Entry tags:

-complete, bruce banner, sharon carter

Who: Bruce Banner and Sharon Carter (Banter)
What: Confessions and a break up
When: Early December
Where: Out for Coffee
Warning: Low/None
Status: Completed via Gdoc


Sharon knew the right thing to do would be to tell Bruce everything. She really liked him, more than a friend, so she wanted to let him know exactly what was going on. It didn’t help at all that her own feelings were so muddled. She felt like a cup of tea with cream swirling around in it--confused, muddled, swirling. So, she’d invited Bruce out to talk to him about it all. Talking would help. She trusted and respected the Good Doctor. His opinion mattered to her--meant something to her.

She arrived to the cafe a few minutes before they were scheduled to meet, and ordered a couple of coffees. Thankfully, she knew how he liked his coffee. At least she could do that for him before laying down all the other stuff.

---

Bruce enjoyed the time he spent with Sharon despite his unease with the knowledge that she was dating multiple people. There was nothing wrong with that and he would never judge anyone who chose to have an open relationship, but it wasn’t something he could ever see himself doing and, as a result, he was approaching things very cautiously.

When he arrived at the cafe, he spotted her immediately and made his way over to her with a warm smile. “You already got coffee,” he remarked. “Thank you. Next round is on me.”

---

Things had been really slow to start with Sharon and Bruce, and that was okay with Sharon. She really liked him--he was kind and handsome, smart and charming--but she could tell that he was guarded. That was okay--not everyone was comfortable with what Sharon had asked of him. In a way she felt guilty about that. In another way, maybe it was good that they’d taken things so slow. They were really growing a friendship more than anything else. Aside from a few kisses here and there, they were incredibly platonic, right? Or was she just telling herself that?

When he arrived, she sat up and her smile brightened. “I figured I’d save you a trip through the line. Hope it’s not too cold.”

She lifted hers for a quick sip, then lowered it again. They didn’t often talk about her dating Mobius, but she figured it was time now. “Mobius was helping me trim my Christmas tree,” she admitted, a shy blush crossing her cheeks, “...and he told me he loves me.”

---

That was certainly not what Bruce was expecting to hear and he was glad that he hadn’t actually sipped his coffee before she spoke or he might have choked on it. He did use the cover of taking a drink as he processed her words before responding.

“It sounds like things are getting serious between you two,” he said. He was happy for her because she deserved someone who could love her and Bruce wasn’t entirely sure he was that person, but it was a little disappointing to hear.

---

Sharon felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment on his face. She liked Bruce very much, and never wanted to hurt him. They had fun together.

“They’re certainly getting serious for him,” she responded. And then she felt guilty for that, too. She cared deeply for Mobius. Truth was, she was falling for him in return--she just wasn’t ready to admit it.

With a sigh, she added, “I don’t know. I… I’m trying to figure out what… what’s going on in here.” She motioned toward her chest. It was hard to figure things out when she didn’t think she was good enough for either of these amazing men--the Powerbroker going out on dates? It wasn’t fair to anyone. And Bruce didn’t even know about her alternate identity.

---

“Well, I’m certainly not going to interfere,” Bruce said gently. “Even though I’ve enjoyed our dates.” Yes, it hurt a little, but he was going to do his best not to let that show. At the end of the day, he would much rather have Sharon as a friend than nothing at all and dating hadn’t been important to him for a very long time.

He wasn’t the type of guy who was going to get jealous or fight over a woman. That just wasn’t who he was. “I hope we can still be friends.”

---

That almost made Sharon’s heart implode. There was some difficult twisting in her chest. She leaned forward in her chair and nodded. “I have, too. Very much.” Truth was, when she first arrived in--well, it was New York then, but now San Francisco--Bruce had been her favorite person in this world. The whole Mobius thing caught her completely off guard.

Now she was glad that things hadn’t escalated between herself and Bruce. At least, not physically, anyway. It would be easier for both of them. She hoped.

“Of course we can still be friends,” she insisted gently. “I’m so glad you want to be. Because I definitely do.”

---

Bruce smiled. “Who else am I going to talk about books with?” he asked, keeping his tone light. An idle thought of if Tony knew about this did cross his mind and he made a mental note to check in with his friend.

As much as he did enjoy spending time with Sharon, a part of him was relieved that this wasn’t going to go further since he really didn’t think that he would be capable of an actual relationship.

---

Sharon would have argued that Bruce was amazing, and it was her fault that this relationship didn’t work. She had faith that he would find someone who made him very happy--and who he made very happy in return.

Relieved that they were still going to be book-buddies, Sharon’s smile brightened considerably. “Speaking of books, I’m looking for something new to read. Do you have any recommendations?”

---

If he met someone, fine, but it wasn’t something Bruce had any intention of actively pursuing. “I just finished Educated,” he said. “It was brutal, but absolutely fascinating.” He had been hoping it would touch more on the academic pieces than the religious abuse and yet still found that he couldn’t put it down.

“If you’re looking for something a bit lighter with the upcoming holidays, there is a new Mel Brooks memoir,” Bruce added. “Or there are approximately three thousand books about big city men returning to their charming home towns for Christmas and falling in love with a bookstore owner or cupcake baker.”

They weren’t the type of thing he enjoyed reading, but he had been known to pick up one or two over the years.

---

“Hmm. This time of year seems pretty brutal as it is,” with the holidays and missing family and being in a new world? Might not be the best choice. Still, if he said it was fascinating, Sharon was definitely interested. “I’ll add it to my list for the new year.”

A little laugh escaped her. “Mel Brooks! I’d enjoy that a lot, I think.” And then her cheeks went bright red. “...now you’re speaking my language. How’d you know I’ve got a secret passion for romance novels?” …maybe he’d seen her growing collection on the shelf in her apartment. Or had she mentioned something about it before? Sharon adored them, and was actually quite embarrassed about it.

---

“Of course, you could also just turn on the Hallmark channel,” Bruce said. He might not be the most pop culturally aware person, but even he knew that they were famous for their non-stop holiday movies that followed the same formula. It made sense that people would want to see happy endings and uplifting stories at this time of year.

He smiled at her and nudged her shoulder. There was nothing to be embarrassed about and he certainly wasn’t going to judge her for indulging in a little escapism.

---

“What do you think is constantly playing in my apartment?” Sharon asked, smirking softly. “Y’know, when I’m not working for SHIELD or headed to Madripoor on business.” She was still jet-setting back and forth across the world. It took a lot of her time.

“I’m a little embarrassed about it,” she added, her smile growing a bit shy. “They’re so corny, and I’m so into it.”

---

Bruce laughed. “Considering what we do? It makes perfect sense that you’d want something light and predictable,” he said.

“I baked some cookies earlier. How about we head back to the tower for a plate of those and some fresh hot chocolate and we can watch a cheesy movie?” he suggested. That seemed like something that friends would do.

---

“I’d love that.” Sharon was so relieved she wasn’t going to lose the Good Doctor as a friend. She appreciated his friendship more than she could say.