Song | Distance by Christina Perri

-

"And I keep waiting for you to take me,
And you keep waiting to save what we had.
So I'll make sure to keep my distance,
Say I love you when you're not listening.
And how long can we keep this up?
How long 'til we call this love?"

-

A decade has passed since you've seen Bruce. You've spent the years producing hybrid plants to cure diseases You love your work, and you've mostly pushed your old lover from your mind. Every now and then you swear you see a familiar figure in the crowd. You blink, and he's gone.

You would've accounted it to imagination if it weren't for the Avengers. Among them, a "monster." You were the only one smiling as the Chitauri attacked because you knew Bruce was back.

After the city starts cleaning up, you follow Iron-Man as he flies to a shwarma joint in Midtown, Queens. The wreckage makes it hard to see. You're a mess. You see six figures, instantly recognizing them as the Avengers. You eyes go to one figure in particular as you open the door to the restaurant. Dark curly hair and sad eyes you know so well.

"Bruce," you whisper.

His eyes flicker to you, a smile forming. "[Y/n]!" He jumps up, runs to you, and checks for injuries. "Are you okay? I thought you were in London!"

"I was until today," you chuckle in relief as Bruce cups your face.

"Hell of a time to return," he laughs.

"You okay?"

He nods. "I'm...so sorry, [Y/n]. I never should've left like that. I was scared of what I'd do to you and I kept my distance--"

You cut him off with a kiss. "I know. You did what you thought was best. Please, just tell me that kiss isn't gonna go to waste, though."

Bruce laughs whole-heartedly. "I'm back. For real this time."

You look at him hesitantly. "For real? You won't leave again? Because I can't take..."

Bruce presses a chaste kiss to your lips, replying, "If you can forgive me, then I'm yours."

You grin. "I do."