making his way towards the kitchen area.
“Yes, have yet to get a breakthrough. I think I am losing my touch.” bruce sighed causing Coulson to chuckle ever so subtlety that only Coulson knew how to do.
“S.H.I.E.L.D. wants a full report of your work.” Coulson ordered before walking on and into the kitchen.
Yes, that seemed about right. Bruce had yet to come around to actually write a report on what he was working on. He had to do that before he got on Coulson’s bad side. No one wanted to be on Coulson’s bad side. Tony could attest to that.
….............
“Darcy, what are you doing here?” Bruce asked, surprised because lately she had been actually getting work from Jane.
Darcy just shrugged and swung her legs back and forth, from her place on top of one of the counters.
Bruce frowned, because Darcy was not one to keep quiet. He wasn’t an expert on Darcy, but from what he could tell, there had to be something wrong for her to not go into stories about her experiences as an intern.
He had gotten used to her chatter filling up the silence. It was nice.
he placed his mug down and stared at Darcy for a few minutes, but she just looked down at her feet. She reminded him of himself. Was that how he looked like most of the time? lonely, sad, angry, moody, always keeping to himself? Probably.
Yes, they were different, but similar in a way. They couldn’t easily join and mesh into groups like others could. She didn’t care that he was a monster. He didn’t care that she talked and talked. She didn’t mind his silence and awkwardness. He actually asked her about her studies and allowed her to share her knowledge. She was teaching him about music. He was teaching her about literature. She had her own past that people didn’t ask about. He had his own that just wasn’t acknowledged.
They were not best friends. They were not family. They didn’t share their utmost secrets and have heart to heart conversations. They just knew each other for three weeks, and that wasn’t enough for them to call each other really close....but out of everyone they were rooming with at the moment.....they were the only ones they could run to for now.
Bruce sighed and went back to his work, reading over his results. He wasn’t one to push, instead, he allowed for her to tell him when she was ready. It was half an hour later, after listening to a singer that Darcy introduced him to named Lady Gaga, that Darcy finally spoke up.
“I was taking notes in the meeting room as Jane discussed with everyone about some experiment and about how there was some political issues with it and government officials and funding and trouble....and blah blah blah....I have taken classes of that sort of stuff, it is what I study. I tried to let my opinion be heard but people were screaming and it was just so loud. I tried getting Jane’s attention but she dismissed me and you know what she said?! Look Darcy, you have no idea what we are talking about because you are stupid and you don’t know anything but how to drive me around and take notes and play loud music and just annoy me, so why don’t you leave!”
Bruce stared wide eyed at Darcy, for she was screaming by the end of her rant.
“Why didn’t you just use your tazer?”
Darcy looked at bruce incredulously, before laughing.
“You have a point there, I should have used my tazer. I am sure Agent Coulson would have approved.” Darcy grinned. Her eyes were still a bit dull and her smile wasn’t as bright, but it helped her getting it all out.
“Are you going to be giving your boss the cold shoulder then?” Bruce inquired causing Darcy to huff.
“Yes I am!” Darcy stated determinedly.
“Good, you can come work for me instead.” Bruce stated, a shadow of a smile on his lips.
“Why Dr. banner, you got yourself an assistant!” Darcy jumped off the counter excitedly.
“Good, because I need someone to clean the beakers and flasks I just finished using!” Bruce stated, motioning over to the sink.
Darcy frowned before sighing dramatically and heading over to wash the dishes.
Bruce’s suddenly buzzed and he couldn’t help grinning widely.
-this time it is for sure, lunch tomorrow-
Bruce and Loki had been trying to have lunch or dinner together for about three weeks now, but something always popped up at the last minute.
“Alright, who is it that you are dating?!” Darcy cried out in exasperation. Bruce looked up at her, startled.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Bruce muttered, still focused on the phone in his hands.
“You have been acting lovey dovey!” Darcy accused him.
“Wait, no I haven’t.” Bruce frowned, because there was no way he was acting like that.
“You are a little less emo, you actually hummed for a couple of seconds to some songs and you have had candy at least once a week! that for you is being lovey dovey!” Darcy explained, crossing her arms, feeling good about herself and her deductions.
“I am not lovey dovey, and I am not dating anymore....we are just trying to schedule a lunch.” Bruce muttered, shifting in his seat.
“Ohh....so you are having your first date?!” Darcy squealed happily.
“I really don’t want to talk about it.” Bruce snapped, his heart speeding up. He was too nervous and anxious and he really didn’t want to talk about it.
Darcy sighed but relented and calmed herself.
“That is ok, I am just glad you are getting out and about. But soon, you will have to tell me everything, alright?” Darcy looked at Bruce expectantly.
“Alright.” Bruce smiled, just as he received his next text.
-I’ll meet you by the edge of the park.-
-see you there-
Darcy went back to washing the dishes, still giddy at the news that Bruce was seeing someone.
Bruce was nervous because Darcy was right....this was their first date....wait....this was a date....
he was going on a date with Loki....Oh dear....
Bruce had to close his eyes and take deep breaths to calm himself down.
….........................
Hulk was not happy. Hulk hated the Loki.
Bruce should not trust. Loki meant pain.
….......................
Bruce woke up the next day, and just laid in bed for a bit. Hulk was not happy about Loki.
Bruce shouldn’t be happy with seeing Loki. This shouldn’t be happening.
Loki was a villain. Loki smashed him against cars and tried killing the others.....he hurt people....
What was he doing? But....Hulk was also a villain sometimes, wasn’t he? he destroyed things. he injured people. But Loki....was a villain......but, things weren’t just black and white. There were gray areas....but it didn’t take away that Loki has hurt people, perhaps even killed them.
Bruce had been thinking the same things over and over again for the past three weeks. He never got anywhere, though.
He realized that there was something really wrong with him when his phone buzzed and he was disappointed to see that it was Darcy. He was becoming attached...and it had only been three weeks...and it was to an enemy....
-act normal and good luck! :) -
Bruce shook his head and decided to get ready, not wanting to be late. Bruce hated being late.
…......................
Bruce wore dark green slacks with a light blue button down shirt, which was covered by his navy blue sweater. It wasn’t anything different from what he usually wore.....should he wear something else? Bruce had been looking at the mirror and rummaging through his wardrobe for the past hour.
Of course, his wardrobe was very limited....it wasn’t like when you were in hiding you needed an extensive wardrobe.....
The last time he went out with someone was before he became Hulk and with Betty. He wasn’t sure what to expect....was this a trick? it could be. Loki could be using him for information, using him to take over the world?
Bruce had to close his eyes, sit on the ground and meditate for half an hour. He was too nervous and he had gotten better at keeping control, but this.....he just couldn’t....
Right. He had to remember to breath. He could do this. He had been through worst than this.
Bruce steeled himself as he grabbed his keys and phone. It was time to head out.
he was really wishing no one saw him heading out, because that would just....probably make him snap.....
Bruce was paranoid enough without adding this whole ordeal to the mix.....
Luckily, no one saw him, because he knew if they had, they would ask questions....
…......................
By the time that Bruce arrived at the park, it was 11:30am exactly.
“You are here.”
Bruce turned around and looked at Loki, who was once again, in his civilian clothes, black slacks with a gray collared shirt, and his long black coat. He was grinning at Bruce, while standing in a relaxed posture.
“So are you.” Bruce responded, because yes, he thought that Loki wouldn’t show up and it would all be joke.
“Come, there is this sushi place I made reservations for.” Loki stated, placing a hand on Bruce’s lower back and guiding him forward.
“Wait, but the bus is-”
“We are not taking the bus Bruce. Gods don’t take buses.” Loki scoffed, rolling his eyes at Bruce’s comment.
Bruce realized that they were talking one of the trails into the forest. Wait, where were they going?
“Hold on.” Loki muttered, pulling Bruce close and before Bruce could blink, the world suddenly stilled before it sped up suddenly.
He clutched tightly to Loki’s arms as he regained his bearings. They were in the city. Loki had teleported them. Bruce took deep breaths and Loki staring at him was not helping, neither were the stares he was sure they were getting by the people around them.
Loki got the hint and slowly move to Bruce’s side, leading them slowly towards the restaurant, while he glared at anyone who dare look at them.
Bruce was calmed enough, but he still felt anxious and nervous. He was never this open. He usually stayed in the back, in areas with less people, and never doing anything to call attention. He looked around as they neared the restaurant realizing that people were acting as if they weren’t there.
“You forgot I am Loki, I can make it so they don’t pay any attention to us.” Loki grinned, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. Bruce sighed and relief, feeling his muscles relax.
“So....you have been busy?” Bruce asked, wincing at the question, wondering just why he was so awkward.
“Not as busy as you, since every time I texted you, you seemed to be saving the world.” Loki clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“It comes with being a hero.” Bruce shrugged, about to open the door when Loki quickly slipped in front of him and opened it for him. Bruce blinked a couple of times trying to make sure he wasn’t seeing things, before slipping inside.
“Hello, we have reservation for two, under Victor.” Loki smiled charmingly, causing the girl attending them to turn bright red.
“Of course, follow me.” She stated, rushing about to get them to their table. Bruce frowned, shooting the two an annoyed look but saying nothing.
“She doesn’t interest me, do not worry.” Loki shrugged, picking up his menu.
“Victor?” Bruce decided to ask, ignoring Loki’s comment.
“I am using Doom’s money, since it is his fault it took us this long to have our first date.” Loki scoffed, eyebrow’s furrowing in annoyance as he thought of Doom.
“Oh, so this is a date? I- wait, what does Doom have to do with anything?” Bruce asked curious, deciding that it didn’t really matter if it was a date or not. It was better to just go along with it.
Loki sighed and stared at his menu, before looking back at Bruce. Bruce figured that it was a villain thing, so Loki would probably not tell him in the end.
“Doom is working on his stupid Doombots, and that is why you had to fight with those prototypes of his. He was fixing them. This meant you were busy with his plans instead of mine. I do not share.” Loki stated nonchalantly.
“Oh, so that was what was going on with them. Huh.” Bruce shook his head, before noticing that the waitress was coming over and he still had no idea what to order.
“Are two ready to eat?” she asked them, taking her pen out.
“Yes, I’ll have the chicken tempura and the tempura rolls.” Loki ordered without looking at her.
“I’ll have the Tempura Udon.” Bruce ordered, smiling as he offered his menu back to the waitress, before looking back at Loki. Loki was just leaning back on his chair, and looking at Bruce. Bruce shifted nervously under Loki’s stare.
“You don’t have to worry, nothing will happen as long as I’m around.” Loki stated, facial features having softened slightly.
“Thank you, but what exactly are we doing?” Bruce asked, shaking his head trying to think straight, because....this was Loki, master of lies.
“We are eating at a sushi restaurant.” Loki stated with a grin.
Bruce pursed his lips but said nothing in response.
With the silence that settled upon them, Bruce could hear the others around them, talking, the waitress taking orders, the television in the background by the bar.
The television?
Bruce turned around to glance at the television. Was it the news? He had been keeping track on the case of the father that killed his wife, leaving their daughter an orphan. The case was pretty much closed, they just had to give him a sentence. It wasn’t that hard to find him guilty, since there was piles of evidence against him. What Bruce cared for was the little girl. He hoped she received a good family.
He sighed and turned back around, surprised to have Loki staring at him so intently.
“Why do you react so strongly with children?” Loki asked him abruptly.
“I had a bad childhood.” Bruce sighed, sipping at his water. Bruce saw that Loki was about to ask more, but he then shut his mouth and remained silent.
“I was little when my father.....” Bruce trailed off as the memories resurfaced. They weren’t overly hard like before, but they were never easy to deal with.
“I was a baby when I was found, raised by the enemy.” Loki stated, almost nonchalantly.
“Did your mother love you?” Bruce asked, watching Loki’s face for any sign....of what he wasn’t sure....
“She...she did....she was the only one who loved me as much as Thor....sometimes I felt she loved me more than Thor.....” Loki muttered, eyes locking on his hand, which was gripping his glass of water. The water was almost frozen over.
“My mother loved me too, I remember that she did.” Bruce stated, but anything else he would have said was stopped by the arrival of the food.
“So tell me, Bruce, what exactly do you look in a man?” Loki asked, waggling his eyebrows, acting as if he had not just had a moment.
“I am not sure, actually. I think I’ll know when I find him.” Bruce responded, enjoying Loki’s mock pout.
“Do I even have a chance with you Doctor?” Loki drawled, leaning forward, closer to Bruce.
“Perhaps, Hulk has not approved of you yet.” Bruce stated, before focusing on eating his noodles.
There was silence as the two ate, both thinking and wondering what they were doing? where would things lead now?
Loki glanced at Bruce, and wondered what he was playing at. Was he caring for the jolly green giant? was he being serious? why was he attracted to the other?
“Hulk doesn’t like me then?” Loki asked, after having finished his teriyaki chicken and moving unto his rolls.
“No, he hates you and doesn’t trust you. He has a point though, you have tried to kill us.” Bruce sighed, feeling the anger and distrust humming in the back of his mind. Who would thought that a day would come when the Hulk would be the smart one? Honestly, Hulk was right about Loki yet Bruce was still there, on his date with Loki.
“That is true.” Loki frowned, because he couldn’t argue with that. It was the truth. Of course it was.
The date at that point had turned awkward. Silence was oppressing them and they couldn’t find anything to say. What could be said to the fact that Loki had tried to kill his date previously? He could say sorry, but the truth was that he was Loki, and he wasn’t really sorry. He had done what he had done. There was no taking it back.
Loki would never be more thankful to Doom than at that moment, when there were sudden screams and explosions out in the street. It was another one of Doom’s bots.
The rest of the customers were beginning to panic and scream. Loki saw the sudden tension in Bruce’s form. There were people beginning to be get into action and yelling for people to run to somewhere safe. Bruce quickly got up and began helping people out of the restaurant. It wasn’t something that Loki did often, but he helped as well.
They rushed everyone outside and down the other side of the street.
“The others will be here soon, you have to go.” Bruce turned to look at Loki, eyes looking greener and Loki could see that Bruce was ready to let the Hulk out.
“If you don’t go and they see you here, they will think you had something to do with it.” Bruce urged him to leave, but Loki just frowned.
“How do you know I had nothing to do with this?” Loki asked, because if he was Bruce, he would think Loki would have had something to do with everything.
“Because I-”
Loki didn’t let the other finish as he saw the Bot notice them. He grabbed Bruce and pulled him back, before sending the bot a sudden burst of energy, causing the Bot to crash against the building.
Loki turned to see if Bruce was alright. Bruce had a soft smile on his lips.
“That is why, now go, I think they are here.” Bruce stated, pushing Loki away and running forward, body beginning to morph.
Loki stayed in the shadows, watching as the Avengers fought against Doom’s bots. He wondered if anyone noticed how certain things would hit a force field around the Hulk, keeping him save.
He stayed to watch until the fight was over and the Hulk slipped back into Bruce.
He watched as Bruce staggered, clutching his pants tightly in order to keep them from falling. He watched as Bruce looked up in his direction, before glancing away and making his way to the others. Loki stayed and watched until Bruce was ushered away and back home, to be looked up.
-Thank You-
was the text that Loki received later that night.
-you are welcomed-
Loki glanced up at the sky before deciding to pay Doom’s lab a visit. Maybe he would change the color of the bots to a bright pink. Loki smirked.
….......................
Bruce sighed tiredly as he dropped unto his bed, happy, for once.
He sighed and closed his eyes.
The day was overall, really good.