Chapter 9

Elizabeth's POV

 That evening...

 Bruce and I end up running into Tony on the way back out of the lab. I was able to calm Bruce down enough for us to get some work done for the remainder of the day. I can feel him tensing up because my hand is on his back. Tony looks like a kicked puppy. "Bruce, can we talk?" Bruce looks at him tiredly. "Tomorrow. We can talk tomorrow. Right now, I just want to leave here with my girl and go have dinner." He turns to look at me for permission. I nod, backing him up on our plans for the evening.

   Tony sighs and runs a hand through his hair in a stressed manner. "Okay Bruce, I understand. Good night Bruce, good night Elizabeth." Before he slips by me, I give him a quick hug to make him feel better. I can tell Tony feels bad about what he said earlier. I'm sure all of this will pass tomorrow. When Bruce and I are out of Stark Tower, I look at him excitedly. "Where to?" He grins at me. "I was thinking Olive Garden. I haven't been there in ages and the food is to die for. Is that okay?" I smile. "That's perfect." 

    Bruce drives us to an Olive Garden outside of the city. We're in the city so much that we forget what tranquility is actually like. Who would have thought that there'd be an Olive Garden out in the country by itself? Interesting... Like a gentleman, Bruce runs around to the other side of the car and opens the door to help let me out. I giggle and bow to him when my feet touch the ground. "Thank you Bruce." He nods and softly smiles at me. Ugh, his smile makes my heart melt. 

    We have a lovely dinner together, avoiding talking about Tony or the rest of the Avengers for once. Bruce has been stressed enough today and the last thing I want to do is add to it. "Bruce, thank you." He smiles. "For the meal? You're welcome Liz." I grab a hold of his hands from across the table and gently squeeze them. "Well yes for the meal, but also for being you. You're not a monster Bruce, you're the most amazing man I've ever met. I love you." Sadness forms on his face. "Liz, what if I hurt you one day?" 

     "Bruce, you'd never hurt me, at least not on purpose. Plus I've seen Hulk with my own eyes and he was very kind to me. I love Hulk just as much as I love you." Bruce's eyes flicker green but a smile forms on his face. Hulk's voice slips out for a moment. "Hulk love you too." I blush and get out of my chair, gently climbing into his lap to hug him. I can feel people starring at us but I don't care. I want everyone to know just how much I adore this amazing man. 

     When we pull apart, both of our faces are very red. "T-Thank you Liz." I giggle and nod. We finish our food, split the bill, and drive around for a bit. "Hey Liz, want to spend the night at my place?" I look at him in shock. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose on you Bruce." He chuckles. "I'm the one who offered so you're not imposing love. We can swing by your place so you can grab what you need for the night. The truth is I thought I wanted to have some alone time tonight, but all I want is to spend the night with you Liz." I lean my head on his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan." 

     We head back to my place and I quickly throw an overnight bag together in addition to stuff I might need for work tomorrow. I then run back outside to Bruce's car and we drive back to Stark Tower. Silly me forgot that he has his own floor there, as do the rest of the Avengers. Speaking of the rest of the Avengers, I have yet to meet them but hope to soon. Maybe Tony will throw one of his famous parties. What better way to meet meet than at a party, right?

      Bruce and I decide to take showers to freshen up before performing our night routines for bed. As much as we both want to shower together, we don't want to risk Hulk making an appearance somewhere along the way. 

 A little while later...

    Bruce and I climb into his king size bed and quickly fall asleep in one another's arms, which leads to the both of us having the best night's sleep that we've had in a long time.

Hoped that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary